tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20488035439745555562024-03-14T05:48:26.015-07:00Gaby Around the WorldBits of wisdom from a long time expat. I talk about moving, raising children overseas, and about everything I've learned while living abroad. I'm currently living in Rome, so I have plenty of tips about traveling around Italy. TravelingGabyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07951762337099658993noreply@blogger.comBlogger100125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2048803543974555556.post-47546739138058582932016-04-27T20:16:00.000-07:002016-04-27T20:19:01.714-07:00Getting Your Flower Fix in Rome<h3>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #181818; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif;"><i>“The earth laughs in flowers.” Ralph Waldo Emerson</i></span></span></h3>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeIXfmSDHrmu84m4tgmtl1yiBqDxMs_z4O-kkfUmIj9gdl8D_YrlvSOL-65g6DiW4TlnhLjsZZ5Win174mcUuLt6CIpq0E9havNFPzWWBJ-_untyRyQxfRSguNUe-vzLkKk70NtItOSrM/s1600/springRome.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeIXfmSDHrmu84m4tgmtl1yiBqDxMs_z4O-kkfUmIj9gdl8D_YrlvSOL-65g6DiW4TlnhLjsZZ5Win174mcUuLt6CIpq0E9havNFPzWWBJ-_untyRyQxfRSguNUe-vzLkKk70NtItOSrM/s640/springRome.jpg" width="516" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="color: #181818;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif;"><br /></span></span></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #181818;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif;">Rome is a beautiful city, but in spring time, it's like the prettiest woman wearing her best dress. There are many ways to enjoy spring to the max in Rome. </span><span style="font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif;">Read</span><span style="font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif;"> on to see where to get your flower fix!</span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: #181818;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #181818;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif;"><b>1. The Rose Garden</b></span></span></span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD64wFLvffWkWIuUfLeHKezoPi7n6PskA4lrxjSNm7OU39gI4K3J_-hZhf0eXH3MK9MJseO1of5pwYcp6n_itfcVrRZP0011aQFFTTme69dBBbzYFjbLa_rNhvFE06aTvJPQR-LGUVntM/s1600/IMG_3514.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD64wFLvffWkWIuUfLeHKezoPi7n6PskA4lrxjSNm7OU39gI4K3J_-hZhf0eXH3MK9MJseO1of5pwYcp6n_itfcVrRZP0011aQFFTTme69dBBbzYFjbLa_rNhvFE06aTvJPQR-LGUVntM/s1600/IMG_3514.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="123" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD64wFLvffWkWIuUfLeHKezoPi7n6PskA4lrxjSNm7OU39gI4K3J_-hZhf0eXH3MK9MJseO1of5pwYcp6n_itfcVrRZP0011aQFFTTme69dBBbzYFjbLa_rNhvFE06aTvJPQR-LGUVntM/s200/IMG_3514.jpg" width="200" /></a>R<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif; text-align: justify;">ome's rose garden is a magical place, open to the public from</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif; text-align: justify;">April to June ( April 21st to June 19th this year). Over a thousand types of roses are in bloom and their perfume is something you will never forget. Address: Via di Valle Murcia 6. You can get there taking the metro's B line and getting off at the Circo Massimo exit. It's hours of operations are 8:30 am to 7:30 pm.</span><br />
<span style="color: #181818;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="color: #181818;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif;"><b>2. Flowers on the Spanish Steps</b></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #181818;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif;"><b><br /></b></span></span></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheRSKYm3cI5WwzOgz3jhg1Picis4mBUomjKoOUe58c2PKmi2r7Ef3fTh5JX-qGrxysledDyvwEWgAkFXhBUg3Rq71XW9vHJBSod_MTaHjLausYbrpZuPKXKWCr3_WofdZ4mjiqlesjXms/s1600/SpanishStepsAzaleas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="402" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheRSKYm3cI5WwzOgz3jhg1Picis4mBUomjKoOUe58c2PKmi2r7Ef3fTh5JX-qGrxysledDyvwEWgAkFXhBUg3Rq71XW9vHJBSod_MTaHjLausYbrpZuPKXKWCr3_WofdZ4mjiqlesjXms/s640/SpanishStepsAzaleas.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #181818;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif;">The Spanish Steps are a great spot to take a break from all the walking you do around Rome. Tourists and locals alike sit down in these ancient steps and enjoy the view of downtown Rome and the fashion houses around Via Condotti. In spring, the city displays hundreds of azaleas in bloom making this spot even more memorable. This year however, because of the maintenance being performed to the ancient steps, the azalea display will be moved to the steps of the Campidoglio (Rome's city hall).</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #181818;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #181818;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif;"><b>3. The Garden of Ninfa</b></span></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn77yTZIcTRskyrRzJ-MKpqA4RTK-D1H3l7gcFG8unhjF0BiOoRSUUdTcrEp-6Z9lwKj8y6VP8_ou3M4pP7K9nPuQfl8ZHwx0SFPso4u7crvc5gRWIQUDaN4Bn7nnefCiJ1e3UXNcMH5s/s1600/NinfaGarden.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="602" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn77yTZIcTRskyrRzJ-MKpqA4RTK-D1H3l7gcFG8unhjF0BiOoRSUUdTcrEp-6Z9lwKj8y6VP8_ou3M4pP7K9nPuQfl8ZHwx0SFPso4u7crvc5gRWIQUDaN4Bn7nnefCiJ1e3UXNcMH5s/s640/NinfaGarden.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #181818;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #181818;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif;">This garden is for serious flower lovers, it is one of the most beautiful gardens in the world! It is located outside of Rome's city center so you will need to arrange transportation there, but it is a paradise on earth. There are guided tours and now you can make reservations online. <a href="http://www.fondazionecaetani.org/visita_ninfa.php" target="_blank">Click here</a> for more information. <b><u>They only allow a small number of people to visit the gardens every year</u></b>. So if you are serious about adding this stop to your itinerary, <b><u>plan ahead.</u></b></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #181818;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif;"><b>4. Villa D'Este</b></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #181818;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif;">Located 30 minutes outside of Rome in Tivoli, Villa D'Este with it's 16th century garden is one of the best examples of a Renaissance garden. Adorned with fountains and statues, it will make you feel like a queen or king, especially during the spring time.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #181818;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1chVmCpG1NibXr9M8knxxBNAw50xLtucxYX7K_w4jE4rLrTIzc9zjx1rhOdnBJ-xOUdHvKR8gYkn-TnYdmcvHgKHc4g0Zg2XbdinQizI_oF_YTikb2DkPqpNlUk1JHsoHjp1D7MTqwM0/s1600/VillaD%2527Este.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="602" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1chVmCpG1NibXr9M8knxxBNAw50xLtucxYX7K_w4jE4rLrTIzc9zjx1rhOdnBJ-xOUdHvKR8gYkn-TnYdmcvHgKHc4g0Zg2XbdinQizI_oF_YTikb2DkPqpNlUk1JHsoHjp1D7MTqwM0/s640/VillaD%2527Este.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #181818;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: #181818;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="color: #181818;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif;">If you are planning to visit Rome in April or May, make sure you get your flower fix in these top four <a href="http://gabyaroundtheworld.blogspot.com/2015/04/garden-inspirations-from-roman-emperor.html" target="_blank">Roman gardens</a> and find inspiration for your own garden at home.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #181818;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="color: #181818;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif;">Arrivederci for now,</span></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #181818;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<br />
<a href="https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/25485705/Captura%20de%20pantalla%202014-01-15%20a%20las%2017.23.45.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/25485705/Captura%20de%20pantalla%202014-01-15%20a%20las%2017.23.45.png" /></a><br />
<br />TravelingGabyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07951762337099658993noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2048803543974555556.post-12433379570553948022016-02-26T13:00:00.003-08:002016-02-26T13:26:16.451-08:00Alfajores Recipe<h3>
<span style="background-color: white;"><i><span style="font-family: "verdana" , "arial"text-align: center;">"Sweets for my sweet, sugar for my honey; I'll never ever let you go" from Sweets for my Sweet by The Drifters</span></i></span></h3>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white;"><i><span style="font-family: "verdana" , "arial"text-align: center;"><br /></span></i></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf29DgW1tO4oVZzPQfyiYttgAikqZ4h3ynVTtmrNY9-QK5L1zMLUuhz44uqHGENynzUe6_uUiEu2ZxoIJSnb_MuYn5zBd7PCwQIHnJlxC7PbQaJjfHoHHQyfUT0s1kN5oPUdzGLC_-Yr4/s1600/Alfajores.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="436" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf29DgW1tO4oVZzPQfyiYttgAikqZ4h3ynVTtmrNY9-QK5L1zMLUuhz44uqHGENynzUe6_uUiEu2ZxoIJSnb_MuYn5zBd7PCwQIHnJlxC7PbQaJjfHoHHQyfUT0s1kN5oPUdzGLC_-Yr4/s640/Alfajores.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Hello! We are still in February, the month of love, the shortest month of the year. Did you celebrate Valentine's Day? Do you hate #ValentinesDay? I've been married for many years now, and there have been times when we just didn't bother celebrating. Maybe we've been married for too long, maybe it fell on a Tuesday... </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
This past Valentines Day I read several posts from single friends against this particular celebration of love. And yes, I know, it's all about the marketing and marking up the price of chocolates and roses. But I've said it before, there is nothing wrong with buying roses on February 18th, they will still be appreciated. So <b>why restrict the celebration of love to one day or one type of love</b>. Life is too short to put restrictions on LOVE!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg27UjGLYEg1myBrQmxTybK2Eq8aotbJ4V3ox9ox4seo1klAOdRK6HEEVq1nfc1QbCcTIoLBNBYMcTrbR0MnoTQKBw7KNEz2zbQF_ueCBIk27VUMKf5QJRbZxp4kDNLHx46c55GeLpLh8U/s1600/recipe+alfajores.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg27UjGLYEg1myBrQmxTybK2Eq8aotbJ4V3ox9ox4seo1klAOdRK6HEEVq1nfc1QbCcTIoLBNBYMcTrbR0MnoTQKBw7KNEz2zbQF_ueCBIk27VUMKf5QJRbZxp4kDNLHx46c55GeLpLh8U/s400/recipe+alfajores.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
If you associate love with sweetness like I do, <b>here is a great <a href="http://gabyaroundtheworld.blogspot.com/2013/12/a-recipe-thief-making-connections.html" target="_blank">recipe</a> for Alfajores</b>. If you've never tried them, they are a <b>South American sandwich cookie filled with caramel.</b> Oh yeah! That spells L-O-V-E in my dictionary.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Mix the flour, cornstarch and powder sugar in a bowl. Incorporate the butter until you have an oatmeal-looking mix. Add cold milk little by little while mixing it in, until your dough comes together. This should feel like a pie crust dough or sugar cookie dough. Make a ball with your dough, and cover it with plastic wrap.Let your dough rest in the refrigerator for thirty minutes. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Then, work in batches. Take a piece of dough, roll it out and cut circles with a small glass of a round cookie cutter. Bake the rounds for 12 minutes in a 300 degree oven. The circles should stay white. Let them cool.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Take some caramel and spread it on a cicle. Cover with another cookie, making a sandwich. If you get creative you can make them in heart shapes as an extra way to show your love. Last step, but very important one, sprinkle with powder sugar and enjoy!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIm77I2-e2gDWMANl8mAigGHHpCRouhE4N7CFul3wJdUGgK-_z-IUbNFP-aqLqtCx1rgskOhDKkQpQYmnjl-r-3i-qAA-cXTrRf_SkDZIvQWUYG-85BW0Lj5JWkwLb_LwXaU4wRScW6tY/s1600/FotosAlfajores.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIm77I2-e2gDWMANl8mAigGHHpCRouhE4N7CFul3wJdUGgK-_z-IUbNFP-aqLqtCx1rgskOhDKkQpQYmnjl-r-3i-qAA-cXTrRf_SkDZIvQWUYG-85BW0Lj5JWkwLb_LwXaU4wRScW6tY/s640/FotosAlfajores.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
Arrivederci for now,<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/25485705/Captura%20de%20pantalla%202014-01-15%20a%20las%2017.23.45.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/25485705/Captura%20de%20pantalla%202014-01-15%20a%20las%2017.23.45.png" /></a><br />
<br />TravelingGabyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07951762337099658993noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2048803543974555556.post-65674478028976837392016-01-10T19:53:00.000-08:002016-01-10T19:53:54.669-08:00Off The Beaten Path: Orvieto<h3 style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif;"><i>“A day spent without the sight or sound of beauty, the contemplation of mystery, or the search of truth is a poverty-stricken day; and a succession of such days is fatal to human life.” Lewis Mumford</i></span></h3>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDSbAbZpt4p2n1uOgfBi0npber_D3byWD5ptyCvYDCx9BYOfvPcQsZeuNUdyid9hc7y0pRuz-38rlUcRYAjdfiYYfoiHwbl7ocrD67eIM1cBgekiLfvObeycFeezQq8P58oybm-15s7sM/s1600/Orvieto.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDSbAbZpt4p2n1uOgfBi0npber_D3byWD5ptyCvYDCx9BYOfvPcQsZeuNUdyid9hc7y0pRuz-38rlUcRYAjdfiYYfoiHwbl7ocrD67eIM1cBgekiLfvObeycFeezQq8P58oybm-15s7sM/s640/Orvieto.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Sometimes we have this idea that in order to disconnect and recharge we have to go to far away lands or to an exotic paradise. While living in Italy, I was hoping to see all its regions and whenever I had a chance to travel, I went to destinations as far from Rome as possible. I kept putting <b><u>nearby day-trips</u></b> aside for later.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Finally, one day I decided to <b><u>visit Orvieto</u></b>, a town north of Rome, located in the Umbria region and <u><b>only an hour and a half drive from Rome</b></u>. I've heard of it, but I didn't know the true jewel I was going to find there. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUFKVNv7mjB2Sf4BZTCcvqarc0uH6ZmRRMDQs_d7e67Oau1mUOfe95DpU0LjmlCrUSBCDSRLrg2XOv6JuAWOOleINFG2pUebJBOG2UNxB-p0S3VMUvLhwYqXIKykX1_G4OMsKiQYp38to/s1600/OrvietoCountrySide.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUFKVNv7mjB2Sf4BZTCcvqarc0uH6ZmRRMDQs_d7e67Oau1mUOfe95DpU0LjmlCrUSBCDSRLrg2XOv6JuAWOOleINFG2pUebJBOG2UNxB-p0S3VMUvLhwYqXIKykX1_G4OMsKiQYp38to/s400/OrvietoCountrySide.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>TIP: </b>Many times, due to time constrains, travelers have to decide between visiting the north or the south of Italy. <b><u>If you choose to tour Southern Italy, a visit to Orvieto will give you a taste of the northern medieval towns </u></b>without too much of a detour from Rome. The town sits on top of a hill and once you get there there is a fantastic view of the country side from the municipal parking area. </div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I was fascinated by the charm of Orvieto. Its cathedral with horizontal black and white stripes on its sides and vertical pink and blue lines on the facade, in addition to the elaborate decorative stone work is so beautiful you want to sit on the other side of the piazza and just stare at it for a while. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Another spot you <b><u>must visit in Orvieto is Saint Patrick's Well</u></b>. Completed in the year 1,537 was originally commissioned by Pope Clemente VII to ensure proper water supply for the city during times of turmoil. <b><u> The engineering of the well is impressive.</u></b> A center circular shaft 200 feet deep is surrounded by two spiral staircases built in such way that they don't ever collide. It was design so two mules could access the well at the same time without crossing paths. Each staircase has 248 steps, and for the modest sum of five euro and a little bit of courage, you can descend to the bottom of the well. A fantastic experience! Make sure to take breaks and look up or down through the arched windows that provide light to the entire structure.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtSg4s6Ic0IY3TaftwxfVUEtfYw93AUqMSs_y1BL5AmfZ-EcFD485YPAIgNUCCFCFYQK95bW18iXU7RFoRsRqOBDAVv9L8-It2iimr6UtIMXQmPVvKsq7sFoDbgAAPRajKin95MCLfBJc/s1600/StPatricksWell.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="488" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtSg4s6Ic0IY3TaftwxfVUEtfYw93AUqMSs_y1BL5AmfZ-EcFD485YPAIgNUCCFCFYQK95bW18iXU7RFoRsRqOBDAVv9L8-It2iimr6UtIMXQmPVvKsq7sFoDbgAAPRajKin95MCLfBJc/s640/StPatricksWell.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
If you are tired after the stair master class, take a break on the main piazza, sipping some wine and maybe buying the beautiful umbrian pottery.<br />
<br />
That is all for today, arrivederci amici!<br />
<br />
<a href="https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/25485705/Captura%20de%20pantalla%202014-01-15%20a%20las%2017.23.45.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/25485705/Captura%20de%20pantalla%202014-01-15%20a%20las%2017.23.45.png" /></a><br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13042229919670027756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2048803543974555556.post-6703300192423732292015-12-03T12:24:00.003-08:002015-12-03T12:24:49.202-08:00Thing To Do While in Rome: The Trevi Fountain
<h3>
<i>"Marcello, come here, hurry up!" Anita Ekberg as Sylivia in La Dolce Vita</i></h3>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The Trevi Fountain is one of the most magical spots in Rome, and after going through seventeen months of renovations it reopened to the public last month. <b><u>A stop at the fountain is a must for any visitor.</u></b> The legend says that <u><b>if you throw a coin into the fountain, you will come back to Rome</b></u>, and who doesn't want to be back! I threw more than one coin and I hope to be back soon.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirw-lnOglFNht1wGSP1A9GHgEB2F8bnRDg5huJBpiUeEecyh67tGXZXaKGLbE986AvK5DGie-AZI50_EgT2tfPhP2c3MsjkuwEf3kHQwpWJS3diB5p8K79ksj2Xtcgimw9y7SjH_pKOq8/s1600/Detail+Trevi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="488" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirw-lnOglFNht1wGSP1A9GHgEB2F8bnRDg5huJBpiUeEecyh67tGXZXaKGLbE986AvK5DGie-AZI50_EgT2tfPhP2c3MsjkuwEf3kHQwpWJS3diB5p8K79ksj2Xtcgimw9y7SjH_pKOq8/s640/Detail+Trevi.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="text-align: start;">The streets that lead you to the <a href="http://gabyaroundtheworld.blogspot.it/2014/11/rome-on-budget-amazing-statues.html" target="_blank">fountain</a> are typical narrow cobble-stone alleys and when you turn the corner and the area opens up to this wonderful fountain you do need a a few seconds to contemplate it and take it all in. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The fountain is a iconic symbol of the city. It represents the taming of the waters by Oceanus, the god of the seas. It beautifies the facade of a historic building and is so large in size that overpowers the small square that hosts it. This fantastic fountain was featured in <a href="http://gabyaroundtheworld.blogspot.it/2014/06/things-to-do-while-in-rome-visit-to.html" target="_blank">Fellini's film</a> La Dolce Vita. In the film, a beautiful and voluptuous Anita Edberg, wondering the streets of Rome late at night, stumbles upon the fountain, and gets in it calling her love interest, a very handsome Marcello Mastroianni, who eventually gives up and joins her. If you have not seen the movie, check out the<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3o15UTomYsc" target="_blank"> scene here</a>.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoZ95-0Io8IBo5Ny2tsLF_m5L5pK-IFFd0Jb1A4NEywGGC8L5Arb2IKQKk-fsaVu3iF2ni3JpTJLX_KwpbqV9y40ZWvvPwzskc3WcdvKJCIXHGGEPGCCUnDdPQczDlosWKhzSQ39Tzixg/s1600/Trevi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoZ95-0Io8IBo5Ny2tsLF_m5L5pK-IFFd0Jb1A4NEywGGC8L5Arb2IKQKk-fsaVu3iF2ni3JpTJLX_KwpbqV9y40ZWvvPwzskc3WcdvKJCIXHGGEPGCCUnDdPQczDlosWKhzSQ39Tzixg/s640/Trevi.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The fountain dates back to 1762 and it is fed by one of the oldest aqueducts of the city of Rome. It is a busy tourist spot but <u><b>if you get there early in the morning you might just have it all to yourself</b></u>. Of course the fountain becomes even more beautiful at night, and now, after the renovation, night-time illumination has improved tremendously. </div>
<br />
If you happen to be visiting the fountain close to dinner time, eat at <a href="http://www.ristorantealmororoma.com/" target="_blank">trattoria Al Moro</a> (Vicolo delle Bollette 13, Phone 06.67.83.495). Is always better to make reservations. They are known for their typical Roman cuisine, and everything I tried there was wonderful. (If you want to learn more about <a href="http://gabyaroundtheworld.blogspot.it/2014/01/italian-food-what-to-order-while-in.html" target="_blank">what dishes to order when in Rome read this</a>)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjISTbuMf3n_0W4-Sdfj0PDe3zP_ZFbN5-tN0lAThsNCX98lYrCnrR5Ni_qWFI0jbHR2Sis9nXmdouXZBqM-lefvAXVcRfM5wfjr4N2_FnAm_CkEjZFPi6yRXTxI6U0qB7K9xF2CKbudUg/s1600/Trevi+Night.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjISTbuMf3n_0W4-Sdfj0PDe3zP_ZFbN5-tN0lAThsNCX98lYrCnrR5Ni_qWFI0jbHR2Sis9nXmdouXZBqM-lefvAXVcRfM5wfjr4N2_FnAm_CkEjZFPi6yRXTxI6U0qB7K9xF2CKbudUg/s640/Trevi+Night.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I hope you get to visit this wonderful piece of history and don't forget to throw your coin to ensure your return to Rome!!<br />
<br />
Arrivederci for now,<br />
<br />
<a href="https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/25485705/Captura%20de%20pantalla%202014-01-15%20a%20las%2017.23.45.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/25485705/Captura%20de%20pantalla%202014-01-15%20a%20las%2017.23.45.png" /></a>TravelingGabyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07951762337099658993noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2048803543974555556.post-31914487964853345462015-11-19T08:24:00.002-08:002015-11-19T08:40:50.340-08:00Decorating with European Flair<h3>
<i>"The ornament of a house is the friends who frequent it." Ralph Waldo Emerson</i></h3>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I've been searching for inspiration ideas that I can use to make my home have more of a European flair. I understand that architecture styles and features are vastly different, and I do like modern and minimalist as much as I like the charm of the old world. Is there a way to possibly mix them both? I think so! And since I have not found much after hours on <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/TravelingGaby/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a>, I've decided to write a list of the things I loved while living in Europe so I can refresh my memory and help myself focus at my task... this exercise may help you too, so read on!</div>
<br />
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
Things I Love About European Decor:</h3>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4GWqCsgU34-zIl7Ey-4_apYqx9xgayZIHBJcLIPTpfYsFSlUx4JEql5WkyJnBlwyoxBzsToNO5lwq71cTXawgtrrJddpsEEZE68Vdy7GCi_KVE8GAECB10Qhyphenhyphenz7i-1H1BCGQEjYOFHaI/s1600/EuropeanDecor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4GWqCsgU34-zIl7Ey-4_apYqx9xgayZIHBJcLIPTpfYsFSlUx4JEql5WkyJnBlwyoxBzsToNO5lwq71cTXawgtrrJddpsEEZE68Vdy7GCi_KVE8GAECB10Qhyphenhyphenz7i-1H1BCGQEjYOFHaI/s640/EuropeanDecor.jpg" width="580" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>1. Not everything matches! </b>In America we tend to want a furniture set, a bedroom set, everything has to match perfectly. I have news for you, <b><u>in Europe they tend to mix new pieces they love with pieces they have</u>.</b> My friend Joana, who is a master at mixing and matching, applied the idea to her dinning china, every plate she owns is different, every tea cup is unique, and it works!! She can pull it off, I hope you can do too.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJwVW0syUnUm6O2CE6P6mn2BllYTSCJx0TATX4qpaEQlV5bcID7_eiQ1663vE4I_1ulinFcUbacGIpeybzYp1L08XzC16GugS71toQhfLAt_Jvm86bO1Qbhl0rQq1M-g9ShTp7uWUAhs0/s1600/EuropeanDecorPieces.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJwVW0syUnUm6O2CE6P6mn2BllYTSCJx0TATX4qpaEQlV5bcID7_eiQ1663vE4I_1ulinFcUbacGIpeybzYp1L08XzC16GugS71toQhfLAt_Jvm86bO1Qbhl0rQq1M-g9ShTp7uWUAhs0/s320/EuropeanDecorPieces.jpg" width="211" /></a><b><u>2. Pieces with History:</u></b> Some pieces can be passed down from one generation to the next, and even though you may have a different taste than your grandmother, one separate piece can find a spot in your decor and you will even have a cool story to tell about it. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><u>3. Texture:</u></b> Because most places are old in Europe, you have many textured walls done with plaster, and the effect of a nice bright painting over an old wall is magnificent. Old and new, keeping your history and looking into the future. Isn't that what life is all about? To try to recreate the effect, check out the <a href="http://www.ralphlaurenpaint.com/specialty_finishes/polished_patina" target="_blank">Ralph Lauren Polished Patina f</a>inish and you'll know exactly what I am talking about.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><u>4. Small is O.K.:</u></b> Most people wish for a bigger place. <b> <u>Small can be wonderful too.</u></b> And bigger some times is just bigger (not better). It's all about picking you pieces well and utilizing your space to the max. Have you ever seen the terraces of European apartments? The bottom one in the photo is at <a href="http://gabyaroundtheworld.blogspot.com/2014/03/what-to-see-while-in-rome-piazza-navona.html" target="_blank">Piazza Navona</a>, Rome. Tiny but full of life!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrFnjYq4cYvVBACyb2OgFM-OCNmkDO9G0gV2KiGA1w-cfKtXmHEXYIrbsZCYmXHYP8gwhRhC4vyncNZtPe2q-9uoVgO6hGomNZk4sZXgXSC9pYSC_DyW-NVCNPC7USQ82sbx0iQbdj1sQ/s1600/SmallSpaces.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrFnjYq4cYvVBACyb2OgFM-OCNmkDO9G0gV2KiGA1w-cfKtXmHEXYIrbsZCYmXHYP8gwhRhC4vyncNZtPe2q-9uoVgO6hGomNZk4sZXgXSC9pYSC_DyW-NVCNPC7USQ82sbx0iQbdj1sQ/s640/SmallSpaces.jpg" width="492" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>5. The Magic is on the Details:</b> Crown molding, a special fabric on a pillow, tussles, you can find beauty on the details for sure. If you cannot afford a new sofa, maybe you can afford a new throw to embellish the piece. <br />
<br />
I believe you should get a sense of peace and harmony when you step into your home....at least for one second before the kids start with "mom, I'm hungry!".<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl-MCZlfWbBDMS4qqg_Mu1oppcW78m9q-qs1XIJe4ZmtrABExozhh6KxUy9Evcqobod4dAO4Yq55NlhMgXXdZ7faw2aX_-468pWAX7qxzbtb8c2RBq8FKnCyV_pK4RYLBtTkevnyZoL4s/s1600/EuropeanDinning.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl-MCZlfWbBDMS4qqg_Mu1oppcW78m9q-qs1XIJe4ZmtrABExozhh6KxUy9Evcqobod4dAO4Yq55NlhMgXXdZ7faw2aX_-468pWAX7qxzbtb8c2RBq8FKnCyV_pK4RYLBtTkevnyZoL4s/s640/EuropeanDinning.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
And that is all for today. Arrivederci for now,<br />
<br />
<a href="https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/25485705/Captura%20de%20pantalla%202014-01-15%20a%20las%2017.23.45.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/25485705/Captura%20de%20pantalla%202014-01-15%20a%20las%2017.23.45.png" /></a><br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13042229919670027756noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2048803543974555556.post-84076901908538574042015-10-30T06:57:00.000-07:002015-10-30T06:57:29.490-07:005 Tips for Celebrating Halloween Overseas<h3>
<i>"For some of us, Halloween is everyday" Tim Burton</i></h3>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQn8dY6yAEC0m0YtEXWISMluI-nk5dONm_XSc9f0peReQoTEEPtVGVrqXNetRqErZIHn1KuVJEFFZi6EuJmB0BuMci1DKjn2zIEJ8vwz8MuxZCCF17pCG1qCRz9P81NP3Oq7i-T7vzpng/s1600/TipsHalloween.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQn8dY6yAEC0m0YtEXWISMluI-nk5dONm_XSc9f0peReQoTEEPtVGVrqXNetRqErZIHn1KuVJEFFZi6EuJmB0BuMci1DKjn2zIEJ8vwz8MuxZCCF17pCG1qCRz9P81NP3Oq7i-T7vzpng/s640/TipsHalloween.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
In America the excitement is contagious, Halloween has been in the stores and supermarkets for a good month now. You've had the opportunity to think about your costumes, decorations and of course, candy! <b><u>But what happens with Halloween when you are overseas?</u></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Depending on your location, you could be on a Halloween-friendly country or not. If you are not finding the enthusiasm Halloween deserves here are 5 places where to find it or where you could start a campaign for a new tradition.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
1. If you have school age children, <b><u>most likely Halloween will be celebrated at school in some way or form</u></b>, a parade or a spooky party. Who doesn't like to dress up and eat candy? This is a great place to volunteer your Halloween cheer. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFf_7eka3ccFpC4Vf1FrJY9x3DSwkzH1u8YgiQOy5CNX19ciggOyWlxqDeKFrvJHpsYMYNERE6ra1eeNyPq5EGXrvRZTY_lenJfEUzNPayieaZL0JAcXHukrjUkM35oB9288Sbtk2Fx4Q/s1600/halloween+at+school.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFf_7eka3ccFpC4Vf1FrJY9x3DSwkzH1u8YgiQOy5CNX19ciggOyWlxqDeKFrvJHpsYMYNERE6ra1eeNyPq5EGXrvRZTY_lenJfEUzNPayieaZL0JAcXHukrjUkM35oB9288Sbtk2Fx4Q/s320/halloween+at+school.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
2. Is work associated with an American/expat company or enterprise? Offices can turn into great spaces for trick-o-treating. <b><u>Door decorating contest anyone?</u></b> Or each area could decorate their spaces with a different theme and let employee's children go around asking for candy. It does take asking permission from top management, but it is a great opportunity to bring people together, so pitch your idea and start a new office tradition.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
3. Do you live in a building where there are other expats? Maybe you can make the kids trick-or-treat around the building. Or <b><u>make a map of the Halloween-friendly houses in the neighborhood</u></b>, grab a flash light and go get that candy!!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
4. <b><u>Trunk-o-treat</u></b> is another popular way to celebrate, with everyone decorating the trunk of their car and handing out candy. You need to find an open space or parking lot, that's all.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP8ajo8Tz4EoSD0or-YWnprLw4Qyp6h4jP_oslcwOQ7TodJwTIk3kveyPz7pGNbUL7xIT0rkQhwX67My0HXDGZT0hgkQLw3lpanMOrgCpTqkGl8fYWKadvBh2TuWjQoO3TpQTt_bWmr1Y/s1600/trunkortreat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP8ajo8Tz4EoSD0or-YWnprLw4Qyp6h4jP_oslcwOQ7TodJwTIk3kveyPz7pGNbUL7xIT0rkQhwX67My0HXDGZT0hgkQLw3lpanMOrgCpTqkGl8fYWKadvBh2TuWjQoO3TpQTt_bWmr1Y/s640/trunkortreat.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
5. If everything fails and you are not finding the Halloween love around you, why not <b><u>plan a private party at home</u></b>? If you and your children love dressing up, you can invite some friends and have a good time together. </div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU1NwH1smZ1X94xob3VnoTGoTG6nYPUN-UhCUMwhFHS_IUNzW4mr93fF3XQxYG7msmUGGGgIoXsSCfFikaGtrAI3bUFFqH-4GydfdgucT2M4OnpthAeHAcG3UYZLzbi0WKuPR23UerE50/s1600/HappyHalloween.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU1NwH1smZ1X94xob3VnoTGoTG6nYPUN-UhCUMwhFHS_IUNzW4mr93fF3XQxYG7msmUGGGgIoXsSCfFikaGtrAI3bUFFqH-4GydfdgucT2M4OnpthAeHAcG3UYZLzbi0WKuPR23UerE50/s320/HappyHalloween.jpg" width="320" /></a>If you are trick-or-treating out in your neighborhood with the kids, try to avoid negativity by only knocking at the houses that are decorated. Beware that the country where you live may be celebrating another holiday that same day (in Peru October 31st is the night of the creole song, half of the country celebrates Halloween and the other half goes to local music halls to celebrate their music). I was greeted with not so friendly remarks a couple of times (don't take it personal, it's supposed to be a fun day for the kids, ignore and move on) but all an all have had good Halloween fun around the world. </div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
And remember... When witches go riding and black cats are seen, The moon laughs and whisper, 'Tis near Halloween.</div>
<br />
<a href="https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/25485705/Captura%20de%20pantalla%202014-01-15%20a%20las%2017.23.45.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/25485705/Captura%20de%20pantalla%202014-01-15%20a%20las%2017.23.45.png" /></a><br />
<br />TravelingGabyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07951762337099658993noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2048803543974555556.post-66089682127705666832015-10-27T08:36:00.002-07:002015-10-27T08:53:24.887-07:00Dressing Like an Italian: Fall's Ultimate Accessory<h3 style="text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 18px;">“Wear that scarf," he said, pointing to a blue cashmere scarf hanging on a peg. "It matches your eyes." Cassandra Clare, City of Lost Souls</span></i></h3>
<span style="text-align: justify;"><br /></span>
<span style="text-align: justify;">Fall is definitely here and </span><b style="text-align: justify;"><u>in Italy the cooler weather is synonymous with scarves</u></b><span style="text-align: justify;">. They come in all shapes and colors, are made of different materials and you can buy one as cheap as five euro. A scarf adds a drop of style and a pop of color to your outfit and Italians wear them best.</span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVA1aoecpLAaK-A4XWyEK1860A0iOQeGBDBxdskrBxIAvHRAxRKoLhzPNWv1tmAkR5YZOoF8JDeuJ1yc0pkACxI8BozecW-eahNf5a0Ianxkugg-DzeA5oRdJA6UAbTmzJQTEH9-6equk/s1600/FallIsHere.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVA1aoecpLAaK-A4XWyEK1860A0iOQeGBDBxdskrBxIAvHRAxRKoLhzPNWv1tmAkR5YZOoF8JDeuJ1yc0pkACxI8BozecW-eahNf5a0Ianxkugg-DzeA5oRdJA6UAbTmzJQTEH9-6equk/s400/FallIsHere.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Now, there is another reason why Italians use these wonderful scarves and it's called the "<i>colpo d'aria</i>" meaning a blast of air/wind. And wind my friends can be a dangerous thing in Italy, at least for Italians. Don't get me started with a blast of air conditioned breeze, that is deadly! It is believed that if cool air hits your neck, you will certainly get sick or worse. Hence, as soon as the weather starts getting colder women, men, kids...everyone! wears a scarf called "<i>sciarpa</i>" (pronounced: sharpa) in Italian.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
How to use one you may ask? <b><u>There is the monochrome look</u></b>, where you tend to stay in the color palette of your outfit. <b><u>There is also the pop of color</u></b>, where you use a colorful scarf to add detail to a more serious outfit (<a href="http://gabyaroundtheworld.blogspot.com/2014/11/dressing-like-italian-fall-fashion.html" target="_blank">read this to learn where else you can add color to your outfit</a>).</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFXUrei-UKcWvlIoqWjCgCceDWBMbhHxc6BeA2pzkOXa355bZsIEv_QbgmgGJBqAHAhKJSmjkUZaGpRyaPj2BvvUzf925RXnCj3vFLCTCseNAZPyRTDfGP-yYEDT6ydXpeVqLRjXO-cRk/s1600/Scarves.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="552" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFXUrei-UKcWvlIoqWjCgCceDWBMbhHxc6BeA2pzkOXa355bZsIEv_QbgmgGJBqAHAhKJSmjkUZaGpRyaPj2BvvUzf925RXnCj3vFLCTCseNAZPyRTDfGP-yYEDT6ydXpeVqLRjXO-cRk/s640/Scarves.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I had a few scarves when I arrived in Italy but I have to confess that my collection grew while living in Rome. A simple google search will show you <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5LYAEz777AU" target="_blank">a million ways of wearing</a> this fall's ultimate accessory. Go to your drawers, I'm sure you'll find one, and play with it. Have fun with your outfit, life is too short to be too serious.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs90ipWD5DwHIqgZGk2PLIqsspkbBDgiugIzYiOyThDUkZFSgbMjhd_MxR58VK9JJAxEpOH5cWf94SAEy1a6ybJz6FD-PgxAQwFijH3MuEZxVcF4J0tOClZ7iAR3V9HuzuDaNolra7SjU/s1600/Scarf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs90ipWD5DwHIqgZGk2PLIqsspkbBDgiugIzYiOyThDUkZFSgbMjhd_MxR58VK9JJAxEpOH5cWf94SAEy1a6ybJz6FD-PgxAQwFijH3MuEZxVcF4J0tOClZ7iAR3V9HuzuDaNolra7SjU/s400/Scarf.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Enjoy the fall weather, the color on the leaves and the beautiful scarves!!<br />
<br />
Arrivederci for now,<br />
<br />
<a href="https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/25485705/Captura%20de%20pantalla%202014-01-15%20a%20las%2017.23.45.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/25485705/Captura%20de%20pantalla%202014-01-15%20a%20las%2017.23.45.png" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13042229919670027756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2048803543974555556.post-9197956304832616332015-09-17T09:49:00.004-07:002015-09-17T10:03:14.824-07:00Fresh Pasta Recipe<h3>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 18px;"><i>“I was 32 when I started cooking; up until then, I just ate.” Julia Child</i></span></h3>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpYu4nMroXsyQuscLyRlcvvn62-SqjzXVwoRAMO8P6kfg2KVS2GPqlmFo4OlyCtqsMoyU6rsyjkPakmqh1KuATS6Xtrv1fu23RFtjEK_L3kzKXZDGYlCHioUU-K4dwagMQC9LKJUqtjbE/s1600/freshpasta.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpYu4nMroXsyQuscLyRlcvvn62-SqjzXVwoRAMO8P6kfg2KVS2GPqlmFo4OlyCtqsMoyU6rsyjkPakmqh1KuATS6Xtrv1fu23RFtjEK_L3kzKXZDGYlCHioUU-K4dwagMQC9LKJUqtjbE/s400/freshpasta.jpg" width="380" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Whether you are missing Italy, wishing you could be there or just really hungry, do not despair, a dish of fresh pasta will have you instantly feeling happy or like Italians say: <i>Felice</i>. This post started with my dissatisfaction with the the local spaghetti found at my grocery story. After living in Italy for three years and coming back to America, it was hard to even have the courage to try Italian food here and be disappointed. So, after the all-Italian U.S. Open final (tennis, for those who don't follow the sport) I was ready to celebrate with an Italian dinner, simple but good.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
As in many other times, where I wasn't able<a href="http://gabyaroundtheworld.blogspot.it/2013/12/real-pancakes-real-food.html" target="_blank"> to find the food I craved in a strange country</a> (read bagels in Sri Lanka or pizza in China), I decided to try to make fresh pasta at home. If you are interested in eating clean or un-procesing your food give making home-made pasta a try, it's not that difficult. Here is how to do it:</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR0XMtsztmiQ-PEU27AthIqSRhx1Nt2AYbl_gArIrHlpjRwMjHqsA1GGd55ktVe1ByJvgGyIavFIgFgzHoos8IXrkaUf-I93He5Xxz5At85FKamd1kjPOrSRZQUxCnS2QYPj7IjBawUVQ/s1600/pastaingredients.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR0XMtsztmiQ-PEU27AthIqSRhx1Nt2AYbl_gArIrHlpjRwMjHqsA1GGd55ktVe1ByJvgGyIavFIgFgzHoos8IXrkaUf-I93He5Xxz5At85FKamd1kjPOrSRZQUxCnS2QYPj7IjBawUVQ/s400/pastaingredients.jpg" width="400" /></a>You can make as much or as little as you want. For each egg, use 100 grams of flour.</div>
<br />
1. Start by pouring the flour on a clean surface and making a volcano.<br />
2. Crack your eggs in the hole of the volcano you just made. Add the pinch of salt.<br />
3. Take a look at your volcano and strengthen the sides that are too thin. <br />
4. With a fork, start by gently whisking the eggs incorporating the sides of the flour volcano, bit by bit. There are tons of videos on how to do this.<br />
5. Once the wet egg/flour mixture starts getting harder to move, drop the fork and start mixing the ingredients with your hands. Make a ball of the dough and start kneading for 15 mins.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTYqUZi-gMCxz3te9Bx1rcz86hLrGgGAjRSHhVCNBM7K855ZME0AQnvSPzPIceJcUhB35_mPIRQ5TpITTPbBLm3w9HrMfdgX3irF1slU4gr5DQAI_O_cAuY3vH8q5JHyRDijyDtpB7dC0/s1600/makingpasta.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTYqUZi-gMCxz3te9Bx1rcz86hLrGgGAjRSHhVCNBM7K855ZME0AQnvSPzPIceJcUhB35_mPIRQ5TpITTPbBLm3w9HrMfdgX3irF1slU4gr5DQAI_O_cAuY3vH8q5JHyRDijyDtpB7dC0/s640/makingpasta.jpg" width="616" /></a></div>
<br />
6. Let your ball rest for 30 minutes covered in plastic wrap.<br />
7. Take you dough and in a floured surface use a rolling pin to start flattening it until you reach a 1/2 millimeter thickness. Or use a pasta machine to roll your pasta out to the desired thickness (use small chunks of dough, not the whole ball). Let your final pasta dry for around 20 minutes after sprinkling a little bit of flour on top and covering it with a plastic wrap.<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
With the sheets of pasta, depending on what you do with them, you can get, lasagna sheets, tagliatelle, fettuccine, ravioli, even bow ties (make a small rectangle and pinch it in the middle).</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
That day I made baked lasagna and it was over before I could take a picture of it. I hope you give this recipe a try. I messed up the first batch letting my eggs escape the volcano too soon, the second time I did better. Don't give up, the results are super yummy!</div>
<br />
Arrivederci for now,<br />
<br />
<a href="https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/25485705/Captura%20de%20pantalla%202014-01-15%20a%20las%2017.23.45.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/25485705/Captura%20de%20pantalla%202014-01-15%20a%20las%2017.23.45.png" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13042229919670027756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2048803543974555556.post-5138405535908631672015-09-11T10:52:00.001-07:002015-09-11T11:03:09.925-07:00Small Little Victories<h3>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 18px;"><i>“A small daily task, if it be really daily, will beat the labours of a spasmodic Hercules.” Anthony Trollope</i></span></h3>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0PW766MBz2bg14-LKnd3yY3Apoh89Br0oKLQWFrUHihd36woZn4aNrZ2gYxEAk5sRm2m0B2DVzvve5X1T1nfv78jnPu4Uj9Aapbtx3XumKLWwoPPo4GojyhjGqL6ol_am0yeSJKDUWGc/s1600/change.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0PW766MBz2bg14-LKnd3yY3Apoh89Br0oKLQWFrUHihd36woZn4aNrZ2gYxEAk5sRm2m0B2DVzvve5X1T1nfv78jnPu4Uj9Aapbtx3XumKLWwoPPo4GojyhjGqL6ol_am0yeSJKDUWGc/s400/change.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 18px; text-align: justify;">The life of an Expat family is full of surprises. Sometimes they are nice surprises, sometimes they are not. </span><b style="color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 18px; text-align: justify;"><u>At the end of the day <a href="http://gabyaroundtheworld.blogspot.it/2013/11/youre-different-person-every-time-you.html" target="_blank">one thing is a constant: change</a></u>! </b><span style="background-color: white; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">This summer it was my time for change. Picking up all your belongings and moving them across oceans is no easy task but for us expats, it's just part of life. I often get blank stares when I talk to non-travelers and I even get remarks like: "are you crazy!?" "how can you do this to your kids", "it must be so difficult!". Truth be told, I've always enjoyed my moves, and thinking back on all the adventures I've experienced with my traveling family, I wouldn't change our </span></span></span><span style="color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">lifestyle for any other. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><b><u>The post of today is all about settling in a new place</u></b>. The laws of settling-in apply exactly the same no matter where you go. Since I just went through the process, or better yet, since I'm in the middle of it, I thought I would share one very important tip about moving to a new house. Here it is:</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><b><i>"<u>Small little victories</u>"</i></b></span></span></span></h3>
<span style="color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"></span></span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"></span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">
</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipCzYm2yykAZq9jzzB0yPv2cfATONhTUUwd6yYchSMSlV7NnycSsLlD2VUrih-_DMgzKqZBSXlzLV-6UZA1cuq1Rg5StDF8glYUdOV6KW9av8bPwbdanM_boxqpG__yNh_MWyLUanxKc4/s1600/SmallLittleVictories.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipCzYm2yykAZq9jzzB0yPv2cfATONhTUUwd6yYchSMSlV7NnycSsLlD2VUrih-_DMgzKqZBSXlzLV-6UZA1cuq1Rg5StDF8glYUdOV6KW9av8bPwbdanM_boxqpG__yNh_MWyLUanxKc4/s640/SmallLittleVictories.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">Remember that phrase! When you move, there's a million things you have to think about: school for the kids, vaccinations, registrations, shipments, boxes. There is no planner big enough for the flood of tasks we have to face when moving to a new destination. On top of it all, you don't have your "stuff", until you finally get it and with it comes the chaos of reorganizing a home for your family. So,</span><b style="line-height: 18px;"><u> take it easy</u></b><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">. </span><b><u><span style="line-height: 18px;">Choose one important task a day and tackle it.</span></u></b><span style="line-height: 18px;"> If everything else falls apart in the mean time, </span><i style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">fudgetaboutit</i><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">! </span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">A couple of weeks ago, when I was overwhelmed with boxes from past lives and some from my latest life in Italy, I decided, eating was really important for my family so I forgot about </span></span><span style="line-height: 18px;">everything else and concentrated on cleaning one side of the kitchen so I could have counter space on which to prep meals. Maybe for you the "task of the day" is to have the desk space clean to be able to telecommute. Maybe it's to schedule your internet connection so precisely that you will not be one second without an on-line presence. Whatever it is, <b><u>concentrate on one task at a time. It will help you keep your sanity</u></b>. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp2fADTOKlS_bc2cpkddymOQHROGXdnRj4T1QU3_sI1IhjZVwPtEToSZFb4vHZOIAIWqSeagH0JfmuTNwKJM-77Wo6-615mvSTK0Y_14edbwoIeJYW28jNaSoECoBt6QEJpzWWT535isg/s1600/moving.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="287" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp2fADTOKlS_bc2cpkddymOQHROGXdnRj4T1QU3_sI1IhjZVwPtEToSZFb4vHZOIAIWqSeagH0JfmuTNwKJM-77Wo6-615mvSTK0Y_14edbwoIeJYW28jNaSoECoBt6QEJpzWWT535isg/s400/moving.jpg" width="400" /></a><span style="color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">Some days, just <b><u>organizing one single drawer will feel like a victory, a small little victory</u></b>. And step by step, little by little, you will continue putting everything in its new place. And like my friend Monica says, <b><u>some days you just have to close the door and go for fresh air.</u></b></span></span><br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><a href="http://gabyaroundtheworld.blogspot.it/2013/11/getting-ready-for-big-move.html" target="_blank">If you moved or are moving this year</a>, I feel your pain. If you have another tip that will help the expat community, please share it with us. We'll certainly appreciate it!!</span></span></div>
<br />
Arrivederci for now,<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/25485705/Captura%20de%20pantalla%202014-01-15%20a%20las%2017.23.45.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/25485705/Captura%20de%20pantalla%202014-01-15%20a%20las%2017.23.45.png" /></a><br />
<br />TravelingGabyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07951762337099658993noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2048803543974555556.post-63434913808700855682015-08-26T18:34:00.002-07:002015-08-26T19:09:47.125-07:0010 Things You Should Do BEFORE Moving to Italy<h3>
<i><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 18px;">“Open my heart and you will see g</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 18px;">raved inside of it, "Italy".” Robert Browning</span></i></h3>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6zMTqewKWBk-0dkOfnj04MouE6RESU_vocVktJ6fpBCILKXWn410Jkzk3WGv7WDdG6URd2MFCV_JUXUNQlGMgXAD4MHbOZTCFJqs62-xY_LsTDpRKZitEVFQ66EqM6BwEeSfwTjp1mnY/s1600/MoveItaly.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="404" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6zMTqewKWBk-0dkOfnj04MouE6RESU_vocVktJ6fpBCILKXWn410Jkzk3WGv7WDdG6URd2MFCV_JUXUNQlGMgXAD4MHbOZTCFJqs62-xY_LsTDpRKZitEVFQ66EqM6BwEeSfwTjp1mnY/s640/MoveItaly.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<b><u>Do you want to sell it all and move to Italy?</u> </b> I've had the joy of living in Rome for the last few years and I am thankful for that amazing experience. I still didn't realize the kind of pull Italy has on so many of us until last summer. During a stay in Washington DC I took my sons to the <a href="http://www.koshland-science-museum.org/" target="_blank">Koshland Science Museum</a>. One of the interactive exhibits asked people to write down their biggest dream; as I browsed through the answers I was shocked to find so many entries about visiting, touring, and even moving to Italy. I realized at that moment I was one of the lucky ones who was actually living the dream. I also consider myself a realist and I know that even if you think you are living the dream, there are some days when you can have a nightmare or two...<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjER2OXH-LOw6UXWxtpFBUnUGOEG2mpWXekl9AVLcuMfyfjgS9f1m-P3btUW6oKL2oMxqE38XAxHHUMtwb_G6O79ovuCh9iwNqkOkhIOPz_rmO5YbDaC35MfExDymKVGvyD07ouA8J-ET4/s1600/Newspaper.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjER2OXH-LOw6UXWxtpFBUnUGOEG2mpWXekl9AVLcuMfyfjgS9f1m-P3btUW6oKL2oMxqE38XAxHHUMtwb_G6O79ovuCh9iwNqkOkhIOPz_rmO5YbDaC35MfExDymKVGvyD07ouA8J-ET4/s200/Newspaper.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
Have you read the news about Italy lately? You'll see words like "crisis, strikes, decline.." What is that all about? <b><u>Italy is as wonderful as it is complicated, you can choose which side to dwell on, but you still have to live with both.</u></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
If you are visiting Italy (<a href="http://gabyaroundtheworld.blogspot.com/2014/01/10-things-to-know-before-coming-to-italy.html" target="_blank">read this first!)</a> you can <b><u>concentrate on the beauty, the art, the wonderful cuisine and the wine</u></b>. But if you are moving there you do have to open your eyes completely and see the reality of the daily life. Here are some pointers that will make your move a little less complicated:</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<ol>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><b><u>Learn the language, learn the language, learn the language!</u> </b>Your experience will be completely different if you can communicate and eventually meet local friends. The Italian language is beautiful but its grammar is very complex. Any time you put into it will pay off at the end.</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><b style="text-decoration: underline;">Change your mind set.</b> <b> </b>Easier said than done. Take the time to observe, and absorb the culture. Read about it (I personally recommend "<a href="http://www.amazon.com/As-Romans-Do-American-Familys/dp/006093395X" target="_blank">As Romans Do</a>"by Alan Epstein), watch Italian films, get to know the local idiosyncrasies... Do as the locals do (if you insist on finding eggs for breakfast you'll be disappointed, if you change to coffee and <i>cornetto</i>, you'll find yourself in the right place all the time!)</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><b><u>Be patient</u>! </b>Everything happens at a different pace over there. Slow down and enjoy the <i>vino</i>!</li>
<li><div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifCgipHzdE5KgE1lni1tWDgl8FwMZJqj_3ZL2ZGepHmFXYFjaMi1H74YAjWZ8egENFn5ZRAKylGM5UzSRMa3S_hDWZjrmYTjFlt5qRS5JQ6VEaox8XHlVq-W5JbKvUBT88ENCWZ3_U1v0/s1600/movingItaly.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="287" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifCgipHzdE5KgE1lni1tWDgl8FwMZJqj_3ZL2ZGepHmFXYFjaMi1H74YAjWZ8egENFn5ZRAKylGM5UzSRMa3S_hDWZjrmYTjFlt5qRS5JQ6VEaox8XHlVq-W5JbKvUBT88ENCWZ3_U1v0/s400/movingItaly.jpg" width="400" /></a><b><u>Make connections.</u></b> In Italy you're a stranger or you're family. When you first get there you'll be a stranger, it takes time to make connections, start with your local market vendors, practice the Italian you've learned, be patient. Try to go the same stores so the clerks recognize you and you'll eventually become family.</div>
</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><b><u>Enjoy your surroundings</u></b>, if you are having a bad day, go for a walk around town and it will remind you of the reason you moved there in the first place.</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><b><u>Look for a support group. </u></b> Find other expats in your city, they know what you're going trough and can help you when you hit a road block.</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><b><u>Take it easy!</u></b> Rome wasn't built in one day. And your life in Italy won't be either. Italian bureaucracy is known for being complicated beyond belief and just the fact of <a href="http://gabyaroundtheworld.blogspot.com/2013/11/the-most-stessful-times.html" target="_blank">moving can be very stressful</a>, so take it easy!</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><b><u>Travel!</u> </b>Even after you settle in one city, there are 20 very different regions in Italy. Venture out to the <a href="http://gabyaroundtheworld.blogspot.com/2014/05/a-couple-of-reasons-to-visit-marche.html" target="_blank">not-so-touristy </a>ones. See as much as you can, they are all wonderful!</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><b><u>Stop comparing!</u> </b> There is nothing helpful about comparing your new life to your old one. If you moved there with children, read this! <a href="http://gabyaroundtheworld.blogspot.com/2014/09/one-easy-thing-you-can-do-to-help-your.html" target="_blank">One Easy Think you Can Do to Help your Kids Adjust to a New Culture.</a></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><b><u>Be patient! </u></b> The first year it's all about settling in, if you survive it you passed the test, you've made it! Every time after that will be a bonus. </li>
</ol>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu9JdLFgRKT7HK1s_aeTWyI8mRvbM0DCZliO8M_inHLXBhc7mtKQqqJVIm55GQd6C7mHUKZ4H53sgJlfmnoGxl-gs8xgK67P9mb4Ieeu_MEesbBMKCMkU1W9PNs5MM_cQBlI3aZQj7SR8/s1600/LifeDream.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: justify;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu9JdLFgRKT7HK1s_aeTWyI8mRvbM0DCZliO8M_inHLXBhc7mtKQqqJVIm55GQd6C7mHUKZ4H53sgJlfmnoGxl-gs8xgK67P9mb4Ieeu_MEesbBMKCMkU1W9PNs5MM_cQBlI3aZQj7SR8/s320/LifeDream.jpg" width="225" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I hope these tips can help all the serious Italophiles have a better reality when they get to live the dream.</div>
<br />
<br />
Arrivederci for now,<br />
<br />
<a href="https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/25485705/Captura%20de%20pantalla%202014-01-15%20a%20las%2017.23.45.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/25485705/Captura%20de%20pantalla%202014-01-15%20a%20las%2017.23.45.png" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />TravelingGabyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07951762337099658993noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2048803543974555556.post-59404335384055864102015-08-06T13:23:00.001-07:002015-08-06T13:23:59.059-07:00Beware, we are in Ferragosto<h3>
<i>
"When all else fails, take a vacation" Betty Williams</i></h3>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaE4-D8p8tOxM0eBvETC0JC7k_YS5eO-kKlLUsPKcmkUWM80xup1gKAZdGlSeVevw21Utjf5MxnuhamoVHqxMstVLSXrLfl6XNgev7UuMw9b-lk7ttWit2I_DIS-GiYk939BDqbqIKzaE/s1600/Ferragosto.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="476" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaE4-D8p8tOxM0eBvETC0JC7k_YS5eO-kKlLUsPKcmkUWM80xup1gKAZdGlSeVevw21Utjf5MxnuhamoVHqxMstVLSXrLfl6XNgev7UuMw9b-lk7ttWit2I_DIS-GiYk939BDqbqIKzaE/s640/Ferragosto.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Hello! If you are in the northern hemisphere I hope you are enjoying a wonderful summer. If you were in Italy right now, you would be immersed is some strange but lovely phenomenon called <i>Ferragosto</i>.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
So what is <i>Ferragosto</i>? Officially, Ferragosto is an Italian holiday celebrated on August 15 a tradition born 2,000 years ago when the Romans celebrated the end of the grain harvesting season with well-deserved festivities and a break from work. The Church being unable to stop the festivities added the <b><u>celebration of the Assumption of Mary to August 15</u></b>. But to say Ferragosto is a summer holiday would not be even scratching the surface.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
In Itay and many other parts of <b><u>Europe, most people take their vacation during the month of August</u></b> (<i>Agosto</i> in Italian, hence the second part of the Ferr-agosto word). If you are planning to travel to Europe during the month of August make sure you <b><u>book your accommodations well in advance</u></b>, unless you want your only overnight option to be a yacht for 36,000 Euro a night; been there, have not done that.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLj8ugYPHhSQPEqJYWTQVSPEVhEkH9tKUml_C1bL61BVZcG1LznibGd_1ZPf2Ul-6LLtYn496InsUWYWdweANKLR2ktHHFmMcwQUNXRqUSf0U3xVto4CgGBYYR52K7nWAiHNsncLTUxUQ/s1600/August.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="152" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLj8ugYPHhSQPEqJYWTQVSPEVhEkH9tKUml_C1bL61BVZcG1LznibGd_1ZPf2Ul-6LLtYn496InsUWYWdweANKLR2ktHHFmMcwQUNXRqUSf0U3xVto4CgGBYYR52K7nWAiHNsncLTUxUQ/s640/August.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
But let's look a little more into the realities of Ferragosto:</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<ul>
<li>As every employee wants to take their vacation during the month of August <b><u>many small businesses just close completely for a couple of weeks in August</u></b>.</li>
<li>If you are trying to get anything done during the month of August, <i><u><b>Forget About It! </b></u></i> Just accept the fact that everyone you have to deal with is on vacation, about to go on vacation or not even there.</li>
<li>You can basically scratch the month of August from the calendar and join everyone else at the beach (like <a href="http://gabyaroundtheworld.blogspot.com/2015/05/making-time-for-simple-pleasures.html" target="_blank">Sperlonga</a> or <a href="http://gabyaroundtheworld.blogspot.com/2015/07/off-beaten-path-gargano.html" target="_blank">Vieste</a>) or the cooler mountains.</li>
<li>Be prepared for tons of<b><u> traffic anywhere near the ocean</u></b>.</li>
<li>If you decide to stay in the city, <b><u>enjoy the abundance of parking spaces</u></b> and zero traffic but remember, most businesses will be closed and is really too hot to do anything anyway.</li>
<li>There is even a word in the Italian language for the day when everything goes back to the normal daily routine: <b><i>"Rientro" </i></b>meaning re-entry, after Ferragosto, or course. </li>
<li>Look for the religious festivities of the Assumption of Mary, being one of the most popular celebrations the one in Siena.</li>
</ul>
<div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfNYv9RsNr-Uc9nG5BcUPJc81pInVwOnL-OJHLSVnQKPd5YA_CBFTfMvdCnfV6sxRzAZheZRnefz6S8GdGMHcGXqKoeAucIlZBWI3g7DKKUQAZS9EojC19r_mJ5bF0TPJsr7mShh8G-L4/s1600/Seagull.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfNYv9RsNr-Uc9nG5BcUPJc81pInVwOnL-OJHLSVnQKPd5YA_CBFTfMvdCnfV6sxRzAZheZRnefz6S8GdGMHcGXqKoeAucIlZBWI3g7DKKUQAZS9EojC19r_mJ5bF0TPJsr7mShh8G-L4/s200/Seagull.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
<br /></div>
<div>
As I day dream of past Ferragostos and get ready to continue the tradition this year, I hope you are enjoying the warm and long days of summer.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Arrivederci for now,</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/25485705/Captura%20de%20pantalla%202014-01-15%20a%20las%2017.23.45.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/25485705/Captura%20de%20pantalla%202014-01-15%20a%20las%2017.23.45.png" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13042229919670027756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2048803543974555556.post-15731968970557993222015-07-28T14:25:00.001-07:002015-07-30T18:34:50.410-07:00Off the Beaten Path: Gargano<h3 style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 18px;"><i>“Life is a paradise for those who love many things with a passion.” Leo Buscaglia</i></span></h3>
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrX3xcELBOjkRzlktDVX4I_WM8DRbHNvfqDGLkokrzG9mn5dpFArmcs2MUBZitsm-h5UTa3dioUEw9OMQIFzuD44fPLqfNj_FOXsEvpNkR0-cMKLWRhKMCxKaxvWU6TYKPTKb6eaZwEgo/s1600/Gargano.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrX3xcELBOjkRzlktDVX4I_WM8DRbHNvfqDGLkokrzG9mn5dpFArmcs2MUBZitsm-h5UTa3dioUEw9OMQIFzuD44fPLqfNj_FOXsEvpNkR0-cMKLWRhKMCxKaxvWU6TYKPTKb6eaZwEgo/s400/Gargano.jpg" width="321" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
You ask me where would I like to go? I'll always choose somewhere, anywhere, near the sea. I was born a few miles from the ocean, and I'm still under its spell. So when it was time to choose a summer-time destination I chose the Gargano National Park. <b><u>If Italy is a boot, the Gargano National Park is the spur.</u></b> Located in the region of Apuglia (Puglia in Italian), the Gargano is a round penninsula surrounded by the Adriatic sea. And why would you want to go there? Because it's summer time, because it's beautiful and because simply staring at that amazingly clean water is enough to recharge your batteries back to 100%.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The Gargano natural reserve is a protected park that houses the <a href="http://www.apulia2discover.com/en/122/Natural%20heritage/foresta_umbra" target="_blank">Umbra Forest</a>. It's winding roads go on for miles surrounded by olive groves, and beech trees (side note: if you get car sick, like me, get ready for it!), but what it is most famous for is its wonderful beaches. It certainly looks like paradise on earth.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq0DVIh01ywktnnUcVpClRLDNe_E9CCOak-xbLPYBVJGicmRet5WvtcpTzUL_I-dwKSj1yckUwKVKuLjLrxWg_Y0JUlNdinmWARGQ_Hz2W2z4BaQOt8ZDr5sX7KquW_JWChmm8aOUxl9A/s1600/Vieste.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq0DVIh01ywktnnUcVpClRLDNe_E9CCOak-xbLPYBVJGicmRet5WvtcpTzUL_I-dwKSj1yckUwKVKuLjLrxWg_Y0JUlNdinmWARGQ_Hz2W2z4BaQOt8ZDr5sX7KquW_JWChmm8aOUxl9A/s640/Vieste.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><u></u></b><br />
<b><u><br /></u></b>
<b><u><b><u><br /></u></b></u></b>
<b><u>One of the most picturesque towns in the area is Vieste, known as the pearl of the Gargano. </u></b> If you are interested in other than sunbathing, take a ride to visit it. Its narrow streets and amazing ocean views make it a perfect break from the beach. I had a <b><u>very nice meal at Ristorante La Tavernetta</u></b> (Via Celestino V, 5, Vieste). Even though you're near the ocean and will want to try some fish or seafood, don't forget to try the region's <b><u>famous "orecchiette" (little ears) a round shaped pasta with lots of texture</u></b>. (Read this too: <a href="http://gabyaroundtheworld.blogspot.com/2014/10/10-things-you-need-to-know-before.html" target="_blank">10 Things You Need to Know Before Eating in Italy</a>)<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMrYqswjhyYccdlZpr2gJIVbqvoNmk_dYgTlqPEQ2-yiyElNSXkpeRZ_QvMlvv0lqNQ_LkajnwN8yLLOg2WRWjF2CzXylmRKfbRnqIo7P_jIuiXBDQ7DuEbPH6sEB0SWKBKyiBy2551po/s1600/Souvenir.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMrYqswjhyYccdlZpr2gJIVbqvoNmk_dYgTlqPEQ2-yiyElNSXkpeRZ_QvMlvv0lqNQ_LkajnwN8yLLOg2WRWjF2CzXylmRKfbRnqIo7P_jIuiXBDQ7DuEbPH6sEB0SWKBKyiBy2551po/s200/Souvenir.jpg" width="141" /></a>If shopping is more your thing and you're looking for souvenirs, pick up their little sculptures made out of a lava rock that weight practically nothing. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Whether you visit Gargano for its natural beauty, its beaches or its wonderful cuisine, you will be seeing a spot of this world that certainly resembles paradise.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Hope you are having a nice summer!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Arrivederci for now,</div>
<br />
<a href="https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/25485705/Captura%20de%20pantalla%202014-01-15%20a%20las%2017.23.45.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/25485705/Captura%20de%20pantalla%202014-01-15%20a%20las%2017.23.45.png" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />TravelingGabyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07951762337099658993noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2048803543974555556.post-54984575737400534452015-07-14T17:28:00.000-07:002015-07-14T17:28:21.222-07:00NYC, The Melting Pot <h3>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 18px;"><i>“Strength lies in differences, not in similarities” Stephen R. Covey</i></span></h3>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0_DD7SzvRvWiu1PJ3YTQJF9s9czrV27SDe1axdoZ_y1MWRVQDw6jlB6GM-oU6qiT1m5o_4oHi3Z2CmgVmYPRvddtD0znZhebPM5Ffpu6Ag0Dp1rQKoH0AIxrk8jSvyESirzN1g4YP6RM/s1600/NYC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0_DD7SzvRvWiu1PJ3YTQJF9s9czrV27SDe1axdoZ_y1MWRVQDw6jlB6GM-oU6qiT1m5o_4oHi3Z2CmgVmYPRvddtD0znZhebPM5Ffpu6Ag0Dp1rQKoH0AIxrk8jSvyESirzN1g4YP6RM/s400/NYC.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 18px; text-align: justify;">Last week I was in New York City, the city that never sleeps. One of the things I love most about New York is the feeling that the entire world lives there. You see people of different cultures and hear many languages being spoken. A true melting pot of cultures and flavors.</span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-l28cPPC8Nfj18-ulGFgY-nGuVpxxexnfHlaIqihkt0JmKvVYIegziMy9Pz95rUTEhxENRlQu033E4jsfEhuQNMyFVQNQqHW3hCpYe1pHx2lDMt7lgi9AnJgnvJ5utebzhZPRPv8mx8g/s1600/VisitHighLine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-l28cPPC8Nfj18-ulGFgY-nGuVpxxexnfHlaIqihkt0JmKvVYIegziMy9Pz95rUTEhxENRlQu033E4jsfEhuQNMyFVQNQqHW3hCpYe1pHx2lDMt7lgi9AnJgnvJ5utebzhZPRPv8mx8g/s640/VisitHighLine.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 18px;"><span style="background-color: transparent;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">In a crazy cement jungle like Manhattan, any green space is precious. <b><u>If you are visiting NYC don't miss strolling through the High Line. </u></b> The High Line is an urban park built on and around the elevated tracks of an abandoned train line. The High Line is now an oasis in the city. <u style="font-weight: bold;"> There are several free events happening in the park, so <a href="http://www.thehighline.org/visit" target="_blank">check out their website (here) </a>to see what's on the calendar during your visit</u>. Simply walking the High Line is a relaxing experience that will offer you a break from the hustling and bustling of the city. As you exit the High Line on 16th street, you'll find yourself steps from the Chelsea Market, another gem in the meat packing district and a must stop for food lovers like me. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">The one thing I really cherish about Manhattan is that you find countless world cuisines in one city. And because my time in Italy has deprived me of ethnic food, I decided to lunch on some empanadas from the food market of the High Line. I love empanadas! They are savory Latin American snacks that have different versions, depending where you try them. You find fried and baked empanadas, filled with meat, chicken, vegetarian, ham and cheese... You can fill them with whatever pleases your palate. And if you were waiting for the perfect recipe, <u><b>here I'm sharing my Brazilian friend's empanada recipe.</b></u> The flaky dough with your filling of choice, make them perfect for breakfast, a snack or even lunch.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsknPsD-A-0rY-bcPG7TwGycjlJaoVdl5mLApGhuRXH4MqASl-7tHNMoeTMIT1PE6XbA_ujCqH5Xrgx4gkdLjRYj-5QM58WuEcv0iI2nn7LlFCxb0vQyM3LFXujW6_ENxuPOoR5na4AkY/s1600/GabysEmpanadas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsknPsD-A-0rY-bcPG7TwGycjlJaoVdl5mLApGhuRXH4MqASl-7tHNMoeTMIT1PE6XbA_ujCqH5Xrgx4gkdLjRYj-5QM58WuEcv0iI2nn7LlFCxb0vQyM3LFXujW6_ENxuPOoR5na4AkY/s320/GabysEmpanadas.jpg" width="231" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4UEDlgpBPKbRP1tT2uDHLBFuKZyQmlBeQ5O_BgxTOs_yz4QGJaW9pbgCJaDwB_31wbkUdZWvflBlGDKCcvoxWnCwxGOlJgIHfNXvHByd_F1pJ41joCZAVsrzpnLjoTnKr6PmveiZ74SA/s1600/Empanada.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="76" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4UEDlgpBPKbRP1tT2uDHLBFuKZyQmlBeQ5O_BgxTOs_yz4QGJaW9pbgCJaDwB_31wbkUdZWvflBlGDKCcvoxWnCwxGOlJgIHfNXvHByd_F1pJ41joCZAVsrzpnLjoTnKr6PmveiZ74SA/s320/Empanada.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1/2 cup vegetable oil</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">1/2 cup melted butter</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">1/2 cup of water</span></span></div>
<span style="color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">Mix oil, melted butter and water. Add all purpose flour to the liquid mixture until it all combines into a ball of dough. Knead the dough and let it rest in the refrigerator for one hour. After the resting time, knead the dough a little more and roll it into a rectangle. Cut circles according to the size of empanadas you want. Put the filling in one half of the circle, fold and pinch both sides together with a fork. Bake on a pre-heated oven at 350 degrees F, until golden brown.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">Enjoy the empanadas, adios amigos!</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<a href="https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/25485705/Captura%20de%20pantalla%202014-01-15%20a%20las%2017.23.45.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/25485705/Captura%20de%20pantalla%202014-01-15%20a%20las%2017.23.45.png" /></a>TravelingGabyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07951762337099658993noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2048803543974555556.post-39691194885246351422015-06-16T09:24:00.000-07:002015-06-16T09:24:14.217-07:00A Couple of Reasons to Visit Granada<h3>
<i>"Not all those who wander, are lost" J.R.R. Tolkien</i> </h3>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnc8p_6zl23JEkEg3hi1a3-BsjRNTTkEfv3MXDOnd7MBiG7vE1cFCpPkaLCt_sPzZilvOgVyslu4lSdSiZzCHlUE-7HmQkpWMBkQyZTGLgjtlovB9GthCROHJw3E54hzqzcZeJfNNPbtU/s1600/Granada.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnc8p_6zl23JEkEg3hi1a3-BsjRNTTkEfv3MXDOnd7MBiG7vE1cFCpPkaLCt_sPzZilvOgVyslu4lSdSiZzCHlUE-7HmQkpWMBkQyZTGLgjtlovB9GthCROHJw3E54hzqzcZeJfNNPbtU/s640/Granada.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I've been wanting to tell you a bit about a wonderful town in Southern Spain called Granada. I visited Granada a couple of months ago and was very lucky because I had a local friend showing me around. Even though I was there only for a day, I was so impressed with the city that I will have to go back and explore it without a rush.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPSTMjijOyxdzKPjlFX0i_aPCGanHKWi6-VHQxDBmyu0CaGLX0C9_6j7TTsrilY4Z3pJ7S06vSE1AfikQ9BpO02NQZgDpOibrs-Tv4P6oQumhS9ZnWntWsPRj-XaoM9TtZtc-n4DtZ5Mo/s1600/Gitanos.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="244" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPSTMjijOyxdzKPjlFX0i_aPCGanHKWi6-VHQxDBmyu0CaGLX0C9_6j7TTsrilY4Z3pJ7S06vSE1AfikQ9BpO02NQZgDpOibrs-Tv4P6oQumhS9ZnWntWsPRj-XaoM9TtZtc-n4DtZ5Mo/s320/Gitanos.jpg" width="320" /></a>As you may know, <b><u>there is nothing better than having someone local showing you their city</u></b>, for they will take you to see the real side of a town and not just the tourist circuits. I have to confess I had not done my homework on Granada as it was not my final destination but a quick stop in my itinerary. My impressions were pleasant and here I am sharing with you the highlights and tips that were shared with me.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
If you are planning to visit Granada:</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Make reservations to see <a href="http://www.alhambra-patronato.es/index.php/Alhambra-General/240+M5d637b1e38d/0/" target="_blank">the Alhambra</a> as soon as you know you'll visit Granada.</b> As my friend told me, <b><u>the Alhambra is the most visited tourist site in Spain</u></b>, so make sure you get your tickets or you'll be missing out. (<a href="https://www.ticketmaster.es/nws/es/mucho_mas/granada/alhambra_y_generalife_09oz/alhambra_general/SeleccionEntradas;jsessionid=V8XN6XG1GCqlwPbCgXT9vqnlC9VJ1syf69JNXdMyJyGqmvYtBkQZ!949938378!-1108425357!1434212173845?sesId=15741151&codSTK=CAS!#_" target="_blank">Get your tickets here</a>)</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
If you arrive really tired, do not despair, you can go to the <b>oldest arabic baths in Granada called the Hammam Baños Arabes </b>(<a href="http://www.granada.hammamalandalus.com/en/" target="_blank">click here for more info</a>)</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Take a walk (or stay) in the Albaycin neighborhood, where the Moorish influence is still alive. Walk their narrow streets and eat and one of the local eateries. Don't forget that eating schedules are very different than American or British ones. <b><u>In Granada people have lunch at around 3:00 in the afternoon</u></b>, and restaurants may not be open earlier. If you get hungry before the local lunch time, stop for a beer which comes with a big plate of tapas (for only a couple of Euro). For lunch, my friend took me to <b><a href="http://www.alhambra-patronato.es/index.php/Alhambra-General/240+M5d637b1e38d/0/" target="_blank">"Casa Torquato</a>"</b>, a local eatery that I highly recommend. We ordered local dishes and wine and the bill was surprisingly low for all we had eaten.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtFLRcipJKmbTwDYjktLobLqWi8_LB5izL7WPcqw1aNnbcrrZ0lyHsoz3_X160Q-5fSO49EDTKa0B46j75e2i4PAUhKYIAa6QS01P9eBKLrocthbU8voNU8NRol8Ks3dlpmXODzc6IZF0/s1600/GranadaFood.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="154" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtFLRcipJKmbTwDYjktLobLqWi8_LB5izL7WPcqw1aNnbcrrZ0lyHsoz3_X160Q-5fSO49EDTKa0B46j75e2i4PAUhKYIAa6QS01P9eBKLrocthbU8voNU8NRol8Ks3dlpmXODzc6IZF0/s640/GranadaFood.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Because Granda's moorish heritage is still alive, you'll find Moroccan lanterns that will make your heart race. If I had space in my suitcase I would have bought the entire store!<br />
<br />
I hope you enjoyed today's tips, arrivederci and keep traveling!</div>
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdmDup7md4SucTPcTJQ1BlqBp15IABMYU6wkX_T4pV99z1ivGkBMnpkhDxvRZHpZiGy_7Udj7LP4kV7Y2pVHhMw2YwXzKv5Sip0kWv2_c7Yywwp6Rj_7ZpwE5EVY_wxdv9P7fbk1tmoV8/s1600/Gaby.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdmDup7md4SucTPcTJQ1BlqBp15IABMYU6wkX_T4pV99z1ivGkBMnpkhDxvRZHpZiGy_7Udj7LP4kV7Y2pVHhMw2YwXzKv5Sip0kWv2_c7Yywwp6Rj_7ZpwE5EVY_wxdv9P7fbk1tmoV8/s1600/Gaby.png" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />TravelingGabyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07951762337099658993noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2048803543974555556.post-65351656205367058012015-06-10T13:53:00.002-07:002015-06-10T13:53:32.328-07:00Around Rome: So You Want to See the Pope<h3>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', line-height: 18px;"><i>“We need saints without cassocks, without veils - we need saints with jeans and tennis shoes." Pope Francis</i></span></h3>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmjTvOPRed50hMJXMwBxPyTFGDPJf9wgPDIVXPHPFAo1Oa5_UL2tAqWLm7zTvIp-BYFwq26-WZSNIcorQr18IbvIvEwhMSZjb6lmGUVqCNUxm9R3E3yvUNdtyYYp6tmahaXH_IX3u2ymM/s1600/SaintPeters.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="417" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmjTvOPRed50hMJXMwBxPyTFGDPJf9wgPDIVXPHPFAo1Oa5_UL2tAqWLm7zTvIp-BYFwq26-WZSNIcorQr18IbvIvEwhMSZjb6lmGUVqCNUxm9R3E3yvUNdtyYYp6tmahaXH_IX3u2ymM/s640/SaintPeters.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 18px; text-align: justify;">So you want to see the Pope. Me too. Whether you are Catholic or not, Pope Francis is the leader of the smallest country in the world and a charismatic and revolutionary figure in today's world. His teachings are about peace, personal service and humility. Ideals to which people from different faiths can relate. Many Christians and non-Christians alike come to Rome to hear His teachings and receive His blessings. So here is the breakdown on how to see the Pope.</span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="http://www.papalaudience.org/" style="line-height: 18px;" target="_blank">Papal Audiences</a><span style="line-height: 18px;"> happen <b><u>every Wednesday Pope Francis is in town</u></b>. You will need tickets (<a href="http://www.papalaudience.org/" target="_blank">click here to order tickets</a>) if you want to be closer to the outdoor altar area, but even if you </span></span><span style="color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">didn't get a ticket, <u><b>t</b></u><b><u>here is plenty of standing area from where you can see and hear the Pope</u></b>. If you want to be in the sitting areas, you'll have to arrive at 8:00 am or earlier. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b style="color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 18px;"><u>Everyone coming into the square will have to go through security</u></b><span style="color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 18px;"> (bags and all belongings will be X-rayed) and people have to go through a metal detector. Once you go through security you can access the sitting area if you are there early or stand around the square.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7WqBzsRDdNwuNIPaLDkqH1Xkwnmf2hLIvWn-BmxkXHsZED4xBGAOPoVIJ7IuwwW__yoEhMbRXbtQ0JP3dXj7JXTwL5lxAK3p8usumTwyLudJiZPabiJT72EDm8_cUfh-MKW7HAMozCec/s1600/IMG_0501.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7WqBzsRDdNwuNIPaLDkqH1Xkwnmf2hLIvWn-BmxkXHsZED4xBGAOPoVIJ7IuwwW__yoEhMbRXbtQ0JP3dXj7JXTwL5lxAK3p8usumTwyLudJiZPabiJT72EDm8_cUfh-MKW7HAMozCec/s640/IMG_0501.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">Today I was in St. Peter's square for the audience and my friends and I chose to stand by the barriers placed to mark the path of the Pope-mobile. What a great decision that was! <b><u>If you are first on the barrier you will see the Pope as close as you can possibly see Him</u></b>. </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">These summer days with intense heat, make sure to bring a hat and a bottle of water. <b><u> The audience is scheduled for 10:30 but the Pope comes out earlier </u></b>and goes around the square in his Pope-mobile blessing the visitors. After that, He will talk to the people on the square after a reading from the Bible in different languages.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span>
<h4>
<span style="color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">How to get there:</span></span></h4>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWKb7Du0Ew-G_DJiK4AyenxdR0teojObsYeNtgTb1MggJquk94qxikFH6AfFxwzYz0ndGFJZxH_0LHv3Iu0M0REtMwRh0hX0a-U2EIQrSrw4-3g-u7NL-2milCYeqHvljvKV9bax7mEfI/s1600/ParkingVatican.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWKb7Du0Ew-G_DJiK4AyenxdR0teojObsYeNtgTb1MggJquk94qxikFH6AfFxwzYz0ndGFJZxH_0LHv3Iu0M0REtMwRh0hX0a-U2EIQrSrw4-3g-u7NL-2milCYeqHvljvKV9bax7mEfI/s200/ParkingVatican.png" width="184" /></a><span style="color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span 18px=""><b>By metro:</b> Take line A on the Metro and get off at the Ottaviano/SanPietro metro stop. From there it's an easy walk to Saint Peter's square. Follow the masses.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><b>By car:</b> Park at the Gianicolo Parking lot located at </span></span><span style="color: #1b1b1b; font-family: Vollkorn, serif; line-height: 17px; text-transform: uppercase;">VIA URBANO VIII 16/C 00165 ROMA</span><span style="color: #1b1b1b; font-family: Vollkorn, serif; line-height: 17px; text-transform: uppercase;"> </span><br />
<span style="color: #1b1b1b; font-family: Vollkorn, serif; line-height: 17px; text-transform: uppercase;"><br /></span>
<h4>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">Things You Shouldn't Miss:</span></span></h4>
<ul>
<li><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 18px;">After the general audience enter Saint Peter's Basilica and marvel at </span><a href="http://gabyaroundtheworld.blogspot.it/2014/11/rome-on-budget-amazing-statues.html" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 18px;" target="_blank">Michelangelo's The Pieta</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 18px;"> and Bernini's altar.</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 18px;">Go up the steps and see Rome from the cupola of Saint Peter's basilica. Take great pictures from there.</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 18px;">Walk through the colonnade designed by Bernini. </span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOitPBHxmCV8QAj7VsP1fPAe1w-2H69y_B0l8FGtHbvy43Kpr-6AOmOBtFP-RRDUMwG5F02BdMTJX6SlWKkaFJJMl4tvvxgpgvDzFe680wS4GpBmqLDU1W3qbVz_KCVk4xDX-_E8F4WF0/s1600/SanPietro.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOitPBHxmCV8QAj7VsP1fPAe1w-2H69y_B0l8FGtHbvy43Kpr-6AOmOBtFP-RRDUMwG5F02BdMTJX6SlWKkaFJJMl4tvvxgpgvDzFe680wS4GpBmqLDU1W3qbVz_KCVk4xDX-_E8F4WF0/s200/SanPietro.jpg" width="186" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;">If you want to see the Sistine Chapel, you'll have to leave Saint Peter's square and go to the Vatican Museums. It's better to get your tickets on-line ahead of time (<a href="http://biglietteriamusei.vatican.va/musei/tickets/do?action=booking&codiceLivelloVisita=9&step=1" target="_blank">tickets here</a>).</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">I hope you found this information useful. I feel blessed by having had the opportunity to see the Pope today and wish to pass my blessings on to you. </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">God bless you.</span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span>
<br />
<a href="https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/25485705/Captura%20de%20pantalla%202014-01-15%20a%20las%2017.23.45.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/25485705/Captura%20de%20pantalla%202014-01-15%20a%20las%2017.23.45.png" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13042229919670027756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2048803543974555556.post-37459688079097922052015-06-05T04:14:00.003-07:002015-06-05T04:14:45.363-07:00Off The Beaten Path: Arezzo<h3 style="text-align: justify;">
<i>"We won! We got a thousand points and we won the game! Daddy and me came in first and now we won the real tank! We won! We won!" Giosuè Orefice, Life is Beautiful</i></h3>
<div>
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGIxRPFH-m0kq97U4XYOALkve1-2_9UZG1JUZ0fwWh2W3lOlTuX9Nm2cifRr7tYfvYc8rn6uK39AQPed9lBgF-_zEoXwPdob5r3jqMTIcNEBhMCQ_ZXrds1985TQQzoaW4lwWytVKrZtw/s1600/GBG-0414.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGIxRPFH-m0kq97U4XYOALkve1-2_9UZG1JUZ0fwWh2W3lOlTuX9Nm2cifRr7tYfvYc8rn6uK39AQPed9lBgF-_zEoXwPdob5r3jqMTIcNEBhMCQ_ZXrds1985TQQzoaW4lwWytVKrZtw/s640/GBG-0414.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2QUWHOB2MNlP37a12wRGchl5jIcNXcPNpi1wlWn4j_iryGh6_XEf005npAIPjme-XCUSNJVWcV5DaaZLU8bKqhATLJHF10cGAbIHp42P2hzhAbYmz3jaisqg0qGgGfOazDInyrO3HN4k/s1600/OFF.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2QUWHOB2MNlP37a12wRGchl5jIcNXcPNpi1wlWn4j_iryGh6_XEf005npAIPjme-XCUSNJVWcV5DaaZLU8bKqhATLJHF10cGAbIHp42P2hzhAbYmz3jaisqg0qGgGfOazDInyrO3HN4k/s200/OFF.jpg" width="190" /></a><br />This one is for movie lovers. A couple of years ago, I was returning to Rome from a trip to northern Italy when my sons all of a sudden were starving! This is how it goes with teenage boys, you never get a notice of someone being a little hungry, you go from zero to starving in two seconds. We decided to stop for lunch at the next town, whatever it might be. After all, we were in Italy, and you never have a bad <a href="http://gabyaroundtheworld.blogspot.it/2014/10/10-things-you-need-to-know-before.html" target="_blank">meal in Italy</a>! The next sign on the highway read Arezzo.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
As we navegated this town, I found it extremely charming and even a little bit familiar. While I read one of the signs with descriptions of the city square, my heart started racing as I realized the Oscar-winning movie "Life is Beautiful" was filmed in Arezzo. No wonder it looked familiar!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I love "Life is Beautiful", if you haven't seen this heart-warming film, I highly recommend it! It's a masterpiece of Italian cinematography. The Academy agrees. The famous phrase "<i>Buongiorno Principessa</i>" (Goodmorning princess) that you'll see adorning many Italian souvenirs, is a quote from this film <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0118799/?ref_=ttawd_awd_tt" target="_blank">(watch the trailer here)</a>. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKNPHl58PvJ2wPjcuWdA5OF4c1kkwQ4vyV6fuWEBKXfBXBKsAVxZgweC-voKCLTPcNbevv2BA6n0SBWxpdHGuAmC2NzOStmjRdfT_sVj33MVb7vHQjm1YSyT2thWvdUNAX2I2idZjy2Hg/s1600/AREZZO2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="125" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKNPHl58PvJ2wPjcuWdA5OF4c1kkwQ4vyV6fuWEBKXfBXBKsAVxZgweC-voKCLTPcNbevv2BA6n0SBWxpdHGuAmC2NzOStmjRdfT_sVj33MVb7vHQjm1YSyT2thWvdUNAX2I2idZjy2Hg/s640/AREZZO2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Arezzo is an Etruscan town and after visiting <a href="http://gabyaroundtheworld.blogspot.it/2014/04/a-day-in-florence-where-to-go-what-to.html" target="_blank">Florence</a> and Milan with their extravagant cathedrals, the churches in Arezzo are a breath of fresh air, being their beauty their simplicity, especially the Church of Saint Francis (San Francesco). </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAOtuzzjTy51sAHhDuusavoVXrePw_5GOFouSb7UE4dGXnUBlAp2DvsFddTTqmHEQp0771EQcavLsru6L032yHqfwtfTee8fPTQwXh2j-j_7YT-TI_SgG5DhTgIsjnonPvX_UrD8nt1AM/s1600/trattoria.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAOtuzzjTy51sAHhDuusavoVXrePw_5GOFouSb7UE4dGXnUBlAp2DvsFddTTqmHEQp0771EQcavLsru6L032yHqfwtfTee8fPTQwXh2j-j_7YT-TI_SgG5DhTgIsjnonPvX_UrD8nt1AM/s400/trattoria.jpg" width="266" /></a>If you go coo-coo for ceramics make sure to stop at <a href="https://plus.google.com/111364491947225461777/about?gl=it&hl=en" target="_blank"><b>Aretè </b></a>on Piazza Grande. They <b><u>have a wonderful selection of high relief terracotta sculptures and unique souvenirs</u></b> that will remind you of your time in beautiful Tuscany. Of course I had to ask the lady at the store for a restaurant recommendation, she sent me to <a href="http://www.agania.it/it/dovesiamo.php" target="_blank">Antica Osteria L'Agania.</a> The meal I had there was absolutely delicious. <b><u>Try their pappardelle al Cinghiale </u></b>(flat long pasta with wild boar red sauce).</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Between being the backdrop to an Oscar winning film, wonderful tuscan terra-cotta art, beautiful churches and amazing cuisine, <b><u>Arezzo has enough charm to make it a great addition to your itinerary.</u></b> If you are not one to fight a million other tourists and want to see Italy beyond Rome, Venice and Florence, visit Arezzo and you will not be disappointed. Lastly, if you time your visit right and happen to be there on the first Sunday of the month, you'll be greeted by its famous <a href="http://www.seeyouintuscany.com/tuscany_travel_guide/arezzo_area/arezzo/antiques_market/antiques_market.html" target="_blank">antiques market</a>. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I was so mesmerized by Arezzo that I have been back a couple of times since my first hungry stop. I hope you have a chance to visit this wonderful town too.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
And that is all for now. Arrivederci,</div>
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/25485705/Captura%20de%20pantalla%202014-01-15%20a%20las%2017.23.45.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/25485705/Captura%20de%20pantalla%202014-01-15%20a%20las%2017.23.45.png" /></a>TravelingGabyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07951762337099658993noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2048803543974555556.post-88996021371637712502015-05-28T14:51:00.001-07:002015-05-28T15:09:31.216-07:00One Capri, Two Perspectives<h3 style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 18px;"><i>“We are different because our brain is wired differently. This causes us to perceive the world in different ways and have different values and priorities. Not better or worse - different.” Allan Pease</i></span></h3>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
As my time in Italy is running out, I am going through my list and making sure I've visited the places I wanted to visit and ate the foods I wanted to eat. So, while checking my Italy bucket list, I realized I had not seen Capri yet! Anxiety sets in, in no time I'm looking for places to stay and booking train tickets. To get there from Rome, you have take the train to Naples, a taxi to the port and a ferry to Capri (four and a half hours door to door). You can also get there by boat from the <a href="http://gabyaroundtheworld.blogspot.it/2015/01/searching-for-sun-amalfi-coast.html" target="_blank">Amalfi coast</a>.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxObuliI49hVS35ifeLh3QbM7n-TXnl-RT_WaRe3pmxH6FxImqctjSTb6zNT7WndVsxmflH1mMWOSvV11gtvpjXqeweaRamVzp6Zj-U7ic6fdxfkhTnSZUp30zHW6h090EFqjWo9i-Fu4/s1600/Capri.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxObuliI49hVS35ifeLh3QbM7n-TXnl-RT_WaRe3pmxH6FxImqctjSTb6zNT7WndVsxmflH1mMWOSvV11gtvpjXqeweaRamVzp6Zj-U7ic6fdxfkhTnSZUp30zHW6h090EFqjWo9i-Fu4/s640/Capri.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><u>Capri is one of those places that is well-known around the world and that the Italians gracefully leave for the tourists.</u></b> They have their own islands they are not marketing to foreigners because they want to keep those to themselves (Ischia, Procida, Sardenia). Most of of my Italian friends had recommended us to go elsewhere, but how could I possibly leave Italy without seeing this beautiful island? So I went.</div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Woman's Perspective:</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>My friends and the entire world say it's wonderful, I have to see it!</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Man's Perpective:</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>I'm only going because you want to go.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Woman's Perspective:</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Wow, look at that nice street lined with luxury brands! Prada, Gucci, Bulgari!</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Man's Perpective:</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Nothing for me here.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Woman's Perspective:</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>The Blue Grotto, we have to go, it's such a romantic place!</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Man's Perspective:</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>Tourist trap! PS. If you are going to do it, you can take the 70 euro private boat from Marina Grande, or the 18 euro sight seeing boat, however, the entrance to the blue grotto is right on the other side of the island, so why not take the 1.80 euro orange bus to the Blue Grotto and then go down the steps to the entrance of the cave? <b><u>Seeing the Blue Grotto takes you just a couple of minutes</u></b>, once you've gone through the entrance of the cave you're there, check out the deep blue reflexion of the light on the water and your time is up. If you are lucky your boat guy sings. 13 Euro a person to see the Blue Grotto. More if you took the boats to get there.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The best of Capri was the sunset by the lighthouse. Second best, we got the <b><u>recipe of Scialatielli</u></b>, a wonderful fresh pasta, from the restaurant <a href="https://plus.google.com/103264400778164124265/about?gl=it&hl=en" target="_blank">L'Angolo del Gusto </a>in Anacapri. Since sharing is caring, here is the recipe:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4QM41KftY0MGOg5P1cdNv9PmS7giKm61aPaSyyjLmUsRmzyh9QKPuoKclNqBo1iwuRo04z6PYJgdjkwUlX8Sy_ENSjJ8ZbseaWdNmMDmC5ZWc4_BYzho-KpgJpjgPwuFVMZAa05Kddbs/s1600/Scialatielli.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4QM41KftY0MGOg5P1cdNv9PmS7giKm61aPaSyyjLmUsRmzyh9QKPuoKclNqBo1iwuRo04z6PYJgdjkwUlX8Sy_ENSjJ8ZbseaWdNmMDmC5ZWc4_BYzho-KpgJpjgPwuFVMZAa05Kddbs/s640/Scialatielli.jpg" width="334" /></a></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: justify;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: justify;">And don't forget to eat a Caprese Salad while you are in Capri! (Caprese=from Capri). Had a very nice meal at <a href="http://www.ristorantepizzeriaverginiellocapri.it/dove-siamo" target="_blank">Ristorante Pizzeria Verginiello</a>, would certainly recommend it.</span></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: justify;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4OGBatFkYoILe48mwJg8z9bx2AZXxeukXpXdRjLsfWXOohWpRX2oY-T3-Aptz2OOo775Rl-QgNowntyJZVMzm7RHYAe_cT8CLghPCsBeCnzkZ1VrJRpGjUInppgM9BMMM_GUNmxGyB14/s1600/Caprese.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4OGBatFkYoILe48mwJg8z9bx2AZXxeukXpXdRjLsfWXOohWpRX2oY-T3-Aptz2OOo775Rl-QgNowntyJZVMzm7RHYAe_cT8CLghPCsBeCnzkZ1VrJRpGjUInppgM9BMMM_GUNmxGyB14/s320/Caprese.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
Arrivederci for now,</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<a href="https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/25485705/Captura%20de%20pantalla%202014-01-15%20a%20las%2017.23.45.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/25485705/Captura%20de%20pantalla%202014-01-15%20a%20las%2017.23.45.png" /></a><br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13042229919670027756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2048803543974555556.post-17161190579773020552015-05-24T10:16:00.003-07:002015-05-24T10:42:35.110-07:00Rome With Kids: Domus at Palazzo Valentini<h3 style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 18px;"><i>“There are two kinds of travel: first class and with children.” Robert Benchley</i></span></h3>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="text-align: justify;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimuWFrFlkg9rs0tHL_7vYF3dpHb7ZD4x1N5O8YLD2Fgbjj6ceExvVRfBpwMRvj7GzaCzU_K_SZCMTUc5aE94zzKlBUIYO5t7YhX8waH_oVMOePKJm1GltM1xtu951AxVrODGpyFrLBM0I/s1600/RomeKids.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimuWFrFlkg9rs0tHL_7vYF3dpHb7ZD4x1N5O8YLD2Fgbjj6ceExvVRfBpwMRvj7GzaCzU_K_SZCMTUc5aE94zzKlBUIYO5t7YhX8waH_oVMOePKJm1GltM1xtu951AxVrODGpyFrLBM0I/s200/RomeKids.jpg" width="153" /></a>Rome is a wonderful city for those who appreciate art and history, but what about those traveling with children or teenagers? The answer is yes! Rome can also be a great destination for people traveling with children... if you play your cards right.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I've been traveling a lot for the last 18 years, and all my travels have included my kids. I'm not saying it's easy, but <b><u>if you manage your expectations correctly you can have a great time</u></b> and see some sites at the same time.<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Rule number one</b> and the most important one for me: <u>don't expect to see it all, pick some highlights</u> and visit your choice spots.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Rule number two:</b> <u>keep a flexible schedule</u>. If your little ones are tired and cranky, no one will have a good time.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Rule number three: </b>if all fails, <a href="http://gabyaroundtheworld.blogspot.it/2015/04/time-for-gelato.html" target="_blank">there is always gelato</a> (and wine).<br />
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE2AXxV8VfwbkdQwvDMgBViDe7Z8Z-0Hkb50I_w6jayoQilB-58jrj76gBZgX3xqi8ef6iarPMANg6FKCXqh7PG5j8KRRoyf-VOFQrYrc8lQsiQeX25nydCnvxaPX3XKDRYkmRAa8_Tok/s1600/TipsTravelKids.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE2AXxV8VfwbkdQwvDMgBViDe7Z8Z-0Hkb50I_w6jayoQilB-58jrj76gBZgX3xqi8ef6iarPMANg6FKCXqh7PG5j8KRRoyf-VOFQrYrc8lQsiQeX25nydCnvxaPX3XKDRYkmRAa8_Tok/s640/TipsTravelKids.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="text-align: justify;"><br /></span>
<span style="text-align: justify;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Last week I visited the <a href="http://www.palazzovalentini.it/index.php?lang=eng" target="_blank">Domus Romane under Palazzo Valentini</a> and I couldn't wait to tell you all about it! T<span style="text-align: justify;">he domus were the houses of wealthy romans and the one under Palazzo Valentini has been turned into a multimedia museum. The tour (for which you have to get </span><a href="http://www.tosc.it/tickets.htm?affiliate=T2C&sort_by=event_datum&sort_direction=asc&fun=erdetail&doc=erdetaila&erid=648606" style="text-align: justify;" target="_blank">tickets in advance here</a><span style="text-align: justify;">) allows you to visit a Roman Senator's extravagant home, imagine attending an open-house in times of the Roman Republic! This is the kind of experience you'll get. </span>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><u>A visit to the Palazzo Valentini Domus Romane is great for older kids </u></b>as they won't be looking at ruins, the tour is actually a multimedia experience, so when they are explaining that there was a pool in the room, you'll hear the sound of children splashing in the water. The remains of the room become alive when laser beams fill in the missing parts of the room giving you an amazing visual of how the house actually was. Older kids and teens will totally be into this museum!<br />
<br />
When traveling with kids to the Eternal city, you may want to add a stop at <b><u>Villa Borghese. It is the one park that is most accesible to tourists</u></b> (Villa Borghese sits next to the Spanish Steps and <a href="http://gabyaroundtheworld.blogspot.it/2014/02/what-to-see-while-in-rome-piazza-del.html" target="_blank">Piazza del Popolo</a>, right in the city center). There, you can find Segway rides, bicycle rentals and more, so take a break from the madness of the tours and insert some free time into your schedule. <a href="http://gabyaroundtheworld.blogspot.it/2014/03/rome-with-kids-villa-borghese.html" target="_blank">Read all about Villa Borghese here</a>.<br />
<br />
Lastly, when in Rome, do as the Romans do. Go to a piazza, buy a gelato and let the kids run around and watch the street performers that are always present in the city squares.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXB5IeP5CCZ_tYVhfhSFWoh39NMpYwyq7pkyU6ljTBpiLffmZIVX6DRGaUAl8bS6t9bX9yUI95YSvK6ttlomFFVyrwTZT-t_u4ziG2El33JtMmNeyauA7aUwUIxFYJRuygkYWZn4ZK4QY/s1600/KidsEnjoy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXB5IeP5CCZ_tYVhfhSFWoh39NMpYwyq7pkyU6ljTBpiLffmZIVX6DRGaUAl8bS6t9bX9yUI95YSvK6ttlomFFVyrwTZT-t_u4ziG2El33JtMmNeyauA7aUwUIxFYJRuygkYWZn4ZK4QY/s640/KidsEnjoy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Do you have any tips for traveling with kids? Would love to hear about them!<br />
<br /></div>
<a href="https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/25485705/Captura%20de%20pantalla%202014-01-15%20a%20las%2017.23.45.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/25485705/Captura%20de%20pantalla%202014-01-15%20a%20las%2017.23.45.png" /></a>TravelingGabyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07951762337099658993noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2048803543974555556.post-69347192329392451562015-05-06T04:31:00.000-07:002015-05-06T04:31:53.179-07:00Making Time for the Simple Pleasures<h3>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 18px;"><i>“Slow down and enjoy life. It's not only the scenery you miss by going too fast - you also miss the sense of where you are going and why.” Eddie Cantor</i></span></h3>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
This may sound like an odd question, but have you ever been in a "slow town"? I have. I was there last weekend and let me tell you it was slow! Most urban folks are used to the fast-paced cities where everything moves at hurricane-speed. Women, the ultimate multitaskers, are constantly going through an imaginary revolving door, going from one activity to the other and when you are trapped going at that rhythm, it is very hard to slow down.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsW3vnMYYIv2xoJRcsjWaRa5pWGzj3TG9-7UB3bY4KphTEUfBtfe7V50g0nXA44vEYFDJMY3AaNyV0GcdYvgmzpSo_MwQsZhaBLGKoFHXiu8Nh44LB52dlO-GaRDIvwbMP1eJHG0Okuio/s1600/Spring.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsW3vnMYYIv2xoJRcsjWaRa5pWGzj3TG9-7UB3bY4KphTEUfBtfe7V50g0nXA44vEYFDJMY3AaNyV0GcdYvgmzpSo_MwQsZhaBLGKoFHXiu8Nh44LB52dlO-GaRDIvwbMP1eJHG0Okuio/s1600/Spring.jpg" height="283" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><u><a href="http://gabyaroundtheworld.blogspot.it/2014/01/10-things-to-know-before-coming-to-italy.html" target="_blank">A trip to Italy</a> might just re-set your RPMs.</u> </b> Italians are fantastic at slowing down. After living here for a few years I have a renewed appreciation for their take on <b><u>what's important in life</u></b>. Apparently, slowing down will not only be beneficial to your heart health, it will also improve your chances of loosing weight and even boost your sex life (<a href="http://www.webmd.com/balance/features/8-reasons-slow-down?page=4" target="_blank">Read: 8 Reasons to Slow Down</a>). It seams to me that every Italian person has read and practices the suggestions of this article. For example, when I first arrived in Italy I would be furious when there was a cloud of people in front of a counter all waiting to be helped by one single person, then I realized I was the only one bothered by the situation, everyone else waited patiently. There you have it, 50% more chances of developing high blood pressure, while Italians with their natural Zen, will live forever...</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
So, back to the Slow City, it is called <b><u>Sperlonga and it is located two hours south of Rome</u></b>. It is a sea-side town with an old village on top of a hill, overlooking the ocean. <a href="http://www.aurorahotel.it/en" target="_blank">The Hotel Aurora</a> is a great option for those traveling there as it is located right next to a central piazza and on the water front. <a href="http://gabyaroundtheworld.blogspot.it/2014/08/laperitivo-happy-hour-with-recipe.html" target="_blank">Sipping a Spritz</a> on the terrace, will definitively make you slow down your RPMs! (Can I now reclaim my low blood pressure please?!)</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiusuRimiogc3CcPyqgB4Os2krIcf6UISy6oxRgKTD6rBr_7rk2BFeY29l8NopCC30Tnb-uvhe5ZFfuwW5MPuzeJpkzFbcN8KxKJutlQYmlf5aK5a6sFNZUpnXMI-CrkYq8dN8aCTnEEJw/s1600/Sperlonga.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiusuRimiogc3CcPyqgB4Os2krIcf6UISy6oxRgKTD6rBr_7rk2BFeY29l8NopCC30Tnb-uvhe5ZFfuwW5MPuzeJpkzFbcN8KxKJutlQYmlf5aK5a6sFNZUpnXMI-CrkYq8dN8aCTnEEJw/s1600/Sperlonga.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
At one of our lunches at the hotel, we were given only a couple of options from which to choose, the menu of the day basically; less options = less stress. Another day we dinned in the town, and the food came to our table an hour after we sat down. A disgrace of a restaurant you may say.....but NO! we did get an antipasto and our wine, and were dinning "al fresco" staring at the calming waves (disclaimer: my kids got their pasta dishes right away and moved on to play in the sand).... it was a perfect time for conversation, relaxation and mindful eating, all the skills we loose with our fast-paced lives.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-uE1zFRyod2KoZSa6-Cfhgo88am-NjJzoBDbxTBXAB8BI1yQtjdpIVnAx6CQjOlKrAWRnv__zo_Y6o0AGcyEop0920dDEDcp4MACTAVnKDPQcccfsFHD_4tj8AfukpJzia8o3sW6Z-ho/s1600/SperlongaSlow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-uE1zFRyod2KoZSa6-Cfhgo88am-NjJzoBDbxTBXAB8BI1yQtjdpIVnAx6CQjOlKrAWRnv__zo_Y6o0AGcyEop0920dDEDcp4MACTAVnKDPQcccfsFHD_4tj8AfukpJzia8o3sW6Z-ho/s1600/SperlongaSlow.jpg" height="256" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Even if you are not in Italy, take a minute of your day to be grateful for the sweet smells of spring, or the softness of your child's embrace. Take another minute to savor your meals, ditch a couple of unnecessary tasks and go outside to feel the warmth of the sun touching your skin. At the end of the day, that is what life is all about, isn't it?</div>
<br />
Now I will say "arrivederci" in sloooow motion.....until next time,<br />
<br />
<a href="https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/25485705/Captura%20de%20pantalla%202014-01-15%20a%20las%2017.23.45.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/25485705/Captura%20de%20pantalla%202014-01-15%20a%20las%2017.23.45.png" /></a>TravelingGabyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07951762337099658993noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2048803543974555556.post-61307460400144848682015-04-26T10:08:00.001-07:002015-04-26T10:08:49.960-07:00Things to Do While in Rome: See it from the Sky!<h3>
<i><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 18px;">“You will never know how high you can climb until you reach the top.” K.L. Toth</span></i></h3>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">I have been living in Rome for a while now, and I have walked several times around the Vittorio Emmanuele monument in Piazza Venezzia, but had not climbed to the top until last week. I was by myself, having a date with Rome; on the days I choose to wander around and get cosy with this wonderful city, I walk without a destination, letting myself get lost in its </span><span style="line-height: 18px;">labyrinth of cobble-stone alleys, only deciding where to turn when I get to the end of a street. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju-8dH_6grtyfFD9Fq2RrUkWBLJknGxqQKWCkCdvqiZJEviA3OjAwuWgvp26TVxqTUMSyG1DlGRR4-Zx1B-AlrGNDlmtFnTw-s6TtfNRuHqWq-g22KZQEsvi84m6uGqnpHBWEtBydrkEM/s1600/VittorioEmmanuele.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju-8dH_6grtyfFD9Fq2RrUkWBLJknGxqQKWCkCdvqiZJEviA3OjAwuWgvp26TVxqTUMSyG1DlGRR4-Zx1B-AlrGNDlmtFnTw-s6TtfNRuHqWq-g22KZQEsvi84m6uGqnpHBWEtBydrkEM/s1600/VittorioEmmanuele.jpg" height="328" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">So I ended up in Piazza Venezia at the Vittorio Emmanuele monument, with its many steps and sculptures. Piazza Venezia is the heart of the city, marking the end of Via del Corso and the beginning of the Roman Forum. I know I've said <a href="http://gabyaroundtheworld.blogspot.it/2014/02/what-to-see-while-in-rome-piazza-del.html" target="_blank">other squares</a> are also the heart of Rome, it's just that Rome has more than one heart.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgevjb5qn3sjnLpMOFWpYQbCEJLPiwNsYg-cYo-q4kdVuP8US29TJTb7tArXIKNx16TXv2MWTVbDy3WA0alhfqw2bMQq3IV04yvRCjtcsS8VB7XLnP4DdlTnIIQyIYZ4ssOqvMgf6FZlIw/s1600/UnknownSoldier.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgevjb5qn3sjnLpMOFWpYQbCEJLPiwNsYg-cYo-q4kdVuP8US29TJTb7tArXIKNx16TXv2MWTVbDy3WA0alhfqw2bMQq3IV04yvRCjtcsS8VB7XLnP4DdlTnIIQyIYZ4ssOqvMgf6FZlIw/s1600/UnknownSoldier.jpg" height="205" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">If you decide to make the climb up the steps of this monument, after reaching the first terrace <b>you'll find the tomb to the Unknown Soldier, right under the Goddess Roma and flanked with two eternal flames</b>. An entrance to the inside of the monument is also found at this level. Three museums are housed inside this enormous monument, one to the Italian Flag, another to the Italian Unification and the National Museum of Italian Immigration.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b style="line-height: 18px;">But the best part to this monument is around the back.</b><span style="line-height: 18px;"> If you walk around the first terrace towards the back of the steps you just climbed, you'll find a panoramic elevator that will take you, for seven euros, to the very top of this monument. Once you exit the elevator your jaw will drop as you'll be in front of one of the most breathtaking views in all of Rome, because you can see a 360 view of the city. Colisseum, cupolas of the many churches around town, the Roman Forum, you can see it all from here.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsys2zh6OjJL_pRlsMN8IdHKfqdKr0N5x4eJbLd6SEk3Fe6LrQKPKzO1FI7IwXVH9iEA78DcqFV3Q_d_m7b53DhiML3itvm4VuudPaqutkyQDx_A6ca9h5nCR3mG1Tq6Y2JycLvJ5vSJM/s1600/BestViewRome.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsys2zh6OjJL_pRlsMN8IdHKfqdKr0N5x4eJbLd6SEk3Fe6LrQKPKzO1FI7IwXVH9iEA78DcqFV3Q_d_m7b53DhiML3itvm4VuudPaqutkyQDx_A6ca9h5nCR3mG1Tq6Y2JycLvJ5vSJM/s1600/BestViewRome.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">I know you may be rushing from one fountain to another, from one church to another church, but believe me, if you want a birds-eye view of all your Roman landmarks, take the elevator on the Vittorio Emmanuele </span><span style="line-height: 18px;">monument and<b> see Rome from the sky!</b></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">Arrivederci for now,</span></span></div>
<span style="color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span>
<a href="https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/25485705/Captura%20de%20pantalla%202014-01-15%20a%20las%2017.23.45.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/25485705/Captura%20de%20pantalla%202014-01-15%20a%20las%2017.23.45.png" /></a>TravelingGabyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07951762337099658993noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2048803543974555556.post-81772236813482030572015-04-19T06:46:00.002-07:002015-04-19T10:37:08.470-07:00Happy Birthday Roma <h3>
<i><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 18px;">“Look back over the past, with its changing empires that rose and fell, and you can foresee the future too.” </span><span style="color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">Marcus Aurelius </span></span></i></h3>
<div>
<i><span style="color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ5HBQ3GKoyE3ZS7qbwT7AjnX_TA66RACTtK208MXvHAz9w5UrfilotfqFsgZTnPrrGa3xN0FacIuaNP6j9cf5DbjfRy3jqeyXp5gTNi8WIMaGtqJVMpZWQoeZDKmZjUA5VcfyatsCplM/s1600/GBG-2325.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ5HBQ3GKoyE3ZS7qbwT7AjnX_TA66RACTtK208MXvHAz9w5UrfilotfqFsgZTnPrrGa3xN0FacIuaNP6j9cf5DbjfRy3jqeyXp5gTNi8WIMaGtqJVMpZWQoeZDKmZjUA5VcfyatsCplM/s1600/GBG-2325.jpg" height="444" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
<i><span style="color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">Happy Birthday Rome!! This Tuesday April 21st, Rome will be celebrating it's 2768th birthday. Like every year, the city organizes cultural events and reenactments. I rushed to the forum this morning to bring you a sneak peek into what is going to happen starting today, until Tuesday. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkZbssDGe1cygJ5FkXGali7AWCeSYQuwj3ZAaQkG-0TIMbSobFK6w1HhsCkcCle1JbpAIdpcHOms0aWjyrIpdrPHcEv92Un4seiauTna3KsHPX1FzJDfMuvGOs8jz0XclBRgCNn1dILu8/s1600/Birthday+Rome.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkZbssDGe1cygJ5FkXGali7AWCeSYQuwj3ZAaQkG-0TIMbSobFK6w1HhsCkcCle1JbpAIdpcHOms0aWjyrIpdrPHcEv92Un4seiauTna3KsHPX1FzJDfMuvGOs8jz0XclBRgCNn1dILu8/s1600/Birthday+Rome.jpg" height="240" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">Most reenactments will happen at the Circus Maximus, a span of green behind the colosseum. There is plenty of room for everyone to celebrate with Rome. There are a few stands that sell </span></span><span style="color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 18px;">commemorative t-</span><span style="color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">shirts, Roman times paraphernalia and food. For additional information of the festivities <a href="http://www.natalidiroma.it/2015/index_NdR2015_eng.html" target="_blank">click here</a> </span></span>
</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">To arrive to the festivities, the closest metro stop is Circo Massimo, a stop on the B Line. You can also use the Colosseo stop which is the one located right in front of the Colisseum. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjax4xCrBtJA4dtciAoESG92Cjksej_EDNUkg7AyKv9h8wGlTnruglsUbQiEJCXeCk1KEMlxUXN6tZ0IqBLfWC3fkFOnyqfrcwmS6OdV1L9h-uSuDj1shKQ7k6IZRjsf7XgJT-VckcHXEQ/s1600/RomeBirthday.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjax4xCrBtJA4dtciAoESG92Cjksej_EDNUkg7AyKv9h8wGlTnruglsUbQiEJCXeCk1KEMlxUXN6tZ0IqBLfWC3fkFOnyqfrcwmS6OdV1L9h-uSuDj1shKQ7k6IZRjsf7XgJT-VckcHXEQ/s1600/RomeBirthday.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">Additionally, in celebration of the city's birthday, the museums run by the city are free to the public and will open until midnight on April 21st. Some special exhibits will still require a ticket. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">There will also be concerts by military bands in many of the <a href="http://gabyaroundtheworld.blogspot.it/2014/03/what-to-see-while-in-rome-piazza-navona.html" target="_blank">city's squares</a>, so be there or be square! Lastly, the city will inaugurate a special lighting system that will make the forum shine more than ever. If you have plans to visit Rome (<a href="http://gabyaroundtheworld.blogspot.it/2014/01/10-things-to-know-before-coming-to-italy.html" target="_blank">please read this first)</a> it may be a good idea to plan your trip around April 21 and take part of the festivities, needless to say the weather this time of the year is just perfect.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">Arrivederci for now,</span></span></div>
<br />
<a href="https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/25485705/Captura%20de%20pantalla%202014-01-15%20a%20las%2017.23.45.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/25485705/Captura%20de%20pantalla%202014-01-15%20a%20las%2017.23.45.png" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13042229919670027756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2048803543974555556.post-60543162104645094602015-04-16T09:19:00.004-07:002015-04-19T05:51:40.251-07:00Garden Inspirations from a Roman Emperor<h3 style="text-align: justify;">
<i>"If you have a garden and a library, you have everything you need" Marcus Tullius Cicero</i></h3>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
Spring is finally here in Rome and if there is anything synonymous with spring, it is a garden. Today I visited two wonderful places located forty minutes outside of Rome, in a town called Tivoli: The Villa D'Este and Hadrian's Villa. Villa D'Este has the most wonderful gardens you can imagine, and I would post hundreds of pictures if I could.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
If you are planning to revamp your garden, why not take some inspiration from these UNESCO world heritage sites? I'm not an empress and certainly I'm no gardener (I have the brownest thumb anyone can have), but I've found much needed inspiration in the gardens of Villa D'Este and Hadrian's Villa to try to apply to the garden of my humble home. </div>
<br />
Here are some pointers of what I saw today:<br />
<br />
<h4 style="text-align: justify;">
<b>1. Consider adding rhythm to your garden</b>: Find something you like and repeat, repeat and repeat. </h4>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTuio7B3O6fNNEj5DTl78H_ErDmE3FNzEk-wnDPLzWwJvtFsfJ_U4Z8llThJx5hZSNyMhyphenhyphenzOv6ZH5Rh_0B0dP8TMgNcsEj7YYKrCK34v6hhX_sNJ3X3oidbaSJcdIShrEWz_NCawhKpew/s1600/RhythmGarden.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTuio7B3O6fNNEj5DTl78H_ErDmE3FNzEk-wnDPLzWwJvtFsfJ_U4Z8llThJx5hZSNyMhyphenhyphenzOv6ZH5Rh_0B0dP8TMgNcsEj7YYKrCK34v6hhX_sNJ3X3oidbaSJcdIShrEWz_NCawhKpew/s1600/RhythmGarden.jpg" height="500" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<h4 style="text-align: justify;">
2. Add a fruit tree to your garden, they are beautiful and yummy at the same time. Plus the reward of knowing where your food comes from is priceless!</h4>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrHcUQZn6kIzpuh0QLve-FHeO2h1vjhBSELstakuOY8n3nzac9VQ5oLaCwwz2nHsuNtgZ4j8tfyaFlbZxuAq1210PEAJTcLFX1dmu-Gws6bs8xuG48Tr_NfkfTPj9dfrLsJr_1n-EOAEs/s1600/FruitTree.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrHcUQZn6kIzpuh0QLve-FHeO2h1vjhBSELstakuOY8n3nzac9VQ5oLaCwwz2nHsuNtgZ4j8tfyaFlbZxuAq1210PEAJTcLFX1dmu-Gws6bs8xuG48Tr_NfkfTPj9dfrLsJr_1n-EOAEs/s1600/FruitTree.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<h4>
</h4>
<h4>
3. A water feature will make you feel like an empress/emperor</h4>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLQ30ENpwpDNEOxiURlszPNOK3cdRMP4Y2W9l-KoqEuFBoj3_yrTPndonLKfiJZYmf-ih9_VUQlEgCL20e8e8IdrR_nYy1SgcNowduDGAI2l0fypMTtfhBNPogj52kQbAj2BCMwR2-Gi0/s1600/WaterFeature.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLQ30ENpwpDNEOxiURlszPNOK3cdRMP4Y2W9l-KoqEuFBoj3_yrTPndonLKfiJZYmf-ih9_VUQlEgCL20e8e8IdrR_nYy1SgcNowduDGAI2l0fypMTtfhBNPogj52kQbAj2BCMwR2-Gi0/s1600/WaterFeature.jpg" height="428" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<h4>
4. Flowers flowers everywhere. We are all used to flower beds, have you considered having flowers above your head?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXI4QonNwrrwAkwLe1W8o5wkOg-Z_wzDtsKf-bUddIPmRJSgEXcJud48ZVH1fIsuqbC05vciH8QyNHy1KZaaFxZME46JYjcAhbjzhXFJ_OovXQEC7rTbC8-IVaGXw6G5ZPRJKkTbjFgDw/s1600/SpringVillaDeste.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXI4QonNwrrwAkwLe1W8o5wkOg-Z_wzDtsKf-bUddIPmRJSgEXcJud48ZVH1fIsuqbC05vciH8QyNHy1KZaaFxZME46JYjcAhbjzhXFJ_OovXQEC7rTbC8-IVaGXw6G5ZPRJKkTbjFgDw/s1600/SpringVillaDeste.jpg" height="606" width="640" /></a></h4>
<h4>
</h4>
<h4>
5. Multi-Function Shrubs: Rosemary is resilient, edible and has beautiful blooms, if Emperor Hadrian used it so can you.</h4>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeCgZwSCgBXX8LRnc9eWXuVQOfBVsSGdEVS6PzviYHfDBDILIVRfqpSYYb4kB-XAQx_u69yd7Fiaag0RWxO8H4rTDZhGzDZD5yX2WAz0vjSQUFxKsfwXXkpBvbShuKylqq-A2ycmQ4DH8/s1600/Rosemary.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeCgZwSCgBXX8LRnc9eWXuVQOfBVsSGdEVS6PzviYHfDBDILIVRfqpSYYb4kB-XAQx_u69yd7Fiaag0RWxO8H4rTDZhGzDZD5yX2WAz0vjSQUFxKsfwXXkpBvbShuKylqq-A2ycmQ4DH8/s1600/Rosemary.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I hope you enjoyed today's post, if you have any other gardening advise please leave it in the comments section, I need all the help and motivation I can get.</div>
<br />
Arrivederci for now,<br />
<br />
<a href="https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/25485705/Captura%20de%20pantalla%202014-01-15%20a%20las%2017.23.45.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/25485705/Captura%20de%20pantalla%202014-01-15%20a%20las%2017.23.45.png" /></a>TravelingGabyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07951762337099658993noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2048803543974555556.post-68607055006275439632015-04-03T10:13:00.000-07:002015-04-03T10:13:14.221-07:00Time for Gelato<h3>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 18px;"><i>"Io che qui sto morendo, e tu che mangi il gelato" I'm here dying and you are eating gelato. Lucio Dalla</i></span></h3>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Hello Spring! Weather in Rome has been fabulous this last week, and with nice warm weather I get an intense need for gelato. Since we are going to be talking about gelato we need to realize not all gelato is created equal. The good artisanal gelato can be spotted following these tips:</div>
<ul>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><b><u>Are the mountains of gelato bigger than Mt. Everest? </u></b> Probably not the best quality, as gelato made with real ingredients will not be able to withstand such heights.</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><b><u>Are the colors realistic as found in nature? </u></b> A connoisseur told me to check the banana flavor and make sure it's white and not yellow. Beware of bright blue Smurf flavors and mint that is kryptonite green.</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"> <b><u>The texture should be creamy</u></b> and it should not be overly sweet.</li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Now that you'll be able to recognize a good artisanal gelato let's see where to find them in Rome. Let's have an award ceremony:</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
1. My personal favorite and winner of all my informal market research:</div>
<h4>
</h4>
<h3>
<a href="http://www.comeillatte.it/dove.html" target="_blank"></a><a href="http://www.comeillatte.it/dove.html" target="_blank">Come Il Late</a></h3>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
This gelateria makes the cones on the spot and the sweet smell emanating from the store is impossible to resist. The cone is first filled with dark or white chocolate and it's topped with an extra chocolate covered wafer. The flavors are very authentic; try their Mango, Salted Caramel or any flavor your heart desires....you won't be disappointed.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUpL-pnA-41dcgaF-SXo8x9RFKyHV2htbd_M8LL27j_ThlvB1NRtia99Yo50bJ8ZsG6w_FrcwaC7C-ZHHi_BNZHyISM8p3gRbOb22sjNtCziRCRkyLv_jIlXZ429I-QCVhVHInVUS_aNM/s1600/GoodGelato.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUpL-pnA-41dcgaF-SXo8x9RFKyHV2htbd_M8LL27j_ThlvB1NRtia99Yo50bJ8ZsG6w_FrcwaC7C-ZHHi_BNZHyISM8p3gRbOb22sjNtCziRCRkyLv_jIlXZ429I-QCVhVHInVUS_aNM/s1600/GoodGelato.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
2. A Traditional Gelateria </div>
<h3>
<a href="http://www.giolitti.it/en/contacts" target="_blank">Giolitti</a></h3>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKzfTqqI0YWFgXD5QaJcT-vJlTQ_vVnIPFc32w1jp-HxZgIPqwgDCNny6wt8JtT0rYsOP4ZyQdz7IkPu3asJ3loQMVjnHAXjFPCdqtFMJ5GvupxnmJqCVaQQjFai2rTJk2iFzCdGw_VDQ/s1600/TimeforGelato.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKzfTqqI0YWFgXD5QaJcT-vJlTQ_vVnIPFc32w1jp-HxZgIPqwgDCNny6wt8JtT0rYsOP4ZyQdz7IkPu3asJ3loQMVjnHAXjFPCdqtFMJ5GvupxnmJqCVaQQjFai2rTJk2iFzCdGw_VDQ/s1600/TimeforGelato.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
A nice traditional gelateria with a location downtown rome and two others (click on the link for addresses). There is always a long line outside. Note: If you sit down and get service at your table, the gelato will be more expensive than if you get your ticket and choose your gelato at the counter. </div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOVVuEDuSd9ptAgRfE_xxmsl9yDEltuZbgqpRQnuRydGpS40QvmJUmJs1upONMd1KELcdsh7jyx-XD7hCFYnuQ6LJzD8L2BLI-XoRqUaDcVcNxZ2Qb1Qs8K0YU9Ji8PgWjajQiNUKnmmk/s1600/FlavorsGelato.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOVVuEDuSd9ptAgRfE_xxmsl9yDEltuZbgqpRQnuRydGpS40QvmJUmJs1upONMd1KELcdsh7jyx-XD7hCFYnuQ6LJzD8L2BLI-XoRqUaDcVcNxZ2Qb1Qs8K0YU9Ji8PgWjajQiNUKnmmk/s1600/FlavorsGelato.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a><br />
3. When More Means A Lot More<br />
<h3>
<a href="http://www.dellapalma.it/en/location/" target="_blank">Gelateria Della Palma </a></h3>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Claim to fame of Gelateria della Palma is that they serve 150 flavors, and they do! It is located steps from the <a href="http://gabyaroundtheworld.blogspot.it/2014/08/things-to-do-while-in-rome-pantheon.html" target="_blank">Pantheon</a>, so if you are out admiring this wonderful church, don't miss a visit to Gelateria della Palma.</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
4. One for the Organic Lovers<br />
<h3>
<a href="http://www.grom.it/en/gelaterie.php#puntivendita" target="_blank">GROM</a></h3>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
GROM is a chain with several locations around town. They only use organic ingredients and their flavors vary with the season as they use seasonal ingredients. They don't use colorants nor chemicals of any kind. Only a few flavors available, but they are all excellent! </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
5. The Out of the Way Combo Kings</div>
<h3>
Mondi (Via Flaminia Vecchia 468)</h3>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
This gelateria and pastry store is one of the best of Rome but is not in the center of town. Located in the The Ponte Milvio neighborhood if you decide to go for a ride, other than gelato, you'll be enjoying a part of Rome that has been kept for locals only. Mondi offers great combo flavors like Zabaione (eggnog) with crunchy caramel and pistacchio or Vanilla with raspberry and chocolate bits. </div>
<br />
6. Last but not Least<br />
<h3>
<a href="http://www.frigidarium-gelateria.com/contatti.htm" target="_blank">Frigidarium</a></h3>
Located a couple of blocks from <a href="http://gabyaroundtheworld.blogspot.it/2014/03/what-to-see-while-in-rome-piazza-navona.html" target="_blank">Piazza Navona</a>, at the heart of old Rome. This gelateria is a great stop after visiting the wonderful churches and statues of this beautiful city. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSgE2_H7Eqb0_mIlRkGe3w1htI-vlsUYdcStm60JhprYFVWdzon0gKzTLl9l_u5-sB-gH1G6d0Nn5DuenHiE6MSw-2clXJjwA33O04HVMjYRNdi5nJEXmqc3j2pwZAzzm8QEFP82folsI/s1600/Gelato.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSgE2_H7Eqb0_mIlRkGe3w1htI-vlsUYdcStm60JhprYFVWdzon0gKzTLl9l_u5-sB-gH1G6d0Nn5DuenHiE6MSw-2clXJjwA33O04HVMjYRNdi5nJEXmqc3j2pwZAzzm8QEFP82folsI/s1600/Gelato.jpg" height="417" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
And now, with all this talk about gelato, I think I am going to head out the door and get one. Arrivederci for now,<br />
<br />
<a href="https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/25485705/Captura%20de%20pantalla%202014-01-15%20a%20las%2017.23.45.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/25485705/Captura%20de%20pantalla%202014-01-15%20a%20las%2017.23.45.png" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />TravelingGabyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07951762337099658993noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2048803543974555556.post-20288983741547900292015-03-22T10:55:00.004-07:002015-03-22T13:02:56.709-07:00Things to Do While in Rome: Street Art<h3>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 18px;"><i>“People say graffiti is ugly, irresponsible and childish... but that's only if it's done properly.” Banksy </i></span></h3>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVqNMMVk7dMjITMjFRLK2tmzXpLFG40B9JT73E4P3ihhC-woBPdzO3OXZXzoYOoAiy8JCJdS_PiFEXjsGnVvsLfyvOAA7HOcsZX0sKc6JFzbOymev2odsiXRYVJqwEH7lr9P8GKX2RWZg/s1600/Street+Artists+Rome.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVqNMMVk7dMjITMjFRLK2tmzXpLFG40B9JT73E4P3ihhC-woBPdzO3OXZXzoYOoAiy8JCJdS_PiFEXjsGnVvsLfyvOAA7HOcsZX0sKc6JFzbOymev2odsiXRYVJqwEH7lr9P8GKX2RWZg/s1600/Street+Artists+Rome.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Rome is a city with countless works of art, any church you decide to visit will most likely take your breath away. There are fountains and <a href="http://gabyaroundtheworld.blogspot.it/2014/11/rome-on-budget-amazing-statues.html" target="_blank">statues</a> around any given corner in the city; so many that you'll need more than a lifetime to see them all. Rome also offers wonderful museums and exhibitions. However, if church art or deepening your understanding of Roman history is not necessarily your thing, let me tell you that Rome also houses the other type of art: street art!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnavgiiByjWou6zVqzCMu97WL6UT6Z2P2HMt4C-Ru1ASRPVVbf4ItGT2NY14jrszZXptPP_4XAR6Ro888GNEmzZRzdqndaPAetSFM7IMwgehBfmtbRXe_pL6iYVLuYl1RQTSGw7doE7tg/s1600/PapaFrancesco.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnavgiiByjWou6zVqzCMu97WL6UT6Z2P2HMt4C-Ru1ASRPVVbf4ItGT2NY14jrszZXptPP_4XAR6Ro888GNEmzZRzdqndaPAetSFM7IMwgehBfmtbRXe_pL6iYVLuYl1RQTSGw7doE7tg/s1600/PapaFrancesco.jpg" height="320" width="226" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pope Francis graffiti @ Spanish Steps Metro</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Street artists are present in the major piazzas of Rome, like in <a href="http://gabyaroundtheworld.blogspot.it/2014/02/what-to-see-while-in-rome-piazza-del.html" target="_blank">Piazza del Popolo</a> and <a href="http://gabyaroundtheworld.blogspot.it/2014/06/things-to-do-while-in-rome-trastevere.html" target="_blank">Trastevere</a>. You'll find a vast array of artists from mimes to clowns, painters and my personal favorites the musicians. <b>On via Frattina</b>, a quick walk from the Spanish Steps, <b>you'll find opera singers and a violinist</b> that gift us with a <b>perfect soundtrack for our Roman vacation</b>.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Graffiti</b> has recently been taken seriously by the city and agreements have been signed between authorities and street artists to grant them exclusive use of certain city walls to display their art or beautify the city. The neighborhood of <b>Testaccio has been used as a canvas for graffiti artists</b>, take a walk around and <a href="http://gabyaroundtheworld.blogspot.it/2015/03/things-to-do-while-in-rome-testaccio.html" target="_blank">don't miss a stop at their new market</a>.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
One of the street artists that has me running around town trying to collect pictures of his work is #CletAbraham, who decorates DO NOT ENTER signs with rebellious stick men and more. So, if you're planning a trip to Rome, don't forget to keep your eyes open for not only the beautiful art of old Romans, but also the new expressions of art of this generation.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipMfVHWgVXuqANxnqxpztws0V9ijpp_ZOw0bhQtuo8-dU8XckMTnr1jgBDfhv4tT9RVjOg6bHcMo9_sZ1XYF81nlJ5aTcEdOSis8YSB0RQ-dxfUBVHSEBr3dYA8yZZYCr8yz3Vc_hkZ-8/s1600/CletAbraham.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipMfVHWgVXuqANxnqxpztws0V9ijpp_ZOw0bhQtuo8-dU8XckMTnr1jgBDfhv4tT9RVjOg6bHcMo9_sZ1XYF81nlJ5aTcEdOSis8YSB0RQ-dxfUBVHSEBr3dYA8yZZYCr8yz3Vc_hkZ-8/s1600/CletAbraham.jpg" height="160" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Arrivederci for now,<br />
<br />
<a href="https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/25485705/Captura%20de%20pantalla%202014-01-15%20a%20las%2017.23.45.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/25485705/Captura%20de%20pantalla%202014-01-15%20a%20las%2017.23.45.png" /></a>TravelingGabyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07951762337099658993noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2048803543974555556.post-30467950721704330972015-03-07T08:42:00.001-08:002015-03-22T11:08:05.005-07:00Things to Do While in Rome: Testaccio Market<h3>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 18px;"><i>"But before we can radically reshape the world, we need to shop.” John Green</i></span></h3>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
Let's get it out right away, I love markets, food markets that is. If you really want to get to know a city and its people, go to the local market and observe how the microcosmos of a neighborhood work. Growing up in South America, my Saturday morning routine included a visit to the market with my mother, you always got the best deals and came home with baskets full of treasures, and fresh fish. A market can be a bit intimidating, vendors are loud especially if the place is crowded, but no other spot is so full of life and real city scenes than the market. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxk7NMrcUWoW2VtGYJf5R2-H6GyS2cRL41ipYRuZOqFjGOIOTvu5KdK0Tq1hPBW9791-DHGJKbVEwRkLaYIBGemTLKnibCsfj_A2FQFpF1iWIomPHfbZOQLqwIED5bDEjNc8k2UKOU8m4/s1600/FreshVeggies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxk7NMrcUWoW2VtGYJf5R2-H6GyS2cRL41ipYRuZOqFjGOIOTvu5KdK0Tq1hPBW9791-DHGJKbVEwRkLaYIBGemTLKnibCsfj_A2FQFpF1iWIomPHfbZOQLqwIED5bDEjNc8k2UKOU8m4/s1600/FreshVeggies.jpg" height="140" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
If you are coming to Rome, <b><u>make sure you carve some time to visit the Testaccio market</u>. </b> Testaccio is a Roman neighborhood on the south west of the city center. Many connoisseurs say Testaccio is one of the few Roman neighborhoods that has kept its original "flavor", where you do not see many tourists and life is like that of a small town. <b><u>To get to the Testaccio market, take the Metro B to the Piramide stop</u></b> from where you'll have a ten minute walk to reach the market.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA-VRYiby00L1osCY304w3A-CGyhf7lv4svtA-c2jjAGi4ze9xhbpvlRd7-TfNpIfUxzLxxVHG83ppUEXuJYtfDZEF9odNhGhpJuccaqPf1s6L73nx3F7ES51iiM1nAlPOEawioJDlsYQ/s1600/TestaccioMrkt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA-VRYiby00L1osCY304w3A-CGyhf7lv4svtA-c2jjAGi4ze9xhbpvlRd7-TfNpIfUxzLxxVHG83ppUEXuJYtfDZEF9odNhGhpJuccaqPf1s6L73nx3F7ES51iiM1nAlPOEawioJDlsYQ/s1600/TestaccioMrkt.jpg" height="436" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
This market can be a one-stop-shop as you do not only find fresh produce but you'll also find great deals in shoes, bags, belts, vintage cooking ware; basically anything your heart desires and more. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
If you love food, I would encourage you to join the <a href="http://www.eatingitalyfoodtours.com/taste-of-testaccio-food-tour/" target="_blank">Taste of Testaccio </a>eating tour, that will take you around the neighborhood with a stop at the Testaccio Market. The stories I learned about many of the vendors made me love this place even more.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitLhAF9d2lqJkLSDCaYMtQ8wISwZK12QYXmD76QahUu3AaFfMxlIu5b2EGf-aGqkENz1G48tDnKZ74bd2ioRN023MMWe3j4T8RwEij4EkzDfTIAJOE7kalS1_FH8UcliKWGJRCJkjtPc0/s1600/Cannoli.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitLhAF9d2lqJkLSDCaYMtQ8wISwZK12QYXmD76QahUu3AaFfMxlIu5b2EGf-aGqkENz1G48tDnKZ74bd2ioRN023MMWe3j4T8RwEij4EkzDfTIAJOE7kalS1_FH8UcliKWGJRCJkjtPc0/s1600/Cannoli.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
If you are there around lunch or dinner time, a couple restaurants I can recommend are <a href="http://www.ristoranteangelina.com/en/angelina-in-testaccio.html" target="_blank">Angelina at Testaccio</a> and <a href="http://www.ristorantevelavevodetto.it/en/home" target="_blank">Flavio al Velavevadetto</a>, both great at making the typical Roman dishes (don't know what the typical Roman dishes are? <a href="http://gabyaroundtheworld.blogspot.it/2014/01/italian-food-what-to-order-while-in.html" target="_blank">click here</a>!)<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0j6GDjUB_icPv6IR81ECVNSBHK8KOwDlNv9hJ2AeLMlo1kfyFlmtAiJ4ONjrGP3LtJxA9Ixg0uiiuBbee3AGICwelgKQsW2oKdU5Iv4mJJ25tj3Whcr4vFAnV4uakd03buLJ1N1vPJBU/s1600/Testaccio.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0j6GDjUB_icPv6IR81ECVNSBHK8KOwDlNv9hJ2AeLMlo1kfyFlmtAiJ4ONjrGP3LtJxA9Ixg0uiiuBbee3AGICwelgKQsW2oKdU5Iv4mJJ25tj3Whcr4vFAnV4uakd03buLJ1N1vPJBU/s1600/Testaccio.jpg" height="113" width="200" /></a>Hope you have the chance to visit this charming part of #Rome! <br />
<br />
PS. Keep your eyes open and see if you can spot the cool <a href="http://gabyaroundtheworld.blogspot.it/2015/03/things-to-do-while-in-rome-street-art.html" target="_blank">street art</a> around Testaccio...<br />
<br />
Arrivederci for now,<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/25485705/Captura%20de%20pantalla%202014-01-15%20a%20las%2017.23.45.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/25485705/Captura%20de%20pantalla%202014-01-15%20a%20las%2017.23.45.png" /></a>TravelingGabyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07951762337099658993noreply@blogger.com1