The month of November started with a chocolate festival in Bologna. Some of the best chocolate makers in Italy crowded into Piazza Maggiore to show off their goods. We indulged in rich hot chocolate with 'panna' (whipped cream), fondue, truffles, and more! Here's just a sample:
The next day, still on a sugar-high, I boarded the frecciarossa speed train to Rome. Now, one day in Rome is not nearly enough; but I did get to see the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, Piazza Navona, and the Trevi Fountain. Sadly, my camera battery died soon after the Colosseum, (I blame this on my sugar-high), so I'm definitely going to have to return to Rome.
I also visited Verona, which I highly recommend to anyone travelling to Italy. Verona is such a cute little town, and much cleaner than Bologna. My friend Staci and I wandered through the German Christmas market while sipping mulled wine to keep warm. We also saw a gorgeous sunset over the river:
Last Sunday I went on a school art trip to Firenze. We visited the Uffizi art gallery and saw many works by Michelangelo, Caravaggio, and Botticelli. We also saw the David, which I must admit, was quite impressive. Here's the replica of David in Piazza della Signoria (I was not brave enough to sneak past the guards to take a photograph of the real one!)
Last night, David was actually home for dinner to eat with me, which never happens. I was so excited that I ran out and bought fresh pumpkin tortellini from a local bakery. I've had pumpkin tortellini several different ways in Italy- with butter and sage, with ragu, or with gorgonzola. I asked the girl at the counter which way she recommended serving it. She said the best way is simply with olive oil, salt, and pepper. And you know what? She was right. Simply the best!
