La Fabbrica di Perugina

OK, class today was one that Mom would have loved: we took a field trip to the Umbrian seat of government, had lectures on the Regional government system, were given books published by the Presidente to educate people about the area (I managed to get one that includes local recipes) and got to sit in on a session of legislation (where there was lots of shouting and bell ringing, and apparently part of the shouting was one representative telling the other to watch out because the foreigners were listening- I didn't notice that part, but a friend told me about it). After that, there were about 3 hours to waste, so I had some challah type bread for lunch, and read in the Piazza Italia for a while. Met everyone around 3 to go to the Perugina chocolate factory, which was about an hour long bus ride out. First we were shown a video of the manufacturing process, then we were allowed to watch the chocolates and candies being wrapped. Very fun, the entire building smells like brownies baking! Bought some candy at the gift shop, and ate so much free chocolate that I honestly never want to see it again! Came back to the apartment and hung out making food with Joe, Mike and Joe's sister Bridget. Left about 9 to do the internet thing, and ended up meeting MaryLou and Amparo at an Irish pub around 11 and hanging out till 1. Really fun night!