This summer I went to Italy for an archaeology field school. I was so excited for the program, but to be honest, I was a little worried about the food. I love bread and pasta endlessly, but unfortunately, I grew up revolted by tomato sauce. It made me pretty sick as a little kid and ever since, I could barely stand the smell of it. I knew I would have to change it up though to make the most of my month in Italy. I ended up eating, and enjoying, red sauce almost everyday on this program. It was something I had to ease into, and at first I stuck to any cheesy or white sauce alternatives at meals, but I quickly learned that those dishes were incredibly heavy for a hot summer day and I needed to branch out.

I started exploring pizzas, pastas, and even couscous doused in tomato sauce. Although these meals did still give me noticeable heartburn, I fell in love with tomato sauce. I began craving it and going out of my way to order it, especially authentic ragu on pasta. I’d have to say that my favorite dish was wild boar ragu with tagliatelle, or some of the amazing homemade lasagnas I encountered. This is something I didn’t expect for myself and admittedly I’m somewhat proud that Italy has healed my relationship with red sauce, although I still have my Tums on standby.

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Learn more about this blogger’s study abroad program: Global Research: Archaeological Field School in Italy