You may not remember my first post ever on this blog, where I named finding a tiny shopping cart as one of the goals of my travels (it may have been the only goal I mentioned). If you read the blog this makes perfect sense. If not, you may want to give that post a quick looksy. Anywho…guess what I found in Rome!?!
No joke. I found this gem at one my favorite European chatkzy shop that my sister turned me onto when she lived in Holland- it’s called Tiger. So, I walked in and there it was on display, as if it was a perfectly normal thing to be selling. Neither Kristina or I can figure out what it’s supposed to be used for exactly and have tried a few potential options but haven’t had much luck (it doesn’t hold a phone…it doesn’t really hold much/anything that you might need, but this does not detract from it’s awesomeness). Regardless, I can’t tell you how happy my tiny shopping cart makes me! And several people noted how awesome it is the day I carried it around. Tiger, expect a huge boom in tiny shopping cart sales. You’re welcome.
I had a spectacular three days in Rome and took in every bit of the city that I possibly could. I also took in quite a bit of food. All you people who told me what foods I must consume large quantities of while in Rome did not lead my astray. The gelato is to die for, the paninis blow Corner Bakery out of the water, the pizza is “molto delizioso,” and the pasta is OMG. I can’t wait to eat myself through the rest of the country! It was a special treat to have some FABULOUS restaurant recommendations and hook-ups from my friend, Julie Briski, who just moved back to the States after living in Rome for two years. It was a shame we just missed each other (by a week) but we were glad she told us about her first and second favorite restaurants, writing “truly anything on both menus is out of this world.” True statement. We tried her second favorite first, Meridionale, and the manager, Luigi, lit up at the mention of Julie’s name and immediately brought us prosecco and bruschetta.
Then last night for our final Roman feast we went to Julie’s fave, Osteria la Botticella, run by “the MOST amazing” Signora Giula. It’s an intimate setting (so cute with white and red checkered tablecloths) and was packed when we got there. But, as soon as I mentioned Julie’s name, Signora Giula embraced me in a hug and a table became available for us. Per Julie’s recommendation we feasted on the triple pasta sampler that consisted of cacao e pepe, truffle ravioli and some other delish pasta that I can’t remember the name of. The seating is tight in the restaurant, and I wasn’t sure how that would go but we were next to a lovely couple who had just arrived in Rome for a month’s stay and we chatted away the entire meal and exchanged emails at the end (remember Kristina is ‘west coast me,’ so we both love meeting new people). Here’s a pic Julie sent me of her with Signora G and the selfie we sent back to her last night (no selfie stick used).
The highlight of yesterday (yes we did more than eat) was touring the Vatican! Selfie stick used:
Our tour included the amazing Sistine Chapel (“No photos!” was reiterated a million times in both Italian and English as apparently the company Fugi has exclusive photo rights- go figure). It was hard to picture ONE guy, Michelangelo, painting the entire thing, and while laying on scaffolding ON HIS BACK! Apparently he went blind three times during the process from paint dripping in his eyes (I wonder if he got hazard pay?). The most spectacular part of the Vatican tour (in my opinion) was the St. Peter’s Basilica which is the most grande basilica I have ever seen. And I feel like I’ve seen quite a few over the last two months. I’m not sure my pics do it justice.
This morning I took a final spin through the city on foot (exploring new places via early morning runs will always be my favorite thing). I very much enjoyed the beautiful morning light and nearly empty streets.
Then we had our final breakfast before heading to the train station. Interesting note on breaky btw, Sunday must be a big breakfast day in Rome as all the restaurants are serving it. BUT they are all serving exactly two options and the EXACT same two options. And they all have a little table out front displaying the two breakfast options (so basically the same food on every little table). The options are the Italian breakfast, which is a croissant (guess those Italians aren’t big breakfast people) and the English breakfast, which is a plain omelet, bread, bacon and salad. I quite enjoyed the English version.
I’m currently on the train to Florence enjoying some spectacular views and gearing up for what I hear is another spectatucular Italian city. Ciao for now!
Tiger is the best store!