tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55326234777391156722024-03-05T06:53:42.832+01:00I Heart Rome?*not for the faint of heartRomericanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15721721345728895213noreply@blogger.comBlogger215125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5532623477739115672.post-34909204936606383372016-04-06T10:21:00.002+02:002016-04-06T10:56:06.336+02:00The great bagel buncoI know, it's been a loooooong time. Forgive me. But I'm back with a post about bagels... in Rome!<br />
Here in Rome, everyone and their mother has been adding bagels to their menus lately. Being the bagel-lover I am, I went and tried almost every single one (I won't name names but I'm sure most of you can figure it out) and I can safely say THOSE ARE NOT BAGELS! They're just buns shaped like bagels with some seeds sprinkled on top. Mind you, they're tasty buns, but they ain't bagels and it really gets my goat that they're trying to pass them off as such. It's an outrage, it's scandalous, it's misleading, and it's sad that Romans will think they've eaten a bagel but have no idea what they're missing out on.<br />
But wait... so as not be all doom and gloom, I have to point out that there is one place that makes a <i>somewhat</i> authentic bagel, meaning it's as close as anyone in Rome has ever come to a real bagel: a restaurant in Trastevere called Alle Fratte di Trastevere. The owner's wife is American and a few years back she started making bagels and selling them on the weekends. <a href="http://allefratteditrastevere.com/eng/bagels/Delicious-bagels-and-cupcakes.html" target="_blank">She has expanded her business</a> and operates during the week too, and her bagels are decent. Mind you, they're no <a href="http://www.ess-a-bagel.com/" target="_blank">Ess-a-Bagel</a> bagels, but they sufficiently satisfy my bagel cravings.<br />
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Romericanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15721721345728895213noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5532623477739115672.post-4097548280608708752014-10-30T12:55:00.003+01:002016-04-06T10:26:31.951+02:00New discovery in TrastevereIt's nice to see new places popping up in Trastevere... things had been stagnating here while neighborhoods like Monti and Pigneto were blowing up with all sorts of fun things. Needless to say, I was ever so jealous till now!<br />
On my way to <a href="http://www.mercatocircomassimo.it/portfolio_item/la-bottega-di-trastevere/" target="_blank">my favorite produce vendor in Trastevere</a>, I spotted this tiny shop that I'd never seen before: <a href="http://www.agriroby.it/" target="_blank">Pasqualino</a>.<br />
He just opened this shop one month ago but had been at the Ettore Rolli market for years. It caught my attention because I spotted <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pecan" target="_blank">PECANS</a> - both whole and shelled!! I stepped into his tiny shop and was amazed by the products, most of which are sold in bulk: black beans (from Mexico), dried spices, seeds (flax, sesame, you name it!), goji berries and all kinds of dried fruit and nuts, farro + lots of other grains, reasonably priced Italian whole wheat pasta, different kinds of pâté, sauces, dried olives, fresh porcini mushrooms, <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMzNUuKj3OoV_sK8bO057NZjMoKl6RtFEnN6Zg3eU1oyjwJwjm3entQsrkTEJYJpj5YrKuNKvYmOvjJM3DMTsSreM3LqSeE4Xs6s8BmmvViTvMkAecJZaZ2MuxmVKtSsQXpZEuhC4GIFtI/s1600/s_Maismeel_Pan_Yellow_1_KG.jpg" target="_blank">PAN masa harina</a>, etc.<br />
Bravo Pasqualino!<br />
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Pasqualino<br />
Via Portuense 96/E<br />
cell: +39 339-244-1350 or +39 333-912-0732<br />
<a href="http://www.agriroby.it/">http://www.agriroby.it</a><br />
(they'll be updating the website soon with new address and info)<br />
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<br />Romericanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15721721345728895213noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5532623477739115672.post-89965260483070272892014-09-09T13:07:00.001+02:002014-09-09T13:07:54.564+02:00Nothing gold can stay...Okay, maybe I’m being a bit dramatic with that title but I am genuinely bummed out about what’s happened to my beloved <a href="http://www.romafarmersmarket.com/" target="_blank">Farmers’ Market in Garbatella</a>. Backstory: In March 2013, <a href="http://iheartrome.blogspot.it/2013/03/farewell-farmers-market.html" target="_blank">the market was moved</a> from its convenient (for me, at least) Testaccio location to the current Garbatella venue. That in itself was a bit traumatic for me, as it would now take me 45-60 minutes to get there by transpo, BUT <a href="http://iheartrome.blogspot.it/2011/04/famers-market.html" target="_blank">my love for this market </a>was great enough for me to overcome that hurdle. And week after week, I schlepped myself and my granny shopping cart there. <br /><br />Just this month however, I discovered that some of my favorite vendors are no longer part of the market: <a href="http://www.cerealiitalia.com/azienda-azienda-agricola-di-pace-giulio-l-aquila-9690" target="_blank">Giulio Pace</a> who sold to-die-for spelt bread; the man (whose name I don’t know but he had impressively ornate sideburns/facial hair) who sold drool-inducing cheese that people would wait in line forever for; <a href="https://www.facebook.com/www.naturalita.it" target="_blank">the chatty lady</a> who sold jams and honey; <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Azienda-Agricola-lOasi-Biologica-di-Fabio-Di-Silvio/449502095118437" target="_blank">the rosy-cheeked organic produce vendor</a> who sold hard-to-find butternut squash amongst other things (he still has a stand at the Via di San Teodoro market and I discovered <a href="http://www.campagnamica.it/notizie/Pagine/Bottega-italiana-bio-a-Roma.aspx" target="_blank">he has a shop too</a>!); and a few others.<br />
Apparently when the city (or whoever runs this market, it’s not very clear to me) first decided to create this market, it was viewed as a trial run, so they didn't ask vendors to pay rent. Cut to September 2014, they realized the market was profitable and now wanted to be paid rent. Seems fair enough to me but some vendors didn’t want to pay for some reason or another, so they left. As for my spelt-bread man, he was actually from L'Aquila in Abruzzo, and at the start was allowed to partake in the market (which is strictly for Lazio producers) <b>only</b> because they wanted to help out his company after the devastating earthquake. But I guess the city no longer deems that necessary so they tossed him out. And so, yet again, Rome has managed to ruin what was once a perfect setup... <br />
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I wouldn't want this to come across as a gloom & doom post so I must point out that a handful of the vendors from this market- including my absolute favorite produce dealer <a href="http://www.ortaggiitalia.com/azienda-antonetti-leopoldo-ariccia-23178" target="_blank">Leopoldo Antonetti & family</a> and the lovely lady who sells potatoes/Asian pears/etc. from <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AziendaAgricolaProvvediAlessandro?ref=stream" target="_blank">Azienda agricola Provvedi Alessandro</a> - have <a href="http://www.campagnamica.it/cerca/Pagine/SearchDetailResult.aspx?IDR=00000087-0000-0000-0000-000000000000&TipoAcc=Bottega&Ambito=bottega" target="_blank">opened up a shop in Trastevere</a> where you can find the same products (and more!!) on sale EVERY DAY... well, except for Monday.<br />
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La Bottega di Campagna Amica di Trastevere <br />
Via Bernardino Passeri, 6/8<br />mass.nesta@gmail.com<br />cell: +39 339-5214733<br />
closed Mon <br />Tues Wed Thu Fri Sat 8:00- 20:00<br />
Sun 8:00- 14:00<br />
(I'd suggest calling to double-check the hours on holidays and during the month of August)<br />
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<br />Romericanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15721721345728895213noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5532623477739115672.post-86840326935414281602013-09-26T17:54:00.000+02:002013-09-26T17:54:18.207+02:00"che ci vuoi fare"I read <a href="http://www.wantedinrome.com/news/2002614/5-crucial-mistakes-expats-make-in-italy.html" target="_blank">this article</a> today about the five crucial mistakes expats make in Italy and though I understand the point the author is making, I can't say I agree with her 100%.<br />
I personally don't think there is anything wrong with trying to better the place you live in as a native or an expat- be it your building, your block, your neighborhood, your city, and so on. Actually, more people should start speaking up and taking an active part in bettering the world.<br />
Problems with littering and bad customer service shouldn't just be brushed off as unlovable aspects of Rome, they are things that can be changed! If you see a heathen toss his/her litter on the street, you should say something. You'll probably be told off, but so what? Maybe, <i>just maybe</i>, some of your words might stick and the heathen will think twice before littering - if anything, only out of fear of being publicly shamed again. Any civilized Italian would speak up (yes, I can assure you there are lots of Italians who do!), so I don't see why an expat should feel it's wrong to do so. Same holds true for bad customer service- you should file complaints, write letters/emails when service is shady instead of just thinking "Oh well, I'm in Italy". I for one have written lots of letters to companies and even state agencies, and I have seen some positive results. I've even had companies thank me for my constructive criticism because it helped them build a better business and/or offer better customer service. I can't say it happens all the time, but it's worth 5-10 minutes of my time to try and make a difference.<br />
So does this make me an expat who's not well-adjusted? I don't think so... if anything, it makes me a good "Roman" who is trying to better the place she has chosen to live in. Italy, and more specifically Rome, is stagnating because too many people have been chanting that passive Italian mantra "che ci vuoi fare" for far too long. It's much easier to say that than to actually find viable ways to help improve your surroundings. If we were all to adapt that "you’re not going to change Italy" attitude, organizations like <a href="http://www.fondazionegaribaldi.it/wordpress/retake-roma" target="_blank">Retake Rome</a> would never exist. Expat Rebecca Spitzmiller would've just said "Oh well, Rome is dirty, I can't change it"... but she can and she is!<br />
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So while I do realize there are limits as to what we expats can do in our adopted cities, I think it is important for us to maintain our civic-mindedness and to do what we can to better Rome without being accused of being idealistic foreigners.<br />
<br />Romericanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15721721345728895213noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5532623477739115672.post-80170735187933580752013-06-06T09:20:00.000+02:002013-06-06T09:21:38.162+02:00Win-lose<br />
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I <strike>use</strike> rely on public transportation to get around Rome, so when I first heard about the plan to extend the 8 tram to Piazza Venezia I was one of the few people who supported the idea, and I still do (<i>more or less</i>). Everyone was griping about what a waste of money it was to extend the tram line 400 meters but what I kept saying was it would create for easier transfers. <br />
We all know that Rome's public transportation is <strike>dismal</strike> not that great and what makes it even worse is the lack of easy transfers. Not just for tourists who might be schlepping suitcases but also just for regular residents of Rome who always have to sprint when changing from one bus to another. For example, have you ever seen the 8 - 75/44 dash? Grab a bag of popcorn and stand by the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ministry_of_Public_Education_%28Italy%29" target="_blank">Ministry of Public Education </a>, you can sit there for hours watching people, young and old alike, frantically getting off the 8 tram and running like wildfire to reach the 75 or 44 buses to Monteverde. It's sad and amusing at the same time. We need seamless transfers, we need transportation hubs- like what we now have in Piazza Venezia (<i>more or less</i>).<br />
BUT, here's the hitch, from what I saw it seems they've removed the Largo Argentina tram stops in both directions. So now the only stop before Piazza Venezia is Piazza Cairoli - which is downright stoopid (yes, with two O's). Let's say you're on the tram and are aiming to take a bus from Largo Argentina, you now have to sprint or lug your suitcases from Piazza Cairoli. Sure it's only 100 meters or so away from the old stop but the the sidewalk to get to the main bus stop is too narrow to accommodate that kind of foot traffic- making it anything but seamless. <br />
A well-designed and well-thought-out transportation network would make it easy for riders to get from one place to another, to change buses/trams/metro without having to jump through too many hoops, without having to sprint through intersections and dodge cars. <br />
What's worse is, apparently now that the tram is situated in Piazza Venezia, there is no chance in hell it will ever reach Termini, like it was initially supposed to (how lovely would it be to have the 8 tram going up Via Nazionale?). Not really a win-win situation, maybe more like a win-lose situation... <br />
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<i>If you can read Italian, <a href="http://mobilitaroma.blogspot.it/" target="_blank">this Roman blogger</a> wrote a good <a href="http://mobilitaroma.blogspot.it/2013/06/miracoli-elettorali-parte-2a-l8-venezia.html" target="_blank">post on the topic</a>:<br />http://mobilitaroma.blogspot.it/2013/06/miracoli-elettorali-parte-2a-l8-venezia.html</i><br />
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<br />Romericanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15721721345728895213noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5532623477739115672.post-14454611224858216892013-05-01T08:38:00.000+02:002013-05-01T08:38:04.937+02:00Prima di...Have you ever seen this TED video about <a href="http://candychang.com/before-i-die-in-nola/" target="_blank">Candy Chang</a>'s project "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uebxlIrosiM" target="_blank">Before I die I want to...</a>"? If not, watch it... then come to Piazza San Cosimato from May 5th - 12th because the project will make its way to Trastevere! Come share your thoughts and participate in "one of the most creative community projects ever"! <br />
You can like the event/group on Facebook:<br />
https://www.facebook.com/riprendiamoci.sancosimato.5<br />
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<br />Romericanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15721721345728895213noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5532623477739115672.post-59458111722610419582013-04-30T14:39:00.001+02:002013-04-30T14:39:52.214+02:00caffeinated crackI finally made my way to Puglia, Lecce to be exact, after years of daydreaming about it.<br />
Needless to say, I was NOT disappointed. I won't go into the details of how incredibly beautiful the city and region are, instead I'll share with you the most amazing caffeinated crack I discovered while there:<br />
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CAFFE' IN GHIACCIO= a shot of espresso with almond syrup (some say "almond milk" but the ones I had were all made with almond syrup) on the rocks. So incredibly delicious and refreshing.<br />
This will be my summer beverage.<br />
Thank you, Lecce!Romericanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15721721345728895213noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5532623477739115672.post-34809366216003538902013-03-30T13:46:00.001+01:002013-03-30T13:46:29.352+01:00Farewell, farmers' marketMy beloved <a href="http://iheartrome.blogspot.it/2011/04/famers-market.html" target="_blank">farmers' market in Testaccio</a> is moving to Garbatella! There was talk for several months about this happening, but there was no set date... until today. I was handed this flyer with all the info.<br />
Farewell, farmers' market, it was nice having you in the 'hood.<br />
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<br />Romericanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15721721345728895213noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5532623477739115672.post-56447854354944051512012-12-05T14:12:00.003+01:002012-12-05T14:12:38.442+01:00i heart iOS6I updated my beloved iPhone 4s to iOS6 some time ago but I JUST noticed an amazing new feature that is very handy for bilingual folks like us (grin).<br />
iMessage now has the capability of remembering the last language (keyboard) you used with a contact so that when you write to that contact again, it automatically sets the proper keyboard. Yeah, I know switching keyboards isn't that time consuming or complicated but it just makes things easier to have iMessage do it for you. Love it. Brilliant. Hats off to the Apple team.<br />
Enjoy it, bilingual peeps!<br />
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(you can read about it <a href="http://www.macstories.net/news/ios-6-messages-now-automatically-selects-last-used-international-keyboard-for-each-contact/">here</a>.)<br />
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<br />Romericanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15721721345728895213noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5532623477739115672.post-88827493951718608212012-11-15T17:52:00.003+01:002012-11-15T17:52:51.491+01:00What gives, ATAC?Lately I've been noticing more and more city buses sporting signs (some are even handwritten) saying: "Don't ask the driver for info".<br />
I realize it must be frustrating for these drivers to navigate Rome's crazy-ass streets while tourists and non-expert bus users ask info, BUT (you knew that was coming) what do you expect, ATAC? Not everyone knows the bus stops by heart and not everyone <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/it/app/roma-bus/id317560714?mt=8">has an app for that</a>. Maybe you should consider listing the stops so that EVERYONE knows which one is which, and which is coming up next. Then they just might stop asking for info.<br />
Duh...<br />
<br />Romericanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15721721345728895213noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5532623477739115672.post-9219950247668675382012-11-08T12:28:00.002+01:002012-11-08T12:28:43.948+01:00Che vergogna<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha592JjDd3LLxDHlJDdhiO0oUvQWjQaEKSF4b_g2eba1wfqmp09o8nOSPs348uIjjF0R7Sw9IXGv9auRNMgVP1Myf-Us-KExFgceA-isroxRk5VUeQ8sMssfcRexiWLNDoq4wVLyF0I04/s1600/Screen+Shot+2012-11-08+at+12.23.46+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha592JjDd3LLxDHlJDdhiO0oUvQWjQaEKSF4b_g2eba1wfqmp09o8nOSPs348uIjjF0R7Sw9IXGv9auRNMgVP1Myf-Us-KExFgceA-isroxRk5VUeQ8sMssfcRexiWLNDoq4wVLyF0I04/s320/Screen+Shot+2012-11-08+at+12.23.46+PM.png" width="314" /></a></div>
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<br />Italy, you're embarrassing yourself with stuff like this. Stop it. Now.<br />
<br />Romericanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15721721345728895213noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5532623477739115672.post-23148682766918857692012-10-05T20:52:00.000+02:002012-10-06T08:32:03.846+02:00Something from Nothing: The Art of Rap (in English with Italian subtitles)HEY, ROME-DWELLERS!<br />
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Something from Nothing: The Art of Rap<br />
(in English with Italian subtitles)<br />
October 8, 9, 10 <u><b>ONLY</b></u><br />
at:<br />
The Space Cinema Moderno<br />
Piazza della Repubblica 43<br />
at 19:30 and 22:00 <br />
<i>and</i><br />
The Space Cinema Parco De' Medici<br />
Viale Parco De' Medici 135<br />
at 19:40 and 22:10 <br />
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you can buy tickets online at:<br />
http://www.thespacecinema.it<br />
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https://www.facebook.com/theartofrapitalia<br />
<br />Romericanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15721721345728895213noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5532623477739115672.post-62765339801491743962012-10-02T13:39:00.000+02:002012-10-02T13:49:39.650+02:00Pierogi heaven in Rome<br />
I love me some pierogi. When I'm in the US of A, I can get them just about anywhere- from supermarkets to restaurants; when I'm in Rome... not as easy.<br />
The other day I was having a fierce pierogi craving and decided to google it to see if, by chance, I'd find any stores in Rome that sold them. Lo and behold I found a sweet new Polish supermarket IN Trastevere! Could it get any better? Why yes it could! I went there and they had several different kinds of pre-made pierogi (vegetarian friendly options), the prices were very good (a giant container of sour cream for 1.80- take that <a href="http://www.castroni.it/">Castroni</a>! A package of 18 pierogi for 3.60), and the shop owner was quite possibly the nicest human being I've ever met.<br />
I am thrilled to have found an awesome and convenient pierogi dealer in my 'hood.<br />
If you're craving anything Eastern European (they even sell ceramics), go check this place out!<br />
<b>Sklep polski u Michala</b><br />
Viale Trastevere, 233 <br />
Mon-Sat 9-20<br />
Sun 9-15<br />
tel. 06 89567658 - 340 7248203 <br />
mzalewski@alice.it<br />
OH, and they have a <a href="http://www.skleppolskiroma.com/">website</a> too! <br />
http://www.skleppolskiroma.com/<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZo44XohnhXUSlVSysH2Ma3JJ6ZUUwzQr6w9tH_V0NBxiDNFDzd9BAOQHs-4hGXuk6cFjDK6fGhwfBTbejiJNIJ0LyM1YHU7aArP7Kn_FQcWRry24Q-sU85mq87m0Btsebs4xcnw1H-TM/s1600/muza_pierogies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZo44XohnhXUSlVSysH2Ma3JJ6ZUUwzQr6w9tH_V0NBxiDNFDzd9BAOQHs-4hGXuk6cFjDK6fGhwfBTbejiJNIJ0LyM1YHU7aArP7Kn_FQcWRry24Q-sU85mq87m0Btsebs4xcnw1H-TM/s320/muza_pierogies.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Romericanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15721721345728895213noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5532623477739115672.post-35290251116170363372012-09-13T21:29:00.001+02:002012-09-13T21:29:27.017+02:00Beppe SevergniniI'm a big fan of <a href="http://www.beppesevergnini.com/">Beppe Severgnini</a>. His take on life in America as an Italian and his take on Italians in general entertain me to no end! <a href="http://www.beppesevergnini.com/libri/">His books </a>can be rather enlightening and amusing for people attempting to navigate Italian culture and mentality.<br />
You can imagine how excited I was to find out that on Saturday September 15th on La7, his new show "<a href="http://www.la7.it/atlanticopacifico/index.html">Atlantico-Pacifico</a>" will air at 22:30.<br />
I for one will be tuning in to watch his cross-country train trip through the USA pre-election.<br />
And while I'm at... all you American expats: make sure to request your absentee ballots!!<br />
<br />Romericanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15721721345728895213noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5532623477739115672.post-68130107557461198102012-09-09T13:16:00.001+02:002012-09-09T13:21:13.128+02:00Life as a pedestrian in RomeI'm proud to call myself a hard core pedestrian. In all my years in Rome, I've never felt the need to own a car or a scooter (okay, maybe once or twice I've said to myself "<i>Damn, wish I had a scooter right now</i>" but I've never actually taken the plunge so it doesn't count), I manage to get by just fine with my <a href="http://www.atac.roma.it/index.asp?p=14">monthly ATAC pass</a>, my feet, an occasional taxi, and scooter rides from friends. To me, that's what city life should be about- being able to get around without the hassle of a car. Unfortunately, fewer and fewer Romans seem to agree with this. There's been a drastic increase in the number of cars in this city and the result is anything but pretty...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFcYmLsrs0c7YHr-AlRB9nHfQVHg1tgWVf20piNKyY8XoXPi6_vM33n3brlZuHEDXM2RpqVVUR5KJWdTRq1OFaXvmArZJhGbX0VsT4rqZwAcze3ckim_WnZnJ8v0c0VHauyqHMTb28QQs/s1600/461733_287717757970130_1553303707_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFcYmLsrs0c7YHr-AlRB9nHfQVHg1tgWVf20piNKyY8XoXPi6_vM33n3brlZuHEDXM2RpqVVUR5KJWdTRq1OFaXvmArZJhGbX0VsT4rqZwAcze3ckim_WnZnJ8v0c0VHauyqHMTb28QQs/s320/461733_287717757970130_1553303707_o.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Ridiculously illegal parking jobs (see photo above) can be seen all over the city: cars parked on the crosswalk, on the sidewalk, on the curb, right in front of "No Parking" signs, etc. It makes life miserable for pedestrians, bikers, parents with strollers, and people in wheelchairs. I can't begin to count the numbers of times I've found myself literally trapped on the sidewalk, unable to get across the street because cars were parked back to front along the street and crosswalk. Luckily, I'm small so I can often squeeze my way through but not everybody can do this and more importantly NOBODY SHOULD HAVE TO DO THIS!<br />
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Since the <a href="http://www.ivigiliurbani.it/">traffic police</a> don't seem to give a shit about doing their job, people have started to come together and create movements like:<br />
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Testaccio-Gli-automobilisti-indisciplinati/161706047202460">Testaccio: Gli automobilisti indisciplinati</a><br />
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and<br />
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<a href="http://incivileabordo.wordpress.com/">Incivile a Bordo</a>- you<a href="http://www.disegnopposto.net/incivile_a_bordo.html"> can buy their NON-damaging stickers</a> and place them on the windows of cars that are parked like assholes. I myself find it immensely rewarding! http://www.disegnopposto.net/incivile_a_bordo.html<br />
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It's reassuring to see the people fighting back. Rome needs more people to stand up and start making changes!<br />
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<br />Romericanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15721721345728895213noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5532623477739115672.post-19960550870410342692012-08-20T14:26:00.000+02:002012-08-20T19:17:48.658+02:00Support Italian indie films!!<br />
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From August 27-30 there will be the national premiere of the Italian indie movie <a href="http://www.lapatenteilfilm.it/pages/synopsis_eng.html">“La Patente” (The License</a>) by a young Roman director, <a href="http://www.rasafilm.it/pages/home.html">Alessandro Palazzi</a>, at Nuovo Cinema Aquila.</div>
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<b>On Wednesday, August 29th, there will be two special screenings (20:30 and 22:30) with ENGLISH subtitles. </b></div>
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<a href="http://www.cinemaaquila.com/">NUOVO CINEMA AQUILA</a></div>
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via l’Aquila #68 </div>
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Rome </div>
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PLOT:</div>
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“The License” is a modern-day ensemble comedy revolving around the lives of two Roman slackers.</div>
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Rolando, thirty-something and perpetually unsatisfied, works at his future father-in-law’s driving school, and Sergio is a waiter at the corner café as well as a small-time drug dealer.</div>
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Thanks to the unexpected death of the elderly owner, they end up taking control of the driving school during the pivotal week before the final driving test.</div>
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Characters of all ages and from all walks of life, future drivers and their unlikely instructors, come together to create a reality that borders on grotesque, yet feels incredibly familiar. It touches on important issues like integration in present-day Italy, and gender roles, while never losing its comic tone. </div>
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Directions:</div>
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- From downtown/Termini Station</div>
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Bus 81 (from St. Peter, Largo Argentina, Piazza Venezia)</div>
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Bus 810 (From Piazza Venezia)</div>
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Tram 5 and 14, Bus 105 (from Termini Station)</div>
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- To downtown/Termini Central Station</div>
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before midnight all the above</div>
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after midnight: Night Bus N.12 (to Termini Station, Piazza Barberini, Piazza Venezia)</div>
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<br />Romericanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15721721345728895213noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5532623477739115672.post-81191943989114755552012-08-06T11:00:00.001+02:002012-08-06T11:00:44.292+02:00OpulentiaWhile wandering in Pigneto before heading over to <a href="http://www.pignetospazioaperto.it/it/programma.html">this amazing outdoor festival</a> in an incredibly picturesque spot, <div>
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we stopped by one of my favorite pizza places. </div>
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This isn't a sit-down pizza place, or a pizza a taglio place, they only serve pizza bianca filled with the most sublime ingredients (many of which are vegetarian and vegan friendly). My picks: a piece with chicory and potato puree with dried tomatoes, and a piece with olive pate, zucchini, and tomatoes. DELICIOUS! They also have artisanal beers and beverages. </div>
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I also discovered that <a href="https://www.facebook.com/opulentia.alpigneto">Opulentia</a> happens to have a stand at the Pigneto Spazio Aperto festival. One more reason to go!</div>
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How can you not love August in Rome?</div>Romericanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15721721345728895213noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5532623477739115672.post-13883705253901383462012-08-04T12:22:00.001+02:002012-08-06T11:03:55.269+02:00I ♥ Casa del CinemaThis year the Casa del Cinema has outdone itself. They have an amazing selection of outdoor, free screenings! There are a few different retrospectives:<br />
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<a href="http://www.casadelcinema.it/?eventtags=100-anni-universal-e-paramount">100 years of universal and paramount</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.casadelcinema.it/?event=shakespeare-al-cinema-2">Shakespeare in movies</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.casadelcinema.it/?event=ciao-maschio">Hello, male </a><br />
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<a href="http://www.casadelcinema.it/?event=omaggio-a-michelangelo-antonioni">Homage to Antonioni</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.casadelcinema.it/?event=9-settimane-e-mezzo-estate-alla-casa-del-cinema">When she becomes a he</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.casadelcinema.it/?event=invito-alla-danza">Come dance</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.casadelcinema.it/?event=buon-compleanno-a">Happy birthday to...</a><br />
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Rome in August gets better and better. GO see some films outdoors!!<br />
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<br />Romericanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15721721345728895213noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5532623477739115672.post-1946395833947821352012-08-01T18:34:00.000+02:002012-08-06T11:03:24.386+02:00MovieReading<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I've been meaning to write about this for a while... not sure how many of you have heard about this but I find it BRILLIANT! An incredibly useful tool for moviegoers worldwide.<br />
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<i>Would you like to go to the cinema to see whatever movie is being screened, and read the subtitles, because you have hearing difficulties, or you speak another language?</i><br />
<i>With MovieReading today it is finally possible! You can choose the movie you want, and the subtitles in the language you desire.</i><br />
<i>All you need is a smartphone or a tablet, and of course a ticket… and MovieReading does the rest!</i><br />
<i>Install MovieReading’s application on your smartphone, and the cinemas open their doors to you.</i><br />
<i>Gone are the old subtitled movies, screened at impossible times, and on a few screens in your town.</i><br />
<i>As of today all movies are accessible from the first day of screening, or at most a week after the first screening.</i><br />
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Check it out:<br />
http://www.moviereading.com/en/Romericanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15721721345728895213noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5532623477739115672.post-5932287302428490682012-07-18T15:27:00.001+02:002012-08-06T11:02:58.884+02:00summer joy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxTQux9LLP-RuCqrJOs-n2MwA797kMcDMgsu9ij_9XRMKVuAdN5OaMjYLDszNZRCmGdyPGj2aOjYT9n2Rj6UfXiQWQ9DyDCyUgX4WBi18STBZiGae8Y4OAWR6xvyrjLgW6eS38BCZh5jQ/s1600/fata.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="204" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxTQux9LLP-RuCqrJOs-n2MwA797kMcDMgsu9ij_9XRMKVuAdN5OaMjYLDszNZRCmGdyPGj2aOjYT9n2Rj6UfXiQWQ9DyDCyUgX4WBi18STBZiGae8Y4OAWR6xvyrjLgW6eS38BCZh5jQ/s320/fata.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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The legendary <a href="http://www.gelateriafatamorgana.it/">FataMorgana</a> has now opened an ice cream shop in TRASTEVERE!<br />
My neighborhood may be chock-full of gelaterie already, but most are mediocre to say the least. I for one am thrilled to have them in the 'hood.<br />
Take a stroll to Pizza San Cosimato and get a scoop or two (or three) at FataMorgana on Via Roma Libera #11.<br />
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August will be even sweeter now!Romericanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15721721345728895213noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5532623477739115672.post-25546569055497382872012-07-13T16:57:00.001+02:002012-08-06T11:05:06.171+02:00adventures in bankingHow long does it take to close an Italian bank account? I found out today, join me on my adventure in banking...<br />
I decided to close a secondary account I had since the bank was essential draining my euros one by one through various taxes, charges, surtaxes, etc. I went to my branch and was informed that in order to close the account I had to bring in 1) the ATM card I was given when I opened the account 2) the device I was given for online transactions (see below).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdtRqDtg8QDa5C1hGzhyvJ2SaxumFs0gvsyP1Qd-3IKTRb2nQv19aTxYFf2Kna36xZN-fp20v0s5DDRBe_rCwj6zuE-lTZGsF4Pn-ZWBismQ0JDk7IAtO55exbdAzy74Qsi3XhH7NAChg/s1600/Screen+shot+2012-07-13+at+4.47.07+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdtRqDtg8QDa5C1hGzhyvJ2SaxumFs0gvsyP1Qd-3IKTRb2nQv19aTxYFf2Kna36xZN-fp20v0s5DDRBe_rCwj6zuE-lTZGsF4Pn-ZWBismQ0JDk7IAtO55exbdAzy74Qsi3XhH7NAChg/s1600/Screen+shot+2012-07-13+at+4.47.07+PM.png" /></a></div>
Okay... I go back home, gather the "o-key" but then realize I didn't have the ATM card since I'd cut it up and threw it away when I received it as I knew I'd never use it (no one ever told me I'd have to give it back when I closed the account). I call the bank and ask what happens if I don't have the card. I'm told to call the toll-free number and block the card. I call and block the card but am then told I have to go to the police and file a report as well and bring that to the bank... Luckily I have a police station nearby so I go there and file a "denuncia".<br />
I walk back to the bank, wait in line, go to the teller who then tells me he can't close the account for me, I need to go to the upstairs office for that. Once in the proper office with the proper person, it takes about 30 minutes for the woman to figure out how to close the account (after having interrogated me on why I was closing the account, she seemed to take it so personally you'd think I was breaking up with her). Papers signed, stamped, double/triple copies and it's done. Total time: 3 hours.<br />
<br />Romericanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15721721345728895213noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5532623477739115672.post-80449079821847182762012-06-08T15:54:00.001+02:002012-08-06T11:02:36.350+02:00"American breakfast"We all know brunch has become rather trendy in Rome in the past few years, but recently a less <a href="http://oxfordparavia.it/lemmaIta13428">impegnativo</a>, less expensive version of it has been popping up in the neighborhood: "American breakfast".<br />
A bar on Via Roma Libera started advertising the fact that they served bagels and scrambled eggs last year (though I've never worked up the nerve to try it or even inquire about the price) and just the other day I noticed that <a href="http://www.puntarellarossa.it/2012/01/31/la-carbonara-di-mr-clood/">Mr. Clood</a> had revamped its space AND has started serving "American breakfast" consisting of eggs, French toast, orange juice, etc. I'm very curious to test out not only their breakfast but also their quick and take-away lunch/dinner options. I'll keep you posted.<br />
In the meantime, feel free to check it out yourself:<br />
Mr. Clood<br />
Via Luciano Manara 13<br />
tel: 06 581 5186<br />
American breakfast 9:00-11:00 <br />
Lunch 12:00- 15:30<br />
Dinner 19:00- 22:00<br />
<br />Romericanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15721721345728895213noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5532623477739115672.post-32731803588844764322012-03-28T12:00:00.001+02:002012-08-06T11:05:29.265+02:00common courtesyEarly this morning on the tram as I watched a fellow passenger take one last huge drag off of his cigarette and then exhale a cloud of smoke inside as the doors sealed shut, I began to wonder: where do we learn common courtesy? To me, what he did was incredibly obnoxious and inconsiderate. To him, apparently it was perfectly acceptable (which leads to another question: is he just oblivious or is he an asshole? Because in my mind, those are the only two possible explanations). Why is that? When do humans learn proper behavior? How are they taught? I don't recall my mother specifically teaching me about common courtesy or respect for others, maybe I just learned by observation? Or did we learn it at school? Or maybe it's innate… or not, for some people? I do recall <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iMcJXwvMtkc">public service announcements</a> on TV when I was a kid but, despite their catchy tunes, I honestly don't know if those had any impact on me or my behavior. <br />
I'm genuinely curious about how, as a society, we can help people be more aware and more considerate of others. Since I've been back in Rome I often find myself observing people's actions- from illegally dumping piles of trash bags by a tree, to leaving a dog shit obstacle course, to parking wherever the hell they want- while wondering: What makes you think that's okay to do?Romericanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15721721345728895213noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5532623477739115672.post-37549404164133398192012-02-18T13:53:00.005+01:002012-02-18T14:00:37.889+01:00Love at first sightWhile scouring the internet for a gift for a relative's birthday, I happened to come across these beauties and it was love at first sight...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxnb2h_P-66lm9x3ExnP8uvJX0rs4KPrpmHx02SOPC-PNY5iIadvZMPBRcNm05qIbO74kpAM3EJMmKdb8f9G0_M8Lyu2Y-Imdmwlsiz5eRTeEDE0TlfW9jqz5rvOVmwZLlZbXGa-YU_l4/s1600/24.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxnb2h_P-66lm9x3ExnP8uvJX0rs4KPrpmHx02SOPC-PNY5iIadvZMPBRcNm05qIbO74kpAM3EJMmKdb8f9G0_M8Lyu2Y-Imdmwlsiz5eRTeEDE0TlfW9jqz5rvOVmwZLlZbXGa-YU_l4/s400/24.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5710458586518865250" border="0" /></a>Belts (and accessories) that are handmade from bike tires! Not only are the belts crazy stylish, but the service was top notch: quick, efficient, helpful, and precise. Guess where these beauties come from?? Good ol' Italy. It's good to see young Italians doing cool stuff and doing it right. Props to <a href="http://www.jiro-belt.com/">Jiro belts.</a><br />http://www.jiro-belt.com/Romericanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15721721345728895213noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5532623477739115672.post-31169102959649726672011-10-05T10:19:00.003+02:002011-10-05T10:28:53.606+02:00Diary of a commuter<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8vm03eZp3KmyNeCwYn3yjf1mvYZVzIVH4T2o2NrabRWZl5EO-3eGygVKK8s0Yu-yjs4FBKqjQHxyhsNPyKccgVdKNfUbIOS9_FhaXf4uiTOqmdUP9ZtuGJIBQ-wFEwQCRayl5-OXv5Lg/s1600/315522_10150363804428274_595228273_9742291_6024901_n.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 298px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8vm03eZp3KmyNeCwYn3yjf1mvYZVzIVH4T2o2NrabRWZl5EO-3eGygVKK8s0Yu-yjs4FBKqjQHxyhsNPyKccgVdKNfUbIOS9_FhaXf4uiTOqmdUP9ZtuGJIBQ-wFEwQCRayl5-OXv5Lg/s400/315522_10150363804428274_595228273_9742291_6024901_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5659920299456712018" /></a><br /><div>The "trenino" that goes from Fara Sabina to Fiumicino (and vice versa) never ceases to amaze. Here's a summary of my week of commuting from Trastevere to Tiburtina:</div><div><br /></div><div>Day 1</div><div>Outbound: on time</div><div>Inbound: 8 minutes late, train breaks down at Ostiense, change trains</div><div><br /></div><div>Day 2</div><div><div>Outbound: 15 minutes late</div><div>Inbound: 12 minutes late</div></div><div><br /></div><div>Day 3</div><div><div>Outbound: 5 minutes late</div><div>Inbound: 20 minutes late</div></div><div><br /></div><div>Day 4</div><div><div>Outbound: on time</div><div>Inbound: on time</div></div><div><br /></div><div>Day 5</div><div><div>Outbound: 25 minutes late</div><div>Inbound: on time</div></div><div><br /></div><div>Day 6</div><div><div>Outbound: 10 minutes late</div><div>Inbound: 5 minutes late</div></div><div><br /></div><div>Day 7</div><div><div>Outbound: on time</div><div>Inbound: 27 minutes late</div></div><div><br /></div><div>and then they wonder why people don't buy tickets...</div><div><br /></div>Romericanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15721721345728895213noreply@blogger.com2