Rome changed me as a person, it helped me realize that I don't need to take school or my future so seriously. I know, that doesn't sound like the best message to send to readers, but for me it is totally true.
I learned to make the most of my experiences and to appreciate the people that i get to enjoy them with. One happy and relaxing day at a time is how I want to live my life, because there is just simply no room for stress!
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
WHAT YOU MUST EAT/DRINK
To fully experience Rome, you must not only explore the city, but explore the food and rink too. Find a subdued cafe along any of the side streets and delve into the homemade traditional pastas, sauces whose recipes have been kept family secrets for generations, fresh prosciutto, mozzarella cheese, and vegetables, and so much more.
One of the best meals I have ever had in my life was the spaghetti bolognese that i had for dinner one night with the freshest, warmest bread and Italian butter. It was a relatively simple meal, nut it tasted so fresh I will never, ever forget it. So for those who are not so adventurous with, say, foreign meats or cheese, it's okay! There are more than enough fresh and simple ingredients that will prove Italians do it better.
Drinks are another matter for discussion. First off, try the coffee, and make it strong. I made the mistake of ordering a simple latte for breakfast and all I got in return was laughter. They handed me a miniature cup with a single shot of espresso in it and just a touch of cream, and it was the boldest coffee I have ever tasted. Coming from a coffee enthusiast it really says something.
Second, wine is a staple in Italy, served with almost every meal. The vino rosso (red wine) I had with my bolognese dish I remember was a Sangiovese, a prized variety from Tuscany. It was rich and sweet, the perfect complement to my meal. The fresh lemon carbonated Italian sodas were the perfect refreshment during the day for my exploration of the city in the sweltering days of June.
One of the best meals I have ever had in my life was the spaghetti bolognese that i had for dinner one night with the freshest, warmest bread and Italian butter. It was a relatively simple meal, nut it tasted so fresh I will never, ever forget it. So for those who are not so adventurous with, say, foreign meats or cheese, it's okay! There are more than enough fresh and simple ingredients that will prove Italians do it better.
Drinks are another matter for discussion. First off, try the coffee, and make it strong. I made the mistake of ordering a simple latte for breakfast and all I got in return was laughter. They handed me a miniature cup with a single shot of espresso in it and just a touch of cream, and it was the boldest coffee I have ever tasted. Coming from a coffee enthusiast it really says something.
Second, wine is a staple in Italy, served with almost every meal. The vino rosso (red wine) I had with my bolognese dish I remember was a Sangiovese, a prized variety from Tuscany. It was rich and sweet, the perfect complement to my meal. The fresh lemon carbonated Italian sodas were the perfect refreshment during the day for my exploration of the city in the sweltering days of June.
WHAT YOU MUST SEE
We all know that there are countless places to see, and even being there for three weeks, I still feel like I didn't get to see everything. But, if time is limited, here are the places that you absolutely must visit:
- The Colosseum
- The Pantheon
- Spanish Steps
- Roman Forum
- The Vatican/ St. Peter's Basilica
- Trevi Fountain
- Piazza Navona
To my fellow free-spirited friends:
First, if you're looking at this in the first place, thanks! Coming into the final stretch of my first four years here at Western, I have only now begun to realize what I want in the future; to travel and share experiences with some of the best friends I could ask for. Yes, in the not-so-near future, I would like to pursue a career in legal psychology, but for now, that sounds like a bore, to me at least.
What I want most is to see the world, go to as many music festivals as possible, and to move to a new environment (somewhere sunny) where I can really start a new life and build something for myself from the ground up. Sounds like a rather large undertaking, right? Wrong! The other thing that I learned, not necessarily in college, but just by growing up, is that I don't HAVE to have a 30-year or even a 5-year plan. I have faith in myself and my capabilities, and most importantly, I know how to make it work and have a hell of a good time in the process.
Now I know it sounds weird, but I never would have learned that if it weren't for my life-changing trip to Rome, Italy for three weeks last year. Coming from a full-blown Italian family on my mother's side, I have always been familiar with the traditions and customs of our Sicilian relatives. But the lifestyle in Rome and Italy in general taught me more about life than I could have ever imagined.
I want to share my experience with you and hopefully inspire maybe just one person to sit back, relax, and smell the fresh-ground, dark, smokey roast of fine Italian espresso.
What I want most is to see the world, go to as many music festivals as possible, and to move to a new environment (somewhere sunny) where I can really start a new life and build something for myself from the ground up. Sounds like a rather large undertaking, right? Wrong! The other thing that I learned, not necessarily in college, but just by growing up, is that I don't HAVE to have a 30-year or even a 5-year plan. I have faith in myself and my capabilities, and most importantly, I know how to make it work and have a hell of a good time in the process.
Now I know it sounds weird, but I never would have learned that if it weren't for my life-changing trip to Rome, Italy for three weeks last year. Coming from a full-blown Italian family on my mother's side, I have always been familiar with the traditions and customs of our Sicilian relatives. But the lifestyle in Rome and Italy in general taught me more about life than I could have ever imagined.
I want to share my experience with you and hopefully inspire maybe just one person to sit back, relax, and smell the fresh-ground, dark, smokey roast of fine Italian espresso.
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