Forgot to add...you said you returned to Paris from your Italy trip - as in, you also went to Paris or you live in Paris? If it's the first, are you doing a trip report for Paris also?

Sorry for all the extra posts, but I just finished your Rome section - loved your story about the women and your 10 euro note - you really do have a fabulous way of explaining your trip details. Agree with people complaning about lines...but I also sort of feel like them when it feels about 200 degrees outside.

So, finally figured out that you do live in Paris, so no trip report. But, do you really hate Paris - the horror! Sorry, it's just my love of Paris coming out, and the fact that I would kill to be able to live their myself! However, the fact that you love Jane Austen does redeem you in my eyes!

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Just finished your entire trip report - the only thing good about being stuck home sick because of the stupid vog killing everyone's respiratory system is that I can catch up on all the trip reports I've missed.

I had a similar reaction to yours about Florence - and we had just come from Rome as well. It might have been that everyone back home told us that we would enjoy Florence soooo much better than Rome. Not really - even after being in both cities twice, Florence seems much too touristy to me. It should be noted that most people here say Florence is a completely different city in off-season.

About your impromptu stay in Bologna - was it sort of a backup plan in case you didn't like Venice? Or did you just pick a hotel from your guide book? Do you have any regrets about leaving Venice before scheduled?

Just realized that you are probably back in Italy right now - hope you're having a great time!

Hi, yes I am in Italy right now, so no trip reports until I get back.

Anna, I totally understand where you're coming from on the Paris thing, but living in a place and going on vacation there are totally different, as I found out. And unfortunately I think my job really didn't make the situation better. Add to that the huge transport strike in November and the fact that the students blocaded my uni for 5 weeks in Oct/Nov and you start longing for something a little different.

At least here in Rome the dogs don't poo everywhere. Although I don't get how to dress. I know that Real Fodorites (unlike myself) hate this discussion whenever it comes up because it comes up all the time but seriously--people take one look at me and instantly start out in Italian, or they look at me as if I am poo on their scarpe (mostly in shops). I am sorry, but I do not do heels in cobblestone cities, nor do I wear tight jeans and fancy tops when it's really warm outside. Yeesh.

So, anyway, I got sunburnt today because I overslept and barely got out of my first hostel before the check out time and when I got to my second hostel they needed to clean the room so I never put any sunblock on. Eeek.

Cheers!

Just loved this report - am so looking forward to the next! Hope your trip is going well.

Sorry you didn't take to Venice. Yes, it's horribly expensive (I went in Nov. when at least the hotels are a bit cheaper), but away from places like St. Marks and the Rialto I found it magical. But then I didn't care for Rome too much (too hot, too crowded, too monumental, plus I got pickpocketed). Maybe you're a Rome person or a Venice person, but not both?

You're right, I totally agree that visiting somewhere and living somewhere are completely different things...and living somewhere might actually change your initial view.

You made an interesting point about clothes/shoes in Rome. On my last trip, I really starting noticing the "roman once-over" where they look at you from your feet up - if your shoes don't pass, they usually don't glance up much higher. Depending on the day, I either found it hilarious or very annoying...and a bit superficial. I mean really, do they really expect everyone to wear high heels? They obviously don't realize what they are wearing on vacation in tropical areas.

Hm, well I guess I'll never pass the shoe test, since I'm wearing my beloved Camper sandals, which, although having a cool vibe in some places, are too clunky and too flat for the Romans.

I want to talk about what's happened so far, but I need to wait to compile a report!!!

Funny thing today, though. A fellow guest in my women's only hostel began berating everyone in the breakfast room for not standing RIGHT NEXT TO THE TOASTER WHEN MAKING TOAST and then she ate this other lady's toast, because "She wasn't fast enough." Lord.