This is exactly the time of year in Rome when everyone who is left in the city starts dreaming of leisurely dips in a crystal clear pool. Rome hotels with pools aren’t super common. It has a lot to do with the restrictions on space within the historic city center. If a pool is a […]
Author Archives: Natalie
07
Aug
Aug
The city of Rome has banned sitting on the Spanish Steps – a pastime that was popular with visitors and locals alike. Now the stairs look like this: Abandoned. According to the news site, ANSA, the decision was made by local police as part of their work to enforce the city’s stricter new rules on […]
06
Aug
Aug
My first time in Brussels was not enough time, actually. I flew from Rome for a meeting, saw a bit and then decided to explore Bruges in a day before I needed to get back to Italy. That is why I was so happy to join Visit Brussels on a trip through the Belgian capital […]
05
Aug
Aug
The Eternal City has an incredible skyline and world-famous monuments, so it should be no surprise that there are also plenty of gorgeous rooftop bars in Rome where you can enjoy the sunset over a drink. Heading up to these terraces is one of my favorite summer activities – but there are actually a few […]
02
Aug
Aug
I completely understand the appeal of Pompeii: the allure of the legendary destruction, and the desire to see the ruins resting at the foot of the volcano. A lot of people ask me if it is possible to do Rome to Pompeii in a day and the answer is: yes, anything is possible. But deciding […]
01
Aug
Aug
August is not a bad time to visit Rome, despite what some people might tell you. The only things you need to be prepared for are the heat and the closures. Many Italians take most of August off, so a lot of businesses (including restaurants and shops) close for several weeks between early August and […]
29
Jul
Jul
The first meal I ate after stepping off an overnight transatlantic flight was glorious. Fresh fettuccine smothered in an anchovy, bread crumb and tomato sauce that was topped with salty pecorino cheese. The pasta papone is the signature dish of the new Mastro Papone seafood stall in the bustling Testaccio Market. Mercato di Testaccio is […]
23
Jul
Jul
There are lots of fun reasons to learn Italian, but there is one word that is no fun at all but that you really have to learn if you are going to travel in Italy. Sciopero. Sciopero means strike and there are a lot of strikes in Italy. Strikes in Italy can occur at any […]