Rome, Italy

Friday, October 14 - Saturday, October 15

I had three reasons to fly to Rome: the flight to Mumbai takes less time from Rome than from Vienna, my two friends were also traveling there, and I wanted to eat good food before having a curry-thon in India.

I met up with my friends at a restaurant by my hostel. It took us awhile to find it because my friend is directionally challenged. Good thing he has great taste buds!

We shared delicious dishes of veal and roasted potatoes,

lamb and tomato sauce,

pesto tripe linguine,

eggplant with ricotta,

anchovies and endives,

and some lemon custard.

The next morning we walked around the city. This time I took the map and guided us.

The Trevi Fountain.

Party in my mouth pistachio gelato from Di San Crispino. I read about it in a NY Times article.

The Pantheon.

I parted ways with my friends at Piazza Navona and walked towards the metro station so I could get ready to fly to Mumbai.

I tried to take the line by the Spanish Steps but it was closed. I waited for the replacement bus but it never came. The cabs refused to take me to my hostel because the street was closed for some event. I speed walked to the next station and it was closed too. Then I started panicking.

I spent an hour trying to navigate the map and streets to get back to my hostel. Crowds of people were marching in protest of something. By the time I got back to pick up my bag, I was a sweaty mess, but at least I made it to the airport on time.