How has Rome changed in last 30 years?
#42
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 10,514
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
My first time in Rome was in Summer about 1991, so only ~25years ago. Having studied Latin and being a product of Roman Catholic and Jesuit education I had some probably unrealistically romantic (no pun intended) expectations. What I actually found was a dirty, hot, crowded, disorganized city with no infrastructure approaching sufficient to meet the demands of visitors, perhaps even locals. I left ahead of schedule after a single day, headed to Venice to endeavor with friends.
Next visit in the Autumn of 1997 or 98 was delightful, not least because the weather was so much better. Most recent visit just this past summer was a joy - vastly increased crowds of visitors but improved infrastructure (air conditioned holiday rental apartment, online information and booking, GPS, trains running on time-ish) and availability of informed recommendations from places such as Fodor's rally enhanced the experience.
Next visit in the Autumn of 1997 or 98 was delightful, not least because the weather was so much better. Most recent visit just this past summer was a joy - vastly increased crowds of visitors but improved infrastructure (air conditioned holiday rental apartment, online information and booking, GPS, trains running on time-ish) and availability of informed recommendations from places such as Fodor's rally enhanced the experience.
#44
great, Caenis - thanks for reporting back. I think that yours is the first report I've read [here anyway] of someone who has visited the Quirinale so it's good to know that it's worthwhile going.