Day 8: Wednesday, May 14. Today was grocery day. It was our first "real" trip (other than to pick up a few items) so I knew it would take a long time. My main goal was getting beer and wine but somehow Kim didn't seem to think that was enough. With no car we took our bags and rolling shopping cart to a local grocery store about a 10 minute walk away. Shopping took us the better part of two hours. After dumping our stuff at home we set out again, this time to get Kim's phone. We knew to bring her passport this time. The guy remembered us and the process went smoothly (any of you wanting Kim's cell number just let me know). It's hard to be sure, but it seems cell service in Italy is cheaper than the U.S. We then headed into the city center. Even though we had already been shopping Kim purposely left some produce purchases until we got to the Wednesday market.

Most towns in Italy have a market day once per week. In Macerata it's Wednesday. The streets inside the walls are lined with vendors who rent space to sell anything and everything. Food is probably dominant but they also sell clothes, housewares, etc. We purposely went back to the guy who we bought produce from in 2002 and 2008. He remembered us. He had a different partner this time, and they both were very attentive to us. As per usual, when we said we were finished and asked for the bill, they then stuffed a few more items in the bags as gifts. Not premium stuff like the apricots and strawberries (both fantastic) but parsley, garlic, etc. - stuff every kitchen needs.

Class today ran smoother than yesterday. No hospital visits were required (although one student still didn't attend due to her injury). Yesterday when trying to show videos in class from the internet we kept having issues. Today I was connected via ethernet cable instead of wifi, and the videos ran with no hesitation. Very important, as a major part of my class is showing nonfiction videos to get my class to discuss the things they liked and didn't like.

In addition to the class that everyone is involved in, six of the students are doing independent study projects. I meet individually with each of them weekly to keep them on track. A couple involve content analysis research (one newspapers, one films), but the majority are taking on additional video projects. One of the students is doing a video blog (vlog) about her experience. If you're so inclined, you can see her videos here.

Kim is not a staff member (i.e., is not paid) but her assistance in this venture is priceless. Our injured student was wanting someone to bring food to her. She has distanced herself from the other students, so none of them has volunteered. She called to ask how she could get food. Filiberto has far too much to do to deal with this. Kim kindly stopped at a shop to pick up bread, cheese and meat for her that should keep her for a couple of days (they have mini-fridges in the hotel rooms). If she's not able to get out and about soon, it's probably best that she just return to the U.S.

On the way home Kim and I stopped at a wine shop operated by Colli Repani, a local winery. We had a long chat with the man working there who suggested that we visit the winery, about an hour's drive away. We may do that when Kim rents a car.

If you haven't yet seen this six minute video someone shot of Macerata, it's worth watching.

I'll conclude today with a couple of pictures Kim took of our apartment. It's not the same place we stayed in in 2002 or 2008. That apartment is currently occupied by the Oregon professor. This one is a little smaller (no problem for just 2 people) but very nice.