so today was pretty awesome. i finally feel somewhat assimilated into the culture. after sitting through some interesting lectures, watching a video on the development of a state wide fight against the mafia in palermo, i ventured out and found a grocery store. sounds boring...but...it has international foods. so now i have poptarts for breakfast and we'll make tacos sometime soon. after the homesick splurge on food. i went to what has to be one of the highlights of this trip so far...a cooking class. i am now perfectly capable of cooking tiramisu and some incredible pasta and fish. we cooked and ate at one of the professors' house from the satellite university here in rome...real cultural experience and some REALLY good food! so anyone who wants some cooking ideas/recipies...email me!