Bucket List, August 2017

 Hey guys, so this week we’re going to start with a monthly topic I’m excited to share with you. It has always seemed odd to me that we talk about adding things to our bucket list but forget much of the things we add to that list. Well this is my answer to that issue. At the start of each month I am going talk about a place or activity that I feel we all should add to our bucket lists! Some of the things I have taken part in and I’ll give you my perspective on why it became a bucket list item. Of course, there will be things, places, activities, etc. that I haven’t done and I would love to hear what’s on your list as well, feel free to comment and share your thoughts! Alright lets go!

Italy

I gotta start with Italy because I was there a year ago and to this day I constantly find myself reminiscing about the days drinking with the Romans or lying on the sand on what is by far one of the most beautiful beaches I have seen. I spent two weeks in Rome and here are the reasons why it is an absolute must on the bucket list:

Watching the Italian way of life is to be inspired and motivated with your own. Being fortunate enough to stay within local neighborhoods I quickly found myself realizing a few distinctive things. Firstly, Romans are ALWAYS talking to each other, not texting I do mean talking! Whether it be via phone while riding the metro, or on a stroll down ancient streets. Bringing me to my second point, they walk all over, and considering the serious lack of gyms, explains how they are all so in shape! Finally, bedtime will always be abandoned for a hang out with others. It was amazing to just watch how these people live which made me become more outgoing and more social. Ultimately, witnessing this has conjured a positive trait embedded in my life. On top of this, the architecture and towns will leave you awe struck to think that this was made so long ago while retaining such amazing integrity. How could people so long ago plan and construct such amazing palaces and statues with not even a power drill to help get it done!? I would recommend going on a tour using a company called Walks of Italy. Again, this struck me as a definite motivator. The next thing you need to do is take a bus ride down south and visit any of the coast line starting in Naples down to and past Amalfi Coast! I spent a night in Amalfi and another on a small island, Capri. It truly shows the viewer a perfect combination of lavish nature surrounded by some of the most amazing beaches around!!

 

Another point about Italy will, of course, have to be the food! I will start by saying that this is done a little different than in the USA. To start off the day I noticed that Italians will get a particularly small breakfast.  Normally it will consist of a small pastry and a cappuccino; please do not order a latte at the coffee shop because that is milk in Italian and they will look at you in a way only Italians can. Get a cappuccino, I promise you’re not going to regret it. The doughnuts are similarly awesome because there isn’t much of a glaze but there are definitely some tasty toppings to add a kick to the pastries. As far as lunch, do yourself a favor, find something small that will hold you over, most places will actually close down for a few hours in the middle of the day to prepare for the most important meal of the day, and a booming social event, dinner!

Dinner time is by far one of the most unique and entertaining experiences that I had while in Italy. Typically we saw that the restaurants opened around 7pm. Once there you had better saddle up and be prepared to spend a couple hours in your seat! I would recommend just asking for the house wine to start, it’s cheap, it’s delicious, and it’ll get your hunger going for the first few appetizers, typically I just picked an item from the ‘aperitivo’ section while ordering the house wine. This gave me time to contemplate what food I wanted in the ‘anti-pasta’ section. Anti-pasta is literally just a somewhat heavy second appetizer; don’t ask me what to get it is all good and I took great joy out of ordering by just pointing without looking and requesting the item at the tip of my finger. The real food comes next with the ‘primo’ and ‘secondo’ dishes. This was my favorite part because the former consists of some variation of amazing pasta and gnocchi, the later had meats and I mean sausages, veal, lamb, so much good stuff! Now if you’re starting to feel full well so was I but here is where the fun starts because while cracking away at the main course you can take breaks and socialize with your compatriots and those around you sharing the experience. Drink more wine, and hang out for an hour while space is made in the stomach. In and around the primo and secondo comes a few side dishes and salads that can be eaten at your leisure but I have to say coffee and dessert is an absolute must! You made your way this far so just stick it out until the ‘digestivo’ post dessert beverage. Most people order a drink I am sure you’re familiar with, the Limoncello. However, do yourself a favor and order a grappa. I swear it helps with digestion as the name implies and it is also some strong but flavorful stuff! You’ll thank me! Once dinner is done everyone goes out and enjoy each other. If you follow the lake by the Castle of St. Angelo moving toward the Piazza del Popolo you’ll find yourself listening to amazing music stemming from what I can only describe as a massive party on boats docked along the water. Just GO! Once midnight comes around the streets seemed to begin emptying like clockwork so enjoy the nightlife while it last. As a final note, the metro closes early on Sundays so be sure to plan around that…you may find yourself taking a 4-mile walk home with your best friend because your phones are dead.

Here are some pictures I took, but just go! Hit up Rome, make the journey to the south, and have a great time, enjoy!!