Category: Main

  • BBQ and Kyoto | RO Explore

    BBQ and Kyoto | RO Explore

    When I’m traveling anywhere, I try to get the most out of my money and time. Japan makes it easy to travel without owning a car. All you need is a JR rail pass and it’ll get you up and down Japan easily. It gives you access to local train systems, the bus system and the bullet train. We stayed in Tokyo, but wanted to make it down south to check out the famous temples and check out Osaka for a bit.

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    We were trying to take the bus to the Golden Temple, but ended up at this random temple.

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    Pretty cool place nonetheless.

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    Enter the dragon.

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    The best soft serve green tea you will ever have!

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    It can be found in a little shop in front of the Golden Temple.12640400_10153935804800996_6844576928002586668_o

    The majestic Golden Temple.

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    Our next stop in Kyoto, would be the Fushimi Inari shrine. It’s the shrine that has a bunch of toriis on the mountain. A torii is this orange gate thing.

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    Usually, it’s not this crowded, but I guess January is when tourists come out.

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    Writings on the wall.

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    After a long afternoon of visiting temples, we headed further south to Osaka for some Japanese BBQ. We were originally looking for Kobe beef, but none of the restaurants that served kobe beef were open. They didn’t open until 5PM and we didn’t have that kind of time to wait.

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    When you’re third wheeling hard.

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    That’s it for today, thanks for reading and I’m sure we’ll meat again.

    -NGUMINH

  • Ho Chi Minh City | RO Explore

    Ho Chi Minh City | RO Explore

    Ho Chi Minh city is a fun city to be in, there is so much to do and everything is so cheap! If you’re on a budget and want to go on an Asia trip, make sure you consider going to Vietnam.

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    I started a bike gang with my neighbors in district 2.

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    Everybody rocking the Royal Origin crown sticker.

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    I got the best banh mi in Ho Chi Minh city at Banh Mi Huynh Hoa.

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    This little joint gets busy in the afternoon, so make sure you come early!

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    Me and my mom.

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    This is a rice, beef, egg and cheese with curry skillet from Pepper Lunch!

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    Pasta from Yummy Yummy Center.

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    I was in Vietnam to spend Chinese New Year with my family. The city was well decorated for this holiday.

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    Met up with my friend Vinsin and his sisters for some drinks.

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    Vinsin’s family can drink a lot…

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    The women especially.

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    The next day, I went to the Bitexco Financial Tower to catch a sunset.

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    Damn these windows were dirty.

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    Ho Chi Minh City.

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    Ever since I left the city…

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    It’s so bright in Ho Chi Minh.

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    Ho Chi Minh City sky line from my bedroom window.

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    I’m just a bird.. I miss home.

    -NGUMINH

  • Odaiba to Roppongi | RO Explore

    Odaiba to Roppongi | RO Explore

    After spending a couple of hours at Tokyo Auto Salon, we had to stick to a tight schedule for everyone to be able to get their money’s worth and experience everything Japan has to offer. Right before we were going to get on the train to Odaiba, I spotted Ikinari Steak! This steak spot is so good and during my last trip in Tokyo I ate it at least 5 times with Vinh.
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    They usually let you pick what grade of meat you can eat, but I guess during lunch it’s a set menu.

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    The food was still excellent.

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    I hope you guys appreciate food porn as much as I do.

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    Our first stop in Odaiba was the Hello Kitty store for some dessert!

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     The guys couldn’t deny the cuteness of the cone. We had to punch each other in the face to feel like a man again.

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      Rica and her Hello Kitty green tea swirl.

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    Delicious and cute all in one cup.

    DSC04982   The thing you must see when in Odaiba is the life size Gundam.

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    Then swing by Decks Odaiba and go to the huge arcade center that houses the Initial D game.

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    The view from the Decks of Odaiba.

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    See that tall orange thing on the right? That was our next destination and it is also my favorite place in Japan, The Tokyo Tower.

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    I’ve been to this tower so many times, but it still puts me in awe every time I’m up close.

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    Magical.

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    Make sure you get some dessert or coffee in the cafe up here.

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    The Japan crew.

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    The view up here is amazing and is definitely worth the money to go all the way up.

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    For dinner we had yakitori at this spot that I’ve been going to every year that I’m in Japan. Everything is only 280 yen and it is delicious!

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    Chicken skin!

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    Jalapeno poppers.

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    Apparently not many yakitori places serve beef. This one does.

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    Get wrecked.

    -NGU MINH

  • Late Night Hangs | Catching Up with The Royals

    Late Night Hangs | Catching Up with The Royals

    I don’t know if it’s just me, but lately I’ve been feeling more alive at night. During the day it’s just so hot, that all I want to do is lay in bed and hug a gigantic ice cube to sleep. Although I’m always home, my friends know that the only reason I would leave my house is for food. Ryan Gold was in the area and we decided to meet him up for dinner.

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    John came and met me up in the Vette.

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    Ryan’s been super busy with his shop, RR Motorworks in Santa Barbara and doesn’t have the time to hang with us as much as before.

    Ryan also grew an epic beard and looks like he could be John’s dad.

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    We’re always at Tastea.

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    Ryan had a two hour drive home and wanted to get home early to watch videos on how to grow a longer beard. So, we decided to go check out this car meet in the next plaza.

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    R32 on Work XD9s.

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    Super Kawaii S2000 on Work Meisters.

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    We ended the night with Mae’s Cafe for some breakfast food. We hard parked in front with Rodney’s BMW 5 series, my IS250 and Angelo’s Exterra.

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    Family time is the best time.

    -NGUMINH

  • Car Meet & Calendar Launch |Toyo Tires x Super Street

    Car Meet & Calendar Launch |Toyo Tires x Super Street

    To start things off in Southern California, Toyo Tires and Super Street put together a car meet and calendar launch at Boden AutoHaus in Costa Mesa, California. One of the biggest automotive events that was free for the masses in a long time. Check out some highlights from this event below:

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    Thanks.
    @shaviw

  • Seaside and The FTP Sweater | The Plug

    Seaside and The FTP Sweater | The Plug

    Have you ever had a friend that you can hit up at 2 in the morning just to go to the beach? Well you should find one because I found mine and that friend is Rodney. We both have screwed up sleeping schedules and decided to go to Seaside in Newport Beach for some croissants.
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    We went under the pier trying to be romantic and stuff, but ended up getting a photo shoot done because Rodney bought a FTP sweater from me that night. 
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    Indonesians and Royal Origin sweaters go hand and hand like indomie and eggs.

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    Always on his phone..

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    Or being thirsty…

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    You already know what it is.

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    Not bad with a kit lens for the A6000.

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    We had to hold hands for 10 seconds without moving for this photo. I secretly enjoyed it.

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    It’s always so calm here at night.

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    Not a single person on the pier except for me and Rodney, so we had to capitalize on this moment with more photos.

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    Deep thoughts about food.

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    He knows what he wants.

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    Thanks again Rodney for modeling in our clothes!

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    Seaside is for lovers.

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    Oh, would you look at that.

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    FTP.

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    We always end a photo shoot with some food and this one was no different.

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    John Wayne’s Favorite and the Frisco Burger at Mae’s Cafe. Get it!

    -NGUMINH

  • Our Favorites at Tokyo Fresh Meet | Car Feature

    Our Favorites at Tokyo Fresh Meet | Car Feature

    Super Street and Hardcore Tokyo got together to throw a meet for the Tokyo Auto Salon weekend in Odaiba. It was on our list of things to do in Japan and the meet fit in perfectly on our schedule after the Robot Restaurant show. We were a bit late, so we hope we didn’t miss too many cars when we arrived, but here are some of our favorites from this meet.

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    The first car that caught our eye was the Lexon ISF. We’ve seen millions of photos of it on the internet, but seeing it in person gave us a completely different feel for the car.

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    All the exterior modifications are made by Lexon Japan from the fender flares to the front lip.

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    The Work CR Ultimates tuck nicely under the Lexon over fenders.

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    Wide and low is all we really like here and the Lexon ISF does it for us.

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    The NSX is still the holy grail for Honda lovers and seeing this immaculate NSX on the classic Volk TE-37s made all of our panties wet.

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    Perfection at it’s finest.

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    The yin to the white NSX’s yang is this beautiful blue NSX also on Volk Te37s.

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    Breath taking.

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    On the other side of the Japanese car culture is the crazy, stanced and demon cambered cars. Check out this S2000 from Freaking Works rocking some super deep dish Koenig Monsters with a crazy stretch!

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    That stance is crazy!

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    Crazy how the owner is able to drive with that much inner barrel showing.

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    His teammate Koki also has a crazy super stanced out car.

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    So much tuck! I’m pretty sure this is the lowest EVO I have ever seen.

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    Most of the rim is inside the quarter panel.

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    I wish I got more photos of this GS, but it was too popular that I couldn’t get better photos of it. I love the VIP scene here because they’re all about crazy body kits and wide cars all the while making sure everything looks spot on. This car is the epitome of that.

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    Gotta love a boosted Altezza rocking a BN Sports kit with a pair of TE37 SL. Altezzas will always have a special place in my heart.

    That’s it for today, check back soon for Tokyo Auto Salon coverage!

  • Tokyo Fresh Meet | Event Coverage

    Tokyo Fresh Meet | Event Coverage

    Photos by @nguminh and @shaviw. Please check water mark to give credit to the correct photographer.

  • Tokyo Madness | RO Explore

    Tokyo Madness | RO Explore

    For all the times I’ve been to Japan, I have never been to Tokyo Auto Salon. Tokyo Auto Salon is the SEMA of Japan, but way crazier for JDM fan boys because all of the popular Japanese car brands come out to display their latest products and show off their latest car builds. This year I got some of the crew to come out to check this internationally famous show and give some of us a vacation from the mundane 9-5.
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     This year’s crew included Shavi, Abbitt, Keith, Regina, Vinh and Rica.

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    Our little apartment and our home for the next nine days.

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    Our first destination after settling in was Shibuya and as dog lovers I had to take them to go see the Hachiko statue.

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    The famous Shibuya crossing. I missed this place.

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    Busy as ever.

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    Genki Sushi in Shibuya is my go to spot for cheap and fun sushi. They have an english menu and they take card.

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    You can tell I love salmon.

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    Trying out this hamburger sushi which was not that great…

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    Getting smashed on Japanese alcohol in our small little dining area. These tasty drinks pack a serious punch.

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    The next morning we headed back to Shibuya for lunch. Shavi and his egg and beef rice bowl.

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    Skillet porn.

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    I ended up getting some dry ramen which was a bit salty for my taste.

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    I love the streets of Shibuya, they just have so much color and life.

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    Abbitt taking in the scenery of Shibuya, he’s also coming out with a video of our trip so watch out for that.

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    Shavi and Abbitt in the Shibuya crossing.

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    Shavi approved.

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    Train moving photos!

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    Our next stop was Harajuku where fashion meets desserts. You can find crepe stands all over Harajuku and you have to get one.

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    Intense escalator entrance of a mall.

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    Shavi, Rica and Vinh.

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    Abbitt in the streets of Harajuku.

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    These small vans are very popular here in Japan.

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    We made our way to Shinjuku for dinner and to catch a show at the Robot Restaurant.

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    The night life in Shinjuku is intense from good late night eats to places where you can get a naked girl covered in soap to slide all over you as a massage.

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    We ended up having Coco Ichibanya curry for dinner.

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    Regina and Keith riding the robot goddesses.

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    Before the Robot show, you enter a lounge filled with colorful lights and mirrors with a band of robots playing music while you get a drink.

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    20 minutes later and it was time for the show. I’m going to let the photos tell the story of this crazy fucking show.

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    The craziest experience I’ve ever had in my life and I definitely recommend this show to anyone who visits Tokyo. Just pay for the show and not the food. That’s it for today, I’ll be back in a couple of days with coverage of Tokyo Auto Salon. Thanks for reading!

    -NGUMINH

  • Rome | RO Explore

    Rome | RO Explore

    Rome wasn’t built in a day and it can not be explored in 3 days. Another city on my tour that I felt like I had so little time in. Definitely a revisit one day in the future, but for now these photos will bring back the memories I had there.. Enjoy!

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    Long and tall alleyways with some nice surprises.

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    Seems like all of Europe was getting into the Christmas spirit.

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    The many beautiful churches in Rome.

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    The Trevi Fountain. I wanted to throw my wallet in it for a wish.

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    So magnificent.

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    Brittany about to drop some dimes in this thing.

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    If you look carefully, she actually held on….

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    These photos do not do this fountain justice.

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    Katelyn ready to go eat some italian food already.

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    And so we got some lasagna!

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    I got the penne pesto.

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    Up and early, we were off to the Vatican City. This is Brittany in one of the plazas of the Vatican City.

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    How the world functions.

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    Pine cones are cool.

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    This lighting was on fleek for Cortney.

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    The many beautiful artwork inside the Vatican.

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    The largest church in the world. Look how tiny everyone is..

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    Boys photos. My dudes.

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    My dudes are also models.

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    Love these streets in Rome. I want to rob a bank and run away in a Vespa.

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    Getting lost in Rome.

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    Are you taking a photo of me?

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    Let me pretend to have a good time.

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    I never knew bread and tomato could taste so good. Damn tomatoes in Italy are so freaking good.

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    That means their pizzas are good too!

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    Brittany the pizza delivery girl.

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    Having coffee at the famous Caffee Greco.

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    Ravioli at our hotel. Not bad.

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    My first opera.

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    It was a good experience even though I didn’t understand the lyrics. I could tell it takes a ton of talent to sing these songs.

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    Queen Victoria waiting for her carriage to take her home.

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    The Colosseum! Also known as the Flavian.

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    More beautiful lighting.

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    Perfect time for a photo shoot.

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    Squad goals.

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    The ruins of Rome.

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    The whitest building in Rome. Apparently the locals hate it. DSC03421

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    Rashad rocking the FTP tee while we were out exploring.

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    Gnocchi!

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    I forgot what this was! I think it was a pine cone at one point.

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    The gelato madness begins.
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    Olive oil tasting.

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    It’s only 11 AM…

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    Learning how to make pasta.

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    You already know, I don’t know what I’m doing.

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    Katlyn and Katherine with their balls of love.

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    The many shapes of pasta.

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    Steamin’.

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    Our last lunch together.

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    My 2nd last gelato. #15

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    Brittany looking very sweet.

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    You got a little something there Kev.

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    When you realized Vanilla isn’t your flavor.

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    I’m on a diet ice cream cone.

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    More tomatoes!

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    So simple, yet so good.

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    The last dinner.

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    Farewell hugs for everyone.

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    Joe the ice cream thief.

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    Brittany the ice cream wielder.

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    My last gelato….

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    Damn this was fresh.

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    A strange way to eat your ice cream.. Start from your cheeks and work your way down.

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    Brittany starts from her forehead.

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    Baby Jesus setup was the last thing we were going to see that night.

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    Thanks for the memories Rome. I’ll be back.