elaine

yep, that sort of thing happens. Almost anywhere.

Nlingenfel

I am 67 and just returned home 2 weeks ago, I did have my friend 80 along. We walk a lot, take the bus, also the metro. Just use common sense and you are very safe. I have been to Rome 8 times and only had one successful pickpocketed experience, I now tie my change purse to the zipper pull of my purse. You will have a lovey time, and the only time I stayed in residential area, I loved it. Completely different view of Rome. I would be completely at ease alone in Rome. Enjoy your trip.

liverbird

Fantastic link kybourbon, I loved the 'roninrome' link, really informative & fun! I should be very safe with a police station & convent nearby too- when I eventually get the address, I'll let you know to see if it's where we think it is!
Thanks, nnolen for your encouragement, I do speak very basic italian, just the please, thank you, where is, etc. but it does get you much further & it's just polite isn't it?
Glad you enjoyed your trip Nlingenfel, & julies, I am trying to put a positive slant on it all by convincing myself I'll enjoy living as a local, which I'm sure I will!
Elaine, many thanks & I will be in touch for your file on Rome, & thanks to everyone who answered too.

charnees

ncountry: I assume you mean FCO airport. I'ts Fiumicino but the acronym is FCO. Yes, Trastevere would be quite easy for getting to FCO.

ncounty

Yes, I meant Fiumicino, charnees. Thanks, I'll see if I can turn up anything in Trastevere.

annabelle2

I love Rome and did spend a few days there alone at the end of one trip with friends. No problems! A couple of things help me if I am somewhere alone (I know you've traveled solo as you mention, but most of my traveling has been with family/friends, so the 'alone' trips, while great, can be a little different if this is not one's usual travel m.o. However, I would rather be alone in a city where there is plenty to do and a lot of hustle and bustle than in a quiet, roll-up-the-streets at 9:00 small town!).

-pre-arrange a few tours, esp if you have a particular interest (ancient underground Rome, or wine tasting, etc). It gives you a break from being alone and it is fun to meet other travelers.

-find a trattoria or cafe in your neighborhood that you like and make it your local hangout. It could be the place you have coffee in the morning, or a glass or wine at the end of a day of sightseeing. I ate several times in the place right next to my hotel and they totally adopted and spoiled me.

-despite my confidence, sometimes it is harder for me to eat dinner out alone than lunch, especially after a long day of sightseeing and bus-wrangling. If you have days like that, make lunch your main, leisurely meal and enjoy a simple dinner (from that neighborhood market)with your maps/books/Italian TV in your Italian home - a benefit of doing the home exchange. Buy some fabulous Italian bath products and end the evening with a relaxing shower or bath, if you are lucky enough to have a tub!

-I don't know about you, but sometimes I've found that I overplan when alone, especially in a place like Rome where there is so much to do; don't forget that some of the charm of solo travel is doing exactly what you want.

I would ask as many questions as possible about the neighborhood environment (markets, any neighbors you can contact with questions, etc.) from the person you are exchanging with beforehand.

Have a great time!

liverbird

Thank you Annabelle, I totally agree, I do tend to overplan when I'm travelling alone, I think it gives you a sense of security before you arrive to do map searches etc. But I often find when I get there, that I end up doing little of what I'd originally planned to do, but as you say, that's the beauty of being alone, you can change your plans constantly!
I also don't like eating alone at dinner, so do make lunch my main meal, as I'm usually too exhausted to go out at night anyway.
I'm very reassured by all the kind advice, & feel that I will be fine in Rome!