From Roma with Love!

We stepped off the bus in Rome and were immediately swept up in the touristy hustle and bustle. A McDonalds loomed at every corner, degrading the charm of such an ancient city. As soon as we dropped our bags in the hotel, our director Cristian Muscelli took us around some less crowded districts, called riones, of Rome.

This street was part of an area called Rione I Monti which is the place to be for the younger crowd in Rome and had a really fun, almost hipster, night life. We came back to experience the night life with a travel writer we had met and it was so much fun. As we continued walking we passed the "house" of the Italian President which is not, by any means, just a house but a mansion. It was commissioned by a Pope centuries ago as it used to be their residence before the separation of church and state. The way you can tell which monuments, buildings, and even fountains have been commissioned by a pope is the symbol of a crown flanked by two keys above the sigil of the family that pope came from.

The following day consisted of SO MUCH FOOD it was amazing. A guided food and wine tour in the morning took us around the area of Piazza Navona. The group sampled pastas, bread, and cannolis along with cheese, gelato, and local wine which I could sample as well. The tour took us around more historical landmarks such as the Jewish Ghetto and the Campo dei Fiori Market. Campo Dei Fiori was a popular square for executions to take place and is home to the statue of Giordano Bruno who was executed there for heresy. His statue was resurrected after the government changed in order to honor the right of the citizens to exercise free speech. After a rest and more wandering, I went in search of MORE food and found the most remarkable gluten free cannoli, white pizza, and tiramisu. I was so stuffed.

Of course we had to see the classic Rome destinations consisting of the Colosseum, Roman Forum and Trevi Fountain. The Forum was my favorite because I felt like I was walking through history and could see how it was known the heart of the city. Unfortunately, much of the Colosseum was being renovated but it was still quite magical and fun to walk through the museum and peruse artifacts and recreated models of the structure in its prime.

mid-morning light at the Colosseum (note the archeological renovations happening on the ground level)

(highlights of the Roman Forum)

(Pantheon and Trevi Fountain)

Yesterday we arrived in Ascoli and settled in. This weekend I will update you on exploring and getting oriented to our home base for the next three months!