indylady

My sister and I just returned (07-69-07)from
Rome, Italy. It was truly awful. We first went to Paris for 8 days, then on to Rome. We were shocked at how dirty it was and how there was garbage everywhere. The graffiti was on just about every square foot of the city. I understand the city is old, but can't it be cleaned up. The Italian flag that hung from many buildings were so dirty and tattered. Ive travled all over Europe and some 3rd world countries and I've never experienced such deplorable conditions as was Rome. And the Italians are so unhappy, it is so sad there.
Does anyone one else feel a little bit this way?
Thank you Fodor readers for all the great help in planning our trip.

WillTravel

Where did you stay in Rome? That might affect your perceptions.

I did not have the same experience of Rome as you did, but I did travel there in winter, not summer, which likely helps.

I hope you were able to garner some enjoyment of the historical buildings and art.

TuckH

This might be of interest...

http://fodors.com/forums/pgMessages....p;tid=34406329

montysc

Yes I agree Rome is awful - please everyone stop going there...

marginal_margiela

OK. Yes, there is a lot of graffiti. Yes, the city can be dirty and polluted. But, what about the fabulous Borghese Gardens? What about the great restaurants? What about the Vatican? What about all the great art museums? What about the Via Condotti? What about the fantastic people-watching at the cafes? La Dolce Vita, sweetie.

I can't believe you didn't find a few things worth crowing about.

The Great and Powerful Thingorjus

slangevar

I loved Rome when I visited... it remains one of my favorite cities in the world thanks to its lovely people, incredible history and fine food.

When my sister and I had trouble finding Campo di Fiore via bus, an entire busload of Italians took our arms and walked us to the square. Everyone we met was twinkly and full of life. But maybe we were there at a good time... spring is a nice time to be anywhere.

I'm sorry you had such a bad time... it really can be a magical city.

cadillac1234

I found going to Rome at the start of a trip instead of the end of a trip makes me enjoy it more. I can tolerate the chaos a lot more since I'm amped up for the trip. Also, taking cabs makes getting around much more pleasurable. The Roman public transportation system is a nightmare.

The Romans did seem a lot more hostile last May than in my prior trips. The tourists crowds seemed a lot bigger as well. Maybe the two have something in common

Pausanias

Topping in the hopes of discouraging more people from visiting my favorite city.

takemealong

I was in Rome last October. I loved the city.

bardo1

I was in Rome in August a few years back, I loved it - it stands out as one of my favorite cities (ahead of Venice, Florence, Prague, London and many others). All of the Romans we met were great - I especially enjoyed the parents of the boys who played soccer on our pedistrian street and the guys who played dominos at "our" local cafe every day. There was NO graffiti or trash in our area (Via Giulia) only lots of flowers.

I am also quite curiuous as to what neighborhood you chose, it makes a huge difference.

bookchick

Grafitti? The Romans did a big clean-up for the Jubilee Year in 2000. Not sure when they'll repeat their actions, but I found Rome to be cleaner than many areas of NYC. In terms of unhappy, I'd say that probably has to do with the intense heat and the influx of tourists that summer always brings. I've been in Rome in every month OTHER THAN July and/or August, and found the Romans treated me with the greatest respect and kindness. Paris is fine, I've no problems with London, but give me Rome any day! Thingorjus is so right--it's a town where it's delightful to sit in a cafe & check out the man-candy!

BC

grandmere

Certainly not every place appeals to everyone, but it's hard to imagine how Rome could be called "truly awful".

tomassocroccante

<<The Romans did seem a lot more hostile last May than in my prior trips. The tourists crowds seemed a lot bigger as well. Maybe the two have something in common>>

Sad to say my last trip was almost 6 years ago. I had previously found Rome to be hot, crowded, andseemingly a historic mess and a little tedious. But that October I found an incredibly beautiful, happy and vital city. It is one of the best-remembered weeks of my life.

Can't say I enjoyed the grafitti, but neither did I find it "everywhere". Also, we stayed on the Aventine, minutes away from almost anything we wanted to see or do, but seemingly distant in terms of calm and quiet.

Rome can be disappointing, as I know from experience. (The kiss of death is to try to do too much) But he* can also be magic.

*Roma for me is a masculine city, as opposed to feminine Paris.

Sue_xx_yy

Well, I'm always glad to hear people's honest impressions. Although I hope you'll give the Eternal City another chance, perhaps during a cooler month of the year. I confess that my first trip to Rome was less than wonderful, the second time I couldn't understand why I hadn't liked it the first time.

What incident prompted your impression that the Italians are so unhappy?

missypie

I will say that our family expected to love Rome, but we did not. I would not describe it as "awful" but it was stressful. The traffic was so thick that just crossing the street was an "adventure" with three kids in tow. The graffiti took some getting used to. I didn't find it particularly dirty, but there was small trash (e.g. cigarette butts) between the cobblestones of the older streets....hard to sweep that kind of thing up. We had some decent meals, but no fantastic meals and several below average meals.

I would like to return, but only to see the many many churches I couldn't fit in on our first visit.

Just keep traveling. I know that I really love some cities that others hate (e.g. Florence and Barcelona). If Rome doesn't do it for you, I'm sure there are many other places that will.

sandi_travelnut

Wow, then something dreadful has to have happened since I was there a 6 months ago. You certainly missed a wonderful and vibrant city...that's a real shame.

sandi_travelnut

The Italians were so unhappy and sad there? How in the world can you say that? It's not a Disneyland existence like Venice, it's a huge, gritty working city that has been occupied for over 2,000 years. You might want to look at pictures or watch travel shows before you go on your next trip so you'll be better prepared for your destination.

wren

http://fodors.com/forums/threadselec...p;tid=34821434
"Amyone Else Just Not Fall in Love with Rome?"

a thread on others who agreed.

Also, the thread "Did Anyone Else Find Rome A Horror?"

I think it must be a personal experience...but others have expressed your feelings unfortunately.

AmanteDelLimoncello

hoping to enjoy it in ottobre!
Andiamo.

Dejais

I have to say I did Rome in the summer of 2001 and fell in love. Then I returned in May 2005 and was shocked. The city felt crowded and hostile. It was not the warm and welcoming city I had experienced the first time. And yes, we stayed in the same place and visited several different areas of the city. Sadly, it is not a place I wish to return to very soon. It just did not feel safe.