Jen Lee

I suppose this question is for the younger fodorites....<BR><BR>I thought it would be neat to take the pub tour that Walks of Rome offers. By any chance, has anyone been on this tour?<BR><BR>

Phil

No ... but if you think you can discover any new cities by just going into pubs, then ... oh man I'm just going to waste my breathe ... do what the hell you want too ... you'll grow up later

nancy

One evening, last summer while in rome, we were walking back to our apartment, right off Campo di' Fiori.<BR>We stopped at a big crowd that had gatherd in the center of the piazza.<BR>It was a "pub" tour, and the tour guides were giving out information, structions, and warnings.<BR>It was very funny,<BR>at times a bit risque for my 10 and 13 yr olds' ears,<BR>but, overall, it sounded like a fun time.<BR>Maybe a bit brainless, but so what?!<BR><BR>If one is looking for a different type of evening, this would fill the bill.<BR>Plus, just cause one is going on one of these,<BR>doesn't mean they have to get S-faced drunk,<BR>and it also doe NOT mean that that is the only method one is going to use, <BR>to discover Rome!<BR>Plus, one might meet a new friend or two.<BR><BR>I say go for it JL,<BR>and have a great time in Rome.<BR><BR><BR>

Jen

Thanks for the encouragement Nancy. It was really only a farfetched idea that I found funny, as I am a history grad student on my first pilgrimage to Italy. <BR><BR>But after Phil's post, I'm absolutely convinced that I should take the tour. <BR><BR>To ward off the same stodginess that has been creeping up to me the past few years and the boring seriousness that been the hallmark of this coming trip. <BR><BR>No offense Phil, but being mature and reponsible doesn't mean that you can't leave a little room for some silly fun.<BR><BR>In many ways, I was too caught up in the monuments of Rome that I forgot that it is a lively city where PEOPLE live, doing what they would do anywhere else...hope that other fodorites will remember that as well and enjoy the many aspects of Rome, even the silly and brainless.

nancy

glad to hear that Phil's post had the effect it did.<BR>I think it will be a bit of silly fun, and if you are traveling solo,<BR>a good way to be "escorted" around for an evening , and have a bit of company.<BR><BR>

dan woodlief

Jen, as a former history grad student myself, I say go for it. I also felt history grad students were always so serious, and I have a hard time being serious all of the time. Now when I went to business school, I ran into a whole different crowd of people. As a history student, Rome will thrill you, but you can have a little lighter fun too.

Capo

Jen, brilliant response to Phil's post. <BR><BR>You said it well. Rome, though a city filled with treasures both architectural and artistic, is also a lively city where people work and play. <BR><BR>Haven't been on this tour but, if you go, I hope you have a great time.

Skylar

Jen,<BR>I spent a few months in Rome last year, and I heard that the pub crawls were a great time - and a good chance to meet some younger people. If you would like to go to a great bar without the pub crawl, Jonathan's Angels is the place. It's right near Piazza Navona, and it's fabulous! The little lounge next door called "Jonny Boys" is even better. Jonathan whips up fabulous, crazy drinks at the little lounge, and the music there (spun usually by Jonathan) is great. Also the crowd is a good mix between Italian and American/English speaking. Jonathan is American/Italian, but his father, who owns Jonathan's Angels, is full-on Roman. It's a great place to feel comfortable with your own language but also experience how Italians party. If you go to Piazza Navona, just ask ANYBODY where it is and they'll direct you. It's in a little teeny alley off the piazza. Buon viaggio!

Wendy

Jen, While in Rome at the Trinity College Pub (very fun BTW)we ran into the pub tour. They were having a great time!! <BR><BR>I can't believe the response you got from Phil, Why must anyone "grow up" and stop going to pubs??? So sad! Have a fantastic time!!