Category: Travel

Would your last meal also include boiled peanuts?

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Castel Sant' Angelo. AT NIGHT.

Castel Sant’ Angelo. AT NIGHT.

This year I am resolved to do even more in Rome.  MORE.  I always love to do things with Mister, but you know, THE KIDS and SITTERS.  I’m trying to get better about grabbing some friends and getting out to do things.  MORE, I say!

When I heard about nighttime visits to Castel Sant’ Angelo July through September, I knew I wanted IN.  I’ve actually never been inside.  We’ve put it off with the kiddos because I’ve heard the tour is nothing but stairs.  (This was fairly accurate.)

Picture this all covered with marble back in the day.

Picture this all covered with marble back in the day.

And such is how I found myself out at 9:00 pm at night hearing about the Castel’s journey from Hadrian’s mausoleum to fortress and prison.  We got to unleash our inner Angels and Demons with a walk in the secret tunnel (which is in a wall and NOT underground as I had thought), see the view from the terrace, and tour cells for both VIP prisoners and the less-fortunate ones.

On top of the secret tunnel.

On top of the secret tunnel.

After hearing about the poor souls imprisoned there awaiting execution, I couldn’t help but turn to a friend and ask what her last meal would be.

Probably everything fried, she responded.  Wouldn’t be worried about a stomachache. 

True.  True.

After I mulled more, I realized that my last meal would probably be pretty Frenchified.  I’d love a good steak au poivre.  Naturally, with some frites.

St. Michael. Not as creepy as a Weeping Angel.

St. Michael. Not as creepy as a Weeping Angel.

But I’d want to start with some oysters.  With champagne.  And add in a stinky cheese course.

This sort of surprised me.  I adore Italian cuisine.  If you asked me a few years ago, I would have said it was my favorite.  But I guess it isn’t my most favorite favorite.

I would at least finish with gelato.  (From Come il Latte if possible.  Prisoners can’t be choosers.)

But not before gorging on boiled peanuts.  Preferably cold.  Very salty.

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James thinks my peanut penchant is pretty disgusting (“It is like you are eating cold, mushy beans!”), but I grew up on these.  During our week at the beach, I attempted to eat my weight in boiled peanuts.  Henry is on Team Peanut which means my progress is somewhat slowed, but he’s a quick study on cracking them open.

Or maybe I’d just do a cheeseburger, fries, and a milkshake.  With plenty of boiled peanuts.

Like James, do you find boiled peanuts to be beyond gross?  What would you do for a last meal?  Assuming that the jailers made or found good versions of everything, of course.  You don’t have to deal with envisioning what foie gras from the prison chef would look like.

ICYMI: Ferragosto edition

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Here in Rome, we recently passed Ferragosto.  This one day holiday has somehow expanded into most of the month, and the city has shut down.  Day cares are closed.  At least half the stores in my neighborhood are closed.  Romans are getting out of dodge.

We too did some traveling.  And now travel recovering.  I don’t know that I’ll be completely absent this August, but things will probably (continue to) be pretty quiet this month.  I’m aiming to enjoy time with family and friends and do more thinking on long-term projects.

Until then, please amuse yourself with some recent blog offerings you may have missed.

On the blog:

My Aunt (paraphrased):  I liked your post.  So you’re just figuring out what you’re doing, just like the rest of us, huh?  Yup.

My new pan is here.  It is glorious.

Need any thoughts on jumpstarting your back-to-school To Do List?

Henry still cracks us up.  And is ridiculous.  Mac is gettin’ big.

Umm, so we went back to the States, and I still didn’t drive.  Ridiculous, I know.

So my running has fallen off with recent vacations.  This is unfortunate because my half is coming up SOON and you know I can’t skip it after going through this.

We’ve talked clothes for Rome.  Now see shoes.  #teambirkenstocks

On the internets:

The one piece of clothing every billionaire is wearing at summer camp  (Hat tip MDBH)  Hmm, maybe I’m really just seeing lots of billionaires everywhere?  #vestupson #vestlife

Kind of depressing and inspirational all at once.  Time to get off the couch!

I must not helicopter, I must not helicopter . . .

Me:  Do you have Grindr on your phone?  I want to swipe people.
Sister:  You mean Tinder.  And no.  Gross.
Looks like she has a point.  I don’t even know what to do with raising kids in this, especially boys.  Sigh.

Enjoy the rest of your summer.  I miss you already!

 

Hobbies cost money (duh)

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I don’t knit, but it IS a hobby that costs money.

I’ve been feeling a little blogging schizophrenic lately.  Well, not just blogging.  I’m having trouble deciding how I want to spend my “free” time.

  • Should I keep doing a little at Roman Reboot, but spend more time on another internet project I’d like to tackle?
  • Should I double down on Roman Reboot?
  • Should I stress less about side internet projects and spend more time travel planning and living la dolce vita?

So, you know.  Just the usual things everyone has to deal with.  How you should spend your finite minutes and hours each week.

I was discussing this with James the other day when he was in the shower.  (This is why “free” time is in quotation marks.)  I was rambling on about how I’ve been reading more about blogging on the internet, and I’d like to make some upgrades with hosting and mailing lists and widgets, but I wasn’t sure if I should upgrade Roman Reboot or start from scratch on the new project, but I’d like to do some things to Roman Reboot but they will cost money and can I justify that if the site is just a hobby??

And he said something that is very obvious, but it is something I had lost perspective on.

Continue reading →

Very Normal Henry (with a side of Assisi)

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Dear Henry,

Instead of rambling about your vocabulary (immense) and your size (also immense), let me tell you a story about a recent trip that sums up the essence di Henry, if you will.

On a sunny, long weekend in June, we did an overnight trip to Spoleto, Cortona, the Perugina chocolate factory, and Assisi.  There were plenty of quintessential Henry moments throughout, but I’d like to talk about our time in Assisi.

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Footwear Recipe for Rome: Shoes to Keep You Feeling Comfortable AND Stylish

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We’ve talked outfits for your trip to Rome.  Now let’s talk about what is arguably the MOST important part of your outfit.  No, not your keep-your-valuables-safe bag.  Not even your Papa Francisco slap bracelet.  (I actually couldn’t find any of those on the internets.  There’s your next million dollar idea.  YOU’RE WELCOME.)

I’m talking about shoes.  That’s right.  Your footwear can mean the difference between your strolling through the Forum in comfort or limping through the sights, too distracted by blisters to appreciate the wonder of the city.  Your shoes can mean the difference between feeling cute on your Roman Holiday or feeling like you sacrificed your personal style for a safe, comfortable option.

Luckily, I think you can have both fashion and function.  In fact, I advocate a two-part plan of attack.  If you find the right shoes, you can do your whole vacation with just two pairs.  Trust.

So what is this magic recipe, you scoff?

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When we first got here, I gawked at sky high heels.  But then I realized that these are not the rule.  And when I looked even closer, I realized that many Romans are sporting cool styles that could walk for miles.

1 Part Sporty Sneaks

Have you guys noticed how gosh darn cool some sneakers have gotten these days?  Throwback styles, fun prints, you name it.  The trick is to pick something with cushion and style.  This is not the time to look like you are about to sweat to the oldies or pump some iron.

I have seen LOTS of fun sneakers here.  Neon colors.  Floral prints.  Even some sequins.  Just like your crazy pants, if you ever wanted to try out a fun sneaker, THIS is the place to do it.

In case you are curious on brands, my completely unscientific observations are lots of Adidas and New Balance.  Some Nike, Saucony, and Reebok.  Some Puma, but not nearly as much as I expected.  Oh, there are oodles of Chucks if this is your jam, but I cannot personally speak to comfort on these.

Start with black if you aren’t feeling too crazy, although these also come in fun colors. I think every fashion blogger I follow has these and swears by them.

I heart this print.

Gray + pattern = yes please

Digging the retro vibe. Can’t go wrong with a classic.

Great in the classic white. Fun in floral.

If laces aren’t your thing, slip-on sneakers are back in a big way.  I haven’t done it yet, but I am dangerously close to adding some Vans to my collection.  Yes, this is hypocritical as I called my middle school friends posers for their Airwalks and Etnies when they were only casual skate aficionados.  Don’t care.

While regular sneaks have great potential for pops of color, I’ve been seeing slip-ons with so many fun prints.  I want them all.

I’m so close, you guys. So close.

Unless I need these. This is why I haven’t pulled the Vans trigger! So many choices!!

Quilted!

Pineapple!

When deciding how crazy to go, consider the rest of your wardrobe.  If you are like me and have finally realized that you only wear gray and other neutrals, try a bright color or print.  If your wardrobe has a little more pizzazz, maybe consider a more supporting player.  I fully support pattern mixing, but make sure you find an option that works for multiple outfits.

If you are looking for sneaker inspiration, The Mom Edit has a great roundup.

1 Part Killer Sandals

I think comfortable and cute sandals are the Holy Grail of footwear.  I’ve had some luck finding decent Naturalizers in the past, but I’m not loving their styles this year.  Same for Aerosoles.

Not hating this one from Dr. Scholl’s

These have great reviews

I did have a great experience with a pair of Rocket Dogs once.

And this is where I get kind of stuck you guys.  I’m sure there are plenty of comfy sandals out there that are not in a comfort brand, but I’m too lazy to order them without knowing and I’m never in stores to try them on.

This summer, I ended up going with Birkenstocks.  I know, I know, some of you hate on these, but hear me out.  There are more fun styles than just the traditional two strap now.  And I’m not sure that mine have it, but I have heard great things about the new soft footbed styles.  If you are interested in Birks, you could even wait until you arrive to purchase.  They seem to be a little bit cheaper here.

Whatever you pick, same rules for sneaks apply.  Look at your wardrobe.  Pick someone who will play nice with everyone.  I really like metallics as easy to wear with everything.

Mix both parts on travel days

In my ideal sightseeing world, you would build a pause into your day.  Maybe you hit it hard in the morning, have a leisurely lunch and rest, and then head back out in the late afternoon.  Maybe you go strong all day and then have a late afternoon rest at your hotel before heading out for dinner.  At a place when many restaurants don’t open until 7:30 pm, you’re going to need a break.

Whenever you break, take this opportunity to change your shoes.  It isn’t mandatory, but I think it can help your feet feel fresher and renewed to tackle the city.  Let’s say you wear your sneaks to the Colosseum and Forum.  (Which I would definitely recommend, because of grit, rocks, and dust.)  Then, after your afternoon rest, you slip into your sandals for your evening passagiata and dinner.

And that’s just about all you need.  I’d try to find sandals that would make you feel like you could walk into a dressy restaurant for dinner.  Or just wear your sneakers since sneakers and dresses are a thing now.

Now some of you might be all, but what about other great closed toe options?  What about loafers?  Ballet flats?

To that, I say, if you can find one that feels great, go for it.  For me, shoes in this category fall into the a few hours comfort, but not all day comfort.  They could be OK for medium walking, but maybe not EVERYWHERE walking.

I’m still on the hunt for this category.  I haven’t tried Tieks yet because I’d like to try on something that expensive before buying it, but I know some people rave.  Also, I know some people swear by the Cole Haan ballet flats, but I wasn’t blown away in store.

This loafer speaks to me.  I have a similar printed pair that I love, but definitely only rate for medium walking comfort.

These were some of my fave commuter shoes, but I wouldn’t wear them all day.

Any other footwear suggestions?  Have you tried Tieks?  Any recommendations on comfortable sandals?  Uh, asking for a friend.

Want to hear something kind of crazy?

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I want to tell you something that is kind of crazy.  I, Melissa, mother of two, have never put both my kids in a car and driven them somewhere all by myself.  And these kids aren’t weeks old, mind you.  My “baby” turned one this spring.

The other crazy thing?  I haven’t driven a car since last August when we moved here.  I haven’t driven in Italy at all.

Back when we lived in DC, I was never a big driver.  When we were in Maryland, I sometimes drove to the metro or shopping or to visit my friends in Virginia, but I didn’t drive all the time.  Once we moved to DC proper, I mostly stopped driving.  I walked Henry to day care.  I took the bus or metro to work.  When we did family outings on the weekends, James would drive.  I did pull shifts–usually the early morning shift (no shocker there)–on our drives to SC, but I could still go months without getting behind the wheel of a car.

I’m a nervous person and a nervous driver.  Not driving much exacerbates this.  Living in cities exacerbates this.

I usually don’t mind it at all.  I have plenty of stores within walking distance.  Public transportation is still a challenge with the two kids, but it is there.  We can get where we need to go sans automobile.

But something happened earlier this month that has me reevaluating my no drivo status.

We visited Lake Bracciano on a weekend.  Although our trip out took longer because of a flat tire, this volcanic lake is only 45 minutes from Rome.  Motor sports are limited, and the lake is a pristine and quiet place.  It is rimmed by three towns to explore and an awesome (and free!) airplane museum at the sight of Italy’s first airport.

Even though the lake is crazy close, we opted to do an overnight so that we could explore more.  Our agriturismo, Agriturismo Il Castoro, sits on smaller, neighboring Lake Martignano.  You have to go down some serious dirt roads to get there.

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Even if you don’t stay there, you can pay a few euro to access the expanse of grassy beach lined with hammocks.  You can pay a few more euro to rent a paddle boat–some with their own slides–or grab some refreshing beverages at the small cafe.

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Because of uncooperative weather (I swear, it is always stifling except when I actually have aqua access), we didn’t frolic in the water.  (Although we did all touch it; Mac was particularly nonplussed.)

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We did enjoy some time swinging in the hammocks and feeling the grass between our toes.

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As we strolled, I could not help but think, I could do this.

I could load up the kids on a random weekday and hit the lake or explore a nearby town or do anything we wanted.  We have fun at the zoo and parks in Rome, and I’m trying to get better about picking off new sights with the kids, but we could just go.

Of course, exploring a new town with the adorable weirdos sounds downright frightening.  I’m not scared of my kids, per se; however, sometimes I am definitely intimidated by them.

But things change.  And faster than I think too.

Not that long ago, I could barely grocery shop with the two kids by myself.  Now we have a produce guy, an egg lady, fish dudes, and I can get around the store with the two of them if I need to.

Not that long ago, Mac refused to move anywhere.  Then I spent HOURS walking behind him holding his hands.  Now I walk beside him and sometimes dash to keep up as he darts off a few steps on his own.  (He still refuses to crawl though.)

At some point, trips with these guys may not seem so crazy.  I need to be ready.

Even if that means getting behind the wheel of a car.  I’m planning to force myself to practice when town empties this August.  Our car is already lightly “Romanized.”  No one would notice a few more scratches.

Deep breath.  I’m an adult.  I can do this.

Other Trip Highlights

  • We hit up Il Castello Odescalchi in Bracciano, site of famous weddings such as Tomkat’s.  The self guided tour involved some stairs, but went over well with the kids.  Shocking to NO ONE, Henry loved the weaponry.

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  • Historic Bracciano is fairly small.  We wandered, checked out views of the lake, and enjoyed lunch outside at Pane e Olio.  Service was slow (they were slammed), but the food was very good.

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Pistachio pasta FTW

Pistachio pasta FTW

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  • We drove through Trevignano, but didn’t get to explore this town.  Unlike Bracciano, which overlooks the lake from on high, Trevignano is down at the water.  Several restaurants on the water looked pretty sweet.
  • We enjoyed an evening wander and dinner watching the sunset over the lake at Il Vecchio Salus in Anguillara.  Although we didn’t go, Anguillara seems to have an expanse of public beach along with a jump park and rides area.

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  • If you have kids or any interest in planes, definitely check out the Italian Air Force Museum.  Fun (oversimplified) fact:  Italians built lots of seaplanes because they didn’t feel like building runways.  This free museum has several hangars of planes to delight the kiddos.  Even though half of it was closed at our visit, it was still worth the trip.  Did I mention it’s free??  Cafe inside.

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Also lots of old cars. BONUS.

Also lots of old cars. BONUS.

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Other Bracciano Resources

ICYMI: where you at edition

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6.4_ICYMI

Who has four thumbs and LOVED their quad bike experience? Yup, these two. They had their own bell. I apologize to anyone else who was in Villa Borghese yesterday.

Sorry for the silence around these parts lately.  It has been a mixture of guests, travel, and secret projects.  I’m hoping things will be closer to normal starting next week.  But, of course, no promises.  In the meantime . . .

On the blog:

It is like a million degrees here now.  I have been rocking these outfits on the reg.  I definitely recommend if you are heading to Rome (or anywhere religious and hot) anytime soon.

Everything you ever wanted to know about Puglia.  Haha, just scratching the surface really, but it is a great travel destination.

And here’s how the pacifier usage went down on the Puglia travels.

But speaking of someone who still has more lenient pacifier rules, Mac is one!

On the internets:

Anyone else follow A Cup of Jo?  I recently added this one to my rotation.  Little bits on kids, beauty, life in the city, design, and plenty more.  Here is a tiny house tour I loved.  (You know I love me a tiny house.)

PowerPoint should be banned. This PowerPoint presentation explains why.  But what about all of those sweet PPT skillz I learned at the law firm???  Was it all for naught?

I don’t have a dehydrator, but I need these zucchini chips in my life.

Does anyone use a planner?  This one looks pretty and tempting.  I want to make sure I would use something before getting one.  But right now I have no planning so any planning would be better?

Me:  “Who is that?”  James:  “Uh, Sting.”  Right.  So Sting has a beard now.  Good to know.

Looking for a statement piece for your living room?

Cracks me up: Toddler Adjusting To Society After Serving 2-Minute Timeout

Looking for guidance?  Check out these life lessons from Anthony Bourdain.

Summer is here.  Watch out for ticks!

What has four legs and is completely not kid friendly?  This coffee table, but I kind of want it anyway, fingerprints be darned!

Happenings & Coming up:

Italy had a holiday this week.  Republic Day, to be exact.  We decided to escape the city to see the ruins at Ostia Antica.  Here’s a pro tip:  Don’t escape the city in the direction of the beach.  It all worked out, but there were some packed trains involved.  More on Ostia Antica “soon.”  (It can get in the queue behind Montepulciano and Pienza and Sermoneta and . . . )

My bazillion internet tabs are currently split between Lake Bracciano and Turin.  (And, let’s be honest, a million other things.)  We are heading to both this month, and I am pumped.

Hope you have a wonderful weekend whatever you are up to!

Great picks for family fun in Puglia

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Aaaaaaaand, drum roll please!  I’m finally talking about Pul-Pul-Puglia.  We had a great trip in April.  Here’s how we did Puglia and you can too.

But first, a little on this region, known as the breadbasket of Italy.  This is farm country.  We drove by endless groves of olives and flowering orchards.  We saw giant tractors driving down the roads.  (Henry:  “where?” every time he just missed one.)  The relatively flat land made it easy to zip between sights. 

Puglia is a region, like Tuscany, so you have plenty of options on things to see and do.  (You can’t just “go to Puglia” and be done with it as I learned when I started planning the trip.  That is like saying you are going to “go to California.”  And then?)

Puglia is the heel of Italy’s boot.  This was actually our first trip south.  It was also our first trip “off the grid,” meaning it was not covered in our trusty Rick Steves.  We talked to friends and scoured the internets for things like 10 Best Places to Visit in Puglia, Puglia tourism, and any blogs we could find.

We spent five days on our trip, and I’m glad we did.  First, the drive is a little longer than our usual day trips.  From Rome, it will take you five-seven hours depending on where you are going.  (We stopped at Reggia di Caserta to break up the drive.)  Second, there is just SO MUCH TO SEE.  I could have filled a month with things to do.  Here are some things we managed to check off our list.

 

Bari – Puglia’s capital is a port city where life is literally overflowing into the streets. As you stroll narrow streets, crisscrossed with laundry, you can see locals sipping caffe and cooking snacks.

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Believe it or not, many cars head down these streets

Believe it or not, many cars head down these streets

We saw a bakery of some sort, or so we assumed.  It could have just been someone’s house where they had a lot of bread.  I remembered once upon a time in 2007 when James and I went wine tasting and a guy tried to sell us a baguette to eat along the way.  And I said no!  Since then, my motto is to always buy the bread.  We ripped off glorious hunks as we walked around the city.  It was an excellent idea.

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The Basilica di San Nicola, which holds the remains of St. Nicholas, has a unique, white-washed interior that perfectly fits with a town by the sea.  Henry’s takeaway:  “Santa Claus is buried here.”  We showed up a little late for Easter services, and stuck around even though it was standing room only.

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St. Nicholaus. His remains are in the crypt under the church.

St. Nicholas. His remains are in the crypt under the church.

Restaurants line the Piazza Mercantile, but we enjoyed a seafood feast at Borgo Antico, a restaurant we were escorted to by a produce vendor after we asked for a recommendation.  Like we asked the guy where we should eat, he whipped out his phone to try to call but they weren’t answering, so he walked us across town on his own and told the restaurant people to take care of us.  Even though the exterior looks like a tourist trap, I can vouch that the restaurant was packed to the gills with locals on Easter. Our 6-course seafood extravaganza was 25 euro/person, but pastas started at just 5 euro.

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James: “You just ate like an aquarium.”

 

Matera – Technically, this one is just outside of Puglia, but if you are all the way down there, don’t pass up the Sassi of Matera.  You know how rare it can be to see something completely new that it just takes your breath away?  Well, that is here.

The steps up and down this cave city (inhabited by humans for 9,000 years) are not stroller friendly, but the walk is definitely worth the views.  There are several rock churches you can check out as well.

The city’s Old School Holy Land feel means that many movies are filmed here, including the Passion of the Christ.

We hoped to try ristorante Trattoria del Caveoso for lunch after a recommendation, but it was booked solid.  We settled for a decent meal down the street at Il Morgan Ristorante Pizzeria.

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Want to see more?  Check out bonus Matera pics on facebook.

 

Castel del Monte – Castel del Monte is so famous that is is on the back of the Italian one cent coin.  Entrance to this imposing octagonal castle costs 5 euro for adults.  There is a shuttle that runs from the parking area to the castle (one euro/person).  If the weather had been nicer, we may have walked, given how crowded the buses were, but it is a little over a mile.  In the end, the buses worked fine and we didn’t have to wait too long.  Bar-type food is available at the parking area.  The restaurant by the castle was closed during our April visit.  Thankfully, there is a bathroom outside the castle.

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Polignano a Mare – This city by the sea with breathtaking views is a great stop for a stroll with a gelato.  It is less great for trying to carry a stroller down the steps and across the rocky beach to touch the Adriatic.  We should have just strolled around the old town or sat down in a restaurant overlooking the sea.  But noooooo, we wanted to touch the Sea.  The path to the water involves lots of stairs.  And rocks.  You’ve been warned.

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Trulli – Puglia is known for these conical gnome-like huts, which dot the olive groves and fields, but you can see a town full of them in Alberobello.  (Why the funny shape?  Think about tax avoidance.)  I’m mixed on recommending because the town is a kitschy tourist trap, but it merits at least a short stop.  I tried to look past the tchotchkes, but they were everywhere.

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Grotte di Castellana – Two tours of these stunning caves are offered: partial and complete.  Know that the partial does not include the world-famous Grotta Bianca.

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It was about 100 steps to get into the caves, but there were minimal steps inside and an elevator out.  (Bonus!)  I was definitely questioning the wisdom of bringing the kids in as we started down all the steps, surrounded by the large Italian tour group.  (Tours are offered in Italian or English/German.)  But the tour groups separated once we got going and the kids liked it.  At least Mac really did.  I think Henry would have been more impressed if we didn’t opt for the 6:00 pm tour.

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ZooSafari – Your 22 euro (free for kids under 4!) buys you hours of entertainment with animals. You can drive through lions, tigers, and bears (oh, my) with the windows up and then try to pet giraffes, camels, and goats.  For the fierce animals, you have to drive through double gates.  You know, to get into the animal paddocks.  I definitely did not feel like I should be watching behind me for velociraptors all the time.  Haha, what could possibly go wrong?

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Faces of awe

The car did not feel like sufficient protection at times. We were all, are they really letting us do this??

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Sup

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After your drive, there are more sights to see inside the park.  This is included in your admission (although I think we paid a few euros for parking) so definitely don’t skimp on adventure.  (There is also an amusement park, but rides cost extra.)  For example, we rode this sturdy, self-driving contraption over monkeys and other critters.  (Seriously, this is like the Jurassic Park of animals.)  We also rode a caged vehicle straight into a monkey enclosure, which was guarded by dudes with guns, where the monkeys jumped all over the cage.  (Clever girl(s).)

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This park was great for the kids, but I think James and I would have enjoyed it on our own.  Let’s just say you don’t see too many zoos like this back home.  (Unless your back home is very different from my back home, in which case please leave suggestions for your awesome zoo.)

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Even more animals on the facebook.

 

We packed as much as we could into our five-day visit, but we had to leave a lot out as well.  We didn’t make it to white-walled Ostuni or Baroque Lecce, known as “the Florence of the South.”  Even though there are about a million and one other things we want to see while we’re here, we just may make it back to Puglia.

What to wear to Rome this summer: 3 winning combos to beat the heat and get you into churches

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Summer

Pants, Tank, Scarf

OK, remember how I said that Romans are still bundled up in spring?  Forget everything I said.  Starting around May 1, everyone in Rome decided to acknowledge that temps are in the 80s and switched wardrobes, seemingly overnight.  I see legs!  Arms!  Sometimes much more.  The outfits are definitely interesting.  I’ll have to try to capture some street style for you.

I’m glad for the switch.  It has been over 90 the past few days, and it is only May.  I’m a little leery of this summer.  Because we arrived at the end of August, we did not get the full Roman summer experience.

All of this to be said, if you are coming to Rome in the summer, as many tourists do, expect to sweat.  It can be pleasant in the shade with a breeze, but prolonged exposure in the direct sunlight is brutal.

Unfortunately, you can’t just pull out your easy summer dresses and call it day.  Because CHURCHES.  Many churches, most notably St. Peter’s, have a knees and shoulders must be covered dress code.  Some churches don’t have it.  Some churches don’t enforce it.  But you don’t want to wait in line for an hour only to be turned away.

Here are three combos that will keep you comfortable in the sun and get you in wherever you want to go.  These outfits also pass the Rome-test.  I’ve seen versions of all of these on locals.  Stick with these, and you won’t have to worry about sticking out as a tourist.

Option 1:  Easy top + Lightweight Crazy Pants + Breezy Scarf

This outfit is my go to, and I’m not even worried about church access 99% of the time.  It is just SO comfortable.  The fun pants make me feel like I tried, but it feels like I’m walking around in my pajamas.

Not only do they feel like an actual outfit, but they are high on function.  Want to climb on a bike in Borghese?  No problem.  Snagging a Vespa pic?  No awkward shifting needed.  Forgot to shave your legs because you have ALL the sightseeing to do?  No sweat.

In theory, the pants could also provide some protection from the punishing Mediterranean sun and those annoying mosquitoes that won’t take a hint.

Also, I think crazy pants also look good with most jackets.  Denim, leather, military, you name it.  Many cardigans would work as well.  Just in case you need a little more warmth at night when your trusty scarf isn’t cutting it.

Speaking of scarves, if you go for a tank option, the scarf is key.  As you approach the church, drape it around, and bare shoulders no more!  After many years of not knowing what to do with scarves, I am now fully obsessed.  Besides being a go to nursing cover, they are like washable necklaces!  Perfect for #kidlife.  Also, if you pack fewer clothes, they can help you spice up your wardrobe.  If I don’t wear different shirts in my normal life, you’d better believe I’m taking a minimalist approach to vacation packing.  Seriously, though, who cares what thousands of strangers you’ll never see again think?

Rome is a great place to stock up on scarves, as well.  I see them all over the streets for about three euro.  Functional souvenir?  Now you’re speaking my language.

When selecting your pants, go for a lightweight, breathable fabric.  Pass on the polyester.  I also steer clear of linen, but that is just because I don’t iron anything ever.

For style, I prefer the tapered leg, but you have about a bazillion options.  Wide leg, harem, palazzo, gaucho, you name it.

If you don’t like colorful patterns, you can get the same comfiness with a solid pant.  BUT if you ever felt like getting a little crazy in the pants department (name of Amy’s sex tape), this is a good town to try it.  Seriously, I’ve seen drop-crotch harem paisley pants walking down the street.  Just own it, and you can pants however you like.  Yeah.

Old Navy has TONS of crazy pant options. A cheap way to test drive the style.

A wider leg option. Forever21 also has tons of pants. Another cheap way to dip your toe into the crazy pants waters.

Uh. Well, then.  I would really like to see a conversation at the Vatican about these.

Ooo, I want these. I love that joggers are having a moment. What are things I NEVER thought I’d say even two years ago.

Option 2:  Maxi Dress or Skirt + Scarf

I don’t really do the maxi because, while I have many blessings, the gift of height is not one of them.  Also, I’ve gotten so lazy that I can’t handle any dress that requires a special bra.  So many of the cute dresses have spaghetti straps or some such tomfoolery.

But if you are into the maxi, this would be a great option for Rome.  I’d look for one with side slits, possibly two for movement and breeziness.  And remember!  If you don’t have sleeves, don’t forget your scarf.

This one just looks so cool and breezy to me. Side slits FTW!

Side slits for breeze, and sleeves mean you don’t even need a scarf. I think this would be super cute with sporty sneaks. Sneakers and dresses are a thing now. The internet told me, and it never lies.

Breaking my regular-bra-only rule, but I’ve never met a stripe I didn’t like.

Option 3:  Breathable Leggings + Tunic or Blousy Top

This option is also not at the top of my list, but I promise I see locals rocking it on the reg.  On the one hand, there is high opportunity for crazy pants.  On the other hand, fabric suctioned to my body does not sound cool and breezy.  BUT, if you get athletic wear, those pants are supposed to breathe, right?

My other issue with blousy tops is that so many are sheer, which would make me reach for another layer, which sort of defeats the purpose.  But, again, this is Rome.  I have seen completely sheer shirts, lace shirts, crochet shirts, and shirts with holes cut to the waist; all worn with regular bras.  (I have also seen many women exercising in regular bras, but this is another topic for another day.)  Also, bum coverage should not be a concern.  Do it if you are more comfortable, but I promise you won’t stick out.

Pretty! I love a good shirt mullet.

Bad ass.

I could see a lightweight button-up being perfect on its own or as your extra layer.

When doing crazy pants, go big or go home, I always say.

Clicking the pics should take you to the products.  Nothing affiliated; these are just things that caught my eye.  Old Navy and Nordstrom are both having sales.  (Although isn’t Old Navy always having a sale?)

So there you have it.  My formula:  easy top + crazy pants (or skirt) + scarf.  Everything you need for your upcoming trip to Rome.

But Melissa!  What about shoes???  You’ve forgotten the most important part!

I agree.  Shoes can make or break your travel day.  That’s why I’ll cover shoes soon in their own post.  [UPDATE: Shoes HERE.]  (And maybe dude style if I’m feeling ambitious.)  Till then, may the crazy pants be with you!

Have you embraced the crazy pants?  What’s your usual warm weather travel wardrobe?

The devolution of pacifier usage on a trip

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Remember how I told you guys we went to Puglia for Easter?  No?  I haven’t covered that trip here?  Yeesh.  I’ll get on that.  Next blog project:  Puglia!

Anyways, have I told you how much Henry loves his pacifier?  Or his chupito, as we call it, a holdover from Spanish language daycare in DC.  He is OBSESSED.  In his earlier days, we tried to get him to accept a comfort item.  You know what his comfort items are?  MORE CHUPITOS.  We’ve got him down to one chupito that lives in the crib.  He knows that it is only for sleeping or at least he must be in the crib to access it.  (Which sometimes results in his taking “naps” where he just sits in the crib with his chupito.  I try not to take it personally.)

The plan is to attempt cold turkey at age three if he hasn’t already kicked the habit.  This does not sound like fun to me, but hey, that’s future Melissa’s problem.  Let her figure it out.  (If we fail, however, I see 7-year-olds walking around with pacifiers here.  At least he won’t be a social outcast.)

This works out 99% of the time.  But on trips, such as our five days in Puglia . . . . Let’s just say that the rules get chucked out the window.  It usually goes something like this.

5.19_pacifier

Day 1:  “No, sweetie.  You can’t have your chup.  Chup is only for sleeping.”

Day 2:  “Well, I guess you can have it in the car.  You might take a cat nap, right?”

Day 3:  “No, the food isn’t here yet.  No, you can’t run around.  Please stop screaming.  Hey, would you like your chupito?”

Day 4:  “Can you walk just a little bit more?  Uh, what if I give you your chupito?”

Day 5:  “Whatever.  I don’t care anymore.  Just take it.”

We are susceptible on trips because he knows we have it.  Tricksy Henries.  I’ve left it home for day trips, and he doesn’t believe that we don’t have it.  “Mommy, it’s in your pocket.”  “Daddy, has it.”  NOPE.  Sorry, kiddo.  Search me.  (He does.)

I do admit to enjoying seeing a little more of baby Henry when he has it.  I’m also scared of him dropping his nap when it goes away.  But it must be done.  He is fairly OK with his baby brother having the chup at times that he can’t.  And when they both have them, such as reading a bedtime story, they play chupito steal where they try to snatch the pacifiers out of each others mouths.  It is both adorable and annoying.

Enjoy it while you can, my precious

Enjoy it while you can, my precious

So that’s where we are.  For sleep ONLY.  Or at least until our next trip.

Did you chuck the chup?  Any tips?