Please help a 1st time solo female plan a winter trip to Italy!
Oct 25th, 2006, 01:16 PM
#41
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You can find more centrally located convents in Rome at the site of Santa Susanna, the American church in Rome:
http://www.santasusanna.org/comingToRome/convents.html
A convent that is not listed there is the Istituto Santa Giuliana Falconieri, very close to the Piazza Navona, run by a delightful nun from Chicago, Sister Kathryn. I have two e-mail addresses, and I'm not sure which one is current:
[email protected]
[email protected]
Warning: Single rooms do not have a sink in the room; there are no private bathrooms. But I have never had to wait, and they were always spotless.
http://www.santasusanna.org/comingToRome/convents.html
A convent that is not listed there is the Istituto Santa Giuliana Falconieri, very close to the Piazza Navona, run by a delightful nun from Chicago, Sister Kathryn. I have two e-mail addresses, and I'm not sure which one is current:
[email protected]
[email protected]
Warning: Single rooms do not have a sink in the room; there are no private bathrooms. But I have never had to wait, and they were always spotless.
Oct 25th, 2006, 03:06 PM
#42
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2) We were out at night in Italy and I have to say we had some scary moments eventhough my friend is 6ft and 300 lbs and we stayed in main areas. Nothing happened but it seemed like ones were considering it for a moment. Guess this is true anywhere in the world. We acted more aggressive than them. Probably scared them. Just be careful.
Oct 25th, 2006, 03:09 PM
#43
I have done the day trip from Rome to Pompeii twice and felt it was very worthwhile. The train to Naples took around two hours, then the commuter train (Circumvesuviana) to the Pompeii Scavi stop was another half hour or so. The train stops right across the street from the entrance to the ruins. If you leave early enough you can have plenty of time in Pompeii and still be back in Rome in time for dinner.
Oct 25th, 2006, 03:49 PM
#44
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About Islandmom's post:
I would never deny that there are pickpockets in Rome. Most often, though, they are <b>not</b> aggressive; the thieves are much, much more interested in easily picking up some money than in harming anyone physically.
Some areas of Rome (e.g., around Roma Termini, the main train station) have more pickpockets than others.
Certainly, be cautious. Of course, be aware of what is going on around you. Definitely, be wary of anyone who comes too close to you.
But do not be paranoid. In the historical center, roughly within or just outside the triangle of Pabntheon/Piazza Navona/Campo de Fiori, there are so many people on the streets until late into the evening that pickpockets have to be particularly clever - and tourists have to be particularly careless - for anything unwanted to happen.
I've been going to Rome every year for more years than I would like to count. I have never worn a money belt; I have always carried the same handbags that I carry at home. I have never been pickpocketed.
Some people may say that I have been lucky. I doubt it. I have not been paranoid, but I have exercised a reasonable degree of caution and I have been aware of the people around me.
I would never deny that there are pickpockets in Rome. Most often, though, they are <b>not</b> aggressive; the thieves are much, much more interested in easily picking up some money than in harming anyone physically.
Some areas of Rome (e.g., around Roma Termini, the main train station) have more pickpockets than others.
Certainly, be cautious. Of course, be aware of what is going on around you. Definitely, be wary of anyone who comes too close to you.
But do not be paranoid. In the historical center, roughly within or just outside the triangle of Pabntheon/Piazza Navona/Campo de Fiori, there are so many people on the streets until late into the evening that pickpockets have to be particularly clever - and tourists have to be particularly careless - for anything unwanted to happen.
I've been going to Rome every year for more years than I would like to count. I have never worn a money belt; I have always carried the same handbags that I carry at home. I have never been pickpocketed.
Some people may say that I have been lucky. I doubt it. I have not been paranoid, but I have exercised a reasonable degree of caution and I have been aware of the people around me.
Oct 26th, 2006, 12:08 AM
#45
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A man did try to pickpocket my moneybelt in a cafe' in the middle of the day in Greve. Thanks to my tight pants he didn't get it. I'm talking about young men up to no good and not money. Just be careful.
Oct 26th, 2006, 12:48 PM
#46
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Thanks again for all of your suggestions. Eloise, that looks like a wonderful website. I'm hoping to stay in a convent in Rome, a hostel in Venice (Venice is so expensive!) and perhaps that all-female B& B in Florence. We'll see how that works out!
As for security, I'm planning to wear a money belt, just in case, and then carry a purse with small amounts of money, maps, camera, etc. I'm looking at places to stay in the safest neighborhoods, even if it means spending a little more.
Any other tips would be so helpful.
As for security, I'm planning to wear a money belt, just in case, and then carry a purse with small amounts of money, maps, camera, etc. I'm looking at places to stay in the safest neighborhoods, even if it means spending a little more.
Any other tips would be so helpful.
