TRIP REPORT Rome, Venice and Northern Italy May 2005 TRIP REPORT Rome, Venice and Northern Italy May 2005 TRIP REPORT Rome, Venice and Northern Italy May 2005 TRIP REPORT - Rome, Venice and Northern Italy May 2005
Jun 1st, 2005, 08:22 AM
#21
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"the annoying guards who kept repeating No pictures
No video
Sshhhhh!!!!"
I was much more annoyed by the disrespectful tourists who were taking photographs and talking, thus causing the guards to try to get them to stop.
I was much more annoyed by the disrespectful tourists who were taking photographs and talking, thus causing the guards to try to get them to stop.
Jun 1st, 2005, 08:34 AM
#23
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Interesting and very honest report.
I also enjoyed Tre Amici a couple of years back. We picked it at random one night when we didn't have reservations anywhere. Had a great roast lamb, one of the best meals of the trip.
Salt is the secret ingredient in Italy, like butter in France . . .
I also enjoyed Tre Amici a couple of years back. We picked it at random one night when we didn't have reservations anywhere. Had a great roast lamb, one of the best meals of the trip.
Salt is the secret ingredient in Italy, like butter in France . . .
Jun 1st, 2005, 08:38 AM
#24
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Myles,
Great report: the fall into the canal, the scene outside of San Luigi dei Francesi, your take on the art, the detailed dining descriptions, I even love the quadrupled subject title.
I hadn't heard of Il Tempietto - it sounds lovely. Now I have to Google it.
Thanks for posting!
Great report: the fall into the canal, the scene outside of San Luigi dei Francesi, your take on the art, the detailed dining descriptions, I even love the quadrupled subject title.
I hadn't heard of Il Tempietto - it sounds lovely. Now I have to Google it.
Thanks for posting!
Jun 1st, 2005, 08:57 AM
#26
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Thank you for sharing your very candid views of your trip! I found it very interesting, and the part about falling in the canal caused a chuckle. (Sorry, couldn't help that!)
Sounds like you had a good time and it was nice to "escape" vicariously!
Sounds like you had a good time and it was nice to "escape" vicariously!
Jun 1st, 2005, 09:43 AM
#27
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Familyfun -
I found the right vaparetto by trial and error and asking everyone who was on line waiting. And of course, some of the Venetians, like at the ticket booth and the men and women running the boats.
When you walk out of the Venice train station, with the station to your back, go to your left where you will see ticket booths for the vaporetto. There are several lines and routes running. Get on a line to buy tickets and start asking the person in the ticket booth as to where you should line up.
It's best to just say your destination. Don't bother with full sentences because all the person will pick up on is the word as to where you are going. I'm not suggesting you be rude or anything, I'm just suggesting to help the person who doesn't understand English (probably) by just giving them one or two words to latch on to. They'll know why you are asking.
Then, when you get on the line, just ask everyone waiting if that is the right line. You'll find helpful tourists and Italians who will set you straight.
Also, here's a tip - When you get off the train, there will be lots of carts around to put your luggage on. I think they're free, I'm not entirely sure. I just couldn't find a place to pay for them!!
Put your luggage on the cart and take it all the way outside the station. I even went backwards down the stairs with them, and took them all the way up to the ticket booths outside.
The only reason I suggest this is because you are going to be travelling with very young and older people, and the station is packed. It's best to keep as organized and as together as possible in this situation.
As to people disagreeing with some of my reviews...I know I know. That's why I posted them. I love to read the debates!
3 Amici in Rome is really a find, isn't it? We stumbled on it for lunch. I don't think there will be any debate that this is the best tasting, simple food you'll find in Rome. And cheap!!
I found the right vaparetto by trial and error and asking everyone who was on line waiting. And of course, some of the Venetians, like at the ticket booth and the men and women running the boats.
When you walk out of the Venice train station, with the station to your back, go to your left where you will see ticket booths for the vaporetto. There are several lines and routes running. Get on a line to buy tickets and start asking the person in the ticket booth as to where you should line up.
It's best to just say your destination. Don't bother with full sentences because all the person will pick up on is the word as to where you are going. I'm not suggesting you be rude or anything, I'm just suggesting to help the person who doesn't understand English (probably) by just giving them one or two words to latch on to. They'll know why you are asking.
Then, when you get on the line, just ask everyone waiting if that is the right line. You'll find helpful tourists and Italians who will set you straight.
Also, here's a tip - When you get off the train, there will be lots of carts around to put your luggage on. I think they're free, I'm not entirely sure. I just couldn't find a place to pay for them!!
Put your luggage on the cart and take it all the way outside the station. I even went backwards down the stairs with them, and took them all the way up to the ticket booths outside.
The only reason I suggest this is because you are going to be travelling with very young and older people, and the station is packed. It's best to keep as organized and as together as possible in this situation.
As to people disagreeing with some of my reviews...I know I know. That's why I posted them. I love to read the debates!
3 Amici in Rome is really a find, isn't it? We stumbled on it for lunch. I don't think there will be any debate that this is the best tasting, simple food you'll find in Rome. And cheap!!
Jun 1st, 2005, 10:51 AM
#28
It was reassuring to learn that I'm not the only one who thinks finding the Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo in Venice is a royal pain in the @#&*. I know exactly what you went thru, over and over again! That was very frustrating. And truth be told, I'm not sure the view from the top was worth the hassle or the expense.
Enjoyed your report!
Dave
Enjoyed your report!
Dave
Jun 1st, 2005, 11:37 AM
#29
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My husband and I are planning to travel to Italy in spring 2006 and found your trip report very useful. Although I find the theatrical and wordy reports amusing, what I find most helpful are reports like yours that get to the point with relevant information. Thanks.
Jun 1st, 2005, 11:51 AM
#30
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Thanks Rickmav! Spring is great in Italy. And the earlier you go, the better rates you'll get in hotels and airplane tickets. Plus, and I think I made this clear in my report, if you're going to Rome, the farther away from tourist season the better!!
DCD - By the time we found it, we weren't interested in goign to the top anymore!!
DCD - By the time we found it, we weren't interested in goign to the top anymore!!
Jun 1st, 2005, 04:05 PM
#32
Myles
I have to tell you that my first impression when I heard you fell into the canal was not a chuckle. I remember hearing a story about Katherine Hepburn who had to fall into the canal for a scene in the movie Summertime. She apparantly got an infection of some kind (ear) which plagued her for a very long time so I was relieved to see you write that the water was waist high.
I have to tell you that my first impression when I heard you fell into the canal was not a chuckle. I remember hearing a story about Katherine Hepburn who had to fall into the canal for a scene in the movie Summertime. She apparantly got an infection of some kind (ear) which plagued her for a very long time so I was relieved to see you write that the water was waist high.
Jun 1st, 2005, 04:11 PM
#33
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It was actually a chronic eye infection that Katharine Hepburn got from doing her own stunt work and falling in the canal.
I liked seeing Venice in that movie, but the storyline is really quite depressing. Maybe it's supposed to be about giving into passion, but it seems like it's more about fooling oneself.
I read that most of Venice's WWII casualties (other than the people who were deported to the concentration camps) resulted because there was no street lighting during the war, and so people (often drunk) would fall into the canals at night.
I liked seeing Venice in that movie, but the storyline is really quite depressing. Maybe it's supposed to be about giving into passion, but it seems like it's more about fooling oneself.
I read that most of Venice's WWII casualties (other than the people who were deported to the concentration camps) resulted because there was no street lighting during the war, and so people (often drunk) would fall into the canals at night.
Jun 1st, 2005, 04:26 PM
#34
We too found the Venetians less than welcoming. We were in a sportswear shop looking for pro cycling jerseys (long story) and spent several minutes talking with the owner. He was quite talkative, speaking frankly about how difficult it was to live in Venice and telling us how much he liked to vacation in the U.S. "We love Motel Six! Is wonderful!" When we mentioned where we lived (Manhattan Beach, CA) and asked if he had been there (as many tourists have), he said, "Oh, I HATE that place! It is terrible! Is horrible!" Well, gee, I don't expect everyone to love my hometown like I do, but simple courtesy would dictate keeping such negative views to oneself. My husband and I found the encounter amusing in that the guy wanted us to know he loved wonderful Motel 6 but by inference thought we were idiots (or worse?) to live where we live.
I enjoyed your views on the many things you saw and did, and I agreed with much of it. But you "hated" Bellagio? Wow. Strong word, but then you seem to have been negative about Lake Como before you arrived at Bellagio. Where is Hotel Villa Flori? An hour away by boat would seem to place it in or near the town of Como. Why did you (or your brother?) choose to stay there and not in the mid-lake area?
I enjoyed your views on the many things you saw and did, and I agreed with much of it. But you "hated" Bellagio? Wow. Strong word, but then you seem to have been negative about Lake Como before you arrived at Bellagio. Where is Hotel Villa Flori? An hour away by boat would seem to place it in or near the town of Como. Why did you (or your brother?) choose to stay there and not in the mid-lake area?
Jun 1st, 2005, 05:20 PM
#35
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Bobthenavigator -
Not only was Bernini a genius with sculpture and architecture, but my wife and I happened to stumble on a painting of his in a museum. I don't remember where it was, and I don't even know if the painting was famous, but I had never heard of it. And I didn't even know it was painted by Bernini. We were just walking through the gallery and stopped at this painting because it was beautiful and incredibly interesting. And when I looked at the name of the artist, I just got to thinking if there was anything this guy couldn't do!
Jean -
The hotel Villa Flori is indeed in Como, or right next to it. My brother had stayed there last year and really loved it. And the restaurant is truly great there. Even if you don't stay in the hotel, you should go to the restaurant if you are in Como. It's about a mile south of Villa D'Esta.
I guess I had a negative reaction about Bellagio for a couple of reasons. Firstly, I had just been to CinqueTerra and there were a couple of towns there that were like Bellagio, but even more so...if you get my drift. Those were wonderful.
Also, and this is just me (as are all my opinions!!)...when I travel to a country like Italy, I don't want to spend a whole day or even a couple of days just hanging aruond a pool or hanging around from a hotel porch looking at scenery. I want to explore. I want to see museums and ruins and discover one unique town after another. But that's the way I travel. Not wrong or right.
And with Lake Como, even if you did want to sit around and relax, I couldn't figure out where you would do that. It's not like the lake actually has any beaches. It has none! Same with Portifino and Rapallo.
I'm sure if I was there longer I would have found some wonderful hiking trails. And if you want to rent a motor boat and drive around the lake, I think that would be a great thing to do. I am just not into motor boats.
Plus, I think you can tell from my report, I tend to react to things in extremes...love them or hate them. I know the people who travel with me are not the same way. One quick example -
Last year when we went to Tuscany, I took a side trip to Assissi with my nephew. We went for a walk in the woods that St. Francis used to meditate in. I'm not Catholic, I'm not even a Christian, so I had no preconceived notions about these woods. But they were truly the most sublime, magical experience I've ever had. There was something abuot that place. My nephew, on the other hand, just kept walking around very nonplussed, clearing his throat, spitting on the ground, throwing rocks.
So there you have it!
Not only was Bernini a genius with sculpture and architecture, but my wife and I happened to stumble on a painting of his in a museum. I don't remember where it was, and I don't even know if the painting was famous, but I had never heard of it. And I didn't even know it was painted by Bernini. We were just walking through the gallery and stopped at this painting because it was beautiful and incredibly interesting. And when I looked at the name of the artist, I just got to thinking if there was anything this guy couldn't do!
Jean -
The hotel Villa Flori is indeed in Como, or right next to it. My brother had stayed there last year and really loved it. And the restaurant is truly great there. Even if you don't stay in the hotel, you should go to the restaurant if you are in Como. It's about a mile south of Villa D'Esta.
I guess I had a negative reaction about Bellagio for a couple of reasons. Firstly, I had just been to CinqueTerra and there were a couple of towns there that were like Bellagio, but even more so...if you get my drift. Those were wonderful.
Also, and this is just me (as are all my opinions!!)...when I travel to a country like Italy, I don't want to spend a whole day or even a couple of days just hanging aruond a pool or hanging around from a hotel porch looking at scenery. I want to explore. I want to see museums and ruins and discover one unique town after another. But that's the way I travel. Not wrong or right.
And with Lake Como, even if you did want to sit around and relax, I couldn't figure out where you would do that. It's not like the lake actually has any beaches. It has none! Same with Portifino and Rapallo.
I'm sure if I was there longer I would have found some wonderful hiking trails. And if you want to rent a motor boat and drive around the lake, I think that would be a great thing to do. I am just not into motor boats.
Plus, I think you can tell from my report, I tend to react to things in extremes...love them or hate them. I know the people who travel with me are not the same way. One quick example -
Last year when we went to Tuscany, I took a side trip to Assissi with my nephew. We went for a walk in the woods that St. Francis used to meditate in. I'm not Catholic, I'm not even a Christian, so I had no preconceived notions about these woods. But they were truly the most sublime, magical experience I've ever had. There was something abuot that place. My nephew, on the other hand, just kept walking around very nonplussed, clearing his throat, spitting on the ground, throwing rocks.
So there you have it!
Jun 1st, 2005, 06:09 PM
#36
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Myles, Thanks for a great report. All those details about the art and other things you saw is very helpful. I'm going to Italy in Sept, and it's great to hear more about many of the things I want to see. And I will certainly be careful not to fall in the canal!
Jun 1st, 2005, 06:46 PM
#38
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Myles go to the doctors .falling in the canal was not good but funny,well the good news is your alive the bad news is for how long. You know the canal is the cespool for all of Venice.lol. good report thanks
Jun 1st, 2005, 09:31 PM
#39
Thank you so much for taking the time to write such a terrific report. I stayed up until 1:28am reading it--it was that interesting! I felt like I was walking with you and could hear you speaking as I read your report. Your report has brought back so many memories!
Jun 1st, 2005, 11:17 PM
#40
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Milesaway,
I add my voice to the chorus of praise for your trip report. I love your direct opinions, including those in which you say you "hated" a few places. I feel that way occasionally, but I tend to require about three paragraphs of text to say what you said very succinctly.
We visited Italy in October 2002, and it was a great time to visit - Not horribly crowded with tourists and perfect weather for waling.
Thanks again.
I add my voice to the chorus of praise for your trip report. I love your direct opinions, including those in which you say you "hated" a few places. I feel that way occasionally, but I tend to require about three paragraphs of text to say what you said very succinctly.
We visited Italy in October 2002, and it was a great time to visit - Not horribly crowded with tourists and perfect weather for waling.
Thanks again.
