Lesson #64 Lampredotto . . .

     Lampredotto.... Some things really should not be translated. Really, just let it remain an unknown, a beautiful Italian word, a delicious something or other that you really do not want to know what it is..... No? Are you sure? Ok.... You asked for it....

     Lampredotto is the fourth and final stomach of a cow. Yes, it is a type of tripe, but so named because it resembles the inside of an eels mouth. Yummy...

     Well, when in Rome (or Florence).... So of course even know what this loveliness was, we still had to eat it. We decided that in a sandwich it wouldn't be so bad. The sandwich consisted of tripe, garlic sauce, a teensy bit of spinach, and a bun... Unfortunately, there wasn't enough garlic sauce or spinach. I mean, I'm not one to be a fussy eater or anything, and it's not like it was bad, per say, it just wasn't great. The first few bites are manageable, and then you start overthinking the whole thing, like the fact you are munching on the fourth stomach of a cow....

     My biggest problem with the lampredotto is the smell, which is so distinct you will soon become an expert at recognizing. That lovely smell is the part that makes you remember what you ate for hours afterward and will make you queasy every time. And of course, lampredotto is a very popular peasants dish in Tuscany, so it will be everywhere!

     So, Lesson #64: You must try the lampredotto because it is famous, but you may take a "no thank you" helping (aka: try only a little just to say you tried it).

Lesson #63 Leather Markets!

     Oh Italian leather. Italian leather is some of the most sought after leather in all of Europe, and Florence is known for it's fantastic leather. If you walk down the side streets of Florence, you are bound to stumble across the San Lorenzo Florentine Leather Market. This market is essentially a bunch of tents set up all over the place.

     All the vendors are yelling prices, haggling and trying to get the best deal. If you are smart, you haggle. Never settle for the first price they throw at you... EVER. Now I'm not saying be stingy, I'm saying haggle. If you manage to get a genuine leather boots down to a good price, BUY THEM!!!! That's one thing I regret. Those gorgeous Italian leather boots are tough to find in the states at a price a ramen-eating college student can afford! If you find something you like, buy it and try not to think about how light your wallet just became!

     As with all markets around the world, be cautious with what you buy. If you are looking for the absolute best leather in all of Italy, these stalls aren't your cup of tea. Some stalls have great finds, while others maybe not so much.... I managed to escape the market with a beautiful purse for my grandmother and a wallet for my dad for about 60 euro! Good luck....

     Lesson #63: Buy those gorgeous genuine Italian leather boots! (Regret the lack of money for food and transportation later....)