La Dolce Vita

The final stop on our excursion was my home away from home, Rome. Since Joe had been to Rome before, he wanted to experience my version of it as best as he could. After a few glitches (typical of FCO airport) we finally made it to my beloved neighborhood of Trastevere. It was late and we were hungry. Unlike Vienna where restaurants were closing at 8:30, the restaurants were just getting crowded the time we arrived at 10. After walking in circles trying to appease an angry Italian woman who was our apartment host, it was finally time for Joe to try my favorite pizza place in the whole world, Dar Poeta. I think it's safe to say it was the Nutella and ricotta filled calzone that won him over. The next day was full of sightseeing. I took him to all of my favorite spots including the market in Campo di Fiori and Piazza Navona. It was also necessary to take him to the oldest wine bar in Rome for lunch. He claims it was the best pasta he'd ever had. After seeing the Coliseum, it was time to reenergize for the Roman nightlife. Joe was finally able to meet the faces in all of my pictures. As I assumed, he was a hit. Even though we were a little tired, the next day we managed to do some final sightseeing. We spent a lovely afternoon at the Vatican before the rain came. The evening was filled with an amazing last meal made up of steak and pear-filled ravioli, followed by drinks with my roommates. It was so fun to be able to be a tour guide for a few days.

Piazza Navona

Hanging out at the Coliseum

View from my apartment

Joe and the girls

Resting at the Vatican

Best conolo he has ever tasted