4 continents in 4 weeks

I moved to Paris 7 weeks ago and have been gone all but a total of 7 days. The last 4 weeks have been especially hectic being on 4 different continents: China, Italy, US, Amsterdam. My body is starting to rebel from the constant drastic time zone changes. I'm back in Paris as of Thursday and committed to enjoying my time here. Last post I commented on my trip to China so I'll start with Italy.

The highlight of all of my trips is usually the food, but unlike China I actually liked the food in Italy (no offense to my Chinese friends). As usual my Italian colleagues took me on a whirlwind tour of Italy over 4 days that included Milano, Parma, Cesena, Padua, Udine, Catania and Napoli. I love Italy for it's food, people and language - all of which are beautiful.

Fresh ricotta in olive oil and pureed chickpeas - so delicious

Tempura zucchini flowers with Serena, the sales specialist for Northern Italy

Awesome pasta my first night in Milano. Also notice the cola looking drink in the background. It's called Chinotto and is a cola-like drink made from oranges. Very distinct flavor, with a little bit of a bitter aftertaste, but I loved it. 

No Italian dinner is complete of course without gelato. My recent favorite has been salted caramel.

Pasta the next night, not quite as good as the first night.

Pasta the third night with Monica (Italian Marketing Manager) was the best. Thick buttery noodles topped with shaved truffles.

I would have had pasta the fourth night, but I was in Naples where pizza was born, and it lived up to it's name

Pretty view from my balcony in Naples

Next I had to head back to the States to finish all of my work visa paperwork to legally work in France. While there I caught up with some not-so-old friends. I think they are tired of me saying goodbye.

This week I've been in Amsterdam for some sales meetings. It's my 3rd trip to Amsterdam and I've yet to see anything but a hotel, airport and hospital. It's a good thing I love my job so much.

And finally my new favorite luncheon place I just discovered today near my apartment. When I walked in the shop keeper told me I looked like I needed something with ham and cheese and gave me some of this jambon fromage pastry dish fresh out of the oven. She was right and I will return often. If you come visit me in Paris you can expect to meet this little Maison Gourmande.