Stopping To Smell the Flowers

August 1, 2011 By Andrea

Living in Italy is teaching me to slow down and smell the flowers…literally. When I lived in the States, I traveled around town by car. To work, to the supermarket, to a restaurant, to a friend’s house…I always went by car. Here in Rome, I travel by foot or public transportation (and sometimes bicycles). When I make my weekly trip to the produce market or need something from the supermercato (supermarket) or ferramenta (hardware store), I put on my walking shoes.

Some days it seems inconvenient, but most days I enjoy getting out and walking. It has forced me to notice so much more of life’s little treasures than I would if I were stuck inside a car. It’s nice to notice some of nature’s beautiful treasures on a regular basis. From the playful lizard scurrying along and diving into the brush, to the array of colorful and unique flowers we see along the way. It’s nice to slow down, enjoy nature’s treasures and smell the flowers.

I’ve included a few of the flowers I’ve spotted along my walks.

Festa de’ Noantri – Procession Along the Tiber River

July 29, 2011 By Andrea

Remember Festa de’ Noantri I told you about a few days ago? It is the festival that dates back to the early 1500’s and takes place in Trastevere each year. During the festival, which is held in June, a statue of the Virgin Mary is carried in procession through the streets and neighborhoods of Trastevere and along the Tiber River. I was fortunate to be able to catch the river procession this year. It took place this past Sunday, July 24th. Below are a few photos from the event.

To read more on the history of Festa de’ Noantri, click here.

Enjoying a lovely sunset as we wait for the procession to begin.

Biking Around the City in Rome

July 25, 2011 By Andrea

Bike art on display in Villa Borghese

One thing I really love to do is ride bicycles around the city. It’s fun, good exercise, much faster than walking, and I always seem to make a new discovery around the city that I probably wouldn’t have made on foot. An added bonus…there is nothing like riding through the ancient city of Rome, passing by ruins and the beautiful elaborate buildings, all while having the wind blow against your face and through your hair.

This weekend we rode bikes from Trastevere to Villa Borghese, spent the day riding and picnicking in the park, then returned to Trastevere in time to watch La Madonna sail down the river in celebration of Festa de’ Noantri. Days like this aren’t just sweet, they’re pretty fabulous!

Riding bikes in Villa Borghese Park

Stopping to enjoy a picnic in Villa Borghese

Biking along Via del Corso and arriving to Piazza Venezia

Returning back to the quaint cobblestone streets of Trastevere

Here is a fun, short video of a talented guy we spotted while riding bikes in Villa Borghese

FESTA DE’ NOANTRI

July 24, 2011 By Andrea

Getting ready for the night’s festivities. . .

Festa de’ Noantri is a festival that takes place in Trastevere each year. The festival dates back to the early 1500’s. The story is that there was a great storm, and after the storm settled several fisherman went down to the Tiber River and found a statue of the Virgin Mary carved from cedar wood. The statue was given to the Carmelites and to the Church of St. Chrysogonus in Trastevere. This is where the name ‘Our Lady of Mount Caramel’ originated. Each year during June, a statue of the Virgin Mary is carried in procession through the streets and neighborhoods of Trastevere and along the Tiber River. The festival began as a religious celebration, but over time it has transformed into much more. The procession still takes place and religious services are held, but the streets of Trastevere are also filled with entertainment. You will find musical acts, concerts, plays, films, games and even a firework display. The firework display is scheduled to take place tonight, Sunday, July 24th at 11:30 PM. If you haven’t been to Trastevere to take in the fun of the festival, you still have a few more days, as the festival ends on the 26th. The festival is also free to attend.

The Flavors of the Week

July 20, 2011 By Andrea

In a follow up to this week’s La Dolce Vita post, I thought I would share my sweet finds from the market yesterday. Tuesday is normally ‘market day’ for me, and yesterday I came home with a variety of fresh goodies from the market. I only spent about €7 for everything, and this will last us most of the week. The ‘flowers’ are actually fiori di zucca, or zucchini flowers. Remember the recipe I shared here? I was able to score 15 flowers for only €1, along with a large bunch of basil for free, from the sweet signora selling the flowers. They made a yummy side dish with dinner last night! It is much cheaper for us to buy fresh, healthy food from the market than it is for us to buy packaged food from the supermarket. Just another reason why I LOVE the markets here in Italy!

Why Rome?