Posted in May 2012 …

Rome’s I Parioli – No Trastevere for me!

On a warm sunny spring Sunday I ventured into what for me was the unknown… Unchartered territory… The famous residential elegance of Rome.. Melbourne people think Toorak. Sydney, Vaucluse. New York, Upper East Side. Londoners, think Mayfair! I visited – or should I say, experienced – I Parioli, for my personal trainer’s Memorial Day BBQ! … Continue reading »

English High Tea in Rome

Staff can be just the difference between a poor, great and fantastic experience. I work in events and know too well the importance of super efficient and personable staff on the ground. Now it’s widely agreed that customer service in Rome generally leaves a lot to be desired. I say generally because on many occasions … Continue reading »

Sombre Weekend in Italy: Bomb Attack & Earthquake

Italy’s southern and northern regions have this weekend been devastated by two separate tragic events – one man-made, one natural. From what I can tell, news of a bombing at a vocational school in Brindisi, in south Italy (region of Puglia) yesterday morning has not made many international headlines. So for those of you who … Continue reading »

Rome Underground: Catacombs, Crypts & Bones!

Over the past 10-ish years you could say I’ve spent a lot of time in Rome. And now I live in the city. Many things will spring to mind when you think of the eternal city, but perhaps not crypts, bones and catacombs? Last week I attended the Walks of Italy Crypts, Bones and Catacombs … Continue reading »

Abruzzo: Food, Feast, More Food & Pork!

I’m currently enjoying a little mini break away from Rome in Abruzzo. This region of my parents’ birth shares a border with Lazio and is therefore close and well connected to Rome. I always travel here by coach from Tiburtina station which takes an hour and a half – too easy! (for details and timetable … Continue reading »

More! You know you’re living in Italy when..

These lists usually have a little negative connotation or recount pure Italian absurdities… But here are some that just make me smile and bring me to a happy place You can buy pizza by the slice (relatively cheaply) on just about every corner (and while all are not the best quality, even the mediocre pack … Continue reading »

For a little Rome-ance in Rome

This week, I had the fortunate privilege of being taken out for an aperitivo at the Roof Garden bar of the 5 star, Hotel de la Minerve in Rome. This hotel sits within a 16th century mansion and the bar and restaurant offer unrivaled and stunning views of the Pantheon and Roman rooftops. It’s literally … Continue reading »

Aperitivo Update: Doppiozeroo in Ostiense

Just up the road from my current home in Rome is Doppiozeroo – a very modern looking restaurant and wine bar. In English this means double zero (00) and given they make pizza – and lots of it – I believe the reference is to 00 flour, the Italian all purpose flour used for pasta, pizza, … Continue reading »