Sunday, October 16, 2011

Run 4 Food

October 16, 2011

Today I had the opportunity to participate in the Run For Food, which is sponsored by the United Nations Agencies for Food and Agriculture. As part of the day, I was able to meet with the US Ambassador to the UNAFA, Ertharin Cousin. She is a fellow Chicagoan and has close ties with President Obama. She had people over to her house following the race for an American themed BBQ that was delicious. Being able to eat brats, hamburgers and actual potato chips was a great change of pace from pasta and pizza. We were able to take pictures with Miguel Diaz who is US Ambassador to the Vatican. Carl Lewis was also at the race to hand out trophies so overall, it was a day of important people and delicious food on a beautiful fall day in Rome.

Wednesday, October 5, 2011

Napoli

October 5, 2011

This past weekend was spent in Naples, which is in southern Italy. The city is exceptionally dirty and is known for pick-pockets but I had a good time nonetheless and made it back to Rome with my wallet. Naples is best known for its pizza which is definitely as good as advertised. I hated to admit it was better than Chicago, but everyone owes it himself to go to Naples for some pizza at some point. The next day we woke up bright and early to take a ferry to the island of Capri. It is definitely one of the most beautiful places on the planet and swimming in the ocean on October 1 was a treat for this Chicagoan. Staying at a hostel we met people from all over the world, mostly Germany, France, Australia, and the UK. I even had a long chat with a local Neapolitan who was wearing a White Sox jersey and loved American sports. Again, I gave in and had a Big Mac right before we took a train back home.
Celebrating my 22nd birthday in Rome was definitely a treat. Some old friends and a lot of new friends went out of their way to make it a special day for me with cards, cakes and candy and it is definitely a birthday I will never forget. Rome still has shorts and flip flops weather so all is good in Italia.