I wish I was in Rome

Every summer marks another year since I realized my dream of visiting Italy. Some sorority sisters are participating in the same study abroad program and their Facebook photos are bringing back memories and making me want to be in Rome. 

Oh Rome, I miss gelato, cappuccino, pizza, gnocchi, smaller portions, the pretty buildings and shenanigans. Piazzas, the river, breadsticks and Nutella, sale season, the beach, eating out and not having a care in the world. 

College Town Italy

I graduated college today. It was such a surreal experience, and to celebrate my family went to an Italian restaurant on Taylor Street. One part of the commencement I found interesting was that academic disciplines have their own colors and symbols, relevant around the world in accredited institutions of higher education. It was exciting to think that communication students in Italy may be processing in to their ceremonies with crimson tassels or robes. 

Study abroad taught me somewhat about university in Italy. Like Chicago, Rome is a giant college town, with public and private Italian universities, as well as American study abroad campuses. The following are some universities in the Eternal City:

• Sapienza University of Rome
• University of Rome Tor Vergata
• Roma Tre University
• Foro Italico University of Rome
• Universita degli Studi Internazionali di Roma
• ISIA 
• Biomedical University of Rome
• The American University of Rome
• John Cabot University

Sapienza University of Rome
Photo Credit: panoramio.com

Many American universities utilize AUR or John Cabot for study abroad, have their own campuses (such as Loyola University and University of Dallas) or they utilize Italiadea language academy like my school! 

In terms of Italian-run universities, there are government run institutions in every part of the country. Each major city usually has a flagship institution, in addition to privately run or province run institutions. 

If you are an American interested in studying in Italy, it is always important to do thorough research and make sure credits and degrees align with U.S. education and paperwork for student and work visas. An international education is always something to consider in a global village! 

Cinecittà News

Over the weekend, I was talking to a friend that did the same study abroad program, but last summer. Her class was not able to visit Cinecittà because its management is currently discussing remodeling the studios in order to compete with lower cost facilities in Eastern Europe. 

Workers & industry influencers, fearing a de-emphasis on film, protested last summer. HBO's Rome set also partially burned down, although online reports say that the protests and fire are not connected. Hollywood Reporter and Cinecittà's media center provide reports that explain the issue at hand and damage. 

http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/cinecitta-italian-studio-talks-break-down-354471
http://www.cinecittastudios.it/node/1513

America Meets Italy, McDonald's Meets Barilla

I just came across the most interesting Italian food related news! McDonald's is partnering with Barilla to serve PASTA in it's Italy locations, according to NBC News. 

Italian and American representatives from McDonalds state that the new menu item is an attempt to "respond to tastes of the Italians," and that the fast food giant has previously succeeded in different "flavor profiles." They are also doing an al fresco pasta dish rather than a traditional warm pasta. 

From my experience living in Rome, Italians don't go to McDonald's, Americans and other tourists do. They might stop in and get an espresso on the way to work, but that's it.

Photo credit: meijer.com

One of my professors told us that when they were building the location near Piazza di Spagna, the local government protested due to fear that fast food smell would ruin the local atmosphere. As a result the Mickey D's on Via dei due Macelli has a McCafe at the front of the store and traditional fast food in the back. Interestingly, NBC News also reports that the Italians started the "slow food movement" when McDonald's entered the country in the 1980s. 

Photo credit: Jaunted.com

I am so excited to continue to follow this story and see how popular McDonald's pasta is in the place that made the dish a culinary experience. 

Verona, home to Romeo & Juliet

When visiting family in Northern Italy, we visited Verona. I was thrilled because my mom gave me a few of her old Italy pictures, one of which was the balcony at Casa de Giulietta - Juliet's home.

Shakespeare's novel and the centuries old home are the center of tourism in this Italian city. Although the home is considered a "mythical location," according to a recent Los Angeles Times article, Verona's tourism is centered around the doomed romance and its setting.

Juliet's balcony!

Two of my friends visited Verona when I was in Florence and they put it wonderfully. "Verona is the Disney World of Italy." It is immaculately clean and everything geared towards tourists in the city has a Romeo & Juliet tie in. Signs point you in the direction of Casa de Giulietta and plenty of souvenirs are available.

I wanted to see the much buzzed about letters to Juliet on the courtyard walls as the film but was surprised to learn that the city encouraged "emails to Juliet" instead.

Notes to Juliet in the courtyard entry!

I came across a Los Angeles Times article the other day that reported on additional changes made to Casa de Giulietta. "Cashing in on 'Juliet's balcony' in Italy" informs us that in addition to paying to enter the former Capello family home, visitors to the legendary balcony courtyard will now have to cough up an entrance fee. 

The article reports that monetizing the balcony courtyard will help maintain the attraction and allow Verona to make ends meeting as the Italian recession continues. 

Verona town square

An interesting feature coming to the courtyard is that instead of tacking messages to Juliet on walls via gum or other sticky substances, a video monitor for mobile messages will be added. 

I am definitely interested to see how these changes pan out, do you think this will help improve Verona? 

Additional source: http://www.latimes.com/news/world/worldnow/la-fg-wn-cashing-in-on-juliet--balcony-italy-20130521,0,5494280.story

Italian Film: Cinecittà

One of the highlights of my study abroad experience was visiting Cinecittà. Located in the outskirts of the city, Cinecittà is considered the home of Italian cinema. From classics to modern, movies to television, the studio is a link to Italy's cinematic history. 

Cinecittà entrance. 

The following were filmed at Cinecittà:

La Dolce Vita
Romeo & Juliet
Gangs of New York 
The Passion of the Christ
HBO's Rome

Set of HBO's Rome

My classmates and I were lucky that a tour was one of our field trips; after exploring the website, I realized that the only tab about visitors was for corporate events! 

Costumes from Cleopatra (1963)

Originally founded by Mussolini as a propaganda factory, Cinecittà is now home to studios, sets and props. The museum is beautiful! Housing costumes from iconic films, it is also decorated with quotes from Italian film professionals. A screening room, gift shop and event area are nearby as well. 

Set of Gangs' of New York 

Touring Cinecittà was one of the highlights of the courses I took while in Rome. It was a true joy to connect media, culture and history in one activity. If you ever have the opportunity to visit this iconic studio, please do! Everything about it will amaze you. 

Outside sources: 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cinecitt%C3%A0

http://www.cinecittastudios.it/

Packing for Italy 101

Packing for Italy was rough. I had to fit clothes, toiletries, books and magazines, my laptop and "American" items for my family friends and meet the suitcase weight limit. To make this chore a little easier, I compiled some lessons and tips I learned during my study abroad experience. 

• You do not need as much clothing as you think. I wish I packed less because after making purchases abroad, it was a struggle to fit everything in when returning to the U.S. My recommendation is to pack for three weeks and do laundry. 
• Duct tape your shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste and body wash so it doesn't open and explode during your flights/train rides & put them in plastic bags. 
• Bring a smaller suitcase with clothing and necessities in it as a carry-on, just in case something goes wrong with luggage. 
• Ladies, heels are not cobblestone street friendly. Wedges & flats work. 
• Ladies & gentlemen: be sure to have one long pair of pants and a sweater or long sleeve shirt for visiting churches. 
• Don't forget a converter for chargers, blow dryers or hot styling tools. 

Photo credit: social.eli.ubc.ca

Hope these tips help! If you have any other tips, I would love to hear. 

Buon viaggio!

Moda Italiana

Fashion is a major part of Italian culture. Italians love to look good and uphold "la bella figura." Milan is known as one of the world's fashion capitals, but Rome is also home to couture and affordable finds. 

The Via Condotti is one of the most expensive shopping streets in the world and located directly across from Piazza Spagna in the middle of the city. If you are searching for a Prada wallet or Louis Vuitton shoes, head right over to the Via Condotti. 

A view of the Via Condotti from the Spanish Steps!

If you are on a smaller budget, like I was when studying abroad, summer sale season is your best friend. Sales, or saldi are usually 50-75% discounts. Some key stores to visit in La Citta Eterna are: 

• Massimo Dutti
• Oviesse
• Oysho
• Zara 
• Class
• Intimissimi

Massimo Dutti, Zara and Oysho are all located in Galleria Alberto Sordi, a beautiful, air conditioned mall in the heart of Rome. The galleria also has two cafes where you can enjoy a snack, an espresso or a glass of wine. 

Galleria Alberto Sordi, also an air conditioned escape from the Roman heat!

Class and Intimissimi are free standing stores with various locations in the historic district. In addition to these stores, tons of small businesses in every Roman neighborhood have beautiful, unique finds for any budget. 

Local La Bella Vita: LavAzza

I was not a coffee drinker until I studied in Rome. In pre-trip meetings, my professor told us that we would grow to love Italian coffee, that espresso in the U.S. would never be the same after out time there. He was right! Although I love a grande skinny iced mocha in the morning, Italian espresso is heavenly. 

Unfortunately, there are not many cafes in Chicago that have as good of espresso as the random cash only bars on Via dei due Macelli or Via Candia. When I am craving true Italian coffee, however, I always head to one LavAzza shops in the Loop on Jackson or Lake!

Although I never visited a LavAzza in Rome, every time I enter one in Chicago, I feel as though I am transported back Italy. The atmosphere is European cool with modern red and white or blue and white furniture. In addition to a variety of espresso and coffee drinks, there are panini and gelati available for purchase.

LavAzza is heavenly and always takes me back to my time abroad. 

It is truly a piece of local la bella vita!

LavAzza by colettem on Polyvore

Lavazza und Leibovitz lieben's lasziv | photoscala
photoscala.de

LavAZza :)
worldoffitnessonline.com

Glassy & Colorful: Murano, Italy

Growing up, everyone in my close extended family had glass gondolas in their homes, even my Irish paternal grandparents. Only through reviewing information from a video in Italian class did I realize these decorations were Murano glass!

Murano glass is a skilled craft using a "lamping" technique.
Glassmakers are highly regarded in Venetian society.


Although Murano glass is a luxury, it is also tourist trend found in many major cities. You can purchase small trinkets made from the glass from street vendors and gift shops. I was able to purchase some Murano glass bracelets in Venice and Verona for 4-5 euro.

Polyvore Link to Image Sources: http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/set?id=81390386

The highest quality Murano glass is still found in Venice. In piazza San Marco, you are able to walk through negozi that sell glass animal statues, chandeliers, plates, clocks and fine jewelry. 

My suggestion: walk through, but don't touch! These pieces do run thousands of euro. 

If you aren't able to hop on a plane right now, but want a piece of la bella vita, the following vendors sell Murano glass items: 

Pandora
Italian Glass Connection
Forzieri
John Lewis
Kathy Kuo Home
1stdibs.com

Rue La La occasionally has jewelry deals that include Murano glass as well!

Inspirational Italian Quote

When I was admitted into my study abroad program, a family friend said to me "quando si chiuda una porta si apre sempre un portone," roughly translated as "when one door closes, a bigger door always opens." I doubt she remembers telling me this, but it always stuck in my head. As a senior graduating in five weeks, I try to keep this in my head and heart, so I created a nice visual via Polyvore. 

It's the Italian counterpart of "when one door closes, another opens," but I think it sounds prettier. 

What is your favorite quote? Besides Steve Jobs' "do great work" quote, this is my favorite.