Safety in Rome
Jul 25th, 2015, 05:46 AM
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Safety in Rome
Couple of issues from Rome this week:
1. When alighting from a public bus, always check for scooters passing between the stopped, unloading bus and the curb. I ended up with an arrivederci Roma bruise for not checking before getting off the bus. At least it wasn't one of my children who probably would have been knocked down.
2. Roma Termini is more than just a reeking dilapidated armpit--pickpockets are active. They marked my wife and got one handbag zipper open as we rushed for the train. They know tourists with children are preoccupied with them. And thanks to Trenitalia for not announcing platforms till 15 minutes before departure creating a busy scramble. Perfect setup for the thieves. Fortunately nothing stolen.
1. When alighting from a public bus, always check for scooters passing between the stopped, unloading bus and the curb. I ended up with an arrivederci Roma bruise for not checking before getting off the bus. At least it wasn't one of my children who probably would have been knocked down.
2. Roma Termini is more than just a reeking dilapidated armpit--pickpockets are active. They marked my wife and got one handbag zipper open as we rushed for the train. They know tourists with children are preoccupied with them. And thanks to Trenitalia for not announcing platforms till 15 minutes before departure creating a busy scramble. Perfect setup for the thieves. Fortunately nothing stolen.
Jul 25th, 2015, 06:00 AM
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Very good advice -- but:
If you have ever been in Penn Station in NYC, you will know that train tracks are not announced until 15 minutes -- and sometimes 10 minutes before departure. So this is not some quirk of Trenitalia.
In a station as busy and old as Roma Termini, it simply isn't feasible to keep rail traffic on time unless they rotate track usage. Also, you may have noticed that the station is undergoing significant renovation.
Regular commuters through the station generally have a good idea of where their train will be boarding. But station officials cannot guarantee the same track until they are sure the track is cleared. The alternative is perpetually delayed trains -- which would no doubt produce an even worst tourist chorus of howling.
But you will always be happier traveling in Italy if you carry a minimum of luggage. Moving around inside train stations, if you have room to shove your purse/tote into your suitcase, it can make it easier to move swiftly without worry.
If you have ever been in Penn Station in NYC, you will know that train tracks are not announced until 15 minutes -- and sometimes 10 minutes before departure. So this is not some quirk of Trenitalia.
In a station as busy and old as Roma Termini, it simply isn't feasible to keep rail traffic on time unless they rotate track usage. Also, you may have noticed that the station is undergoing significant renovation.
Regular commuters through the station generally have a good idea of where their train will be boarding. But station officials cannot guarantee the same track until they are sure the track is cleared. The alternative is perpetually delayed trains -- which would no doubt produce an even worst tourist chorus of howling.
But you will always be happier traveling in Italy if you carry a minimum of luggage. Moving around inside train stations, if you have room to shove your purse/tote into your suitcase, it can make it easier to move swiftly without worry.
Jul 25th, 2015, 06:12 AM
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+1 for Sandra
Trains are rarely announced more than 15 minutes ahead in Paris - at least in Garde du Nord and Gare de Lyon.
In smaller cities with lot less trains, tracks are given more in advance.
Trains are rarely announced more than 15 minutes ahead in Paris - at least in Garde du Nord and Gare de Lyon.
In smaller cities with lot less trains, tracks are given more in advance.
Jul 25th, 2015, 07:07 AM
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My wive teased me for safety pinning my pockets shut in Rome. I told her the pickpockets were good.
I think we are traveling fairly light. We also need a few warmer clothes for elsewhere.
Unrelated to safety: bare knees and thighs were allowed at the Vatican yesterday I assume because of the heat. 30% had bare knees. Much more comfortable for climbing the dome or dealing with the not air conditioned museum. I did see two women with partially exposed buttocks turned away.
I think we are traveling fairly light. We also need a few warmer clothes for elsewhere.
Unrelated to safety: bare knees and thighs were allowed at the Vatican yesterday I assume because of the heat. 30% had bare knees. Much more comfortable for climbing the dome or dealing with the not air conditioned museum. I did see two women with partially exposed buttocks turned away.
Jul 25th, 2015, 09:16 AM
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To women with exposed buttocks? Were they prostitutes? Or just really badly dressed? (Have seen this a couple of times in Germany - but on very young women - jeans cut so short that their asses were visible.)
