The Blonde Ambitions

Sunday, January 13, 2013

The Euro-Chic Day: 5

Yesterday was a filled day with last minute errands and orientation tours around campus. After a busy and somewhat monotonous day we decided to treat ourselves to our first gelato. We got recommendations for the best gelateria in Trastevere and didn't exactly make friends with the owner after each asking for a sample. My mix of pistachio and chocolate hazelnut were superb and nobody left that shop unhappy. (Travelers tip: when it comes to gelato make sure not to get the fluffy, picture perfect gelato such as the gelato from Blue Ice-its a tourist trap and not the real deal)

Later that night we caught the Ravens Broncos game at the local American bar, Drunken Ship and then was forced next door to Sloppy Sam's when they insisted on shutting their tv off at 2am to make us leave. The game was great, and it was an interesting experience having to explain the significance of this game to the Italians.

Today was our first day free from orientation activities, but our last day before classes start. We decided to try and sightsee what we can of Rome before heading off to Florence the following weekend. Unfortunately the weather called for thunderstorms and heavy showers all day (common for Rome's winter) which ruined our plans of touring the Colosseum and Pantheon. Instead we decided to make due with the weather and head to a local museum. We ended up at the Museo Nazionale Romano Crypta Balbi

This museum features the destruction of ancient Rome from the various fires and earthquakes and has a sizable collection of artifacts and ruins. The Museo Nazionale Romano highlights the crypts of ancient Rome in the basement of the museum.

Friday, January 11, 2013

The Euro-Chic: Day 3

Yesterday was a day of recovery and an attempt to overcome jetlag. After taking a sufficient 4 hour nap, we made our way out into Trastevere for dinner. After a few minutes searching, we stumbled upon this little Italian restaurant, which ended up having amazing gnocchi and potatoes.

My potato scalloped seabass

Later from dinner we headed out for the night, stopping at Sloppy Sams, Almalu, and Mood.

Grasshopper shots from Amalo

Considering we went to sleep at 5am last night, we slept in fairly late this morning to wake up for the walking tour of Trastevere and Campo de Fiori. We surprisingly found out that the Colosseum is an easy 15 minute walk from our apartment!

The Colosseum

The first of many cappuccinos

Melon and Prosciutto

Thursday, January 10, 2013

The Euro-Chic: Study Abroad Rome

First Italian Espresso

Ciao from Rome, Italy!

Day 1 of the Study Abroad Diaries:

After much planning and expecting we finally arrived in the Fiumicino Airport of Rome which ended up being the longest day of our lives. I do believe Italian espresso was the sole thing keeping us sane for the next 24 hours.

We finally had enough energy (aka caffeine) to explore the city. Trastevere is a quaint part of Rome with all cobblestone streets and bustling alleyways and more pizza places than imaginable.

Later we did as the Italians do and headed out for a late dinner. We were hoping to stumble on to a hole in the wall restaurant with great Italian food and ended up at Tony's. Tony's is famous amongst the study abroad kids and we were planning on going the following night, but somehow by chance we ended up there and as we claimed later, it was fate. You don't go to Tony's. Tony's finds you. The night there ended with two tiramisu's on the house which were by far the most authentic and delicious tiramisu's any of us had tried. On our way out Tony made an effort to thank us for dining there and we made it very clear that we'd be back.

Muscles Marinera

Complimentary tiramisu for dessert

From dinner we rallied and made it out to the bars. Three bars and a round of flaming shots later we walked along the Tiber River and made it back to our apartment.