Daily Targum IB Spring Break Recap 03.20.17

March 20, 2017

SPRING BREAK RECAP ISSUE

March 20, 2017

Spring Break Recap Edition

Tuscany travels test average college student’s taste for wine Clarissa Gordon Contributing Writer

With the drinking age in America being 21, underage drinking is prevalent, especially on college campuses. It seems as though young Americans drink only to get drunk, instead of drinking to actually enjoy what they’re drinking. But that’s not the case everywhere.

During my stay in Florence, I was hit with a bit of a culture shock — in Italy, wine is consumed with dinner almost always, and the goal is to never get wasted but instead to have a beverage that compliments the meal.

On my last day in Florence, I took a trip to the Chianti area of Tuscany, the oldest wine region in Italy. There I toured several vineyards and learned about not only the art of making wine, but also how to appreciate it, too.

Beyond the boxed wine often offered at college parties, I didn’t know much about wine so the tours were definitely a learning experience.

The first thing I learned was proper wine-drinking etiquette: never gulp down like you would a glass of jungle juice or beer! Savor your wine— it’s best to gently swirl the wine before you drink to open the wine up to oxygen, which enhances its smell and taste. Then, lightly sniff the wine, as the aroma goes hand in hand with the flavor.

I also learned what makes a wine a good wine in the first place.

As a college student, when I shop for wine, there are two things I look for: a cheap price and high alcohol content. While good wine is generally affordable in Italy, Lorenzo Moschini, a winemaker at Poggio Amorelli, stressed the importance of low alcohol content when buying wine.

Moschini said a high alcohol content means the wine is not elegant and contains a ton of sugar, which will only lead to a cheap taste and an even worse hangover in the morning.

The best wines are powerful but gentle and should give a toasty, almost perfume-y scent in the

Contributing writer Clarissa Gordon traversed the streets of Rome and Florence for an embedded class all while making time to explore the finer side of Italy’s wine culture. CLARISSA GORDON nose when smelled. The taste of the wine is everything to Italians, as it’s what they wash their food down with.

While this may be stating the obvious, the longer the wine is aged, the better, but even the wines

only a couple of years old or even younger I tasted were delicious.

A drier, full-bodied red wine pairs perfectly with meat, and when looking for this particular quality in a wine, check the label—a higher acidity gives a drier taste.

With a view of the Tuscan hills and advice from a true connoisseur, I learned to appreciate wine and have gained a more sophisticated attitude when it comes to alcohol: let’s just say I won’t be settling for Franzia anymore.

When in Chicago, braving snowstorms is just part of the fun Abigail Lyon Contributing Writer

Sometimes an unlikely spring break adventure in Chicago arises out of visiting your great grandmother in snowy Iowa for a weekend — only sometimes. But when this does happen, you must savor your little opportunity to explore a city you’ve never been to before, and that is precisely what I did.

Doing Chicago in the smallest amount of time someone could possibly do Chicago comes down to a few simple things: deep dish pizza, landmarks and effective coffee shop visits. This is enough to give you a taunting taste of the city and make you absolutely yearn to go back (and for much longer).

My city adventure began for me at 10 p.m. on a Friday night as I arrived at the O’Hare airport, a short Uber ride away from the comfy hotel where I would be meeting both my family and a vegetarian deep-dish pizza.

I naturally carved my way through a slice of that late-night pizza, through layers of cheese and vegetables, and I made my way down to the sweet sauce and the thick of the pastry-like crust. My experience

One of the most famous works of art in the great Windy City is Cloud Gate, or more commonly known as The Bean. The monumental public sculpture was designed by Anish Kapoor and is in Millennium Park in the Loop district. ABIGAIL LYON with Chicago pizza was satisfying enough, and I definitely think it’s worth a try, but I have to admit that New York style pizza blows it away.

By early Saturday morning, it was time to depart for Iowa for sweet family time that would take up the entirety of the weekend. Monday morning was my last chance to explore Chicago and experience more than just some gooey pizza before my afternoon O’Hare departure.

With the pizza off my list, it was slightly less intimidating for me to pack all the things I could possibly do into just two and a half hours.

The Monday snow added an obstacle and the idea of taking an Uber in the snow unsettled me, but not enough to deter my instincts for exploration. So full of hope, I grabbed my sole suitcase and hopped onto the above-ground orange line into the city, catching glimpses of street

art and other cool views on my way.

I lugged my suitcase over snow from the Roosevelt stop on the orange line to the Cloud Gate at Millennium Park for the famous Chicago Bean. This piece of art, unveiled in 2006, is a must-see attraction for tourists of the Windy City. I spent a bit of time here snapping photos and appreciating the architecture.

After that, just around the corner you can find Intelligentsia coffee, a

hip coffee shop to please the snobbiest of coffee snobs out there. It was also a nice place to warm up with a cappuccino before embarking on the journey to my next mini adventure — the Chicago Theatre.

Unfortunately, I couldn’t actually go inside the theatre, but it didn’t kill to enjoy the flashy sign for the iconic venue and get some photos with it.

It’s definitely worth the stop by.

After this, I headed to Michigan Avenue to cross one of Chicago’s many bridges and catch chilly views of the famous Chicago River, infused with green dye for upcoming St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. At that point, I soaked in my surroundings before it was time to get on the blue line and head back to O’Hare.

I did not see everything I wanted to see by any single stretch of the imagination. I want to go back and explore the different neighborhoods, engulf myself in the art scene and savor a veggie burger at Au Cheval. But, I thought my Chicago trip was worthwhile and worth a return visit in the warmer weather.

If you’re in the area and circumstance allows you a few hours to check out this city, go in with a few key adventures in mind and make the most of it!

Seattle’s plethora of museums will enchant your creative side Alexandra DeMatos Editor-In-Chief

The Emerald City is home to an expansive museum scene, showcasing a little bit of everything, from art to the industrial history. While there were too many museums to visit in just a week, we made our way to two of Seattle’s most popular and even entertaining museums — Chihuly Garden and Glass and the Museum of Pop Culture.

Chihuly Garden and Glass showcases breathtaking pieces of blown-glass by Dale Chihuly, who learned his craft at the University of Washington, just a few Link light

rail stops away from the museum.

No two pieces of glass look the same, as they all come in a beautiful array of colors and shapes. In the greenhouse section red, yellow and orange glass flowers adorn the ceiling, framing a perfect view of the Space Needle that is only feet away.

The only thing that disappointed us was how quickly we got through the museum, but when you take into consideration how original each piece of work is you can easily get past the quick walk-through.

The Museum of Pop Culture was another completely new experience for us. To put it into perspective: You’re greeted by a stack of more

than a hundred guitars automatically strumming themselves as soon as you reach the exhibits.

Other than that, there’s a little bit for everyone — exhibits on Jimi Hendrix, Nirvana and the progression of guitars for the music lovers, a room full of video games that you can play created in the last few decades for gamers, a fantasy and horror movie exhibit for movie lovers and a temporary Star Trek exhibit for Trekkies.

Each exhibit offers so much that it traps you in the room long enough that we almost didn’t make it to every room before closing time.

Both museums offer something completely different, yet

an experience like nothing I have had before. If you’re looking for a relaxed vacation, the

seaport city of Seattle is the place to be — you may not even want to leave.

Seattle’s Museum of Pop Culture featured exhibits focused on music. Music lovers would be pleased to see galleries dedicated to music legends and specific instruments. ALEXANDRA DEMATOS

March 20, 2017

Spring Break Recap Edition

How to experience best of Eternal City in one short weekend Julia Terranova Staff Writer

You could take multiple lifetimes to explore Rome. I’ve been here for two months, and I’m still barely able to comprehend what a truly magnificent place it is. The absolute richness and density of the city make it difficult to plan a quick trip here. Of course, there are the “biggies,” the places people tell you would be crazy to miss: the Colosseum, the Vatican and the Roman Forum, to name a few. However, you would be remiss if you spent all of your time waiting in line at big attractions instead of really exploring Rome.

For first time visitors to the city, I recommend striking a balance: one “main attraction” a day, followed by plenty of exploring and eating.

Rome is, after all, in the details.

Day 1

Morning Colosseum and Forum Tour For around 30 euro per person, you can get a tour of both the Colosseum and the Roman Forum. It will take most of the morning, but it will be worth it. The Ancient Roman history will provide an excellent backdrop for the rest of your trip.

Afternoon Head down to Testaccio to explore. This neighborhood used to be home to the slaughterhouses of Rome, but now it’s a bustling district full of good food and often modern art. The Testaccio Market is a great place to walk around — you’ll find stalls selling fresh produce and meat, as well as kitchen supplies and clothes. Get lunch from Mordi e Vai, a stand with some of the best panini in Rome.

Evening Head back to your hotel, hostel or Air BnB and take a little rest.

You’re probably near the center, so now wouldn’t be a bad time to do what I call the “piazza walk.” Starting at Campo de Fiori, make your way to Piazza Navona and then the Pantheon. Get dinner at Armando al Pantheon, probably the last quality restaurant in the area. The rest of the night is up to you, there are plenty of bars throughout the city for you to satiate your thirst. If you want to take your drink to go, ask for “plastica.”

Day 2

Morning Vatican Museums, St. Peter’s Basilica Tour If you want to see the Vatican and you’re going in tourist season,

The Roman Forum is a must-see when you’re visiting Rome. Located in the center of the city, it is a short walk from many other sites and places to grab a bite. JULIA TERRANOVA book a tour. You will save so much time waiting in line. Even if you aren’t into art, these museums are necessary to see. You’ll see Michelangelo’s “Sistine Chapel” and Raphael’s “School of Athens,” among many other breathtaking works of art. The Basilica is also absolutely full of amazing art and is worth a visit. It’ll be a long day, so make sure you get a caffe and a cornetto first.

Afternoon Walk along the Tiber until you hit Trastevere, turn right.

Trastevere is where I live now, and while most of the year it is absolutely full of tourists, it is still incredible and necessar y to visit. You must tr y Roman pizza while you’re here, and one of the best is at Dar Poeta. Grab a pizza and a beer for lunch. Walk a little deeper into Trastevere and find the Piazza di San Cosimato and get gelato at Fatamorgana, where they have fresh gelato and amazing favors. Keep walking around, looking about as you do. Trastevere is one of

the most picturesque neighborhoods in Rome.

Evening Wander over from Trastevere into the Jewish Ghetto. Walk around, look around and eat dinner at Nonna Betta. Nonna Betta has Roman as well as Roman Jewish classics. Try the artichokes. Next hop on a bus or hail a cab and go see the Trevi fountain at night, toss in a coin to ensure your return to this magical city. From there, walk to the Piazza di Spagna, climb the Spanish Steps, and see Rome at night.

UK architecture sets historic, beautiful backdrop for spring trip Morgan Rue Contributing Writer

Westminster Abbey is one of the most historic landmarks in Great Britain. It’s a central location for events involving the monarchy, most recently The Royal Wedding. WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

For my spring break it was all castles, royalty and historic architecture that framed the trip and made the backdrop of my across the pond adventure in the United Kingdom.

I spent the week in Edinburgh, Scotland and London, England where I came across some of the world’s oldest architecture and history. Walking around these two famous but different cities is like living in a history textbook.

I was able to walk through the Holyrood Palace in Edinburgh, Scotland, where the queen lives for a week every year, and I saw where kings and queens and other royals from thousands of years ago lived.

When leaving the Holyrood Palace I walked the Royal Mile and

saw structures built more than a thousand of years ago. It’s a truly historic site and now also the most visited tourist spot of Edinburgh.

The walk ends at The Castle of Edinburgh, which in the 17th century was used as military barracks.

From the breathtaking Scottish castles it is only an hour long plane ride to London, one of the most fast-paced cities in the world.

Home to some of the oldest buildings and churches in the world like Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace and the House of Parliament — the architecture here dates back to before 900 B.C. Even though America has some beautiful buildings that hold incredible history, it is impossible to compare to the stunning views in London.

Churches in America are beautiful, such as St. Paul’s Cathedral

in New York City, but the minute I stepped foot into Westminster Abbey it was unlike anything I had ever seen before. The Abbey has been the coronation church since 1066 and is the burial site for 17 monarchs, and most recently was the wedding ceremony location for Prince William and Kate Middleton. It stands in the city like a physical history lesson.

These buildings now lay within the new hustle and bustle of modern 21st Century life but still manage to radiate with the elegance and charm of their beautiful architecture.

If you have never visited Scotland or England, go right now, and when you are there, soak up being a tourist because the sights are worth the walking and the architecture’s beauty will forever be embedded into your mind.

In cold Canada, warm up with local drinks, dishes in bar scene KaTHerine Moretti Managing Editor

Spring break can be a week-long period notorious for debauchery and wild behavior. While fellow Rutgers students were in warm, tropical places like Cancun or Florida, I bravely drove six hours north to freeze in Montreal, Canada — and I don’t regret a thing, except for my frost-bitten toes and wind-burned face.

Montreal, it turns out, has a lot of options to offer a college student looking to destress from the first half of spring semester. This city has a great selection of bars, pubs and clubs, and with a drinking age of 18, Montreal is a solid choice for anyone wanting to sit through the six-hour trek up I-87.

Ready to plan your Spring Break 2018 trip? Here are a few

places I recommend as you trek through the cold.

McKibbins Irish Pub

Since RU’s spring break generally coincides with St. Patrick’s Day, McKibbins is a must-see. The pub starts bright and early on March 17 with a $15 St. Pattwy’s Day breakfast and Irish coffee, and the drinking continues all day, with various bands and performances throughout the afternoon and into the night. If you’re looking for the perfect place to hang out and have a beautiful pint of Guinness, McKibbins is the place to go.

Suite 701

If you are looking for a chic, Instagram-worthy brunch spot, look no further than Suite 701.

Huge windows, lounge seats, a relaxed atmosphere and absolutely amazing food — what else

can you want? Located around the corner from the Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal, Suite 701 is the perfect place to sip mimosas or bloody caesars before braving the cold and sight-seeing around Old Montreal.

almost pathetic, frat-party-like behavior. While this may sound like a place you don’t want to visit, you can’t go wrong with discounted

drinks on Ladies’ Night. If you’re looking for something a little more high-key than relaxed bars and pubs, this club is the place to be.

Le Saint-Bock

Offering quite possibly the best caesar salad I’ve ever had, Le SaintBock is a great place to stop for not only a great selection of beer, but some killer drunk-food. If you’re not into eating a caesar salad when you’re belligerent, Le Saint-Bock offers other dishes including mac and cheese with beer, signature burgers and of course poutine.

Thursday’s

Feeling homesick and missing classic New Brunswick frat parties? Look no further than Thursday’s to get your fill of belligerent,

FEATURE PHOTO When visiting our neighbors to the North, be sure to indulge in the local eateries, like this brunch from Suite 701. KATIE MORETTI

GRAPHIC BY MIKE MAKMUR / STAFF DESIGNER