This summer, I went on a study abroad trip with the Human Development and Family Science Department at ECU. I had promised myself that I would do one session of study abroad before I graduated, and I did just that. For two weeks in May, I traveled to Spain, France, and Italy. We went to many cities, and every place offered amazing food along with the culture.
Growing up, I was always interested in trying new foods and cuisines and that carried over into my teens and now 20's. I would consider myself a "foodie"! Every place I travel to, trying as much new food as possible is something I enjoy a lot.
When I found out I was going to Europe, trying new foods was at the top of the list. Luckily, the professors who took my group were also very interested in food, so it made it just that more fun.
Here are my favorite meals in every country I visited!
Barcelona, Spain
Fresh Fish Stand
Alexis Coderre
In Barcelona, Spain there is a famous market called La Boqueria. This open-air market is filled with fresh produce, fish, meat, bread. You name it, you can find it. One of my favorite foods found within this market was the fresh fish. Growing up on the coast, I have always been a huge fan of fresh fish, and this satisfied just that!
Dried Meat and Cheese
Alexis Coderre
Another popular food found within La Boqueria are these snacks filled with different dried meats and cheese. Each one is unique and the presentation of the meat and cheese is always different. Towards the bottom of the meat, you will typically find little breadsticks too. This was a snack I enjoyed a few times while in Spain.
Nice, France
Crepe
Alexis Coderre
Holy. Moly. French crepes are delicious and HUGE! Crepes were definitely something to share with other people at the table because no matter where you go they make them this big. You can order sweet, and savory crepes depending on what you are in the mood for.
Macaroon
Alexis Coderre
You cannot leave France without having a macaroon! This was actually my first time trying one, and what better place than to do it in France. There are tons of flavors to choose from but I chose vanilla. Nice and simple for my first time!
Light and airy, you would need about 10 of these to fill you up, but they were a nice little sweet treat.
Florence, Italy
Cannoli
Alexis Coderre
By far my FAVORITE dessert in Italy! I have had cannoli's all over in the United States, even in the north end of Boston, and nothing compares to a cannoli in Italy. They are so delicious, and the perfect way to end a meal. Typically when they are sold, you can order a large or small size, and well I had to get the largest one possible every time! I ate one every night in Florence.
Pizza
Alexis Coderre
This pizza was to die for! It was an olive oil based pizza with fresh smoked buffalo mozzarella, grape tomatoes, and pesto. Out of all the pizza I ate while in Italy, my favorite was in the city of Florence. The restaurant that I had the pizza at was also the same place I would get my cannoli from. If I ever have the chance to go back to Florence this would be a place I stopped at again.
Overall my experience with trying new foods during my trip was great. It was wonderful to be able to be in the country that most of these foods are native to. I definitely recommend trying new foods whenever you travel.
