Typical Roman Habits you should be aware of

Romans are crazy. Romans are always angry. Romans are way too lazy. But we also have some shortcomings! Between all the girls in this blog, I am the only true Roman (as Elena is from the North and Kimberly and Jesse are from NYC), so no one knows better than me how much we can be annoying. We won’t change - so you’d better give up this idea -, but I can help you

Italian Coffee Culture: a Guide for Non-Italians

Some coffee insight on Italian coffee culture for non-Italians visiting Rome. First of all “ Starbucks “ does NOT exist here. There is one place that is a slight imitation of Starbucks called “ Busters Coffee“ , but this is the exception not the norm. However if you are looking for a morning coffee in Italy first off look for a sign that says “ BAR “, don’t

When in Rome, do as the Roman’s do.. and Escape to Abruzzo !

Escape to Abruzzo In the summer, Rome is H… O… T… hot! Not even the locals want to be here. Therefore when in Rome, do as the Romans do … and escape! The mountains are where all of the Italians go for some nature, solitude and a nice cool breeze. Since Abruzzo is located just an hour or so east from Rome, it's the perfect weekend destination. I was lucky enough

From one hipster to another… neighbourhood, that is.

Monti - Rome About a decade ago my (now Expat) sister and I packed our backpacks and moved to Rome together. Shortly after arrival our apartment karma kicked in. We found ourselves residing in a gorgeous apartment right across from the Colosseum in a neighborhood called Monti, Rome. I remember our late night gelati in the Fontana di Piazza della Madonna, frequenting the

My favourite places to visit in Rome

First time I came, I immediately fell in love with this city. My first thought? “This is the place where I want to live”. My name is Elena and I am from a little town called Alessandria, in the north of Italy. It's been 2 years since my arrival in Rome; as you can imagine, my lifestyle and habits were totally different from those I found here! Now I can almost

I have seen grown men cry. #TottiDay

The news reached every end of the globe, football-worshipping nations and non. Francesco Totti of the A.S. Roma, after 28 years of gifting us some soccer's most emotional moments donned the maroon and gold shirt for the last time on Sunday, May 28, 2017.   What ensued was something akin to a funeral. 70,000 adoring fans filled the Olympic Stadium of Rome

Italian Liberation Day – April 25

April 25, 2017 marks 72 years of an Italy free from German Occupation, from a fascist dictatorship under Mussolini and from being at war with... itself. All pretty great things to celebrate right? Italian Liberation Day - A New Italy April 25, 1945 and the next years that followed marked a revolution in how Italy was governed. In a referendum in 1946, Italians chose to

Happy Birthday Rome!

Happy Birthday Rome As you may have heard, Rome turned a young 2,770 years old this past April 21st! If you are doing your math correctly, you'll note that Rome was founded in 753BC. Whether or not that is a historically accurate year is a moot point. In a city this old -- legends have a special place. So, if you haven't read it yet - I suggest you catch up by reading

It’s Raining… Rose Petals in the Pantheon?

Yes. You heard me right. It's raining Rose Petals in the Pantheon. Or, at least it will be, on June 4, 2017 - which is the date on which Pentecost falls this year. The Oculus. Hint: it's not just a VR device. If you are privy to some of the best Rome insider tips, you may have already been told to head for the Pantheon when it rains. Why? Because the gigantic, 27 foot

SCIOPERO! What to do when there’s a strike in Rome.

SCIOPERO. The word makes me shiver whenever I hear it. Traffic. Chaos. The entire public transportation system thrown into question. Flights delayed or cancelled. No taxis to get around. It sounds like a nightmare, but a strike in Rome, as all around Italy - it is a very real problem. It's also very common. If you happen to be in Rome when there is a strike, or know