Hot Town, Summer in the City

It may not be officially summer in Rome, but it officially feels like it. On this muggy, uncomfortable day, I have decided to blog about the some of "cooler" elements of Rome. The city has several quiet spots and parks (like the Protestant Cemetery, where I photographed this flower) that are shaded by trees and other vegetation. Not only do these places feel literally cooler because of the grass and trees, they are also places that can remind you what warm climates can provide. Unless indoors, this Amaryllis won't grow in State College. And while they're elusive, the parrots that are housed in the park on Monte Celio (which also contains this arched chapel-like space) aren't found in more temperate places.

Rome is also a place for great, chilled wines, and I specifically enjoy the frizzantes. Frizzantes, according to "Life in Italy" and in my personal experience, are less carbonated than Spumantes. Sparking wine can be found in both reds and whites. I am not sure why frizzantes are not found in the United States (at least, that I have seen). They may be merely unpopular or they are regulated so as not to be exported. But on a hot day, a nice class of chilled slightly sparkling red wine is refreshing and helps combat the heat.