I'm off to see the world -- taste it, if it's edible.
I never really had the chance nor the resources to travel before. Everything changed when I went to grad school here in Italy. Borders opened, funds became present and opportunities presented themselves. I tried traveling, locally at first -- one city at a time, then one region at a time and, sooner or later, I've been nailing countries on the map, meeting new people, tasting new food (or getting re-introduced to old ones), drinking lots of everything and speaking with words and sounds I never knew existed... And having been to only 2 of the 7 continents... I've barely even scratched the surface.
And so I became a traveler. |
Living alone in Italy, I learned that food is one of the most important ways of transmitting culture... I learned that both from 1. the food that was around me (Italian, mostly... what do you expect from Italy?) and 2. the food that was not. I learned how to cook my own food... "If you crave it, cook it!" as some would say... how to re-create dishes I've tried based on the tastes I remember and the stories I've heard. I learned how to reconstruct the idea of home while it was so far away. I learned how to shop through foreign markets and got puzzled as I saw new vegetables and fruits and proteins and grains. I learned how to dissect and savor each dish laid in front of me - both to understand the melding of the flavors presented as well as the culture and heart that goes in each spoonful.
And so I became a foodie. |
And now I'm starting my own food-travel blog to chronicle my journey - in places, both foreign and familiar... in dishes, both bizarre and expected... savoring and enjoying each bite and step at a time.
I invite you to share these journeys with me (and for you to share your thoughts and similar experiences)...
I invite you to share these journeys with me (and for you to share your thoughts and similar experiences)...
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