Barcelona, España (Spain) has been on my Eurotrip bucket list for quite sometime. Brimming with history and little secrets, I have been very excited to see what art, architecture, and vegan food awaits in this vibrant Catalan city… And it truly lives up to its charm.

When I was in high school, I took three years of Spanish. By the time I was done, I could read at a sixth-grade level… And then I didn’t use the language again for 20 years. Now I have been practicing Spanish every day for the past two months.

The thing is that in Barcelona, the main language is Catalan. Barcelona is the capital of Catalonia, a semi-autonomous region that has its own distinctive language, flag, parliament, and traditions. It enjoyed autonomy before the Spanish Civil War. But today, the Catalonian nationalists believe their tax money gets invested more in other parts of Spain than what they get in return. Today, there’s still a push for independence–even though the majority of residents didn’t vote for it 2014.

Signs in Barcelona display three languages: Catalan as the main one, then Spanish, and then English. The locals seem to be fluent in all three. I don’t know any Catalan, so I did my best with the Spanish that I knew. Still, the locals seemed pleased that I was trying. I was surprised by the number of people who speak English, but I preferred not to use it this time. 🙂

Where I stayed and how I got around in Barcelona

I stayed at the hip hostel, Generator, which was set in the neighborhood, Grácia. It’s close enough to see the important stuff while being at the edge of the little side streets. In the side streets, the shops and eateries offered more reasonable prices and far less crowds than, say, La Rambla (the main touristy street).

Barcelona, like most major European cities, has a very efficient transportation system. A 4-day metro pass costs €31. I think it pays for itself quickly.

When I wasn’t taking the metro, I was walking through the streets of Grácia, discovering beautiful street art around corners and in random places.

The renowned architect, Antoni Gaudí

I’ve heard of Antoni Gaudí’s architectural work, and it seemed like a world away.

Park Güell

Gaudí worked in numerous styles, ranging from Catalan Modernisme to Neo-Gothic. Park Güell (pronounced “Gwell”), an Art Nouveau and Modernisme attraction, was inspired by nature, as the organic shapes and structures show. The curves and slopes integrate with the mountain, as the Mediterranean vegetation blends seamlessly with the whole park. It feels so alive here, almost like it’s living and breathing. Colorful mosaics and glass tiles give the park an extra whimsical touch, further making it a beautiful wonderland.

Casa Batlló

Casa Batlló boasts motifs inspired by bones and teeth on the exterior, and even iridescent dragon scales for the roof. Inside, the curving lines and structures are reminiscent of the Mediterranean Sea, the stained glass windows borrowing from the likes of turtle shells, sea mollusks and the flowing nature of water. Gaudí brilliantly uses light and color to blend with the organic structure of the house.

Not only is this building aesthetically pleasing, it’s also quite functional! There’s a sophisticated ventilation system that is disguised as gills of a fish, as to promote airflow and keep the building cool during the hot summer days. In the sun-filled atrium, the further you go up, the tiles slowly change to a darker blue and the windows gradually get smaller. This is so that every floor has equal lighting.

La Sagrada Familia

La Sagrada Família is by far Gaudí’s most famous work. While it’s unfinished, you cannot deny that it’s quite impressive. When I left the subway station, I turned around…and there it was.

The Neo-Gothic basilica has so much detail on the exterior that you could spend hours surveying the intricacies and still discover something new the next time you look at it. Gaudí planned everything that you see down to the last detail–whether it’s the story of Jesus Christ, Biblical scenes, or the symbolism behind some of the animals that you see.

To say that the interior of La Sagrada Família was a real treat is an understatement. Inside, no straight lines exist as the ornate columns twist and turn towards the vortex of the ceiling. Rainbows drench the interior of the basilica through the colorful stained glass windows, illuminating the entire space with light and color. It almost felt like even the interior was singing, like I could see sound!

It costs about €30 to get in, and it’s worth it. This is Gaudí’s most talked about masterpiece, and for good reason.

Moco Museum in Barcelona

The Moco Museum (Modern and Contemporary Art) showcases many contemporary artists such as Andy Warhol, Yayoi Kusama, Banksy, Guillermo Lorca, and more.

The exhibit was called, “In Art We Trust.” Inspired by the past and based in the present, the artists here create art that evokes the kind of future that we can all live and breathe in. Through thought-provoking work, these artist envision a world that’s better for everyone.

Here are some of my favorite works.

Yayoi Kusuma’s “Night of Stars”

“My life is a dot lost among thousands of other dots.”

Yayoi Kusama

Andy Warhol’s “1 Colored Marilyn”

It’s Andy Warhol’s iconic Marilyn Monroe screen prints, except the colors are in reverse.

Banksy’s “Forgive Us Our Trespassing”

Banksy, the infamous anonymous street artist, has always made his mark in the world. Here, “Forgive Us Our Trespassing” depicts a young boy praying by a colorful, graffitied church. Here, this boy has his belief system and sacred place. There’s a sweetness about his practice, since he thinks that praying will make life work out for him. And that’s one reason why many people pray: to have solace and peace. And if you don’t fit in, make your own.

Guillermo Lorca “The Little Gardeners”

Guillermo Lorea’s large surreal works have so much going on. Blending magic and surrealism, the fairy-tale settings look violent at first glance. I had to stop and see what the narrative might be. A lot of it was up to the viewer’s interpretation, since there was a delicate balance between nature and humankind, and darkness and hope.

In “The Little Gardeners,” carnage unfolds as fierce animals compete amid large blooming pink poppies. The two little girls seem totally unfazed by the violence going around them, as if this is all a part of life and survival. But they are clearly not casual bystanders to the action. The girl with the blue butterfly wings seems to be undergoing a transformation, perhaps growing out of innocence.

Digital Immersive Art in Moco Barcelona

There’s also a digital immersive art exhibit that was my favorite part. This room here is by Studio Irma. The colors of the lights change to the beats of the tranquil music, offering a warm and safe place in the universe.

Intermission: God Is An Astronaut in Barcelona

When I embarked on this journey, most of it was planned out. Sometimes it’s better to not have everything set in stone, in case you need some leeway. In this case, I saw a concert for the first time internationally.

God Is An Astronaut is an Irish post-rock band that I’ve been listening to since 2013. I’ve always wanted to see them, yet they didn’t come to Seattle the last time they toured in the U.S. My new travel friend Desline that I met in a Paris hostel mentioned they were on tour. I checked the tour dates, and sure enough, they were going to be in Barcelona the same time as my visit! I immediately bought tickets four days before the show.

It can be hard to describe GIAA’s music. Their older stuff is ethereal and existential like you’re moving through life in the cosmic greatness of the universe. The music is pensive and evocative, taking you through past and future lives. I listened to them so much in my mid-to-late 20s, as I navigated through the complex trauma in my life.

Their newer music is heavier and more raw, and to me, it sounds quite different. GIAA played songs from throughout their 20-year career. I happened to be in the front and center of the stage, watching those guys pour their souls into the show.

By the time, they played one of my favorite songs, “Dust and Echoes,” it felt like I was connected with every soul in the audience. Never mind that I don’t know Catalan, or that I’m not quite yet fluent in Spanish. The music is what we were all there for; this shared sense of humanity is what ties us all together.

Vegan Food in Barcelona

Barcelona offers a plethora of vegan food within walking distance. It’s extremely easy to eat vegan here, whether you’re looking for tapas or the Spanish national dish, paella. As I mentioned earlier, having a base in Grácia meant that many vegan options were just a stone’s throw away.

Tapas are like an appetizer or a small dish. You can order two or three to have as a full meal. In many restaurants in Barcelona, it’s easy to order grilled vegetables for tapas. I have also discovered tangy tomato-based romesco sauce to dip these veggies.

You may notice that many establishments close for a couple hours in the afternoon, as part of the Spanish tradition of the siesta, or afternoon nap. They do tend to stay open later into the night though. It’s the Spanish way.

Vegetalia

I needed to try paella somewhere, especially since it’s a new dish. Vegetalia in the Gothic Quarter delivered the savory vegan dish with faux chicken strips and chunks of veggies in yellow seasoned rice. I had the smaller portion and had a small salad with it.

La Besneta

La Besneta is a pastelería (a shop that sells pastries) that offers many vegan pastries that were so rich and tasty that you wouldn’t believe they’re vegan. Pictured here are little tarts with fresh berries and edible flowers.

Xurreria Trebol

Xurreria Trebol offers several vegan churros. I tried the chocolate-cream-filled one, and it sent my dopamine receptors firing to the moon and back! I don’t remember the last time I’ve had a churro. I’ve always been under the impression that they’re not vegan, and I found out that they traditionally are!

Vegan Junk Food Bar

Vegan Junk Food Bar is a Dutch-based vegan restaurant that has a location in Barcelona. I asked for the Daddy Burger, and it has vegan chicken strips, cheeze, pickles, lettuce, tomato, and a special blue Daddy Sauce that tasted like mayo–all inside a pink sesame seed bun. The flavor is just as vibrant as the colors–which is proof that being vegan is definitely not boring!

Vegan Junk Food Bar truly is a vegan heaven with its décor, food, and stylish ambience. I really wish they would expand to the United States; more specifically, Seattle.

Nabucco Obrador Vegetarià

Nabucco Obrador Vegetarià is a warm vegan cafe just blocks away from the hostel in Grácia. I wanted one last thing to remember this friendly neighborhood by, so I asked for one of their vegan cashew cheesecakes with fresh berries on top. It kept me satiated through the train ride to Madrid.

More important things in Barcelona: Cats

Of course, I needed to have a cat fix. Espai de Gats in Grácia has several cats for you to hang out with while you sip coffee or nibble on a pastry. This cat cafe promotes feline welfare by having the cats sterilized and vaccinated, so they’re healthy when they get adopted into their new home. Many of these cats were found abandoned or malnourished, and have been nursed back health. This cat cafe also hosts workshops about feline care and welfare, so the public can be educated on building a more compassionate world for these wonderful animals.

Leaving Barcelona

I took one last look around Barcelona. I even swam in the warm waters of the beautiful beach, my first time swimming in the Mediterranean Sea.

Barcelona is a city that offers its gems with pride, and yet there are more where you’re willing to look. From art and architecture, to colorful vegan food and cats, this is a very friendly city that I must return to one day.

Bonjour! I have returned to Paris, France as part of Eurotrip 2022.

The last time I was in that city was in December 2018, and even then, it was a whirlwind tour through France. To be honest, my first impression of Paris wasn’t very good. During that time, Paris was cold, dark and gray. Maybe people weren’t in the best mood because it was winter. Then again, I only spent two nights there, so I missed a lot of what makes the city special. I made it a point to revisit, because some things are worth giving another go.

This time, I visited when it’s warm, vibrant, and green. Paris has truly come to life in the summer, which goes to show that sometimes things need a second chance. Maybe revisiting a place needs to come from a different perspective, or a different season. Coming back here was the right choice, because now I can see what Paris truly has to offer.

Art in Paris: The Museums

Since I’m still in the second week of Eurotrip 2022, I have found that it’s important to pace myself when going to museums. Paris has many landmarks, museums, and history to uncover, and it’s tempting to try to do as much as possible. After all, it is exciting to delve into the extensive political and artistic history of this legendary city. But one thing I’ve noticed is that I’m experiencing the first stages of museum burn-out. So, this time I just selected two art museums to go to. There will be more art museums to visit later this trip.

The Louvre

The Louvre is the most visited art museum in the world, and it houses the most famous works of art such as the Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo. It’s inside the Louvre Palace, a 13th-century fortress, and you can see the remnants of the fortress in the lowest floor of the museum. It has expanded since, and today it offers the huge art collection that we see today.

The Louvre exhibits cover a wide time period, spanning from the beginning of ancient civilizations (Roman, Greek, Egyptian) to up to the 19th century. The museum is so massive, that you can easily spend the entire day in there–or even two days if you really want to stop and take your time. As with most museums, I highly recommend buying your tickets in advance to avoid waiting in line. Instead, you can go through security and the entrance fairly quickly.

Of course, I wasn’t going to check out of this life without seeing Leonardo di Vinci’s “Mona Lisa”–arguably the world’s most famous painting, which, by the way, is smaller than I expected.

And then there’s the Venus de Milo sculpture, another iconic masterpiece from my art history days.

Then there’s the ornate Apollo Room, which was the model of the Palace of Versailles Hall of Mirrors. Personally, it beats taking the trip all the way out to Versailles.

I ended up spending five hours at the Louvre! That’s the only thing I did for the entire day. To be honest, while I loved it, limiting the number of museums I visited this time was good for me because it can be sensory overload after a while. When I saw less museums, I could take my time in them more and really appreciate what humanity is capable of creating.

The Centre Pompidou

The Centre Pompidou has such a unique architecture, and I have never seen anything quite like it. Colorful pipes stories high wrap vertically around the glass museum, while on the other side, an escalator in a clear tube zig-zags up the avant-garde building. This innovative facade is a real testament to the modern art it houses, ranging from Surrealism to Dada art genres.

This exhibition at the Centre Pompidou featured multiple works by the renowned fashion designer, Yves Saint Laurent, who created dresses inspired by the artworks of the modern artists.

There were several installations, which I loved. This one was my absolute favorite.

There’s even an entire library dedicated to the acclaimed abstract artist, Vassily Kandinsky, that’s open by appointment only for those with proper research credentials.

Vegan Food Tour in Paris with Thory and Tom

As an introvert, I have no problem with enjoying my own company and imaginative world. Being a solo traveler, I can do many things on my own terms and be in full control of these plans. Doing all of this on my own has been truly an empowering experience, because I have learned to tap into the inner resources and take initiative. But after a while, I have been feeling a little bit of loneliness and decision fatigue.

My best friend Karim introduced me to his French friend, Thory. And then Thory introduced me to her friend, Tom. I am not familiar with French food, especially since most of it isn’t vegan. But Thory and Tom knew all the best spots in town. Thory graciously planned out an entire vegan food tour for us to try.

Urban Greener

We met at Urban Greener by the neighborhood of Montemartre. It’s a snug bistro that offered brunch that Saturday morning. Thory and I got the Tofu Benedict, while Tom enjoyed his pancakes. My Tofu Benedict was on a slightly sweet pancake, so the contrast between sweet and savory was a flavorful balance.

Getting around Paris with friends and food

After brunch, we walked up hilly Montmartre to the grand Sacre Coeur Basilica. When we made it back down to the other side of the hill, Thory suggested we rent scooters and zip through Paris.

Riding on a scooter is definitely better than walking! It opened up a greater sense of freedom, as Thory navigated us through the leafy streets of Paris. Sharing the road with cars and bikes, while dodging lamp posts, traffic barriers, and parked cars, was part of the exhilarating fun, as wind whipped through my long purple hair. Never mind that I am 35 years old. Riding a scooter in Paris made me feel young and free again…maybe even a little dangerous.

There was another vegan cafe called Copper Branch. I got a peanut butter brownie. Unfortunately, I was so excited to eat it that I forgot to take a photo!

At a stoplight, I turned my head to the left and saw this iconic 13th-century cathedral.

“Is that…the Notre Dame?” I asked.

“Ouiiiii!” Thory said.

The Notre Dame is yet another landmark building, an excellent example of Gothic architecture–which is characterized by flying buttresses, pointed arches, ornate details, and stained glass. It caught on fire several years ago, and it’s still closed to the public. And we just happened to pass by it!

Land & Monkeys

Tom eventually had to leave for work, so it was just Thory and me. We went to Land & Monkeys, which is a vegan French bakery that sells all sorts of pastries and desserts. I was blown away by how many choices they were! I had to get the cinnamon roll, pain au chocolat, and a type of long brioche with chocolate chips.

Aujourd‘hui Demain

Our last stop was at Aujourd’hui Demain, a vegan clothing shop, bistro, and grocery store all under one roof. This might be the first time I’ve seen a multi-purpose vegan establishment like this!

I had the unforgettable Selfish Burger, which is a vegan fish filet sandwich with micro greens, pesto, and tangy tartar sauce inside fluffy brioche bread. It was pretty hard to decide what to get, because everything looked so vibrant, nourishing, and flavorful.

Au Revoir, Paris

I’m so glad that I had returned to Paris! A city as elegant as this one deserved a second chance, that’s for sure. Sometimes all it takes is a different approach and a mind open enough to look past the first impressions. Paris is indeed brighter this time of year, and more welcoming and ready to have you.

Venice (or Venezia, as the locals call it) is a legendary city where the 14th century came and literally never left. It has been described as the most beautiful city in the world, with its treasure trove of art, architecture, and political and military history.

Where I Stayed and How I Got Around in Venice

I stayed for four full days and three nights, which felt like enough to visit Venice. One thing to consider is that many of the museums and attractions I was interested in are closed on Mondays.

For the museums, I purchased the Venezia Unica All-City pass for about €50, which grants access to 13 museums throughout Venice, and many more attractions. It pays for itself quite quickly and gives the best bang for your buck. However, it doesn’t work for all museums in Venice, such as the Gallerie dell’Academia art museum or the Biennale exhibit; you have to buy those separately. It’s also a separate pass from the vaporetto, or water bus.

Venice is a pedestrian-only town that’s a cluster of little islands separated by canals and connected with bridges. I mostly walked around, although having a 72-hour vaporetto pass was useful. Venice is a labyrinth of walkways, so my phone with Google Maps and GPS came in very handy—especially when I inevitably got lost.

I scored this lovely room by Saint Mark’s Piazza. This traditional room features bright orange brocade wallpaper and exposed-beam ceilings, retaining its old-world charm. Usually I prefer hostels to stay within budget, but…this is Venice. This was the perfect yet affordable place to stay.

Venice is very crowded during the day! There are often pedestrian traffic jams in the narrow alleys. As an introvert, crowds can feel overwhelming at times. So I would wake up every day before sunrise to enjoy a little quiet time before the morning rush. Piazza San Marco is tranquil as the sun comes up, as the street workers sweep the city walkways.

My Favorite Places in Venice

Here are some of my favorite places in Venice.

Libreria Acqua Alta

Libreria Acqua Alta is a cozy vintage bookstore, and a must for any book or cat lover. Upon entering, you can smell the musty old pages; the bookshop has sustained years of flooding. This gem is full of personality and features the iconic stairs that are made of older, damaged books. You can find many second-hand or out-of-print books here. Five cats also live in the establishment, which adds to the shop’s charm.

La Tecia Vegana

Venice isn’t really known for vegan food, and it’s been slim pickings. But there’s one vegan restaurant on the northwestern part of the city called La Tecia Vegana.

La Tecia Vegana offers a multi-course Italian meal: starters, first course, main course, sides, and dessert. The portions are just a little smaller so that you can pick and choose your courses for the full meal. Or you can just have one and call it good.

I picked the seitan and mushroom black and white ravioli as the first course, and roasted seitan with whole wheat and dried fruit as the main course. I paused between bites to notice the various flavors: oregano, onion, garlic, the slight nuttiness of olive oil, and the sweet dried fruit contrasting the savory gravy of the seitan roast.

Museums in Venice

Since Venice is full of history and wonder, the museums throughout the city showcase great works throughout time.

Doge’s Palace (Palazzo Ducale)

Doge’s Palace is the opulent 14th-century Gothic palace that was the heart of political life and the seat of power of Venice. It’s where the duke—the supreme leader of the city back then—would reside. You can tour through the various chambers that display large-scale paintings on ceilings and walls, plus the creepy prison underground.

Gallerie dell’Academia

The Gallerie dell’Academia is an art gallery that displays art before the 19th century. It’s housed in a former art academy that taught figure, portrait, landscape, and sculpture. Today, it’s focused on preserving and exhibiting artwork.

Oddly enough, it’s where Leonardo di Vinci’s famous work, Vitruvian Man, lives. But it’s rarely displayed to the public, since the work, which is on paper, is fragile and sensitive to light.

Ca’Rezzonico

The ornate Ca’Rezzonico museum shows fine art and furniture of 18th-century rococo Venice, such as oil portraits of aristocratic society to colorful Murano-made glass chandeliers. I thought all of it was so beautiful. You get a glimpse of what aristocratic Venetian life was like during that time.

Burano

As the vaporetto pulls up to the docking station in Burano, the bright, multi-colored houses emerge from the horizon, greeting you. Burano is a small fishing island that is best known for its colorful homes and lacework. Like Venice, it’s made of tiny islands with bridges and canals. There’s even an entire lace museum dedicated to the craft. But lace-making dwindled because it’s so expensive and time-consuming. As an aside, the other island, Murano, is best known for its glass-blowing.

I took the hour-long Vaporetto ride to Burano. This island, with its 2,400 residents, is small enough to walk the circumference in an hour. I wonder what it’s like growing up on an island that small?

I spent a couple hours walking around Burano and admiring the multi-colored houses. The patches of grassy areas looking out towards the lagoon, the leaning clock tower, and little shops offering small lace artwork moved me. Then I visited the lace museum. For food, there weren’t many vegan options available, but I did find a shop called Dai Fradei that offers vegan gelato.

Biennale Art Exhibit in Venice

La Biennale is an enormous international art and cultural exhibition hosted in Venice every year. This year’s theme was “The Milk of Dreams,” an interplay between imagination and the human condition asking intriguing questions of how we as a world can coexist and depend on one another—especially when navigating the pandemic, social and political tensions, and the threat of climate change.

The exhibit is set in the buildings within the Arsenale and Biennale Gardens, a 10-minute walk apart—making this is an all-day affair. The whole show was incredible. Here are some of my favorite works.

Leaving Venice

Somewhere I read that Venice is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. The real setting is more elegant than what the photos can ever show. Every little detail and corner offers beauty, intrigue, and a story. On my last day, I took one more look around, searing the details into my memory.

This is a unique city that I will never forget.

Ciao! Rome is my first stop in Italy of this 2022 Eurotrip. Here’s a fun fact about me: I am one-quarter Italian, and I’ve always wanted to visit the last country of my heritage. The love for food, art, and living la dolce vita (the sweet life) runs deep in my family—it’s in my blood. As a food-motivated creative person, I have picked the right place.

Rome is one of the birthplaces of Western civilization. It’s the epicenter of great food, art, architecture, engineering, wine (if you drink alcohol), and romance. My background is in fine art, and many art history classes have drilled iconic buildings such as the Colosseum and Pantheon into our psyches. It has been a surreal experience to see all of these art history lessons come to life!

Main Attractions in Rome

These are several attractions that I’ve visited. I highly recommend:

• Purchasing tickets online in advance to avoid waiting in line for hours
• Bringing a water bottle to fill up. It gets warmer this time of year, and there are fountains throughout the city
• Wearing comfortable clothes and shoes, because you’ll be walking a lot
• Visiting some attractions early if you want to avoid crowds

Colosseum

The iconic Colosseum is the largest and oldest amphitheater in the world. It was mainly used as a battleground for gladiator matches, where the opponents fight to the death. Being inside one of the greatest buildings felt like I was in a history book.

After my visit to the Colosseum, I visited the expansive ancient ruins of Palatine Hill, the legendary site where the city was founded. You’ll find the remnants of temples, Roman imperial palaces, and baths. It really felt like going back 3,000 years.

Vatican City

Vatican City is technically its own country with its own passport, post office, and even football team that’s separate from Italy. But you don’t need a passport to go in. The country is a religious site and is ruled by the Pope of the Catholic Church.

You should set aside a full day to visit the Vatican. The Vatican Museums alone cover about eight miles. That’s a lot of ground to cover! It’s possible to see the important stuff in a day, but you might need two days if you really want to take everything in.

For me, the most important thing at the Vatican was seeing the grand frescos of the Sistine Chapel. Michelangelo, one of the greatest Renaissance artists, painted the Biblical story. One of the most famous pieces is the “Creation of Adam,” a fresco that we’ve seen time and time again in those art history classes. Now I got to see it with my own eyes!

Fresco is an unforgiving material to work with. It involves painting with pigmented plaster, and the artist must work quickly before it dries and becomes part of the wall. So, seeing an entire vaulted chapel’s ceiling painted with Biblical imagery astounded me, leaving me in wonder of how humanity is capable of creating such masterpieces that stand the test of time.

Afterwards, I went inside St. Peter’s Basilica. St. Peter’s Basilica is the largest church in the world and is one of the greatest works of Renaissance architecture by Michelangelo. It’s considered one of the holiest Catholic places. It also holds the tomb of St. Peter, who is the head of Jesus’s 12 disciples and the first Pope. Even though I’m a non-believer, I was in awe of the interior. It took 150 years and an incalculable cost to build a church so magnificent.

Trevi Fountain

The baroque 18th-century Trevi Fountain is one of the famous fountains in the world. The dramatic stone sculptures interplay with the flowing water. The Roman aqueducts carry water to the fountain to this day. The Trevi Fountain is very well maintained. Because it’s so popular, I recommend going early to beat the rush. Don’t forget to toss a coin into the fountain, and remember: if it’s not baroque, then don’t fix it. 😉

Pantheon

The Pantheon is nearby. You can visit the Pantheon, the Trevi Fountain, and the Spanish Steps in one go, since they’re close to each other. I was randomly walking through the cobblestone streets, turned a corner, and there it was!

The Pantheon was originally a Roman temple, before it was converted to a Catholic Church in the year 609 A.D. The columned portico has deeply influenced Western architecture, as seen in universities, banks, public libraries, and government buildings. I am in love with this magnificent building.

The inside is under an unreinforced concrete dome with the open oculus at the center: an open hole that lets in natural light. The interior is designed so that it could fit a perfect sphere—which is engineering at its finest. It blows me away that all of this was constructed without modern technology.

Spanish Steps

The 135 Spanish Steps starts at the Piazza di Spagna at the base and goes up to the Trinità dei Monti church at the top. In the Spring, they are covered with potted azaleas.

Just like the Trevi Fountain, if you want to have it almost to yourself, visit around 7:30 a.m.

Things to do in Rome

As always, great vegan food, art, and cats always call to me. Here are some noteworthy places.

Torre Argentina Cat Sanctuary

Torre Argentina Cat Sanctuary is an outdoor cat sanctuary among the ancient Roman Torre Argentina ruins—where Julius Caesar is thought to be assassinated.

All of the cats in this sanctuary have been abandoned. While many of these cats are missing eyes, ears, and limbs, they are well-fed and taken care of. All of the cats have been sterilized and vaccinated, and most of them can be adopted. The cats roam freely among the ruins, living their best lives. They chase birds, nap peacefully inside flower pots, and purr happily from pets and attention.

It’s free to visit, although consider making a donation so that Torre Argentina Cat Sanctuary can continue to do good work to help these cats.

Romeow Cat Bistrot

I had the most exquisite meal at Romeow Cat Bistro, a vegan restaurant where you can dine with cats. Several cats live in this establishment, and they roam around while guests eat. This is a place where you really slow down and immerse yourself in the present.

Inside, the artwork by Sara Paglia graces the trendy interior. Cat beds are in corners, and some cats amble from one part of the dining room to the next.

A proper Italian meal is much more relaxed and lengthy than an American meal. Lunch is often considered the most important meal of the day, and it usually lasts for an hour or two. Italians often have a very light breakfast, so they come hungry for lunch time–and for good reason. Because this multi-course meal will fill you up.

The starter was a savory ball that reminded me of a cornbread ball, or a hushpuppy. The yellow cream reminded me of a vegan Hollandaise sauce.

The first course was spaghetti in a macadamia nut cream sauce with wild pepper. I rolled several noodles around my fork and ate slowly, the noting the texture and flavor of the spaghetti. It had a hint of garlic, an important ingredient in Italian cuisine. The wild pear compote had a hint of bergamot orange powder. To me, the pear compote tamed the garlic aftertaste, balancing out the savory flavors of the pasta.

The main course was an Italian-Japanese fusion: a bed of marinara jackfruit wrapped in a nori strip, with seaweed on top, surrounded by four breaded sweet potato slices and pesto sauce. The delicate savory flavor of this course married into the stringy texture of the hearty jackfruit in the tomato marinara.

During the main course, this white cat jumped onto my table! I felt honored, since mine was the only one where a cat blessed me with their presence like that. The server gently shooed him off, but I would have let him stay.

Dessert, the final course, was a matcha parfait with a raspberry sauce, an almond sablé (cookie), and a pistachio tuile (wafer), and garnished with fresh raspberries. I loved the brilliant green parfait contrasting with the red raspberries. The soft parfait was the consistency of gelato, but less cold and more dense. The creaminess offered a contrast to the crunchy tuile and sablé.

I loved everything: the food, the cats, the interior, all of it! Life is too short to not slow down every once in a while and soak up what you enjoy the most.

You must make a reservation for lunch and dinner to eat at Romeow Cat Bistrot. They are closed during certain hours of the day as well, so make sure to review the hours before contacting them.

Dorothy Circus Gallery

Dorothy Circus Gallery is a beacon of pop surrealism art in Rome, a visionary and magical experience in an inviting room with red velvet walls, the color symbolizing life and birth. Pop surrealism is a genre of contemporary art. The otherworldly details provoke curiosity and a shared sense of wonder through dreamlike imagery. Artists include Camille Rose Garcia, Camilla D’Errico, and Hikari Shimoda.

Dorothy Circus Gallery also has another location in London, which I have visited.

Ciao, Rome!

Rome has been such a charming city, offering plenty of places to nerd out and immerse myself in history. This is a city that I would love to revisit in the future. The architecture, ruins, food, art, cats, and everything in between stem from passion from the artists, architects, chefs, and engineers who create them, whether in ancient times or modern day.

I’ve been loving Italy so far. The way Italians speak, with their rhythmic vocalizations, sounds like poetry–even if they are talking about mundane things. The more relaxed attitude towards having meals is winning me over. Also, Rome loves their cats. My next stop is in Venice, and I’m so excited to explore the area. It looks different from Rome, and I’ll report my findings. Ciao!