This Week: AZI (the Trastevere, Rome)

After walking nearly 20 miles in 24 hours, I nearly spent my last night in Rome hanging out in my stellar hotel room at the Trilussa Palace Hotel, but the excellent hotel happens to be located in the Trastevere, an area known for its cobblestone streets, nightclubs and restaurants, so despite my exhaustion and the room’s spectacular 7th floor views, comfortable bed and vast number of TV channels, I forced myself out into the streets where I ate (surprisingly delicious flax chocolate chip cookies from a local bakery), ate (pesto lasagna with a fresh buffalo mozzarella salad) and ate (pistachio gelato). After the cookies, I wasn’t very hungry, but the charming restaurant beckoned and then one thing led to another.

↔

I also happened upon a cool little shop called AZI. When I introduced myself to the woman who was working there, Tania, she showed me some of the shop’s interesting products, including woven neoprene bowls, wool table cloths and a number of interesting light fixtures (the industrial craze is an international craze). As Tania and I started chatting, she correctly guessed that I had Norwegian ancestors. (Apparently it’s all in the eyes). As it turned out, Tania’s mother was Norwegian and her father was Italian. Although she’d been born in Oslo, she’d lived in Rome since she was four years old. She and her husband live outside Rome by the sea. Sigh. How lovely.

↔

Woven neoprene

↔

Tania and I shared an interest in decor, a common heritage and even a love of Chicago. Tania’s never visited the USA, but she lit up when I told her I lived in Chicago, and she said it’s number one on her list. She said she thinks the music and the jazz would make her feel alive. She has an uncle who lives in Tampa, so she might pay him a visit one day soon and then catch a flight to the Windy City. After the hospitality she showed me, I’m looking forward to returning the favor.

↔

That’s why it’s so important to cultivate interests outside just TV, politics and movies. It’s our hobbies, our quirky, kitschy, independent interests, which provide us with cultural currency we can use to find a home wherever we find ourselves. Thanks Tania. E-mail me when you plan your trip!  (But don’t stay too long in Tampa). Please visit Strange Closets Facebook page for more photos, links and community interaction.

↔

AZI. Via Luciano Manara, 7, 00153 Roma, Italy. 06 5818699‎

↔

Love the toaster.

↔

A wool tablecloth? How warm.

↔

Faux but cool nonetheless.

↔

These are made from recycled paper and can even be washed.

↔

Steps leading to my a residential area near my hotel.

↔

Apparently this fountain is famous. Perhaps Janis will leave a comment elaborating.

↔

This is the restaurant. I wrote down the name, but I can’t find the paper, and it appears I paid with cash. If you know the place, please chime in.

↔

Very cool mid-century wall sconces. The place has that M Henry look doesn’t it?

↔

The Trilussa Palace Hotel. There’s a gorgeous rooftop garden, which overlooks the hills behind the hotel.

↔

The view from my room on the 7th floor.

↔