On Sun, 6 Feb 2011 05:42:27 -0800 (PST), Brian
<(E-Mail Removed)> wrote:
>Rome - will be going there for the first time in April, will be there
>for 4 days. Accommodation already booked, but any advice on what to do
>and how to do it, where to eat, or what to avoid would be gratefully
>received.
I've only been the once but loved it. Somehow I avoided the scams that
seem to have afflicted others. All the predictable sights like the Trevi
Fountain, Coliseum, Castel Sant Angelo, Vatican / Vatican Museum,
Spanish Steps are worth seeing. The thing that amazed me was that the
place is just dripping with history - everywhere you turn you will find
something ancient or historic vying for your attention. Don't me
surprised if you find your jaw dropped on more than one occasion.
The food was great as was the ice cream / gelato. I just went to some of
the decent recommendations from either a Rough Guide or Time Out Guide.
I ended up eating brain - as offal is a roman speciality. I did know
beforehand so no deception from the restaurant. The waiter did wonder if
I knew what I was ordering. I found one place that did a very basic
spread of starter, soup, main, desert, water and wine (a bottle each)
for an all in price. Just lovely.
I do like the Italians - mad, stylish, egocentric, emotional but somehow
the place works and you can't help but fall in love with it.
The usual rules about being a tourist in a major city apply - watch your
money and passport, don't look too "lost", be careful around the big
stations and tourist hot spots. While you can walk between the sites
the buses are cheap and very frequent. However all tickets are bought
"off system" from kiosks / tobacconists. Do not be surprised to find
crush load conditions all day long - due to the ancient nature of Rome
the Metro lines do not currently serve the tourist heart of the city so
buses try (!) to take the strain.
If you travel in from the airport by train to Termini station be aware
that the airport shuttle platforms are (or they were for me) bloody
miles from the main station building. On your return journey do not
leave yourself with 2 minutes to get from ticket hall to train - you
will miss your train. From memory you also had to reserve a place for
the return train even though they sell you a return ticket at the
airport!
Oh and Griff Rhys Jones recently did one of his "greatest cities in the
world" from Rome.
http://www.itv.com/lifestyle/peoplea...reatestcities/
It would seem someone has kindly stuck it on You Tube if you do a
Google.
--
Paul C - "the big camp bastard" (tm d.a.r.s.y)
VFR800 | ZX6R | R1150GS
BOD#5, two#4, BOTAFOT#23, BOTAFOF#4, URMSBC#09, COFF#09
Admits to working for London Underground!