Sunday Sandwiches

As you may remember from Italy, Chloe and I had the tradition of waking up late on Sundays and going out to get sandwiches. We missed it and realized that we didn't need to stop our tradition just because we left Italy! There is a block in the West Village nicknamed sandwich alley that offers a bunch of new places for us to try, and it also gives us the chance to explore our new neighborhood. First up - Murray's Cheese Shop. A cute, slightly expensive, specialty store (there are display cases packed with meats and cheeses). I ordered the Dude - short ribs, onion jam, horseradish mayo and comte. Yum! It was a deceptive amount of food, but left me full for hours. It was a great way to start Superbowl Sunday. I went to an apartment in Harlem to watch it with some pizza and beer. I was rooting for the Ravens, so needless to say I was happy with the outcome!

Buon Natale!

It seems almost overnight that Florence has turned into a winter wonderland. The streets are lined with lights, there is a tree in front of the duomo and men selling roasted chestnuts on every street corner. I thought I was going to miss Christmas time in New York, but Italy is just as good! Tonight is my last night in Florence, and parting with this beautiful city is bittersweet. On the one hand I get to go home to my loved ones, but I really will miss all the magic of Florence. I know I'll be back sooner or later!

Eating my way through Florence

With the time winding down, I've just been chowing down. The food speaks for itself:

1 & 2. Turkey, brie, spicy sauce and roast onions, Antico Noe

3. Stuffed chicken, mozzarella, rose sauce, Antico Noe

4. Cappuccino and chocolate croissant Il Magnifico

5. Pizza with anchovies and capers, Gusta Pizza

6. Cranberry and brie grilled cheese, Homemade

7. Nachos, Ristorante Messicano Tijuana

8. Chicken and spicy sausage quesadillas, Ristorante Messicano Tijuana

9, 10, 11. Dough rolled in cinnamon sugar, Santa Croce Christmas Markets

12. Truffle gnocchi, Osteria Santo Spirito

13. Mac & Cheese with peas and bacon, Homemade

To Rome with love

I feel like I can't update fast enough! I went to Rome on Friday and Saturday with my class. My teacher is utterly brilliant and it was a complete joy to have him lead us around the city. Our first stop was the colosseum which did not disappoint! It was everything I had hoped it would be! We also visited the Arch of Constantine, the Basilica of Maxentius, the Roman Forum, the Vittorio Emanuele III Monument, the Risorgimento museum and the Pantheon on Friday. My friend Joe and I started playing a game called 'I spy antiquity,' which was way too easy in Rome! It was a lot of information, but so educational! By the end of it I was completely exhausted. More pictures to come!