It’s the first time in a long time I haven’t been in Melbourne for the Melbourne Cup long weekend (for my international readers, the country pretty much closes down for a horse race on the 1st Tuesday in November and most people take the Monday off as well!) But I got to experience a long weekend in Rome too! Tuesday 1 November was All Saints Day and this religious day
I personally never knew anyone who had “lived” in Rome… well not until a few years ago. And now I’m that someone’s friend, cousin, neighbour, sister who ‘lives in Rome’. I’m proud to take people around my city and experience all the sights, tastes and sounds.. I do need to brush up on my historical facts and art history (or perhaps channel that history major that I did many moons ago!)
You walk into the doctor’s surgery and there is no receptionist but just a queue managed by the people. But somehow it works. As soon as you walk in you must ask Chi e` l’ultimo? (Who is last in line?). Then you remember that face and go in as soon as they finish up. Then… you walk through a puff of cigarette smoke on entering the doctor’s office and he
You can imagine the comments and strange looks I get when I tell Italians that I don’t drink coffee. Well I have the occasional one with milk or a frappe / iced coffee in summer but for all intents and purposes, you could say I drink coffee like a kid – completely watered down & not too often! Given what I like to call my innate italian-ness, this has always
Some of you may or may not find this interesting or of any real significance. However – those of you who know me well will appreciate the excitement I felt when tonight I finally visited Bar Pompi – Il Regno del Tiramisu (which literally means Tiramisu Kingdom or House of Tiramisu I guess). A life without dessert, for me, is pretty much a life not worth living! And as I
Let’s just say it’s been an eye opener dealing with the transition of holidaying in Italy to living in Italy. Firstly the change of pace (and season!) Having to get used to NOT waking up every day and going to the beach! In fact, NOT waking up in a hotel! NOT going out for dinner every night! NOT going shopping (well, real shopping!) every single day! So in the space
A taxi driver asks you if it’s ok to stop & grab a coffee with him & if he’s “your type”… Um awkward!! You get mugged blind without even noticing! You get asked out on a date walking out of a tabaccheria (smoke shop) Cops stop mid way through giving someone a fine to check you out & say “buongiorno signorina” You can buy a bottle of good wine at
