Ciao Bella!

Does the photo make you hungry? I don't know about you but I can practically taste the charred, chewy dough and tangy tomato sauce. But I will have to resist until I arrive in the motherland. The motherland of pizza, that is!

In less than two weeks, Pem and I will be Italy-bound for our friends' wedding. We are so lucky to have friends who get hitched in awesome places. :-) This is my first time ever to Italy and per usual, I have spent an inordinate amount of time choosing where we'll be spending our precious few days. Our final itinerary starts in Rome, onto Naples (birthplace of pizza, no brainer), and then Vulcano in the Aeolian Islands before traveling onto Reggio-Calabria for the wedding. 

During my research, I've come across some great blogs with recommendations from locals and expats alike, shared below. Is it any surprise these are mainly food-focused? 

1. Parla Food. A long-time American expat in Rome, Katie Parla pretty much covers everything and anything you want to know about eating and drinking in Rome. She is a renowned local culinary authority and regularly does food tours. This blog offers particularly helpful information like which restaurants will be open during August in Rome and features mouthwatering photos (the photo above is hers). She even has an app for roaming travelers to find nearby restaurants/bars/gelaterias. 
2. Rome Digest. Top local F&B experts, including Parla, share their recommendations on where to eat, drink, shop and learn in the Eternal City. 
3. Surviving in Italy. Mostly tongue-in-cheek observations of an American expat on the realities of living la dolce vita.

And of course, please feel free to send me any recommendations of things to see/eat/do! 

Postcard from Jakarta #2

Hello again from Indonesia's bustling capital, Jakarta! I am here for a month-long assignment and it's been fascinating to be here during Ramadan and the national presidential election. The final tally of votes is still ongoing and the country is waiting for the verdict to be announced on July 22.

A young democracy that is slowly but surely maturing, Indonesia has carried out only its third presidential election ever in a largely peaceful, procedural manner. Yes, there have been irregularities. Yes, there is skepticism. But more than anything, there has been overwhelming hope and faith in the people to choose a brighter future for their country.

That said, Jakartans may be moving about cautiously over the next day or two before the election results are announced. So far though, it's been business as usual. About 6 pm or so, many Indonesians come together over snacks and tea to buka puasa, or break fast. It's a wonderful moment to observe - the street vendors smiling as they busily grill for packed tables of customers, a cab driver politely excusing himself to take a small sip of water while stopped in traffic, or the lively and large family gatherings at restaurants.

Let's hope that if people take to the streets en masse later this week, it will be to dance in celebration.