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want to meet at fmd_good The Donut Shop
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Villa Blanc's Secret?
ngl if you're into the less obvious stuff, check the ground near the old stone benches by the western hedge. there's a patch of wild asparagus that comes back every year, super easy to miss since it looks like scrappy grass until you spot the little berries. also the ivy on the back wall isn't just any ivy, it's got these weird purple stems that stand out up close. your field guide is fine, but you'll prob want a hand lens more than a magnifying glass for the tiny details
Villa Blanc is a bit of a hidden gem for plant lovers, actually. You'll find a few mature cork oaks scattered around, which are pretty unusual for central Rome since they're more common in Sardinia or Sicily. There's also a nice patch of Italian buckthorn near the eastern wall, and if you look closely by the main fountain, you might spot some wild cyclamen popping up in the shade. Your field guide should be fine, but honestly, the real treat is the contrast between the manicured hedges and the unexpected wilder spots.
honestly, the cork oaks are cool but if you really want something weird, check out the caper bushes growing out of the old stone walls near the back gate. they're not planted there, they just show up and thrive in the mortar cracks. i've seen them flower in late spring but you might catch the buds if you're lucky. also keep an eye out for the big clump of pampas grass near the little pond, it's not rare but it's way taller than what you see in most roman gardens. your field guide is prob overkill unless you're into identifying common mediterranean shrubs tbh
What are current tobacco prices for LM Blue or Chesterfield Blue?
tbh duty free at Riga is only worth it if you're buying cartons, single packs at the airport arent that much cheaper than teh tabaccai in Rome. also remember you can only bring a limited amount into the EU anyway so stockpiling has its limits
Chesterfield Blue usually runs around 5.50 to 6 euros a pack in Rome these days, though tabaccai prices are fixed by the state so it won't vary much shop to shop. Riga is generally cheaper for cigarettes but your layover time matters, if it's tight you might not have time to clear security and find a shop.
LM Blue in Rome is roughly the same ballpark, around 5.50 to 6 euros. One thing to keep in mind at Riga airport, the duty free selection isn't always great for specific brands like these, so if you're set on LM or Chesterfield you might strike out. I'd check what the actual duty free has before counting on it.