It's so incredibly late at night right now, but I feel like I should update! Rach and I got back a little while ago from dinner with my dad, who was in London on business and decided to make a stop to Rome to see me! We went to Gaudi Pizzeria, which is a restaurant where my dad's whole side of the family ate 2 years ago when we were in Italy all together! It was my dad, Rach, Sabrina, Amanda, and I. I had linguini with pesto, basil, and fresh parmesan, as well as the Gaudi salad (ham, smoked mozzarella, tomatoes, and lettuce) It was all delicious. We had great conversation too, and I was glad my dad could meet some of my friends here. I was a little sad after dinner when I got back to Paola's just because it was so good to see my dad that I didn't want him to leave tomorrow; I feel like this was such little time with him. At the same time, it's only 5 weeks until family week, and this weekend I'll be distracted since I'll be at OKTOBERFEST! I can't wait to embrace my German heritage at this historical event (Pa, I wish you were coming with us so I'd have an excuse to say the name "Nussel" and sound SO local).

My favorite trip so far was this past weekend's excursion to Tuscany! Our class went to a wine tasting at this beautiful castle which I doubt I'll ever find again, it was in such a remote location. The scenery was amazing - everything was so green and you could only see mountains for miles and miles. We tasted four different wines: the first was vino bianco, the next two were different kinds of Chianti, and the last was an auburn colored dessert wine that Italians use to dip their biscotti in! I'm guessing this is the equivalent to me dipping Oreos in milk....? We ended the night with a huge dinner where the main course was PHEASANT!? I'm glad I tried it, but I'm not sure I'm ready to eat such a "delicacy" any time soon. Sure it tasted like chicken, but still.

Tomorrow morning, I'll have breakfast with my dad, then jet off to Munich with my friends around 7 P.M.! Who knows, I may return to Italia sporting a brand new pair of lederhosen.