My Holiday in Rome

My holiday in Roma has been blissful and a dream come true. Daily life includes a cafe of some sort (of course), trips to the market, guided walks of the city, class by the Pantheon, and cooking an Italian meal to the best of my ability.

Speaking of..last week, a staff member came to our apartment to teach us how to cook a true Italian meal! The Menu: Parmesan Pear Salad, Rigatoni alla Carbonara, and Tiramisu that was to die for! When I go home to the States they will be blown away by my new talent.

This past weekend Chad and I took a weekend trip to the Amalfi Coat and Capri. BREATHTAKING. I can't imagine how stunning it must be in the spring when everything is in bloom! Chad and I may have gotten off path a few times, but what a better way to see the coast then to hike it? Sunday we took a ferry from Sorrento to Capri. The water was brilliantly blue and surrounded the entire island. Chad and I enjoyed a cafe and gelato on top of the city centro. It was truly paradise on earth.

I try to pinch myself daily to be reminded of where I am. Every day holds a new adventure in Roma and I plan on embracing every moment of it!

Prime Impressioni Di Roma - First Impressions of Rome

Ciao! Chad and I are finally here after much anticipation and I am already falling in love.

After we got off the plane and entered through border patrol without the staff even opening our passport, we found our luggage (PHEW!) and headed out the door! Too bad we didn't know where exactly we were heading..haha. Fortunately, a nice man could tell we were lost and offered us his shuttle that would drop us off right at the hostel. Perfecto! One thing is for sure, Italian's are bold drivers- I wouldn't last a minute!

Our hostel was just as a hostel should be. A bunch of rooms with a ton of uncomfortable beds and dirty showers! The view of the Vatican from our window certainly was a highlight. We dropped our bags off and immediately headed right out the door ignoring all jet lag- we were ready to experience Roma! And since then, it's all been a (mostly) enjoyable learning and cultural experience!
I found people move fast on the road but have a more relaxed state of mind. Few traffic lights and 4 hour break in the middle of the work day is certainly a reflection of this contrasting description.When you order "un cafe", you will not be receiving a cup of watered down caffeine like we're used to in the states nor will you be sitting down to enjoy it most times. Ordering a cafe will get you a deliciously potent cup of espresso that you will drink quickly standing at the bar.

There is history around us down every alley we walk down. It's an eye opening experience to be surrounded by buildings created nearly 2000 years ago when our own country has been around for only a little over 200 years.The streets are mostly filled with apparel stores and nice sit down restaurants. Convenience shops and fast food are few and far between (which is a nice change of pace).I have tried to speak what little Italian I know wherever I go out of respect. Fortunately, many people speak English and have been patient as I struggle to explain which loaf of bread I would like to take home or how many grams of meat is appropriate to order.My biggest complaint thus far? No "American" peanut butter (as warned) and no Mountain Dew!Otherwise, I am thrilled to call Rome my home for the next few months.