As some of you may know the absolutely stunning region of Trentino-Alto Adige will be my home in September. So in preparation for that, last week, thanks to one of my beautful friends Giulia, I was able to go and visit!
Things you need to know about Trento:
2) The people are so friendly! - I am supposed to be getting a degree in Italian, but I'm afraid even ordering ice-cream can be difficult for me. So even though I sounded like an absolute cretin asking for a *jews-stoh* instead of a *goo-stow*. (Gusto - flavour) They still tried to help me along and teach me new words as I went along. What I've noticed anywhere I've traveled, even if you absolutely Texas chainsaw massacre their language, as long as you try your best they will appreciate it.
3) Ice- Cream.- In Italian it is called gelato, I personally think it should be called the frozen tears of seraphic angels. (There is an amazing ice-cream restaurant called Seraphini near Lavis a town just outside Trento. It is one of the five best in Italy. And the perfect place to die from an over expanded stomach!) If you can't venture out of town I highly recommend "Grom" near the fountain. They serve organic ice-cream that is only created using seasonal products, so the flavours always change! One of the best though is called Crema di Grom - which is their house specialty!
4) History Everywhere! - Trento has no shortage of interesting historical places to visit. There is the Castello di Buonconsiglio - which at the moment has a fantastic Egyptian exhibition- The museums, libraries, frescoes on the buildings and the little hidden treasures that leave behind traces of the control of fascism. -hint, look at the manhole covers- There is also a statue of Dante Alighieri in Piazza Dante which has a hilarious joke attached to it. At the bottom of the statue there is a Devil. One day the Devil looks up at Dante and asks him a question:
"Dante, how much shit is in Trento?"
Dante replies by outstretching his arm.
5) Suncream. - You, unlike me, will not be lured into the false sense of security the snow covered mountains provide. Trento. Gets. Hot. Like really hot. I visited the University building for Arts subjects and I can tell you it is just one big glass box. I was like an Irish rotisserie chicken inside it.
6) Nightlife. - I'm not going to lie, it is different to Ireland. There is no sneaky sips of Buckie in the bushes or anything like that. But you won't miss it! I should note that when we say nightclub here that is equivalent to the European discoteca. If you were to ask to go to a nightclub in Europe you will end up in a Stringfellows type shindig. (But maybe that was what you wanted in the first place?) I went to one of the most common places to go out in Trento and it's only newly opened. (I unfortunately cannot remember the name!) The great thing about it was the atmosphere, unbelievably relaxed and fun. If you have ever been to the Roisin Dubh in Galway it has a similar vibe. Something I think was so cool about it, (apart from the fact it was downstairs in an old stone cellar), was that you could play board games! *childish grin* (A good place for pre-drinking is called Simposium!)
7) Transport. - You can literally walk everywhere you need to get to. The center itself is very small and the furthest point you would probably need would be about 20 minutes away. So ka-ching for saving bus fares! But for those of us who have a sloth as our spirit animal, fret not as there is a very comprehensive bus system. And, if you want to get out of Trento, (because you are just too taken aback by how amazing it is), located in Piazza Dante is the train station. For just 40 minutes of your time and a measly 12 yo'yo's you can travel to Bolzano/Bozen which is just equally as impressive!
I think that is about it! Unfortunately I didn't get to spend as long in the city as I would have liked to but I will be back soon!
One of the most hilarious things though about having pale skin and blue eyes in Italy is that people think you are German. Had a very awkward/endearing moment with a cashier in Bolzano/Bozen, which is a bilingual Italian/German city, as she tried to speak to me in German and thought I had some sort of intellectual disability. #eurolols
Italian words/phrases to know!
When ordering ice-cream:
Due gusti per favore - Two flavours please.
Sì, voglio sempre di più - Yes, I always want more.
When you're out for the night:
Un'altra birra per favore - Another beer please.
Posso avere il conto? - Can I have the bill?
Mi può consigliare un buon bar? - Can you recommend a good bar to me?
Cosa vuol dire che ho avuto abbastanza? - What do you mean I've had enough?
Any questions, comments, suggestions, critiques or weird dreams leave them below!
Ciao! x
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