Make a Wish

...and one day you will return to Rome ♥  

When All Else Fails...Lasagna!

{What I'm Wearing: Dress—Anthropologie "Flared Anabelle Dress," Handbag—shop in Florence, Belt—H&M, Booties—Target (shop)}

Our last night in Rome, we discovered a true city gem—Fraschetteria Brunetti. Originally, we had planned to eat at a small restaurant down the road from our hotel, but plans changed when we realized that it had actually gone out of business, and was not just "closed" on Sundays.

However, had our plans not changed, we would never have discovered Fraschetteria Brunetti, a tiny hole-in-the-wall restaurant in the heart of Rome.  Our wine was served in plastic cups, the menus were written on pieces of scrap paper, and the walls were covered in love notes from former patrons. Everything little detail of the restaurant added to its quirky charm, and our visit was definitely the highlight of my time in Rome. (sorry historical monuments!)

After being served deliciously cheesy lasagna, the whole restaurant (which only consisted of about 10 tables) started clapping and singing along to a long soundtrack of tradition Italian songs. We cheered, we drank, we ate, and it was by far my favorite meal in all of Italy.

The next time I'm in Rome...I'm making a bee-line for this wonderful little restaurant :)

Rome-ing Around

Here are some of my favorite photos from our two crazy days in Rome. They were taken in the Ancient City, the Vatican, and a cute little wine shop where Andrew got sad when I told him we couldn't take more than three bottles home in our luggage. 

Sometimes, life just ain't so easy, my love.

All Roads Lead to Rome

{What I'm Wearing: Top—Anthropologie "Stripes of Citrus Boatneck" (shop), Skirt—Nordstrom BP, Sandals—Target}

After three fun days in Florence, we packed our bags and took a train down to Rome. With only two days to see all the major monuments in the city, Andrew and I were ambitious and decided to visit the Pantheon, Forum, and Colosseum all in one day. Here are a few of my favorite pictures from our visit to the Colosseum!

P.S. In the second to last picture I look like I'm about to get run over by the horse-drawn carriage. I'd just like to set the record straight and say that, yes, I almost did get run over/trampled by the scary tour group that was walking right on our heels as Andrew snapped my picture. Travel Tip: When you see a large group of people all wearing matching lanyards and headphones...RUN!!!

Piazza de Michelangelo

An amazing view of a gorgeous city.

Until next time, Florence ♥  

Boboli

{What I'm Wearing: Top—Anthropologie "Tulip Lace Shell" (remixed), Scarf—Forever 21,

Watch—DKNY (similar), Jeans—Holding Horses, Booties—Target (shop)}

After (sort of) climbing the Duomo, Andrew and I set out to explore the Boboli Gardens in Florence. The grounds were beautiful and filled with many fountains and white marble statues. However, one thing we found a little strange was the Egyptian obelisk that stood as a centerpiece in the garden grounds. While I understand the history behind the structure, it still looked a little out of place amidst all the Italian architecture...

P.S. You can check out all my posts from Italy so far here!

The Perfect Tourist

{What I'm Wearing: Top—H&M, Scarf—Anthropologie "Arno Scarf" (remixed), Sunglasses—Ray-Ban}

On our third day in Florence, Andrew and I attempted to climb the Duomo. However, with our fantastic luck, it turned out that we came on the one day out of the year that the Duomo is closed to the public (other than Sundays and religious holidays). Luckily, the guards were instead giving people free admission to climb the perimeter of the cathedral directly in front of the Duomo. The perimeter still had amazing views of the city, plus we were able to spend the 20 euros we saved by not climbing the Duomo on a bit more wine and gelato :)

For the climb, I stuck with my trusty striped tee and a light scarf to protect my neck from the sun. Andrew forgot sunscreen so I made him wear it like a pashmina while we were waiting in line. Unfortunately, (or fortunately for him) no pictures were taken to document that wonderfully embarrassing occurrence ;) 

As it turns out, my "Arno scarf," (named after the Arno River in Florence!) happens to have the city skyline printed on it, so I felt like a really awesome tourist the whole time I was wearing it. And I'm not being sarcastic...I was really excited about the fact that I finally had the chance to actually wear my Italian-inspired scarf in Italy!

Firenze at Night

{What I'm Wearing: Top—H&M, Skirt—Love 21 (remixed), Earrings—Anthropologie (shop), Bag—Fossil (shop)}

I must say, while Florence is beautiful during the day, I think it might be even prettier by night. The weather was nice and warm (such a change from Ireland!), so we wandered around the city and came across some live music at the Ponte Vecchio bridge our second night in town. The last photo was taken during one of my favorite moments of our whole trip. As I sat with Andrew on the stairs listening to the music and taking in the atmosphere, I just had one of those moments of pure happiness and relaxation.

--Melina

P.S. I also loved having so many opportunities to take some great photographs. I'm still learning how to use my SLR, so I get really excited every time I figure out another setting and the photos actually turn out the way I hoped!