Very late start this morning as I did not fall asleep as easily as I had hoped last night, nor did I sleep that hard.
When I finally get out, I walk for what seems like hours to Castel Santangelo but I love it. I did many things when I was here last year, but I missed this and the Jewish ghetto, which I vowed to see this year. Il Castel Sant'Angelo was Needless to say monumental, as it is filled with history:
"Built, as was the Elian bridge in front, by the Emperor Hadrian (117-138) as a Mausoleum for himself and his successors, it was completed by Antoninus Pius in 139. In 271, the Emperor Aurelian incorporated the pile into the defence system he designed: it lost its function as a tomb to become a fortress.
In 1277 it was occupied by Nicholas II who connected it to the Vatican by the famous corridor, a safety passage which runs along the top of the encircling wall of the Vatican. Hencefort, it remained under the control of the Popes who used it as a fortress, to impress, but also as a prison and a place for torture."
The best part was that it was not too busy or too hot.
The Jewish ghetto was a lot smaller than I anticipated. I am not exactly sure what I was expecting but it was not what I saw. In Firenze, there was the beautiful temple that doubled as a museum, maybe I was under the impression in Roma there would be something similar. And Maybe there is, but there was a children's concert going on, which I think was inside the temple, which is why it was closed. In any event, their little voices where adorable and made me happy.
I walk for a while longer, in and out of what seemed like undiscovered streets and stumble upon Etablì. As Massimo unlocked the door, I say how proud I am to have found the restaurant all by myself, naturally, he laughs. Max is sooooooooo sweet, we chatted for a while and I tell him i would see him later, as I planned to eat there sta notte. I wondered back to the hotel and went for a run.
After, as per normal, I showered and got ready for cena. I walked back to Etablì, well that was the plan anyway, yet somehow, I seemed to get lost, how do I keep managing this? As I show up about 30 minutes late to dinner, I apologize. Tranquile, va bene. To make me feel better, Max tells me it is hard even for Romans. Sweet, but unbelievable. I have on of the most fantastic waiters, Maurizio... He is patient and adorable, he respects my desire to refuse the english version of the menu but is happy to answer when I ask what something means. Normally, one would most likely get irritated with such behavior, or offer the English menu once again... Not him. It didn't matter because I tell him, "sono vegetariana e no piace funghi" everything else was fair game... I tell Maurizio to surprise me, which is exactly what he does. Pasta, baked... Too much, so good. He doesn't rush me or make me feel as if I am wasting his time, although I am the only person still eating, naturally. When I cannot take another bite, we discuss wrapping it to go, as I hate letting so much food go to waste and there are plenty of homeless to give it to. When he came back empty handed, we laugh at the fact he forgot to tell the bus boy I wanted to take it to go... No problem.
I stay for a while longer and enjoy the company before walking back. This time, I do not get lost... But I think "If my dad knew I was walking alone at this time... He would kill me". Needless to say, I did it anyway and he would be happy to know the one time I felt bothered by a passing car, the police was the next car and stopped to make sure I got home safe and I did.
I wash up and drift off.
Xoxo, Me
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Sunday, June 5, 2011
May 30
My mom was right, getting lost is the best way to find your way. I felt my day was all about getting lost, yet, always finding my way back. I walked to two phone stores, because how silly of me to think all my gadgets would have one carrier. After having trouble even finding the store, I discover I have forgotten my passport, uffff... Which is needed to obtain the SIM card for my iPad. Yup, I walk all the way back to my hotel, where Serena greets me with anticipation of my purchase... When I have to tell her I was unsuccessful the first time around. I grab my passport and return to the store... However, it was the most pleasant experience I think I ever had at a cell phone store... Well, two phone stores. I got my phone and iPad working without lifting a finger or raising my voice. Take note, Verizon.
I walk around a while, reminiscing about things I did last year in the same places, smiling because it felt as if I never left... An incredible feeling. Only this time I can understand a lot more Italian. The best part is people think I can't and proceed to talk about me because they assume I have no clue what they are saying. But this is probably a good thing because what they say, is certainly not meant to be heard by the person they are talking about.
I plan to meet Adri and Andrea in the afternoon, however, traffic in Rome is worse than Los Angeles, so we decide it is time I learn to take the bus. Adri gives me directions, and really... How hard could it be? Well, today there was a strike, which meant only 10% of buses were running, so apparently harder than I thought. It was only when I realized I passed the Colosseo three times, I obviously was doing something wrong...
When I was able to finally admit defeat, I had to tell Adri. I felt so bad because my stupidity resulted in her having to pack Andrea up and sit in wonderful Roma traffic to get to me. Of course, she was more than happy to do it... At least that was what she led me to believe. When she arrived, we ran to each other, as if we were in a movie, and hugged and hugged some more. What an inedible woman, we were so happy to see each other... Then there was Andrea, un bambino with cheeks that grandmas all over the world would have a field day with. He is happy and a flirt... Hmm, where in the world does he get that from... Speaking of which... After we fed Andrea, took a coffee and walked while we gossiped; we met Emy. Emy, always gracious and even more entertaining. He is still the same pazzo with a big heart, a lot of love to give and as sleep deprived as I am. It was so incredible to be with them again... I feel fortunate and happy to call them my friends.
We stayed together for a little longer before Andrea was ready to call it a day. They drove me back to the hotel and I changed for my run. As I stepped out to run, my legs instinctually took me to The Villa Borghese. Bellissima.... Different paths, different flowers, but the same amazing feeling. It was like a contact high once I touched the ground, an incredible experience. I decided this year I would challenge myself to run the Spanish Steps a total of 10 times by the end of my stay in Roma. Today, I did twice... And I have to tell you, it is way harder than it looks, especially after running for 45 minutes before. But I did it and I was very happy when it was over.
After a much needed shower, it was late, of course, because I, well, just because, it was. I walked to find what I would have for dinner and remembered a little restaurant I had walked past several times this year as well as last. So, I finally decided to give it a try... I hadn't had pizza yet so I felt it was only right to do so. Alexander, the owner's son was fantastic... Yes, he looked like the cliché Italian restaurant owner, very different from Lorenzo and Rodrigo but even so, he was polite and made me laugh... Or wait, was it the fact I was eating dinner to Shaggy's "Wasn't Me"... Non lo so. But you tell me, do you think there something wrong with that? Of course, I say something to Alex and he is suddenly mesmerized by my bluntness; he tells me this is very "infrequent" of tourists... But understands the moment I say my grandfather is from Sicily.
I walk home with a smile on my face, which is permanently across my face, and a "doggy bag" in hand. As I climb the stairs to my room, I allow the madness of my day play through my head as I giggle. I wash-up, climb into bed and slowly drift to sleep.
Amazing day.
Baci a voi,
Me
I walk around a while, reminiscing about things I did last year in the same places, smiling because it felt as if I never left... An incredible feeling. Only this time I can understand a lot more Italian. The best part is people think I can't and proceed to talk about me because they assume I have no clue what they are saying. But this is probably a good thing because what they say, is certainly not meant to be heard by the person they are talking about.
I plan to meet Adri and Andrea in the afternoon, however, traffic in Rome is worse than Los Angeles, so we decide it is time I learn to take the bus. Adri gives me directions, and really... How hard could it be? Well, today there was a strike, which meant only 10% of buses were running, so apparently harder than I thought. It was only when I realized I passed the Colosseo three times, I obviously was doing something wrong...
When I was able to finally admit defeat, I had to tell Adri. I felt so bad because my stupidity resulted in her having to pack Andrea up and sit in wonderful Roma traffic to get to me. Of course, she was more than happy to do it... At least that was what she led me to believe. When she arrived, we ran to each other, as if we were in a movie, and hugged and hugged some more. What an inedible woman, we were so happy to see each other... Then there was Andrea, un bambino with cheeks that grandmas all over the world would have a field day with. He is happy and a flirt... Hmm, where in the world does he get that from... Speaking of which... After we fed Andrea, took a coffee and walked while we gossiped; we met Emy. Emy, always gracious and even more entertaining. He is still the same pazzo with a big heart, a lot of love to give and as sleep deprived as I am. It was so incredible to be with them again... I feel fortunate and happy to call them my friends.
We stayed together for a little longer before Andrea was ready to call it a day. They drove me back to the hotel and I changed for my run. As I stepped out to run, my legs instinctually took me to The Villa Borghese. Bellissima.... Different paths, different flowers, but the same amazing feeling. It was like a contact high once I touched the ground, an incredible experience. I decided this year I would challenge myself to run the Spanish Steps a total of 10 times by the end of my stay in Roma. Today, I did twice... And I have to tell you, it is way harder than it looks, especially after running for 45 minutes before. But I did it and I was very happy when it was over.
After a much needed shower, it was late, of course, because I, well, just because, it was. I walked to find what I would have for dinner and remembered a little restaurant I had walked past several times this year as well as last. So, I finally decided to give it a try... I hadn't had pizza yet so I felt it was only right to do so. Alexander, the owner's son was fantastic... Yes, he looked like the cliché Italian restaurant owner, very different from Lorenzo and Rodrigo but even so, he was polite and made me laugh... Or wait, was it the fact I was eating dinner to Shaggy's "Wasn't Me"... Non lo so. But you tell me, do you think there something wrong with that? Of course, I say something to Alex and he is suddenly mesmerized by my bluntness; he tells me this is very "infrequent" of tourists... But understands the moment I say my grandfather is from Sicily.
I walk home with a smile on my face, which is permanently across my face, and a "doggy bag" in hand. As I climb the stairs to my room, I allow the madness of my day play through my head as I giggle. I wash-up, climb into bed and slowly drift to sleep.
Amazing day.
Baci a voi,
Me
May 28 & 29... I am NOT a Light Traveler, Get Over It!
I am normally a first-flight-of-the-day or red-eye traveler. I like to get to my destination at a time I can have the whole day to be wherever it is I am going. This time, I ventured out into the world of afternoon travel and I mean late afternoon. As a result, I was able to get a run in, stop for coffee, and even swiffer my floors... It was quite satisfying I have to admit. Not having to rush around (well a relative statement for me) was pretty nice.
When I got to the airport one thought stuck in my mind like a bad Katie Perry song... Would my bag pass the weight limit or would I be that girl rummaging through her suitcase trying to meticulously shift items around so it would be in compliance? Only time would tell... I nervously approached skycap with a smile (it is true what they say... A smile goes a long way). My skycap friend told me I had to check-in at the counter because I was flying internationally. To my surprise, he lugged my bags to the counter for me, the woman at the ticket counter was shockingly pleasant and my 2 lb. overweight bag went through, without the astronomical fee of $125! Wait... What was going on here? Was I actually having an easy airport experience? Naturally, I was skeptical! But in effort to stay positive, I convinced myself I was finally catching a break...
Well that was until my carry-on bag was selected to be inspected... Twice. "Ma'am, do you have any sharp objects in your bag?"... Sharp objects?!?! Okay, 2 thoughts went through my head... the devil in me wanted to say, "Oh shit, did I forget to take out my machete before I left home? Oops!" But not wanting to have a Gaylord Focker moment, I decided opening my sarcastic mouth would probably not have been the best option in that instance. So the angel in me won the round. For once in my life I filtered what came out of my mouth and simply said, "I have a pen?" He smiled and said he needs to x-ray it one more time. As he walked toward me for the second time, I sighed, ready to be on my way... Nope, he proceeded to rummage through my bags another time as if something magically appeared since the first time. I was biting my tongue so hard because I literally had about 6 smart-ass remarks I was holding in... Ugh, and they all went to waste; luckily, I wrote them down for future use.
Finally, after inspecting my mascara tube for the hidden bounty hunter tools I was smuggling, I was free to roam the airport. However, I sensed his resistance in letting me do so. Because naturally all 5'3 1/2" of me could take on airport security personnel without event breaking a sweat. Upon my arrival to the gate, I realized there was a good chance I might possibly considered a flight risk, which would put a damper on future travel.
The first flight was short and pretty painless, discounting the group of douchebags who occupied the two rows behind me. Aside from their obnoxious banter, I couldn't help but be fixated on one of them in particular. I don't if it was the overwhelming smell of beer that seemed to be dripping from his pores or the 2 foot plush dolphin he was playing puppet master to. Whatever the reason was, I was not interested... All I wanted was to see the back of my eyelids, something it seemed we all desperately missed the last two nights.
The second flight was long and would have been painless if it went to plan... Find my seat, stow my baggage, pop an ambien and wake up in Roma. Sounded glorious and the plan was executed perfectly minus the mad scientist I got stuck sitting next to. He was entertaining for a while but after 15 minutes of his wackiness, I had to stop him before I was past the point of no return. More so, anyone who knows me knows I am not a good flyer and his chatter was not exactly what I would have described as relaxing. Shortly after, luckily he proceeded to fall asleep... As did I. Some peace, thank you! I was out for most of the flight and it was fantastic.
As I arrive in Germany, I am happy to bid Sir Nutzo farewell. I walk to customs and proceed with no problem, in fact, the security guards there really liked me and were extremely helpful. I arrive to my gate and board my flight; short and painless. And I finally sat next to a wonderful couple from Grosseto, which is in Tuscany. Anna didn't even flinch when without hesitation I grabbed her hand as we made a bumpy landing. They had just finished a Swiss vacation with 5 other couples, and I got a glimpse at what I hoped my future would be like. As we all walked to baggage claim, I felt an overwhelming feeling that #1, my bags were not there and #2, I was so out of it I accidentally boarded a flight to India. Needless to say, neither was true as I made my way out to my taxi. Like in the states, Sunday is high traffic from weekenders' travel. As a result, the ride to my hotel was excruciatingly long but it didn't matter, as I was just happy to be back in Italy.
When I arrived at my hotel, I was greeted by Serena and Marco. A young, hip, and super sweet couple. The hotel was a very new and they were adamant about keeping their quant B&B clean and personable and their guests happy and satisfied. I knew at that moment over the next 6 days I would become friends with them.
When I got settled, Serena and Marco recommended I try the one vegetarian restaurant in Roma, which is owned by their friend, Simone. I walked, of course, got lost, of course, and found my way back... Of course. I was warmly greeted and it was nice to be amongst what Simone said was the "10%" Italian vegetarian population. My meal was not great, but the dessert was something to write about. A white chocolate strawberry mousse that was heavenly, I am drooling for it as I type. Nevertheless, the service was wonderful and I had a lovely dinner.
After dinner, Francesco meets me for a drink. It was wonderful to see him and catch up. I love being in Italy!
Buonanotte,
Me
When I got to the airport one thought stuck in my mind like a bad Katie Perry song... Would my bag pass the weight limit or would I be that girl rummaging through her suitcase trying to meticulously shift items around so it would be in compliance? Only time would tell... I nervously approached skycap with a smile (it is true what they say... A smile goes a long way). My skycap friend told me I had to check-in at the counter because I was flying internationally. To my surprise, he lugged my bags to the counter for me, the woman at the ticket counter was shockingly pleasant and my 2 lb. overweight bag went through, without the astronomical fee of $125! Wait... What was going on here? Was I actually having an easy airport experience? Naturally, I was skeptical! But in effort to stay positive, I convinced myself I was finally catching a break...
Well that was until my carry-on bag was selected to be inspected... Twice. "Ma'am, do you have any sharp objects in your bag?"... Sharp objects?!?! Okay, 2 thoughts went through my head... the devil in me wanted to say, "Oh shit, did I forget to take out my machete before I left home? Oops!" But not wanting to have a Gaylord Focker moment, I decided opening my sarcastic mouth would probably not have been the best option in that instance. So the angel in me won the round. For once in my life I filtered what came out of my mouth and simply said, "I have a pen?" He smiled and said he needs to x-ray it one more time. As he walked toward me for the second time, I sighed, ready to be on my way... Nope, he proceeded to rummage through my bags another time as if something magically appeared since the first time. I was biting my tongue so hard because I literally had about 6 smart-ass remarks I was holding in... Ugh, and they all went to waste; luckily, I wrote them down for future use.
Finally, after inspecting my mascara tube for the hidden bounty hunter tools I was smuggling, I was free to roam the airport. However, I sensed his resistance in letting me do so. Because naturally all 5'3 1/2" of me could take on airport security personnel without event breaking a sweat. Upon my arrival to the gate, I realized there was a good chance I might possibly considered a flight risk, which would put a damper on future travel.
The first flight was short and pretty painless, discounting the group of douchebags who occupied the two rows behind me. Aside from their obnoxious banter, I couldn't help but be fixated on one of them in particular. I don't if it was the overwhelming smell of beer that seemed to be dripping from his pores or the 2 foot plush dolphin he was playing puppet master to. Whatever the reason was, I was not interested... All I wanted was to see the back of my eyelids, something it seemed we all desperately missed the last two nights.
The second flight was long and would have been painless if it went to plan... Find my seat, stow my baggage, pop an ambien and wake up in Roma. Sounded glorious and the plan was executed perfectly minus the mad scientist I got stuck sitting next to. He was entertaining for a while but after 15 minutes of his wackiness, I had to stop him before I was past the point of no return. More so, anyone who knows me knows I am not a good flyer and his chatter was not exactly what I would have described as relaxing. Shortly after, luckily he proceeded to fall asleep... As did I. Some peace, thank you! I was out for most of the flight and it was fantastic.
As I arrive in Germany, I am happy to bid Sir Nutzo farewell. I walk to customs and proceed with no problem, in fact, the security guards there really liked me and were extremely helpful. I arrive to my gate and board my flight; short and painless. And I finally sat next to a wonderful couple from Grosseto, which is in Tuscany. Anna didn't even flinch when without hesitation I grabbed her hand as we made a bumpy landing. They had just finished a Swiss vacation with 5 other couples, and I got a glimpse at what I hoped my future would be like. As we all walked to baggage claim, I felt an overwhelming feeling that #1, my bags were not there and #2, I was so out of it I accidentally boarded a flight to India. Needless to say, neither was true as I made my way out to my taxi. Like in the states, Sunday is high traffic from weekenders' travel. As a result, the ride to my hotel was excruciatingly long but it didn't matter, as I was just happy to be back in Italy.
When I arrived at my hotel, I was greeted by Serena and Marco. A young, hip, and super sweet couple. The hotel was a very new and they were adamant about keeping their quant B&B clean and personable and their guests happy and satisfied. I knew at that moment over the next 6 days I would become friends with them.
When I got settled, Serena and Marco recommended I try the one vegetarian restaurant in Roma, which is owned by their friend, Simone. I walked, of course, got lost, of course, and found my way back... Of course. I was warmly greeted and it was nice to be amongst what Simone said was the "10%" Italian vegetarian population. My meal was not great, but the dessert was something to write about. A white chocolate strawberry mousse that was heavenly, I am drooling for it as I type. Nevertheless, the service was wonderful and I had a lovely dinner.
After dinner, Francesco meets me for a drink. It was wonderful to see him and catch up. I love being in Italy!
Buonanotte,
Me
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