Penis pasta? Only in Italy!

For my photojournalism class our first big assignment is a photo essay of Campo de’ Fiori.

Most people know Campo de’ Fiori by night for having the overpriced, but always a good time, American Bars (Sloppy Sams, Drunken Ship, etc.). But I love Campo for something other than beer pong, creepy Italians, and super sloppy study abroaders: The Open Air Market! I went three times this past week because it’s right across the river and on my way to everything in the city!

The food is a bit pricy, but I bargained for a pair of fake Ray Ban aviators, and I shmooze my way into getting as many free samples as I desire. The other morning I tried melon and strawberry “lemoncello-like” liquor, pesto and pomodoro-pistachio spread with crackers, Taralli (yummy ring-shaped Italian crackers), biscotti, and amaretti (to-die-for almond cookies)! Let’s just say I didn’t eat breakfast before.

Freshly squeezed Pomegranate juice.

The best stand to look at is the pasta stand! They have heart shaped, grape shaped, teddy bear shaped, multi-colored striped farfalle and fettuccine, and the best…. penis pasta! Allison and I already planned our depressing San Valentino Dinner: Penis & Heart pasta and Baci chocolates with the romantic quotes on the wrapper for dessert!

There is so much entertainment in the square during market hours, between the vendors, shoppers, children, and pets. It’s so incredibly amusing to wander around and soak up all the life. My favorites were the little old vendor who fell asleep during the middle of work and the huge hairy fatass who decided it’d be an awesome idea to take off his shirt and sweat over the fruit..

This is my new favorite way to start my day (when I don’t have class)! I can’t wait to start befriending the market vendors and not just the creepy bar owners.

I’m also really excited that I came up with my final photojournalism essay topic: Italian Coffee Culture. Yes, I do miss my Starbucks and being able to order whatever I want whenever I want without getting weird looks of disgust, but when in Rome do as the Romans do? As a college student who lives and breathes off this stuff in the city that shapes it’s day around this stuff, I found it a very appropriate topic. I have a huge list of cafes all around Rome that are famous for their taste, environment, uniqueness, and rich history. I mean who wouldn’t want their cappuccino foam designed with a cat’s face?! I’m so excited to get out there and discover the deliciousness, so keep your eye out for my perspective on Rome through the coffee cup.

Until next time, Ciao!!