What is the ONE thing NOT to do in Rome?
Oct 11th, 2007, 07:08 PM
#41
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Don't forget that you are a guest. Don't be loud, don't be obnoxious, don't ask shopkeepers to change dollars to Euros for you without making a purchase. Don't expect things to be like they are in America. Don't be aloof, but don't be overly-friendly. Be respectful. DO remember to queue up at a taxi stand and get into your taxi when it's your turn. If you're a woman especially DO NOT forget to bring some toilet paper with you, preferably folded up and in a little zip-loc bag in your purse.
DO NOT ignore the good advice in other posts on this thread. DO remember to try something new while there, like limoncello or a new flavor of gelato. DO remember that despite the exchange rate between the dollar and Euro these days that the Roman cost of living is generally quite high and many Romans work hard for their pay.
BC
DO NOT ignore the good advice in other posts on this thread. DO remember to try something new while there, like limoncello or a new flavor of gelato. DO remember that despite the exchange rate between the dollar and Euro these days that the Roman cost of living is generally quite high and many Romans work hard for their pay.
BC
Oct 11th, 2007, 08:44 PM
#42
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bookchick used the word aloof, which reminds me of this don't:
Don't take it personally if hotel desk staff and other persons seem a bit cool. When on the job some of the most professional people in Rome act ... professionally. Relish efficiency when you come into contact with it. And relax when you don't!
Don't take it personally if hotel desk staff and other persons seem a bit cool. When on the job some of the most professional people in Rome act ... professionally. Relish efficiency when you come into contact with it. And relax when you don't!
Oct 12th, 2007, 03:56 AM
#43
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do not
--count on being able to buy bus or train tickets at the machines. For bus tickets get one day or multi-day passes described by others or buy tickets at tabbachi
--stand in line for a long time at the Colosseum to get tickets. (Instead buy the combined tickets for the Palatine and the Colosseum at the entrance to the Palatine from the forum, near the Arch of Titus)
--try to walk down the section of the Via Appia Antica between Porta San Sebastiano and the catacombs except on Sundays when it is closed to traffic
TexasAggie re buses: there is a thread from earlier this year about public transportation from Trastevere you might find useful.
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=2 We found the buses easy to use with a good map (although as I confess in the other thread we ended up taking an unplanned stroll through the Prati area one day)
For getting around to some of the major sites with your parents' limited mobility you might want to consider the hop on/hop off tourist bus one day
There is a tourist office in Trastevere at Piazza Sonnino
--count on being able to buy bus or train tickets at the machines. For bus tickets get one day or multi-day passes described by others or buy tickets at tabbachi
--stand in line for a long time at the Colosseum to get tickets. (Instead buy the combined tickets for the Palatine and the Colosseum at the entrance to the Palatine from the forum, near the Arch of Titus)
--try to walk down the section of the Via Appia Antica between Porta San Sebastiano and the catacombs except on Sundays when it is closed to traffic
TexasAggie re buses: there is a thread from earlier this year about public transportation from Trastevere you might find useful.
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=2 We found the buses easy to use with a good map (although as I confess in the other thread we ended up taking an unplanned stroll through the Prati area one day)
For getting around to some of the major sites with your parents' limited mobility you might want to consider the hop on/hop off tourist bus one day
There is a tourist office in Trastevere at Piazza Sonnino
Oct 13th, 2007, 09:35 AM
#48
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Thank you all for the words of wisdom. I have already ordered the tour book 'City Secrets" We have rented an apartment near the Vatican.
I was very well traveled at one time so know some of the 'common sense' issues. Having said that, it has been over 20 yrs and I am as excited as a kid in a candy store. Also I am travelling with my best friend who has never been anywhere. SO please keep the pearls of wisdom and silliness coming
I was very well traveled at one time so know some of the 'common sense' issues. Having said that, it has been over 20 yrs and I am as excited as a kid in a candy store. Also I am travelling with my best friend who has never been anywhere. SO please keep the pearls of wisdom and silliness coming
Oct 13th, 2007, 07:35 PM
#50
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On the coffee question, diebold must be jesting. "A good cup" of American style coffee, no. A world-class espresso or cappuccino, of course.
As to beer, in many a good food shop (and restaurant) you can find a variety of European beers. In a bar, certainly. And Budweiser, too, if that's your flavor. But I suppose what you mean is that you need to go north to be in beer country! When in Munich, drink beer or German wine. When in Rome ...
As to beer, in many a good food shop (and restaurant) you can find a variety of European beers. In a bar, certainly. And Budweiser, too, if that's your flavor. But I suppose what you mean is that you need to go north to be in beer country! When in Munich, drink beer or German wine. When in Rome ...
Oct 13th, 2007, 07:44 PM
#51
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mkdiebold-the Italians brew some of the best coffee in the world, it is a coffee culture. I'm sorry you can't appreciate it. There are no Starbucks in Italy, however, so if that is where your tastes lie, you'll have to go to another country.
Oct 13th, 2007, 07:59 PM
#52
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MKdiebold-you are kidding aren't you? No decent tasting coffee...oh wait-you are probably also looking for your "mango flavored ice tea with sweet and low"?
This comment and "that the Italian food in Italy isn't as good as ours back in the USA" is always a clue on my flight home that these people should not be traveling abroad! Sorry people but flight crews refer to these types as "Bob and Ethels".....
This comment and "that the Italian food in Italy isn't as good as ours back in the USA" is always a clue on my flight home that these people should not be traveling abroad! Sorry people but flight crews refer to these types as "Bob and Ethels".....
Oct 14th, 2007, 08:06 AM
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Many people do not care for the taste of espresso, hence comments toward "not a good cup of coffee". I do enjoy espresso-based coffee, so no problem there. However, while I will drink a Coca-Cola, I can't abide the taste of Pepsi.
Oct 14th, 2007, 08:48 AM
#56
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Don't listen to people who don't like Rome. It's wonderful.
Good advice not to eat at restaurants that adjoin the major tourist sites-- food can be passable, but prices are higher than the ones around the corner.
Don't ride in a cab unless you're drunk. Otherwise, it will scare you to death!
Don't visit Rome without doing your research. There's so much to see and do there, you'll want to have an idea for your itinerary.
>-
Good advice not to eat at restaurants that adjoin the major tourist sites-- food can be passable, but prices are higher than the ones around the corner.
Don't ride in a cab unless you're drunk. Otherwise, it will scare you to death!
Don't visit Rome without doing your research. There's so much to see and do there, you'll want to have an idea for your itinerary.
>-
Oct 24th, 2007, 06:58 PM
#58
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Wow! I've been away from the board for a week or so. While I was away, I got hammered on my comment about "not finding good coffee and beer." Geeze...I guess my comment should have been prefaced with IMO, humble at that. Just to clarify, I am not a Starbucks fan; I drink my brew black, not creamed nor sugared, and I drink 3-4 cups per day. I do not care for expresso. Note: I said not to expect a "good cup of coffee." I made no mention of expresso. As to my beer comment, I only drink imported beers, NEVER Bud. I've yet to find an Italian beer that I really like. When in Rome, drink wine not beer.
And, as for me being an "Ethel", wrong again. I've been to Europe 4 times, staying 3 weeks each time, and having visited some 10 countries, including 3 trips to Germany. Yes, I drink beer there.
And, as for me being an "Ethel", wrong again. I've been to Europe 4 times, staying 3 weeks each time, and having visited some 10 countries, including 3 trips to Germany. Yes, I drink beer there.
Oct 25th, 2007, 03:19 AM
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Don't eat in restaurants where the menu is posted outside with photos of the dishes on offer, and translations in various languages.
Don't hestitate to try new dishes..ask the waiter about the specialties of a particular restaurant. Look around to see what others (locals) are eating before you place your order.
Don't hestitate to try new dishes..ask the waiter about the specialties of a particular restaurant. Look around to see what others (locals) are eating before you place your order.
