J

Hi DJ. We just put the cheese in our luggage. I've had food (corn beef sandwiches from NY) go bad before in the overhead compartment (somehow it got too hot) so this time I decided that the cold in the cargo compartment might be better. It worked just fine. We took home Pecorino-Romaggio (sp?) and had some last night. It was yummy but not necessarily as good as what we had in Italy. However, we just picked up one of many brands at the market. You may want to ask someone over there if there is a particular kind/brand that they recommend. Good luck and enjoy.

terry

Thanks for a terrific report, J. I especially appreciated the prices-- something I wish more posters would do. Terry

Helen Donegan

I think the best Pecorino outside Sardinia is sold in a small shop between Terni and Rieti - it is produced by Sardinians who have their animals on the hills around the area. <BR>

Cristina

Pecorino Romano is okay to bring back to the states but mozzarella or ricotta are not. Essentially aged cheeses are okay. Meats are not so that was smart of you not to bring it. <BR> <BR>BTW, Pecorino Romano is what you need to make Spaghetti Carbonara (well you also need guanciale but pancetta will do in a pinch). Let me know if you need a recipe. <BR> <BR>As for VAT, I'll double check my book and get back to you on that.

elaine

Hi J <BR>Thanks for the report (and for the note you left at the hotel in Rome, at least I think that's the same you) <BR>Maybe I was just very lucky with Scala Reale, I'm sure the particular guide makes or breaks it. <BR>My Roma Antica guide was Gregory, and he was excellent. There were only three of us on the tour that day besides him, and by mutual consent we skipped the Palatine ruins all together--he said a lot of it was closed off anyway. True or not, our walking tour was outstanding. <BR>We spend about 80-90 minutes in the Colosseum, and the rest at the Forum, and he was a fountain of fascinating information--he's a student of art and architecture. No poetry readings. <BR> <BR>I wasn't at all disappointed in the Domus Aurea, in fact I thought it was great, especially since I didn't get to Pompeii. I just thought that if time is really pressing and one had to prioritize, it might not be in my top five, let's say. On the other hand, it was a much more pleasant experience than the Vatican Museums, and on a gorgeous warm fall day I appreciated the grounds and the view from Nero's house. <BR>I skipped the Scavi tour due to time constraints--what did you think? <BR>Welcome back.

Meg

Fantastic report, though I'll only be in Rome for one night, your information was helpful and inspiring. Where is this Prada outlet? I must find it! Thanks again, J.

J

Meg, the Prada outlet is outside of Florence. I don't have the directions that that the concierge gave us as I tossed them once we got to Florence. I do recall that the outlet was NOT called Prada. I checked my receipts and they don't have either the name or address of the store. However, they do show that the town was Lavanella. The concierge consulted the Born to Shop Italy book for the exact address/name so you many want to consult it on your own if you're interested. <BR> <BR>Elaine, yes it's me. I've been wanting to send you an e-mail off-line but I've been very busy with work on my return (and it had been a bit neglected before I left). I still will try to do it soon. In the meantime, I think your decision to skip the Scavi was a wise one, given the time constraints. I know many find it spiritually rewarding but I didn't. (I'm not Catholic although I still find myself moved in certain churces e.g. St. Anselmo's Abby and the Pantheon). The Scavi was interesting to me from a historical and archeological point of view though. And frankly, I always love going somewhere where the rest of the people can't go. All in all, the Scavi is worthwhile to see but I don't think you should have any regrets about postponing it for a future trip. <BR> <BR>I'm glad to see that you had a great trip. I'll try to write to you soon.

Carin

What a great report - thank you! (I appreciated the prices, too.)

merrily

I enjoyed your Italy report. My husband and I did the Milan to Venice to Florence to Rome with advance train reservations (glad we did!) However, our favorite trip was a spontaneous week in Sorrento and Isle of Capri. Few tourists and beautiful, relaxing scenery and outdoor eateries. Much better hotel rates, too. We were museumed out.

Susan

My husband and I are about to leave for a month in Italy, our first. Your report was such a help. Thanks so much.