When in Rome... Day 2

My second day in Rome was VERY busy...but worth every second! First, Marge and I began our day walking up a hill to see a gorgeous view of Rome in Trevestere. Then, we headed to Campo Di Fiori to explore the market, where we got delicious caprese paninos to eat in Piazza Navona. Next, we met up with Marge's friend and visited Trevi Fountain. It was very crowded because it was a Saturday, but it was on my bucket list and was just as beautiful as in the pictures.

View of Rome in Trevestre

Campo Di Fiori

Caprese Panino (SO GOOD)

Trevi Fountain

Once we saw Trevi fountain, my friends brought me to a very interesting place: a Cat Sanctuary. Located in Largo Argentina is the Torre Argentina Cat Sanctuary, which is a no-kill shelter for homeless cats (which Rome has plenty of). Something very unique about this place--aside from the fact that it is inhabited by various breeds of cats--is that it is also where Julius Caesar was killed. Following our visit to the Cat Sanctuary, Marge and I visited the famous Colosseum.

Kate with her furry friend at the cat sanctuary 

Cat Sanctuary

Colosseum

At about mid-afternoon, we visited a cathedral filled with chandeliers. It was so unique and beautiful. Then we climbed up some steps  to Capoltini Hill and saw a view of the Roman Forum...and of course, ended the day with gelato again!

Chandelier Cathedral

Roman Forum

When in Rome... Day 1

For Valentine's weekend I was fortunate enough to be in one of the top romantic cities in the world: Rome. I visited my sorority sister, Margaret Biebel, who is studying abroad in Rome. After a long night/morning of traveling I had finally arrived in Ciampino, then took a 40 minute taxi ride to my hotel in Rome. The drive wasn't anything special, although toward the end, my cab driver gave me some much needed advice: "In Italy, we Italians follow one word: Live lightly". At first, I didn't take his motto into deep consideration, but eventually I realized it was something very valuable. We tend to live our lives with heavy weight on our shoulders: academics, finances, relationships, etc. I stress about so many small things, and never take time to just breath or "live lightly". Being abroad is finally making me realize that I can't keep sweating the small things, because it won't get me anywhere and only diminish my happiness. The Italians live life to the fullest: eating as much as they please, making plans loosely, and simply being. To many individuals this taxi driver would never serve as a significant purpose, but I believe that everything happens for a reason and for me, it did.

Once I arrived in Rome, I met up with Marge for brunch. My first bite of Italy was impeccable. We both shared chocolate chip banana pancakes and a giant salmon eggs benedict. After brunch, we explored Rome, seeing the Tiber River, Pantheon, and Piazza Navona, ending the day with real Italian pizza and gelato! It was the perfect first day in Rome.

Chocolate chip banana pancakes & Salmon eggs benedict 

                   

Tiber River

Salmon and Mozzarella Pizza 

  

Pantheon

Piazza Navona Fountain

Marge with her Italian gelato!