From the Trevi Fountain that was left dry with a few visible wishing coins,I gulped down the famous Gelato cone and walked down the Spanish Steps.




No matter what anyone says no matter if going to a place as significant as Trevi Fountain is important,skip it if you get a hint that it's under construction still.I regret the fact that the internet never warned me on this as it's expected to be under renovation till October 2015.



Trevi Fountain is the largest Baroque fountain in the city and the legend goes like in 19 BC thirsty Roman soldiers were guided by a young girl to the source of pure water 13km from the city of Rome.The discovery of the source led Augustus to order construction of 22km Aquaduct leading into the city,which was named Aqua Virgo or Virgin waters,in honor of the girl named 'Trivia'.Originally tossing a coin in would mean great health.Over the years,Trevi Fountain was the famous wishing fountain popularized after movie Three Coins in the fountain.These coins go to charity after regular cleanup and are helped to aid the poor.

I wonder looking at the current situation if the source dried up otherwise the fountain looked rather neat if I overlook the construction work.A narrow path is created surrounding it and one can walk over.As tourists many of us come with a checklist and for me,Trevi Fountain was a must see as its said if you toss a coin over your shoulder into the fountain,one day you will return to Rome.I didn't throw a coin in an empty fountain as I wasn't as impressed but I wish to go Rome once again.

The area surrounding Trevi Fountain has plethora of eateries,flea markets and shops.Just in case,if you wish to buy souvenirs at a super affordable rate walk around this area.I got magnets for 1 euro in this area.





As you start walking towards Piazza Del Popolo,you would find Spanish Steps coming in between with the view of beautiful Twin tower church at the top of the forground.A metro station called Spagna would also land you at Spanish Steps.Spanish Steps(Fontana della Barcaccia) also called 'Fountain of the ugly boat' is 135 steps.And the story goes prior to the river walls being built,Tibet was often flooded in 1598 and Piazza Di Spagna was flooded too.What was left behind was the boat in the square.The fountain depicts half sunken ship with water overflowing.Spanish Steps attracts a lot of visitors..





As I walked towards Piazza Del Popolo ahead of Spanish Steps,I realised Rome wasn't done in a day.I have had high hopes that if I overdo and walk my feet out,may be I would be doing justice to my trip and soak in as much as possible.I was proved wrong.Piazza Del Popolo which means People's Square is a large urban square in Rome.Surrounded by Fontanas(Fountains),the Egyptian Obelisk at the center and the Stairs,this is architecture in panorama.I wonder who built it and how beautiful!I randomly watched a seller play with bubbles and sooner than I realised I was part of it 'making bubbles in the Popolo' .Supposedly many of the fontanas in Italy were connected to Roman Aquaducts.





                                       
And last but not the least,when I was done with strolling around the streets in the area,I quickly reminded myself if I must go to St.Peters Basilica as I remembered one of the metro stations mentioned it.However,the basilica had timings and I was told by a local that even if I try walking down now,the Basilica would be closed by the time I reach and stand in the long queue(7am - 7pm).

Lesson learnt:Know the timings.

Tomorrow we take a train to Venice.

Can Death be celebrated?Mexico of all surprises me.When I asked my hubby on his thoughts on why Skull is used widely in Mexico his opinion was may be that has got to do something with the Mafias that may represent Danger.Howsoever I tried to grasp his theory something in me failed and so I asked a Mexican Vendor who explained it all to me.Oh yes watch my video to know more about Mexican Fiesta Milwaukee Live:



 'We celebrate the day of the dead on November 2nd(Día de Muertos) .During the day of the dead,we visit the grave site of the family of the deceased,decorate graves,offer food and sing and eat.Many set alters in their home and events and celebrations are done.Drinks are placed in alter to quench the thirst of their dead after their journey back home.Salt,Marigold,Sugar Skulls and Burning Copal is offered.It is believed that during this time,the departed souls have permission to visit their loved ones and relatives and enjoy the simple pleasures of life again.The rituals are colorful and joyous.Families prepare for a year for this much awaited festival.The skulls are called Calaveras and that’s common symbol of the holiday of November 2. '



I remember Sankara(the travel blogger) telling me something similar for one of the Asian cities,well turns out that this tradition is not as rare as I thought it was.It's celebrated in Brazil, in some Asian and African places and even in parts of Europe including France and Spain.


 The next thing which we all know worldwide and often crave for in different countries is Mexican Food.Don’t we?From Gaucamole to Tortas to Tacos to the Mexican Sauces that are incredibly hot,Mexican food is irresistible. Initially Spanish,the present day Mexican is a mix of Spanish,Asian and African influences and basic elements are corn beans and chili pepper.No wonder Chipotle and Tacobell is so famous. And of course Tequila.Tequila is made from blue Agave plant that has fields in Mexico.




 Mexican Fiesta 2015 celebrated in Milwaukee America was one of the best festivals that Milwaukee had to offer this summer.It remains one of my favorite of all the cultural festival of different countries in Milwaukee for one reason- After spending 6 hours,I was still looking for more.I stopped counting dollars I spend after the souvenirs I collected there - even though small.From skull fridge magnets($5) to Earrings($3) to cowboy hats($10) to the gifts for my loved ones,everything was literally dipped in colors.





 The cowboy hats has deep roots tracing back to Spain.The type of brim of the hat and the bend represent the winner,the boss,the pro,the rodeo,the all rounder.

 The effort they had put in Mexican Fiesta was applaudable.The parade and dance performances took me back to my trip to Spain,which was by the way similar though Mexico I felt was more culturally diverse.







That makes me think why I haven’t been to Mexico yet.

 Watching the Mexicans play the present game of Ulama where the aim is to keep the ball in play took us back to centuries when Masoamerican ballgame was played as part of ritual offering human sacrifice.According to Maya civilization,the ball court becomes the place of transition between life and death. Didn't  I tell you we enjoyed!

In a suburb of Milwaukee,called West Allis,Wisconsin State Fair was an annual Event also nominated as top 10 state fair in the country and that's where we were today.Now well,I always wanted to go deep down into culture of United States and there’s no better place than Wisconsin that took me deep into the roots beginning with Dairy that’s part of our life everyday.Wisconsin is America's Dairyland. Wisconsin is famous for milk,cheese and milk products.If you haven’t heard of Cheese Curd and Cream puff we blindly adore,you may be somewhere else because Wisconsin is so undeniably good with Milk,Cream and Cheese(more than 600+ varieties by Wisconsin Cheesemakers). 

To know more my previous post on US:Click here







Dairy has a greater impact on Wisconsin's economy and their way of life than any other product.Dairy Industry create local jobs,fund public services,preserve the countryside and keep communities strong.In the last world championship of Cheese contest,out of 90 categories Wisconsin won 33 gold medals and many of them were displayed in their stalls.99 percent of Wisconsin farms are family owned.

Did you know that the real lemonades are so much much better?That Pizzas can come in Cones? Today,we are peeking into barns and eating all stuff Dairy and non-dairy at Wisconsin State Fair.We also watch the Sea Lion shows and walk around the Fair.

The Fair Ground was huge and there we so many activities and food that it took us the whole day to venture many aspects.Get a glimpse of the ground with the Skyrider first that provides the top view.

For those willing to be part of State Fair Next Year,Reserve a whole day and arrive early ! This fair is a must.The ticket of entry was for $12.























                                 Spotted Cow Beer :) @Wisconsin State Fair by Meijer