Via del Corso
Il Vittoriano in Piazza Venezia
Although Christmas is only three days away it doesn’t really feel like it here. For one, it’s not cold (which I love) but it’s also because there aren’t a lot of decorations. Little by little traces of Christmas popped up, especially after the Immaculate Conception (Dec.8th), but the decorations are sparse compared to New York. What’s funny is that I was talking to a resident who was telling me that he had never seen so many decorations in Rome before. The city is extra decorated to celebrate Italy’s 150th birthday (Italy was unified as a nation in 1861).
Cultural Notes: 1. Panettone and pandoro are traditional Christmas breads. They are eaten either for breakfast or dessert. Dried figs, dates, and torrone are also traditional Christmas dessert.
2. The stores have recently gotten crowded with people trying to finish (or start) their Christmas shopping. The store clerks wrap the presents at the register as the line continues to get longer and longer. It would be a lot more efficient if there were a separate wrapping station. I think we have a separate wrapping area in America, right? Maybe I’m forgetting.
Highlights of My Week: 1. The other day there was a transportation strike…no buses, trams, or metros were in service. It was really nice being able to use it as an excuse to take a taxi everywhere for the day. The annoying part was when I went to the bank and found out that the workers had been inspired by the transportation strike and decided to go on strike as well.
2. I went out with my first group of Italian girlfriends last Monday. We went out for Japanese food. It was funny seeing Japanese people speaking Italian because I’m used to seeing them speak English.
3. I had Indian food for the first time and completely fell in love with it. The next day my host mother had an Indian cooking class at the house, which was fantastic, and three days later I went out again for Indian food. Who knew I would come to Italy and fall in love with Indian food.
Impara con me! caccia al tesoro- scavenger hunt
fiochetti- ribbon (for a gift)
