Friday Fun: Best Italian Winery of the Year & Roma Film Festival Wrap Up

November 4, 2011 By Andrea

It’s Friday Fun time again. Have a great weekend everyone! Here are our picks. . .

**My pick**
This video is by a Sicilian winery named Tasca d’Almerita. I first saw this video on a fellow expat’s blog last week (An American in Rome), and fell in love with it. Throughout the rest of the week, I saw this winery mentioned several other times. Was this the Universe’s way of trying to tell me I needed to plan a getaway to Sicily to relax and enjoy a little wine? Nope, I’m afraid not. Turns out, this Sicilian winery is getting a lot of press lately from the recent awards it has received. Tasca d’Almerita was just awarded ‘Italian Winery of the Year’ by Vini d’Italia, Italy’s bestselling wine guide. The Italian Sommeliers’ Association also named the winery ‘Sicilian Wine Producer of the Year’. After watching the video, you will want to plan a trip to Sicily to sample some of their wines and experience the culture there too. Curl up with a glass of vino and enjoy. 🙂

**Hubby’s pick**
Remember last week we told you about the International Rome Film Festival? The events are coming to an end this weekend. Did any of you have a chance to attend any of the screenings or festivities? If you lucked up and were able to attend, what was your favorite film or thing at the festival?

If you would like to see other Friday Fun posts, you can find them here. If you would like to see the reason behind why we started the Friday Fun posts, you can check it out here.

Why Rome?

Friday Fun: International Rome Film Festival

October 28, 2011 By Andrea

The sixth edition of the International Rome Film Festival began yesterday, October 27th, and will run through Saturday, November 5th. Many stars are scheduled to be in attendance, such as Richard Gere, Steven Spielberg, Maggie Gyllenhall, Penelope Cruz and Ethan Hawke, to name a few.

The festival will present films in and out of competition, documentaries and independent films. The 15 films in competition will be competing for the Marco Aurelio awards for best picture, best actor and best actress. A number of exhibitions and award ceremonies will also be taking place throughout the festival.

Tickets for the screenings range from €3-€25. For a list of films, along with their screening dates and prices, you can check here. For information on purchasing tickets you can check here. For additional information on the festival, you can check here.

For this week’s Friday Fun, we thought we would share trailers from two of the films being shown at this year’s International Rome Film Festival. Here are our picks. Would love to know if anyone has a chance to attend the festival, and which movie(s) you liked the best. **Hubby’s pick**
“The Adventures of Tintin: The Secret of the Unicorn” is an animated film by Steven Spielberg, due out in December. It looks like fun for the whole family.

**My pick**
“Hysteria” is a romantic comedy featuring Maggie Gyllenhall, and is said to be based on a true story. The film is set in 1880 London, and is about an invention to cure women’s hysteria. This one is not appropriate for the whole family, but might be fun for a night out with the girls. I’ll be honest, the trailer made me giggle and left me blushing a little.

Don’t forget, please let us know if you have a chance to attend the festival. We would love to know which movie(s) you saw, and your thoughts on the festival.

If you would like to see other Friday Fun posts, you can find them here. If you would like to see the reason behind why we started the Friday Fun posts, you can check it out here.

Why Rome?

Extended Opening of the Coliseum’s Underground

October 22, 2011 By Andrea

The Coliseum’s underground and third level were scheduled to close at the end of October, but it has been announced the opening will be extended through the end of December. UPDATE: As of April 7th, the Coliseum’s underground will be open again! This is great news for visitors coming to Rome!

For everyone visiting the Coliseum, you can take a complete tour. You will not only be able to experience the Coliseum as if you were a member of the audience so many centuries ago, but you will be able to experience the Coliseum as an actual gladiator. How cool is that?! Pretty cool, if you ask me.

If you would like to take a complete tour of the Coliseum, we will be glad to help you reserve a time and date. (Unfortunately, you will need to have a guide to be allowed access to the underground.) The cost is €80 per adult (€55 for children ages 6-14 & €75 for students ages 15-25 and Seniors age 65+), and includes your entry ticket and a complete tour of the Coliseum. In addition to the Coliseum, your guide will also take you to the Arch of Constantine, Via Sacra, Roman Forum and the Palatine Hill. The full tour last 3 hours and 30 minutes.

If you are interested in scheduling a complete tour of the Coliseum, please feel free to contact me to arrange your visit.

Why Rome?

Comedy…FREE…in English…sounds GREAT!

July 17, 2011 By Andrea

The Miracle Players is an English speaking comedy theatre group based in Rome, Italy. They will be performing ‘The Seven Kings of Rome’ every Friday at 7:30 PM from June 24th to August 5th. Admission to the show is FREE, and you do not need tickets or reservations. The show will be held in front of the Mamertime Prison at the Roman Forum.

Why Rome?

Grow your imagination and reach for the sky. . .

June 22, 2011 By Andrea

For children or for those who are a child at heart, Fireflies and Lanterns: The National Children’s Theatre Festival will take place in Rome from June 24^th– 29^th. The aim of the festival is to bring children closer to theatre and theatre closer to children by stimulating their imagination and creativity. Admission to the event is free, and is scheduled to take place at 9:30 PM each night at Villa Pamphili-Casa dei Teatri (Via Arco dei Quattro Venti). For more information you can call +39 06 588 2034.

Why Rome?