Waterfire Roma

My good friend Michelle thoughtfully sent me an email last week to let me know that Waterfire would be coming to Rome. It's a tradition that started in Providence during our college days, and I fondly recall donning masks with my friends and walking down the hill from Brown to dance and caper amongst the throng of people who came downtown to see the flames on the water. I don't think I actually ever went with Josh, though, back in Providence, so we decided to go to the Waterfire's debut in Rome.

It's a lovely walk to the Tiber River from the Academy, about ten minutes down the hill and through Trastevere. It was our first date night in Rome - Indigo was home sleeping, being watched by our downstairs neighbors. Ever since we arrived, I have thought that Rome is lovely, but seeing it for the first time at night - it's really magical. I was surprised to find how comfortable I felt walking around, despite not knowing the language or even my way around. Everything just felt...familiar somehow. It resonated with me. Perhaps it's my own Italian heritage awakening?

We got to the Tiber, and saw a crush of people standing on the bridge, looking down at the river. We finally got close enough to see for ourselves, then we decided to go down to the river bank and walk along it.

After our riverside stroll, we went back to Trastevere to find a place to eat. We settled on the Taverna Trilussa which was recommended in Rick Steve's guidebook. Rick did not disappoint. The food was excellent. We had grilled artichokes, which may be my new favorite food ever. Josh got pasta, a traditional Roman carbonara (which is different from any I've had in the States).  I had Coda alla Vaccinara, which is oxtail braised with raisins, pinenuts and chocolate. It was heavenly.

 

After dinner, we walked home, taking a circuitous route so that we could see the spectacle that is Roman nightlife on a Saturday night. It was amazing. Have I ever seen that many people crammed into such tiny, narrow streets? I don't think so. This photo doesn't really do it justice, but it was the best I could do in the 5 seconds I had before a person on a Vespa nearly ran me down.

When we got home, we had some wine with the friends who were watching Indigo, and ended up talking until nearly one in the morning. It was a perfect ending to a lovely first date in Rome.