A Gallery to Remember

A day I remember fondly was the day I went to the Borghese Gallery. The gallery is filled with incredible sculptures by Bernini and Canova and paintings by Caravaggio. It is hard to believe that the place was in fact someones house who collected all this artwork. Each room is decorated impeccably with the ceilings and walls painted with amazing and three dimensional murals.

The details in the marbles are something I will never forget. It made me wonder why art like this is not created anymore. The conclusion was sadly simple, money. The consumer is in charge in an artist's world. Without anyone to fund artists to make marble sculptures, they turn to other creative works. A modern Bernini might go into animation or the film industries. I guess in a way today's sculptures are the details put into CGI models of life.

CG 

Naples and Positano

Naples and Positano... These two cities are practically foils for one another -- opposites in every way, but each with their own merits. Positano is a beautiful, elegant, and rather posh beach town that screams charm. It is absolutely no surprise to me that the Amalfi coast has what is considered the number one beaches in the world. Be warned however. It is a challenge to get to if you do not possess a car. From Naples, we took an hour and a half train ride to Sorrento followed by an uncomfortably crowded hour bus ride to Positano's edge. From there, probably about 200 to 300 steps await you to get to the beach. It is well worth it.

Naples, on the other hand, is rough around the edges. It is considered the third world of Italy for a reason and gives off an unsafe air of chaos in its streets. This said, every restaurant that I ate at was spectacular and every person I met personally was very nice. My advice in regards to Naples is be on your guard. Keep valuables underneath your clothes, do not go out late at night and be vigilant on the sidewalks as more than once I witnessed motorcycles and mopeds using them as roads. Finally, make sure to make time to go to the National Archaeological Museum of Naples where you will find artifacts from Pompeii and the fascinating room of indecency!

Pompeii

Pompeii was not what I expected. I had the idea in my head that the city would be filled with the shells of preserved people. However, what I found was an enormous city that had interesting artifacts, buildings and murals at every corner. Pack lots of water, sunscreen and a hat because Pompeii will take all day not only because it is fascinating (in fact, I wish I could have spent longer there) but because the maps provided are pretty terrible. My suggestion would be to grab an informational packet that is offered in many languages and gives information on every site in Pompeii and map out a road plan to where you would like to visit! I'd seriously suggest including the Mystery Villa in your travels!

On a Rainy Day

The weather here in Rome has been hot. However, when it rains here, it pours. The museums in Rome were a fantastic option for a rainy day. Wandering through the artifacts and sculptures gave me my first real insight on what ancient Rome would really be like. The Baths of Diocletian, Palazzo Altemps Museum, Palazzo Massimo and the Crypta Balbi were incredible to explore -- though exhausting so I'd recommend taking a couple of days to visit all the museums on the all inclusive ticket. One of my favorite artifacts in the Palazzo Massimo was the found in the basement among the impressive collection of ancient Roman coins. It was the mummy of an eight year old child over 2000 years old. One of a kind, this little girl died of asbestos poisoning and was mummified because her Roman family probably worshiped Isis, the Egyptian God. Below are some pictures from this exciting day!

A Cheap and Cheerful Adventure

One of my absolute favorite days on this trip has been pilgrimage day. This day adventure is something that anyone can do in Rome for free and results in the added bonus of being much better acquainted with the city and the saints of Catholicism. The idea was simple. We would go on our own pilgrimage finding churches and statues dedicated to the saints whose causes we identified with the most. It became our own scavenger hunt of sorts that lasted from 9 am to 6 pm that day. My Patron Saint was Saint Francis of Assisi, the animal protector saint, because I hope become a veterinarian in the future.

CG

The Main Drag with a Twist

I've found that the longer I stay here in Rome the more I realize that some of the iconic and well known spots have drastically different appeals depending on when you visit them.

For example, I recommend visiting the Il Pincio above the Piazza del Popolo at sunset. This beautiful terrace is the beginning of the Villa Borghese, the largest public park in Rome. It offers spectacular views of the whole city of Rome often accompanied by the soft croonings of street musicians. While I had visited this spot during the day and loved it immensely, the sunset atmosphere was more relaxed and quieter.

Il Pincio Sunset

Il Pincio in Daylight

The beautiful Castel Sant'Angelo is worth a visit at night. The castle is lit up beautifully and you can admire Bernini's sculptures on the bridge in another darker light. The castle is almost menacing and contrasts greatly with the flurry of people below. I'd recommend a walk along the Tiber river while you are there!

Castel Sant'Angelo at Midnight

Castel Sant'Angelo in Daylight

  CG

The Cinque Terre Experience

The Cinque Terre region is a place in Italy you can not miss. The hikes are challenging, but rewarding with unparallel views. The markets (the strawberries here are unlike anything I've experienced before), local churches, and building architecture styles in the five coastal towns were a delight to explore. The Cinque Terre is the ultimate get-a-way for beach goers looking for beautiful white marble beaches and a salty refreshing ocean. Below are some photos to entice you!

The Only Church in Riomaggiore

Riomaggiore

A View of Riomaggiore

The Busy Manarola Main Street

Manarola

Vernazza

Rio Sunset

CG


 

Street Smarts

A hiccup on my travels thus far has given me a new advice topic! How to remain vigilant and protect yourself and valuables from the thieves of Rome! My Iphone was stolen today as I ate my lunch -- partially due to negligence on my part and lack of knowledge about the classic tricks that people employ to steal.

Article worthy of a read: http://9gag.com/gag/a09mOAZ

I firmly believe the more you know about the types of tricks that are common, the more likely you will be able to recognize them and act appropriately. Here are a few of the tricks I have witnessed or unfortunately have succumbed to.

THE PHONE MAP GRAB

This method is how I lost my phone. If a stranger comes up to you asking for directions with a map make sure to have nothing valuable out in the open. He can place his map on the desired item and fold it into the map when he walks away.

THE ROSE SCAM

At all the major tourist sites, especially at the Spanish Steps, men will try to give you roses claiming that they are gifts. If you take them, they will make a scene until you pay them. Often times, these men will try to force the flower into your hand. You must not take it or pay the price!

THE TRAIN STATION HELPER

Many people in nonofficial clothing will come up to you offering their help if you look lost and confused. They do not work for the train station and will extort large amounts of money from you if you ask any questions.

THE ATM CROWD

Make sure you have friends with you when you use the ATM one method to get your pin number is to simply surround you so that at least one thief will see the digits.

MUSIC PERFORMERS

Do not take pictures of street musicians and other performers in Rome. They will force you to pay for the picture.

Food. It's a Necessity.

When the hunger hits, it is so easy to just step out of the hotel and wander down the main street, settling on the first Italian restaurant you see. DON'T. Earn your decadent carbs by walking away from the main drag and finding restaurants that don't scream tourist! It is the only way to get authentic and delicious Italian food (I learned this the hard way). Here are a few of my and my peers' finds!

L'archetto Spagetteria is located near the Piazza Navona, but off a small street away from the busy tourist spot. We knew we had found a gem as soon as we saw that the customers were primarily locals. This is the place to get spaghetti. There is no shortage in choice with the menu boasting over 30 types of spaghetti. I'd recommend the Nuclear Bomb spaghetti!

Maccheroni Ristorante is on a small street that leads to the Pantheon and offers absolutely delicious Italian food. Anything on this menu is worth your time. My favorite part of this restaurant is sitting at an outside table watching the business men in fancy suits and the women with their children walking by. It is the ideal place to people watch and see what the real Roma is like!

Inside the Pantheon, a short walk from Maccheroni!

Pasta Love is a great restaurant located in the heart of Rome (the closest landmark probably being the Termini Train Station). The atmosphere in the restaurant was what made me love the place. The walls were covered in wine corks and the restaurant was cool and quiet. They offer free champagne, bread, and dessert biscottes with fair priced meals.

CG

Roma Caffeine Rush

The city of Rome is a sensory overload. There is so much to see, taste and experience. The first hurdle I have faced here is, without a doubt, jet lag! In fact, I am writing this very post in a semi-comatose state. With so much to see and so few hours in the day, I need to make the most of the city! Thus, I have chosen a few INCREDIBLE cafes to share that have, in my opinion, killer cappuccinos.

First up is the Tazza D'Oro next to the Pantheon. The self proclaimed best coffee in the world does not disappoint. Their famous iced coffees and cappuccinos are only 2 euros and offer a spectacular view of the pantheon (see below).

Another coffee shop worth a look is my personal favorite. Canova Tadolini is located a short walk from the Piazza Del Popolo and is a unique blend of art, history, and of course coffee! The former workshop of the famed sculptor Canova and his apprentice Tadolini is packed with impressive sculptures and doubles as a museum in the evenings after the rush of lunch.

My final place to get a great cappuccino is not in Rome at all, but instead Riomaggiore, Cinque Terre. The Bar Vino, a three minute walk from the train station, offers great cappuccinos and a spectacular view of the coast line.   

CG

   

The Journey is Half the Battle

Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport is italy’s largest airport and I have to say I was pleasantly surprised. It is honestly very easy to navigate. There are signs in English and helpful people to point you in the right direction. When getting from the airport to the city center, you have three main choices: taxi, train or shuttle. I’d recommend the train. Taxi is pretty expensive (forty to fifty euros and you will be overcharged if you look touristy). A shuttle is an option if you are staying in a large hotel (for example the Best Western).The train is non-stop to Roma Termini, the city center, and costs anywhere from 4 euros to 16 euros. I paid 16 euros (I must have been rocking the lost and intimdated tourist look, you know?) The train from the airport to the city center was a great introduction to Italy. There are beautiful views of the countryside and interesting people to talk to! Mr. Polish Cello guy entertained me with self-deprecating cello jokes while I explained to him that indeed hitchhiking is technically illegal in the U.S., answering other equally random questions he had.

Navigating through the streets of Rome with luggage in tow was another story. An easy five minute walk to the hotel took us about twenty minutes. TRAVEL LIGHT. Also I am sorry to all those toes I ran over on the race across the busy round a bout streets Oh that’s another thing. Remember pedestrians do NOT have right a way here. They will stop for you if you are already in the crosswalk and probably honk. But they will not hestitate to speed in front of you. Stay vigilant soldier or you will lose a limb. I predict one of us will get hit by the time we leave. I don’t know why people say I’m a pessimist…