Ciao da Roma!

We are here!!! Back in the motherland! Rome gave us a very warm welcome....maybe too warm of a welcome.  It's been peaking 100 degrees here.  Our first day here was anything less than the romantic Rome I was expecting...it consisted of dragging heavy luggage in the heat, walking around the hot/crowded city center like zombies, getting ripped off for food/drink, and sleeping in a room without air conditioning.  Despite the less than comfortable external conditions, the Italian hospitality has created an environment for us that makes us feel right at home.  In fact, Lisa and I mentioned to each other today that it feels like we've been here for a week already.  We also have to continuously remind ourselves that we are in Rome, and not New York.  It is a great feeling to have....feeling like we are returning to a foreign home, rather than simply visiting a new place as a tourist.



The people we have met so far have been so kind to us, especially because we are speaking Italian with them. The woman who runs our bed and breakfast, Laura, has been "simpaticissima" (extra nice), greeting us with kisses and offering to drive us wherever we would like.  She tells us many times that she loves having us stay in her place, and we are welcome anytime. 

We have enjoyed a thorough selection of bread, cheese, fritti, pasta, and pizza so far....and it's only day 2.  We are very lucky to be just at the beginning of a wonderful vacation to be!

For those of you who have lived in Trastevere in the fall/winter months, the summer looks completely different.  The food, regardless of season, remains amazing.  Had to order suppli to start...and for my dinner I had Tagliatelle cacio e pepe.....to die for.  Along the Tiber river there are many bars, lounges, restaurants, and vendors that run right next to the Tiber River.  We hoped the weather would cool down at night. However, to no avail, the heat was inescapable.  To keep us distracted from feeling hot, there were live bands and movies playing for the enjoyment of the public.  Some sangria and a seat near the water gave us the feeling of Italian relaxation we had been craving.  We ended our night walking home to our apartment with Peronis in hand.  Afterall, we deserved it after the crowded and stuffy bus ride back.