Subject: local
We've been snacking on Calabrian food we bought home with us from our friends that run SaporeVero. (By the way, get your store online please, we need a lifetime supply of sundried tomatoes. Seriously, these are life changing and I hate tomatoes.) We meant to post this food roundup while we were in Italy, but we were too busy eating. Check out some Calabrian specialities below.
Roma nel Piatto
Editors:
Simone Cargiani and Fernanda D'Arienzo
Price:
12€
Where to Buy:
At bookstores and newsstands in Rome or online.
Don't you wish you had a friend in Rome? One who could give you the scoop on where the locals go for an outstanding meal or where to grab the best pizza? Well look no further, Roma nel Piatto will break you off the path of the guidebook drones and get you into where the locals are eating.
I've been looking at lots of hotels, apartments and B&Bs lately. And, I've started to think about the process I use to choose where it is I want to stay. When booking accommodation, it's so easy to become overwhelmed with the endless array of options, not the least of which is cost. Unlike choosing where you want to live, a hotel stay can be over and done with before you know it. Some may say that it doesn't make much of a difference then, but I'd argue the contrary. If you've only got a few days to spend in a place, you want it to be perfect for YOU. Don't let yourself get overwhelmed by details like amenities, cost, or exact location, even. Get off those booking sites and take a step back and start researching neighborhoods. Just like choosing your first apartment, you want to make sure you choose the right 'hood for your needs.
Think about how you visit cities for a moment. You might find yourself drawn towards the big attractions: the monuments, the museums, what you're "supposed to see." Rinse, wash, repeat. The world becomes a homogeneous place filled with McDonalds, Starbucks, and the Gap. But what about the parts that aren't in the guidebooks, that doesn't get the attention it deserves? On your next trip, take a moment, or heck, take a whole day, and get to know the heart and soul of a neighborhood through its own eyes.
Have you ever tried to picture the ideal guide? I've always preferred someone friendly, down to earth, well-spoken, and knowledgeable. Dan McCoig of Dan Traveling, is all that, plus he tops it off by throwing in a soft, familiar (for me at least) southern accent. Every week, Dan shows you around Appalachia through his videos and photos of his trips around Virginia, North & South Carolina, Tennessee, and West Virginia.
Our question today for Francesco....why is it that Italians never seem to get in an orderly line, say like the British or Americans do? When I'm in Italy I never know what to do, and feel intimidated to tell someone, hey, I was here first. Can you give me some insight and some advice on how to survive waiting my turn around a bunch of Italians?
There are certain times of the year when you just don't want to be somewhere. Take Washington, DC, for instance, where most tourists visit in the summer when it's hot, sticky and downright miserable. But, a smart tourist knows to go in the shoulder seasons when the temperatures are more pleasant and you can see such natural beauties, such as the annual Cherry Blossom Festival on the Tidal Basin in April.
Timing is everything when it comes to travel, and knowing what to expect and when to expect it is a crucial step in planning a successful trip. Click below to see my tips on planning when to go somewhere.
Our question today for Francesco....What do you do for fun on the weekends? What do you do on a typical Friday night?
Our question today for Francesco....I've heard that Padova has one of the best open air markets in Italy. How often do you shop there? What do you buy? Guidebooks like to portray Italians as shopping for fresh food at the market every day, but is this reality? What are your suggestions for a tourist who wants to try shopping at a real Italian market?
There comes a point in almost everyone's life where they get to play tour guide. Whether it's for friends, family, or even the occasional couchsurfer, being a good guide for where you live is a difficult art to perfect. You've got to mix your city's culture, food, and personality with your visitors' own tastes; ending up with a unique recipe for adventure. But what ingredients should you pick?
Your first instincts may be to hit up all the standard tourist attractions. After all, isn't that what they're there for? But, to concoct a truly tasty trip, you'll need to be more selective in your picks. Follow along for a few ideas to keep your guests coming back for more.
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