Jen Parsons

The research! The best part of the job was discovering great happening venues that were new to me, even after living in the city for four years.

I made friends through writing for Party Earth! And I now have VIP entrance to many clubs and am on a first-name basis with several owners and bartenders in town (not sure if that’s the best thing for my health, mind you). Plus it wouldn’t be Italy if I also didn’t get asked out a couple of times by managers I was interviewing, which I found hysterical – those Italian stallions cannot imagine a world where business is separate from pleasure.

I resemble Emma the most, because although I like to get dressed up and go clubbing on occasion like Adriana, my nightlife usually consists of going to lower-key venues with friends. Besides socializing and having fun, a cultural or unusual element to the night, especially if the music or band is stellar, will be the reason I go out on the town.

A perfect day in the life of a Roman always starts out with a cappuccino and cornetto at an outdoor café, one of my favorites being Barnum near Campo de’ Fiori. Wandering through the fruit and vegetable market in Campo before walking to a gallery exhibit would make up most of my afternoon. Having a picnic or going on a run in Villa Pamphili, one of the most beautiful parks just south of the Vatican, would be on the docket before meeting up with friends for a drink and aperitivo in Trastevere and crossing the Ponte Sisto around sunset for one of the most breathtaking views of the city. Follow that up with dinner with friends at my new favorite restaurant – subject to change! – but currently La Quercia. The sage and butter ravioli will haunt you for weeks to come. Stopping at a spot like Bartaruga for an after-dinner drink before walking to La Maison for a night of dancing would wrap up the night.