Never a Boring Morning
I just had the best Roman morning. Just when I was thinking I’d had a boring week of studying and a quiet weekend with nothing to blog about, I had a great experience in my neighborhood as I went in search for breakfast. I was just going to go the usual pasticerria (pastry shop) one block over that I have gone to for breakfast on weekends a couple of times, when I realized I needed to find a bancomat (ATM) since I was down to 2 Euro in my change purse (although 2 Euro can often suffice for an Italian breakfast, I never like to be limited monetarily when pastry shopping!).
As I walked down Guido Reni to find a bank (I was two blocks away from my apartment), I noticed down a side street this little bakery that I had heard about called “Dolce Forno.” Based on someone’s description of its location, I didn’t think it was located this close to my house. I also noticed what looked like a bank down this same side street, so I headed that way and found a bancomat to get some cash.
Then, I went over to Dolce Forno to check it out. It has pizza, breads, and all sorts of delicious looking pastries! They also have bags of cookies, breads, and other treats, as well as a refrigerator of cakes. As soon as I stepped in, I knew I would become a regular in no time. It seemed like a popular place as it was packed with locals, and I had to take a number and wait to be served. When #53 was called, I ordered a crepe-like pastry with chocolate and ricotta in it, a couple of chocolate chip biscotti, and two other little round sandwich shortbread cookies (one w/ nutella and the other with orange in the center).
As I left the little dolci heaven I’d just discovered, I was facing the “Mercato” (market) building, which I had seen from the other side a couple of weekends, but had never gone in. From what I could tell from seeing it before, it looked like an open air market, but in a building, and I believe it’s only open on weekends. I had told myself before that I’d go in someday, and this morning I made the decision to make today the day. And am I ever glad I did!
I must have looked funny walking around in awe if anyone in the busy crowd even noticed. There were all sorts of stands, some with fresh fruits and vegetables, others with eggs and dairy products, one with wines, some with used books and movies, one with jewelry and cosmetics. A number of the shops against the walls were like mini grocery stores, with packaged items as well as display cases of some fresh stuff. At these places you waited in line, then ordered at the counter and the workers would get you everything you wanted off the shelves and bag it for you. Each stand was individually owned and so you paid at each one as you went along and bought stuff. There was even a little coffee bar with bins of little candies inside. There was also a cheese shop with meats, cheeses, and fresh homemade pasta that you can take home and cook (which I plan to do!). Then there was a shoe and bag repair guy sitting in one corner hammering a pair of shoes. There was so much to see and so much going on! It was busy but a lot of fun. I plan to go back to buy fresh food and cook dinner on weekends sometimes. My roommate’s excited about it as well because we both like to cook. This time I only bought a couple of things because I was mostly just taking it all in. But it was really exciting for me; I love things like this! I would much rather shop at this place than the supermercato for groceries. And this market is just a block from my apartment; I think I will definitely be returning every weekend I am here in Rome.
After being thoroughly filled with excitement from the indoor marketplace, I went back outside, where there were more vendors along the sidewalk, mostly selling clothing (all sorts of sweaters and jackets for winter), underwear, shoes, bags, DVDs and other items. I glanced at everything as I walked back towards my house. I then stopped in at a coffee bar three buildings down from my apartment for a cappuccino and pastry to eat at the bar. I got a delicious cappuccino, complete with two hearts drawn on top in chocolate syrup by the barista, paid the 1.60 Euro for the Italian breakfast (where in the US could you get your morning coffee and a pastry for $2??), and headed back to my apartment.
It’s little discoveries and experiences like these that make me glad I get out of bed and just walk around this beautiful city!
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