12:30 p.m., south Turin

One of the big bonuses about the apartment I have rented here in Turin—besides its proximity to the Main Press Center—is the fact an Indian restaurant is right next door. I mean righyt next door. I couldn’t believe my luck. Indian food is probably my favorite ethnic food, dating back to all those summers going to England. I kept checking my guide books for Indian restaurants and here I get one within crawling distance of my front door. Well, I told you I would find time to eat at this place and I did. And I was not disappointed!

Call me crazy. I’m in Italy eating Indian food. But you can only eat so much pasta and pizza. I need a chance. And from looks of all the Italians inside here, the locals feel the same way.

First course, samosa (friend pockets of vegetables) and naan (bread). Next up papadans (crispy lentil chips). Then a lovely curry with peas, potatoes and caluliflower. And of course, basmati race. Dude, that was awesome. Now I can stand more pasta for another week.