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richard--thanks for bringing this to the top along with your restaurant list--I printed both so I won't have to search through the postscheryl

Richard, I'm glad I found your info. I am relying on you. I will be in Rome next week. Any suggestions for a place to stay with a 13yr old w/mid range pricing? I hear accomodations for 3 may be difficult and costly? Will be there for 3 days then heading towards Paris. Stopping along the way--but not sure where to go. Any "have to" stop suggestions on limited time. Departing Paris 20th. Appreciate any advise.

Richard, <BR>I have been to Rome several times and agree with most of your comments. Last time (Oct last year) I stayed at the Hotel Pavia just by the Baths of Diocletian near Termini. I had no problems whatsoever in that vicinity, even dragging my bags to/from the Termini Station across the square on my lonesome. <BR>Loved the Sistine Chapel (except for the cussed people who would talk loudly and videotape/photograph when expressly asked to refrain) and the Roman Forum - those then and now books bring it to life and make sense of the ruins. Generally I find anywhere overcrowded a disappointment because I really hate crowds, but try not to let it spoil my appreciation.

Maybe I was tired, hungry or was suffering from 'art overdose'when I went to the Sistine Chapel and the Forum. It just my opinion and each person has a different opinion and set of priorities. As far as the Termini area, well, its not the most picturesque part of Rome, but if you are on a limited budget there are tons of good options in that area. As an alternate there are also cheap options in the area near the Vatican or Collsseum which is an area a bit more attractive and about the same distance from central Rome as the Termini area. My advise? Of course, don't let the prices of the hotesl in Old Rome stop you from visiting. Stay near the Vatican, Termini or Colosseum if you are on a limited budget or if hotels in central Rome are booked. You will still have a great time!

Richard, FYI not all hotels near Termini are el cheapo - take The Grand for instance, one of the oldest, most expensive hotels in Rome. The time before last I stayed at the Excelsior on the Via Veneto - this time I stayed at The Pavia near Termini because a) I was only stopping over for 3 nights so wanted to be very close to the station to maximise my time there; b) it was reasonably priced (150,000L/night for a double room with excellent shower and breakfast); c) that previous time when I stayed at Via Veneto there was a metro strike on my last day. Couldn't get a taxi for love or money, so had to walk to Termini to get the train to the airport. <BR>Last time there was also a metro strike but all I had to do was walk across the square to the station. The airport trains and international trains were the only ones not on strike that day. I saw the queues for taxis outside the station and thanked God I hadn't just arrived to wait for hours in a queue. The only way to get around that would have been to have a transfer already arranged before leaving home. <BR>Sorry for the long windedness of this reply, but I wanted to point out that I wasn't only in the Termini area because I was after a cheap hotel.

thanks for all the info.. sounds as if you had a nice time.

Richard- <BR>Cynar is on the shelf at Corti Bros. in Sacramento, CA. Darrell Corti has the best collection on unusual liquors and wines you can ask for. My husband wanted to try cynar after we were in Rome last October. Its certainly different. (I prefer Ricard).

just bringing this to top

CHERIE-- <BR> <BR>Cynar is easy to find, but have you (or anyone else) ever seen MONTRNEGRO? To me this is one of the best Italiano Amaros I have ever tasted. Its seems so European to sit with a 'bullet' glass filled half way with this mysterious herbal digestivo. To me, it seems to taste like a geranium (no I havent eaten geranium but if I did it would taste like this). <BR> <BR>Unfortunately, I have searched and searched and found only one old dusty bottle in my local wine merchant (in Los Angeles). I have looked in everystore and have not seen it again and fear it may not be available. If anyone sees it in their local store, please Email me with their name and telephone #. <BR> <BR>Besides for Montenegro and Averno , I also became addicted to Campari and soda in Rome. Oh, yes it is bitter and is an acquired taste, but it somehow seems refreshing and relaxing.

Richard- <BR>We have a bottle of Averna sitting out in the kitchen for occasional use. My husband is also a fan of Campari & soda. I'll bet Darrel Corti in Sacramento (Corti Bros. Market) has what you are looking for. If you're ever up North, drop by and check out his liquer & wine dept. He's listed in the phone book...I'd bet he would order whatever you like.

Occasional Use? Averna is good but Montenegro is better. I found a sight from the distributor that tells about it. Here it is: <BR> <BR>http://www.winebow.com/italy/special...montenegro.htm <BR> <BR>Maybe I will find my bottle!

If you like herbals & digetif-liquers....have you tried Becherovka? It comes only from Prague (other cities in CZ won't have it on the shelves...)Recently, Trader Joe paid the duties on a shipment and offered it for a fraction of the price one could get it for in CZ. Otherwise, you have to have friends bring it back from Czech Republic for you. Its quite nice with soda....even nice in hot tea. (Go figure?)

Becherovka, "gold in the blue cup". We first had this herbal digestif in Cesky Krumlov and developed a taste for it. On our last trip I found Karlsbader-Becher, from the original 1807 recipe of Dr. Becher, at the Frankfurt duty-free. When I checked out the clerk looked at me and said "are you sure you want this?" It's not bad, but it doesn't taste the same in Texas as it did in the CR.

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for joni

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To the top for Kim...

james-- <BR> <BR>read this post--great insight into the city