7/31/2023: Birthday in Rome

Today’s the day! A birthday in Rome!

We slept in but not too late. J grabbed a rare large iced latte for the birthday girl and after some puttsin’ around we set off to explore the city. First stop: Giardino degli Aranci.

The Orange Garden was not originally on our todo list, but the prior night our waiter was an infatuated romantic and said we have to go! “The best place in Rome!” Last time we had heard a similar phrase, it was from a waiter in Paris exclaiming we had to go to Montmartre. It didn’t disappoint.

Giardino degli Aranci was a small and low key orchard with beautiful 180+ degree views of Rome. On another day we might’ve stayed for awhile and read our books, but today had we had more to see.

Next up, the Colosseum. Thinking we would find at least one place to eat or grab a drink, we opted to walk. 25 minutes later we were shit out of luck, or were we?

We walked right past the Colosseum to the neighborhood behind in search of a refresher. and found the-best raspberry Moscow mules. PSA definitely get one if you have the chance.

With a couple birthday drinks and some food in our stomachs we walked around the Colosseum and took some amazing pictures. The grounds around the Colosseum were under some construction which gave it a bit of a weird vibe. But the structure itself was truly magnificent. Also, we encountered the best street vendors we’ve seen so far. These guys were in your face obnoxious and so dang funny. On our way back to the room we made a pit stop at The Forum in search of some cats.

After a quick freshening up we headed to Nativa for a fully vegan fancy birthday dinner. The ambiance was chic and the restaurant owner personally welcome us. Our meal included plant-based salmon sushi appetizer, fungi tortelli Alfredo, traditional spaghetti (with anchovies-like sauce) and three desserts. We feasted with peanut butter cheese cake, peach gelato, and tiramisu mousse. Hats off to the chef.

~ J