Ferragosto

         So before I began with my usual recap of my day, I forgot to mention something that happened last night. While I was out with my friends at this cheap bar, my friend (Ari) was talking to a random Italian couple. She convinced the couple that I was an olympic tennis player and I was famous in the United states and very well known. The couple was so excited to meet me, and asked to take a picture with me. So I proceeded to take a picture with them, and try to not laugh at the same time. And that is my funny story of the night
         Anyway, today was Ferragosto, which is a national Italian holiday on the 15th of August. So we did not have class, and most of the food markets were closed. I slept in (because I could), and around eleven I woke up and ate a light breakfast. Then my roommates and I went into town and we went into some cute shops like the book store, cook book store, and stationary store. I wish I could buy everything I see, but I still have to pack my bag one more time before I arrive in Bologna. After a long afternoon walking around town, we stopped at a pasticceria and I bought two mini mandorla cookies. One was an almond cookie with pistachios and the other was an almond cookie with powder sugar. They were very delicious and the perfect portion size. At the cafe they are called Pasticcini di mandorla and two cookies cost one euro.
        Once I was finished with my yummy treats, I walked back home and finished my grammar worksheets (homework). I also made myself a light lunch and took a long nap because I was exhausted from the past two days. Around 19:00 I worked out with some of my friends. We did an intense cardio workout that got my blood pumping and heartbeat going. I always feel so much better after I workout in Italy. It relieves my stress and I feel less homesick.
       Then I showered and cooked dinner for myself. I cut up fresh mushrooms and cooked them with balsamic and then made farfalle pasta. I have to admit, it was the first time I cooked pasta here. I learned I like my pasta al dente. The mushrooms with the pasta was delicious. Half the group ate together in one of the apartments so I decided to join them. A couple people made a potluck dinner and I decided to be very helpful and do all the dishes (mom you would be proud). After dinner I caught up on my blogging and went to bed. It was an uneventful day in Lecce.
Con tanto amore,
Samantha

Pasticcini di mandorla

Posing with my cookies

Enjoying the piazza of Lecce while eating delicious treats