Food
So lets start with the most important thing...food!
Wow! You have not tasted pasta until you have eaten out at a true Italian restaurant. Order a Bacon Carbonara - ultimately my favourite meal ever!! It is a truly roman dish and you will be impressed with the fresh ingredients and creamy cheese leaving your mouth watering for more. Just thinking about it and i’m considering cooking it for dinner!
Now onto another love of mine - icecream! You may have heard about the many wonderful flavours of ice cream that Italy has to offer, and you won’t be disappointed. Coffee, banana, lemon, coconut, peach, hazelnut, Nutella, the range of flavours is every child's dream! And my dream too, of course! Everyday i’m back at the store trying another addictive flavour.
Ok, back to the blog before we all get hungry...
Rome
Rome competes with Paris for the title of most romantic city in the world. But in my opinion, Rome is the ultimate romantic destination. There are so many things to see and do in Rome. From exploring the highly impressive Colosseum to making a wish at the Trevi Fountain. The city backdrop is filled with loved up couples!
Rome has always been a place on my list to visit since a child. Seeing Rome used as a backdrop in so many films, i was excited to explore the city!
The Collosseum is such an impressive building. When you turn the corner and see it at the end of the road.. the gasp, the excitement! I was walking so quickly i might as well had ran - i was on a mission!
The Roman Forum is the oldest part of Rome. You can see this area from the Colloseum and tours are available for both. Here you can see the ruins of what once was some very important government buildings including temples and churches. The Roman Forum was the central part of the city that Ancient Rome developed around. Pretty interesting stuff eh!
It is incredible to see the work and details gone into, what now are ruins. To have buildings last so long and be in such good shape, gives you an insight into Ancient Rome!
The Tomb of The Unknown Soldier is a monument in dedication to the services of an unknown soldier, marine, airman or sailor. Many soldiers have died in wars and their remains have been unidentified. So it was decided to honor those soldiers with a single tomb which contained the body of one of those unidentified soldiers. These monuments can be found all over the world and are usually high-profile national monuments.
The Tomb of The Unknown Soldier in Rome is a grand building protected by armed guards. You can enter this building and look round the museum inside.
The Trevi Fountain!! You may have seen this fountain used so much in films, and so it feels like you are on a film set when you see it in real life. The fountain is found down one of the many narrow streets of Rome. From photos and films it is easy to be deceived into thinking the Trevi Fountain is sat in a large square. Just follow the tourists and you will find it, you may just have to get through some of the crowds first, to see this popular tourist attraction.
After spending a couple of minutes here you will notice many people throwing coins into the fountain from over their shoulder.
The original legend of this coin throwing says that if you throw a coin into the Trevi throwing the coin with your right hand over your left shoulder, that it will ensure a return to Rome. A newer story says throwing one coin means a return to Rome, two coins leads to a new romance, and a three coins leads to marriage. This is all superstitions of course, but a nice tradition to be involved with!
And before i say my final goodbyes to Rome..If you are a fan of The De Vinci Code, then keep an eye out as you may recognise some of their filming locations here in Rome!
Venice
I get a mixed reaction about my visit to Venice. It is either ‘Wow! I’d love to go there!’ or ‘I’ve heard its dirty and smells as it's on top of a swamp’. Firstly, Venice is situated on a beautiful lagoon which is an enclosed bay of the Adriatic Sea, not a swamp. And more importantly these reactions go on the theory of if your glass is half full or half empty. If you see the positive in life you will understand and see the beauty Venice has to offer.
The narrow canals transport you into another world as you explore Venice from your gondola before setting out on foot to discover what the winding streets hold. The very traditional Italian men controlling the gondolas will make you feel the joy of Italy through their outbursts of song - very amusing! But more importantly, Venice is such a beautiful city that everyone should visit at least once.
Verona
The city of Romeo and Juliet! To stand in the courtyard of the House of Juliet is a heart throbbing experience. With visitors from all over the world posing on the famous balcony and taking pictures of each other holding Juliet's, now worn breast, hoping for luck in love. The opening to this courtyard is a beautiful archway covered in letters addressed to Juliet from visitors looking for love. There are even volunteers that respond to these lovesick people, giving them hope! I love this unique touch, keeping the spirit of Juliet alive!
However, Verona has a lot more to offer than just being the background of the best known love story in the world. The quality and preservation of this Roman world is only second to Rome itself. Take a stroll through the magical streets of Verona and you will be taken back in time. Each street holds treasures, incredible sights and unforgettable views.
Lake Garda
Lake Garda is not only the largest lake in Italy but also a true natural gem. Situated in Northern Italy, this is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Italy. Whether your walking along the crystal blue waters of the lake or following paths through the towns and vineyards, you can enjoy unique panoramic views.
You can also venture up into the mountains that sit around the lake. Once you get up there by cable car you can take a walk, or sit with a picnic and enjoy the views, looking down at Lake Garda below.
Useful Information
Capital: Rome
Continent: Europe
Time Zone: GMT+1
Language: Italian
Currency: Euro
Voltage: 220-240v
Plug Type: Round Two Pin Type C