Oh So Modern!

This weekend we decided to do something a bit different. Instead of the usual Italian traditional fare that we feast on until our bellies explode, we decided that we'd like to try a modern twist on Italian cuisine.

Recently Charles had heard about a restaurant in Trastevere doing just this. A young American who works as a cook in this hostaria came into Abbey Pub and recommended it to Charles. We checked out the place online (www.glass-hostaria.com)and decided that it would be fun to try something different. Also, for me, it's a good chance to get a little dressed up and feel pretty for the night!

This same weekend I had my haircut, and I was so excited when the stylist asked if I'd like my hair straightened (and I understood her!). I haven't had my hair straight in over a year and a half, and if you remember me back home, you know it's how I prefer my hair. Since living here I haven't even owned a blow-dryer, let alone a straightening iron!!

Straight hair Allie...remember me??

But having my hair all did, and getting all the compliments and seeing the astonished faces really inspired me to go out and get some of the necessary equipment so I can occasionally feel a bit glamorous.

So anyway...back to the dinner. It was really delicious!

No, but seriously, the experience was a little unique for us. All of the food is like that stuff you see on TV, little piles of strange things with greens on top, and sauces splashed just so on the funny shaped plate. The wine was excellent, and the dishes were familiar things done in a more interesting way. The highlight for us both was the ravioli. It was stuffed with an Amatriciana sauce, and topped with bacon! Sooooooo good!

Our Big Night Out!

Halloween 2007

It's catching on! Flashback ten years, and you wouldn't have found much to do with Halloween in Italy, but over the last few years it has proven to be a force to reckon with!

This year we saw more shops selling masks and simple costumes, or hanging decorations in their windows. I even saw a few kids headed to school in their costumes (I don't think you can even do that in America anymore)!

Since Chuckie was working, Isaac and I decided to get "decked" out with our limited resources and head to the Abbey to see what was going on. Since the moment Isaac arrived we've received nonstop comments about how alike we look. Not having much to work with in the way of costumes, we thought it would be best to take advantage of this fact, and just dress as each other for Halloween. Pretty, isn't he?

We met up with some friends at Abbey (A gangsta' and a Scottish fisher(wo)man). The pub was pretty busy, and there was a good amount of people actually wearing decent costumes! As Isaac would say, "We were stoked."

One of the best things about Halloween in Italy is that Nov. 1st is a national holiday (All Saint's Day), which means we don't have to work! So, regardless of the fact that Halloween landed on a Wednesday this year, we were able to stay out until all hours of the night without worry. America should adopt this holiday just for the sake of a worry-free Halloween night!