When I first started my blog, I had big dreams but wasn't sure how it would all turn out. As you might know from the About section, my goal is to share stories about Grand Bahama, the islands of The Bahamas, and the world. After revisiting my old stomping grounds in Abaco, I'm thrilled to say that I'm embarking on a new adventure—this time, with family!
First Stop: Italy! 🇮🇹
Previously, the farthest I'd traveled was London, which felt like a long journey. But this trip to Italy took it to another level! With a 2-hour 30-minute flight to Philadelphia and then a 9-hour flight to Rome, I found myself stretching my legs often. Thankfully, there were plenty of good movies to watch in between naps. Upon arrival, the heat was intense, but being from The Bahamas, we were ready for it. With our passports stamped and bags in tow, we were off to explore!
Driving into the city, I initially thought Rome reminded me of London. But as we ventured deeper into the city, everything changed. The moment we arrived at our apartment, I was captivated. The view was stunning, the cobblestone streets led to beautifully detailed buildings, and the architecture was everything I had imagined and more. Even the water tasted different—fresh and pure, often served straight from the tap or from Rome's beautiful fountains.
The history and the monuments were so vast that we weren’t able to see all and due to the Jubilee being next year, a lot of them are under renovations. Nonetheless, it was really nice to see the few that we did. Definitely will have to see them once the renovations are complete. We were able to see some beautiful monuments and the infamous Colosseum!
As a proud Bahamian, I have to say my soul felt right at home in Italy because of my love for pizza, pasta, and croissants. So naturally, I indulged in all three! 🍕🍝🥐 The flavors were beyond what I expected.
Brunch Bliss: Barnum
My favorite spot of all was Barnum, a breakfast and brunch haven. Although I initially wanted pancakes, they were out, so I opted for the ham and cheese omelette with roasted bok choy and toast. I also tried their croissant and a fresh juice blend of orange, carrot, ginger, and turmeric. Oh my, everything was divine! The croissant was heavenly, and the omelette was seasoned to perfection.
Pizza Delight: Pizza & Sandwich Da Pasquale
This family-owned spot, run by a father and two sons, became our go-to for pizza. They had an unbeatable deal: one pizza and a drink for €8, which is about $8.75. I had the All Meat pizza with lemon soda, and it was absolutely delizioso! It wasn't far from Vatican City, so after our meal, we took a stroll to this iconic site and were left in awe—no words can describe the experience.
Pasta Perfection: La Fraschetta
At La Fraschetta, we were intrigued by the paper bags on the tables, which turned out to be bread. The pasta was incredible—al dente and full of flavor. I ordered the Amatriciana, a delicious dish with pasta, tomato sauce, crispy pork, and sheep cheese. The fresh ingredients made all the difference.
Decadent Desserts
How can I forget the decadence of dessert? When in Rome... well, you know the rest, and that’s exactly what we did. I was able to try, for the first time, a few of their acclaimed favorites. First up, tiramisu! I was super excited to try this, but it was not my favorite. The taste was nice, but the texture was not; still, I'm definitely happy to have tried it. Up next, crème brûlée! I’ve seen the technique of cracking the caramelized top before diving in and was thrilled to try it myself. This was more enjoyable, as the texture was smoother. My all-time favorite had to be the gelato! It was so good, I had to have it twice! I’m a plainy (vanilla is my favorite ice cream), so of course, my first was vanilla, but the second time, I became adventurous and had mango. Both tasted freshly made and were so rich with flavor—I thoroughly enjoyed them!
Life Lesson from Rome: Slow Down and Savor
One thing I learned from Rome is the importance of slowing down. Instead of rushing through meals, take the time to sit down and enjoy them.
What’s your favorite Italian dish? Have you visited Italy or is it on your bucket list? Stay tuned to find out where we're headed next!
Hi, this piece brings world-class to life with your words and adding photos with the right blend of colors. The photos allow one to see how you many have seen it many years ago. You help those who have never traveled feel like they are. Continue to rise above it all. I love it