Stephanie, sorry about the tone. I just jumped on it because of all the other questions about jeans that pop up all the time. I apologize. I wear black jeans there myself, they are warm in the winter with tights underneath.<BR>Have a great time, you sound even tempered so I am sure you will :^).

Thanks, Nancy I think I've missed the jeans issue previously so didn't know what I was getting into.<BR><BR>I can't wait for this vacation! You all have provided so much useful information I really appreciate the help.

This is what Britabroad means about the can of worms. Regular readers on this site know, too bad we get cynical (I am speaking for myself). Do a search on Rome and you will come up with alot of good advice on restaurants, walking tours, etc.<BR>I bring a leather jacket for warmer days or under an overcoat and wear it with a wool hat and cashmere scarf. When you take off overcoats indoors, it can still be drafty so you will like a leather jacket too.

Stephanie;<BR>You're right about the Borghese.<BR>We have made reservations on line for<BR>Sunday 12/30 <BR>Also, thanks for the opera info.<BR>We're going to the Teatro del' Opera on Friday 12/28 to see and hear Un Ballo Maschera (Bravo Verdi, but not one of my favorites.) We scored our tickets on line, the cheapest we could get 9up in the nosebleed section).<BR>All of the Operas that I've been to in the US use surtitles. We were in Verona<BR>this summer and saw Aida and Naboucco,<BR>all in Italian, but the ushers sold handy little translation guides in several languages. The spectacle was so<BR>overwhelming that I forgot about the translation.<BR>This time I'll just print a synopsis<BR>and just enjoy the beautiful music without worrying about the words.<BR><BR><BR>

Stephanie;<BR>Forget to say "Thanks for your help"<BR>(Borghese & Opera)<BR>Hope you and your group have a wonderful<BR>time in Rome.<BR>Amid the chaos and fireworks in the Piazza del Popolo on NYE,<BR>if you see a 56 year old guy holding hands with a beautiful women(my wife), smoking a cigar and drinking Brunello di Montalcino from a paper bag say hello.

Tony -<BR><BR>Enjoyed your post! Now I will be looking around for people drinking out of paper bags on NYE LOL!<BR><BR>Glad you got your opera tickets. We're seeing the same thing, but on the 30th.<BR><BR>It should be amazing <BR><BR>So is your plan to go to the square to watch the fireworks?<BR><BR>Stephanie

Stephanie, just thought I'd let you know that the Borghese Gallery is closed on January 1. When I saw your post that it was open, I thought that it might be a good thing to do that day; so I tried to make a reservation. I received an e-mail this morning saying that they are closed. Oh well.<BR><BR>Sounds like the Piazza del Popolo might be the place to be for New Year's Eve? Any progress on a good place to have dinner that evening?

I'm glad to know that i'm not the only american that will be in rome for new year's! Thanks to everyone for the great advice. Is there any definite answer yet as to "the place to be" for NYE?

Lisa - some place is trying to sell us tickets for the 1st! I better look at this again. My first dealings with someone trying to rip us off over the internet, I guess. I'll look it up and let you know.<BR><BR>Heather - I called my hotel yesterday and they suggested when we arrive making arrangements, but I really got the feeling from these boards that it will be too late by then. Is that what you think? I'm a little concerned about that.<BR><BR>One restaurant emailed me that they wanted 480,000 PER PERSON for their NYE dinner. I was like I don't THINK so! Ah well, will keep looking. The fireworks sound fun, though.<BR><BR>Stephanie

HELP!<BR><BR>I am having a brain fart moment. I went to http://www.galleriaborghese.it/borghese/en/einfo.htm and it says that it's free admission and you can book online. But I know another site that sells tickets that I've seen on here (actually I think they were the ones that told me that it's open on New Year's Day...). So are they charging for a guided tour? Is that what it is?<BR><BR>Sorry - obviously still clueless here!<BR><BR>Stephanie

Stephanie,<BR>You've received some terrific advice. I would definitely take gloves and a hat--maybe a beret or something else that is easy to stuff in a pocket. I am sure you will find vendors selling 'fake Pashminas'--large rayon/wool/blend scarves. Keep in mind that inside the buildings may be as cold as outside. Buon viaggio!

Stephanie-<BR>I was a little confused by that website too since it says that entry is free to foreign citizens. However, my Rick Steve's guidebook says that entrance is 14.000ITL so I was planning on paying this. You can reserve your tickets for free though on that site. I don't see any point to reserving on another site that is going to charge you.

Lisa - thank you so much for catching that.<BR><BR>Pam - good idea re: pashima! Any excuse to buy something over there, too I will bring a hat and scarf -- it's not like they're going to take up a bunch of room<BR><BR>Thanks again to everyone,<BR><BR>Stephanie

Hey you guys! I'm SO jealous. Please remember us with a toast of great vino on NYE for those of us who can't join in this time around. First timers, report back! I'll sure you'll love Rome!

Here are my answers from someone that lives in Naples and been to Rome more than a few times.<BR>1) Suit & Tie for men - Dress for Women<BR>2) No<BR>3) Someplaces you do other don't. When going to Museums or St. Peter's use thier restrooms. In the worst case you may have to pay L200 to L500= $.10 to $.25<BR>4)L100000 = $50 in L10000 bills. (Italians hate that you give them alarge bill for a small amount. Tipping is customary for preety much everything. For trasportation from the airport about L5000 should do. Carry lots of L200 and L500 coins for tips. If you see a little plate on top of the counter tip!!<BR>5)If you are fine in 40 degree weathe you should't worry. A good coat and hat should be enough.<BR>6)Leather is ok. Italy is famous for it's Leather.<BR>7)I found that by just putting your wallet in your front pocket is enogh. Just don't let those gypsis get near you.<BR><BR>

Stephanie-<BR><BR>I guess the program in Rome for NYE is dinner and fireworks at Piazza del Popolo. I'm not so concerned about where to go for dinner. Since i have yet to find "bad" food in italy, we'll probably just wing it.<BR> <BR><BR>