Day 3: Eternal Culture

We started the week by taking another exciting ride in a taxi to the Testaccio Market! Although the roads in Rome are scary, we made it safe and sound (thank goodness).

(Kelly and I are in charge of the blog today) 

We arrived in the center of Testaccio plaza where we met our tour guide of the day, Gemilla.

As we walked, Gemilla told us the history of the neighborhood, how one area is known as modern, and the other dates back to Ancient Rome. These smaller neighborhoods all contain what they need with them such as banks, cafes, pharmacies, markets, etc. And each building connects to a color scheme, so if someone wanted to change the color of their house, they would undergo a process where the color had to be approved. 

Once the introduction to the neighborhood was finished, we started our walk towards what used to be the local “slaughter house” for meat.

At the slaughter house, the old structure had not been changed. It started in the 19th century and closed 1975. 

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Gemilla discussed the traditions of the Roman people, and the authentic meals that were made from animal meat. 

All parts of the animal were used, even parts such as the tongue, tail, and eyes! Roman’s were crafty, especially those of lower class. This creativity formed many of the traditional meals today that are from Italy. 

Afterwards, we made our way to the food market! 

Here we tried new foods such as cheese, fava beans, and pizza. 

We learned that many of these markets are family-owned with premade food or ingredients. These inside markets offer new traditions for Italians as they are no longer selling in the slaughter house down the street and can be accessed easily.

Kelly and I (Emma) connected the market place to a mall in the states. Though it is much smaller and contains fresher products. During our hour of freedom to roam around the market in pairs, we came across little stores of clothing and handmade items. 

Compared to a city, the prices in these markets are much lower to accommodate those who don’t make a large income.

With full stomachs, we made our way to the Non-Christian Cemetery for Foreigners. Here we were able to see the only standing pyramid in Rome currently. And where John Keats was buried! We spent lots of time walking around the cemetery before heading back to the market for a DIY lunch!

For lunch, Emma and I (Kelly) opted to have some fruit and fun drinks and then do some shopping. We both bought matching necklaces (yay!)

After a little break, we all ventured on a long subway journey to our Street Art tour in Municipality 5, in Rome. This subway ride was long, with lots of transfers, but we figured out Italian public transportation!


During the street art tour, we were able to see many different variations of street art, ranging from graffiti to in depth portraits.

For lunch, Emma and I (kelly) opted to have some fruit, and fun drinks and then do some shopping. We both bought matching necklaces (yay!)

After a little break, we all ventured on a long subway journey to our Street Art tour in Municipality 5, in Rome. This subway ride was long, with lots of transfers, but we figured out Italian public transportation!

During the street art tour, we were able to see many different variations of street art, ranging from graffiti to in depth portraits.

Our street art tour was very informative, and we were able to really immerse ourselves in other aspects of life in Rome and see what other communities were like. We were able to see the parts of the city that aren’t romanticized or shown a lot in the media which we enjoyed.

After the tour we traveled to the most exciting event of the day, our pasta making class!!!! At this class, we learned the history of different types of pasta in Italy, while also learning how to make four different types of dough and four different types of pasta (Ravioli, Orrichetie, Spaghetti, and Gnocchi).

After spending time making these delicious pastas, we enjoyed a nice four course dinner outside, and we were able to debrief and share some slightly delirious laughs to end off our eventful Monday!