Rome with Kids: Villa Borghese

"Spring is nature's way of saying,  'let's party!' Robin Williams

Rome can be a challenging city to visit with young children. Especially if you are still using strollers as the main method of transportation for the kids.  The cobble stone roads can be a bit difficult to navigate but mostly, because the art and history this city has to offer can drastically differ from the idea of a fun destination on the eyes of little ones.

Now, there is always a positive spin to any situation, like telling them the stories of the Roman Gods represented on the sculptures or about how animals used to be brought to the Colosseum for public entertainment.  I had my boys read Lonely Planet's "Not-For-Parents, Rome, Everything You Ever Wanted to Know" by Klay Lamprell.  At least when we toured Rome, they had a better idea of what they were seeing.

You can always promise gelato as a reward for good behavior during church and museum visits.  But at the end of the day, if you need to sit for a while and let them run around, consider visiting Villa Borghese, the equivalent to Central Park in Rome.

Villa Borghese is a vast park that sits north of the Spanish Steps and Piazza del Popolo (to learn more about Piazza de Popolo click here).  It's easily accessible by public transportation lines 52, 53, 217 and 920.  On any given day you will find bicycles, carts and segway rentals at several points of the park (Rolling around for an hour on a segway will cost you 15 euros and a cart or bike rental is 5 euros per hour, very affordable!).  The segway ride is a fun activity for kids of all ages, including my mother.  If she can segway, so can you!  

If you are already there, don't leave without taking some nice photographs from the Pincio terrace (just above Piazza del Popolo), from where you get a wonderful view of the city center.

On the opposite side of Villa Borghese, you will find the zoo, another family-friendly destination inside the park.  And since you've been so good with the kids, now it's your turn for some cultural activities, visit the Galleria Borghese, a private museum located in the grounds Villa Borghese, which was original a private vineyard that was expanded by Cardinal Scipione Borghese, nephew of Pope Paul V.  Galleria Borghese houses the art collection of Cardinal Borghese and some contemporary exhibitions too.  It's well worth the visit.

You will also find several fountains, a lake, a movie theater and countless sculptures.  It's really handy to rent some sort of wheels to see it all.  Or you can do as some Romans do and run through the park to burn some of the calories you may have been racking up.

Enjoy,

Keeping Your Identity After Your Move Abroad

"The joy of life comes from our encounters with new experiences, and hence there is no greater joy than to have an endlessly changing horizon, for each day to have a new and different sun." Jon Krakauer, Into the Wild.

After leaving behind the life you once knew to embark on a new adventure, your life will take a drastic turn.  You have probably been on autopilot for a while and now a million changes are coming your way, all at the same time.  And after juggling pack-outs, going-away parties and all the logistics needed to get you and your family from city A to city B, where do you rank on the priorities' list?

Throughout my years as an expat I have met many professional, talented and super smart people who for one reason or another choose to put on hold their professional lives in order to embark on this overseas adventure.  Some are happy with their choice and some struggle with it, but there are ways to take advantage of a new life, the possibility of reinventing yourself into a new you.

Within the diplomatic world, it's somewhat easier than in the private sector, to continue working while abroad.  If you are set on continuing your career, check the bilateral agreements with the host country before you commit to the move.  Some professions are more portable than others.  I have seen many teachers and nurses do not miss a beat on the professional arena.  Any job that can predominantly be performed through the internet is portable, and more and more employers will appreciate the time difference aspect of hiring an expat (as when the work can be done while they are sleeping).

Sometimes though, working in your field is just not possible, but are you really a one dimensional person?  No!  You have many other skills that can be used.  Try to be creative!  I have worked on paid jobs ranging from a software translator to a senior logistics officer.  Never in a million years I though I was going to work as a translator as there are countless people who can professionally translate from English to Spanish and viceversa ,,,,,,but not in Sri Lanka!  In Sri Lanka it was only me!

I have worked in all the countries I lived in, except two.  The first one because I was giving birth to my second child and my oldest son had not learned how to walk yet.  It was my mommy tour.  The second time I have stayed unemployed is now, but I am exploring my creative side with the blog and dedicating time to my photography, which I am enjoying very much.  I also have a friend who is a mechanical engineer and who has turn around her professional life to become a recognized sculptor.

One of the most important skills that will allow you to survive any new situation is adaptability.  Once you are settled into your new country, think!  How can I reinvent myself?  What skills can I use that will land me a fulfilling new life in this country?  Don't dismiss volunteer opportunities,  they can lead you to your next paid job! Get out, get involved, meet people.  The more you network the more you will be able to market your skills.

Yes, when we move and we are the ones holding down the fort, it is easy to lose yourself into being Mr.Right's spouse and Kid#1 and Kid#2's mom (or dad).  Making a life for yourself is also a priority, allow yourself to think outside the box.  Do you have story of personal fulfillment you can share with me?

What to See While in Rome: Piazza Navona

"I came, I saw, I conquered" Julius Caesar

In my own humble way I also came, saw and conquered #PiazzaNavona and in the lines to follow I will do my best to let you know why you should come too.  While other city attractions may be more renown, Piazza Navona has a unique charm that has captivated Romans and visitors alike for centuries.  

The first thing Piazza Navona has to offer is its vast size.  For a bustling city of narrow streets and crazy traffic, this pedestrian-only square is a relaxing but still vibrant part of town.  It is great to spend some time admiring the three fountains that adorn it; and if traveling with kids, it's a great place to let them run around a little bit and enjoy, as Romans do, this beautiful public square.

In the center of Piazza Navona you'll find the Fountain of the Four Rivers, sculpted by Gian Lorenzo Bernini (you can read all about its history by clicking here).  It represents the Gods of the four great rivers as recognized in the #Renaissance world.  On the southern end of the piazza you'll find the Fountain of the Moor and the northern end of the square is adorned by the Fountain of Neptune, my personal favorite one. 

There are several restaurants surrounding the piazza offering al fresco dinning and the colors and magnificence of the buildings make it a postcard perfect setting.  During Christmas season an open market operates in the piazza and offers all imaginable pieces for a Nativity set and many other decorations. During the rest of the year there are always artists selling paintings, photographs and souvenirs.  On weekends it's a popular and family-friendly destination.  At night time it is a happening part of town.

The drinking fountains around Rome, called "Nasone (big nose)" by the locals, provide potable water to all.  Just cover the flowing water with you hand and a spout will shoot water up towards you, the best way to quench your thirst in Rome.  There is one drinking fountain in the north end of piazza Navona, and 2000 others around town.

When hunger strikes I normally walk a couple of blocks away from the piazzas where most restaurants gear towards tourist and find more local venues.  A couple of blocks from Piazza Navona I found Pizzeria Ristorante La Focaccia (Via della Pace 11).  I sat on the outdoor tables and enjoyed their brick oven pizza and local cuisine for an affordable price.  Another fun venue around the area is Bar del Fico at Piazza del Fico 26-28 (their website shows a fully naked lady so I won't link it, just is case: www.bardelfico.com).   Their grilled steak is very nice.  And since we are talking about food, here is the recipe for a typical Roman dish:

 

400 grams of Spaghetti

200 grams of bacon cut in small bite size pieces (or guanciale: a bacon of pigs cheeks)

250 grams of Pecorino cheese 

2 egg yolks and 1 1/2 egg whites

Salt and Pepper to taste

*This dish is almost a religion in Rome!

Scramble the eggs in a bowl and add a third of the cheese and a bit of pepper, let the mix rest for 5 minutes.  On a frying pan fry the bacon until crisp without any extra oil.  Get rid of half the bacon oil after the bacon is crisp.  In the mean time, boil your pasta "al dente" which means until you can still bite into it (always save some pasta water, it is almost always used in the sauces).  Transfer it to the bowl with the egg mixture and mix well.  Add the hot bacon to the seasoned pasta.    Mix well until creamy, away from the stove.  In order to get a creamy consistency you can add pasta water if necessary.  Sprinkle the rest of the Pecorino cheese before serving.

Enjoy!!!

*Image from www.unacenaconenrica.com

 

Rome on a Budget: How to Take Public Transportation

“Don't spend money on things... spend money on experiences. You'll enjoy life a lot more!” Ziad K. Albdernour

They say when there's a will, there's a way and there is certainly a way to see #Rome on a #budget. Rome is such and enchanting city that just sitting on one of its many piazzas and enjoying a two euro gelato can make for a perfect day.  Think Julia Roberts on Eat Pray Love, you know what I mean!

The center of Rome is small enough that, if you are in for the challenge, you can just walk from one must-see place to the other and hop on a bus when you are trying to cover longer distances, that is if you can figure out how the public transportation system works.  Here are a few tips that will make your experience a little bit easier.

1.  You will need a ticket: A one time ticket costs one euro fifty and it can be purchased in any #Tabacchi (tobacco) store.  There are Tabacchi stores all around Rome and the ones in the city center are certainly used to visitors.  The tickets are not dated nor route-specific so you can buy a bunch to last you the length of your visit.  The same tickets are used in #buses, #metro and trams.

2. You certainly need to arm yourself with a good map to plan your route.  ATAC, the agency that administers public transpo in Rome, has published this official map (click here) of transportation in the city center.  #Bus lines are identified by a number and each bus stop lists the route of your bus line.  A bus stop normally serves several lines and it looks like the one pictured on the right.

3.  On the suggested map you can follow the route of your bus by just following the bus line number along the map.  It reminds me of the game connect the dots. Tip: sit by the window so you can identify your position by looking at the street signs and following the route on your map.

Validating machine inside tram.

4. Once you board the bus it's time to VALIDATE YOUR TICKET! This is a very important step.  The tickets you bought are not valid until you punch them on the validating machines inside the buses or trams.  Once you validate your ticket two lines will be printed on the back of your ticket, one with the time you started using the ticket and the other with the time when it will expire; you have an hour and a half to travel in the public transportation system with that same ticket.  Don't mind it if you are the only one validating the ticket.  Most Romans hold monthly or yearly tickets that don't need validation.  Every so often there are controllers that board the bus and ask everyone for their tickets.  If you don't have a validated ticket you will be fined!

5. Rome has two metro lines, the A and the B line.  They form an X on the map.  The same ticket you bought for the bus can be used to take the metro, however, once the ticket is used to enter a metro station, it cannot be used to enter another metro station even if it hasn't expired.  It is still OK to make a connection with a bus line after your metro ride.

6.  You can hop on and off different bus lines, trams and metro without having to re-validate the ticket every time.  Just validate the first time and keep the ticket handy until it expires.

7.  When it's time to get off the bus, press the red stop button (located in several handrails) and the bus will stop on the next stop.   The bus will not stop unless someone on the bus requested it by pressing the button.  So don't count on the bus stopping at every bus stop on the route.

8.  There are also trams around the city and the system works just like the buses. Check your route, get in, validate, press the stop button, get out.

 

As mentioned in my article "10 Things to Know Before Traveling to Italy", public transportation strikes in Rome are frequent.  Check the ATAC website for updates.  Lastly, watch your belongings specially in crowded buses.  The buses leading to Sain Peter's and to the #Termini train station are infamous for being frequented by #pickpocketers.  Be smart, keep your bag in front of you and your money in different pockets.

Go places and enjoy the ride! Arrivederci for now,

Ethnic Food and Where to Find it in Rome

"If we are what we eat, who are we?" Donna Gabaccia

One of the benefits of being a #traveler, is that you get to try different cuisines in their original form.  Traveling, whether you have been a foodie before or not, gives you the opportunity to experience each culture in one of its finest and most basic expressions: food.  Once you've tried a simple but real spaghetti pomodoro in #Italy and a real Ramen soup in #Japan or authentic Chinese food, it's hard to settle for Spaghettios, or sugar loaded Chinese takeout.  Yes, you become a foodie!

My first meal on our initial assignment overseas in Sri Lanka,  was a "lunch packet" at the cafeteria in my husband's workplace.  It came presented as a gift: a square package wrapped in a banana leaf and tied with some natural fiber rope.  I was a little worried, but the contents smelled good.  As I opened my lunch package I discovered a chicken leg, lentils, rice and a hard boiled egg.  I sighted with relief as I was able to recognize all the ingredients and I had tried them all before.  It turns out Sri Lankan food can be extremely spicy and in this case even the rice was hot.  I managed to finish my lunch drinking exorbitant amounts of water, but later on I learned to love their cuisine and I truly miss it.

My husband had already traveled the world before we met.  On our first date, he took me to a #Korean restaurant and I passed the test, I guess.  Using a lettuce leaf as a wrap to tasty barbecue meat and cooking it all in front of you was lots of fun.  My children have learned to love Korean food and now we even make it at home.

When you live overseas and you are craving for a particular ethnic food, the only way to find it may be in your own kitchen.  That is the specific reason why I leaned how to cook.  Looking for Peruvian food in Sri Lanka landed me in my own kitchen trying to recreate the recipes I love.  If you haven't tried #Peruvian food yet, you don't know what you are missing!

Having admitted many times to being a fan of Italian food, once in a while my palate longs for some international flavors.  Unfortunately, #Rome is not as "Around the World" as Gaby.  It may be because Rome has considered itself the center civilization for too long or because not many Italians like to deviate from their Italian diets, but it's hard to find ethnic food in Rome!

Here are some of my go-to places when I am looking for different flavors:

Korean: 

The Arirang restaurant of course.  Located at Via M.D'Azeglio 3/F.  You can also buy Korean and Japanese ingredients (Ramen Soup, sushi rice, ginsen) at the Korean Market located in Via Cavour, 84.

 Peruvian:

El Norteño at Via del Castro Pretorio, 26, a couple of blocks from the Termini train station.  Overall the area surrounding the Termini station is where you can find most ethnic cuisines.  It's not the nicest part of town and the restaurants are not fancy but they satisfy the cravings once in a while.

Japanese:

There are several sushi places around town, as it seams to be the "it" ethnic cuisine in Rome at the moment.  Most Japanese restaurants are ran by Chinese but I found these true Japanese sushi bars:  Taki (via Marianna Dionigi 56-60) and Rokko (Passeggiata Di Ripetta 15)

American:

For a great an inexpensive burger try Perfetto Panini & Burgers Gourmet located inside the "Rinascente" department store of Piazza Fiume.  For an organic burger in the nice part of town try the one in Gli Ulivi (Via Luigi Luciani 23).  They also make their own ketchup. If you feel like taking a ride to Castelgandolfo try Grapes (Lago di Castel Gandolfo, Via dei Pescatori 7) an all American restaurant with a good artisan beer selection.

Egyptian: 

Recommended by an Egyptian acquaintance, by far the best shawarma in town can be found in Shawarma Station (via Merulana 271).  They have a lot more than shawarmas and serve a great variety of Egyptian food.

The #EsquilinoMarket (via Principe Amedeo 184) is a daily market near the Augusto Imperatore metro station, where you can find Asian and Latinamerican vegetables and other ingredients.  Craving for bak choy or cilantro? you'll find it there.

Lastly, another source for #ethnic #ingredients is the supermarket chain #Castroni and one isle in the super store #Auchan. And those are all the tips I have for today.  Do you know of any great ethnic restaurant in Rome?  Can wait to hear about it!

 

A Day in Verona, You Won't Regret It!

“She dreams of him that has forgot her love; You dote on her that cares not for your love." William Shakespeare, The Two Gentlemen of Verona

Most people traveling to Italy for the first time, will center their energies in visiting Rome, #Florence, #Venice and maybe parts of Southern Italy.  But if you have been here before or have a bit more time to spare, consider visiting #Verona, the city of love, even if it is only for a few hours.

The city of Verona has been designated as a UNESCO's World Heritage Site, due to it's artistic heritage.  In my opinion, it offers a bit of everything: historic buildings, a unique architecture, good food and fashion.  The Arena of Verona, a Roman amphitheater, is the scenario of an important lyrical season.  Tickets for the 2014 Opera Season are already on sale (for purchasing tickets click here).  The Arena, which predates the Roman Colosseum, is located in #PiazzaBra, an open square that is the beginning of a pedestrian area, leading to the center of town.

Depending on your time and your planning, you can tour the Arena or attend one of the many shows taking place in it.  Even if you only see it from outside it's a sight worth seeing.  From there, the logical route is to take the pedestrian street Via Giuseppe Mazzini, where you will find a surprising array of fashion houses' stores.  When I visited Verona for the first time, I wasn't expecting this extra bonus!  If you are planning to splurge in some shopping, here is your chance (wink).

Taking a right at Via Cappello you will reach #Giulietta's House.  For many years the property of the Cappello family, it has the family crest and coat of arms in the inner courtyard.  The entry way leading to the courtyard is walled by white panels where hundreds of people draw hearts with their names and their significant other's. Tip: Pack a Sharpie!!  In the courtyard you'll find a bronze statue of Giulietta.  It's customary to take a photo holding her breast.  Then, for six euros, (1 Euro for children 8-14, and on February 13, 15 and 16.  On February 14th, the visit to Giulietta's house is FREE!)  you can visit the inside of the house, where several medieval bridal dresses are on display.  If you love weddings as much as I do, the visit is well worth the six euros.  Tip: If possible, take turns visiting the house, so someone in your group can take your picture while you stand in the most famous balcony in the world!

On the opposite direction, Via Cappello will take you to Piazza delle Erbe, another open square with many restaurants perfect of a coffee stop or for an apperitivo (happy hour).  There are kiosks with all kinds of souvenirs to take back home.  As I normally do, I avoid eating at those touristy restaurants.  They are OK for a drink to enjoy the piazza's ambiance, but the food is not a good representation of the amazing cuisine of this country.

Today, during my visit to Verona, after spending some time forcing the kids to pose for my pictures, I walked a few blocks away from the main attractions looking for a restaurant with good food and decent prices.  I ended up close to Ponte Pietra (stone bridge), another must stop in Verona.  Cappa Caffe (Piazzetta Bra' Molinari, 1) was an unexpected find.  One of those places where you would never guess what's inside, judging by their entrance.  Inside was this chic restaurant/lounge, that served us an excellent pizza for six euros and up.  Their white wash walls and decor hinted of a happening place for an apperitivo (happy hour) or an evening meal.  

All an all, Verona has enough going for it to make it a stop on your next trip to Italy.  There are several churches and museums to visit.  If I can lure you in with Romeo and Giulietta, you will not be disappointed because Verona offers much more than that.

Arrivederci,

What to See While in Rome: Piazza del Popolo

“I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” Maya Angelou.

I will never forget the feeling I had when I landed in "Piazza del Popolo" for the first time.  I had just moved to #Rome and after a couple of weeks figuring out the new house and the unpacking I decided to go for a walk and ended up at the #PiazzaDelPopolo.  I got mad at myself thinking I should have left the packing undone and the organizing for later, because the Piazza was at an arm's length and I had not yet discovered it!

View from Villa Borghese's Pincio terrace.

The Piazza is a large open square with an Egyptian obelisk in the middle, flanked by water spitting lions. Three streets originate at the Piazza: Via del Babuino, Via del Corso and Via di Ripetta.  One is nicer than the other; they are all cobblestone streets with clothing stores and restaurants.  I could walk them for hours!

You can also go up the ancient steps to #VillaBorghese (Rome's equivalent to Central Park) and enjoy one of my favorites views of the Roman skyline.

The Piazza del Popolo, that literally translates to People's Square has been for centuries a place for gatherings, from public executions up until 1826 to the modern day New Year's concerts and political rallies.  On any given day you can find street musicians and other performers.  

The square is my favorite spot for just soaking up the sun and for people watching.  Once I get hungry I look for a bite in one of the nearby restaurants.  Prices are always higher if you sit at the piazza itself.  A short walk from the square I found this great restaurant GiaNdo (Via Francesco Carrara 12) where they serve and amazing pizza, great salads and of course a good plate of pasta.  The ambiance is American chic and the service is great.

They love pizza and I do too!

I hope the tips make your time in #Rome an amazing one! Arrivederci,

Things to Do While in Rome: The Jewish Ghetto

 "Learn from history or you're doomed to repeat it"  Jesse Ventura

If you are coming to #Rome with a little more time than just to tour the Colosseum and the Fontana di Trevi, I highly recommend a stop at the Jewish Ghetto.  When I came here as a tourist, I have to confess that I skipped it, but yesterday I took advantage of the beautiful day in Rome and headed out to see this part of the city that had escaped me for some reason.

The Portico d'Ottavia, at the heart of the #JewishGhetto, is an amazing structure from the year 27 BC. From the Portico to the blocks leading to the #TurtleFountain you will find one of the oldest Jewish communities in Europe.

The Jewish Ghetto was established on 1,555 in an undesirable part of town, prone to flooding.  Over 2,000 #Roman #Jews where ordered to live there in the most crushing poverty as they were only allowed to work unskilled jobs.  The three gates to the #Ghetto were locked at night.

It was amazing to walk through these cobblestone streets, witness to such horrors.  As when in October 16, 1943, trucks pulled next to the Portico di Ottavia and waited idle while German soldiers at gun point herded Roman Jews to the trucks and transported them to #Auschwitz.  Only 16 survived.  A plaque on one of the buildings reads: "On October 16, 1943, here began the merciless rout of the Jews. The few who escaped murder and many others, in solidarity, pray for love and peace from mankind and pardon and hope from God."

Details of the beautiful Roman Synagogue

Capture of the reflection of the Synagogue on a puddle of rain.

Today the Jewish Ghetto is visited by well-heeled Romans.  Its restaurants are very chic and they proudly display their specialty: #Artichokes Giudia Style.  I tried my first one yesterday at Hostaria Giggetto (Via del Portico d'Ottavia 21/A) and I have to say it was delicious!! (They also serve a spaghetti alla carbonara that is to die for!)

My very first Artichoke alla Giudia!!!

It was well worth the visit, and I can't wait to go there again!  For many more photographs of my visit to the ghetto visit my Facebook page.

Emergencies are Even Scarier Overseas!

"Success is the by-product of [...] preparation." John Wooden

This past week I had to deal with my oldest son's jammed finger (a basketball injury) and a flooded terrace that left unattended could have turned into a disaster at home.  It made me think about #emergencies and how situations can turn serious suddenly.  Do you know where to go in case of a medical emergency?  Do you know how to get there?  Do you know who to call in case you need help with translation?

I cannot stress how important it is for you to find out where to go in case of a medical emergency.  As soon as you get to a new city and specially if you have kids (any of your little ones accident prone?) make a practice run to the hospital/clinic, learn the route, find out if there is parking, how the system works.

I used to have all emergency numbers posted in my refrigerator when the kids were small.  I now realize that nothing has changed and emergencies can happen at any moment, to anybody.  So I am reinstating the practice and preparing myself for any type of emergency.   Here are the numbers you MUST have handy (maybe on the fridge, by the phone, in your nightstand).  Believe me, when you are under high stress you may not think as clearly, and you may have trouble finding numbers, or remembering where you stored them and of course, your cellphone will be out of battery.  Do yourself a favor, print them and post them in a place anyone can find them.

• Write your number first, in case you have help in the house or hire #babysitters
• Husband/wife's number
• #Ambulance's number
• Write the address of the closest #hospital/clinic and their phone number
• #Fire department
• Handy man
• Office contact (maybe someone that could meet you at the hospital and help you translate?)
• List any #allergies

***Found this great sample at www.petitelemon.com

Also, have some drinking water stored if you have moved to an earthquake zone.  Candles and battery operated radios are also good to have.  Make sure you keep some canned food in your pantry, even if you are used to eating fresh food only.  Overseas, and specially in third world countries, you may have to deal with power outages and water issues frequently.  Also help may not come to the rescue as fast or may not be as efficient, so HELP YOURSELF!! Make a plan and be prepared.  I'm printing my Emergency Information Sheet right now.  Arrivederci!

***Image from www.petitelemon.com

Eating and Living Like Italians Do

“Sorry, there´s no magic bullet. You gotta eat healthy and live healthy to be healthy and look healthy. End of story.”  Morgan Spurlock

When I learned I was moving to #Italy, my initial reaction of joy was followed by worried  thoughts of the amount of weight I was going to gain after my three year assignment.  I worried all the #pasta and #bread were going to be impossible to resist.  I dreamed of Pasta al Pesto Genovese in Genova, Tagliatelle al Ragu in Bologna, Spaghetti Vongole in Amalfi, Tiramisu... I also had nightmares about stepping on a scale.

Being worried about gaining all that weight I started thinking why, generally speaking, Italians are not overweight?  And on top of it, they live long lives, especially women!  My friend is traveling next month to see her grandmother for her 100th birthday; how many of us can say that?

Good looking Italians on a regular day.

Not being an expert on the matter, I can only talk about my observations:

#Italians care about they way they look.  Some more obsessively than others, but both men and women care about looking presentable when going out.  You will never see them running errands wearing baggy sweatpants and flip flops.  Now, if you have to wear your nice clothes all the time, you make sure to fit in them!

People walk a lot more than in other countries.  Since parking is a big nightmare, as I've discussed previously, many people take public transpo, which involves getting to bus stops, metro stops and train stations...walking.  If you are downtown, it's a lot easier to walk places than it is to drive there.  No need for pedometers, walking is just part of life.

Food is fresher, and everyone cares about buying nothing but the best: the freshest, the purest, simply the best you can buy.  They have the mentality that if it's Italan it's the best, and that makes for eating food that comes from nearby places, not from the other corner of the world.  Eating "farm to table" is not a trend, just the way they've been doing it for centuries.

In the supermarkets you will only find produce in season, so if you want artichokes in the summer time you won't find them, they are in season now (January).  If you want peaches in the winter you just won't find them, you have to wait until they are at their best, in summer time.  As a result, restaurants serve seasonal dishes and it's all fresh, it's all good.

Their food industry is regulated is such a way that many products sold in the U.S. and other parts of the world are forbidden here.  And if they are to be sold, they have to come with a warning label stating the effects of the dubious ingredients (normally chemicals and additives).  For example, American Mac and Cheese, comes with a big label saying that certain ingredients alter children's behavior.  My youngest loves Mac and Cheese, but how can you buy the product knowing its possible effects?  I actually stopped buying it and now make Mac and Cheese from scratch, every time we want to have it.  

I have talked to many #Italian friends and they say that at home they normally don't eat pasta at dinner time.  They might if they go out to a restaurant, where, by the way, I've never been offered unlimited amounts of bread, the basket of bread is fairly small and costs a couple of euros. 

All and all, I haven't gain weight, maybe only for the holidays but that is true no matter where I live.  After a year in Italy I have given myself permission to savor it all, but in moderation.

1/2 pounds elbow macaroni

3 tablespoons of butter

3 tablespoons of flour

1 tablespoon powder mustard

3 cups milk

1/2 cup onion, finely diced

1 bay leaf

1/2 teaspoon of paprika

1 egg

12 ounces sharp cheddar, shredded

1 teaspoon of salt

fresh black pepper

Preheat oven at 350 degrees F.  In a large pot boil the pasta in salted water until it's "al dente".  While pasta is cooking, in a separate pot, melt the butter.  Whisk in the flour, mustard and keep moving for about 5 minutes.  Stir in the milk little by little making sure no lumps are formed.  Add the onion, bay leaf and paprika.  Simmer for 10 minutes and remove the bay leaf.  Temper in the egg.  Stir in 3/4 of the cheese.  Season with salt and pepper.  Fold the macaroni into the mix and pour it nto a casserole dish.  Top with the remaining cheese.  Toss breadcrumbs on top and bake for 30 minutes.  Enjoy!

Making It Work: A Good Attitude Is a Must!

“Very little is needed to make a happy life; it is all within yourself in your way of thinking.”  Marcus Aurelius, Meditations.

This #expat life, and maybe life in general, is not easy sometimes, but facing problems with a good attitude will help you keep your sanity!  Packing all your belongings and flying half-way around the world to a strange city, one where you are unable to communicate and where things don't work the way expect them to, it's stressful to say the least.  On top of everything you are carrying with you the emotional toll of having said goodbye to family and friends.  If you've done it, you know exactly what I mean...

In spite of it all, having a good #attitude can make or break your experience as an expat.  On the flip side, traveling to a new country, learning a new language, experiencing life from a different perspective could be lots of fun and very rewarding!  So there is a good side to every situation: right?

I am currently living in #Rome, and just thinking about how many people save for a long time to visit Italy for a few days (a recurrent point in bucket lists), makes me feel very fortunate for having a longer stay here.   However, there are some bad days in paradise, too.

I live right next to a school.  Going into or out of my dead-end street during drop-off and pick-up times is just a nightmare.  There is no such thing as a Kiss and Ride lane.  People double and triple park and sometimes they simply park on the middle of the street.  As long as they have their hazard lights on, they are OK.  I try to avoid at all costs the times when I know this craziness will happen, but one day I came back home at school release time and as I was trying to get into my street as the entire universe was trying to come out of it.  I fought like a mad woman, trying to gain space on the road, it took me an eternity to park and I was furious!

That same week I came back home at the wrong time again and I decided not to go into my street, but to continue and drive straight to the #Gelato place.  I double parked (hey, when in Rome...) put my hazard lights on, ordered a Frutti di Bosco and Chocolate gelato, and enjoyed heaven in a cone.  Then, feeling very zen, I drove back home to an empty street with plenty of parking.  This has become my new routine when timing is wrong.

"Il Pelicano" my neighborhood gelato place...

Yes, having a good day is a decision you make every morning, and for those days when things prove to be a bit more difficult, there is always gelato (or wine, why not).

• Come Il Latte: Via Silvio Spaventa, 24 26 Roma.  They fill their cones with chocolate before serving the gelato, soooo good!  www.comeillatte.it
• Giolitti: Via Uffici del Vicario 40, 00186, Roma.  Serving gelato since 1,900.  www.giolitti.it
• Grom: Several locations around Italy.  Organic ingredients.  www.grom.it
• Frigidarium: Via del Governo Vecchio 112, Roma. www.frigidarium-gelateria.com

Arrivederci,

Saying Goodbye is Always Hard to Do (but Staying Connected is Not)

 “How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.” A.A. Milne

 

It's always been a very challenging part of the #Expat experience.  After a few years settled in a new city, some of your friends start reaching the end of their assignments, and the #farewell parties begin.  I've attended so many...

One of the wonderful aspects of living international is certainly the people you meet.  Most likely you will meet people that come from different corners of the world, some with whom you'd think there is nothing in common, only to discover you share the same strong values of family and community, or maybe you share some common interests that bring you to discover a new #friendship.

I have met truly amazing men and women in my journey, but I have also said #goodbye to most of them.  Nowadays, however, it's easier than ever to stay connected.  With social media, and the internet friendships can go strong long after you both left a posting.

When the children were little, moving did not have an emotional dimension for them.  They were with their parents and the family stayed together at all times.  As they have grown older and had to say their own goodbyes, I was worried how they would express their feelings or how they were going to be affected by them.  

Farewell party organized by the moms of those leaving at the end of the school year.

Fortunately, in today's world, even if their #bestfriend was a block away, they would still communicate virtually, so the problem has revolved more around calculating time differences and vacation schedules.  My youngest often plays video games with his best friend sitting an ocean away; during their game they also video chat, so they not only interact as characters on a game but they see each other and chat while playing.  OK, so it's not the best scenario, they cannot physically play ball together, but it's a second best, don't you think?

  

I have also made an effort to reconnect with friends as they move.  I stay connected with the mothers of my children's friends.  And every time we are in the same part of the world we meet to catch up and share a meal.  With some of my personal friends I've felt that no matter how long it's been since the last time we saw each other,  the friendship has remained intact.

Lastly, I know people who have flown back after leaving a post, just to let their children see their old friends and spend a vacation in their old city.  EVERYWHERE IS ONLY A FLIGHT AWAY!

The Italian word "Arrivederci" is normally translated as "goodbye", but it literally means: until we see each other again.  How appropriate!