Rome: The History and Culture

The heart of Italy is full of history and rich culture, from Ancient Rome to the Renaissance. And luckily, Rome has so much to offer in both categories.

The Vatican Museums are a fantastic choice when you're searching for that blend of history. Be warned, though, that there are so many people there! We went on a Monday and thought we would beat the crowds...

At least I got to see some amazing works! Here is the famous "School of Athens"by Raphael.

Don't skip the fun part: Send a postcard through the well-known Vatican Post. (They say it's supposed to be efficient, but mine didn't arrive until I got back home a few weeks later!) But looking through all the cool stamps is still interesting...

Apart from museums, there is always the Rome Opera and Ballet. Since it was around the holidays, we went to see The Nutcracker, or Il Schiaccianoci in Italian. It was great to see how different the Italian interpretation is from American or Russian performances.

 The entrance. 

*Doors don't open until about 15 minutes before the show!

 While we were waiting...

 Programs cost 10 Euro, so I opted for a picture of the poster instead

Front row seats!

After the ballet, we decided to walk towards Piazza Navona, in search of gifts for friends and family. We had heard the market there had been mostly shut down but still wanted to see if there was anything left at all. Here was our answer...

Nothing but the obelisk, but this was pretty cool on its own.

Next we tried Campo de Fiori:

All we found was food! (And, seen here, a bunch of smelly pork)

Would love to come back in the spring when there is more fresh produce!

A week later, New Year's Eve rolled around. We chose to stay home (although I really wanted to see the fireworks in the city; they are visible from so many sites from the Colosseum to Piazza del Popolo). One of the "gifts" I had been searching for for the duration of my trip was La Befana, the Italian Christmas witch, another bit of the Italian culture. After looking absolutely everywhere possible, we stumbled across a whole collection at the grocery store! That's right, Carrefour, the least likely place, had a whole bunch in different colors. We chose green, brown, and gray, and they were only about 7 Euro each (and filled to the brim with Italian candy).

Here she is on our tree.

I left for the airport days later feeling satisfied, having found what I'd been looking for.

Roma on Those Nice, Warm Days

Although most of the year is warm (at least in my view), take advantage of the nicer, dryer days to experience Rome from the outside. From parks to squares to outdoor cafes, there's so much to do! My number one recommendation: visit the Orange Gardens, also known as Parco Savello, for great panoramic views of the entire city.

 Pretty, fragrant orange trees

 I don't recommend eating the fruit itself... A bit tart

Clear skies and bare trees of winter

Whatever you do, don't miss the super interesting Villa del Priorato di Malta, which features the site of a 10th century Benedictine monastery and the famous keyhole of Rome, which grants visitors an intriguing view of the Basilica at Vatican City:

(Not the best quality camera, for the Basilica isn't visible here...)

Another option is always the Colosseum, although you'll need several hours for this if you plan on visiting the Forum and Palatine Hill as well. The latter we didn't reach in time before it closed for New Year's, so I'll be going back this spring.

 View of Roman Forum from beside the Colosseum gift shop

Day                            vs.                    Night

Next stop: the Pantheon

I suggest reading up on its history; I vaguely remember seeing the name on a PowerPoint back in freshman year but definitely wanted to know more to appreciate the centuries-old architecture.

 The dome is really amazing...

Christmas in Rome

Experiencing Christmas in Rome is truly a rewarding experience. One of the top things on my to-do list: see Pope Francis.

The Pope normally appears from his own balcony to the right of the Basilica, but only twice a year does he give his blessing from the Basilica itself. And, if you arrive at St. Peter's Square early enough, you might have your own seat in the front instead of having to stand.

He's here!

Crowds, crowds, and more crowds...

 See the Swiss guards before they leave.

 The Nativity scene here is spectacular.

Catch a glimpse of the Tiber before the sun sets... Just a few minutes' walk from the Square and right by Castel Sant'Angelo. But don't bother stopping by any places to eat near the Square. They are tourist-oriented and the food is simply mediocre. If you're looking for quality and authenticity, make some time for the quaint neighborhood of Trastevere.

Roaming the Streets of Rome: Day One

My most recent trip was to the magnificent city of Rome, Italy. Luckily my mom lives there, so finding a place to stay wasn't a problem for us!

A look at my first day there:

 View of Piazza del Popolo

 Lots of fancy designer stores by via Condotti*

Perfect end to the day!

*Gelato tip: don't waste your time at gelato places right by the tourist attractions; the hidden shops are where the locals go and have the best variety. 

However, I do applaud one of the big names, Giolitti, whose creamy gelato was topped with whipped cream for free! I ordered a scoop of blueberry and one of oreo biscotti:

(Okay, I didn't spend all my time eating these amazing desserts...)

*A quick word about the shopping: If you simply want to visit your usual European/young adult fashion stores, your best bet is Via del Corso, even with the crowds. If, however, you might be looking for something truly unique, then any street close to urban areas will satisfy your needs. For example, if you're looking for wood products like the shops that make Pinocchio, you'll likely happen across one eventually. The one I visited on my way to the Pantheon is Bartolucci, which sold cute little wood toys and Pinocchio Standard dolls.