A Different type of Macy's

When you are in America you take many things for granted. When it comes to shopping in Italy you would never think to miss any stores at home, but one thing I have come to realize is there are no one stop shopping types of places. The closest thing I found was a store called ZARA. When I walked in it was much bigger than I expected. There were three or four floors all of different clothing. There was a women’s department, a men’s department, and a children’s department. The women’s department has a couple different sections, one for older women, one for working women, one for just fun clothes, and one for younger women. I really liked this store there was a wide variety of clothing at decent prices. There were some pieces a bit more expensive than they needed to be but that happens everywhere. Being in this store reminded me of being in Macy’s back home, and I thought this must be the closest thing they have to a store like Macy’s. I did not see a section for your Home, but on their website online they have home furnishings for sale. ZARA is just another example of the beautiful fashion in Rome.

http://images.businessweek.com/ss/06/08/zara/image/intro.jpg

Squid....Tasty!

Since Pasta has been my main focus on Italian Dining, I have decided to give you a little taste of the other delicacies here in Italy. While traveling one weekend to Sorrento, I knew the seafood was a must to try. The reason for this is because Sorrento is a city located right on the sea. When we first arrived at our hotel there were about five different restaurants right on the shoreline. The first was a restaurant of all seafood dishes. We found out later this restaurant was one of the most well-known seafood restaurants in Sorrento. What made it look so appetizing was a man brought up a box full of fresh fish they had just caught in the ocean. We walked over and the waiter proceeded to describe the different fish and how they tasted. The first night we were there I had mussels, and they were cooked to perfection with just the right sauce. The next night I ordered a meal titled mixed grilled fish. I’m an adventurous eater so when I saw that I didn’t even think to ask what kind of fish was on it. When I got my meal I was a bit surprised because there was one piece of regular fish you would see in the states and then there was squid, a king prawn, some other type of shell fish, and only what I can guess was the body of the squid. Everyone else had ordered pasta so they all looked at me like I was crazy, but I knew it was going to be good. To my surprise I offered the other’s a bite and they accepted and some even liked it! The moral of the story is try new things especially in a place that is known for something specific, you will be happily surprised.

That's an Old Fountain

Although The Trevi Fountain may be the largest and most beautiful there are hundreds upon hundreds of water fountains around Rome. They go from the smallest of just drinking fountains to the largest optical amazement's such as The Trevi. The Trevi is also not as old as many other fountains in Rome. One of the oldest presumed fountains is Fountain of Piazza Santa Maria in Trastevere. The oldest date it appeared on a map was in 1471. This fountain was thought to be a restoration of an even older fountain. This fountain was one of the only ones found in a poor district and was always lacking a rich and continuous supply of water. Later Alessandro VII Chigi finally increased their water supply and moved the fountain to the center of the square. Throughout the years the fountain has been modified in many different ways, and in 1692 Pope Innocent the XII had it cleaned probably increasing the capacity of the basin and moving the shells so that they face inward almost to protect them. In 1873 the Municipality of Rome re-built the fountain in bardiglio marble.

http://www.italyprivatetours.it/home/Monument.asp?ids=223&City=FOUNTAIN%20OF%20PIAZZA%20SANTA%20MARIA%20IN%20TRASTEVERE

Get yourself a new Favorite Meal!

There is one pasta dish that I found here in Rome is one of the favorites. It is called Pasta Carbonara and I have never heard of it at home. I have been seeing it on all the menus when I go out to eat and never order because I am never quite sure what it is. After some research I have found the answer to my questions. Pasta Carbonara is usually spaghetti or fettuccine tossed in a Carbonara sauce with bacon and/or prosciutto or sausage. The Carbonara sauce is made with melted butter, beaten eggs, parsley, the cooked meat, Parmesan cheese and pepper. The cooked pasta is added to this mixture and there you have your Pasta Carbonara. Although, I have not tried it not it sounds delicious and I have the confidence to order this favorite Italian dish and make it one of my own favorites.

http://www.taunton.com/cms/uploadedimages/images/cooking/articles/issues_91-100/051092056-01-spaghetti-carbonara-recipe.jpg

Spend Wisely...

While walking around Rome I have seen many boutiques and cute clothing stores that I have wanted to check out. Last week I decided to check out a store called TEBE. This was a very stylish, trendy store with decent prices. If I lived here in Rome and used the Euro as currency the prices would be fairly cheap. The problem is I use the dollar at home and the exchange rate is so bad the prices at this store seem to look a little pricier. On the other hand I really enjoyed their clothes, there were many pieces that I felt I could find at home in America but then again there were some other pieces that I knew only getting them here would be the wise choice. The one piece I fell in love with was a leather motorcycle jacket. I have been looking for one at home for a long time and would settle for fake leather just because I like the style of the jacket. At this store they had a jacket that was the exact style I wanted and in real Italian leather. That is what caught my eye; the real Italian leather. At home I have always heard Italy is the place to get leather. I have noticed the do sell it all over the place here. I even passed by shop one day where I saw a man hand making a leather bag in the store. Anyways the jacket I wanted was in five different colors! I have decided to make a promise to myself to spend my money for the rest of the trip as I need to and if I have enough I will go back to this store and buy my dream jacket. Isn't Rome the place where dreams come true?

Fountains around Rome

As you walk around Rome you see many different flowing water fountains. Some are very small and some are very large. The small fountains are meant to be used as a means of hydration for the passers by. The water is extremely fresh and cold. It can be a great pick me up during the day, without having to spend extra cash as long as you have a water bottle with you. As for the big fountains they are really there for visual effects, and they do their job. They are very beautiful on the sunny days when you can see the clear water change into blue in the air with the backdrop of the blue sky. The bigger fountains look like a fabulous place to jump in and cool yourself off on a hot day, although I don’t think many people would think you were still sane if you did that. The Trevi Fountain is the largest running water structure in Rome, and there have been some crazy people who decide that jumping in is the best decision. The ones who do probably will never forget it, and have just made a memory for the spectators as well, saying they saw a person jump in this historical landmark of Rome.

The Sweet Life

Some movies are made popular, or made unforgettable because of one scene. For instance in the movie Rocky, one of the best scenes is when he is training for the fight and finally runs up the stairs of the Philadelphia Art Museum and throws his hands up in victory. The steps of the Philadelphia Art Museum completely made this scene what it is today. For many movies their one memorable scene takes place in front of The Trevi Fountain. This is a place that is so beautiful, and different than any other place on earth that it can turn a good scene into a spectacular scene. For instance in the movie La Dolce Vita, the character Sylvia finds herself standing amazed in front of the Trevi Fountain in the middle of the night with no one around. She decides to jump in, in her clothes and immerse herself in the flowing water. Her love interest Marcello was wandering around trying to find milk for her cat when he stumbles upon Sylvia swimming in the Trevi Fountain and drenching her hair in the fountain of water. He is so enamored with her beauty he jumps in to be with her. The scene is very sexy, and classy, at the same time which has made it one of the timeless scenes of old film. This scene would not have been made possible without The Trevi Fountain; it has made the movie what it is today.

*Check out this scene on the link below, just click the video when the site pops up!

YouTube - My Favorites

The Oldest Recipe Around

Most of the best dishes around are the best because they have been passed down in their family for centuries. After doing some research I have found how pasta was first used and a popular recipe used with this pasta. It first starts with a type of boiled dough called itrium, there are different forms of this dough and the one used in this recipe is called laganum. In Latin this word refers to thin sheets of dough. The first time I read this i realized that's just what lasagna is like and this must be where the word comes from. This dough dates all the way back to the first century B.C. and it was fried and used as an everyday food. The recipe comes from the second century Athenaus of Naucratis who provides this recipe from Chrysippus of Tyana of the first century. The recipe includes very fine sheets of a dough made of wheat flour and the juice of crushed lettuce, then flavored with spices and deep-fried in oil. Later in an early fifth century cookbook there is a dish called lagana which consisted of layers of rolled out dough stuffed with meat and baked in the over which deeply resembles modern day lasagna.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pasta

Rome, the new Paris?

For a very long time Rome has always been on the back burner to Milan. Milan is known for their ready-to-wear fashion while Rome is known for their haute couture. Milan's ready-to-wear fashion consists of popular names like Versace, Armani,and Prada. Rome's haute couture consists of couturiers like Sorelle Fontana, Gattioni, Renato Balestra. With Rome consisting of names like this it may soon become a rival city to Paris as the couture capital of Europe. As a result of Rome becoming such a large contributor to the world of fashion there are many fashion shows in the summer to not only highlight fashion, but cinema, and TV to enhance the worldwide image of Rome as a whole. One of the largest fashion events in Rome is the "Donno Sotto le Stelle" show which is an open-air feast for the eyes of any fashionista held on the Spanish Steps. This show is a must see for anyone interested in high fashion.


http://www.romanhomes.com/why_rome/fashion.htm

Mens Jeans, a little different in Roma

As you walk through the streets of Rome it usually is very easy to tell an American from an Italian. This is especially easy with men. The men here in Italy tend to care much more about their clothes and appearance. I have noticed that most of them style their hair in the morning and their clothes are also much more polished. I see many men wearing pants that are a lot tighter and form fitting. Their jeans are usually designer and do not hang like many American men's jeans. The more professional men seem to wear nicely fitted suites and fitted dress shirts and black pants. Another thing I have noticed is most young men in America seem to wear baggy comfortable clothes to go to class or do many things throughout the day. Here this is not the case. I have not seen any Italian men in sports wear during the day at all. In my opinion I like to see them dressed nicely in clothes that fit. The men's style in America is getting way past the point of baggy. I think they should take a lesson from the Italians and try out a new style.

Dinner at Home

While in Rome you can walk the streets and see fresh produce, meat, and cheese everywhere. I'm sure your first thought is to go out to eat because the restaurants are so amazing here, but making dinner in your own house is just as good and much less expensive. My favorite pasta is Rigatoni and walking through the market you get many new ideas on what to add to your pasta whether it be the sauce or ingredients. I have found a sauce that was in a jar in the market. It is pesto alla calabresse. I think this is a pesto sauce made of peppers. I also added fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, garlic, and Parmesan cheese. Once i finished putting it all together, i tasted it and wow is all i can say! It was absolutely delicious, I could not believe I made this dish all on my own! So for the sake of saving money and being a bit adventurous, try out your own creation on a budget! You will be satisfied.

Bella Sposa!

When I decided to let you all in to the upcoming fashion trends of Italy, I realized there was something else that is just as important as everyday attire. This special part of fashion may be the most important piece of attire a woman will ever wear in her entire lifetime; a wedding dress! In the small part of Rome that I live in which is Trastevere there is a small bridal boutique just around the corner. There is a beautiful dress in the window that catches my eye every time i pass by it. One morning as a group we were waiting at the Capitoline to go on a tour of the museum and witnessed the guests of a wedding starting to show up. The capitol is Rome's office for civil weddings, as well as many other things. We then saw the Bride arrive wearing a beautiful gown, looking like the happiest girl alive. We looked over and saw her standing underneath a beautiful marble arch, and I thought to myself how amazing it would be to have a wedding in such a beautiful, romantic place. Getting a wedding dress in Italy could be one of the best ideas of your life. Just the fact that Italy is known for fashion, I know you would be able to get a one of a kind dress for a one of a kind day in your life.

Make a Wish!

Ahhh, the famous Trevi Fountain. I can not explain in words how excited I was once I could see with my own eyes this amazing piece of artwork and history. After talking to so many people before I came to Rome I knew of the famous legend that if you throw a coin in the fountain behind your shoulder and wish to come back to Rome you will! So as soon as i got there i got my coin out, turned around and threw it over my shoulder wishing to come back. After i did that, i knew it would come true no matter how many years it takes me. How could i not come back to this breathtaking city? After the coin toss, I stood around in different areas looking at the fountain, looking at the beautiful blue skies above us with the puffy white clouds rolling by. I thought maybe this is what heaven looks like. When you look up and understand how big this fountain is and see the white marble against the bright blue background it is unlike something you have ever seen before.

My First Pasta Dining Experience

While traveling the city of Rome, you look around and see tons of restaurants everywhere you go. Most have outside seating especially in the many piazzas around the city. While visiting the Pantheon a group of about 5 girls decided to get some lunch. We decided on a small place just about 5 yards from the Pantheon. It had nice outdoor seating and a great special listed outside the door. We were able to get a salad, wine, and a pasta dish for 10 euro. This sounded good to us. You could choose from 4 or 5 pasta dishes, one of which was the cannelloni. We all were not quite sure what cannelloni was but we tried it. When it finally came out our mouths were salivating at the site of this pasta. It ended up being three large round pieces of pasta filled with ricotta cheese and spinach. It was covered in a delicious red sauce with just the right seasonings. The pasta itself was very very tasty. I would say the cannelloni is the closest thing to manicotti if you know what that is in the states. So, basically you need to try this cannelloni, maybe you could look up a recipe online and try to make it yourself if you can't get to Rome to try it on your own.

Italian Fashion

Fashion!! Who doesn't like to look good? As a huge connoisseur of fashion, i knew i wanted to explore the world of fashion in a completely new country. The trends of fashion trends in the U.S. many times come from Italy, and i am excited to get a head start on some of the trends while I am here. Hopefully through this blog you will be able to see these new trends for yourself and show off your fashion forward style. Although Milan is really the birthplace of fashion, Rome is also a huge contributor to fashion around the world. If you walk down The Corso, you will eventually walk right into the expensive, luxurious part of town. There are stores like Fendi, United Colors of Benetton, Tod's, and many more. In the future I will be taking you through this part of town as well as small boutiques around town and the street fashion of the people of Rome.

Delightful Pasta

Many Americans favorite type of food is Italian. While at home there are hundreds of Italian restaurants all over any area you may live in. I have always dreamed of coming to Italy to taste real authentic Italian food. I wasn't sure how many differences there were in Italian food that you may order in a restaurant in America and the food you will order in Italy. I have decided to try and experience as many different kinds of pasta available and what types are used in different dishes. Pasta is an extremely important part of the Italian diet. There is even a whole museum devoted just to pasta. Here in Italy pasta is actually meant to be part of the first course, and then you move on to the second dish usually consisting of some type of meat or fish. Italian dinners are a social event which usually consists of your whole evening. Dinner is meant for you to socialize and have fun with friends while enjoying delicious food and great local wine. In my blogs to come you will discover new pasta and dishes through my delicious research throughout the city.

The Trevi Fountain

The Trevi Fountain is one of the most beautiful places to see in Rome and even all of Italy. Being in America I have seen many pictures, and have seen this sight on T.V. and movies so many times. It always looks so magical, and filled with tons of people who are extremely happy and loving life. The fountain has a tradition that if a coin is thrown into the water it guarantees you will someday come back to Rome. The fountain will capture and pull you into its breathtaking atmosphere whether it is day, night or anything in between. As a visitor to Rome make sure you get to this site and throw your coin in, because you will be back.