Food in Rome: Nino (by the Piazza dei Spagna)

Everyone, if you're ever visited Rome (or indeed Italy), you'll be aware that Italy is full of restaurants. Here's my recommendation for the best restaurant we found in Rome.

Nino is a restaurant that's been in operation for about seventy years. Near the Spanish steps, it looks unpretentious and a bit boring when first noticed. But the food there exceeds anything else in the neighborhood -- it's perfectly prepared, Tuscan, with brilliant ingredients, little complexity, and great service.

It's also relatively inexpensive, four courses with wine for less than E45 each.
My compliements to the chef!

The Vatican

Coming down the staircase from the Vatican Museums, Brian caught this shot. Isn't she cute!

 

Hey! Dominick! Buon Natale!

On one of the Hills of Rome (I think the Palatine) we came across this street sign. It made Erin think of a famous Christmas donkey from long ago.

To quote from the song,

"Santa's got a little friend, His name is Dominick.
The cutest little donkey, You never see him kick.
When Santa visits his paisons, With Dominick he'll be.
Because the reindeer cannot, Climb the hills of Italy.

Looking over the Ruins of Rome

We seem to be forming a habit: visits to Italy in December. Last year we saw Venice, this year it was Rome. Needless to say, Rome is a great place to visit in December, relatively warm and not crammed with tourists.

A nice Japanese couple asked Brian to take their photo. He did it and then they reciprocated. Amusingly, the Japanese guy knew EVERYTHING about our camera and played with it for thirty seconds before taking this shot.

December 2005: Visiting the States

This December I headed to Houston for Mia's wedding. Brian wasn't able to come with me which was sad, but I had a good time.

Mia and I have come a long way since I dropped my books on her head in the 7th grade and I was pleased to be a part of her wedding day. She looked beautiful and both her and Young looked very happy.

This picture was taken before the wedding as she was getting ready for all the excitment.

December 2005: Anniversary Trip

Because Erin's off to the States this month and then we're both off to Rome, we decided to take our anniversary trip touring around Dublin. We had a great time!

At the end of the Jameson Distillery tour, everyone has a chance to sample Jameson whiskey in a pub onsite. As you can see, whiskey tastings can be pretty lively.

December 2005: Office Christmas Party

Well, there are office Christmas parties, and then there are office Christmas parties.

Some parties offer bum photocopies and rants at the boss.
Our Christmas party (for about 500 employees + guests) offers a five course meal, a great ABBA cover band, dancing until 4am, and free breakfast in the morning.

Erin and I were already a little full when that picture was taken. 8-)

 

November 2005: Hikes

With Brian starting his new job, travel is mostly out of the question this month. So instead we've spent our weekends hiking around Dublin. Since Dublin is surrounded by mountains, there are some beautiful hikes within a short drive.

Here's a photo of Erin up in the mountains. Doesn't she look cute!

 

Living in Greystones

This is a view of Greystones Harbour.
As you can see, the sea is something to see. (Hee)

We live about ten minutes away from this harbour but can see the Irish sea from our apartment.

October 2005: Moving and Changing Jobs

Why is the fall always a time of madness for us? Last year we were changing jobs, moving to Ireland, etc etc in October. This year we're moving house and Brian is changing jobs.

We've found a very nice (brand new, actually) apartment in a town called Greystones, about 20 miles south of Dublin. Although it's still being built, it will be brilliant once it's done, with limestone quarry tiles and wooden floors throughout.

In addition, Brian has taken a management role, where he'll be managing some of the UK marketing for one of the divisions of our company. He's very excited but a bit overwhelmed by it.

So October is going to be a little complicated for us.

Brian Goes Back to Edinburgh

Since Brian went to grad school in Edinburgh, it's always a city he looks forward to visiting. Two old friends, Ben & Ben, met up with Brian this autumn for a few days revisiting old haunts. Here they are in front of their old apartments, Edward Salvesen Hall -- over 400 years old and still in use today!

September 2005: Trips to the States

We both visited the States this month, but each took a different trip. Brian went to Nashville to visit family and friends, while Erin went to New York City to visit her old friends. By all accounts both of us had a good trip

Slipping away from Dun Laoghaire

Well, it's September and we're considering a move away from Dun Laoghaire. We're looking for a place farther south, where we can hopefully find more space and a better quality of life. Though we like DL immensely, a few issues (including exorbitant rent) are driving us away.


Though to give you some idea, this is a typical view of Dun Laoghaire. 

A Sidenote: Types of Guests

On another note, at this point in the year, we've had so many guests we can categorize them into four basic types, keeping in mind that each type can be mild or severe.

1) Laid-back but independent. These people aren't obsessed with seeing every sight, but if necessary they can arrange cabs, tours, restaurant bookings, etc for themselves. Good kind of guest. They're often more interested in recharging and relaxing. Brian's Mom and Dad were this kind of guest. Easy enough.

2) Laid-back but dependent. They aren't obsessed with sightseeing, being happy enough to watch Irish television, but are basically incapable of getting anything done themselves. So when we come home from work they've been sitting on the couch all day and want to spend the evening in activity but want us to plan it, arrange transport, pay for it because they've failed to get euros, etc. Nuisance.

3) Intense but independent. These people want maximum value from their visit and have a well-formed strategy for the trip. These are easy enough to work with because they can be left behind with some coffee and a key and they'll do well. Erin's parents fall into this category. Often have some good insights into what they're seeing and experiencing so they make interesting houseguests.

4) Intense but dependent. Want everything with no effort on their part. Want us to plan the perfect trip, be their personal driver, Ideally would like to be carried through the woods on my back. Enough said. 8-(

So if you're reading this, and you plan a visit, think about which category you are, and if possible, warn us in advance! Seriously dyed-in-the-wool Types 2 and 4 can stay away.

Amsterdam

We took mom and dad to Amseterdam while they were here. Mom always wanted to go and we had a great time. It was an amazing city and Erin and I are looking forward to going back so we can see more of it.

One place I strongly recommend is the Rijksmuseum (http://www.rijksmuseum.nl/index.jsp). It's being renovated currently so the best pieces from their collections are on display in a managable and well-organized display that takes less than three hours to experience.

I think Brian's Dad just got out of one of the "coffee" houses - wouldn't you agree?