Help Make My Dream Baking Internship in Italy Become Reality!

Erin Esposito Start Date: May 7, 2013 - End Date: Aug 15, 2013
  • Florence, Italy

My Travel Story

by: Erin Esposito Start Date: May 7, 2013 - End Date: Aug 15, 2013
Hey y'all!

As many of you know I have been baking ever since I fell in love with the craft when I worked in a bakery in highschool. I am a certified "foodie" and recently graduated with my A.A.S in Culinary Arts from St.Philip's college in San Antonio. I went back to finish up my degree in Restaurant Management and am on the brink of graduating with that degree as well. Since I began my journey in culinary about 6 years ago, I have talked nonstop about traveling to Europe and studying abroad. My grandfather was a chef and his heritage is from Naples, Italy. One of the last stories I ever heard him tell was about his own father working in his garden, singing to my great-grandmother as she walked past each day, ulitimately winning her over with his charm and cooking. Italian cooking and culture is in my blood!

Well I decided to stop talking about traveling and make it happen, one way or the other. I have found an interniship in Florence, Italy credited through the Florence University of Arts wihch has set me up with a 12 week baking internship in a pastry shop. I will learn the art of traditional Italian pastries, while being completely imersed in the culture! During my stay, we will go on 2-3 group excursions and get to study culinary arts outside of the classroom. I am beyond excited to experience all of this for myself and to bring what I learn back to the states. I love the European mindset of fresh, fresh, fresh, quality over quantity in LIFE and in FOOD.

I plan to one day open my own business and hope to allow Americans to enjoy life as the Europeans do. To sit down to a double espresso with a slice of Italian cream cake and enjoy good company while slowing down time for a moment or two. Somehow, my country got lost in translation. We forgot what living really was somewhere in the search for happiness and I have every intention of sharing exactly what that means to me. As an Old Italian proverb says, “Non ci ricordiamo dei giorni, noi ci ricordiamo dei momenti.” We do not remember days, we remember moments. My journey is about reminding people to take the time for the important things: good company, a good conversation, and of course good food!

I have created this campaign in order to help with some of the expenses of my journey. I am a college student and full-time baking manager so I understand the value of the dollar especially when it comes from hard work. I appreciate you taking the time to read a little bit of my world and truly appreciate your help in succeeding. i can assure you that every little bit helps.  

Ciao,
Erin
  • Florence, Italy

Updates

2

  • A Little Update-

    Hey everyone! I just wanted to share a little update of what all I've been up to lately in regards to my trip.... I had the privilege of spending time with family from out of town this past week and was bombarded with stories about my family ties to Italy and all of the amazing places to visit and experience while I'm there. It really got me excited and i absolutely love listening to my grandmother's tales of our extended family from Naples and Sicily. Those two cities are definitely at the top of my list on places to check out over the weekend when I have time off from the bakery. Everyone is being so supportive and I truly appreciate anyone and everyone who is sending me positive vibes and valuable knowledge to prepare me for this amazing trip! XOXO -Erin

  • A Huge Thank You-

    to my recent funders! y'all are awesome, i'm one step closer to my goals and hopefully can buy that plane ticket soon :)

    XOXO -Erin