Gianna and I have no class on Mondays. After sitting inside doing some homework and walking down the street to do some grocery shopping, we had to get out and about for an adventure. I can confidently say that yesterday was the BEST day I've had in Rome so far. We stumbled upon amazing architecture, cute cobblestone streets, handmade goods, and perfect memories.
We walked to the Trastevere tram/bus station on purpose so that we could pass by the patisserie, but it was closed :( Typical Italian time. Continuing on, we hopped on tram line 8 and got off in Piazza Venezia, the center of ancient Rome.
Our first sight was the Pantheon! We were very curious about what happens on rainy days, such as today, since the occulus is open. Apparently there are 20 holes in the floor to drain the water that enters the building, which resembles a clock and has a great deal of Pagan symbolism. I'm slightly addicted to Angels and Demons. Though rebuilt, it's still one of the oldest standing buildings in this city erected as a symbol of Roman victories.
When we walked up, there was some sort of protest outside! I have no idea what they were shouting or fighting, but we were still able to enter, so we snuck in the other side.
Continuing on, we followed the signs to Piazza Navona. It's such a beautiful place - gorgeous fountain and statue in the center with people ambling around peacefully.
When we walked up, there was some sort of protest outside! I have no idea what they were shouting or fighting, but we were still able to enter, so we snuck in the other side.
Continuing on, we followed the signs to Piazza Navona. It's such a beautiful place - gorgeous fountain and statue in the center with people ambling around peacefully.
Just off of Piazza Navona seems to be a great place to eat! All the restaurants are competing for business so they have some great prices on tasty looking food. I may have to return and report back on what I find ;)
We ventured into a church nearby, which was apparently the German ["tedesco"] church in the city of Rome, San Maria dell'Anima [Saint Maria of the Soul]. Part of the wall was being restored and the difference in the vibrance of the painting they were working on compared to the other dusty ones were incredible!
Continuing on our journey, we stumbled upon "Made" - a cupcake "laboratory"!
The treats inside were picture perfect. My chocolate cookie sandwich with vanilla cream tasted heavenly.
They were definitely perfecting everything about baking. Maybe I need to work there to learn all the tricks of the trade before I open up my own bakery one day.
The shop was so interesting to me as it was extremely modern in contrast to the other shops nearby. My favorite one we saw had this little old man working on a lamp inside. On the wall were tons of ornately made keyholes. We stood outside the window for a while staring before we realized we'd creep him out if we stood there any longer... Other places we strolled into had Venitian masks, handmade jewelry, and India scarves.
Gianna was feelin' the love with her lip shaped sugar cookie ;)
They were definitely perfecting everything about baking. Maybe I need to work there to learn all the tricks of the trade before I open up my own bakery one day.
The shop was so interesting to me as it was extremely modern in contrast to the other shops nearby. My favorite one we saw had this little old man working on a lamp inside. On the wall were tons of ornately made keyholes. We stood outside the window for a while staring before we realized we'd creep him out if we stood there any longer... Other places we strolled into had Venitian masks, handmade jewelry, and India scarves.
Not sure where we were, we suddenly turned a corner and in front of us was Castel San Angelo and St. Peter's Basilica. How incredible is it that we got lost and found that!?
So much to take in. I couldn't have asked for better weather, a more intricate city, or a more adventurous companion to spend my time with.
It was time for a cappuccino. The place we discovered had drinks for 8 euros which came with a free buffet of food! Since we weren't hungry, we just had the coffee, but we'll definitely have to go back! It was worth paying more for the cappuccino to sit down and enjoy the beautiful atmosphere.
[Thanks to Gianna for capturing this moment :) ]
On the way home we got lost and wandered a little more. We passed by these huge open doors and saw this inside.
The two of us didn't even have to say a word - we both doubled back and walked in. It seemed to be a government building and the courtyard was empty, but hey, they left it open for us to discover, right?
Stopping in a few more shops, we finally found our way back to Piazza Venezia. I found the cutest black dress at one adorable boutique, but it broke my heart that it was too big :(
The two of us didn't even have to say a word - we both doubled back and walked in. It seemed to be a government building and the courtyard was empty, but hey, they left it open for us to discover, right?
Possibly one of my most exciting finds of the day is actually thanks to Gianna. She saw this boulangerie with delicious looking bread and the cutest interior. It was definitely a FRENCH bakery! [Boulangerie is the French term for it, after all.] I was in heaven. We couldn't resist and picked up a loaf of foccaccia with tomatoes for an appetizer before dinner.
We came home for some wine & the foccaccia bread while making a delicious dinner. French bakers do not disappoint! It was an experiment, but my roasted red pepper and pesto chicken turned out very well!
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