Here’s an easy example of something you would NEVER see in America, cigarette vending machines: I was quite confused the first time someone hurried by me and ran up to a closed shop door. Then I noticed the machine integrated into the metal shutter of the shop. Unmonitored cigarette machines would never fly in America, […]
01
Nov
Nov
Rain has returned to Rome, just in time for All Saints Day. It’s first time I’ve experienced thunder and lightening in my new home. It also marks the inaugural first broken glass: Crash.
30
Oct
Oct
Subtlety and sarcasm seem to be seriously lacking in the Italian language. Even the sales approach is straight to the point. Luckily for Italian salespeople, I’m usually so caught off guard by their directness that I end up buying whatever it is they’re selling. Case in point: Sephora Rome Due to Alitalia’s baggage limits, I […]
29
Oct
Oct
On my way to the airport, with my one-way ticket to Rome in hand, I insisted on stopping for a burrito. I dutifully carried my prize through security, mini cups of salsa verde and all. Growing up in Southern California, great Mexican food has always been a part of my diet. As much as I […]
27
Oct
Oct
I’m not going to lie, I go out of my way to walk down Via delle Quattro Fontane whenever possible. So far, it is my absolute favorite street in Rome, and not just because it connects Via Nazionale and Via Tritone (the best places for shopping!) As you walk up the hill from Via Nazionale, […]
27
Oct
Oct
I have news that might come as a disappointment to some- my life in Italy is not always about glamorous trips to grab drinks at the Colosseum. There is one small problem that has plagued me every day since I arrived- plugs. Round, flat, thick, thin- the problem with Italian plugs is that there are […]
Books, wine, and chocolate may very well be my three favorite things in the world. In that order. Being able to have all three at the same time? I want to go to there. There is a bar in the Trastevere area of Rome that has hit upon the trifecta: putting a bar in a […]
25
Oct
Oct
The rain has arrived in Rome. While I love the look of the clouds gathering over the ancient Roman walls, the rainy weather has been a rather rude awakening. I believe this is what people refer to as “fall,” or “autumn,” but coming from Southern California I have never really experienced true seasons. The chill […]