Italia in November - my trip report Pt 1
Dec 1st, 2000, 04:45 AM
#1
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Italia in November - my trip report Pt 1
I just read Debbie's trip report and was motivated to post a longish e-mail I sent to family and friends re our trip. I too have got lots of useful info from many posters on this forum, so thanks to all who have helped. Like Debbie, I'm from Australia and have waited for this trip for ages.
Here are details of some of the highlights:
* Our first wander around Roma was very productive, as we accidentally ended up at Bernini's Piazza San Pietro. We had made jokes about wanting to see the Pope and there he was, conducting a special service on Sunday. There was a massive group of people participating, many of whom waved white scarves. In our extreme state of lethargy the most memorable part was the sound-we were surrounded by the beautiful sound of choirs singing in the crisp morning air.
* After such a good start to our time in Roma, it just got better. We wandered and deliberately got lost amongst the streets of Roma. We found there was so much accessible art and history in the piazzas and streets that not only did we not feel the need to visit any museums, but we were overwhelmed and literally didn’t know in which direction to focus our attention.
* Of the famous piazzas, Fontana de Trevi was the one I found most impressive. I had seen it in movies and photos, but nothing prepared me for its magnificence-it completely dominates the tiny piazza. We sat with the many other observers on the terrace around the fountain at sunset, just admiring the sculpture and soaking up the atmosphere.
* We had some laughs the next day when we visited the clothes market at Via Sannio to buy ourselves some leather jackets. After getting the bus and then the wrong Metro, we finally got to the market and in record time found a jacket for me at the first leather stall we came across. The most enjoyable part of the morning, apart from getting great bargains, was watching the male salesmen assisting Sharon in his decision making. As he was unsure about some of the styles of jacket, they would model it themselves, but the way they did it was hilarious. They would put the lapels up, thrust their hands into the pockets and strut around, turning this way and that, wiggling their backsides, just as if they were on a catwalk. Putting their dark sunglasses on completed the performance. We thought it was very Fonzie.
* The creepy highlight of the trip was the Crypt of the Capuchins. This was a church which contained the remains of 4,000 deceased friars from 1631. Not only were there designs on every available wall of the five rooms made out of the bones of the friars, but everything incorporated the bones. For example, the chandeliers hanging from the lights were made from bones. Sharon was freaked out quite soon after entering the church and wanted to get out of there quick smart, before the mummified heart of a princess really got to him.
More to come...
Here are details of some of the highlights:
* Our first wander around Roma was very productive, as we accidentally ended up at Bernini's Piazza San Pietro. We had made jokes about wanting to see the Pope and there he was, conducting a special service on Sunday. There was a massive group of people participating, many of whom waved white scarves. In our extreme state of lethargy the most memorable part was the sound-we were surrounded by the beautiful sound of choirs singing in the crisp morning air.
* After such a good start to our time in Roma, it just got better. We wandered and deliberately got lost amongst the streets of Roma. We found there was so much accessible art and history in the piazzas and streets that not only did we not feel the need to visit any museums, but we were overwhelmed and literally didn’t know in which direction to focus our attention.
* Of the famous piazzas, Fontana de Trevi was the one I found most impressive. I had seen it in movies and photos, but nothing prepared me for its magnificence-it completely dominates the tiny piazza. We sat with the many other observers on the terrace around the fountain at sunset, just admiring the sculpture and soaking up the atmosphere.
* We had some laughs the next day when we visited the clothes market at Via Sannio to buy ourselves some leather jackets. After getting the bus and then the wrong Metro, we finally got to the market and in record time found a jacket for me at the first leather stall we came across. The most enjoyable part of the morning, apart from getting great bargains, was watching the male salesmen assisting Sharon in his decision making. As he was unsure about some of the styles of jacket, they would model it themselves, but the way they did it was hilarious. They would put the lapels up, thrust their hands into the pockets and strut around, turning this way and that, wiggling their backsides, just as if they were on a catwalk. Putting their dark sunglasses on completed the performance. We thought it was very Fonzie.
* The creepy highlight of the trip was the Crypt of the Capuchins. This was a church which contained the remains of 4,000 deceased friars from 1631. Not only were there designs on every available wall of the five rooms made out of the bones of the friars, but everything incorporated the bones. For example, the chandeliers hanging from the lights were made from bones. Sharon was freaked out quite soon after entering the church and wanted to get out of there quick smart, before the mummified heart of a princess really got to him.
More to come...
Dec 1st, 2000, 05:02 AM
#3
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Loved your report! The part about the merchants modeling the leather coats was hilarious! I looked up the other parts and to my dismay, it seems they didn't show! Bummer. Please keep trying to post.
Is the market at Via Sannio open every day? How did you got there? I am keeping track of the weather, as I am going to Rome in February and noticed that the weather in Nov was very enjoyable (high 60's). Thanks for sharing!
Is the market at Via Sannio open every day? How did you got there? I am keeping track of the weather, as I am going to Rome in February and noticed that the weather in Nov was very enjoyable (high 60's). Thanks for sharing!
Dec 1st, 2000, 05:55 AM
#4
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Maira, I'm glad you enjoyed the first part of my report. I re-posted the 2nd part calling it the same thing, but marked attempt no. 2. I also checked the final part, no. 3 and it seemed to be working. If you don't have luck, e-mail me and I can send it directly.
Re the market, according to my LP guide, it's open Monday-Saturday 'til 1pm. It's near Porta San Giovanni on Via Sannio and sells new and second hand clothing. From my recollections, (but just check the list of stations before you get on) we got Metro B from Stazione Centrale to the station called San Giovanni. (I got details of how to get there from the website "Enjoy Rome" which I found really useful. Shall try to find the address and post it.) Once you come out of the Metro station, look for a big wall and it's just up near there to the left. Once we got on the right Metro line it only took 10-15 minutes to get there. When we first spotted the market it appeared to be only 100 metres long, but it's much bigger than that. It's at least the same distance wide and takes quite a few hours to go through. I don't know what you'll be looking for, but I thought the leather was a great bargain and there's heaps of selection.
Enjoy !
Re the market, according to my LP guide, it's open Monday-Saturday 'til 1pm. It's near Porta San Giovanni on Via Sannio and sells new and second hand clothing. From my recollections, (but just check the list of stations before you get on) we got Metro B from Stazione Centrale to the station called San Giovanni. (I got details of how to get there from the website "Enjoy Rome" which I found really useful. Shall try to find the address and post it.) Once you come out of the Metro station, look for a big wall and it's just up near there to the left. Once we got on the right Metro line it only took 10-15 minutes to get there. When we first spotted the market it appeared to be only 100 metres long, but it's much bigger than that. It's at least the same distance wide and takes quite a few hours to go through. I don't know what you'll be looking for, but I thought the leather was a great bargain and there's heaps of selection.
Enjoy !
Dec 1st, 2000, 06:11 AM
#5
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Maira, just found the website I was referring to above and the address is: www.enjoyrome.com It is an excellent site and I printed heaps of stuff re things to do, transportation etc. They even help organising accomodation. I couldn't find the instructions for getting to the market, but I did establish it was Line A not B (no wonder we got on the wrong one).
I sent you the whole report in case you continued to have problems accessing it from this forum.
Have a fantastic trip. Ciao.
I sent you the whole report in case you continued to have problems accessing it from this forum.
Have a fantastic trip. Ciao.
Dec 1st, 2000, 10:38 AM
#6
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The market is found easily if you are looking for the San Giovanni Lateran church. As you leave the metro to go toward the church the market is on the street (to your left) that parallels the city wall, which you would pass under on your way to the church. Marilyn
. I found the other posts and your trip sounded fabulous!!
