To the top, again.

I thought this year's travelers to Rome would find Richard's post informative. <BR>Therefore, bringing it to the top again. <BR>

Richard, am only now reading this (a year after the fact), but thanks a million. Not only was it funny, but more importantly, very helpful. I'll be visiting Rome/Florence next month and was curious about the ATM PIN issue. Also, are sneakers really totally out of the question? Thanks.

The Italians love beautiful shoes and never wear sneakers (at least the adults don't), but if you're comfortable in them for walking hours and hours in Rome and Florence, then wear them. Honestly, nothing is more important than comfortable walking shoes for Italy--there is always something else to see and another charming little street to walk down.

I am bringing my old post to the top again for those traveling to Rome! <BR> <BR>Good news! I have started a websight on my travels and observations. The only gate open right now is to Rome but other cities will follow soon. <BR> <BR>Please visit and let me know what you think! <BR> <BR>http://home.earthlink.net/~richardab/ <BR> <BR>Follow the path; <BR> <BR>Enter&gt;Fly&gt;Europe&gt;Rome <BR> <BR>Have fun!

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Thanks for bouncing this to the top. I've just made reservation for a cruise that includes a 3 day stay in Rome the 2nd week of October. I'd like to hear from anybody who has been there in the past month or so about crowds. Is the city as packed as predicted because of the Jubillee? Any good less crowded activities or areas that you would recommend?

I surely hope no one misses the Vatican museum and the Sistine Chapel because of this person's opinion. I have never heard anyone say that! It was absolutely magnificent all thru it. Perhaps if you had a guidebook that showed you what Michaelangelo actually did with it, etc. and showed what each panel represented, etc. you would have understood and appreciated it more.

Joe, I recently returned from Rome/Florence (May 18) and can say that the crowds I encountered weren't as bad as I'd anticipated, with the exception of the Vatican. If you plan to tour that area of Rome, give yourself ample time (there's so much to see) and get there early (around 8am). I agree with Don, the Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapel were AMAZING. I can't say what you might expect as far as crowds for October, but hope this helps.

I hope I didn't offend anyone but I am really not a fan of waiting in line or crowds. By all means go to see the Sistine Chapel, but get there early to avoind long lines and a jam packed noisy room. I just thought St Peters was more interesting! <BR> <BR>Actually a good glass of wine and antipasti in an enoteca... <BR> <BR>NOW THATS INTERESTING! <BR> <BR>My path to Rome on my new travel websight is open! Check out my thoughts. <BR> <BR>http://home.earthlink.net/~richardab/

This is a good one so I am bringing it to the top!

A few years ago I stayed at a hotel near Termini that was wonderful. It was the Hotel Montreal. Great place. Us 2 women stayed there and felt fine. Only weirdness was very late at night, seeing people sell drugs on the steps down the street. <BR>Someone mentioned the bus from Termini to the Vatican so I feel compelled to share my funniest/most embarrassing travel story (incognito of course). My friend and I took that bus. We got on early so had 2 seats, window and aisle. She had the window, I had the aisle. The bus filled up and got incredibly packed, and people still kept getting on till it was so crowded, there were people almost sitting in my lap. All this time there was a man standing facing the window, pushed up against my shoulder. I was much more naive back then. After awhile, I realized that his 'parts' were shoved up against me. Oh well, I figured it wasn't his fault, the bus was packed and there really was nowhere for him to move. Then I started to feel it grow, if you get my drift. He seemed to be rubbing against my shoulder but silly me thought it was the bus shifting him around. We FINALLY got to the Vatican and I waited patiently for the bus to empty out and this man to get off my shoulder, all the while staring out the window to avoid looking at him. Finally I looked up and the bus was EMPTY and the man was still pressed against me! I shoved past him and we dashed off the bus. Ok, here's the funniest part. I told my friend what had happened and she whipped around to look at the bus and asked, "Did he get off?" I looked at my arm and said, "I certainly hope not!" <BR>True story. If it happened today, that guy would get an elbow in the crotch in a big way. Watch out on the buses!

I am sure you will never forget that....

Hi, what a post! I was laughing all morning! It really made my day! Oh, the thrill of travel! You seemed to have taken the whole incident with a sense of humor...way to go!

To the top for Nancy

I'm bringing this to the top again in case anyone cares.

Richard, you really helped me rule Rome out of the places I want to visit. What a bitter and sarcastic note!! How can you say you enjoyed the city! If I have to focus on avoiding being run over by a car, getting mugged, keeping fit, and worrying if Italians still have feelings about losing the 2nd World War (50 years ago), why bother???

Nikita, <BR> <BR>i hate to tell you that the italians are way over WW2, and that the war richard is referring to is the Kosovo issue that was in full force in Spring of 1999, which is when richard visited. <BR>i do differ with richard on two issues, first being that i was in rome at about the same time, (easter 99) and saw lots of anti american graffiti. apparently the italians don't differentiate between NATO and the USA, so they blamed us for meddling in the kosovo issue and causing all the refugees to attempt to get into their country. love italians, but they are pretty anti immigration. <BR>secondly, the way to enjoy the sistine chapel is to pay 8k lira and rent the discman that they have with descriptions of all the paintings. you put on your headset, listen and look to your hearts content, finding out all you want to know aobut the paintings and not bothering a soul. <BR>edie

Yes Edie, you were correct, I was talking about the war in Kosovo. As far as any anti Americanism in Italy I would say that it is non existant. We were always welcomed and treated politely with the highest levels of respect. In fact , I think Rome was the friendliest city in Europe that I have visited. <BR> <BR>I really don't want to get into a politcal debate here, because I really don't care about it. I have to say that in my travels most countries in Asia and Europe are anti-immigration. Of couse they don't mind if we come there and spend our money while on holiday, they just don't want us to stay forever. You know the old question, What do guests and fish have in common? They both start to stink after 3 days. Believe me, I hear enough comments (on a daily basis) about immigrations to the USA too. <BR> <BR>Nikita, Rome is one of the most amazing cities in Europe, but like any big city you have to be on your guard. Tourists are targets for pick pockets and scams all over the world. These type of precautions are necessary in most major cities in Europe. Don't fear! Unless you don't like big cities, Rome is a fun place. If the metro life isn't for you, go to Hawaii! <BR> <BR>As far as the Sistine Chapel, I should have kept my comments to myseld. I am just too honest. I am not really an art mesuenm fan and don't like crowds and waiting in line. As I said in my past postings, I am more of a cafe and shopping kinda guy. <BR> <BR>:) on'y hate me Nikita <BR>

Oops typo, I meant ... <BR> <BR>Don't hate me Nikita! <BR> <BR>Sorry for the reality.....

Yae for ROME!!! <BR>Richard: <BR>How *bad* was the Air Conditioning at the Due Torri??!! I took Richard's reccommendation & booked it for SEPTEMBER!! If it's not really, really *good* a/c, I will be miserable (I'm a 'baby' when it comes temperature differential ;-&gt;). Please advise... <BR>Thanks. <BR>And GREAT post!

Wow! I can't believe you found this old post! The A/C wasn't great, but it wasn't good anywhere. It may not have been turned on, the Italians are notorious for only having the A/C on at certain times of the year. I was there in May. <BR> <BR>Hey! Check out my newly updated websight. There is a lot more info about Rome including hotels, restaurants, travel info and tips. <BR> <BR>http://home.earthlink.net/~richardab/ <BR> <BR>Follow the path -- <BR> <BR>Enter&gt;Fly&gt;Europe&gt;Rome <BR> <BR>Have Fun!

to the top<BR>

This is a great post, I thought I would bring it back to the top!

Richard, <BR>i have to agree, a wondrul posting.. you are the class A number 1 traveler!! <BR>we once went to Rome and planned to travel out from there but ended up spending over 3 weeks and loving every second. <BR>i HAVE REALLY ENJOYED AND HAVE KEPT LOTS OF HINTS FROM THIS POSTING. <BR>

Interesting post, thanks to whoever brought it to the top. I enjoyed reading all of Richard's comments. <BR> <BR>My observations from our recent trip to Rome: <BR> <BR>. We also didn't have any trouble with the legendary gypsies in particular, or crime in general. <BR> <BR>. We didn't feel that smoking was "out of control" at all. Seemed to us like fewer people smoke in Rome than in, for example, Paris. <BR> <BR>. The Sistine Chapel impressed me due to the tremendous talent and effort of Michaelangelo. I loved the colors but was bored by all the religious imagery. If I had to see either St. Peter's or the Sistine Chapel, I'd take St. Peter's in a heartbeat. There was also an incredibly colorful ceiling I liked in the Borghese Museum. (P.S. I loved the "what's all the whoop whoop" phrase!) <BR> <BR>. We liked the Roman Forum but found the neighboring Palatine Hill to be a bit underwhelming (although all the greenery was very nice.) <BR> <BR>. We had no problem whatsover with the traffic. No only did cars & bikes stop for us in crosswalks; they also stopped for us when we weren't in crosswalks. The key, we discovered, was to not hesitate once you step off the curb. If you hesitate, they won't stop. Perhaps we were naive, but not once did we feel in danger crossing any street. <BR> <BR>. We thought the fact that you can use a restroom in a cafe or bar, even if you don't make a purchase (supposedly by law) was wonderful. <BR> <BR>. We loved drinking cappucinos, eating gelato, and walking around Trastevere in the evening.

Hi Richard, <BR> <BR>I've enjoyed your post...and I'd like to add to it... <BR>1, <BR>Pedestrian traffic...Capo has right, when you stepped down they will stop...I have not seen any accidents..pedestrians or cars... <BR>2, <BR>Had no problem with crime, altough the subway system is not very convincing, be careful there... <BR>3, <BR>The Forum is breathtaking when you think back 2000 years.... <BR>4, <BR>The most coplete museum I heve ever seen is the Vatican Museum.....and the Chapel is also amazing....but it is true, it is crowded.... <BR>5, <BR>St Peter Cathedral.....most of the churches you can go in with shorts, or mini skirts, but no tanktops...but you cannot get in to the St Peter Cathedral wearing shorts or mini skirts..period....the pant or skirt has to cover your legs fully... <BR>6, <BR>People who drive....West from the entrance of the Vatican Museum, rigt at the wall of the Vatican, there are free parking spot..right accross the Hospital....hard to get parking in Rome...you can reach all the major attractions by subway or just walk from there, like we did... <BR>7, <BR>When you drive watch for the Vespas all around you....I loved to drive in Rome, I got lost several times, but seen part of Rome I have not planned to see, and it was amazing... <BR>8, <BR>Italians obey the red light, but signs...if you want to get around you have to be a little bit agressive...they never cut me off or blocked me.... <BR>9, <BR>the best in ITALY......ICECREAM!!!!!! <BR>

I was jsut reading the comments on this posting that i made in 199 and it made me think about going back again! Rome is an amazing city that will leave an impression on everyone. Since this trip in 1999 I have also been to Florence and Venice but ROMA still regins supreme! <BR> <BR>Its funny how timeless Rome is, everything in this posting is still valid 2 years later. <BR> <BR>In case you haven't seem the rome pages on my websight, please visit! <BR> <BR>http://home.earthlink.net/~richardab <BR> <BR>Thanks for the memories!

One last thing to say about Rome is a little phrase my husband thought of while we were there.... <BR> <BR>Molto Poopi (watch where you walk) <BR>

My daughter and I just returned from a 16 days vacation in Germany, Italy, and Rome, and we carried everything we needed in two backpacks that also had side handles and wheels, giving you three ways to carry them. They were $20 at Eckerd Drugs; I've also seen them (better quality, I'm sure) for $25 at AAA offices. <BR> <BR>We brought easy drying materials and hand washed a few things each night and they were dry by morning. There are MANY laundromats (lavanderia) outside of inner city Rome (10 minutes away by tram or bus), but we never needed one. <BR> <BR>Unlike my previous trip to Rome three months ago, I experienced no street crime this time, nor witnessed any. There were several Gypsy women with babies begging in the Metro and on the streets, and especially at the line for the Vatican Museums, but no pickpocketing this time.

Romey: <BR> <BR>Don't be embarrassed by your story. <BR>It happens all the time, everyday. <BR>I know Rome very well, and have been a frequent passenger on the buses. <BR>I try to tell everyone that bus #64 from Termini (train station) to the Vatican is the worst one in the city. It is the most popular to every weirdo and crook. <BR>At times, in the past, I did not have any choice but take that bus and have seen all kinds of things. <BR>The strange guys getting off on some part of some unsuspecting person was an everyday event. <BR>Pickpocketing is about the same but has its moments (hours and season). <BR>I always felt sorry for tourists when someone tried to pull something off on them. Usually, if someone notices what is going on, they will alert you. <BR>My mother was told this guy had his hand in her belly pouch and caught him. Beware, these people are fast and bold. They are not worried about you catching them cause they will just hop off at the next stop. <BR> <BR>I guess I just wanted to ad this because you are not the only one to have not said anything to this guy on your shoulder. <BR>Most tourists never say anything, they just pretend it is not happening. I believe most, no matter what the age are to embarrassed to say anything. <BR>I just hope that if anyone reading this finds themselves in this situation anywhere in Italy, they won't be afraid to make a scene. HIT, GRAB, PULL, KICK, SCREAM. Whatever. The people around you know you are a tourist, and when a tourist yells out we know they are having some sort of a problem with creeps. Most people will help you. <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR>

For all of you that still are traveling, this is a lot of great advice! RichardAB's websight has a lot more plus some nice pictures!

Richard-this was great! Thanks so much for sharing~we are leaving this Friday for Florence and Rome, can't wait!And now I have another taste to try-the Montenegro~we have heard that you cannot get a bad meal in Italy, my husband and I will certainly check into that! <BR>

ttt

Message: Romey & Micia <BR> <BR>"City buses are never really full here - people just keep piling on, which <BR>is great because you can get somewhere and not spend hours in a <BR>queue. It is every man/woman for him/ herself so go for it! <BR>If a lady has a problem with a man pressing against her deliberately <BR>(and maybe worse), she may not like to create a scene, especially if <BR>she doesn't speak Italian. The best thing to do I think, is to step <BR>backwards, one foot at a time, and tread firmly into the man's feet <BR>(even better if you have heels) - you could then turn round, smile and <BR>say how very sorry you are!" <BR> <BR>This is a piece from an article in the July issue of my ezine. The problem with men on the buses is quite a common one - they prey on the fact that you won't understand what is happening at first and then won't want to create a scene. Most women are also too embarrassed to talk about the experience so it is not discussed in the same way as the pickpockets on the no 64 bus. <BR> <BR>

ttt

When is the best time to go to Rome? I am looking for that time when the tourists are no packed in like sardines and the weather is nice.

topping for the idiot that thinks capo is the only one who knows anything about rome

who is capo?

Thanks for all the advice, Richard. We go to Italy in May and will be in Rome for 3 nights. Thanks to everyone else who posted as well.