New to the city of Rome, a man strolls along the streets looking to practice his minimal Italian and sample a bit of the local culture. The man walks into a gelato shop and asks the confettiere “Qual’è il prezzo per due giusti?”
While this may not be the correct way to ask how much your icy treat will cost, those in the know will recognize that within this small interaction lie two of the most important parts of traveling: trying new things and making mistakes.
Although one may have had gelato at a mall stand in the states, or sampled the “italian ice” obtained in your local grocer’s frozen foods aisle, there is nothing like a gelato from the heart of Rome. Walking around the city’s center in the first few days is an awe-inspiring mouthful of some of western civilization’s best works. The gelato, as well as other culinary delights, is no exception to the masterful creations of Rome.
Around the corner from the Pantheon is the mecca of gelaterie, Giolitti. The flavors are rich and vibrant, beckoning you from across the street to step inside and have a sample. As you enjoy the scintillating taste of fragola or lampone (or even an earthy, creamy pistacchio) slurped from your choice of conetto or coppetta, you may suddenly realize that those around you are speaking another language entirely. Not only is each building and every façade a testament to the incredible capability of mankind, but every interaction is a chance to understand something new about the world and how others see it.
I believe firmly that making mistakes enhances the experience of being in a new place because how else are you to learn the subtleties of haggling in the street market or paying for that tasty treat you are eating? So, I encourage you to try things! And dive into the little-known spots in Rome to find some hidden treasures. In St. Peter’s Basilica, why not try out the tiny staircase that descends into the hidden underbelly? You might just find the Vatican Grottoes which contain the Sarcophaguses of many a past pope (a must see). Ask the ticket woman at the Pantheon if there is access to the tiny balcony on the second floor (there is not, unless you have permesso from the Ministry of Cultural and Historical Artifacts).
Ask if you can get into the museum for free as an “EU Citizen between 18-26” using your Italian visa (3 out of 4 say ‘yes’).
And above all, take a chance; ask the guy at the gelato counter “what the price is for two truths?” He may just take the time to tell you that, in fact, they only sell gusti (flavors) for that price.