Man oh man, I love me a night out in Pigneto. As if I don't get enough 'outside the city time' in Monteverde! Pigneto holds a special place in my heart, partly due to (wisely) celebrating my 30th birthday here, chugging vino rosso and stuffing myself full of the most divine porchetta to ever have been roasted. Also not to be forgotten, an incredible show by the incredible brothers Pontiak at the excellent venue, Circolo degli Artisti. This industrial working class neighborhood certainly shares similarities to Monteverde. Pier Paolo Pasollini filmed here, too, calling the outskirts, "la corona di spine che cinge la città di Dio" (the crown of thorns which surrounds the city of God). Indeed, Pigneto stands in stark contrast from the grandeur of Rome central.  Still, Pigneto has endured much and the strength of it's inhabitants and strong cultural history are to be admired. Now justly starting to receive the attention it deserves, Pigneto is the kind of place you feel lucky to explore. You'll also be glad you are hungry (and thirsty!).

Like Monteverde, Pigneto is outside of the city walls and is easily accessible via public transit. Although it is possible, If not recommended to walk, an option which became known to me on the aforementioned birthday night when there was not a bus in sight! So, take a bus, OK. Or, it seems that very soon the metro will connect out here which will be great for commuting but is bound to change the vibe.

One of my favorite things about Pigneto are the vini sfusi joints dotted about town. I have briefly mentioned this and I will be brief here, too. Vini sfusi, or vino sfuso spots are little storefronts which sell 'loose' or 'bulk' wine from stainless steel drums on draft. Dispense your selected wine into your plastic jug and pay for it by the liter, usually between 1.50 and 3€. In some of the smaller neighborhoods and outside the city center of Rome, you will see these spots on nearly every street. Buying  an entire liter is the best deal by far and many places simply won't sell you a glass, preferring to sell by the liter. The nice thing about some of Pineto's vini sfusi spots is the possibility to order 'vini in mescita' (by the glass). Plus, most of the sfusi spots serving up individual glasses will also provide a few snacks and a nice glass will run only 1€. We looked into several of these hip spots for research purposes (you're welcome!) and each had there own merits. 
Our first stop of the night was at the charming Vini e Oli (wine and oil!). This is a convivial and low key affair. Here we drank nice pours out of plastic cups on the sidewalk for about 1€. Panini and snacks are available, too.

Having a chance to visit Italia is quite a joy indeed. The food! The art! The history! The people! Does such immense beauty exist elsewhere? Of course it does, but you'd never know it while here. And Roma. Ah, Roma, when I leave, my heart (feet) will ache for thee!

Roma always seems to be a logical starting point for me. A classic beauty, this is a do not miss city on my list. And still, with it's chaotic energy and millions of things to do, eat and see, it can seem a bit overwhelming to be sure. Luckily, it is totally chic to drink wine most the day long, so have a glass (or bottle!) and relax. You couldn't possible see and do all this magical city has to offer and I find the sooner I come to this realization the better.

This is not to say one should come to this city without some semblance of a plan. It will be very comforting knowing before you arrive a few things you'd certainly like to do and to have a general idea of the city's setup. The nice thing is, just walking from place to place can be it's own reward. The architecture, cobbled streets, fountains, hidden alleyways and open air restaurants could keep you gawking all day long.