Lasagna, Bologna, and Sunsets

The rain has finally cleared, and I have begun to enjoy some warm days in Rome. After exploring Basilica di Santa Maria in Trastevere, sunsets from Ponte Sisto, and local bars (shout out to G bar), I began to venture beyond my little neighborhood.

Last week, my friends and I cruised to the Trevi Fountain, Castel Saint Angelo, Vatican City, and Spanish Steps. Turns out walking ten miles a day flies when you are surrounded by ancient ruins and have gelato in your hand. Of course, after hearing about the five story Zara store we had to visit. We got our shopping fix and our steps in.

On Sunday, my roommate, Kristen, and I took a day trip to Bologna. We went to Eataly’s flagship location. The food park hosts over 40 restaurants and 100 shops in a 100 square-mile complex. I ate the best lasagna bolognese and gelato yet. The food truly lived up to the hype.

After lunch we went into town. We walked around the famous Fountain of Neptune in Piazza Maggiore, Basilica di San Petronio, and finished on Via Indipendenza with shopping. Basilica di San Petronio is half marble and half brick. The church began with the intent to outshine St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome, but Pope Pius IV halted the project and forced the top half to be brown brick. Despite the strange exterior, Basilica di San Petronio is one the most breathtaking churches I have seen. Inside, it is massive and extravagant. I can see why Pope Pius IV interrupted the construction.

I have loved my first few weeks in Rome. This weekend I planned a trip to England so stay tuned for my first international blog post!

My neighborhood, Trastevere

Basilica di Santa Maria in Trastevere

Sunset over the Tiber River

The Trevi Fountain AKA where Lizzie met Paolo

Altar of the Fatherland

View of the Vatican from Castle Saint Angelo

The view of Rome from Castle Saint Angelo

Kristen with our AMAZING lunch

Le Due Torri: Garisenda e degli Asinelli in Bologna

These towers were the inspiration for the Twin Towers in New York

Basilica di San Petronio in Bologna

The Spanish Steps

St. Peter's Basilica

Ah, finally a picture of me! Proof that I am indeed in Rome. This is the view from Gianicolo Hill