Stuffed Dates 5 Ways (my first cooking video!)

Video was shot using the iPhoneX + DJI Osmo Mobile 2 for stabilization. Edited with Adobe Premiere Pro CC 2018 and Adobe After Effects CC 2018.

 
 

Welcome to episode 1 of "Cooking with Cinders", a new segment on my YouTube channel focused on cooking and baking!

 
 
Stuffed Dates 5 Ways
 
 

I've always posted food content on my blog, but I never put much thought into actually filming a cooking demo until after I finished up my Italy vlogs. Thanks to editing those long videos, I became way more familiar with Premiere and After Effects than I ever would've imagined, and it only seemed natural to apply this knowledge to creating a cooking video as well!

The first episode of this series is going to be on making stuffed dates. And not only one kind of stuffed date, but five. Because, let's face it: you're going to go on some pretty drastically different dates in life. Some of them are gonna be great and others are going to start and end terribly and make you cringe just at the memory of them. But don't worry, the five dates in this post won't fail you and are going to be very, very delicious.

 
 
Stuffed Dates 5 Ways
 
 

Dates are a great alternative to more processed, sugary snacks when you're craving something sweet. Not only are they delicious, but they're full of health benefits. Because they're rich in fibers, they'll help reduce bloating and digestion. They're low on sodium but loaded with potassium, which helps strengthen the nervous system. In addition, they contain a lot of protein, which make them a great post-workout snack or breakfast option. 

The most attractive aspect of dates for me is their skincare benefits. They're rich in Vitamin C, which is widely known for fading dark spots and helping with your skin's elasticity. They also contain Vitamin D, which boosts your skin's immune system and destroys free radicals that can cause premature aging.

 
 
Stuffed Dates 5 Ways
 
 

Dates are a great canvases or both sweet and savory ingredients. Here are five different ways to use dates to create the perfect spread for a cocktail party, afternoon snack, or healthy breakfast:

 
 
Pistachio, Honey, and Ricotta Stuffed Date

1. Pistachio, Honey, and Ricotta Stuffed Date

Ingredients (makes 12):
1/2 cup ricotta cheese
1 tbsp honey
1/4 cup shelled pistachios
12 dates with pits removed

Directions:
1) Combine the ricotta cheese and honey. Be sure not to add too much honey since the dates will already contribute a lot of sweetness

2.) Finely chop the pistachios

3) Stuff the open dates with the ricotta and honey mixture and sprinkle the chopped pistachios on top. Drizzle extra honey on top if desired

4) Optional: Toast in a 400° F (around 200° C) oven for 3-5 minutes

 
Earl Grey, Fig, and Ricotta Stuffed Date

2. Earl Grey, Fig, and Ricotta Stuffed Date

Ingredients (makes 12):
1/2 cup ricotta cheese
1 tbsp honey
1/4 cup of earl grey tea
1/4 cup of fig jam*
12 dates with pits removed

* If you can't find fig jam, feel free to substitute with any other fruit jam. I found my jar from Trader Joes.

Directions:
1) Combine the ricotta cheese and honey. Then add in the earl grey (I simply took my tea from an earl grey tea bag)

2) Stuff the open dates with the ricotta and earl grey mixture and add a dollop of fig jam on top

3) Optional: Toast in a 400° F (around 200° C) oven for 3-5 minutes

Banana and Walnut Stuffed Date

3. Banana and Walnut Stuffed Date

Ingredients (makes 12):
1 ripe banana
12 walnuts
12 dates with pits removed

Directions:
1) Slice the banana thinly into 12 pieces for each date

2) Stuff the open dates with a slice of banana and 1 piece of walnut

3) Optional: Toast in a 400° F (around 200° C) oven for 3-5 minutes

 
Lemon and Cream Cheese Stuffed Date

4. Lemon Cream Cheese and Sesame Stuffed Date

Ingredients (makes 12):
1/4 cup lemon zest
1/4 cup of lemon juice
1/2 cup of cream cheese, softened
1 tbsp sesame seeds

Directions:
1) Soften up the cream cheese by taking it out of the refrigerator in advance, or microwaving it for a few seconds

2) Combine the lemon juice and cream cheese, and stuff the mixture into the open dates

3) Top off each date with the lemon zest and sprinkle on the sesame seeds

4) Optional: Toast in a 400° F (around 200° C) oven for 3-5 minutes

 
Prosciutto Wrapped Dates stuffed with Brie

5. Prosciutto wrapped Dates stuffed with Brie

Ingredients (makes 12):
4 oz prosciutto
Brie
12 dates with pits removed

Directions:
1) Slice the Brie into bite-sized pieces

2) Slice the prosciutto into inch-wide pieces that will cover the surface area of the date

3) Stuff each open date with a slice of Brie and wrap a slice of prosciutto around the outside

4) Secure each date with a toothpick and they're ready to eat! 

 
 

Surprisingly simple, right? Definitely feel free to get creative with these, and stuff them with your own set of favorite ingredients—or even whatever you have left in the fridge and pantry.

 
 
Stuffed Dates 5 Ways
 
 

It is not by any means required that you toast these dates in the oven. I just find that by doing so, you give bring out the flavor of the nuts more, and allow the honey to carmelize on top of the dates.

 
 
Stuffed Dates 5 Ways
Stuffed Dates 5 Ways
 
 

I'm all in favor of making delicious food that don't take a large amount of time or a wide range of ingredients—and it looks like my previous posts have all been focused on making foods of this nature. If you have a preference for more complicated recipes or simpler dishes that you can just whip up, please let me know in the comments :)

If you enjoyed watching, please give the video a thumbs up. If you'd like to see more cooking demos, please subscribe to my YouTube Channel to stay updated! 

♥ Cindy

 
Food, 2Cindy Zhang Comment
The most comfortable pants in the world
Pants - Urban Outfitters | White Loafers - Everlane
 
 

One of the worst things about waking up in the morning the thought of having to force myself into a pair of tight jeans for the day. And I'm sure I'm not the only girl in the world who feels this way. So lately, I've been gravitating towards looser bottoms, like maxi skirts and wide-leg pants, which not only provide the length needed for the always-chilly San Francisco weather, but also the comfort of a pair of sweatpants.

 
 
Oversized Denim Jacket - Yesstyle
Oversized Denim Jacket - Yesstyle
 
 

I’ve loved experimenting with oversized items of clothing lately—especially by putting an oversized jacket on top of an oversized pair of pants. It’s a little bit tricky to do on my 5’3’’ frame, but as long as the pants aren’t too long, and you’re still showing a little bit of ankle, you should be fine. To add a bit of contrast to the oversized denim jacket and baggy pants, I layered a tight, simple black bodysuit from Brandy Melville underneath to make sure the volume didn’t swallow me up completely.

 
 
Pants - Urban Outfitters | White Loafers - Everlane
Bodysuit - Brandy Melville | Pants - Urban Outfitters | White Loafers - Everlane
Bodysuit - Brandy Melville | Pants - Urban Outfitters | White Loafers - Everlane
 
 

To add a little polish to the outfit, I turned to my white loafers from Everlane (probably my favorite pair of shoes at the moment). The simplicity of these loafers and its clean lines really helped balance out the loud colors in the pants and to bring a more upscale look to the outfit. These are probably one of the more expensive shoes in my closet, but also one of the most versatile. I’ve found myself wearing these shoes with flowy dresses and skirts to add a more masculine, edgy persona... and also with more casual jeans + T-shirt combos to make them feel more put together.

 
 
Bodysuit - Brandy Melville | Pants - Urban Outfitters | White Loafers - Everlane
 
 

Apparel: Oversized Denim Jacket: Yesstyle| Black bodysuit: Brandy Melville | Pants: Urban Outfitters| White loafer mules: Everlane

Photos: Jeffery Wang

 
 
 

I know I haven't posted much fashion content here for a while, but it's been getting difficult to find time to schedule photoshoots lately. Hopefully I'll have a few more outfit posts up before summer ends!

♥ Cindy

 
FashionCindy Zhang
4 Ingredient Pasta - Cacio e Pepe
Cacio e Pepe - Simple Pasta with only 4 ingredients
 
 

If you're not counting the egg, Cacio e Pepe is a dish that requires only 4 ingredients: pasta, black pepper, pecorino cheese, and pasta water. A common staple in Roman cuisine, this dish appeared on the menus of multiple restaurants I visited in Italy. Since this dish is extremely simple, it was not intimidating at all to recreate it in the comfort of my own kitchen. 

Because this dish contains so few ingredients, I decided to add a poached egg on top of the pasta for a protein boost. Poached eggs might seem like a tricky item to make, but all it takes is a few tips and tricks to make sure that you succeed.

 
 
Cacio e Pepe - Simple 4-ingredient Pasta
 
 

Noodles are always better with a runny egg on top—no questions asked.

 
 
Cacio e Pepe - Simple 4-ingredient Pasta
 
 

poached eggs tips and tricks

Use a small bowl—crack the egg into a small bowl before dropping it into the water. This will make sure that the egg occupies a smaller space in the water, thus staying together better. Doing this step will also ensure that you don't accidentally leave any egg shells in the egg.

Spin the water—Make a "tornado" in the water with a spoon before adding the egg. This will allow the egg to spiral onto itself and prevent it from falling apart in the water.

Be patient, but not too patient—although overcooking a poached egg is a big no-no, the egg will still need to stay in the water for while before you can actually pick it up with a spoon. I can't tell you how many times I've removed an egg too early from the water only to have it fall apart on my dish or within the pot.

No need for vinegar—I find that sour eggs are not exactly palatable and that you can make an completely perfect poached egg without adding vinegar to firm it up. Simply making sure that the water is moving and spiraling before you add in the egg will suffice.

 
 
Cacio e Pepe - Simple 4-ingredient Pasta
 
 

Cacio e Pepe, directly translating "cheese and pepper" in Italian, is usually made with a thin pasta like spaghetti. Because this recipe is so minimal, it can be a great backdrop to showcase a high quality pecorino cheese or freshly grated black pepper. To reduce the cooking and cleaning time even further, you don't even have to complete the pasta on the stove in another pan. You can simply mix the pasta, cheese, black pepper, and pasta water in a large bowl to finish it up. The pasta water will emulsify the cheese to create a creamy sauce while also seasoning the pasta with the salt you previously added to the water.

 
 
Cacio e Pepe - Simple 4-ingredient Pasta
 
 

Why not give this a try as a simple weekday dinner?

 
 
Cacio e Pepe - Simple 4-ingredient Pasta
 
 

Cacio e Pepe


Ingredients

  • 16 oz of Spaghetti (or another long thin type of pasta like Linguini)
  • 6 oz of Pecorinio Cheese, grated
  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Salt to taste (and to season the pasta water)
  • Optional: Eggs

Takes , Makes 4 servings.


Instructions

  1. Bring a pot of water to a boil. Ensure that it's reasonably seasoned with salt before adding the pasta

  2. Add the spaghetti and cook for about 10 minutes or until Al Dente

  3. Bring the cooked spaghetti into a large bowl and slowly incorporate the pecornio cheese while ladling in the leftover pasta water. Stir well to allow the hot water to emulsify the cheese.

  4. Add a generous amount of freshly cracked black pepper. Mix well to infuse pasta with the pepper. If needed, season with salt to taste.

  5. Add a poached egg on top if desired (Please refer to the above "Poached Eggs Tips and Tricks" section for extra guidance).
  6.  
 
 

Note:  This recipe is intended for simplicity. Please feel free to improvise off of it and to add your own twist with other ingredients!

 
 
 

I've been ignoring food content on my blog for a while now, so I hope this post was a breath of fresh air. I've mostly been focused on trying to present everything I collected in Italy in an organized manner, so I've been spending large amounts of time editing travel vlogs and photos. I still have some content on Italy left, but they're mostly going to be fashion-related. If you're interested on the Italy content, please visit the new travel section I created—filled with travel tips, ideas, and oh so many food recommendations.

I also have some video content coming out for recipes, so please subscribe to my YouTube Channel to stay updated!

Please try this out if you're looking for a simple meal to make. It literally takes no time at all and is super delicious :)

♥ Cindy

 
Food, 2Cindy ZhangComment
Italy Travel Diary + Vlog | Part 3 - Florence

Video was shot using the iPhoneX + DJI Osmo Mobile 2 for stabilization. Edited with Adobe Premiere Pro CC 2018 and Adobe After Effects CC 2018.

 
 

Buonasera! Here is the final installation to my trilogy of Italy vlogs—a short video on my 24 hours in Forence. If you haven't done so already, be sure to check out Part 1 on Rome, and Part 2 on Venice + Burano (probably my favorite out of the 3). If you're liking the videos so far, please give them thumbs up, or subscribe to my YouTube channel.

Although I was only offered 24 hours in Florence, I was able to explore a variety of places because the city was very condensed and easy to navigate on foot. Considered the birthplace of the Renaissance, Florence is filled with famous masterpieces such as Michelangelo’s David and Sandro Botticelli's The Birth of Venus. Despite not being very well-versed in art history, I still found the city to be intriguing and filled with gorgeous monuments. Oh, and scattered with delicious authentic Italian food on every street corner.

 
 
 
Duomo - Florence | Italy Travel Diary + Vlog Part 3
(Duomo) Florence - Italy Travel Diary + Vlog Part 3
(Duomo) Florence - Italy Travel Diary + Vlog Part 3
 
 

We decided once again to do one of our early morning photo/filming trips. Since the area around the Duomo (otherwise known as Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore) is always crowded with tourists during the day, I attempted to get some nice shots at dawn but found dozens of other photographers and vloggers trying to do the same thing.

 
 
Duomo - Florence | Italy Travel Diary + Vlog Part 3
Duomo - Florence | Italy Travel Diary + Vlog Part 3
 
 

As a general rule of thumb: your knees and shoulders must be covered whenever you enter a cathedral or church in Italy. But don’t be alarmed, there are dozens of vendors selling scarves and capes outside the church for women like myself—who, finally getting a break from her work wardrobe, chose to bring along the most revealing pieces from her wardrobe on her vacation.

 
 
Piazzale Michelangelo - Florence | Italy Travel Diary + Vlog Part 3
Piazzale Michelangelo - Florence | Italy Travel Diary + Vlog Part 3
On the way to Piazzale Michelangelo - Florence | Italy Travel Diary + Vlog Part 3
Piazzale Michelangelo - Florence | Italy Travel Diary + Vlog Part 3
Piazzale Michelangelo - Florence | Italy Travel Diary + Vlog Part 3
Piazzale Michelangelo - Florence | Italy Travel Diary + Vlog Part 3
 
 

Piazzale Michelangelo is one of the best vantage points to get a view of Florence as a whole. Do note that you will have to work for it though. Google maps might tell you that it’s a twenty minute walk from wherever you are in the city… but that twenty minute walk is a walk straight uphill. And if you’re doing it in the 90 degree Italian summer, do expect a workout before you’re rewarded with the view.

 
 
Florentine steak at La Giostra - Florence | Italy Travel Diary + Vlog Part 3
Pear Ravioli at La Giostra - Florence | Italy Travel Diary + Vlog Part 3
Free antipasti platter at La Giostra - Florence | Italy Travel Diary + Vlog Part 3
 
 

After hiking up to Piazzale Michelangelo, we were quite starving by the time of dinner. Because Italians usually eat very long dinners late into the night, we booked a reservation at La Giostra at 9:15PM. I was dying to try the Florentine steak, and the internet was telling me that La Giostra was the place to try it. Although the steak itself set us back 84 euros, the restaurant provided us with multiple glasses of wine on the house and a free appetizer platter. We also ordered the pear ravioli, which was divine.

And by no means did they skimp on this appetizer sampler. On it was a tasty salad, bruschetta, foie gras, vegetable fritters, and house-made bologna. This would’ve set me back at least 15 bucks in San Francisco. But here it was 0.

 
 
La Giostra - Florence | Italy Travel Diary + Vlog Part 3
La Giostra - Florence | Italy Travel Diary + Vlog Part 3
 
 

The restaurant is dimly lit with hundreds of small ceiling lights that created a romantic but nostalgic vibe. On the wall are photos of famous celebrities that have visited in the past, including John Travolta and Tom Hanks. If you’re interested in dining here, be sure to make a reservation in advance on La Giostra’s website.

 
 
Cute Airbnb in Florence | Italy Travel Diary + Vlog Part 3
 
 

Our small but cute Airbnb. Filled with all sorts of nostalgic furniture.

 
 
Shakeratos at a café in Florence | Italy Travel Diary + Vlog Part 3
 
 

The shakerato was definitely my favorite drink in Italy. Such a shame you can’t get it in the States…

 
 
Michelangelo's David in Florence | Italy Travel Diary + Vlog Part 3
Michelangelo's David in Florence | Italy Travel Diary + Vlog Part 3
Music Gallery at the Accademia Gallery in Florence | Italy Travel Diary + Vlog Part 3
 
 

Being a tourist, I was obligated to say hi to the David statue at the Accademia Gallery. David was created by Michelangelo when he was only 26, and is considered one of the most renowned works of the Renaissance. Because it’s such a famous piece of art, be sure to book your tickets to the Accademia online in advance to avoid waiting in the long line that stretches far around the block.

The Accademia is also home to a myriad of other famous works of the Renaissance. If you get tired of looking at paintings and sculptures, be sure to stop by the music gallery that showcases a variety of ancient instruments.

 
 
Ponte Vecchio Florence | Italy Travel Diary + Vlog Part 3
 
 

Stop by Ponte Vecchio, a bridge that houses multiple shops selling everything from jewelry to leather goods.

 
 
Mercato Centrale Florence | Italy Travel Diary + Vlog Part 3
Mercato Centrale Florence | Italy Travel Diary + Vlog Part 3
Mercato Centrale Florence | Italy Travel Diary + Vlog Part 3
 
 

Taking the train out of Florence? Stop by Mercato Centrale Firenze, a hipster marketplace/food court that’s located few minutes away from the Firenze SMN train station. You’ll find a variety of vendors selling authentic Italian street foods, and loads of locals and tourists alike enjoying a casual lunch.

 
 
Mercato Centrale Florence | Italy Travel Diary + Vlog Part 3
Mercato Centrale Florence | Italy Travel Diary + Vlog Part 3
Mercato Centrale Florence | Italy Travel Diary + Vlog Part 3
 
 

Below the food court is a marketplace, selling fresh vegetables, meats, spices, olive oils, pastries… you name it. I was really hard to walk through without the urge to get myself a second lunch.

 
 
Frecciargento fast train - Florence | Italy Travel Diary + Vlog Part 3
 
 

I had a fairly smooth time traveling throughout Italy thanks to the Frecciargento—which is the high speed train that connects Italy’s major cities. Previously known as the Italian Eurostar, the train got me from Rome to Florence in 2 hours and from Florence to Venice in another 2 hours. I would highly recommend taking the Frecciargento or Frecciarossa, especially if you’re traveling first class, in which case they will offer you a free small bottle of wine and snacks!

 

Italian Eurostar (frecciargento) to Venice

 

Although I’m relieved that I’m done with all my Italy vlogs, I’m also sad to finally put this vacation behind me. I truly had a great time, and learned lots of the Italian language and customs along the way. If you found any of the content helpful, please pin these ideas on your boards on Pinterest, give the video a thumbs up, or subscribe to my YouTube channel :)

♥ Cindy

 
 
Italy Travel Diary + Vlog | Part 2 - Venice and Burano

Video was shot using the iPhoneX + DJI Osmo Mobile 2 for stabilization. Edited with Adobe Premiere Pro CC 2018 and Adobe After Effects CC 2018.

 
 

Buongiorno! I promised y’all a part 2 to my Italy Part 1 Vlog on Rome, and here it is!

Venice was one of the most stunning and unique places I’ve ever traveled to. Despite the city being touristy, it was definitely less hectic and more manageable compared to Rome and Florence. Although Venice has plenty of places dedicated to tourists and large crowds, it’s easy to step away from the main road and into quieter, more secluded alleyways. Due to its small size, Venice is very easy to explore on foot (you also have no choice but to do so since cars and bikes alike are not allowed on the island).

In addition to Venice, we also set aside one morning to visit the island of Burano, which is just a 30-40 minute boat ride away from Venice. Its colorful houses, small narrow streets, and picturesque canals make it one of the most gorgeous and rare places to photograph.

 
 
 
Italy Travel Diary + Vlog - Venice and Burano
Italy Travel Diary + Vlog - Venice and Burano
Italy Travel Diary + Vlog - Venice and Burano
 
 

Since boats are the only form of transportation allowed in Venice, walking around became exponentially easier compared to the more hectic Rome and Florence. You can stroll through the city carelessly without having to worry about cars and vespas looming around the corner.

I loved exploring Venice during sunrise and sunset—the orange sunlight hitting the colorful brick houses really makes everything look surreal. I made an effort to wake up at 4:30 AM one morning to explore the area around our Airbnb and the Rialto bridge to get a sense of the city at its quietest.

 
 
Italy Travel Diary + Vlog - Venice and Burano
Italy Travel Diary + Vlog - Venice and Burano
Italy Travel Diary + Vlog - Venice and Burano
 
 

Waking up early proved its value when I arrived at the Rialto Bridge. I walked past it a couple of times during the day and it was absolutely flooded with tourists trying to get their own photo of the Grand Canal. At 6AM, however, it was completely empty and gave me a chance to watch Venice’s sunrise without the disturbance of other tourists.

 
 
Italy Travel Diary + Vlog - Venice and Burano
Italy Travel Diary + Vlog - Venice and Burano
Italy Travel Diary + Vlog - Venice and Burano
Italy Travel Diary + Vlog | Part 2 - Venice and Burano
 
 

Piazza San Marco is equally as beautiful in the rain as it is at at dusk. Be sure to stop by both sides of Caffè Florian to listen to live music performed by small ensembles of classical musicians.

 
 
Italy Travel Diary + Vlog - Venice and Burano
 
 

Compared to Rome, Venice’s food game is unfortunately not as strong. Try to avoid tourist traps that serve American staples like French Fries and Burgers or American-converted Italian dishes such as Spaghetti and Meatballs. (Note that Italians never eat spaghetti together with meatballs. They will have them separately—spaghetti as a first course and meatballs as a second—but they will never combine the two).

But because Venice is so close to the ocean, there is a large selection of fresh seafood that comes to the island every day. Opt for the dishes that contain seafood instead of the more familiar American dishes.

 
 
Italy Travel Diary + Vlog - Venice and Burano
Italy Travel Diary + Vlog - Venice and Burano
 
 

Burano

When in Venice, try to stop by the picturesque island of Burano. The distinct colorful houses in this small island town were used to help sailors coming back in the fog determine which house was theirs. To paint a new house in Burano, you must notify the local government, which will then give you a selection of possible colors you’re allowed to paint with. Quite complicated, but definitely an important protocol to keep the island looking colorful and beautiful.

As Murano is popular for its glass-making, Burano is famous for its lace. Stroll through the town and you’ll find countless shops selling locally-made lace.

 
 
Italy Travel Diary + Vlog - Venice and Burano
Italy Travel Diary + Vlog - Venice and Burano
Italy Travel Diary + Vlog - Venice and Burano
Getting from Venice to Burano | Italy Travel Diary and Vlog part 2
 
 

getting to Burano from venice

To get to the island of Burano, we took the Vaporetto Line 12 (Vaporetto = water-bus) from the Fondamente Nove stop, which comes around every 30 minutes. Tickets cost 7 euros one way, and the ride takes around 30-40 minutes, stopping at the island of Murano in between. To get a good idea of when Vaporettos arrive, download a super helpful app called CheBateo, which provides a time estimate of arrivals for each boat—available on the App Store and Google Play.

 
 
Italy Travel Diary + Vlog - Venice and Burano
Italy Travel Diary + Vlog - Venice and Burano
 
 

Restaurants in Burano serve a wide variety of seafood. We had the spider-crab gnocchi and the more adventurous but equally-delicious squid ink spaghetti. Our verdict? Don’t be daunted by the squid ink and the black color. The spaghetti was actually amazingly-savory and was reminiscent of the seafood pasta we had the previous night.

 
 
Italy Travel Diary + Vlog - Venice and Burano
Italy Travel Diary + Vlog - Venice and Burano
Gondola Ride in Venice | Italy Travel Diary + Vlog Part 3
Italy Travel Diary + Vlog - Venice and Burano
Gondola ride under the Rialto Bridge | Italy Travel Diary + Vlog Part 2
 
 

What’s a visit to Venice without a Gondola ride? Try to go around dusk to catch the sunset and to avoid the harsh midday sunlight.

 
 
Italy Travel Diary + Vlog - Venice and Burano
Italy Travel Diary + Vlog - Venice and Burano
 
 

Go museum-hopping and visit the free-to-enter Museo della Musica, a museum of music focused on displaying ancient instruments (such as the 6-string viola here!)

 
 
Italy Travel Diary + Vlog - Venice and Burano
Italy Travel Diary + Vlog - Venice and Burano
Italy Travel Diary + Vlog - Venice and Burano
 
 

Remember to fill up on gelato, coffee, and pasta before you leave. Our gelato was from a shop located right off Piazza San Marco called Venchi, which also sells beautifully-wrapped gift boxes of chocolates. We shared two scoops: the rich Crema and the refreshing Fig.

 
 
Italy Travel Diary + Vlog - Venice and Burano
Italy Travel Diary + Vlog | Part 2 - Venice and Burano
Gondola Ride in Venice | Italy Travel Diary + Vlog Part 3
Italy Travel Diary + Vlog - Venice and Burano
 
 

I am the woman under the umbrella.

 
 
Italy Travel Diary + Vlog - Venice and Burano
 
 

The Bridge of Sighs received its name because prisoners would sigh at their final view of beautiful Venice there before they were taken down to their cells.

 
 
Italy Travel Diary + Vlog - Venice and Burano
Italy Travel Diary + Vlog - Venice and Burano
 
 

Venice was by far my favorite city in Italy—possibly one of my favorite cities I’ve ever traveled to. Tired from visiting touristy spots in Rome and Florence, I made an effort to skip touristy attractions such as the Doge’s Palace and St Mark’s Basilica. Instead, I found that wandering the streets (and even allowing yourself to get lost for a while) was more rewarding and eye-opening. Farewell Venice for now, but I’ll definitely be coming back to you in the future. I’ll be sighing one last time as I get on the train to leave.

Liked the video? Give it a thumbs up on YouTube. Liked the post? Save a few pins from this post to Pinterest :)

♥ Cindy

 
 
Italy Travel Diary + Vlog | Part 1 - Rome

Video was shot using the iPhoneX + DJI Osmo Mobile 2 for stabilization. Edited with Adobe Premiere Pro CC 2018 and Adobe After Effects CC 2018.

 
 

Ciao a tutti! I'm finally back from my Italy trip! Although I was extremely sad to leave, I was itching to get back to my laptop to edit the footage that I shot in Rome, Florence, and Venice with my Osmo Mobile 2. After spending three days in Rome, I felt like I had barely scratched its surface when I left. Although filled with many tourist traps and large crowds, there are also quieter neighborhoods scattered across the city that will give you a taste of the local lifestyle. If you're planning to visit Rome soon, my tip to you is to get to try to get lost in the narrow alleyways in local neighborhoods like Monti or Trastevere. Filled with excellent cafés, bars, and restaurants, I find these colorful neighborhoods to be far more intriguing than the always-crowded Vatican city or Spanish Steps. You'll spend less time waiting in line and more time immersing yourself within a more authentic side of the city.

 
 
Italy Travel Diary + Vlog - Rome
 
 

We stayed in the beautiful Monti neighborhood, an area filled with colorful houses and greenery. There are small cafés, bars, restaurants, and boutiques every corner you turn. It's filled with locals, but also conveniently located next to the Colosseum and Roman forum—so you have touristy activities at your disposal. It's also only a 15 minute walk away from Rome's main train station and metro stop, Termini station.

 
 
Italy Travel Diary + Vlog - Rome
Italy Travel Diary + Vlog - Rome
Inside the Colosseum in Rome | Italy Travel Diary + Vlog Part 1
 
 

Try to go to the Colosseum when it first opens in the morning (around 8:30AM) to avoid the crowds and the heat. Make sure to buy your tickets ahead of time (we received them through the Roma Pass) to skip the lines.

 
 
The Roman Forum | Italy Travel Diary + Vlog Part 1
Roman Forum | Italy Travel Diary + Vlog Part 1 (Rome)
 
 

After finish up at the Colosseum, head over to explore the ruins of the Roman Forum, which is only a couple of minutes away. 

 
 
Italy Travel Diary + Vlog - Rome
Italy Travel Diary + Vlog - Rome
 
 

Important: You must eat at Osteria da Fortunata. The pasta is handmade by an Italian grandma sitting in the window and they have an oxtail fettuccini that's to die for. Make sure to make a reservation beforehand though, considering they are popular with both locals and tourists. Also, make sure to brush up on your knowledge of Italian pasta dishes since there is no English menu.

 
 
Italy Travel Diary + Vlog - Rome
Italy Travel Diary + Vlog - Rome
Italy Travel Diary + Vlog - Rome
 
 

Dare to climb the 551 steps in the dome of St Peter's Basilica to catch this sick view?

 
 
Italy Travel Diary + Vlog - Rome
 
 

Stop by at Sant’Eustachio Il Caffè, an ancient coffee shop born in the thirties, to grab a 10/10 cup of coffee. My favorite coffee drink in Italy was the Shakerato, which is prepared by shaking expresso with ice cubes in a cocktail mixer. It's not very easily obtainable in the U.S., but it's everywhere in Italy. It's in my opinion a perfect treat for those Italian hot summers.

 
 
Italy Travel Diary + Vlog - Rome
Italy Travel Diary + Vlog - Rome
Italy Travel Diary + Vlog - Rome
The Pantheon in Rome | Italy Travel Diary + Vlog Part 1
 
 

After visiting Sant'Eustachio's, walk only a few steps to get to the Pantheon. It's crazy to think that this architectural feat was completed nearly 2000 years ago. Although once a Roman temple, the Pantheon now serves as a church.

 
 
Italy Travel Diary + Vlog - Rome
Italy Travel Diary + Vlog - Rome
Italy Travel Diary + Vlog - Rome
Italy Travel Diary + Vlog - Rome
 
 

Italy or Eataly? Stop for some street food and eat whatever looks good to you in the window. Italians absolutely love putting their food on display. Just try to get a bit further away from major tourist locations to ensure that you aren't paying steep prices for dishes that have been modified for tourists.

 
 
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The Trastevere Neighborhood in Rome | Italy Travel Diary + Vlog Part 1
Italy Travel Diary + Vlog - Rome
Italy Travel Diary + Vlog - Rome
Italy Travel Diary + Vlog - Rome
The Trastevere Neighborhood in Rome | Italy Travel Diary + Vlog Part 1
Italy Travel Diary + Vlog - Rome
 
 

Escape to Trastevere, Rome's more traditional neighborhood that has the look and feel of a small town. You'll find people chatting away in its many cafés and having dinner on terraces overlooking the sunset. Try to visit this neighborhood during the evening, as many street performers will flock in the area around Piazza di Santa Maria.

 
 
Italy Travel Diary + Vlog - Rome
Italy Travel Diary + Vlog - Rome
Italy Travel Diary + Vlog - Rome
 
 

Don't forget to go for a gelato at the famous Gelateira alla Scala while you're there! I got the caramel cookie and black cherry.

 
 
Italy Travel Diary + Vlog - Rome
Piazza Navona in Rome | Italy Travel Diary + Vlog Part 1
Italy Travel Diary + Vlog - Rome
 
 

Take advantage of Rome's many free sights, including the picturesque Piazza del Campidoglio and the lively Piazza Navona (which fills up with artists and street performers in the evening). 

 
 
Italy Travel Diary + Vlog - Rome
Spanish Steps in Rome | Italy Travel Diary + Vlog Part 1
Italy Travel Diary + Vlog - Rome
 
 

I wish it wasn't so, but the Scalinata di Trinità dei Monti (Spanish Steps) seems to always be filled with hoards of tourists. Try to climb to the top to the Trinità dei Monti, a church where you'll catch a gorgeous view of Rome's rooftops. There is also a street in front of the steps filled with designer clothing stores, in case you need to do any impulse shopping.

 
 
Campo Di Fiori in Rome | Italy Travel Diary + Vlog Part 1
Italy Travel Diary + Vlog - Rome
Campo Di Fiori in Rome | Italy Travel Diary + Vlog Part 1
Campo Di Fiori in Rome | Italy Travel Diary + Vlog Part 1
Italy Travel Diary + Vlog - Rome
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Italy Travel Diary + Vlog - Rome
 
 

Stop by Campo Di Fiori early in the day to stroll through the farmer's market and to...yes, eat more food again. Note that pizza is sold by weight, so don't be afraid to grab a few small pieces of each different kind (many of which are topped with fresh ingredients and vegetables, which you'll rarely find in American chains). The last photo is of pistachio-crusted lamb from Roscioli,  a deli + bakery + restaurant serving a wide range of Italian staples.

 
 
Italy Travel Diary + Vlog - Rome
 
 

Don't forget to stop by the Trevi fountain to make a wish!

 
 
Italy Travel Diary + Vlog - Rome
Italy Travel Diary + Vlog - Rome
 
 

If you're leaving Rome via train like I did, try to stop by Mercato Centrale—located just a few minutes outside of Termini Station. This is no typical food court, kids. You'll find variety of top-notch Italian cuisine and a pop up from the famous Bonci pizzeria (whose pizza has the most crunchy yet chewy crust, oh my God). You'll even find more non-traditional, more trendy items like ramen if you're starting to crave some Asian food at this point :)

 
 
Rome | Italy Travel Diary + Vlog Part 1
 
 

This has been quite a long post to finish. From sifting through countless photos to finding the right clips to edit into the vlog, I'm quite exhausted from the amount content I've gathered while I was abroad. And... I'm not even close to being done. We've still got Florence and Venice to go—so watch out for those posts and videos as well!

Rome has been hectic but also beautiful and intriguing. Out of all the Italian cities I've visited, Rome stands at number 1 for its food. Definitely come with an empty stomach.

All photos were taken on the iPhone X and edited on VSCO.

♥ Cindy

 
 
Travel, 2Cindy ZhangComment