The Traveler´s Diet and The World Cup

The Traveler´s Diet and The World Cup

I have probably already talked about this; I can never remember what I have already said and what I haven´t. Anyway, I am going to let you guys in on my very secret diet plan.

1. Carry a 40 pound backpack around with you everywhere.
2. Eat only 2 or 3 meals a day since you don´t really have time for snacking (not like sitting at the desk all day!)
3. Eat something shady in Egypt (no idea what). End up sick, not able to eat for a few days.
4. Walk miles a day. Miles and miles.

It feels great. Except for the little slip up in Egypt, everything has been healthy. We are eating fresh food and smaller meals and walking a ton. Big K must have lost 10 or 15 pounds and me, little K, maybe 6. But all in all, we are happy and healthy.

And then....we went to Italy.

We arrived in Italy and our first stop was Bologna. This is supposed to be the home of some of the best food in Italy (they all say that but what the heck). Since we are scientists, we decided to test out the theory and see if we could prove it wrong (by multiple testing of course). So we went to a typical Italian meal, which consists of a starter, first course and second course. Unlike us, they eat it in a strange order. Your starter may be a meat platter, your first course is pasta and your second is usually a meat dish. Then there is always coffee and desert, which are generally delicious. If you are particularly brave, there is a cheese plate and a digestive. Of course we had to try it all.

And then we went to Venice and had to try the food there, because I heard that the Venitians have the best food in Italy. And then we went to Rome, where we met up with some of Big K´s family and of course had to prove to them that the food in Italy was good, as well as to find out for ourselves WHICH region ACTUALLY has the best food. We also made sure that Florence was not left out. All in all, I think that the bottom line is: all the food in Italy is good. Period. Sorry Neopolitans. You are NOT the best. You are in a 21 way tie with all the other regions in Italy. But....I have only tried 4 of them, so I never know, I may have to go back and keep trying out the theory.

So, now we are in Portugal, which as you know is Big K´s family´s origin. So we are trying to get a feel for the city, eating and drinking and walking. And most of all, watching The World Cup....watching the USA kick butt, even though the England goal they made was a little crappy...watching Portugal tie with Brazil to make it on the next round... So its a week of eating and soccer. Carry on.

Next, we go to a few more places in Portugal before heading towards Paris for our flight out of here. I made a map but the computer I am on would not let me save it in a format I could post here. Next time, I guess. Until then, Arividerci, Adios and Ciao!
Roman Colosseum: Every Tourist's Top Stop

Roman Colosseum: Every Tourist's Top Stop

The Roman Colosseum, is a tremendous amphitheater in the shape of an ellipse, situated in the heart of Rome, Italy. It is marked as one of the most important landmark in terms of historical environment and structure.

It was once a venue of the cruelty of the Roman Empire where executions, battles, dramas and gladiator duels are being hosted there. The Colosseum is capable of holding 80,000 spectators all interested and intrigued by the events held here during the Roman Empire.

Completed in 80 AD under Titus' rule. Although it was constructed of various Rome-based materials, over the time it still suffered from the pangs of nature and people. Devastated by earthquakes that caused partial damages and by stone-robbers. By this, the original number of spectators seats have lowered to 50,000.

From once an amphitheater due to earthquakes, the Colosseum was converted into a military base later on as the world's largest rock quarry. In the 18th century, Pope Benedict XIV ended the use of the Colosseum as a quarry and renovated it into a sacred site, by consecration and installation of the Station of the Cross, declaring it sanctified by the blood of the many Christians martyred there.

Now, inside the Colosseum there is a museum dedicated to Eros, the Greek God of lust, love and intercourse, located in the upper floor of the outer wall of the building.

Its substantial history and as survivor of time's cruelty, made it a major tourist attraction.
Each year, thousands of tourists comes and pays to see the arena. Luckily for visitors under-18 and over-65, of whom their entrances are free.

The Roman Colosseum will forever remind its visitors of an inhumane past and a significant spot to be preserved in the coming years, centuries and even millennium.