It was Friday, June 2, (Festa della Republic, Republic Day in Italy). Four of us had decided to not travel that weekend and we had no idea what we were going to do that weekend, but as I stumbled across a packet of taco seasoning we decided to make tacos for dinner because we missed Mexican food. We hurried off to the grocery store and gathered the other ingredients for tacos (Old El Paso tortillas, ground beef, lettuce, tomatoes, bell peppers, onions, and cheese).
As we were in the kitchen cooking bell peppers, we heard music by Frank Sinatra, Harry Connick Jr., and other artists outside the palace windows. So, we made our dinner and sat outside the palace to eat while listening to the music. After dinner, we walked down the streets of Ariccia and found a carnival with games like balloon darts. There were jewelry stands as well as some food booths selling pastries, candy, cotton candy, grilled corn, and hamburgers. We were all so glad that we stumbled across this by accident. As we were walking back to the palace, we stopped for gelato at the square in front of the palace. Then we decided to sit around the fountains to watch couples swing dancing. It was so fun to watch that I wish we still danced like that today.
That night was one of my favorites we’ve spent in Ariccia. In America, I am always so busy, and I forget to enjoy life’s moments. Friday night reminded me that I need to slow down and enjoy the little moments and experiences.
Mollie Farrimond

Dinnertime view on Festa della Repubblica