In Retrospect

Aside from the excitement of returning home, I took a minute to reflect on my seven weeks in Rome. Looking back it is hard to believe how much I have learned and grown from my experiences. Through the blogging assignments, I have in particular learned a lot from my themes, Roman churches and gelato and also my place, Trastevere. From just my research and my writing on these three topics you can gain a good understanding of what I got and took out of my time in Rome.

Gelato, quite obviously, was a big part of my diet and enjoyment in Italy. Simply by seeking out different gelateria’s it has taught me not only how great the Italian ice cream is, but also a lot about the city. I had to travel around to all different parts of the city to complete my gelato tour. Also, surprisingly, I learned that gelato is actually better for you than American ice cream, which of course gave me a good excuse to eat more!

Roman churches not only strengthened my Catholic faith but also taught me a lot about the Italian architecture, artwork and the aesthetics. I enjoyed comparing and contrasting the differences between the churches I visited. From smaller local churches in Santa Maria in Trastevere to St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City, each church has something unique that I took away from them. Although I didn’t get to see the four hundred plus churches in Rome, I feel as if I visited a good amount and I can’t wait until I am return to Rome to see more.

Trastevere, my place, was my home for seven weeks. I will always remember when the cab drove us up to our front door. We said to each other this couldn’t be right. In a back alley with no idea where we were was a bit horrifying. However, only days later we called it home. We grew to love it and really got to know it. There was so much to see, restaurants and shops lined every alleyway and down the main street Viale Di Trastevere. Trastevere, “across the Tiber” was its own little world, separated from the center city of Rome by the Tiber River. I enjoyed how it was filled with a lot of locals and was away from a lot of tourist traps. Overall, looking back on my two themes and my place, it really shows how much I was able to accomplish in such a short period of time. I hope you have enjoyed learning about my experience and adventures in Rome!

The Grand Finale of the Gelato Tour

The last stop on the gelato tour was Giolliti’s, making a complete circle back to the start of my gelato tour. “One extra-large gelato please,” I said to the cashier as I handed her ten euros, yes that’s right ten euros worth of gelato. I handed my receipt to the man behind the counter, which evoked a shocked facial expression. It is probably not often that he serves customers a 10 euro gelato. He pulled out a cone that was at least twelve inches long and started piling on the gelato, making the cone another six inches taller with a huge dollop of whipped cream on top. I think every person in Giolitti’s stopped to observe the masterpiece. The ninety degree weather was not good circumstances because the gelato was melting so fast. It made it that much more of a challenge. We decided to walk to the Pantheon and sit there while we ate our gelato. I now know how celebtrities feel because as I walked down Via Pantheon we got comments, stares, and even cheering from the people on the street. However, the stares and cheering were not for the same reason celebrities get them . Instead, we were just great advertisements for Giolitti’s. Believe it or not I completed the challenge. It was a great end to my Italian gelato tour.

Caffé della Arance

My last morning in Rome was spent in an outdoor sitting area of a local ristorante in Piazza Santa Maria in Trastevere. A few of my roommates and I had seen this particular establishment a few weeks earlier while we were passing through on our way to dinner. The tall, flute glasses which held a large amount of freshly squeezed orange juice were enough to catch anyone’s eye. We made a vow to enjoy this delicious juice before we left Roma. At about 11 AM we made our way to two tables side by side and ordered five drinks. They took about eight minutes to prepare, but the wait was well worth it. The flutes were delivered and contained a fresh slice of orange garnishing the rim of the glass. The first sip was so refreshing, and I loved how the drinks actually came with a generous serving of ice. On such a hot day, this was exactly what the five of us needed and even though the price was a bit steep (€7), we were all happy when we stood up to leave. I was so glad that we finally got the chance to visit Caffé della Arance and recommend it to anyone looking for a special glass of morning juice!

Tiber River Gelato

A beautiful night in Rome, my friends and I decided we would go down to the Tiber River. For the past two weeks on our way to school we have watched the gradual set up of the stands and tents lining the river. Not exactly sure what they were setting up for we hoped they would be finished in time for us to experience whatever it happened to be.

We were pleasantly surprised when we got down to the river. Roman teenagers and young adults were sitting along the river socializing. There were food stands, bars, and accessories shops lining the river on one side. On the other side, there were large seating areas overlooking the river. Quickly I felt submersed into the Roman culture. We sat down and enjoyed not only each others company but the culture around us. The only thing left to do was get my favorite Italian specialty, gelato! Luckily there was a gelato stand a few feet away from where we were sitting. I convinced some of my friends to come with me. Of course I got the fruit di bosco, but this time I added a special touch. I got caramel syrup on top. It was the first time I saw it offered in a gelateria. Gelato in hand, sitting on the Tiber with friends is my idea of a perfect night in Italy.

Villa Doira Pamphilj

On an extremely hot Monday morning, I set out to meet my group for our guided walk lead by Allison. At 9:00 a.m. the heat from the Roman sun was so oppressive that \we decided to catch a bus to Villa Doira Pamphilj. It was the first time that I was asked for my validated bus ticket. Thankfully, Jessica our group leader had told us that we needed to purchase tickets before we got on the bus, or I might have been out fifty euros for a one euro bus ride. The bus dropped us off just steps from Villa Doria Pamphilj. Villa Doria Pamphilj is one of Rome’s largest public parks. At first sight I was not overly impressed with the garden. However, once we walked a little ways down the dirt path lined with trees, my impression completely changed. Astonished by the extravagant building that lay in front of me, we quickly walked as closer to get a better view. The villa was the summer residence for Prince Camillo Pamphilj. The villa, fountains and summerhouses were paid for by Pope Innocent X. The beautiful gardens seemed to never end, with people walking, running, playing or just sitting on a bench taking in the beautiful scenery. It reminded me of Central Park in New York City. None the less, it was a nice break from the craziness of the city. Our tour ended at my favorite spot, Giolitti’s. Surprisingly and sadly, it was some of my group members first Giolitti’s experience! It was a great end to a lovely day.

At last, a visit to the Vatican Museum!

I am no longer embarrassed or saddened because I can officially say: I have been to the Vatican Museum. It is an overwhelming but spectacular museum. The Laocoon, a first century AD marble statue, depicts the Trojan priest Laocoon and his son struggling with two serpents. The Laocoon was at the top of our list of statues to see. Not sure where it was located we decided we would keep our eyes out for it as we wondered through the long corridors of the museum. However, as we were walking through the Gallery of Tapestries, Carley stopped us in a panic “we missed the Laocoon!” All in accordance we turned around and began to backtrack. We still were not sure where it was located, so we studied the map to get our bearings. Thinking we had figured out where the Laocoon was located, we continued on our way. According to the map it is in the Greek and Roman courtyard. Down the stairs through a corridor that we had already been in we rounded the corner and halted at the door leading out to the courtyard. The rain was pounding down on the pebbled walkway. We grabbed our umbrellas and proceeded down the walkway in search of the Laocoon. To our dismay, the Laocoon was nowhere to be found. Right in front of us was an English speaking tour guide. We said to her, “Excuse me, will you please tell us where the Laocoon is located?” She replied in a very friendly manner and gave us directions back into the building. We thanked her and went on our way. Ironically the directions took us back to the courtyard we had already visited. Our adventure to find the Laocoon exemplifies the Vatican Museum’s overwhelming amount of art. We took a few pictures and observed the Laocoon, and then we were back to where we left off. The rest of our self-guided tour went smoothly and was totally worth the five week wait.

Rome's Secret Garden

Orto Botanico di Roma is a beautiful botanical garden located in the slopes of the Janiculum and overlooks . The garden is operated by the Sapienza University of Rome. It was first established in 1883 and is the successor of the Papal Botanical Garden. I knew nothing about the Botanical Garden’s until Kevin reported about it to our class. Interested by the description he gave us I decided to go see it for myself. The garden is home to more than 3,000 species of which over 300 are medicinal. On a beautiful day it is great way to escape the noisy, crowded, hustle and bustle of Rome. You can wander along the guided paths and enjoy the wide array of plants, as well as ponds and water fountains that add to the gardens serenity. Here you will also find great view points of Rome. It is a great place to sit on a bench and relax in peace and quiet all while looking out at the great city of Rome.

The Porta Portese Flea Market

The Porta Portese flea market in Trastevere is the biggest flea market in Rome and all of Italy. Every Sunday morning, as early as 5 a.m., people begin parading down the streets in search of bargains. Over two thousand stalls line the road as stallholders aggressively try to get your business. Here the savvy shopper can pick up a wide variety of new and used items. However, the experience can be quite overwhelming for visitors. For instance, when I first arrived at the market a feeling of claustrophobia came over me as the swarms of people plowed over me like I was invisible. The combination of the hoards of people and the feeling of uncertainty left me very overwhelmed initially. However, once I figured out how the market worked and I grew accustomed to the crowds, I was in the swing of things. It is a great spot for gifts that are reasonably priced, but make sure you never settle for the initial price. You need to use what bargaining skills you have. I decided to make it more interesting by making a game out of it. I went around to different stalls selling similar products to see how low I could get the stallholders to go. Overall, it is definitely a tiring but rewarding Italian experience.

Gelateria Tour Information

The first stop on the gelateria tour is Gelateria della Palma. Gelateria della Palma is just mere steps from the Pantheon, which could be seen as a plus for convenience or a minus for steeper prices. However, della Palma offers a wide variety with over a 100 different flavors of gelato; and if that isn’t good enough for you, try their specialty semifreddi (half frozen mousse). Giolliti’s, the next stop, is probably the most famous gelateria in Rome. It was voted number one on the top 10 list for gelateria’s in Rome. The ordering process can be quite confusing and intimidating to new customers, just make sure to pay at the cash register before you order. Then walk over to the large crowd of people around the gelato case and work your way up to the counter because there are no lines. Although it may be intimidating, it is all part of the experience. The last stop on the gelateria tour is San Crispino. San Crispino is on the top 10 list of gelateria’s in Rome and it is known for their, Il Gelato di S. Crispino, which is honey flavored gelato. If this sounds like your kind of gelato, make sure to save room for the last stop!

Gelateria Tour Directions

Standing in Piazza della Rotondo with your back to the Pantheon, walk to the right towards the northeast corner of the piazza until you reach Via Pantheon. Proceed down the narrow road a short distance until you run into Piazza Maddalena where you will see the beautiful Santa Maria Maddalena. Continue to walk through the Piazza to the other side and get on Via Maddalena. After one short block you will see, on the left hand side, Gelateria della Palma are first stop. It is located on the corner of Via Maddalena and Via delle Copelle. After enjoying some tasty gelato or their famous semifreddi (half frozen mousse), get ready for our next stop! Exit Gelateria della Palma and make a left onto Via Maddalena walk two blocks and then turn right on Via Degli Uffiei del Vicario. As soon as you turn you will see giant bright green letters reading Giolliti’s, voted the number one gelateria in Rome. Stop in a get a taste for yourself. The last stop on our tour is just steps away from the famous Trevi Fountain. From Giolliti’s turn right and head towards Palazzo Chigi go straight through and on the other side is Piazza Colonna, go straight through until you will run into Via del Corso, a main street. At Via del Corso make a left and then a quick right onto Via del Tritone. A couple blocks down you will pass Piazza Poli on your right. Continue on for a couple more blocks until you reach Via di Panneteria Scalone and make a right. Follow this road down about 100 meters until you reach the last stop on the tour, San Crispino.

Renovations of Museo della Pasta

Unfortunately, Museo della Pasta is currently closed for restorations. The date and place of the reopening will be revealed within the next couple of months. Check out the status and get more information by visiting their website at http://www.museodellapasta.it/.

Museo della Pasta

Museo della Pasta is not your ordinary museum, it is literally one of a kind. It was the first museum to ever be dedicated to one specific food product. At the museum you will learn not only the history of pasta but also how it is produced, the nutritional facts, and where pasta is found in ancient and modern art. I would like to learn about pasta since it is a main component of my daily diet, and it is food that I thoroughly enjoy. What better place to learn about pasta than in its birth place, Italy. However, the highlight of the tour is, you not only learn the history but you get to taste it too! So if you are a pasta lover or want to become a connoisseur visit Museo della Pasta.

The Vatican Museums

Embarrassed, saddened, and true, I have been in Rome for over five weeks now and have yet to visit the Vatican Museums. The Vatican Museums were on the top of my list for sites to see while studying in Rome; however, I just haven’t been able to find time to visit the spectacular place. Although as a class we went to St. Peters, we did not have enough time to see the museums as well.

The museums are full of history and date back to the year 1198, when the papal palace was created by Innocent III. A large part of the museum houses Greek and Roman artistic treasures. It is from sculptures like Apoxyomenos, Apollo del Belvedere, and Laocoon, which are considered a few of the greatest achievements of Western art that Michelangelo and other famous Renaissance artists were deeply influenced. The path that leads you to the garden also lead you to the Sistine Chapel, a church I have longed to see for years. Having learned about the beautiful frescoed art work of the Sistine Chapel and the great Renaissance artists who were responsible for the magnificent art, made me eager to see the art and architecture for myself. Hopefully I will have time this week to make a trip to the Vatican Museums, and if so I will be sure to report on my experience!

Santa Maria in Trastevere

Today I visited Santa Maria in Trastevere, one of the oldest churches in Rome dating back to 340s AD. The church was founded at a time when Christians were a minority sect. It is located in the heart of Piazza Santa Maria. The façade of the church was restored by Carlo Fontana who also restored the octagonal fountain in the center of the Piazza. The church can be spotted by its beautiful bell tower and its religious mosaics. The mosaics found above the portico are Mary feeding Jesus and women holding lamps used to symbolize virginity. Virginity is a common theme throughout the art work in Santa Maria in Trastevere because the basilica was devoted to the Virgin Mary.

The interior was much more extravagant than I had expected. Enormous marble columns line the nave of the church, which according to the Eyewitness Travel Rome were taken from the ruins of ancient Roman buildings. At the end of the nave was one of the most beautiful altars I have ever seen, covered in extravagant gold and mosaics. Beyond the altar is an archway that opens up to a half dome decorated in a beautiful 12^th century mosaic of the Coronation of the Virgin. I found on Wikipedia that it was a popular form of Christian art that was often used during the 13^th century. The mosaic portrays Christ placing the crown on Mary’s head accompanied by saints. Needless to say, Santa Maria in Trastevere is definitely worth a visit!

A trip to Boys' Town of Rome

Boys’ Town of Rome was more than anything I could have prepared myself for. It was a very special experience, an unforgettable one at that. As all 50 of us gallivanted up the drive way, we passed a few citizens who were working together on yard work. We received a warm welcome and then we were off to learn more about the orphanage that Monsignor Carroll-Abbing successfully started over 50 years ago. His mission to create a new chance at life for young boys at risk was accomplished by his courage and the help of many people. Monsignor Carroll-Abbing felt it very important to make the community as real life as possible for the boys. So a democracy was implemented through a hierarchical structure. The “city” of Boys’ Town is run by the mayor, who is elected by the citizens. We were fortunate enough to meet the present mayor, a young boy from Morocco. He was very friendly and accepting of us and happy to answer any questions we had. After just a short visit, I really felt the brotherhood between the boys who seemed to look after one another as if they were one big family. Leaving with a smile upon my face and a sense of satisfaction, I strongly suggest visiting Boys’ Town if you have the chance.

Pizzeria Da Vittoria

Pizzeria Da Vittorio, just mere steps from Piazza Santa Maria in Trastevere, is rated number 5 on the top 10 pizzerias in Rome. It was a beautiful Saturday afternoon and we were starved so the girls and I decided we would give it a try. Outside seating was definitely a plus because we could enjoy the nice weather and the delicious food all in one. I started my meal with a croquette, which is fried potato and mozzarella, in the shape of American mozzarella sticks. They were scrumptious, fried on the outside with creamy cheesy mashed potatoes on the inside. However, like a typical American I had to open my big mouth and ask for ketchup. Of course, this evoked laughter not only from our waitress, but also form another waiter she felt the need to tell. I guess I was the joke of the restaurant today. Anyway, the pizza was very fresh and of generous proportion, but what really completed my experience of the pizzeria were the complimentary cookies that came with our check. It was a simple but thoughtful gesture at the end of a tasty meal. Pizzeria Da Vittorio is definitely a stop I suggest if you are ever in the area.

Gelateria della Palma

Gelaterai Della Palma, a block from the Pantheon offers a vast array of gelato flavors, by far the most I have seen in one gelateria. You can see for yourself from the pictures, which only encompasses about half of what they have to offer. The overwhelming selection not only offers a rich creamy gelato but also semifreddi or half frozen mousse, which is available in at least ten different flavors. The only down fall to the mousse is you have to get it in a cup because it doesn’t have the same consistency as gelato and would melt to fast in a cone. I decided on the Mars semifreddi, which was very light and airy with chunks of candy mixed in, but don’t be surprised when it tastes nothing like gelato.

Oh and of course I tried the gelato as well. An even tougher decision than usual with about a hundred flavors calling out to me each one looking mouth watering and delicious. I tried to take a different route than my usual fruit gelato, and went straight for the rich chocolate flavors. My decision landed on Riso e Nutella which was perfect. The smooth creamy vanilla gelato with swirls of hazelnut Nutella mixed with the added bonus of the crispity chrunchity rice puffs. If you can’t tell already I highly suggest this gelateria, it is definitely high on my gelato tour list.

Boys' Town's Church

On our tour of Boys’ Town in Rome we visited their church, which was donated to the organization by the Butchers Union of American over fifty years ago. The church was dedicated to Saint Jude, who is the patron saint of lost causes and can perform miracles for the hopeless, in the hope that he would help the orphans who come to Boys’ Town of Rome in hopes for a “chance at life”.

The aesthetics and structure of the church are much different than what we are used to seeing in Rome. It is a small, unadorned, circular modern building with beautiful tall narrow stain glass windows. The crucifix with missing arms placed in the back of the church is a symbol of Boys’ Town showing the people need to be the arms and hands in helping. We were also told a lot of “ex-citizens” of the orphanage come back to be married or to baptize their children in the church, which shows the strong ties that the boys have to the organization. The stories and generosity of the church make it that much more beautiful and welcoming.

Boys' Town of Rome

From what I gather, Boys’ Town of Rome was founded in 1955 by Monsignor John Patrick Carroll-Abbing to aid refugees throughout Italy. It is located south-west of Rome and is run by religious orders and civic organizations. The main concern of the organization is to create a healthy safe haven for underprivileged or at “risk” boys. Here the young boys have the opportunity to live and work in a self-governing community and receive not only an academic education but also the confidence and encouragement to be all that they can be. I look forward to our visit and hope to learn more about the functions and structure of this non-profit organization.

Teatro of Ostia Antica

Ostio Antica, the ancient harbor city of Rome, is found at the mouth of the Tiber River and was once Rome’s main commercial port and military base. As a class we ventured to Ostio Antica to take a close look, for ourselves, at the ancient ruins. While exploring the extensive land I came across the obtrusive ancient Roman Teatro, the main amphitheatre of the ancient city. The enormous structure with a capacity of about 4,000 spectators was originally built at the end of the 1^st century B.C. To my surprise the theatre is still being used today. The massive structure made of brick is supported by numerous arches and pilasters, which opens up to a vast area inside of concrete rows for seating overlooking the large stage with trees and the bright blue sky in the background. I sat in the teatro under the bright sun and watched young girls practice ballet, a slightly different type of entertainment than one would have found in the first century B.C.