After a restful ten-hour slumber, I woke up from my apartment with a “ready-to-go” attitude. The jet lag finally left my system. It was mid-noon already and I immediately went outside to explore what the outdoor markets in the Campo had to offer. The food here is surprisingly cheap; pizza/strawberries/loaves of bread/coffee cost just two Euros or less, and everything appears to have been made fresh. It was also interesting to discover the twists and turns of the streets of Rome. The alleyways are made of cobblestone and the drivers are not afraid to drive along the narrow paths. I swear that I have already had over ten CLOSE encounters with random cars and motorcycles. It’s a miracle that I’m still alive.
During the afternoon, I went with a couple of my peers to visit the Pantheon for the first time, a temple made for the Gods. The designs were very basic, but astounding at the same time. The wide oculus at the top of the dome was my favorite part of the site. The Romans were very clever architects, to say the least.
The entire group had a welcoming dinner later in the evening at Trattoria Moderna, and it was a full-blown meal. The fancy restaurant really set the tone for a warm and casual dinner with fellow students and professors. The appetizers—octopus, sword fish, porchietto, cheese, bread, etc—were very tasty and complemented each other. We had the option of choosing between risotto and lasagna for the first course; I had the former and it was a very rich mixture. I had roasted pork for the second course, and that was also substantial. Many students were already full by this time, but there’s always room for dessert. Baked peaches, chocolate delicacies, and tiramisu were split evenly among everyone. I was so tempted to have a glass of wine like everyone else, but I had to settle for water. Glasses upon glasses of water…
During the afternoon, I went with a couple of my peers to visit the Pantheon for the first time, a temple made for the Gods. The designs were very basic, but astounding at the same time. The wide oculus at the top of the dome was my favorite part of the site. The Romans were very clever architects, to say the least.
The entire group had a welcoming dinner later in the evening at Trattoria Moderna, and it was a full-blown meal. The fancy restaurant really set the tone for a warm and casual dinner with fellow students and professors. The appetizers—octopus, sword fish, porchietto, cheese, bread, etc—were very tasty and complemented each other. We had the option of choosing between risotto and lasagna for the first course; I had the former and it was a very rich mixture. I had roasted pork for the second course, and that was also substantial. Many students were already full by this time, but there’s always room for dessert. Baked peaches, chocolate delicacies, and tiramisu were split evenly among everyone. I was so tempted to have a glass of wine like everyone else, but I had to settle for water. Glasses upon glasses of water…
Plate full of desserts. |
exploring by yourself. you definitively are the rebel.
ReplyDeleteWhat you need to know about the Pantheon is: It was built by Romans, who at that time persecuted the Christians, and now it is remodeled as a Church.
ReplyDeleteAhh the feeling of exploring a new country on your own.. I can't wait to do it again, i loved doing that in Korea!! Except for the fact that I couldn't really speak Korean -.-" Stay safe! And eat lots of gooooddd food for me :)
ReplyDeleteAww the dessert look soo yummmy. And you should be careful out on the streets. I want you to get back home in one peace. But it seems like you are having a wonderful time in Rome.
ReplyDeleteSounds like you're starting to have lots of fun. Goodness, the food sounds so cheap and delicious. I love how each of your posts after the horrible airport food has a section describing your amazing meals. =P
ReplyDeleteHaha don't lie... I bet you took a sip of that wine. lol jk. the food sounds amazing. if only, if only... you could send me some! =P
ReplyDeleteHe might of had Crystal never know what happening over but have to say the dessert looks pretty good tho.
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