A Roman Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays -- and not just because of the pumpkin pie -- but because it is a time when family and friends always get together -- no matter where you are in the country or world, you find your way to those who make you feel like home.

So, I decided to attempt to make Thanksgiving here in Italy. Finding the ingredients was a bit of a challenge, but between tips from co-workers, the FAO/WFP commissaries, and the modification of a few dishes (no canned pumpkin anywhere!!!!) -- I was able to put together a great dinner for friends and it felt (and smelled) just like Thanksgiving. 

I have, however, never alone cooked this meal, nor have I, with my phobia of raw meat/poultry, prepared a turkey. But, I successfully ordered and picked up a giant turkey from the local Testaccio butcher who had left a few feathers on the turkey which made me confront my fears of the slimy raw bird to an even greater extent. With the help of youtube cooking tutorials and a carefully calculated oven schedule (I have one tiny oven, so dishes had to rotate), I managed to make a proper American Thanksgiving. 

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone in the US! 

A successfully cooked turkey!

Scootin' around Chianti

Yes, I dared to do it...I drove a scooter in Italy, and it was...amazing!!  I headed up to Firenze, a bit calmer than Rome at least where roads are concerned, with my friend Michael. We walked up to the scooter rental place, both feeling a bit nervous, especially after the rental guy had repeatedly told us how important it was to have scooter riding experience. And yes. We had none.

But we decided to proceed and exaggerate our scooter riding experience, got the motorini and headed off, map in hand, to explore Tuscany on two wheels. At first, it was a bit scary, but it felt just like riding a bike.  We were just going a bit faster than on a bike...as Michael reminded me ;-)

Once we braved our way out of Firenze, we headed to Chianti country where we drove through vineyards, olive groves, up to deserted castles and on dirt roads covered with fall leaves. It was truly truly incredible and one of the most amazing experiences that I have had this year!

Of course, we drank Chianti wine, which our waiter informed us was made from grapes grown in  the field next to the restaurant! 

We finished our day with some hot chocolate and shopping in Florence :-)

Because Paris is always a good idea...

Yes, Paris...again, with Ryan!!  It was amazing to meet up with Ryan in Paris and almost a bit surreal. He and I had been to Paris in October 2009, right after I had taken the CA Bar. It was amazing to think of where the last two years have taken both of us...and somehow...we met back again in beautiful Paris.  We charged up our Velib membership and headed out to conquer the city by bike. There is nothing. nothing. more fantastic than Paris by bike. It was truly breathtaking.

The only down side was that all of Europe had also decided that Paris is always a good idea, and so it was insanely packed! But we were able to brave the crowds and eat falafel and bike around.  Ariane even invited us over for a traditional French dinner at her apartment.

We stayed in Montmartre, such a nice neighborhood!

Falafel!! 

We went to the Pere Lachaise Cemetery...famous for all the famous people who are buried there...but then we were getting bad vibes and so wanted to leave, but couldn't get out fast enough, when...

THIS black cat crossed our path (ack) and then stared at us with its crazy eyes. freaky. AND it was Halloween. 

Ryan and I then headed back to my home turf -- Rome!  We wandered around and hit up some of my favorite spots and restaurants. I think we covered the entire city in two days. Nicely done. I am not sure that I impressed Ryan with my Italian skills (I know, I know, 11 months in, I should be fluent by now...), but we got by and had a great time!

It took Ryan a few days, and questioning some native Romans, to believe that the water running out of fountains all over the city is drinkable. 

View from the top of St. Peter's Basilica!