Bpesta: Congratulations on your decision. I hope everything works out well. I don't know if May is truly hot but it looked as though there was adequate AC in that apartment.

One intersting oddity of the bldg that I failed to mention: I think the building is actually 2 buildings. The front of the bldg (Lungotevere Marzio entrance) is obviously 30s-40s.

The rear, which fronts on another street (via Leccaria???) has its own entrance, one storey below the Lungotevere entrance. It is obviously of 19th C construction, with a "classical" appearance.

The two bldgs are on slightly different levels. The elevator stops at a half landing from which you walk up a few steps to one "5th floor", down a few steps to the other "5th floor".

BTW, as in ALL, I mean ALL Roman bldgs, the corridors of this apartment house are nothing special. But the apt was immaculate.

Check out the food shop in Piazza Nicosia, 1 minute from the apartment. Its entrance is obscure but it is on the main floor of an old palazzo, dead centre of one side of the piazza.

The shop is spread over a series of vaulted rooms -- the fanciest setting of any food-store I've seen in Rome. Good selection of meats and fruits and all the usual staples.

BTW here are some photos of the apartment from (gloomy) March 2008.
The photos do not really do the place justice -- it is very spacious, VERY high-ceilinged and bright.

The shots from the terrace do give a good sense, though, of the dramatic setting and the distant views: to the Pincio Gardens, to the Gianicolo hill etc etc.

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?ai...;id=1126123095

Ted,
Thank you so much for your reply and for sharing your pictures. I cannot wait to go!!! Your pictures & commentary are great!!

When you arrived at the apartment, did you go to the front building or to the back? I'm sure the leasing company will give instructions, but was just curious.

Thanks again!

You could, I suppose, do either.

I always entered from the Tiber-side entry (on Lungotevere Marzio). The agent will give you keys to both entries.

The Tiber entry has a cancello (barred metal gate) as well as a door. As I recall, you press a buzzer (interno # 10, perhaps) and someone upstairs will buzz the cancello open. The wooden door was either open or unlocked.

The Tiber entry is pretty nondescript and the building is afflicted, as are so many in Rome, with graffiti. Do NOT be dismayed. It is a very safe location and the building is a good one.

In less than 3 weeks we will be there and I am panting with anticipation.

I just noticed on a Rome events website that the Rome marathon is being held March 22.

Alas, we leave town on March 19!

The marathon course runs RIGHT PAST the apartment at Lungotevere Marzio, 10. In fact, from what I can see, the runners pass the apt around km 15 and then loop past again around km 35.

I'm a former marathoner (2h 42 minutes was my best time -- I was QUITE serious). So marathons are still of consuming interest to me.

Last year we watched the marathon coverage (we were in Montepulciano) and saw the apt bldg on TV. I envy whoever has that splendid vantage point this year.....

Leaving Wednesady for Rome and this apartment. I am electric with excitement.

Enjoy your trip and the fabulous apartment!

Have a great trip!!! Can't wait to hear about it.

Thanks.

I am totally getting into the Italian thing. Today, for the first time in 30+ years, I conducted a 5 minute telephone conversation entirely in Italian -- with Consolata, who will meet me in front of the apartment and give me the keys (and collect the balance of the rent in cash).

"Ci vediamo alle 14 davanti al appartamento. Ma in caso di ritardo, chiamero dall'aeroporto per avvertirtene."

Tedgale -

Can't wait to hear about your trip!! Hope you're having a great time.