When in Rome

This past weekend started off with a bit of an emergency when one of my roommates, Courtney, accidentally burst her eardrum with a Q tip. Nina, another of my roommates, and I rushed her to the hospital, and by rushed I mean waited 20 minutes for the next train to come. It proved to be stressful and frustrating with the language barrier and long wait. We watched NCIS in Italian on the waiting room TV and speculated the possibility of the man waiting with us being in the mafia. Ok, the latter was only me and my imagination, but he dressed the part and it looked like his hand injury was from punching someone. After almost 3 hours, the doctor saw Courtney for about 5 minutes to tell her the ear specialist was not there, so she had to come back the next morning, and they prescribed her some antibiotics. She’ll be fully healed in 2 months, but she can’t do much in the meantime. Kind of a downer, but better now than later since she’s a swimmer and goes back to school midseason.

We remedied the negative energy with some shopping on Via del Corso. Of course most stores were out of our price range, though we were not even on the most expensive street, but we had fun window shopping and discovering the more reasonably priced stores. I found a few gems that could equal a tragedy on my money situation if I did not have more self-control. I broke down a little in H&M, our last stop, and bought black pants a la Audrey Hepburn. How could I turn those down? Perfect for when I visit the gelateria from Roman Holiday. From H&M, we turned the corner and stumbled upon the perfect little ristorante, Hostaria Al Vantaggio. 

I enjoyed the most delicious meal yet of risotto and house herbs, while we were serenaded by an accordion player. Oh yeah and don’t forget the tiramisu and the nutella gelato from earlier in the day. Let me pause to enforce the stereotype of Italy’s food groups: gelato, pasta, pizza, and caprese (tomato/mozzarella combination). This could easily be all I eat for the next 3 months.

Sunday and yesterday after class were filled with tours of the Colosseo and Palantine Hill (According to Roman mythology, where Romulus killed his brother Remus and founded Rome. Also, the centermost of Rome's seven hills). Typical tourist activities, but these are necessary at least a few times. I know I’m a true Roman underneath my excited picture taking and childlike awe of the monuments. I feel so privileged to explore ancient ruins after class. When in Rome! We couldn’t find the tour for Palantine Hill, so guess who came in handy? Lonely Planet! Talked us the whole way through. I wish Palatine Hill was free, because I would come regularly to read a book or do homework. Maybe even write a book of historical fiction. It’s pretty inspiring. I can imagine emperors from ancient times inhabiting those immense, opulent halls.

I will leave you with 2 style tips I’ve picked up:

For men: Don’t be caught without your side bag/satchel/purse (which ever word you prefer), a bonus if it is designer, such as Gucci.

For women: Heels, preferably wedges with all the cobblestone here, are a must, even on your vespa.