Welcome to my crib!
I took time for myself this weekend and stayed in Rome. It was wonderful to sleep in and catch up on homework instead of running from bus to train to bus across Europe. I cannot recommend it enough to take time for yourself especially when experiencing changes of lifestyle and routine. As part of my acceptance of change, I wanted to document and remember my neighborhood abroad (as well as give tips for places to visit if you ever come to Rome). I hope this post gives some insight into my daily life here, as well as a taste of the culture around me.
Pictured above is my apartment in Trastevere. It is located right off of Viale de Trastevere, one of the main commuter streets because it has tram 8 and 3 running along it. In the morning if I’m running late to class (or being lazy) I will hop on the 8 tram right from my doorstep and land at the Critelli campus of John Cabot in a few quick stops.
Today, I opted out of the tram and decided to walk in the finally cool fall air. On the way to school about a block from where I live is this large white building. It carries the flag of Italy as well as the European Union, I’m pretty sure it is the Ministry of Education or something of that sort. It was one of my first landmark identifiers in the area because it’s close to my apartment and pretty unforgettable.
Just a bit further down the street is when the markets and vendors start. For a couple blocks the streets are lined with leather goods, inexpensive clothing, souvenirs, and trinkets.
Nearby these vendors is my favorite supermarket: Conad. It has the largest selection of vegetables which is so essential. Most markets in Italy are very seasonal and limited at least compared to what I’m used to from California. Right now for produce the options are limited to tomatoes, eggplants, peppers, and zucchini. Conad definitely has more options (like broccoli!! I LOVE broccoli!) and they’ve definitely been a life saver.
You can find fountains just like the one below all throughout Rome. They’re called Nasoni meaning long nose, because of the shape of the spout. This one is the closest to my apartment and I’m always using it to drink from or fill my water bottles for later. Pro tip: if you put your finger under the flow of water to plug the spout, there is a smaller hole on the top of the “nose” that water will come from and its much easier to drink that way.
Right next to this fountain is one of my favorite spots on the walk to school: a flower shop! Full of blooming flowers and bright plants it manages to cheer me up as I pass by.
The neighborhood is beautiful, but it’s also delicious. I’ve found that Giselda’s is a great stop for any time in the day. In the morning, you can grab an espresso and a sweet pastry. Or in the afternoon a plate of veggies, or a pizza. The little cafe reminds me of san diego because it’s so well decorated.
Let’s say I had taken the tram instead of walking, when I got off at the stop for John Cabot the first thing I would have seen was the statue below. Then, across the street you can walk the bridge and get views of the Tiber river.
Much to my delight, right next door to that campus is this Gelateria. While its no Giolittis (my favorite gelato spot in Rome so far) it’s a good stop on the way to or from class. If you ever have the chance of visiting, you’ll notice that there is always a line- a telling sign of the gelato inside.
From there you can walk directly into the maze that is Trastevere. You’ll see cute store fronts, restaurant after restaurant, and of course around every corner is another church.
Especially in the South of Italy, it’s very typical for restaurants or shops to have chili peppers like these hanging over the door. They’re believed to bring good luck and to keep away evil.
The main square in Trastevere is called Piazza de Santa Maria in Trastevere. I’ve mentioned it before as a hub for restaurants, vendors and street performers. It has a beautiful fountain and the Basilica of Our Lady in Trastevere as well.
I absolutely adore my neighborhood: It’s lively, fun, and tasty. It also dates back to ancient times and you can definitely get the feel of Rome when getting lost amongst the small alleys.
I hope you’ve enjoyed following along with me for a day and that you’ve been able to get a taste for Trastevere. It was a relief to take some time to relax and accept my new home for a weekend. Remember to take time for yourself!
Highlights: Giselda, flowers, and new things becoming familiar.
