Although I have only been in Rome for a short time, the city already feels like home. I have traded highways and concrete for cobbled streets crowded with cars, Vespa’s, civilian and dogs alike, and my morning walk to class features more Renaissance architecture than grass. All of this, though initially astounding, has become my new normal. I think that’s proof of how quickly most humans adjust to new circumstances and adapt to a new way of life. Yay for la bella vita romana! With that in mind, I wanted to reflect on what has become my new Italian “normal”.
- Campo dei Fiori instead of a Grocery Store
Campo dei Fiori directly translated into “field of flowers”, but it’s actually a large open-air farmers market open Monday- Saturday in Piazza Navona right by the Cornell in Rome facilities. Although I don’t buy all my groceries there, it’s very exciting to shop at an open-air market every day! At first, the local vendors quick questions overwhelmed me, but now I ask for basilico, pomodoro, pesche e uva without difficulty (basil, tomatoes, peaches, and grapes).
- French Bulldogs instead of any other dog type
It seems that everyone in Rome has a tiny dog on a leash. They’re everywhere! What’s more, most of them are adorable little Frenches. I did some research as to the preponderance of these pooches, but the only data I could find suggested that French bulldog’s have grown as a breed globally (they went from 16th to 4th most popular breed in Australia between 2013-2017). Maybe I’m crazy, but I see French bulldogs everywhere!
- Running along the Tiber river instead of running on a treadmill
As I expected, gyms are uncommon in Rome. Although I’m sure I could find one if I tried, I have opted to run along the river that cuts through Rome as well as around the ancient city. I don’t think anything is more beautiful than running through the Vatican lit up at night time, and I love the chance to stretch my legs and see the city this way.
- Roscioli Pizza instead of protein bars
Unbeknownst to me, one of the best Roman style pizzerias is located a few blocks down from Cornell facilities. Featuring thing crispy crust and a multitude of toppings, the shop cuts slices by hand and sells them wrapped in paper by weight. So now, instead of unwrapping a bar or a bag of chips for snack, I usually opt to peel back wax paper on a beautiful slice of Roman pizza.
- Gelato instead of any other late-night food ever
Not just any gelato to be exact, but some of the best gelato I’ve ever tasted is sold a few blocks from our apartments at a location called Giolitti. The establishment stays open until 1 am, and let me tell you it’s the best 2.40 euro I have ever spent. The chocolate fondente (super dark chocolate sorbet) is becoming a dangerously frequent occurrence in my daily life.
- Cappuccino instead of latte
In Italian latte actually means milk, not a coffee drink! So, I’ve traded my beloved oat milk lattes for quick cappuccinos. Italians drink these petite drinks at a bar standing up before rushing off. Although I definitely miss American coffee, I can appreciate the delicious efficiency of Italian coffee culture.
- Seeded grapes instead of seeded
Last, but definitely not least, I have accepted that all Italian grapes have seeds! I can’t complain though because they are far more delicious than the ones in American grocery stories.
Ciao!
Ariel