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06/26/2004: "Orvieto - June 23"
Today was a much slower day than the ones we've had so far....
We started off the day by going to the Galleria Borghese in Rome. This was a short train ride away from our hostel, and was very calm, not too many tourists or crowds. Apparently it is a popular place, so we had to make a reservation. The museium was one of the best we've been to, and worth the bus trip. There was a wonderful section on Carvaggio (painter) and many sculptures by Bernini, among others.
After we went to the museum. We headed to the Umbrian hill-town of Orvieto, recommended to us by the Beehive (we originally were planning to go to Tivoli). The train ride took about an hour, then we got on the funicolare (like a gondola, that goes up a hill), then we hopped on a bus that took us to the town square. Wheen we got there, we were amazed with how quiet and quaint everything was (see the photos). The buildings look like a painting...so picturesque. There were many shops, restaurants, caffe bars, and enoteches (wine bars). We were searching for 2 specific restaurants that had been recommeneded to us, so we wandered around the narrow streets until we found someone who could point us in the right direction. When we finally got there, they were closed! We soon discovered that many stores closed during lunch hour (actually from around 12 to 3), and many restaurants were only open for dinner. Instead, we found a place that was a bit more touristy, but stoill delicious. We ordered a bottle of their local wine (Orvieto is known for dry white wines, like Frascati, Castelli, Romani, etc), appetizers were Bruschetta and Mixed Cheese with honey and pinenuts (mmmm), and the main course was Lasagne (for Mike), and Gnocchi (for me). We left with very full bellies! One thing I forgot to mention is that everywhere in Europe, you have to buy the water at your table, it is either "Acqua Naturale" (normal mineral water) or "Acqua Gassatta" (water with gas). So, whenever you request water, you know that 3 bucks minimum will be charged on your bill!
After our meal, we checked out the Duomo, which is located at the center square of town, and very close to the bus. It is black and white striped that looked rather interesting from the outside.
Back to Rome-bus, funiculare, train...
On another note - we've discovered gelato! There is a place about 2 blocks away from the hostel that makes it homemade and sooo good!! So far weàve had Berry, Strawbery, Creme, Chocolate, Pineapple, and Lemon, and we plan to try them all! We also have liked having Italian coffees - not much variety, but delicious, you can either get espresso, cappucinno, or caffe latte, in most places, it is under a dollar.
Also, my calves are all better - no more swelling! Weee!