Caves, Hikes, and Horses

Last week I went on a trip with my school. We got to go into aqueducts, caves, and we even got to ride some horses. I had so much fun! Here are a few pictures of y trip. 

This picture was taken at the aqueducts. We hadn't gone into the tunnels yet and the scenery was really whimsical. I don't know. To me, this picture looks like it's from some sic-fi movie. This spot would be great for a Doctor Who episode. 

We found bats! They were sleeping so we got to get very close. I didn't take a picture, but we also saw a pair of cuddling bats with their wings around each other. Awwwww....

 This is some very old graffiti. These people had horrible handwriting. If you are going to graffiti and make your mark, make it legible! 

 This fresh water spring was right around Horace's Villa. Great water. 

I took this when we were on a long walk. I loved the scenery and this town was lovely. 

Horses! They were very friendly and I tried to pet each and every one. There were also some foals.

This is a wolf that lived at our hotel. She was very sweet and loved getting pet. 

She was also massive. She was almost as tall as me when she stood up on her paws.

This is the sign for the cave we explored. 

The cave cakes! The stalactites were forming here. Slowly but surely. 

Freedom! We made it to the exit! 

The trip was super fun and I wish our school did these trips every weekend! 

I can dream :) 

Caution: This is a post about gelato...keep ice cream nearby

I have been eating a lot of gelato lately. Once a day, twice a day, I eat a gelato. Everyday I try to pick a new flavor. 

I only have a few months, so a gelato a day (or more) is necessary.

My favorites so far have been hazelnut, white rice, pistachio, green tea, and coffee. 

Such pretty colors! This shop is by the Pantheon. So many flavors to choose from!

What should I choose?!

This is a Ferrero chocolate flavor with straciatella (chocolate flakes and vanilla) 

The cookie at the top comes with the ice cream. 

I love gelato here because it comes as a full package. You have your 2-3 different flavors, your mini cookie/wafer topper, and whipped cream. Yum!

An umbrella and a glittery firework-pick. It doesn't get much better than that.

The decorations are also great souvenirs. 

Hmm...pistachio and hazelnut ("nocciola" in Italian)

This was my Mom's cone. The light orange flavor was super spicy - it was Crema di Habanero. It was an explosion of hotness! I think habanero is one of the hottest peppers out there. For the brave! 

The deep orange tasted like an actual pepper. Weird! 

Anyhoo, I hope I leave you with one message: Try different flavors! I stuck with hazelnut for awhile, but now I'm glad that I am branching out. You might not like all of flavors, but you are guaranteed to find some delicious ones.

Via Appia Antica and Food

Today I went to Via Appia Antica. This street is "closed" on Sunday to traffic. There are still speeding cars, but not as many as there would be on weekdays or Saturday. Along the road there are catacombs, tombs, and churches. I biked on it a few weeks ago, yet I decided to walk today because Roman roads are bumpy. I'm excited to go again someday soon. 

                       A Gate to Rome

We bought some chestnuts. 

This is the inside of Cecilia Metella's tomb. Little is known about her other than the fact that both her father and husband were wealthy. 

This is the outside of her tomb.

I love these flowers! They're like a mini bouquet. 

This guy was playing his accordion on the subway! I've never seen that before. 

Ohhhh... So good. I only wish the pizza would be served in slices. Instead, I have a workout before munching on a piece. 

I've gotten some funky flavors lately. Today I had a rice and honey scoop with sesame nero. Very interesting. Sesame nero is kind of nutty and just weird. 

Verona

Last weekend I went to Verona. Home to Romeo and Juliet, beautiful churches, and an awesome arena. We took a speed train on Friday so that we spend all of Saturday exploring. 

It rained, but it was really fun!

I love the brightly painted buildings. They made a cloudy day much brighter.

Juliette's House: It's possible that Juliet existed in reality and lived in this very house. 

Letters to Juliette. 

Me and Juliette. Legend has it that if you hold her breast, you will find luck in love. 

"O Romeo, Romeo wherefore art thou Romeo? 

I only see tourists about my courtyard." 

I took an elevator ride to the top of this tower. It was foggy, but really fun to see the city below. 

Poor guy. He's been nicknamed the Hunchback. 

The water fountain at the Castelvecchio museum.

Selfie!

I loved this painting of a little girl showing off her doodle. 

These delicious treats were at the market on a bridge by Castelvecchio. I got a delicious fudge. 

The Arena in Verona is used as an auditorium. On Sunday there was a marathon that ended inside the Arena.

This in part of the ancient Roman theatre. It had to be completely excavated. The church had been built on top of the theatre, yet they decided to leave it.

Verona was really fun and I'm so happy I got to see it even though it did rain a lot. 

Street Performers

Street performers are everywhere in Rome! Some better than others. Here's a look at the best!

Check this guy out! 

This guy was a clown. He was really funny and involved the audience. This was the grand finale when he juggled fire batons on a unicycle. 

"Off with their heads!"- Queen of Hearts 

More levitation! 

I love street performers because they put themselves out there in interesting ways. How do you think the levitators do their thing?

I think there's some contraption up the arm that lets the guy sit in what looks like mid-air.