Roma - Simonsen Christmas Travels P1

A two week Italian adventure awaited the Simonsen troop for the holiday season of 2014, and this was all going to start in ROMA (the Italian way of saying Rome).

After making our lovely welcoming scene at Fiumicino Airport in Rome, we proceeded with bountiful bags to find Pino, the person who's apartment we were renting for the next few days and who also graciously offered, for a slight fee of course, to pick us up at the airport and drive us to our home-away-from-home.  (Let's just say that this offer was great as the airport was a slight distance from the place and there was no other way we could have easily gotten there at that time of night or so cost effectively).

After such a long travel day, or day and night for those who had an international flight on their itenerary, it was beyond relief to finally reach a place where bags could be dropped and dismissed from thought for awhile.  Even better: there was a Christmas tree set-up just for the season. Yay!  Up to this point, the only Christmas tree I'd seen was in the foyer of the school.

We quickly agreed that we were famished so Dad and I headed out to find some take away, pizza no less.  Lucky for us our apartment was in a quiet, quaint neighbourhood that had restaurants nearby - like 2 doors away.  While waiting for our pizza Dad and I just had to partake in the Italian culture and have a glass of wine while we waited. Ahh, this was the beginning of a beautiful relationship between Dad and wine for the next few days. ;)

We look pretty darn good after our travel days, if I do say so myself. ;)

Of course there is a soccer game on in the background, lol.

Fed, watered, my jeans and goodies delivered (yes, I had to get my family to buy me jeans in Canada so that I wouldn't have to deal with up to my belly button, skin tight pants that seem to be the Italian way), conversations and news caught up we all fell into a deep, well deserved slumber with smiles on our faces cause we were finally where we needed to be: together.

The next morning, as I was the only one not suffering from jet lag, I was up and at 'em at 7am whilst the others were still working on catching up on their beauty rest.  Thankfully there was a grocery store just across the street from our place so I headed over there, grabbed a few things, made a lovely cup of cappuchino and enjoyed my first real day of relaxing holidays sitting outside with a warm beverage, enjoying the sun and beautiful weather while reading a good old Mary Higgins Clark Christmas novel. Yes, this was the start of a wonderful holiday already.

Happy Holidays!

Banana tree outside on our patio area.

Once the rest of the crew began to stir, around noon, we decided to take time to explore the neighborhood.  In no rush with no exact plan, we headed out and strolled around the urban Roman neighborhoods - taking in the various stores, restaurants, architecture, automobiles, etc.  Tyler especially had to point out all the Smart cars he saw.  As opposed to Canada, this visual was mentioned OFTEN lol.  I think I had the most fun watching my family experience the Italian culture, reliving through them what I felt four months ago when I first started encountering a very different lifestyle from that which I was used to.  This was especially prevalent when we had to hang out waiting for a restaurant to open since it's rare for one to do so before 7:30pm.  Thank goodness they got their first taste of aperitivo. ;)

Dad and his love for Italian cappuccinos brewing.

The next day was our first main tourist, sightseeing day in Rome.  After much effort, and having to stop at numerous tabacchis to buy bus tickets since the first 3 were oddly out of them, we headed via bus into the downtown core of Rome.  We decided to start with walking to our first destination: Piazza Navona. We noticed that there were quite a few fountains in this piazza.

After a quick bite (love that there are numerous restaurants to be found around/near these piazzas in Italy), we moseyed on to the Pantheon. Wow!  The architecture, art, symbolism, etc. of this structure was truly remarkable.  I loved how it was cylindrical, which made for some very curious musings about the creation of it and how the interior was constructed.  We then proceeded to the Trevi Fountain, which to our dismay is closed for renovations.  :(  Whitney and I were utterly disappointed at this as we'd seen it in movies and SO wanted to throw a coin in. Apparently it's going to be closed until next September for repairs; however in my knowledge of Italy I'll be impressed if it's completed by next December.  

Pantheon

Tomb of Umberto I

Raphael's Tomb (Italian painter & architect)

Pantheon exterior

Trevi Fountain :(  Notice: no water.

Well, after that disappointing endeavour we decided to take the "Hop On Hop Off" bus.  In my previous travels I've found these to be really beneficial to hitting the main tourist sites (if that's what you're into) quickly and efficiently.  Plus the tickets are usually good for 24-48 hours, just watch the hours they operate.

We took the HOHO bus to: the Colliseum and Roman Forum.  It was amazing to see the ancient ruins and architecture, both there and in the surrounding area.  Unfortunately, we arrived too late to gain entrance to either place however just standing alongside the Colliseum, looking up at its grandiose and thinking of all the history it encompassed was awe inspiring.

Where the lions were kept (I believe)

After taking time to really delve into the magnitude of the place we were at, we hopped back on the bus and headed to our next destination.  One of the great things about being in such a culturally rich city such as Rome is that even while on the bus you get to see so many historical places.  As someone who comes from such a young country, I still marvel at the length of history of these places I'm at.

Area where chariot races were once held

Altare della Patria, aka Monumento Nazionale a Vittorio Emanuele II

(monument in honour of Victor Emmanuel, first king of unified Italy)

We took the bus to our next point of interest.....The Vatican.  It's kind of neat to say that we did get to go to another country while on our vacation. ;)  Due to the extremely long lines, we did not get a chance to go in but instead got to marvel at the beauty of the outside.

That brought our first day of actual, tourist sightseeing to a close.  And to top it all off, the Simonsen clan got their first taste of excellent, Italian made, scrumptious, creamy gelato. Yum!

The next day we resumed our sightseeing adventures, which were a lot easier since we now had bus tickets and an understanding of the public transportation system of Rome.  Our second day of Rome sightseeing brought us to Piazza Garibaldi and a view of Rome from above.

Garibaldi monument

(similar ones can be found in 

most Italian cities)

My favourite brother

Manfredi Lighthouse

(gift from Italian immigrants in Argentina to Rome)

Tyler keeping an eye on Rome ;)

Next we headed to another popular destination spot, one that both Whitney and I had wanted to encounter since we've viewed it in movies and tv shows (most memorable was its appearance in The Amazing Race)....The Spanish Steps.  Funny thing, whenever you see it on tv there don't seem to be as many people as there were when we were there. Hmmm...lol.

The top

Heading down....

Of course it's renovation season here too.

Love the advertising, prime place.

Family, left hand corner.

These feet touched each and every step.

Home where poet John Keats died.

After all the different Italian resturants we'd been too, we went off course, followed a typical North American stomach rumble, and headed for lunch at the Hard Rock Cafe.  But I must tell you.....ribs, burgers, wings, potato skins, food of all sorts that I knew, loved and truly missed made this one of the best lunch choices ever.  A drink made with clamato (ie ceaser) would've made it perfect!  Too bad that's something that will elude me until I step foot in Canada again.

One more jaunt around the city to see a few more sights and then back to our favourite Rome gelato place to cap our final day in Rome off with a lovely desert, and to pick up some souvenirs at a nearby shop.  Plus, it was also where we knew how to take the bus home lol.

Castel Sant'Angelo

Oh, the family photobombing that started

Tiber River

The crew! :)  Best family ever!

December 24th....Christmas Eve, and the day we depart Rome.  Pino graciously offered to drive us to the train station this day, which was really great in more ways than one.  First, the ease of getting to the train station was so nice as we didn't have to worry about how to call a cab, costs, space (5 of us with lots of luggage proved to be a taxi challenge game during our holidays).  Second, Pino stopped at a couple of places along the way to make sure we got in a few more sights before our departure.  Thanks Pino!

Mouth of Truth

(Notable from Roman Holiday)

It was closed so the closest Whitney could get to getting her hand in its mouth

Overall, Rome was a beautiful city!  I would love to return some day and see more of the sights, especially those off the beaten path, and perhaps have a chance to go into the Collisseum and Roman Forum.  Regardless, we sure got  to see a lot while we were in Rome.

Now, Frecciabianca bound, the Simonsen Christmas Travels continue in . . . . . Genova.

Rome Links:

Rental Accomodation
http://www.tripadvisor.ca/VacationRentalReview-g187791-d1966154-CHEAP_and_COMFORTABLE_your_HOME_in_Rome-Rome_Lazio.html

Hop-On, Hop-Off Bus Tour
http://www.hop-on-hop-off-bus.com/rome-bus-tours?_$ja=cgid:3254565797|tsid:36801|cid:84540797|lid:11486560898|nw:search|crid:30148446437|dvc:c|adp:1t1&gclid=CNvHp5OnlMMCFaIIwwodtnUA1A

Trenitalia (Train Tickets)
http://www.trenitalia.com/cms/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=4ddd1a035296f310VgnVCM1000005817f90aRCRD

The Best Christmas Gift Ever!

Sorry for the hiatus readers, but holidays called and I answered in full force.  I'm back now and here's the first of the Simonsen Christmas Travels blog posts.

I think back to when I was a youngster (many, many moons ago) and the things I asked Santa for: barbies, a GT snow racer, a desk, the latest gadget/toy advertised, etc.  Trivial material items that make up childhood wishes, hence the lovely toy spread that faithfully shows up in the mailbox known as the Sears Wishbook.  This year though Santa brought me the best gift of my life, a gift I'll forever be thankful for and one that helped me get through these first few months abroad: MY FAMILY!

Just after I accepted my teaching position here, almost exactly one year ago, my family quickly determined that they were going to spend Christmas 2014 in Italy.  Wow!  Tickets were bought and plans were made before I even had my ticket to move here lol.  What I didn't know: this decision made months ago would be something I'm going to vividly remember for the rest of my life.

But I get ahead of myself.  So here's the start of our two week adventure in Italy, know as the Simonsen Christmas Travels.

We begin with......Delivery!

December 19th was my Christmas Eve.  And like a kid typical of this event I did not sleep.  So when my alarm rang much too joyfully at 5:00am the next day I bounded out of bed, ponytail on my head and quickly finished packing, dressing, eating and headed to the train station for the 7:00am Freccabianca to Roma.

Roma....where my Christmas present would greet me after many hours on 3 separate planes with destinations in both Canada and Germany.

Roma....where after 5 hrs on one train, 30 min on another, and 4 hrs waiting at the airport I found myself staking out a claim on prime real estate next to the arrivals gate at FCO.

Roma....where presents greater than anything I've ever received in my life approached through sliding metal doors and slid their arms around me; enveloping me with love and slamming shut the doors of distance that had appeared so many months ago.

That cliché phrase "You don't know what you're missing until it's gone" rang loud and clear right at that moment in FCO as tears streamed down, I love yous were said, and time stood still as I captured the moment and the feelings in my heart.

I knew right then and there that whatever awaited us in the next two weeks, as we planned to sightsee and travel Italy, would be the adventure of a lifetime.....because we'd be together, united once again.

Together...with the ones you love....that's what Christmas is about.  That's what makes it special, regardless of where you are or what's under your tree/in your stocking.  The gift of love and togetherness......that's all I could ever ask for.  Thank you M, S, W & T for giving this to me.  It meant more to me than you'll ever know and I'll forever be thankful. :)

Tried to capture a picture of the reunion

but none of us could stand still at that moment.

Christmas Party Extravaganza

So I got to experience my first international Christmas party this year.  And what a treat it was!

The usual celebratory Christmas event that most work places partake in happened here for me, thankfully.  As mentioned in the previous post it's been difficult getting in to the Christmas spirit so I was truly looking forward to this event to help discredit this lack of spirit feeling.

Of course, when one is in a new country without the luxury of their own vehicle, taking public transport can be a bit of a trek.  Therefore, after 2 separate buses and a bit of a legged jaunt we arrived at the restaurant that was booked for our ISG Christmas party.  One of the lovely parts was we continued to meet up with various staff members on each leg of the journey (when buses meet up lol).

I think the biggest treats of all for this Christmas extravaganza were: a) being able to socialize with all our staff in one place outside of work and within a different atmosphere, b) the experience of a new tradition and c) the event was entirely paid for by our school board.  A huge thank you goes to them for this! :)

What was our Christmas party?  Well, it was a traditional Genovese Christmas supper. (Unfortunately no pictures were taken of the food, foodselfies denied by self, so I'll do my best to describe the event as it unfolded).

When we first arrived at the restaurant we hung up our coats and proceeded to the bar for a special orange beverage.  Along our path there we met up with colleagues and the traditional *kiss* *kiss* were given.  One sip of this lovely orange beverage and I can say that many of us traded it in for vino biancho.  I'd love to tell you what the orange beverage was, but I was not sure.  Would definitely like to know though so I can remember to avoid it at future events.

After about 1/2 hr of mingling and visiting we were ushered into the room where dinner would be held.

First we started with appetizers.  This was sliced meat (I want to say proscuitto cotto but I'm really not sure - there's such a variety of meat here that I'm still trying to wrap my head around the different varieties) served with breadsticks and cheese.  It's quite the thing here to take a slice of meat and wrap it around the end of the bread stick before you start to nibble.  However, there are those of use who skip the bread and just nibble on the meat.

The next course was noodles, similar to linguine, in a ragu sauce (aka a meat and pomodoro mixture).  Have to admit it wasn't my favourite entree but I still did participate in the consumation of it since I had really no clue how this whole meal service would play out, and what foods were going to be served.  Didn't want to omit a dish for fear it may be the only one.  I was definitely wrong on that account.

Note: Interesting point is that not everyone gets their own serving of any of the dishes.  Rather, we each get a plate and then a multi-portion serving of each dish comes out and 4-6 people will share from one major serving.

The third course was trofie and pesto, a dish that Genova is known for.  Let me tell you, they did not disappoint.  This has to be my favourite dish here and one usually cannot go wrong when ordering it.

Then came the meats.  Yes, it looked just like it sounds.  A large plate of various fried, cooked, stewed meats came out.  Did I venture? Nope. I am not that risk taking when it comes to foods and considering the variety presented I just wasn't prepared to take that on.  I do speculate that there was everything from beef to pork to wildlife (aka duck/goose)  Just pour me some more vino and I'm happy ;)  Considering the carafe on our table was willingly replenished without asking, this was an easy task for our table.
.
Dessert?  Well I'd like to say I stuck around for this final course, but I didn't.  Let's just say that supper started at about 8:30/9:00pm (yep, we eat late here in Italy) and by the time the meat course was over it was 11:30pm, so some of us were just too tuckered out to continue the Christmas meal marathon.  But what a marathon it was!!  I've never had a meal where everything, down to the last course, was so drawn out and the social aspect of dining out was significantly prominent.

All in all I had a great time!  Wonderful people, good (albeit interesting) food, and getting a chance to participate in a new, foreign tradition was a treat to experience.  Hoping next year I can make it to dessert. ;)

It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like......Nope!

Christmas.....

My favourite season of the year!

Traditionally characterized by pine trees decorated to the gills, glittering lights strung across homes amid a snow covered street, shiny presents below the tree full of love and excitement anxiously awaiting to be opened,  children's homemade ornaments donning pokey branches, Boney M with "Mary's Boy Child" blaring throughout the gingerbread scented house, tinsel stuck to the bottom of your sock as loose strands attempt to flee the scene, garland here garland there garland garland everywhere, my sister's homemade Pinterest wreath wishing good tidings to those who visit, eggnog in the fridge one glass short of a full container, goodies eagerly and silently calling "gain weight, gain weight".....

These are what my senses attribute to the Christmas season.  Images, sounds, smells I've grown up with.

However, this year there is one major element missing from my Christmas scene: SNOW!  My question: how much does this affect my Christmas experience?

Christmas Tree in the centre (Piazza Ferrari)

When moving to Italy, I knew that the lack of snow would not be detrimental in many ways to life here.  Was I going to miss it?  No!  The frigid arctic wind, being chilled to the bone, a sore back from shovelling, exasperation at trying to get the snow blower started, the bone chilling scrape of getting ice off windows, rosy to white cheeks, fingers that feel like they'll fall off, polluting the environment while silently praying command start will work.  Things I didn't think I'd miss, and definitely don't.  Nevertheless, there was one aspect I didn't anticipate on affecting me the way it has: having a white Christmas.

It's been surreal walking to school with a light jacket on, fingers bare to the sea air; or waking up Saturday morning to the sound of a lawn mower (which sounds nothing like a snow blower).  At this time of year usually I'd be layered up, begging mom for 1 more degree on the thermostat, watching the wind chill factor wondering if there would be indoor recesses or if I'd get a few moments to catch my breath, mentally taking note of when I need to command start the SUV so I don't have to scrape the windows.

But not this year.

Nope. I've traded my Sorels in for rubber boots and......it's weird.

Walk to school - first week of December

My "winter" coat ;) December 7, 2014

Barely survived Sept in Sask with this coat.

Admittedly, having always grown up with a white Christmas it's hard to get into the spirit of the season here.  Christmas decorations went up in the school last week and I couldn't believe it.  Christmas? Already?  The Gregorian calendar says yes, but my heart can't seem to get on board yet.  Now, don't get me wrong - I'm not knocking it.  I just........know differently.  And I think that's the struggle.  It became very apparent to me this year exactly how I've always perceived the Christmas season.

Tobogganing, skating, ski trips, freezing off fingers as you attempt to find the ONE light in the string that has caused a blackout upon part of the house.  My learned seasonal Christmas environment has always included snow and frigid weather.  And although many of these winter activities can be done here, especially considering the Italian and Swiss Alps are a hop, skip and a jump away for me, there's a difference.  And I've identified that difference: although many Christmas activities are performed world round in various countries with and without snow, all my experiences have encompassed snow and the cold as a backdrop, however distant it may have seemed.

Baking cookies . . . . . while wearing an apron over layers of clothes as the temperature dropped and there's a small, unseen draft wafting into the house.

Watching Christmas movies . . . . . the sound of a grader FINALLY going down your street (followed by the panic of throwing on a jacket and boats to move the vehicle off the streets in a futile attempt to have your spot cleared and the street slightly widened).

Going out to view the Christmas lights Dad set up in the yard . . . .the crisp crunch of snow under your boots.

Putting up Christmas decorations while singing along with Christmas carols . . . . frost peaking at the corners of the doors and windows.

Staring at the Christmas lights across the street . . . hoar frost enveloping the trees and shadows dancing on the fresh, white lawns.

Within these settings, the traits of Christmas were ever present.  Love, compassion, care, kindness, joy, goodwill.  The change on humanity was evident, even for a short time.  Will that be different here?  I doubt it.  I think the bigger picture behind the season will be wherever you are at this time of year.  Will it feel different - being surrounded by foreign traditions, not experiencing that which I can remember?  Yes.  But it's about embracing the change, fondly remembering the past and overall, being with your loved ones and giving back to those around you.  'Cause that's what the real Christmas spirit is about, right?  And this year, regardless of how different Christmas looks here in snow deprived Genoa, Italy, being together with family will keep the spirit and feelings alive for me at this time of year.

But I must say it's quite the experience to have your perceptions vividly altered right in front of you.

The park - see the green grass ;)

Don't have to worry about an icy walk to school

Laundry still hangs outside to dry

Orange tree still in full bloom