Day 16: Lets get creative

If you are putting off doing something creative or thinking about a change.....

 This week is the time to do it! 

No matter where you are in the world, what season it is or what other things need to be done... 

Just leave it all and this week pay attention to your creative side...... let it all out!!!! 

Frank Sinatra - An evening in Roma

Como e` bella ce` la luna brille e` strette

strette como e` tutta bella a passeggiare

Sotto il cielo di Roma

Down each avenue or via, street or strata

You can see'em disappearing two by two

On an evening in Roma

Do they take'em for espresso

Yeah, I guess so

On each lover's arm a girl I wish I knew

On an evening in Roma

Though there's grining and mandolining in sunny Italy

The beginning has just begun when the sun goes down

So please meet me in the plaza near your casa

I am only one and that's one too few

On an evening in Roma

Don't know what the country's coming to

But in Rome do as the Romans do

Will you on an evening in Roma

Como e` bella ce` la luna brille e` strette

strette como e` tutta bella a passeggiare

Sotto il cielo di Roma

Don't know what the country's coming to

But in Rome do as the Romans do

Will you on an evening in Roma

Sott'er celo de Roma

On an evening in Roma

Lungo Il Tevere Roma

At the moment one of Rome's most popular summer events is alive and happening every night along the Tiber River. 

Tourism, hospitality, culture and entertainment are the four focuses for 2011. 

The Tiber is currently filled with open air bars, restaurants, market stalls, entertainment and open air cinema's. 

The event starts from Piazza Trilussa and runs along the Tiber to Porta Portese. 

Open Air Cinema 

Vintage Cafe 

Live Music 

Day 15 - Random Acts of Kindness

As i was getting ready to leave for work last night i got a phone call to say my student was not coming in, so i had the whole evening off. We decided to make the most of the beautiful night and head outdoors. We walked to Trastevere and accidentally ran into two friends from Australia we did not know where on holidays in Rome, i knew the girl through work and Matt knew the boy through footy, however Matt and i did not know the two had been dating for 6 years. After we finished our chat with them we decided to have dinner, so Matt and i sat down at a Pizzeria we had waiting to try out. Sitting next to us was an old Italian man sitting by himself, i always feel the need to make contact with people sitting by themselves, so i started talking to him. By the end of our meal we knew everything about his family and he knew everything about our story of living in Rome. His wife called at one stage and he even started telling her about us, it felt like we had known them for a long time.

At the end of the night, he was paying for his bill and we heard him tell the waitress to include our bill in his bill. We were shocked and of course declined and continued to decline, however he said "no, you are a beautiful couple and you were kind enough to talk to me, this is my way of having you for dinner, however it was not in my home" We hugged and thanked him and went our separate ways, then we realised we did not offer to walk him to the bus as we were so shocked at what happened. We turned around and started walking in the direction he went but after about 15 minutes we could not find him. 

He is a stranger we will probably never see again, but his random act of kindness we will never forget.

You never know how one simple act of kindness will affect or save somebody.   

Never think "should i" when you want to do something nice, always do it. 

Also believe that everything happens for a reason, if i had gone to work last night, we would of never met and had the pleasure of having dinner with such a kind person. 

The sunset last night! 

Grom

Grom is my favourite Gelateria in Rome.

Grom is unique because they use only fresh and natural fruits that are in season. 

There are no colourings or artificial additives used in the production of their gelati. 

Lurisia Mountain water for the sorbets, high quality whole milk for the creams, organic eggs, peaches from Canale, nuts from Sicily and Strawberries from Ribera. 

June Flavours are: 

Grom opened in Rome two weeks ago, already i should be a VIP! 

Grom Roma - Via Della Maddalena 30 A 

Day 14:

My Point of power is always in the present moment. 

I choose powerfully to live in the present, not concerned with the past or in trying to predict the future. I am powerfully present to the abundance life offers me NOW! 

La Cupola

La Cupola is situated in St. Peters Square, i feel it is a must when visiting Rome. 

There are two options for getting to the top,walking 550 steps or taking the lift and then walking 320 steps.  We took the option of walking 550 steps and it was well worth it. 

The Cupola opens at 8am Monday - Saturday and i suggest getting there at 8am to beat the crowds. 

La Cupola, is located on the roof of St Peters. 

Day 13: Parts of the Journey so far... Life in Rome

We are approaching 4 months in Italy on the 3rd of July and i am starting to reflect on my journey already and look at the things i have learnt, experienced, discovered, overcome and loved so far in beautiful Rome.

Life in Rome is beautiful, the scenery alone can cheer you up whenever you feel like you are missing something or someone from home. The history and life behind the doors of buildings and houses can keep you dreaming all day. The old Rome being discovered under the ground every day is something that intrigues me and i find myself walking the long way somewhere just to walk past and have a look as they uncover more. The individual artist boutiques outweigh Zara and H&M any day, the individual pieces and treasures from all over the world are something you cannot find in the mass produced stores like Zara, let alone the designer or artist sitting behind the counter. Food is an art in Italy - Gelati, Pasta, Salumi, Mozzarella di buffala, Dolci, Carne, Frutta &Vedura all make the fullest stomach hungry again. 

Summer is officially here this week end and already the trips to the beach and the outdoor living has increased. The thought of wasting one minute inside feels like a bad dream... The air outside is fresh, the days are longer and the colour of the sky at sunset is amazing, the people are out in dresses and shorts and the lovers are in full mode... Italian style...! 

The Italian lifestyle is something that has taught me to make the most of each day. When you finish work it does not mean it is the end of the day, for Italians it is the start of the night ahead. Drinks, walks, dinners and hanging around in piazza's does not have a closing time in Italy. In Italy the week end is not on Saturday and Sunday, here in Italy they live as if every night is Friday night. 

Day 12:

There’s a big difference between what I’m Dreaming & what I’m Doing.

The most delicious recipes,

Living in Rome City Centre, 

enjoying long lunches almost every day,

sleeping in until at least 9am if i want too,

often eat gelati every day,

having my Prince Matt, 

knowing we always have beautiful family and friends to go back to in Australia,

bestow a smile at every glance you meet, 

lots of wonderful new countries to discover, 

food, food and more food,

mastering the art of being compassionate for everyones situation,

enjoying yoga and fresh air, 

summer arriving,

being surrounded by a love language every day....

These are a few of my ingredients that make my life so happy.... 

What are yours?   

Day 11:

Do something you enjoy for an extended amount of time this week! 

You deserve it! 

In Australia lunch for me was a quick one hour of something to eat and then getting out of the office for some fresh air. 

In Italy most days i am home for lunch, so lunch is a special part of the day that for me is extended and enjoyed. 

Food is prepared with time!

This week spoil yourself with something that you enjoy doing and try to make is something that doesn't cost money... if that is possible. 

Vino Forum

Now that summer is starting to make it's appearance in Rome, so are the outdoor activities. 

For the month of June there is a Wine Forum on in Rome. 

Monday - Thursday the entry fee is 16 euro and Friday - Sunday 25 euro. 

You get a little bag with a wine glass and there are over 2000 wines to sample. It is not just wine there are sweets from different regions, whisky, grappa, olive oil, cheeses etc. While you taste the wines there is a jazz band playing and 2 or 3 open air lounge areas to sit and relax. 

If you are going to spend any time in Rome throughout June i would recommend this event.

Day 10: The Art of Happiness

What are your sources of happiness?

How do you train the mind for happiness?

What are your values of compassion?

How do you face suffering?

What sort of self creating suffering do you create?

How do you handle anger and hatred?

Can you handle anxiety and do you have self esteem?

what are your values?

Can you change your perspective?

How can you bring about positive change?

Doors of Italy Chapter 2: