Reggie Look-a-Like, Lorenzo:
Pantheon:
Trevi Fountain:
Il Giornale: 
Oldest Cafe:
I woke up today about 8:11, I did not want to get out of bed, but did because I was meeting Adriana at the “Piazza de Espana”… The night before, she gave me detailed directions to this place… “walk down the steps, I will be waiting for you at the fountain with the little ship” she said to me. Perfecto, I can remember that! Apparently, I couldn’t, because somehow I managed to get lost. It was only three streets, so how I got lost, I have NO idea. Maybe it was my i-pod, my frequent stops to chat with the locals or just being oblivious, I have no clue… but I was definitely lost. After two phone calls to Adry and probably $100 in cell phone charges, we found each other.
We walked to out supposed meeting spot and trust me when I tell you, I must have been sleep walking… because these weren’t just any steps, they were the SPANISH STEPS. We laughed at my lack of direction and immediately went to grab our morning caffé and just walked and talked. She showed me all the Americanized stores (Gucci, Prada, Dior, Hermes, etc.), took me to the “mall” called the Galleria Alberto Sordi, showed me where the Roman newspaper is published, the oldest café in Rome, and of course, one of the most famous churches. Adry even got to reminisce and show me her old school!
Although Adry could not stay with me for a long time, she was an amazing guide… and a fabulous friend. We agreed it was also great to spend time together for our respective language progression. When she had to leave, Adry informed me Luca would be coming to take me to the other places on my list… I am telling you, I will never be able to repay my Roman friends for all they have done for me. And they NEVER even gave any of their generosity a second thought, they are truly special.
I met Luca and we went all over… the Trevi Fountain, Campo dé Fiori, Piazza Navona, Pantheon, Piazza del Popolo, Piazza Venezia, Capitol Hill and the popular Roman Forum. He briefed me on the history of each and then took me for my first Gelato at the famous gelateria, Giolitti’s. Most of all he was a trooper during the hunt for my computer adapter. Since the ones I brought only had two prongs and my computer cord has three. Luca took me from electronic store to electronic store, and we had no luck. One was near the neighborhood he, Emanuele and Andrea grew up in; which coincidently was on Via Tripoli… AMZAING… of course, I several took videos and pictures. Not only did we find “La Via de Mi Famiglia”, while Luca got gas, I spotted a messy, overstuffed computer-like store… and when I walked in to exhaust my last possibility for an adapter… this man (see video) saved my life for 2 Euros, 2 EUROS… I was like you mean 20 Euro, right? But he said no, so for only 2 Euro, I am back in action. So amicos, we owe this blog to him. As I childishly skipped out of the store in excitement, the men in the store told Luca to stop giving me so much wine… little did they know, that is just ME!
We walked to out supposed meeting spot and trust me when I tell you, I must have been sleep walking… because these weren’t just any steps, they were the SPANISH STEPS. We laughed at my lack of direction and immediately went to grab our morning caffé and just walked and talked. She showed me all the Americanized stores (Gucci, Prada, Dior, Hermes, etc.), took me to the “mall” called the Galleria Alberto Sordi, showed me where the Roman newspaper is published, the oldest café in Rome, and of course, one of the most famous churches. Adry even got to reminisce and show me her old school!
Although Adry could not stay with me for a long time, she was an amazing guide… and a fabulous friend. We agreed it was also great to spend time together for our respective language progression. When she had to leave, Adry informed me Luca would be coming to take me to the other places on my list… I am telling you, I will never be able to repay my Roman friends for all they have done for me. And they NEVER even gave any of their generosity a second thought, they are truly special.
I met Luca and we went all over… the Trevi Fountain, Campo dé Fiori, Piazza Navona, Pantheon, Piazza del Popolo, Piazza Venezia, Capitol Hill and the popular Roman Forum. He briefed me on the history of each and then took me for my first Gelato at the famous gelateria, Giolitti’s. Most of all he was a trooper during the hunt for my computer adapter. Since the ones I brought only had two prongs and my computer cord has three. Luca took me from electronic store to electronic store, and we had no luck. One was near the neighborhood he, Emanuele and Andrea grew up in; which coincidently was on Via Tripoli… AMZAING… of course, I several took videos and pictures. Not only did we find “La Via de Mi Famiglia”, while Luca got gas, I spotted a messy, overstuffed computer-like store… and when I walked in to exhaust my last possibility for an adapter… this man (see video) saved my life for 2 Euros, 2 EUROS… I was like you mean 20 Euro, right? But he said no, so for only 2 Euro, I am back in action. So amicos, we owe this blog to him. As I childishly skipped out of the store in excitement, the men in the store told Luca to stop giving me so much wine… little did they know, that is just ME!
With the adapter in hand, Luca had to drop me at my hotel and hustle to work… As we were en- route, Luca was pulled over by the Polizia. What I gathered was that Luca’s registration did not match his license. Although I felt horrible, I had to catch it on film and take a few pictures of the event. Luca was very light-hearted and did not let it bother him or affect his mood (so opposite of me!)…
Then, when I arrived in my room, I was alone… for the very first time… I was alone. I decided to dress myself up, ask the concierge where the locals eat, and took myself to dinner. I went to Giovanni’s, had spinach stuffed raviolis and a plethora of vegetables. After, I was invited to Etablí (owned by Andrea’s friend, Massimo) to meet Massimo’s brother, Francesco, and a friend for dessert and wine. What happened next, I entirely sure… I arrived, had absolutely the best chocolate lava cake, great wine and amazing company… then, somehow this quaint, mellow, warm restaurant turned into what I can only describe as a disco. I met two German couples, in their 60’s, outside the restaurant and they were wasted, just having a blast. So they came into the restaurant the only way to explain the next two hours, is to watch the video below. After all said and done, I hopped on the scooter and got a night tour of Rome, which never gets old. When I got home, I was still laughing. How the night took a turn from Soloville to Crazytown, I will never know… but nonetheless, it still makes me laugh, even now as I recount the details.
So Bellos and Bellas, Enjoy and we meet again tomorrow!
xo- Ali
