tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-42208396162541982422024-03-13T23:39:02.913+00:00Nuala's KitchenAn insight into Nuala's Kitchen madness!Nualahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00373624796494693297noreply@blogger.comBlogger98125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4220839616254198242.post-60147972456897535902014-10-17T13:10:00.001+01:002014-10-17T13:10:42.923+01:00The art of planning ....<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">So it's the end of
the week (thank God!!). Opening my fridge there is a random mix of food ... So I need to get creative and think of economic ways to use everything in
my fridge and cupboards before I have to go shopping again. This is especially
the case when you are cooking for one and the fresh food goes off extremely
quickly. Additionally, being a uni student means I am always broke so I'm
putting off going shopping for as long as possible!</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
At the moment on my
shelf in the fridge there are; peppers, hummus, spinach, carrots, milk,
bananas, eggs, kiwis and yoghurt. There is also jars of green pesto and
Moroccan tagine paste (a lifesaver for transforming a bland meal). My cupboard
has the basics such as tinned tomatoes, red lentils, pasta and rice. So using
these ingredients I have to create as many meals as possible! By planning meals
now it means that I use the ingredients - saving money, eat healthily and don't
have the added stress of thinking about what I am going to eat.</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
The dinner menu for
the next couple of days is: </div>
<ul style="direction: ltr; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .375in; margin-top: 0in; unicode-bidi: embed;" type="disc">
<li style="margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 0; vertical-align: middle;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;">Pesto pasta with roasted
peppers</span></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 0; vertical-align: middle;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;">Carrot Risotto with hummus </span></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 0; vertical-align: middle;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;">A pepper filled with carrot
risotto</span></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 0; vertical-align: middle;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;">Spinach filled omelette</span></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 0; vertical-align: middle;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;">Red lentil soup</span></li>
</ul>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin-left: .375in; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
That's me sorted
until Tuesday ...</div>
</div>
Nualahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00373624796494693297noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4220839616254198242.post-35968533863495994432014-09-29T20:02:00.001+01:002014-10-05T22:16:29.597+01:00Student Life<div>So I've been at university for what feels like an eternity but alas it's only been a week! Its been a roller coaster ride so far; with many ups and a some downs. </div><div><br></div><div>Freshers week has this amazing reputation as being the best week of your life; it's not. You meet loads of lovely people, get an introduction to your course, attend events like Bunfight or Freshers Fair, the nightlife is amazing and by the end of it you are feeling extremely overwhelmed (as well as hungover, embarrassed from drunken nights, lacking in a lot of sleep and if you're really lucky you will have 'freshers flu' like me!). The only thing stable over that week was cooking. It's was my rock. My detox time as well as my preparation time (whether it be for a lecture or night out!). The simple task of making something for breakfast which helped with the hangover, prepared you for that days activities provided routine and familiarity which the past week lacked. I certainty didn't realise how much university throws you in the deep end and cooking provided me with comfort. </div><div><br></div><div>I have not had the time to cook intricate or expensive dishes or even go shopping so I have really been scraping together dishes from very odd ingredients! At the beginning of the week I made a really simple tomato sauce and used this as a base for other dishes for the rest of the week. </div><div><br></div><div>Simple Tomato Sauce: </div><div>Makes 4 portions. </div><div><br></div><div>Ingredients: </div><div>2 table spoons olive oil </div><div>1 large onion, finely chopped</div><div>A pinch of salt and pepper</div><div>A large dollop of butter </div><div>2 cans tinned tomatoes </div><div>1 teaspoon red pesto (adds flavour) </div><div><br></div><div>Method:</div><div>1) Put the onion and olive oil into a pan. Fry on a low heat until the onion is soft and caramelised. </div><div>2) Add the butter and stir in until melted. </div><div>3) Add the cans of tomatoes and pesto. Simmer for 15-20 mins. </div><div><br></div><div>I then used this sauce to make: </div><div>- Spaghetti with a tomato sauce </div><div>- Spicy Sausage Bake (fry sausages in a pan until cooked, take off the heat and cut into chunks. In a large dish add cooked pasta, sausage, chilli flakes and tomato sauce. Mix together and then top with grated cheese. Cook for about 20 mins until heated through). </div><div>- Ratatouille with chicken ( Cut 1 pepper, 1 courgette and 1 aubergine into 1 inch cubes. Fry the vegetables separately until brown and cooked through, add to a oven proof dish with the tomato sauce. Bake in the oven for 20 mins until heated through. Whilst it's cooking fry a piece of chicken. Serve the ratatouille on top of the chicken. ) </div><div>- Moroccan Chickpeas with Rice ( add a tin of chickpeas to half of the tomato sauce and a tablespoon of tagine paste)</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhut6asmeU4eQVvObiBZnc7Q_TImTVfrdLTxCwZJGT89HQoamjILguQig9sRFuV4e8iewyp5MxyAFcrZd5kLXoisWPpm8tmPmyt0HCpDKV8oSZsHjLQP1BFZbLcmjqio4m88OaPzkETyz4C/s640/blogger-image--1980559730.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhut6asmeU4eQVvObiBZnc7Q_TImTVfrdLTxCwZJGT89HQoamjILguQig9sRFuV4e8iewyp5MxyAFcrZd5kLXoisWPpm8tmPmyt0HCpDKV8oSZsHjLQP1BFZbLcmjqio4m88OaPzkETyz4C/s640/blogger-image--1980559730.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><br></div>Nualahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00373624796494693297noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4220839616254198242.post-38191694251736829702014-09-20T22:57:00.001+01:002014-09-20T22:57:31.162+01:00Demani<div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Tomorrow is a big day. </span></div><div><br></div><div>I feel like a little kid again on Christmas Eve. How will I be able to sleep? </div><div><br></div><div>'Nuala's Kitchen' (with Nuala of course) is moving to university. </div><div><br></div><div>Nuala's University Kitchen </div><div>New kitchen. New place. New recipes. New Nuala (not really!). It's only fitting to have a new name. Nualalalala is the new name. It is pronounced NU - LA - LA - LA. </div><div><br></div><div>Tonight I have an utterly delicious meal with the family; cooked by none other then my wonderful Grandmother. (Previously mentioned here). With me going off to university in mind she made a 'university type meal' - Vegetable Tagine. You will probably be wondering what she meant by this. In her words : "an easy to make, healthy, affordable, adaptable and most importantly tasty dish". </div><div><br></div><div>A Tagine is a morrocan style dish. It is basically roasted vegetables in a tomato based sauce with herbs and spices served with couscous. Root vegetables are especially cheap at this time of year (as they are in season) and extremely easy to roast. I would suggest to roast extra and then you can use them to make a range of other dishes such as soups, salads, stews or as a side with meat or fish. Also if you prefer some vegetables then you can add extra, if you don't like some vegetables you can omit them. The main spices used was Harissa paste which is easy to find in many supermarkets. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLUKcLuig7ihps_m_R2naVTmJed0QLAvdpL_iL8CreA55fzyLBJsVExNylJm6fES7Nkaxk2n0JhRvMWNm-M6wAAOTatrD7BImH49zifOgRQk0AinU91C0zTbZ0CbBvTldbJj5rbQdMzzKr/s640/blogger-image--1985929795.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLUKcLuig7ihps_m_R2naVTmJed0QLAvdpL_iL8CreA55fzyLBJsVExNylJm6fES7Nkaxk2n0JhRvMWNm-M6wAAOTatrD7BImH49zifOgRQk0AinU91C0zTbZ0CbBvTldbJj5rbQdMzzKr/s640/blogger-image--1985929795.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><br></div><div>Serves 4 </div><div><br></div><div>Ingredients: </div><div>1 courgette </div><div>1 sweet potato</div><div>1 aubergine</div><div>1 squash </div><div>1 carrot </div><div>1 peppers</div><div>1 red onion </div><div>1 tablespoon olive oil</div><div>Salt and pepper</div><div>1 onion, finely sliced</div><div>1 teaspoon Harissa paste </div><div>1 tin of chopped tomatoes </div><div>1 tin of chickpeas </div><div>100g of couscous </div><div><br></div><div>Optional to serve: yoghurt, flakes almonds, coriander </div><div><br></div><div>Method: </div><div>1) To make the roasted vegetables: Cut all the vegetables up into large chunks of the same size (about 1inch square); including the onions into large pieces. Put into a roasting tin and toss with olive oil, salt and pepper. Roast in a preheated oven at C200 for about 30minutes until caramelised. </div><div>2) To make the sauce: Gently fry an sliced onion with olive oil until caramelised in a large saucepan. Pour the tin of tomato and chickpeas into the saucepan. Add the Harissa paste and simmer for 10mins. Turn off and leave in pan until vegetables are cooked. </div><div>3) Once vegetables are cooked remove from the oven and add to the saucepan with the sauce. Gently heat the sauce. Whilst the sauce is warming up cook couscous to packet instruction. Serve the sauce on top of the couscous. </div><div><br></div><div>Variations: </div><div>- You can add cooked chicken chunks to the sauce when you add the roasted vegetables. </div><div>- To make it gluten free replace the couscous with quinoa. </div><div><br></div><div><br></div>Nualahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00373624796494693297noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4220839616254198242.post-33737320329539153982014-09-08T09:48:00.001+01:002014-09-08T09:58:59.823+01:00Y and Z is for ....Always the most difficult letters of the alphabet for these sought of things! I can't think of anything ... <div>So my A to Z is going to have to end without a real end. Take it as a metaphor: my month in Rome will always stay with so It can't just 'end' and I know that I'll be back there in the not too distant future ! </div><div><br></div><div>Ciao Roma ! </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMZV8mzU8cpNQ2qrht3WhX4uSSsPmAZL7Xaylq5iwKhlx-6OhljMH07fk49YXe72GWTy8BRNDo5qsiJxXCI_j5-0cVWmplMXOvuwRELDmLzTPNWtAh0qjSnfCL39264UfSIYQQyVl59_xc/s640/blogger-image--1622459629.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMZV8mzU8cpNQ2qrht3WhX4uSSsPmAZL7Xaylq5iwKhlx-6OhljMH07fk49YXe72GWTy8BRNDo5qsiJxXCI_j5-0cVWmplMXOvuwRELDmLzTPNWtAh0qjSnfCL39264UfSIYQQyVl59_xc/s640/blogger-image--1622459629.jpg"></a></div><br></div>Nualahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00373624796494693297noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4220839616254198242.post-25922188533026096122014-09-08T09:41:00.001+01:002014-09-08T09:41:32.123+01:00X is for 'X marks the spot'<div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">When visiting Rome a map is a necessity. Although the city isn't that big there are so many small streets so you can easily get lost or miss what you are looking for! I used the lonely planet map from the guide book. </span></div><div><br></div><div>TIP: When planning a trip to Rome take a map and circle all the things you really want to see. I did this when I first visited Rome as it meant that I look where I was on the map and then see what thing were nearby that I wanted to visit. It also means you don't go to one area and then realise hours later that there was something you really wanted to see one street away! </div>Nualahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00373624796494693297noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4220839616254198242.post-61244803718095668542014-09-08T09:33:00.001+01:002014-09-08T09:33:48.946+01:00W is for Water Fountains<div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">During the summer the abundance of water fountains dotted around a Rome is a god sent. It means fresh cold water is readily available. And the water is actually really tasty! </span></div>Nualahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00373624796494693297noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4220839616254198242.post-5740115393185162732014-09-08T09:32:00.001+01:002014-09-08T09:32:06.583+01:00V is for Villa Borghese<div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">This is a lovely park located in the north of the city. To access it: walk up the Soanish Step, turn left at the too and it is a couple of minutes walk along the road up on the right. From the gardens there is lovely views over Rome and especially Piazza Popolo. The park extends for miles so you can walk for hours around it (it's the third biggest park in Rome). </span></div><div><br></div><div>There are often buskers playing which really adds to the atmosphere. The last time I was here there was a young girl playing a piano, who was amazing for such a young age. It was a beautiful day so wandering around the park with a piano playing in the background was just idilic. </div>Nualahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00373624796494693297noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4220839616254198242.post-80360675448545921072014-09-08T09:22:00.001+01:002014-09-08T09:23:23.171+01:00U is for Ufficio Postale<div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Ahhh the post office. A truly Italian experience of queuing for hours on end in the midst of chaos. My advice - go to a taboo store to buy your stamps. </span></div><div><br></div>Nualahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00373624796494693297noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4220839616254198242.post-8218625845279621522014-09-08T09:15:00.001+01:002014-09-08T09:54:28.918+01:00S is for Square Colosseum<div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">About 20 mins outside the centre of Rome is a district called EUR. It was built in the early 1940's by Mussolini (who was a fascist leader of Italy from 1925 - 1943) and therefore the whole area has the same eery building style, with it's trademark white marble. All the buildings are extremely large and therefore overpowering and intimidating. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4y3dAcz2p4YLzf9-A0uqus7SL_srvwLkINFeQfIJ_zakwjC43LqXlIgk3rYiUEhTFjhq55rnhwh0n6HPLU_N47T61LzRAKQlA5-3qqY9OPk_rdNTyLBBElIBy980I3jxP2XcQDgNk_qSw/s640/blogger-image-439533128.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4y3dAcz2p4YLzf9-A0uqus7SL_srvwLkINFeQfIJ_zakwjC43LqXlIgk3rYiUEhTFjhq55rnhwh0n6HPLU_N47T61LzRAKQlA5-3qqY9OPk_rdNTyLBBElIBy980I3jxP2XcQDgNk_qSw/s640/blogger-image-439533128.jpg"></a></div><br></span></div><div><br></div><div>One building is particular is knick-named the Square Colosseum as it is made from 6 rows of 9 arches and thought to be inspired by the Colosseum. This is thought to represent the letters in Benito Mussolini's name as a constant reminder of himself and his policies. </div><div><br></div><div>For all Mussolini's faults, he did build this area with a vision for the future. The roads are all very wide allowing ample space for cars and on street parking even though cars weren't as common at the time. The main buildings were built far apart to allow housing to be built inbetween so businesses and housing were close together; unlike the historical city plan of having the businesses all concentrated in the middle and then the housing sprawling outside the area. </div><div><br></div>Nualahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00373624796494693297noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4220839616254198242.post-23882832789513250982014-09-08T08:54:00.001+01:002014-09-08T09:19:57.369+01:00T is for Trastevere<div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; line-height: 22px; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392);">This is one of my favourite areas of Rome, especially at night when it comes alive. The restaurants spill out on to the streets, the waiters flurry around, the odd man plays the harmonica and the smells of equsit Italian cooking pour out of the restaurants. The area has become touristy but it's charm can still be seen. I would defiantly recommend going out for a meal here and after finding a bar. One restaurant that I frequented was called Carlo Menta pizzas here were £3 for a margaretia and pretty decent. For someone on a budget (like me!) this is a great restaurant. I like how the tables are all in rows and close together to you can talk to the people around you; locals and tourists alike. However, from experience I wouldn't order the bruschetta or lasagna but the other dishes are really good! </div>Nualahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00373624796494693297noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4220839616254198242.post-43898242336021103222014-09-04T19:41:00.001+01:002014-09-08T08:21:56.551+01:00R is for Restaurant<div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; line-height: 22px; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392);">Italy is famous for its food mostly: pizza, pasta and ice cream being the main ones. You can not visit Rome without having some pizza or pasta. </div><div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; line-height: 22px; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392);"><br></div><div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; line-height: 22px; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392);">Off Piazza Navona is one of the most amazing pizza resturants. Usually Roman pizzas are extremely thin whereas Napoliatan pizzas have thick bases. This pizza resturant makes the perfect pizza with the base being thin but not too thin and the crusts being doughy. For the life of me I can't remeber the name or find it on the internet, but I can remeber how to get there. Directions: Take the street heading west just after the main fountain, then take the second right down a dead-end street with a circular building at the end. The pizza resturant is located on the left at the end. </div>Nualahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00373624796494693297noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4220839616254198242.post-84327336241869645692014-09-04T19:36:00.001+01:002014-09-04T19:36:17.172+01:00Q is for Quintilis<div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">This is the Roman word for the month of July. I felt that this was very topical as it is the month that I was in Rome! </span></div><div><br></div>Nualahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00373624796494693297noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4220839616254198242.post-14688778607766213942014-09-01T10:34:00.001+01:002014-09-01T10:34:53.603+01:00P is for Pantheon<span style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; line-height: 22px; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">In my opinion, this is the best monument in Rome and not surprisingly my favourite! Have a look at '54 hours in Rome' to see why! </span><div><span style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; line-height: 22px; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-02NRWISskJ9Xm8WFIHos8pNysEaAcYRPLnt89_EiF5wrz2H42h483LlzI1HIBdgdoLuyRA6c5WoJQMwz4fPRGIyAmHqLBeuf2k5iTAXG9hH94AA1kPok7bSBerG_O2yRz0grifFJUey0/s640/blogger-image-1279071832.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-02NRWISskJ9Xm8WFIHos8pNysEaAcYRPLnt89_EiF5wrz2H42h483LlzI1HIBdgdoLuyRA6c5WoJQMwz4fPRGIyAmHqLBeuf2k5iTAXG9hH94AA1kPok7bSBerG_O2yRz0grifFJUey0/s640/blogger-image-1279071832.jpg"></a></div><br></span></div>Nualahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00373624796494693297noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4220839616254198242.post-42588873707361119822014-09-01T10:33:00.001+01:002014-09-08T09:56:20.990+01:00O is for Ostia Antica<div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Ostia Antica is Rome's beach so to say. It is extremely popular with locals and tourists as it is included in Rome's transport network; therefore a €1.50 ticket will get you to the beach. Be warned though that it is extremely busy on weekends and not the nicest of beaches. The sand is brown / black due to the high metal content (which means it gets extremely hot in the sun) and makes the sea a sludgy brown colour. I would not recommend going there! </span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8BnBmQZ_uZgoi5zZH2xLZoD1Y0evKQtFTOQzzVcBK2RqU0gwyt2Mv5yqxoUROWka4uTyYXyZ2eGQoakmDpkHJODpbKdY4bkB799LluhU-ZJzzs7M2Zud6WE7NCbHp3FlPun-zMjjbAZEG/s640/blogger-image-497578889.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8BnBmQZ_uZgoi5zZH2xLZoD1Y0evKQtFTOQzzVcBK2RqU0gwyt2Mv5yqxoUROWka4uTyYXyZ2eGQoakmDpkHJODpbKdY4bkB799LluhU-ZJzzs7M2Zud6WE7NCbHp3FlPun-zMjjbAZEG/s640/blogger-image-497578889.jpg"></a></div>This is a picture of the pier on the beach at Ostia Antica. I really don't know how the middle of the pier is missing . . .</span></div>Nualahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00373624796494693297noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4220839616254198242.post-32014269323564966822014-08-17T08:04:00.003+01:002014-09-04T19:37:57.095+01:00N is for Piazza Navona<div>This is my favourite Piazza in Rome. The best time to go is in the early evening when the sun is starting to set and all the people are coming out for an evening stroll or drink. Piazza Navona comes alive with tourists, locals and artists. </div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Also the 'Museum di Roma' is worth having a look at, in the south of the Piazza. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjss42wYzDBUz_7gpAzghn3b-axXRWR6TMpV9z2ilch0Vx_KmEdJ-VvCHk38t_96A-K-DxpHv8ZgDTJgbR-ZcmN2XyGKMX1bHR4WSFbd_3pHUkOVh472P9Fbme4e7U2LpVViHxIEDqXHzmb/s640/blogger-image-1554115252.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjss42wYzDBUz_7gpAzghn3b-axXRWR6TMpV9z2ilch0Vx_KmEdJ-VvCHk38t_96A-K-DxpHv8ZgDTJgbR-ZcmN2XyGKMX1bHR4WSFbd_3pHUkOVh472P9Fbme4e7U2LpVViHxIEDqXHzmb/s640/blogger-image-1554115252.jpg"></a></div><br></span></div><div><br></div>Nualahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00373624796494693297noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4220839616254198242.post-37413749036785084282014-08-17T08:04:00.001+01:002014-08-17T08:37:25.046+01:00M is for Monti<div>One of my favourite districts along with Trastevere. I think the reason that I like it so much is because it has a French feel to it. In the centre if the district there is a lovely square with a fountain in the middle. Behind the fountain is a really cute cafe / restaurant, where there is seating under a canopy of leaves. If you go during the afternoon (and not during Aperitivo time) you can get a drink with a couple of light shacks such as small pieces of croissants filled with parma ham as well as the usual nuts and crisps (wine starts at €4). </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuiOsIyreWWb0Cqj3LeVPTYBMjP7O2kNS_AP9_gjK-AcL-Qcg-SnLJcgzFZx0HJ9S4NPeOxG65CPAp30u8AhAnllm9Zb9v0dlobSotzitaogCot1cuWRDJmVcGB3nln2R5ehyphenhyphenTs9cVNDWR/s640/blogger-image--617691405.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuiOsIyreWWb0Cqj3LeVPTYBMjP7O2kNS_AP9_gjK-AcL-Qcg-SnLJcgzFZx0HJ9S4NPeOxG65CPAp30u8AhAnllm9Zb9v0dlobSotzitaogCot1cuWRDJmVcGB3nln2R5ehyphenhyphenTs9cVNDWR/s640/blogger-image--617691405.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><br></div><div>See 'A Perfect Sunday' to read more about it. </div><div><br></div>Nualahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00373624796494693297noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4220839616254198242.post-42175900337491412552014-08-17T07:53:00.001+01:002014-08-17T08:01:51.427+01:00L is for Landmarks<div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">The amazing thing about Rome is that around every corner there is a landmark; which has contributed to the city's checkered history. This is one if the reasons I love the city! The most famous ones are: the Spanish Steps, The Pantheon, St Paul's Cathedral, The Colosseum, The Castel, Il Victoriano, The Roman Forum and The Trevi Foutain. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">This is a picture from when I went to St Peters. On one side there was a large grey cloud and on the other side it was blue sky's! </span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWM1fyCL3-nVfNY7WhfTE4_JQxAyZk4cE-TQSgi2IB19oyD8IAD1a_iCEOP9c_Ps8MPIG2jAM84Zal5JnVPTzCMx7KDZIDhsd41QajWG_1N-kqmfbcuQ4CHlsN9rwRLKr0rNrFlGpx6ejp/s640/blogger-image--2121581011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWM1fyCL3-nVfNY7WhfTE4_JQxAyZk4cE-TQSgi2IB19oyD8IAD1a_iCEOP9c_Ps8MPIG2jAM84Zal5JnVPTzCMx7KDZIDhsd41QajWG_1N-kqmfbcuQ4CHlsN9rwRLKr0rNrFlGpx6ejp/s640/blogger-image--2121581011.jpg"></a></div><br></span></div>Nualahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00373624796494693297noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4220839616254198242.post-30150213055020952422014-08-06T19:31:00.001+01:002014-08-06T19:31:52.660+01:00K - King of the Castle<div> <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Although it is one if the main landmarks in Rome it is often overlooked as Rome has so many other amazing sites to see. It is called 'Castello San'Angelo' which literally translates as 'Saint Angel Castle'. Rumour has it that an angel landed on the roof of the castle and ended a plague in Rome so the Castle was named after it. During the Castle's long and coloured history it was also used as a safe place for the Pope so to this day there is a passage from the Vatican to the Castle. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwyeAKWsGdbOSgzzWyIOXyiorT-NbOQo7Ew1C98MCQ9hZClz9REbTtMEwQ_z6xwC1jGk4nw8O8vqTmGOFiNZTZUk4yFPo65VQ_1sIdiyfTqMhbGVyIIYQcz8JepkkSPlu6XRyJdlySBLO4/s640/blogger-image-687720129.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwyeAKWsGdbOSgzzWyIOXyiorT-NbOQo7Ew1C98MCQ9hZClz9REbTtMEwQ_z6xwC1jGk4nw8O8vqTmGOFiNZTZUk4yFPo65VQ_1sIdiyfTqMhbGVyIIYQcz8JepkkSPlu6XRyJdlySBLO4/s640/blogger-image-687720129.jpg"></a></div><br></div><br></span></div>Nualahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00373624796494693297noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4220839616254198242.post-12789901826241533302014-08-05T13:13:00.001+01:002014-08-05T19:08:38.705+01:00J is for Jewish GhettoI like this area as it is so diverse compared to other parts of Rome. It is a single street which is full of Jewish restaurants, shops, cafés etc. There is a fabulous bakery tucked away to the left as you walk towards the river! You'll know when you find it as there is an mini piazza with a long que into the shop. When you enter there is breads on one side and then sweet things on the other. I highly recommend it !<div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsSZnU__dTtsn9zNmpWuzMB-Gzumb0R8Oe2h3_A9hobKvkjH1qrLexm6GUYrVrwWatxqZpmnwNQLbi3LRh5HJg4Qp1Yjaa3LLhlH2H941GftQLzEt3P2O0D1-L_ZH60fHkijvTgyX4s-n1/s640/blogger-image-412646375.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsSZnU__dTtsn9zNmpWuzMB-Gzumb0R8Oe2h3_A9hobKvkjH1qrLexm6GUYrVrwWatxqZpmnwNQLbi3LRh5HJg4Qp1Yjaa3LLhlH2H941GftQLzEt3P2O0D1-L_ZH60fHkijvTgyX4s-n1/s640/blogger-image-412646375.jpg"></a></div> </div>Nualahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00373624796494693297noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4220839616254198242.post-13346836215536562372014-08-04T17:36:00.001+01:002014-08-04T17:38:15.636+01:00I is for Isola Tiberina<div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; line-height: 22px; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392);">Interesting fact: it's the world's smallest inhabited island. </div><div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; line-height: 22px; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392);"><br></div><div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; line-height: 22px; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392);"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRpSYOA8aiWDn-LLsxN7dfnQ9amQ4UYpX_qfFOQajHfO4y4KcbTIkeHbNdi3qiNzq9Dp9rphc55HopcZhcTQTdq590_xCIUVNvMNu8U598A1YR9mCqcmsC-03GJrxkobttNwsSWlFQJHN6/s640/blogger-image-203546680.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRpSYOA8aiWDn-LLsxN7dfnQ9amQ4UYpX_qfFOQajHfO4y4KcbTIkeHbNdi3qiNzq9Dp9rphc55HopcZhcTQTdq590_xCIUVNvMNu8U598A1YR9mCqcmsC-03GJrxkobttNwsSWlFQJHN6/s640/blogger-image-203546680.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; line-height: 22px; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392);"><br></div><div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; line-height: 22px; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392);">This cute little island is located on the river between the two sides of Rome. On the Island is a couple of shops, church (Chiesa di San Bartolomeo) and hospital (Ospedale Fatebenefratelli - literally translates as 'you do well brothers'). But in the summer lots of bars and restaurants open up down by the water. After a hot day in the city it's a great breezy spot for an Aperitivo. The water creates a lovely atmosphere mixed with some good company and you are set for the evening! </div><div><br></div><div><br></div>Nualahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00373624796494693297noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4220839616254198242.post-44134745750849857802014-08-03T09:21:00.001+01:002014-08-03T09:24:15.686+01:00H is for Hill<div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; line-height: 22px; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392);">Rome is known for it's seven hills which surround the centre of the city. Originally each hill was a separate settlement before the city of Rome was formed. Although, Gianicolo Hill is not included as one of the seven (as it was outside the boundaries of the Ancient Rome), it is still seen as one of Rome's Hills. </div><div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; line-height: 22px; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392);"><br></div><div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; line-height: 22px; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392);">It is one of my favourite spots in Rome and gives amazing views over the whole of Rome. You can see all the main sights of Rome but from a different prospective. I love sitting up there and looking out at all the layers of history intertwined together to make up the "Eternal City". </div><div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; line-height: 22px; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392);"><br></div><div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; line-height: 22px; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392);"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpygBUHQkM39EzL7aK6tzK7i_4j6U3VxrVLgjrobYOSyMniJBlvoQqoumPWzBBaDUMQSKPwEIwmyzf7r-xAr7TeCzYsYCUjyix2tFZxDMljVjc3eBybHshPsGAiXNrjRSjdBaQz1TyuVW0/s640/blogger-image--1478050872.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpygBUHQkM39EzL7aK6tzK7i_4j6U3VxrVLgjrobYOSyMniJBlvoQqoumPWzBBaDUMQSKPwEIwmyzf7r-xAr7TeCzYsYCUjyix2tFZxDMljVjc3eBybHshPsGAiXNrjRSjdBaQz1TyuVW0/s640/blogger-image--1478050872.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; line-height: 22px; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392);"><br></div><div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; line-height: 22px; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392);"><br></div>Nualahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00373624796494693297noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4220839616254198242.post-23681900071385089492014-08-02T10:39:00.001+01:002014-08-02T10:52:44.904+01:00G is for Gelato<div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; line-height: 22px; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392);"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdCcMpWx40o3rn8rBAXJeHy5Ty2SeiMGhP1yZBxPk2gWfQx_7SDqXn1d90XmSBSNqSLYwRpBvgd_yxx8_N794nZkh1Dgv_WMoWsIcUollpz02IAPPU_kuWkqdh8wEPnLWrP97I9MypmE6R/s640/blogger-image--21761834.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdCcMpWx40o3rn8rBAXJeHy5Ty2SeiMGhP1yZBxPk2gWfQx_7SDqXn1d90XmSBSNqSLYwRpBvgd_yxx8_N794nZkh1Dgv_WMoWsIcUollpz02IAPPU_kuWkqdh8wEPnLWrP97I9MypmE6R/s640/blogger-image--21761834.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; line-height: 22px; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392);">Although 'gelato' translates as ice cream; you just can't translate it, as Italian gelato is on another level to all other ice cream. The best ice cream shop is in none other than Monte. It's called Fatamorgana and located very near to the Cavour metro stop. Although there are lots of great ice cream shops around Rome, I think that this one is the best as the flavours are incredible and every time that I go there (which is a lot) there is another new flavour that I just have to try. Some of the flavours that I've had so far are: lemon, honey and ginger or cardamom pod with almonds or chocolate and lypsung tea or coffee, chocolate and hazelnut or pistachio with hazelnut and of course there are all the usual flavours. </div><div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; line-height: 22px; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392);"><br></div><div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; line-height: 22px; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392);">A little tip: you can also ask to test a flavour by saying "posso provare" - so if you can't decide you can test them out :) </div><div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; line-height: 22px; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392);"><br></div><div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; line-height: 22px; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392);">www.gelateriafatamorgana.com</div><div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; line-height: 22px; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392);"><br></div><div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; line-height: 22px; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392);"><br></div>Nualahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00373624796494693297noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4220839616254198242.post-69756146528191730392014-08-01T19:43:00.001+01:002014-08-01T19:48:06.220+01:00F is for Food Markets<div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">In the centre if the city there is only one food market to go to - Campo dei Fiori. For food enthusiasts (like me), I love to wander around markets looking at all the fresh produce and soaking up the atmosphere. This market is mostly fresh fruit and vegetables although there are some stalls selling herbs and spices or cheeses too. It is one of the oldest markets so I always feel very 'Roman' going to it, imagining all the people in the past who have done the same as me. It's located in Piazza di Campo dei Fiori and open everyday except Sunday. </span></div>Nualahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00373624796494693297noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4220839616254198242.post-39284262675562108082014-07-30T19:14:00.001+01:002014-07-30T19:14:40.276+01:00E is for EatalyYesterday I had the luxury of visiting Eataly: which is a high end Italian supermarket / foodhall. It is very focused on food being seasonable, from Italy and of good quality. When I'm rich I'll be doing my weekly shop there, but for now I'll just have to browse! <div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCD7Aglh47oUlMVJSi3OnK9zDKOhzmmnz3IkxR3U_orfzUURVCtAUotJoHyIydq1qx4nZizyB0NDOkM4qcyIh1mCKxOFYYpo_0O5gePu_sfNUD-aSgyBI_mQM9UAMa1YKLKJwBITWvmJUY/s640/blogger-image-1130308126.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCD7Aglh47oUlMVJSi3OnK9zDKOhzmmnz3IkxR3U_orfzUURVCtAUotJoHyIydq1qx4nZizyB0NDOkM4qcyIh1mCKxOFYYpo_0O5gePu_sfNUD-aSgyBI_mQM9UAMa1YKLKJwBITWvmJUY/s640/blogger-image-1130308126.jpg"></a></div><br></div>Nualahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00373624796494693297noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4220839616254198242.post-62916135632491839862014-07-25T09:15:00.001+01:002014-07-25T09:15:09.671+01:00D is for DistrictsMy favourite district in the evening in Trastevere as it just comes alive with musicians, people and resturants spilling into the cobbled streets. <div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzhh6_F4dFC_ck4Xxc9HIM2ygQYjnSdSsytAJeZ4JCVcB7BW098Q0rUswf2aaLkiMVBrmk9z3WiDdvZtKx6td0irncLqJk6muNckBf5Wo_Oo_HtdpBfHoO_3BfggQ2aCdQOTnewigf9sTu/s640/blogger-image--608703487.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzhh6_F4dFC_ck4Xxc9HIM2ygQYjnSdSsytAJeZ4JCVcB7BW098Q0rUswf2aaLkiMVBrmk9z3WiDdvZtKx6td0irncLqJk6muNckBf5Wo_Oo_HtdpBfHoO_3BfggQ2aCdQOTnewigf9sTu/s640/blogger-image--608703487.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Nuns walking to evening mass, Trastevere. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br></div>Nualahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00373624796494693297noreply@blogger.com0