January 20, 2024

Today is our 5th day in Rome. We've walked the streets of Trastevere to the point where it almost feels like home. We've crossed the bridge (Ponte Sisto, one of several over the Tiber) to see sites and monuments on a whim that people spend their whole lives dreaming about. We intend to see more, but most things are done best with "skip the line" tours, which we haven't booked yet. So, for today, we will find a new neighborhood to walk: Testaccio. But first, we must "mangiare." And what better place than a well-known pizza establishment in the neighborhood called "Dar Poeta."

We've been wanting to give this place a try, but as most places around here, it has been on holiday for the last few weeks. So we seized the moment, and secured one of the first tables on their first day back. Luckily for us, it was just a small walk and a left turn away. It did not disappoint.

We ordered a bruschetta with ricotta and pesto, a traditional supplí, and a Neapolitan style pizza with tomato, fresh mozzarella, and basil. The bruschetta and pesto were absolutely delightful; the star of the show. The supplí tasted similar to others around, but was not a disappointment. The pizza was good, however, I think I'll stick to ordering Neapolitan pizzas from Napoli. Soon come!

After lunch, we started our journey toward Testaccio. What is this "other" neighborhood that is supposed to have wonderful spaces and restaurants that rival those of Trastevere? We were about to find out.

Walking down the river Tiber is always a thrill. You can't avoid it. In order to get around Rome, you must marvel at its effluence and ancient shores and ponder all the history it has seen. The Tiber has a few years on us. The levels are currently low, and the water has an interesting green hue, but it feels powerful and ancient, nonetheless.

We crossed over and ran right into Via Amerigo Vespucci; surprisingly, or not, there was nothing interesting down that street. Nary a cafe in site. So we continued our amble, and came across a local scene of a park with families and children playing among confetti making one think it was the end of a fun birthday celebration. It appears the festivities are not contained to Alabama.

We, of course, came across a local bar/eatery L'Oasi della Birra (the Beer Oasis), which is a misleading name as the interior is filled floor to ceiling with Italian wines, cheeses, chocolates, and more. We had a sip and a snack, eaves dropping on locals (trying to understand), while they celebrated with bouquets of flowers.

It was time to move on. As we walked, the sun began to set and the "chill" moved in. We passed a place where we noticed many locals having a cafe, which is a very small espresso, and spotted our favorite chips: Piu Gusto Pomodoro! So we obviously stopped in for a bag. Let me tell you, they tasted just like we remembered, from 5 1/2 years ago. Yum!

Heading back north along the Tiber, we knew we had to eat something quality, something local, something delicious. We lucked out. We walked right in to Mimi e Coco. "Un tavolo per due, per favore!" We had a patient, kind server who was willing to let us try our Italian. We dined on caprese di mozzarella bufala, lasagna (yes, again), and meatballs with roasted potatoes. "Tutto bene!" And FINALLY, we finished up with a delicious tiramisu.

After this, as one can imagine, we are done. So full of food, tired from walking, and ready to see what tomorrow holds.

Buonasera amici e famiglia!