May 10

Today I had the pleasure of checking out Giardino dell'Orticultura after a great tip. The gardens are located way north of the city center in the Fortezza Basso neighborhood. I felt like a real local walking there because it is totally out of the "tourist zone." The gardens are essentially a huge public park. There were college-students sitting in grass playing instruments, moms chasing after wobbly toddlers, co-workers gossiping on benches over panini, plus one couple locked in the most aggressive public make-out I have ever witnessed (spring must be in the air!). There is also a glass greenhouse-looking building that seems like it could function as a venue for events. It was stunning. After getting some sun in the grass, I made it just to my apartment as the sky opened up and it started to pour. Perfect timing if I do say so myself.