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 […]
22
Jul
Jul
I have taken quite a few tours of Rome over the last few years. I have traversed the city on Vespa and donned a hard hat to go underground into Nero’s Domus Aurea – but in eight years I had never taken a bike tour of Rome until a few months ago. What I realized […]
18
Jul
Jul
Galleria Borghese is one of the best art museums in Rome. It is also one of the only Rome attractions where you are 100% required to prebook your entrance and you cannot purchase tickets at the museum itself. So how, exactly, do you get Galleria Borghese tickets? Well, you can do it by phone, email, […]
17
Jul
Jul
Every time I go to Florence, I realize how much I have missed it. I find it unfair to try to compare the Tuscan city to Rome, though many people try. In the end, Florence is its own creation – a beautiful Rennaissance town that is still known for its fashion, art, and craftsmanship. Florence […]
13
Jul
Jul
When summer arrives in Rome, the city tends to move outside. AC can be weak in these parts and most Romans take advantage of the cooler evening air with outdoor events and sunset drinks. I love going to rooftop bars in Rome because each of the terraces offers a different view and a specific vibe. […]