It’s the halfway point of my semester in Rome! Wow, the time sure is flying. At home I find myself wishing for the weeks to go faster and for the weekend to get here but being abroad, I never wish anything away. It’s nice feeling so completely content with life.
Being in Rome, I’ve discovered a few hidden gems that are truly amazing places! It’s so nice being able to go hang out at certain spots to just unwind and relax!
For example, the Villa Bourghese Gardens is such a beautiful place to hang out, walk, run, read, do homework, bike, and just relax! CEA took us on an organized walking tour during our first couple weeks and I fell in love with the atmosphere. You’ll notice families and loved ones taking in moments together, which I think is one of my favorite parts of the park! Whether you’re looking for a place to relax, run, or hang out this is the spot to go. There is also a beautiful view of Piazza Del Popplo, which is a main Piazza in Rome.
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| My favorite spot to hang out and relax. |
Now on to everyone’s favorite: Food! One of my roommates had a restaurant suggested to them called Dar Poeta, and this place is supposed to be known for their pizza. Well this place sure didn’t disappoint! Most pizza in Rome is quite thin, but the pizza at Dar Poeta is a lot thicker and the toppings are so amazing. I chose the margarita and my roommate got sausage and mushrooms. We usually split our meals because it’s too hard for us to pick just one thing! It was unlike any pizza I’ve ever had.
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| Hunt for the best pizza has come to an end! |
It wouldn’t be a day in Italy without gelato! This place I discovered with the help of my friend who studied abroad in Rome two years ago. This place is called Frigidarium and it’s located right behind Piazza Novona, another main piazza in Rome. This place is absolutely amazing! It piles up. In fact, you can get 4 flavors for 4 euros! You also have the option of getting your cone or cup dipped in milk or white chocolate and or whipped cream. It’s a delicious treat my roommates and I cannot resist!
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| Heaven in a cone. |
It’s crazy to think that Rome was a foreign city to me just a few weeks ago. You learn so much in just that short amount of time and really learn how to adapt! I cannot wait to see what these next few weeks have in store for me. Ciao for now!
Lauren Healy is the Fall 2014 CEA MOJO in Rome, Italy. She is currently a senior at Clarion University of Pennsylvania.