Rome, Italy

I am in love with 'la citta eterna'. I traveled to Rome + Southern Italy last March as part of Academic Travel and even though I am only just now getting to blog about it, Roma just might have my heart forever ♡ 

In the last ten months I have traveled to 9 different countries, 25+ European cities, and in my view, Rome tops them all. They say that everyone has a "soul city" and I think that I have found mine in Rome. I love how every street is steeped in history and every block has some kind of monument. But it is not just the history that attracts me, the city truly lives. Many cities I have visited are so utterly dependent on tourism for their economy that the culture has somewhat stagnated. But Rome (like DC or NYC, two cities I also love!) hosts millions of tourists every year, yet many more still live and work there. It truly is the eternal city. 

A view of the Palazzo dei Senatore on Capitoline hill. This building (and the square) was designed by Michelangelo in the 12th century. It once housed the archives of ancient rome. 

A gorgeous view from the top of Capitoline Hill overlooking Rome. 

Centuries ago this area was the center of Roman commerce and government. Now it is known collectively as The Roman Forum. Located between Capitoline Hill and the Colosseum this area is now a treasure trove of ancient monuments, shrines, statues and other pieces of archeological importance to Rome. 

Just your typical "alley" in Rome 

Il Colosseo a spectacular feat of Roman architecture which has stood in the center of Rome since 80AD (nearly 2,000 years!) Not only is it breathtaking but the stadium was designed to house everything from gladiator battles to theater productions to mock sea battles. It was also home to elaborate animal hunts with imported beasts from Africa and the Middle East (such as rhinos, hipos, elephants, giraffes, lions, panthers, tigers, etc!) The arena was elaborately staged for these hunts with movable trees and buildings. To celebrate his victory in Dacia in 107 Trajan  staged a hunt involving 10,000+ animals and 10,000+ gladiators over the course of 120 days. Basically the ancient Hunger Games.  

One of my favorite photos of the whole trip. My roommate caught this candid photo when I was utterly absorbed in the city. This window was nothing more than a stairwell to the main floor after exiting an art exhibit at the Piazza del Quirinale, but I could have stood there for hours over looking all of Rome. This photo doesn't quite capture the spectacular view but it certainly captures the feeling of awe I had. 

A beautiful church in Rome! I am embarrassed to admit that I don't remember its name, we went to so many! But I guess that's perk #274 of visiting Rome. Pop into any of the dozens of churches you see on the streets and the architecture is sure to impress you. 

Piazza Navona and the iconic Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi (aka Fountain of the Four Rivers), more proof that every square in Rome is more beautiful than the last. The fountain was designed by the famous Bernini and when we visited the square on a Tuesday afternoon it was also hosting an art market.

I think you know by now why I am smiling! (ps this is the vittorio emanuele monument)

Highlights of Rome 

▷ Speaking Italian with the locals 

▷ Five course Italian dinners.. EVERY night.  

▷ The best Pizza + Panini in little cafes for lunch 

▷ Gelato! {can you see a common theme in my highlights?}

▷ The Pope's inauguration 

▷ Fontana di Trevi (see here) 

▷ The Vatican Museums 

▷ And so much more! 

Ciao for now Roma! Grazie per ogni singolo momento nostro! 

The Bucketlist: Rome Edition

I am currently working on an overview post about my five days in Rome but I had so many cool experiences and fun little stories from my Rome trip that I decided to make a blog post dedicated to a few of the "bucketlist" worthy roman adventures I had.

✓ #1: Make a wish at the Trevi Fountain 

Legend has it that those who throw a coin in are guaranteed to return to Rome one day... I can't wait! I have wanted to toss a coin in this fountain ever since I saw The Lizzy McGuire movie at the tender age of nine. It only took me about ten years to make that dream happen! 

✓    #2: Spontaneously ride a merry-go-round

One night, whilst wandering the streets of Rome with some friends, we spotted this merry-go-round and we just couldn't resist taking a quick ride. I swear that European merry-go-rounds are just the best! I have taken pictures of them everywhere form France to Germany to Spain. And while this picture really doesn't do it justice, I promise you the hand-painted ceilings, bright lights and old fashioned horses, were well was worth the €.50 for the ride. 

✓   #3: Meet the Swiss Guard

Swiss born mercenaries have been guarding Popes since 1503. All members of the Pontifical Guard must be: trained by the Swiss military, catholic, unwed, Swiss and between 19-30 years old. I know some of you don't believe me, but I actually go to school, and while I was on "Academic Travel" with Franklin College I was assigned to give a presentation on the history of Vatican City and the Swiss Guard. So after all that research I was excited to see them! The only bummer is that it was raining so they had their rain jackets on. But usually they are wearing a voluminous yellow and pink striped outfit that dates back the early 1800s. Rad. (note: I don't think he was too thrilled with me) 

✓    #4: Eat at the restaurant which invented spaghetti carbonara 

La Carbonara (in Campo d'Fiori) indeed claims to be the home of the pasta carbonara. For those of you have never tried it, do yourself a favor and go get some right now! It is a delicious dish made of pasta+egg+cheese+bacon. Basically everything good in life. 

✓     #5: Meet the Pope!! 

Maybe one day I will come back and do a full post on this topic but suffice it say that I was standing less than 5ft away from Papa Francesco, the new Pope. He was chosen by the Cardinal conclave while we were in Pompeii and I was lucky enough to be able to attend his inauguration while in Rome. It was a long day full of crowds, pushing and sore feet, but it also was filled with song, tradition, and a really cool cultural experience. Definitely the most "miserably awesome" thing I have done to date. 

✓    #6: Eat a whole box of Laudree macaroons 

I tried my first macaroon at Laudree in Paris (see this post) and ever since then I have been addicted. I was beyond stoked to see they had a Laudree in Rome. And yes I did eat that whole box. Flavors form L to R: Lavender, Vanilla, Creme Brulee, Marie Antoinette, Chocolate, Caramel, and Raspberry (x2). 

✓    #7: Make international television  (see #5!) 

The popes innaguration was not only extensively covered by Italian media but CNN, BBC, ABC, NBC, Al Jazeera, etc. all had film crews there. I even made it on Brazilian Television because a friend of mine at Franklin is from there and was carrying a Brazillian flag so the news reporter asked her to give an interview and at the end of it she asked me to get in the shot and help wave the flag while shouting "viva la papa".