Italy is a lot of things depending on the day. It can be beautiful or chaotic, rural or high fashion, Alps or beaches. It is a country full of postcard perfect villages and amazing culinary traditions. But funny? That is not the first word that comes to mind when I think of Italia. The country […]
Author Archives: Natalie
The funny thing about Ostiense is that it is very much a neighborhood that is right in the middle of its evolution. It sometimes feels stuck in the 1960s without some of the charm of the even older parts of Rome. BUT, it is also home to some of Rome’s very coolest addresses and one […]
I truly believe that one of the best ways to experience a new place is through its food. More than just flavors, the cuisine of a certain city or country can tell you about its history, its values, and its culture. Of course, pasta has its place in Italy’s storied recipes – but did you […]
When I tell people that I live in Rome, they usually blurt out the first saying that comes to mind. This is typically something like “Well! All roads lead to Rome” or, alternatively, “Ah, Rome. The Eternal City!” Having lived here quite a long time now, the point on all roads leading to Rome makes […]
Italy is probably more often associated with wine, but there is also a long history of liqueurs (often bitter to help with digestion). As a result, there are fantastic combinations of bitters, sparkling wines, seasonal fruits, fresh herbs, to create mixers and garnishes for classic cocktails. While young Italians certainly go out for a night […]
The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II in Milan, Italy is iconic. It is the place to stop for a major instagram moment, but the historic structure has a storied past that includes films, untimely deaths, and hidden symbolism. Before you visit the glassed arcade, here are some of the coolest facts about this remarkable building: Age […]
I cannot tolerate bad coffee, even on vacation. Unfortunately, coffee in Italy is not just heavenly espresso after heavenly espresso. Luckily Venice has a long history of coffee bars (and is even home to the oldest coffee house in Europe). There are even a few places serving specialty coffee in La Serenissima if you are […]
While Rome is a beautiful – and overall a very safe city – it is important to be aware of potential scams that can occur. This is particularly true as we approach ‘high season’ when many visitors flock to the city and scammers take advantage of the crowds. The best way to avoid being scammed […]