Peruvian meal

Monday was a very fun day of connecting with people and building relationships here in Siena. After Italian class (our test was postponed until Tuesday, thank goodness because we needed extra practice!), I went with Ana Rose to Guisy’s apartment – one of the Italian roommates. (I’ve been spelling her name wrong in the blog.) She invited us over for lunch because she was heading to Sicily that day and wouldn’t be back to Siena until after we’d left. So she made a pasta salad for us as a little goodbye luncheon. We then helped her bring her luggage to the bus stop and saw her off, after exchanging emails and Skype names. I’m looking forward to staying in touch with my new Italian friends here, though it was sad not knowing when we’ll see Guisy again. Then Ana Rose and I went grocery shopping because she was preparing a Peruvian meal for us tonight (her mom is Peruvian and Stella was very intrigued to try Peruvian food). This proved to be a difficult task because Italian grocery stores don’t carry products we’re used to, such as condensed and evaporated milk, different canned sauces, etc. since they make everything so fresh. However, we improvised and Ana Rose got busy cooking! That evening, Francesco (Stella’s son) and his girlfriend Natasha (who is pregnant and could have their son any day now!) joined us for dinner. They arrived around 8:30pm and we had a leisurely dinner with them until a little before 11. It was so enjoyable getting to know them better, and Natasha is so sweet. We told funny stories and talked about our interests – Natasha teaches dance. We all thoroughly enjoyed Ana Rose’s dinner too, which started off with ceviche (raw fish that has been “cooked “ in lemon juice) and onion. Then we had shredded chicken with a yellow pepper/spicy pepper seasoning with walnuts over lettuce– so delicious! Of course the Italians wanted bread with it too J Then for dessert Ana Rose made cookies called alfajores, shortbread sandwich cookies with a sweet caramel filling in the middle- yum! Francesco also brought a bottle of Chianti Classico (from a vineyard right next to Siena) from his wine shop – a nice addition to the meal. It was a great evening and we all loved trying new Peruvian food! Afterwards Stella commented that I understand so much Italian – even though it’s more difficult for me to speak it since I have a limited vocabulary and only know the present tense – she was very complimentary of me being able to follow the Italian conversations!