Laura

Hi all, <BR> <BR>Just back from Rome! If anyone has any questions, I'll be glad to answer as best I can. <BR> <BR>Laura <BR>[email protected]

sally

Hi Laura: <BR> <BR>Maybe you could respond to Rachelle from yesterday, who asked for "must-sees" in Rome; she might like your perspective. Any memorable meals? Did you by any chance see Borghese gardens and museum? Thanks!

Laura

Sally, <BR> <BR>I did reply on the other question! <BR> <BR>I did have one gorgeous meal in a totally non-tourist restaurant that the hotel reccommended. It's a place called Lillies. I'd have to look at a map if anyone is interested in the address. <BR> <BR>I just got to drive through some Villa Borghese. It does look wonderful but I just didn't have enough time to visit it properly! <BR> <BR>Laura

Vivian

Laura-- <BR>

Vivian

Laura: <BR>We are headed out for Rome at the end of this month. Of course I would love to just sit and chat for the next few days, but I will be reasonalble. I would like to know about the crowds. Also did you see the National Museum of Rome??? <BR>Vivian

Laura

Vivian, <BR> <BR>The crowds were not bad at all. I had been warned that it would be terrible. But I was surprised. We visited the Spanish Steps upon arrival, so it was a Friday afternoon about 2pm. It was great - there were people, but it was fine. We passed by again at about 5pm on Saturday - big difference - all the Italians seemed to be out as well as the tourists - so I guess you just have to choose your times. <BR> <BR>The mayor of Rome has issued an order that on Sunday's there is no traffic in central Rome - apart from taxi's and buses. That makes life very easy. All buses and metro are free that day. <BR> <BR>We were warned before we left about pickpockets and gypsies. I think some people are going overboard on this issue. You need to take the usual precautions as you would in any city, but we were fine. There are so many police out and about on the streets, that you really feel very safe. <BR> <BR>I didn't get to the musuem. If I had had another day, then it would have been possible. But it's always the same, so much to do, so little time!! <BR> <BR>Have a great time in Rome - you'll love it! <BR> <BR>Laura

chrissy

hi laura glad to hear you had a good time. also glad to hear that the thieves issue is exagerated. did you do a tour of any kind? Which sites did you see wit h the tour? Which tour did you use? or which sites near a tour guide? thanks

Dee

Laura, <BR>You wouldn't feel that people were "going overboard" if YOU had your purse stolen with all your belongings, return flight ticket, money etc. or had your camcorder or camera removed from your person, now would you?

Marg

What hotel did you use? In what area? Did you do the Vatican? Any recommendations as to tours? We are going the end of June. <BR> <BR>Thanks.

Laura

Hi again, <BR> <BR>I'll try and answer everyone! <BR> <BR>Dee, I am sorry you had all of your items stolen. Yes, of course this does happen, as it happens in every city. I was referring to the amount of times I had heard 'Don't wear any jewellry as it will be picked off you!' Crime is everywhere, but there is a lot of scaremongering about too. <BR> <BR>Chrissy, <BR> <BR>The only guided tour that we took was at the Colesseum. Everywhere else we just did ourselves with the help of our guide book. Would defnitely recommend the tour at the Colesseum - it was worthwhile. <BR> <BR>One thing that might be worth mentionning though is, it might be wise to check out what the Pope is doing. When we got to the colesseum we had to be out by 1.45 as the Pope was going to be visiting there at 6pm and for security reasons the area had to be cleared. I would have been really mad if I had arrived at 3pm - with my only chance to see the Collesseum and not been able to see it. Nothing against the Pope, but it might be worth checking on! <BR> <BR>Marg, <BR> <BR>We stayed at the Hotel Marcus - reccommended by Fordor's. Would stay there again. Great location. <BR> <BR>We did visit the vatican and arrived at 8.15 - it opens at 8.45 and it was great being there as one of the first. It's lovely being up early and seeing the city without too many people around, in any case! <BR> <BR>Laura

Dave Hutchinson

Laura.. I enjoyed your account of your Italy trip. I definitely agree that the Colliseum tour is one of the best. Rome is such a magical place. You might be interested in my pictures from Italy at www.crazyabouttravel.com. <BR> <BR>-Dave- <BR>

Laura

Dave, <BR> <BR>Great photos! <BR> <BR>Laura

kk

Wonderful, evocative photos. Thanks so much for sharing. I've not been in Italy for fifteen years and I don't think we took lots of photos, can't find them, in any event. So yours brought back great OLD memories. Plan to go again in 2001 and simply can't wait! Thanks again. kk

Beth Anderson

Hi, <BR> <BR>Would you recommend any vantage points for wonderul sunset/sunrise views/ photos? Ones that take in a fair number of the "famous buildings" in Rome? (i.e. high vantage points - is this possible, etc etc.) <BR> <BR>this is going to sound INCREDIBLY ignorant, I know... (smack me with the wet pop-culture noodle!) I just saw the movie the Gladiator and was blown away by some of the shots (computer aided, natch) of Rome. <BR> <BR>One in particular - you guessed it, a sunset one. I wonder how many of the buildings (assuming there was any sort of historical accuracy in this flick) are still standing, and what else is crowding the view, added in the past EIGHTEEN HUNDRED YEARS. sounds pretty amazing when you think of it - such an advanced society, which was so very long ago. <BR> <BR>I can't wait to see Rome. <BR> <BR>Beth

jackie

Do you or anyone else reading this, know anything about Hotel Gambrinus, i.e location, rooms/ private bath? etc? How about Roma Bed and Breakfast -- looks nice but I can't seem to find its location on a map. Thanks.