My Point: Talking to Strangers>Keeping to Yourself
Monday, May 31, 2010
What Are The Chances
Not as outgoing here in Rome as I should be, I usually don’t feel comfortable speaking to people unless I hear them talking in English first. So, when I’m on the bus and the guy next to me is reading an Introduction to Yoga book, I think, “Callie, this is your chance to communicate!” I take the opportunity. “You’re into yoga, huh?” (What a line, I know. I’m creative.) We start chatting and he says he just finished studying abroad and I ask him where he goes to school. Stony Brook University. Hm. What are the odds? Taylor ends up joining me on my way to meet Alessandro at a photography exhibit of portraits at the American Academy of Art. We had lunch together the next day, walked around the Tiber Island, and he came out with us for drinks later that evening.
My Point: Talking to Strangers>Keeping to Yourself
My Point: Talking to Strangers>Keeping to Yourself
More People!
Names: Stephanie and David MillnerOriginally From: New Jersey
Why In Rome: Dave works at the Embassy and Stephanie is in an MBA program
How We Met: During culture shock during my first week here, after sending a random facebook message to Stephanie, she met me for lunch, calmed me down which prevented me from running to the airport to book a flight home.
Fun Facts: Stephanie doesn't like when people just stop on the sidewalks. Dave likes beer as much as I do. They have an adorable dog named Hailey and they don't like to wear pants in their apartment.
Stephanie is an AMAZING photographer. She specializes in Pet Photography!
Name: MazenOriginally From: Syria
Why In Rome: Completing the same MBA program that Stephanie is in.
How We Met: Through Stephanie at lunch where he was shocked that I was able to eat my entire pizza, ha!
Fun Facts: Is currently living with Nella who is 81 years old. Speaks fluent Italian. Enjoys being lost with me in the Villa Borghese park. Terrible at Trivia Night.
Name: HasanOriginally From: Manchester
Why In Rome: In the middle of his architecture degree, he is interning through August.
How We Met: Currently renting out a room in Alessandro's apartment.
Fun Facts: Calls seeds "stones", tells good stories like "Jack in the Beanstalk", and whatever you don't ask him if he likes the Manchester team. A vegetarian who enjoys a nice gelato of Noccolia and Pistaccio.
Sunday, May 30, 2010
Funny Fotos!
Sign in the Pantheon. No white trash allowed in the ancient monuments!
In a book of Signs. Male and Female.
Little girl in Cinque Terre eating flowers.
Too Tan Man on the Beach in Ostia.
While packing to go back to the US, Maria's idea to make sure her suitcase wasn't too heavy for the plane.
In a book of Signs. Male and Female.
Little girl in Cinque Terre eating flowers.
Too Tan Man on the Beach in Ostia.
While packing to go back to the US, Maria's idea to make sure her suitcase wasn't too heavy for the plane.
Friday, May 28, 2010
People!
Name: Alessandro Zanazzo
Originally From: Rome
Why In Rome: Native. Professional Photographer and Artist, Teaches photography at different universities in Rome including the American John Cabot University, Runs Photo Classes.
How We Met: Looking for apartments through Craig's List as he has a room that he rents out. Instead of renting out the room, I became his intern!
Fun Facts: My personal Roman Guru. Calls me his "Little Scorpio."
Check out some of his travel photographs from Zimbabwe!
Originally From: Rome
Why In Rome: Native. Professional Photographer and Artist, Teaches photography at different universities in Rome including the American John Cabot University, Runs Photo Classes.
How We Met: Looking for apartments through Craig's List as he has a room that he rents out. Instead of renting out the room, I became his intern!
Fun Facts: My personal Roman Guru. Calls me his "Little Scorpio."
Check out some of his travel photographs from Zimbabwe!
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Truffle Shuffle!
I just ate the most delicious thing of my life and I don't even know what it is called. I think the equivalent would be having a one night stand, the best sex of your life and not even knowing their name as they slip out the door. I'm kind of confused and wondering, "Did that really just happen or did I dream it?" My uncontrollable Sweet Tooth led me to Dagnino in Republica piazza near the bus station to sample some Sicilian pastries. I walked in and heard angels singing, like walking through the gates of heaven. Chocolates, gelato, pastries gallore, shiny cases reflecting sugary treats, all of which calling me by name. The woman behind the case spoke broken English while I spoke broken Italian. With endless possibilities to what I could try, I asked her opinion on what she thought was the best. Cannoli. I choose the standard "Cannoli siciliani" but they also had shells filled with pistacchio and chocolate.
This chocolate cake looking ball also looked nice so I asked for one of those too. They wrapped it up on a golden tray and put a ribbon around it. I walked back and sat on the grass in the park the block over from my apartment. It was hot outside so I quickly unwrapped my sweet treats. The cannoli was okay, nothing special...It was essentially like any other cannoli I've ever had. BUT. THEN. I took a bite from the slightly melted "thing". Warmed by the sun, it was moist and the layer of chocolate ganache on the outside was getting all over my fingers and around my mouth. Thank God I had tissues to use as napkins. This was definitely supposed to be eaten with a fork, not finger food but sitting in the middle of the park, I had no other option. I tried putting it down at one point but it was simply too good to pause between bites (except of course to snap a photo). It was rich, definitely flavored with some kind of liqueur but not too much (like when you eat those chocolates with the liquor in the center and you make a funny face when you taste the strong alcohol, pretending like it tastes good but it really doesn't). I can only imagine what I looked like scarfing this down. (I'm aware that the photo I took doesn't exactly make it look like the most appetizing thing but TRUST ME....it was.)
After some serious googling I found. Tartufo=Truffle.That night I did something purely insane. I cooked dinner. For about the 3rd time since I've been here. I made a linguini alfredo primavera and it wasn't half bad. The garlic bread on the other hand. Let's just say that my hands still smell. I need to work on my garlic bread making skills.
For dessert, Hasan and I journeyed to the center of Piazza Navona to Tre Scalini and according to my travel guide and other travel sources, had their own tartufo filled with gelato, which was famous. Hasan ordered the Tiramisu, which I swore I would never order again. Ends up, Hasan made the right decision. The tartufo was NOTHING like the one I had earlier and SO disappointing in every way. Bad chocolate gelato enclosed in the most flavorless chocolate shell with whipped cream on top that had no sugar and no taste. The only pleasant thing about it was that it had a cherry surprise in the center. The tiramisu was "real nice". I sampled it and it was way "nicer" than any other I had ever tried. Not too moist, good consistancy and coffee flavor. Hasan 1, Callie 0 for good menu decisions.
I would say that most of my days consist of TOO MUCH SUGAR. I wonder when the phrase "You only live once?" stops applying?
In the Museums
I like what I like. Here in the most ancient of cities with the most history, I am still drawn to modern art. In Rome, contemporary art is on the rise.
In the heart of Villa Borghese, the beautiful "Central Park" equivalent in Rome, is the National Gallery of Modern Art. Off the beaten track, so-to-speak. While crowds normally run to the Vatican, I enjoyed a leisurely and relaxing visit through their collection of Italian modern art, showcasing work from other artists as well such as Degas, Pollock, Van Gogh, and Cezanne. Marcel Duchamp's "Fountain" was there! By taking a urinal and giving it the title of "Fountain", Duchamp raised the question of "What is art?" 
Their current exhibition was tremendously inspiring: Avant-garde Feminists in the 1970s. Female artists who mainly worked in Vienna questioning identity and exploring different ideas using their bodies and other objects. With different modes of expression, these woman certainly went against the grain. For example: There was a video of Valie Export who did a performance art piece where she went out in public, enclosing her bare breasts in a box and told spectators to use her body as a "Touch Screen". Interesting. By the way, she was educated in a convent. As Birgit Jürgenssen's back says, "Everyone has their own opinion."
Most of the 15 artists highlighted used photography as their medium, dressing up in different guises, using self-irony, often dressing up as males. Such as Cindy Sherman's series of Bus Riders where she dressed up as different riders on a bus and photographed herself in different positions.
Not all museum exhibits and galleries here have translations in English, which is quite understandable. I DO realize that I am in a foreign country and in NO way do I expect everything to be translated for my understanding. It is nice, however, when I am able to read about the artist or art that I am looking at. There was one section of the collection where they made the art more accessable to people who are deaf or blind. For example, they had this painting by Filadelfo Simi. Near to the painting they had a communication board complete with information regarding "The Glare." They had the information in brail and a video of a man signing about the painting, as well. The coolest thing was the small reproduction that was 3D and you could actually feel the painting.
In the heart of Villa Borghese, the beautiful "Central Park" equivalent in Rome, is the National Gallery of Modern Art. Off the beaten track, so-to-speak. While crowds normally run to the Vatican, I enjoyed a leisurely and relaxing visit through their collection of Italian modern art, showcasing work from other artists as well such as Degas, Pollock, Van Gogh, and Cezanne. Marcel Duchamp's "Fountain" was there! By taking a urinal and giving it the title of "Fountain", Duchamp raised the question of "What is art?" 
Their current exhibition was tremendously inspiring: Avant-garde Feminists in the 1970s. Female artists who mainly worked in Vienna questioning identity and exploring different ideas using their bodies and other objects. With different modes of expression, these woman certainly went against the grain. For example: There was a video of Valie Export who did a performance art piece where she went out in public, enclosing her bare breasts in a box and told spectators to use her body as a "Touch Screen". Interesting. By the way, she was educated in a convent. As Birgit Jürgenssen's back says, "Everyone has their own opinion."
Most of the 15 artists highlighted used photography as their medium, dressing up in different guises, using self-irony, often dressing up as males. Such as Cindy Sherman's series of Bus Riders where she dressed up as different riders on a bus and photographed herself in different positions.
Not all museum exhibits and galleries here have translations in English, which is quite understandable. I DO realize that I am in a foreign country and in NO way do I expect everything to be translated for my understanding. It is nice, however, when I am able to read about the artist or art that I am looking at. There was one section of the collection where they made the art more accessable to people who are deaf or blind. For example, they had this painting by Filadelfo Simi. Near to the painting they had a communication board complete with information regarding "The Glare." They had the information in brail and a video of a man signing about the painting, as well. The coolest thing was the small reproduction that was 3D and you could actually feel the painting.
Monday, May 24, 2010
Una Berra, Per Favore.
I can't help it. I know I'm in Italy and should be drinking wine but I like beer. Beer, Beer, Beer. I'll blame my senior year of college when I actually discovered what GOOD beer was.
Peroni, Moretti, and Nastro Azzurro (literal translation: "Blue Ribbon") are the most common beers that I've seen here in Rome. They are all pale ales and drinking them is having me break my usual rule of "If you can see through it, don't drink it."
Friday, my friend Stephanie and her husband discovered a magical land of beers in Trastevere called "Ma che siete venuti a fà"
which means, "But what have you come here to do?" (A little sarcastic joke, get it?) This small beer tavern had a ton of beers domestic, imported, on tap and bottled from pale ales to creamy stouts. I got a warm, fuzzy feeling being in this cosy bar and I don't think it was because of the fact that my first beer was a triple fermented German beer with 8.2% alcohol. (The only problem that I had with it was that it was served in a plastic cup.) Stephanie's husband, Dave, got a beer that was literally smoked called, "Affumicator." You take a whiff of this beer and it SMELLS like a tray of meat and cheese. Then, you taste this beer and it TASTES like a tray of meat and cheese. It was UNBELIEVABLE!
There was a soccer game playing and the place was packed. We sat downstairs in a catacomb-like room at small wooden tables. I sat directly under the TV and had the view of everyone watching the game. Like in the States, you pay a little more for a good beer but it beats the hell out of the disgusting overpriced liquor drink you'd be getting at the Drunkin' Ship or Sloppy Sam's in Campo di Fiori. The second beer I got was from Dogfish and 2 thumbs up to them for this sweet, ruby little beauty! A fruited belgian aroma, filled with a smooth malted flavor. It certainly fulfills it's promise of giving you a sense of purpose.
Apart from the beer, I think my favorite thing about this bar, besides of course the company I was with, was the wall decorations of the pictures of people who had been to the bar before. Except the phtographs had some funny additions!
I later found out this bar is currently rated the Number 1 Best Beer Bar 2010 on RateBeer.com!
Peroni, Moretti, and Nastro Azzurro (literal translation: "Blue Ribbon") are the most common beers that I've seen here in Rome. They are all pale ales and drinking them is having me break my usual rule of "If you can see through it, don't drink it."
Friday, my friend Stephanie and her husband discovered a magical land of beers in Trastevere called "Ma che siete venuti a fà"
which means, "But what have you come here to do?" (A little sarcastic joke, get it?) This small beer tavern had a ton of beers domestic, imported, on tap and bottled from pale ales to creamy stouts. I got a warm, fuzzy feeling being in this cosy bar and I don't think it was because of the fact that my first beer was a triple fermented German beer with 8.2% alcohol. (The only problem that I had with it was that it was served in a plastic cup.) Stephanie's husband, Dave, got a beer that was literally smoked called, "Affumicator." You take a whiff of this beer and it SMELLS like a tray of meat and cheese. Then, you taste this beer and it TASTES like a tray of meat and cheese. It was UNBELIEVABLE!
There was a soccer game playing and the place was packed. We sat downstairs in a catacomb-like room at small wooden tables. I sat directly under the TV and had the view of everyone watching the game. Like in the States, you pay a little more for a good beer but it beats the hell out of the disgusting overpriced liquor drink you'd be getting at the Drunkin' Ship or Sloppy Sam's in Campo di Fiori. The second beer I got was from Dogfish and 2 thumbs up to them for this sweet, ruby little beauty! A fruited belgian aroma, filled with a smooth malted flavor. It certainly fulfills it's promise of giving you a sense of purpose.
Apart from the beer, I think my favorite thing about this bar, besides of course the company I was with, was the wall decorations of the pictures of people who had been to the bar before. Except the phtographs had some funny additions!
I later found out this bar is currently rated the Number 1 Best Beer Bar 2010 on RateBeer.com!
Non Lo So Fashion?
I would be perfectly happy wearing the same clothes everyday for the rest of my life. A pair of jeans and a black t-shirt. Yes, an occasional wash but my point here is that I will NOT pretend to have any knowledge of fashion.
When people look at me funny here in Rome, which may or may not happen every time that I leave my apartment, they usually start by looking at my feet. Flipflops are NOT okay in Rome, people. Despite cobblestones, heels are worn. Italians are short, so maybe the extra height is necessary. Walking the streets, you can easily pick out the Italian women from the rest. I've heard it being said that Italian women have 3 perfect outfits that they wash and rewear. Not a bad idea! If you know something looks good, why not wear it again and again? Black is the color to wear. Slick and sexy. Sometimes gray or white. No matter how hot it is (and it's been getting pretty steamy the last few days!) the bulk of Italians I see seem to always be covered: long sleeves and pants. I stand there sweating in my sundress wondering how they are managing to survive. Maybe Italians are cold blooded? Most important, if you don't have a leather jacket, you're not Italian in my eyes.
Someone told me that Italians always dress fashionable because they never know what opportunities await them when they leave their place, invitations could be around any corner!
When people look at me funny here in Rome, which may or may not happen every time that I leave my apartment, they usually start by looking at my feet. Flipflops are NOT okay in Rome, people. Despite cobblestones, heels are worn. Italians are short, so maybe the extra height is necessary. Walking the streets, you can easily pick out the Italian women from the rest. I've heard it being said that Italian women have 3 perfect outfits that they wash and rewear. Not a bad idea! If you know something looks good, why not wear it again and again? Black is the color to wear. Slick and sexy. Sometimes gray or white. No matter how hot it is (and it's been getting pretty steamy the last few days!) the bulk of Italians I see seem to always be covered: long sleeves and pants. I stand there sweating in my sundress wondering how they are managing to survive. Maybe Italians are cold blooded? Most important, if you don't have a leather jacket, you're not Italian in my eyes.
Someone told me that Italians always dress fashionable because they never know what opportunities await them when they leave their place, invitations could be around any corner!
Belle Viste!
There are no photographs that can accurately communicate what it is like to be in Rome and look out at the horizon and see this...
Sunday Shopping
There's a joke told around Rome. Whatever you get stolen during the week, you can buy back at the markets held every Sunday at Porta Portase.
Anything you have ever dreamed of can be bought here and besides for Church, it is THE place to be on Sundays. You need to eat your Wheaties before embarking on this shopping adventure because you'll certainly need all the energy you can get! Beginning at 7am and finishing up after 2pm, it would take about an hour for you to just simply walk the entire market without stopping to actually look at anything. Meeting up with people here is near impossible because the odds that you'll actually find each other is slim to none. It's all outside in the sun and feels even hotter because you are surrounded by people the whole time. Vendors of all different nationalities yelling out prices and products, maybe not realizing that shoppers don't like to be screamed in their ears. (Note: Try not to think of how many of the things you are buying have been used and stolen, think instead of the bargain!) As you walk along the street, there's music performers, homeless beggers, food carts. Furniture, underwear, electronics, cheese, bags, countless useless things that you don't actually need but purchase anyway because "Hey! It's only a couple euros!" Many of the clothing tables have items just thrown on them and you have to dig deep, searching for the "good stuff".
No, I didn't find my Ipod at Porta Portase but I found these fun things instead!
I am convinced that it is only held on Sundays because you need a full week to recover!
Anything you have ever dreamed of can be bought here and besides for Church, it is THE place to be on Sundays. You need to eat your Wheaties before embarking on this shopping adventure because you'll certainly need all the energy you can get! Beginning at 7am and finishing up after 2pm, it would take about an hour for you to just simply walk the entire market without stopping to actually look at anything. Meeting up with people here is near impossible because the odds that you'll actually find each other is slim to none. It's all outside in the sun and feels even hotter because you are surrounded by people the whole time. Vendors of all different nationalities yelling out prices and products, maybe not realizing that shoppers don't like to be screamed in their ears. (Note: Try not to think of how many of the things you are buying have been used and stolen, think instead of the bargain!) As you walk along the street, there's music performers, homeless beggers, food carts. Furniture, underwear, electronics, cheese, bags, countless useless things that you don't actually need but purchase anyway because "Hey! It's only a couple euros!" Many of the clothing tables have items just thrown on them and you have to dig deep, searching for the "good stuff".
No, I didn't find my Ipod at Porta Portase but I found these fun things instead!
I am convinced that it is only held on Sundays because you need a full week to recover!
"You'll never be a vegetable, even artichokes have hearts!"
Enough pizza, Callie. Time to try a different traditional Roman cuisine.
There is a part of Rome that should seriously consider changing its name. If you came to Rome, you wouldn't exactly be running to the place called, "The Jewish Ghetto," would you? I made the trip into the ghetto to "Nonna Betta", a kosher restaurant that had been recommended to me by a number of sources, finding it to be one of the cutest places in Rome: friendly faces, fewer tourists, and most importantly...good food.
Carciofi alla giudia. Artichokes alla Jew! The entire artichoke is flattened and deep fried, with the result looking like a golden sunflower. When it was served to me, I wasn't quite sure how to go about eating it so I pulled the "Stupid American" card and asked. The answer was all of it but the waiter kindly warned me to be careful and eat it slowly. The leaves are crunchy and taste like salted chips but it get's softer as you continue eating towards the center. Unlike anything I've ever tasted before and I would have another one in an "artichoke heart" beat. (Sorry, I couldn't help it!) The entire staff was friendly, kindly answering my questions...maybe a little TOO friendly by asking for my cell phone number. I sat at a table outside, listening to an old Jewish man play the accordion nearby, chatting with the flirtatious waiter and watching him interacting with people walking by. "Hey! I think we are friends on Facebook!"
I also sampled a suppli. Originated in Rome, this deep fried croquette is filled with mozzarella, a dash of spices, and a tomato base risotto. I've had it a few times in Rome and this was by far superior to any other one I had tried. The cheese was melted to perfection and not lacking in formaggio. The more cheese, the better!
There is a part of Rome that should seriously consider changing its name. If you came to Rome, you wouldn't exactly be running to the place called, "The Jewish Ghetto," would you? I made the trip into the ghetto to "Nonna Betta", a kosher restaurant that had been recommended to me by a number of sources, finding it to be one of the cutest places in Rome: friendly faces, fewer tourists, and most importantly...good food.
Carciofi alla giudia. Artichokes alla Jew! The entire artichoke is flattened and deep fried, with the result looking like a golden sunflower. When it was served to me, I wasn't quite sure how to go about eating it so I pulled the "Stupid American" card and asked. The answer was all of it but the waiter kindly warned me to be careful and eat it slowly. The leaves are crunchy and taste like salted chips but it get's softer as you continue eating towards the center. Unlike anything I've ever tasted before and I would have another one in an "artichoke heart" beat. (Sorry, I couldn't help it!) The entire staff was friendly, kindly answering my questions...maybe a little TOO friendly by asking for my cell phone number. I sat at a table outside, listening to an old Jewish man play the accordion nearby, chatting with the flirtatious waiter and watching him interacting with people walking by. "Hey! I think we are friends on Facebook!"
I also sampled a suppli. Originated in Rome, this deep fried croquette is filled with mozzarella, a dash of spices, and a tomato base risotto. I've had it a few times in Rome and this was by far superior to any other one I had tried. The cheese was melted to perfection and not lacking in formaggio. The more cheese, the better!
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