Question:

> WE ARE SPENDING TWO NIGHTS IN ROME BEFORE RETURNING TO US, (OCT) WE ARE BOTH > OVER 65 SO NEED TAXIS TO GET TO HOTEL AND TO AIRPORT…WE WOULD LIKE TO STAY > IN CENTRAL ROME, ANY SUGGESTION, THANK YOU FOR YOUR ADVICE AND TIME, WE ARE > RETURNING FROM A 12 DAY CRUISE

We got a very good "Summit Hotel" rate for the Bernini Bristol – excellent location & 4/5 star hotel.  I remember I called the 800 number on their web site to book.

Response:

Good Morning: The most important thing for you will be "Location". Your schedule will really allow for only one full day to enjoy Rome and therefore your Hotel must be located near where you want to spend most of your time. As you exit the Terminal in Rome there will be a taxi stand so that is not a problem. For the return trip ask the Hotel to arrange a Car and Driver and they will do so gladly. While in Rome you can take taxis all around town or you can use the public transportation system. As you mentioned a walking limitation you may want to consider just using taxis. In that case you do not need to choose a hotel near a Bus or Metro Line. Look for something near the Forum and you will do just fine. Have a great Cruise and enjoy your short stay in Rome. Cal Ford Lido Deck Cruises Jack says… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->WE ARE SPENDING TWO NIGHTS IN ROME BEFORE RETURNING TO US, (OCT) WE ARE BOTH >OVER 65 SO NEED TAXIS TO GET TO HOTEL AND TO AIRPORT…WE WOULD LIKE TO STAY >IN CENTRAL ROME, ANY SUGGESTION, THANK YOU FOR YOUR ADVICE AND TIME, WE ARE >RETURNING FROM A 12 DAY CRUISE

Response:

WE ARE SPENDING TWO NIGHTS IN ROME BEFORE RETURNING TO US, (OCT) WE ARE BOTH OVER 65 SO NEED TAXIS TO GET TO HOTEL AND TO AIRPORT…WE WOULD LIKE TO STAY IN CENTRAL ROME, ANY SUGGESTION, THANK YOU FOR YOUR ADVICE AND TIME, WE ARE RETURNING FROM A 12 DAY CRUISE

Response:

> WE ARE SPENDING TWO NIGHTS IN ROME BEFORE RETURNING TO US, (OCT) WE ARE BOTH > OVER 65 SO NEED TAXIS TO GET TO HOTEL AND TO AIRPORT…WE WOULD LIKE TO STAY > IN CENTRAL ROME, ANY SUGGESTION, THANK YOU FOR YOUR ADVICE AND TIME, WE ARE > RETURNING FROM A 12 DAY CRUISE

The Hotel Gerber is near a Metro stop and not far from the Vatican.  It offers a nice continental breakfast and is pretty reasonable in price.  They have an elevator and several lovely rooms. — Monica If you want to make God laugh, tell him your future plans. (Woody Allen)

Response:

>WE ARE SPENDING TWO NIGHTS IN ROME BEFORE RETURNING TO US, (OCT) WE ARE BOTH >OVER 65 SO NEED TAXIS TO GET TO HOTEL AND TO AIRPORT…WE WOULD LIKE TO STAY >IN CENTRAL ROME,

We  stayed at the Hotel Emmaus … a very pleasant hotel … nothing special at all ( 2 stars or 3 stars depending on who’s rating) definitely NOT touristy …very Italian … some floors are rented daily … some are permanent resident Italian who live and work in the area … right near the Vatican … I loved getting gelato right downstairs every night before retiring … listening to the older people sitting inside … arguing up a storm in typical Italian fashion … The other areas around the Vatican were too touristy for me … but this area was wonderful … http://www.roma-hotels.com/rome-hotels/HOTEL%20EMMAUS.htm Be seeing you In the Village Number 6

Response:

We stayed at the Hotel Julia a 3 star hotel in a fairly convenient location. But, aside from that, my advice is watch out for those Rome taxis.  I felt like I got ripped off when I took a short ride from the train station to the hotel.  Find out what the fare should be and check in advance with the drive as to what he plans to charge. Also, watch out for the pickpockets near the subway station.  They like to hang out by the platform and when you are concentrating on getting thru the crowd and into the train, they hit on you. Robert

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> WE ARE SPENDING TWO NIGHTS IN ROME BEFORE RETURNING TO US, (OCT) WE ARE BOTH > OVER 65 SO NEED TAXIS TO GET TO HOTEL AND TO AIRPORT…WE WOULD LIKE TO STAY > IN CENTRAL ROME, ANY SUGGESTION, THANK YOU FOR YOUR ADVICE AND TIME, WE ARE > RETURNING FROM A 12 DAY CRUISE

Response:

If you don’t mind an old building (it might be like 200 years old), one of the people in our Italian manufacturing plant recommended the Hotel Forum, which is right across the street from the Coliseum and Roman Forum.  I don’t know the hotel, but it’s in an optimal location. Recognize that downtown Rome is spread out.  Piazza de Spagna (Spanish Steps), Piazza Navona, Roman Forum/Coliseum and St. Peters (Vatican) are not all next to each other.  It’s spread out more than that. –Tom

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> WE ARE SPENDING TWO NIGHTS IN ROME BEFORE RETURNING TO US, (OCT) WE ARE BOTH > OVER 65 SO NEED TAXIS TO GET TO HOTEL AND TO AIRPORT…WE WOULD LIKE TO STAY > IN CENTRAL ROME, ANY SUGGESTION, THANK YOU FOR YOUR ADVICE AND TIME, WE ARE > RETURNING FROM A 12 DAY CRUISE

Response:

> IN CENTRAL ROME, ANY SUGGESTION

I recommend the Colona Palace Hotel [in the Piazza di Montecitorio]; it’s very close to the Pantheon and the Piazza Novara,and within an easy walk to the Trevi Fountain, , Roman Forum, Spanish Steps, etc. Mila

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> WE ARE SPENDING TWO NIGHTS IN ROME BEFORE RETURNING TO US, (OCT) WE ARE BOTH > OVER 65 SO NEED TAXIS TO GET TO HOTEL AND TO AIRPORT…WE WOULD LIKE TO STAY > IN CENTRAL ROME, ANY SUGGESTION, THANK YOU FOR YOUR ADVICE AND TIME, WE ARE > RETURNING FROM A 12 DAY CRUISE

Response:

check Perillotours.com.  They have trips to Rome and show alot of participating hotels.  You can click on each one and check out their features.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> WE ARE SPENDING TWO NIGHTS IN ROME BEFORE RETURNING TO US, (OCT) WE ARE BOTH > OVER 65 SO NEED TAXIS TO GET TO HOTEL AND TO AIRPORT…WE WOULD LIKE TO STAY > IN CENTRAL ROME, ANY SUGGESTION, THANK YOU FOR YOUR ADVICE AND TIME, WE ARE > RETURNING FROM A 12 DAY CRUISE

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> WE ARE SPENDING TWO NIGHTS IN ROME BEFORE RETURNING TO US, (OCT) WE ARE > BOTH > OVER 65 SO NEED TAXIS TO GET TO HOTEL AND TO AIRPORT…WE WOULD LIKE TO > STAY > IN CENTRAL ROME, ANY SUGGESTION, THANK YOU FOR YOUR ADVICE AND TIME, WE > ARE > RETURNING FROM A 12 DAY CRUISE > The Hotel Gerber is near a Metro stop and not far from the Vatican.  It > offers a nice continental breakfast and is pretty reasonable in price. They > have an elevator and several lovely rooms. > — > Monica > If you want to make God laugh, tell him your future plans. (Woody Allen)

    Check out tripadvisor.com for some hotel reviews: http://rome-hotels.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g187791-Rome_Lazio-Vacatio… We are staying at the "Residenza Antica Roma" in July for three nights based on recommendation of friends plus a review at this site: http://rome-hotels.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g187791-d277161-Revie…    Also slowtrav.com may give you some information that will be useful in the decision-making process.         http://www.slowtrav.com/italy/     Good luck and enjoy your tip. Neil

Response:

> WE ARE SPENDING TWO NIGHTS IN ROME BEFORE RETURNING TO US, (OCT) WE ARE BOTH > OVER 65 SO NEED TAXIS TO GET TO HOTEL AND TO AIRPORT…WE WOULD LIKE TO STAY > IN CENTRAL ROME, ANY SUGGESTION, THANK YOU FOR YOUR ADVICE AND TIME, WE ARE > RETURNING FROM A 12 DAY CRUISE

I’m assuming that your phrase "central Rome" really means the centro storico, the historic center. That would mean the Piazza Rotunda/Piazza Navona/Campo di Fiori area. I highly recommend the Hotel Santa Chiara, a three-star hotel located directly behind the Pantheon. Immaculately clean. Elevators. Air conditioning (although that may not be a need in October). Double-glazed windows for noise control. Helpful, English-speaking desk staff. Well-situated for evening strolls and restaurants. We always stay there. Here’s their web site: http://www.albergosantachiara.com/ Karen Selwyn

Response:

WE ARE SPENDING TWO NIGHTS IN ROME BEFORE RETURNING TO US, (OCT) WE ARE BOTH OVER 65 SO NEED TAXIS TO GET TO HOTEL AND TO AIRPORT…WE WOULD LIKE TO STAY IN CENTRAL ROME, ANY SUGGESTION, THANK YOU FOR YOUR ADVICE AND TIME, WE ARE RETURNING FROM A 12 DAY CRUISE

Response:

> WE ARE SPENDING TWO NIGHTS IN ROME BEFORE RETURNING TO US, (OCT) WE ARE BOTH > OVER 65 SO NEED TAXIS TO GET TO HOTEL AND TO AIRPORT…WE WOULD LIKE TO STAY > IN CENTRAL ROME, ANY SUGGESTION, THANK YOU FOR YOUR ADVICE AND TIME, WE ARE > RETURNING FROM A 12 DAY CRUISE

The Hotel Gerber is near a Metro stop and not far from the Vatican.  It offers a nice continental breakfast and is pretty reasonable in price.  They have an elevator and several lovely rooms. — Monica If you want to make God laugh, tell him your future plans. (Woody Allen)

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> WE ARE SPENDING TWO NIGHTS IN ROME BEFORE RETURNING TO US, (OCT) WE ARE > BOTH > OVER 65 SO NEED TAXIS TO GET TO HOTEL AND TO AIRPORT…WE WOULD LIKE TO > STAY > IN CENTRAL ROME, ANY SUGGESTION, THANK YOU FOR YOUR ADVICE AND TIME, WE > ARE > RETURNING FROM A 12 DAY CRUISE > The Hotel Gerber is near a Metro stop and not far from the Vatican.  It > offers a nice continental breakfast and is pretty reasonable in price. They > have an elevator and several lovely rooms. > — > Monica > If you want to make God laugh, tell him your future plans. (Woody Allen)

    Check out tripadvisor.com for some hotel reviews: http://rome-hotels.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g187791-Rome_Lazio-Vacatio… We are staying at the "Residenza Antica Roma" in July for three nights based on recommendation of friends plus a review at this site: http://rome-hotels.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g187791-d277161-Revie…    Also slowtrav.com may give you some information that will be useful in the decision-making process.         http://www.slowtrav.com/italy/     Good luck and enjoy your tip. Neil

Response:

> WE ARE SPENDING TWO NIGHTS IN ROME BEFORE RETURNING TO US, (OCT) WE ARE BOTH > OVER 65 SO NEED TAXIS TO GET TO HOTEL AND TO AIRPORT…WE WOULD LIKE TO STAY > IN CENTRAL ROME, ANY SUGGESTION, THANK YOU FOR YOUR ADVICE AND TIME, WE ARE > RETURNING FROM A 12 DAY CRUISE

I’m assuming that your phrase "central Rome" really means the centro storico, the historic center. That would mean the Piazza Rotunda/Piazza Navona/Campo di Fiori area. I highly recommend the Hotel Santa Chiara, a three-star hotel located directly behind the Pantheon. Immaculately clean. Elevators. Air conditioning (although that may not be a need in October). Double-glazed windows for noise control. Helpful, English-speaking desk staff. Well-situated for evening strolls and restaurants. We always stay there. Here’s their web site: http://www.albergosantachiara.com/ Karen Selwyn

Response:

check Perillotours.com.  They have trips to Rome and show alot of participating hotels.  You can click on each one and check out their features.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> WE ARE SPENDING TWO NIGHTS IN ROME BEFORE RETURNING TO US, (OCT) WE ARE BOTH > OVER 65 SO NEED TAXIS TO GET TO HOTEL AND TO AIRPORT…WE WOULD LIKE TO STAY > IN CENTRAL ROME, ANY SUGGESTION, THANK YOU FOR YOUR ADVICE AND TIME, WE ARE > RETURNING FROM A 12 DAY CRUISE

Response:

If you don’t mind an old building (it might be like 200 years old), one of the people in our Italian manufacturing plant recommended the Hotel Forum, which is right across the street from the Coliseum and Roman Forum.  I don’t know the hotel, but it’s in an optimal location. Recognize that downtown Rome is spread out.  Piazza de Spagna (Spanish Steps), Piazza Navona, Roman Forum/Coliseum and St. Peters (Vatican) are not all next to each other.  It’s spread out more than that. –Tom

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> WE ARE SPENDING TWO NIGHTS IN ROME BEFORE RETURNING TO US, (OCT) WE ARE BOTH > OVER 65 SO NEED TAXIS TO GET TO HOTEL AND TO AIRPORT…WE WOULD LIKE TO STAY > IN CENTRAL ROME, ANY SUGGESTION, THANK YOU FOR YOUR ADVICE AND TIME, WE ARE > RETURNING FROM A 12 DAY CRUISE

Response:

> IN CENTRAL ROME, ANY SUGGESTION

I recommend the Colona Palace Hotel [in the Piazza di Montecitorio]; it’s very close to the Pantheon and the Piazza Novara,and within an easy walk to the Trevi Fountain, , Roman Forum, Spanish Steps, etc. Mila

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> WE ARE SPENDING TWO NIGHTS IN ROME BEFORE RETURNING TO US, (OCT) WE ARE BOTH > OVER 65 SO NEED TAXIS TO GET TO HOTEL AND TO AIRPORT…WE WOULD LIKE TO STAY > IN CENTRAL ROME, ANY SUGGESTION, THANK YOU FOR YOUR ADVICE AND TIME, WE ARE > RETURNING FROM A 12 DAY CRUISE

Response:

>WE ARE SPENDING TWO NIGHTS IN ROME BEFORE RETURNING TO US, (OCT) WE ARE BOTH >OVER 65 SO NEED TAXIS TO GET TO HOTEL AND TO AIRPORT…WE WOULD LIKE TO STAY >IN CENTRAL ROME,

We  stayed at the Hotel Emmaus … a very pleasant hotel … nothing special at all ( 2 stars or 3 stars depending on who’s rating) definitely NOT touristy …very Italian … some floors are rented daily … some are permanent resident Italian who live and work in the area … right near the Vatican … I loved getting gelato right downstairs every night before retiring … listening to the older people sitting inside … arguing up a storm in typical Italian fashion … The other areas around the Vatican were too touristy for me … but this area was wonderful … http://www.roma-hotels.com/rome-hotels/HOTEL%20EMMAUS.htm Be seeing you In the Village Number 6

Response:

We stayed at the Hotel Julia a 3 star hotel in a fairly convenient location. But, aside from that, my advice is watch out for those Rome taxis.  I felt like I got ripped off when I took a short ride from the train station to the hotel.  Find out what the fare should be and check in advance with the drive as to what he plans to charge. Also, watch out for the pickpockets near the subway station.  They like to hang out by the platform and when you are concentrating on getting thru the crowd and into the train, they hit on you. Robert

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> WE ARE SPENDING TWO NIGHTS IN ROME BEFORE RETURNING TO US, (OCT) WE ARE BOTH > OVER 65 SO NEED TAXIS TO GET TO HOTEL AND TO AIRPORT…WE WOULD LIKE TO STAY > IN CENTRAL ROME, ANY SUGGESTION, THANK YOU FOR YOUR ADVICE AND TIME, WE ARE > RETURNING FROM A 12 DAY CRUISE

Response:

> WE ARE SPENDING TWO NIGHTS IN ROME BEFORE RETURNING TO US, (OCT) WE ARE BOTH > OVER 65 SO NEED TAXIS TO GET TO HOTEL AND TO AIRPORT…WE WOULD LIKE TO STAY > IN CENTRAL ROME, ANY SUGGESTION, THANK YOU FOR YOUR ADVICE AND TIME, WE ARE > RETURNING FROM A 12 DAY CRUISE

We got a very good "Summit Hotel" rate for the Bernini Bristol – excellent location & 4/5 star hotel.  I remember I called the 800 number on their web site to book.

Response:

Good Morning: The most important thing for you will be "Location". Your schedule will really allow for only one full day to enjoy Rome and therefore your Hotel must be located near where you want to spend most of your time. As you exit the Terminal in Rome there will be a taxi stand so that is not a problem. For the return trip ask the Hotel to arrange a Car and Driver and they will do so gladly. While in Rome you can take taxis all around town or you can use the public transportation system. As you mentioned a walking limitation you may want to consider just using taxis. In that case you do not need to choose a hotel near a Bus or Metro Line. Look for something near the Forum and you will do just fine. Have a great Cruise and enjoy your short stay in Rome. Cal Ford Lido Deck Cruises Jack says… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->WE ARE SPENDING TWO NIGHTS IN ROME BEFORE RETURNING TO US, (OCT) WE ARE BOTH >OVER 65 SO NEED TAXIS TO GET TO HOTEL AND TO AIRPORT…WE WOULD LIKE TO STAY >IN CENTRAL ROME, ANY SUGGESTION, THANK YOU FOR YOUR ADVICE AND TIME, WE ARE >RETURNING FROM A 12 DAY CRUISE

Response:

Question:

Da Parrot-chick squawked: > This has not been my experience.  I wear a money belt under my clothes and > have never had a problem reaching it on any moment’s notice.  It’s no more > uncomfortable than my other clothes.  Finding one that fits is important.

Especially for a "bird" that is as rotund as you. — Best Greg "What the HELL does a bird need money for???"

Response:

> > > Me?? I had a moneybelt next to my skin (and under my clothes). > Kind of awkward, when you wanted to pay taxi fare or buy a newspaper, > wasn’t it?

total misunderstanding of the purpose of a money belt — it is not a wallet — it is a body safe.  You keep the day’s money in a more convenient spot — the moneybelt is for airline tickets, passport, most of your credit cards and large amounts of money.  This way if pickpocketed you loose a few bucks — not everything and not your most difficult to replace stuff.

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Any savvy traveler should know you keep your goods in a moneybelt. > Especially if you are at any place where there are a lot of tourists for > easy fleecing. But you have learned a good lesson and I am sure will be > wiser the next time. > I think I’m as "savvy" a traveler as anyone, and I’ve never understood > the attraction of moneybelts! (Unless you’re staying in hostels, where I > understand they often shut you out of your room for much of the day.) > Quite apart from thickening your waistline and making your clothes fit > badly, they HAVE to be uncomfortable, worn every day for an entire > trip.  If your hotel does not provide in-room safe desposits, it > generally has a safe where guests may store passports, jewelry, large > sums of money…. (Although how many people are foolish enough to travel > with valuable jewelry?  And "large sums of money" became obsolete with > the advent of ATM’s.)

This has not been my experience.  I wear a money belt under my clothes and have never had a problem reaching it on any moment’s notice.  It’s no more uncomfortable than my other clothes.  Finding one that fits is important.

Response:

> > Me?? I had a moneybelt next to my skin (and under my clothes). > Kind of awkward, when you wanted to pay taxi fare or buy a newspaper, > wasn’t it?

Nope! The important things were in the moneybelt. 50 pounds were in my wallet (minus my driver’s license and important papers that were stashed in my money belt. Change in my pockets (several, including my packsack). Ken

Response:

>  I think the point the lady was making was that one does NOT expect those >  people to be opera-lovers!

Why should "opera-lovers" enter the picture at all?  Do you expect that those working the crowds at the Roman Forum are there because they are history buffs? Pickpockets seek out places where people will have valuables and be distracted; I doubt that they care much at all about the particular form the distraction takes. — hate spam? <http://www.cauce.org>            <http://www.byshenk.net/ive.been.spammed.html>

Response:

> I think I’m as "savvy" a traveler as anyone, and I’ve never understood

the attraction of moneybelts! (Unless you’re staying in hostels, where I understand they often shut you out of your room for much of the day.) Quite apart from thickening your waistline and making your clothes fit badly, they HAVE to be uncomfortable, worn every day for an entire trip.  If your hotel does not provide in-room safe desposits, it generally has a safe where guests may store passports, jewelry, large sums of money…. (Although how many people are foolish enough to travel with valuable jewelry?  And "large sums of money" became obsolete with the advent of ATM’s.) >My wife and I  have worn a moneybelt while biking the Danube. Not a bit of

DISCOMFORT at all. You don’t need to wear it in front, it will ride on your backside quite fine. An ATM card and passport will hardly make your clothes fit badly, but some are more vain than others, I suppose. We have never stayed in hostels, only small inns and hotels, although we sure wouldn’t turn our nose up at a hostel if it looked okay. The problem with some, so-called, travelers is that  they stay in large hotels and think they are getting a true local experience. Not!

Response:

> Any savvy traveler should know you keep your goods in a moneybelt. > Especially if you are at any place where there are a lot of tourists for > easy fleecing. But you have learned a good lesson and I am sure will be > wiser the next time.

I think I’m as "savvy" a traveler as anyone, and I’ve never understood the attraction of moneybelts! (Unless you’re staying in hostels, where I understand they often shut you out of your room for much of the day.) Quite apart from thickening your waistline and making your clothes fit badly, they HAVE to be uncomfortable, worn every day for an entire trip.  If your hotel does not provide in-room safe desposits, it generally has a safe where guests may store passports, jewelry, large sums of money…. (Although how many people are foolish enough to travel with valuable jewelry?  And "large sums of money" became obsolete with the advent of ATM’s.)

Response:

I believe this thread started by someone being pickpocketed by pickpocketers at the opera that was situated by the Metro. Here in the U.S. we have solved this problem with several changes during the alert levels and homelan security: 1) all operas have been banned (or if one is allowed no one    is told where it will be held) 2) we seal our wallet with plastic and then and only then    do we duct tape it to our pocket. 3) we have instigated a new plan that any metro, bus, subway or    airplane passengers will be subjected to a credit check and    their current bank balance will be tallied.  (anyone with    out a sufficent balance for return trip will be denied passage) 4) we are currently letting our economy drop in to the toilet by    concentrating on saber-rattling (eventually no one will have    enough money to go to the opera and the few CEOs will have    the opera come to them without the need to take the Metro). 5) Plan 3 above was created to help identity thieves have    one general database to explore without resorting    to pickpocketing Now, have you been enlightened Europeans.  Tips or suggestions other than these will be considered irrelevant. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> > > Exactly, the more upmarket the venue the more likely pickpockets will > > > operate and the more organised the gangs will be. > > My son and I just returned from a week in London. There we saw numberous > > signs in the Victoria – Westminister – Picadilly Circus areas that > indicated > > to beware due to pickpockets operating. The signs  stated there were > > unbdercover police also operating as a deterrent’foil against the > > pickpockets. > > Me?? I had a moneybelt next to my skin (and under my clothes). > Kind of awkward, when you wanted to pay taxi fare or buy a newspaper, > wasn’t it? > Well, you don’t put ALL of your cash in the money belt. You keep some in a > safe place that is accessible. > I use a front pocket with my hand in the pocket. (It’s hard for them to get > their hands in my pocket if mine is already there.) > Or I am sure others can give better ideas. > — > briggl > http://www.bestofitaly2001.com Italy Travelogue

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> > Exactly, the more upmarket the venue the more likely pickpockets will > > operate and the more organised the gangs will be. > My son and I just returned from a week in London. There we saw numberous > signs in the Victoria – Westminister – Picadilly Circus areas that indicated > to beware due to pickpockets operating. The signs  stated there were > unbdercover police also operating as a deterrent’foil against the > pickpockets. > Me?? I had a moneybelt next to my skin (and under my clothes). > Kind of awkward, when you wanted to pay taxi fare or buy a newspaper, > wasn’t it?

Well, you don’t put ALL of your cash in the money belt. You keep some in a safe place that is accessible. I use a front pocket with my hand in the pocket. (It’s hard for them to get their hands in my pocket if mine is already there.) Or I am sure others can give better ideas. — briggl http://www.bestofitaly2001.com Italy Travelogue

Response:

> >>Because …? >All Austrians are wealthy and do not need to resort to crime. > There is no place in the world, were you can found wealthy > people only. In Vienna are enough people living below > the existence-minimum and are willing to steal to get a living.

I think the point the lady was making was that one does NOT expect those people to be opera-lovers!

Response:

> > Exactly, the more upmarket the venue the more likely pickpockets will > operate and the more organised the gangs will be. > My son and I just returned from a week in London. There we saw numberous > signs in the Victoria – Westminister – Picadilly Circus areas that indicated > to beware due to pickpockets operating. The signs  stated there were > unbdercover police also operating as a deterrent’foil against the > pickpockets. > Me?? I had a moneybelt next to my skin (and under my clothes).

Kind of awkward, when you wanted to pay taxi fare or buy a newspaper, wasn’t it?

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > Last Thursday while entering the Vienna Opera of all places, I had my > wallet stolen from my evening bag. > I had been warned about pickpockets in Budapest and other venues but > this was a shock. As I entered through the busy double doored entry, > the woman in front of me stopped, her accomplice took the opportunity > to nick by wallet.  I discovered it was missing moments later, but it > was too late.  The thieves were gone and I couldn’t have identified > them.  (The next day I noticed that the Metro entrance was just > outside the door to the Opera. No doubt they got my wallet, exited > immediately, and disappeared down into the Metro. > They got a small amount of cash, but I missed most of the first act > calling various credit card companies and providing information to the > police. > Since then several people have given me good advice which I will > share.  Leave your passport and drivers license (unless you are > driving) in the hotel safe. Do the same with all of your credit cards > except for the one you might need and take a small amount of cash.  A > woman needs a shoulder handbag with a strap long enough to go over > your head and positioned under the opposite arm. Move it to your front > where you can rest your hand on it.

I, too, am surprised that you’d have such an experience at the opera!  I always make sure that the strap on any purse I use for travel (including evening bags) has a long enough strap so it will fit diagonally across my body.  I also keep my hand over the top of the bag when I’m in crowds.  I realize I’ve been lucky, too, but I think if you appear vigilant pickpockets are more likely to try an easier looking "mark" – after all, they want your money, they’d prefer not to be caught lifting it!

Response:

Lothar, you do have a sense of humor!

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->Because the Freedom Party and J

Question:

> A few years back we booked a hotel in Rome that, the book said and the sign > out front said, Air Conditioning.  Our room was not AC’d. We asked for it — > we had booked it — we were told, quote" It’s being used." It turned out > they had one unit for the entitre hotel. It was a primitive structure that > they rolled up to a window ( after installing a ramp to get the height > right) and which worked by evaporation. The temperature dropped by maybe > five degrees, and the room was quite quite damp.  And in and out it was hot > in July.

The air conditioning I’ve had in Rome has been quite efficient, and it wasn’t in a luxury hotel. It was the Arenula, a two-star hotel in the area known as the Ghetto. It’s a very convenient location, near the Largo Argentina bus terminus, and a short walk to the Roman Forum, the Pantheon and the Piazza Navona. As I mentioned before, air conditioning was optional at this hotel. If you paid for it, they gave you the remote control. If it turned out not to be necessary, you could turn in the remote control and not pay for it on subsequent days. In many other ways, this hotel is ideal, with spacious modern baths and pleasant helpful staff. The main disadvantage is that it has no elevator, but I certainly can do without that. Barbara

Response:

This reminds me of my wife’s visit to Acapulco some years ago. She was there in summer and wanted an air conditioned room. She booked a hotel through a travel agent. The room was supposed to be air conditioned. It was not. When she and her friend asked about the air conditioning, a hotel employee brought a small table top fan and set it on the bureau in their room.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> A few years back we booked a hotel in Rome that, the book said and the sign > out front said, Air Conditioning.  Our room was not AC’d. We asked for it — > we had booked it — we were told, quote" It’s being used." It turned out > they had one unit for the entitre hotel. It was a primitive structure that > they rolled up to a window ( after installing a ramp to get the height > right) and which worked by evaporation. The temperature dropped by maybe > five degrees, and the room was quite quite damp.  And in and out it was hot > in July. > rjf > We are forced to take our vacation this year in July or August.  We would > love to spend it in Rome but we have heard that it is uncomfortably hot. > New York City  is also hot in the summer but air conditioned attractions, > shops, and hotels offer frequent opportunities to cool down.  Would those > of > you who either live in Rome or have visited in July or August please share > your feelings on this?  Thank you. > Ray

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> The air conditioning I’ve had in Rome has been quite efficient, and it > wasn’t in a luxury hotel. It was the Arenula, a two-star hotel in the > area known as the Ghetto. It’s a very convenient location, near the > Largo Argentina bus terminus, and a short walk to the Roman Forum, the > Pantheon and the Piazza Navona. > As I mentioned before, air conditioning was optional at this hotel. If > you paid for it, they gave you the remote control. If it turned out > not to be necessary, you could turn in the remote control and not pay > for it on subsequent days. > In many other ways, this hotel is ideal, with spacious modern baths > and pleasant helpful staff. The main disadvantage is that it has no > elevator, but I certainly can do without that.

I just booked at the Arenula (at your previous recommendation). We’re arriving there a week from today (but we won’t need air conditioning then). — Ken Blake Please reply to the newsgroup

Response:

> I just booked at the Arenula (at your previous recommendation). > We’re arriving there a week from today (but we won’t need air > conditioning then).

I haven’t been there for two years; I hope you enjoy your stay. Just out of curiosity, how much does it cost now? Barbara

Response:

>> I just booked at the Arenula (at your previous recommendation). > We’re arriving there a week from today (but we won’t need air > conditioning then). > I haven’t been there for two years; I hope you enjoy your stay. Just > out of curiosity, how much does it cost now?

We’ll be there twice: for eight days starting December 19 when a double with bath is 88 Euro. Then we’re returning for the night of January 1, when a double with bath is 119 Euro. I don’t know whether the higher January 1 price is for the holiday (they don’t raise rates for Christmas), or because rates go up next year. I’ll post back to the newsgroup after we return and let you know how we liked it. — Ken Blake Please reply to the newsgroup — Ken Blake Please reply to the newsgroup

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->> I just booked at the Arenula (at your previous > recommendation). >> We’re arriving there a week from today (but we won’t need air >> conditioning then). > I haven’t been there for two years; I hope you enjoy your stay. > Just > out of curiosity, how much does it cost now? > We’ll be there twice: for eight days starting December 19 when a > double with bath is 88 Euro. Then we’re returning for the night > of January 1, when a double with bath is 119 Euro. I don’t know > whether the higher January 1 price is for the holiday (they don’t > raise rates for Christmas), or because rates go up next year.

That doesn’t sound out of line with what I paid, although I can’t remember the exact price. We got the air conditioning, because my friend insisted. I usually do without; I don’t like hot weather, but I like air conditioning even less. Barbara

Response:

> That doesn’t sound out of line with what I paid, although I can’t > remember the exact price. We got the air conditioning, because my friend > insisted. I usually do without; I don’t like hot weather, but I like air > conditioning even less.

Okay, now I’m curious:  how much extra *did* the a/c cost…???? — Best Greg

Response:

>The air conditioning I’ve had in Rome has been quite efficient, and it >wasn’t in a luxury hotel. It was the Arenula, a two-star hotel in the >area known as the Ghetto.

I stayed there in 1991, but I figured it was in the Centro Storico, not exactly in the Ghetto. Is Largo Argentina really part of the Ghetto? > It’s a very convenient location, near the >Largo Argentina bus terminus, and a short walk to the Roman Forum, the >Pantheon and the Piazza Navona.

Yep. And it was too expensive for me to stay in when I returned to Italy in 1994. What are there rates nowadays? >As I mentioned before, air conditioning was optional at this hotel. If >you paid for it, they gave you the remote control.

Yep. > If it turned out not >to be necessary, you could turn in the remote control and not pay for it >on subsequent days. >In many other ways, this hotel is ideal, with spacious modern baths and >pleasant helpful staff. The main disadvantage is that it has no >elevator, but I certainly can do without that.

I thought the room was a little small for the price increase from L. 40.000 in 1991 to L. 100.000 in 1994. I stayed in a clean but tiny 1-star in Trastevere in the summer of 1994. Michael

Response:

> > That doesn’t sound out of line with what I paid, although I can’t > remember the exact price. We got the air conditioning, because my friend > insisted. I usually do without; I don’t like hot weather, but I like air > conditioning even less. > Okay, now I’m curious:  how much extra *did* the a/c cost…????

Well, this was pre-Euro, and I don’t remember exactly, but I think it was about $10-$15 extra per day. At that time, not all the rooms had air-conditioning available, but they were in the process of installing it throughout the hotel. Barbara

Response:

A few years back we booked a hotel in Rome that, the book said and the sign out front said, Air Conditioning.  Our room was not AC’d. We asked for it — we had booked it — we were told, quote" It’s being used." It turned out they had one unit for the entitre hotel. It was a primitive structure that they rolled up to a window ( after installing a ramp to get the height right) and which worked by evaporation. The temperature dropped by maybe five degrees, and the room was quite quite damp.  And in and out it was hot in July. rjf

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> We are forced to take our vacation this year in July or August.  We would > love to spend it in Rome but we have heard that it is uncomfortably hot. > New York City  is also hot in the summer but air conditioned attractions, > shops, and hotels offer frequent opportunities to cool down.  Would those of > you who either live in Rome or have visited in July or August please share > your feelings on this?  Thank you. > Ray

Response:

> >The air conditioning I’ve had in Rome has been quite efficient, and it >wasn’t in a luxury hotel. It was the Arenula, a two-star hotel in the >area known as the Ghetto. > I stayed there in 1991, but I figured it was in the Centro Storico, > not exactly in the Ghetto. Is Largo Argentina really part of the > Ghetto?

The Ghetto is in the Centro Storico. Largo Argentina may be just outside the Ghetto, because the street that it’s on was probably the boundary. One street over from the Arenula (via Teatro di Marcello?), there were shops with signs in what I assume was Ladino. A few streets in the other direction is the main synagogue of Rome. Barbara

Response:

> Bear in mind that many Italians desert the cities during August and head to > the coast where it’s cooler.  For about a fortnight during mid-August > much of Rome and other big cities, particularly in the south, will be closed. > That is, only a small number of shops and restaurants will be open.

I have not found Rome closed up in August; maybe it was more so in the past. Some shops may be closed, but most restaurants will be open. All museums and historical sites will be open. High season in Rome is September and October, so you can find some relative hotel bargains in August. Barbara

Response:

Rome in July and august is hot. i definitely recommend it in july though since lately the weather in august became instable and you can get rain much more easily than in july. It will be hot, but there are plenty of fountains and cool churches, museums are airconditioned too. i wouldn’t say it is very uncomfortable. also depends on your attitude and you plans. >> What about florence — we are looking for an apartment for the summer

florence is way hotter than rome in summer. more humidity and less wind. > Bear in mind that many Italians desert the cities during August and head to > the coast where it’s cooler.  For about a fortnight during mid-August > much of Rome and other big cities, particularly in the south, will be closed. > That is, only a small number of shops and restaurants will be open.

this is in facts what it used to be years ago. now it is different. turistic facilities will be open and you’ll have no problems in getting what you need. by the way, it’s not the best time for shopping since a good percentage of shops will be closed. no problems with restaurants and bars though. from this point of view, the ‘worse’ time is the week around aug. 15th, but again, no big deal. my point is that the city is even more enjoyable since there’s no traffic, and the city gets more liveable. but if you like messy places, you might not like that period… Andrea

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->We are forced to take our vacation this year in July or August.  We would >love to spend it in Rome but we have heard that it is uncomfortably hot. >New York City  is also hot in the summer but air conditioned attractions, >shops, and hotels offer frequent opportunities to cool down.  Would those of >you who either live in Rome or have visited in July or August please share >your feelings on this?  Thank you. > Yep, it’s too hot. Avoid it, as do many Romans, who leave because of > the heat. In my opinion, DO NOT trust hotels that say they’re air > conditioned (unless part of a big chain). Had trouble with that > twice–both times, the a/c simply didn’t work throughout the hotel, > period. Temp in my room ended up being in the 90s. No recourse.

What year was that? Barbara

Response:

> > What about florence — we are looking for an apartment for the summer > there and finding few with AC.  We are not that happy in the heat [would > visit in the winter if our jobs allowed]  How big an issue is heat in > june july august in florence? > I haven’t spent much time in Florence in the summer months, mainly > because the crowds of tourists become really unbearable then. As for the > weather, I would suspect that being at a low altitude, surrounded by > hills and nowhere near the sea, it would have a problem with high > humidity.

I believe that the problem with touring most of Italy in July and August is that it is very hot in the middle of the day, so you have to plan your activities for early morning and late evening, while early afternoon at the open air may be quite unconfortable. This is not a real problem to me as a resident – I can shift most of my activities to fresher hours; but maybe more a problem to tourist that often have a limited amount of time. "Doing Florence (or Rome, or Venice) in two days" may be possible in temperate months, but is a clumsy suicide attempt under the July sun. I would add that the climate seems to be evolving towards a sub-tropical one, so the summer weather pattern in the last years seemed to be a very hot June (hot days earlier than usual) followed by a stormy rainy (but not so hot) July. But maybe it is too early to tell.

Response:

> What about florence — we are looking for an apartment for the summer > there and finding few with AC.  We are not that happy in the heat [would > visit in the winter if our jobs allowed]  How big an issue is heat in > june july august in florence?

I haven’t spent much time in Florence in the summer months, mainly because the crowds of tourists become really unbearable then. As for the weather, I would suspect that being at a low altitude, surrounded by hills and nowhere near the sea, it would have a problem with high humidity. Rome also has lots of tourists in the summer months, but it is a much bigger city and can absorb them better. Barbara

Response:

>We are forced to take our vacation this year in July or August.  We would >love to spend it in Rome but we have heard that it is uncomfortably hot. >New York City  is also hot in the summer but air conditioned attractions, >shops, and hotels offer frequent opportunities to cool down.  Would those of >you who either live in Rome or have visited in July or August please share >your feelings on this?  Thank you.

Yep, it’s too hot. Avoid it, as do many Romans, who leave because of the heat. In my opinion, DO NOT trust hotels that say they’re air conditioned (unless part of a big chain). Had trouble with that twice–both times, the a/c simply didn’t work throughout the hotel, period. Temp in my room ended up being in the 90s. No recourse. A truly cool book: The World Is Already Yours Conscious living in the real world www.alreadyyours.com (sample chapter, etc…)

Response:

We are forced to take our vacation this year in July or August.  We would love to spend it in Rome but we have heard that it is uncomfortably hot. New York City  is also hot in the summer but air conditioned attractions, shops, and hotels offer frequent opportunities to cool down.  Would those of you who either live in Rome or have visited in July or August please share your feelings on this?  Thank you. Ray

Response:

> We are forced to take our vacation this year in July or August.  We would > love to spend it in Rome but we have heard that it is uncomfortably hot. > New York City  is also hot in the summer but air conditioned attractions, > shops, and hotels offer frequent opportunities to cool down.  Would those of > you who either live in Rome or have visited in July or August please share > your feelings on this?  Thank you.

Rome can sometimes be quite hot in July and August, but no hotter than New York, and the humidity is usually considerably less. I live in Italy and have often done sightseeing in Rome in July and August. (I often meet friends or relatives there, and they often are constrained to vacations in the summer.) Many hotels and shops are air-conditioned, but not as many as in New York. I once stayed in a hotel that had optional air conditioning. If you paid extra for it, they gave you the remote control to turn it on. If you decided you didn’t need it, you could turn the remote control in and pay less for the room. This may be a good compromise. I have also stayed in non-air-conditioned hotels without suffering. I always ask for a room with some air circulation and a fan. I don’t much care for hot weather, but I usually find Rome supportable. Like any other place, an unusual heat wave can make things grim. (I was there once when the temperature soared over 40 degrees Centigrade, 104 Fahrenheit, and it was a bit unpleasant those days.) However, this was major news. Since the humidity is low and the sea is near, Rome evenings are often cool even when the day has been hot. I always carry a sweater or light jacket there even in the summer. Barbara

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> We are forced to take our vacation this year in July or August.  We would > love to spend it in Rome but we have heard that it is uncomfortably hot. > New York City  is also hot in the summer but air conditioned attractions, > shops, and hotels offer frequent opportunities to cool down.  Would those of > you who either live in Rome or have visited in July or August please share > your feelings on this?  Thank you. > Rome can sometimes be quite hot in July and August, but no hotter than > New York, and the humidity is usually considerably less. I live in Italy > and have often done sightseeing in Rome in July and August. (I often > meet friends or relatives there, and they often are constrained to > vacations in the summer.) > Many hotels and shops are air-conditioned, but not as many as in New > York. I once stayed in a hotel that had optional air conditioning. If > you paid extra for it, they gave you the remote control to turn it on. > If you decided you didn’t need it, you could turn the remote control in > and pay less for the room. This may be a good compromise. I have also > stayed in non-air-conditioned hotels without suffering. I always ask for > a room with some air circulation and a fan. I don’t much care for hot > weather, but I usually find Rome supportable. Like any other place, an > unusual heat wave can make things grim. (I was there once when the > temperature soared over 40 degrees Centigrade, 104 Fahrenheit, and it > was a bit unpleasant those days.) However, this was major news. > Since the humidity is low and the sea is near, Rome evenings are often > cool even when the day has been hot. I always carry a sweater or light > jacket there even in the summer. > Barbara

What about florence — we are looking for an apartment for the summer there and finding few with AC.  We are not that happy in the heat [would visit in the winter if our jobs allowed]  How big an issue is heat in june july august in florence?

Response:

> What about florence — we are looking for an apartment for the summer > there and finding few with AC.  We are not that happy in the heat [would > visit in the winter if our jobs allowed]  How big an issue is heat in > june july august in florence?

Nearly twenty years I spent a few not very pleasant days in Florence in a rather dodgy hotel in the street which leads from Piazza dell’Unita’ Italiana to the market. The heat on that occasion was killing – often over 90 Fahrenheit. The friend with whom I shared the room was more affected than I was – he’s fairer skinned than me. If heat is a problem for you, you may want to look for a place with air-conditioning. It may, of course, have been untypically hot, and I am sure that Luca Logi can advise on typical weather for that time of year. Alan Harrison

Response:

> Nearly twenty years I spent a few not very pleasant days in Florence in a > rather dodgy hotel in the street which leads from Piazza dell’Unita’ > Italiana to the market. The heat on that occasion was killing – often over > 90 Fahrenheit. The friend with whom I shared the room was more affected than > I was – he’s fairer skinned than me. If heat is a problem for you, you may > want to look for a place with air-conditioning. It may, of course, have been > untypically hot, and I am sure that Luca Logi can advise on typical weather > for that time of year.

Well, 90

Question:

> Ryan B: > Wrong! > McD should be in the Roman Forum, right in front of the Temple of the > Vestal Virgins.

Be patient doctor.  Rome wasn’t built in a day. Ryan

Response:

YES. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > I’ll be traveling to Rome, Florence, Bologna, and Venice in a couple > of weeks.  Are restaurant reservations necessary?  Any OUTSTANDING > restaurants I should visit in any of these cities?

Response:

> Of the cities you mentioned I can’t think of any particularly noteworthy > [though there are surely many] . . . except.: > One near the Pantheon (tried to find its name, but couldn’t) run by > French nuns. The many priests eating there attests to its wonderful > food. > Perhaps some other reader knows its name.

McDonalds?

Response:

>I’ll be traveling to Rome, Florence, Bologna, and Venice in a couple >of weeks.  Are restaurant reservations necessary?  Any OUTSTANDING >restaurants I should visit in any of these cities?

Was in Rome a few weeks ago and had a great meal at Ristorante 34, Via Mario de Fiori, 34 near the Spanish Steps.  It was a Saturday night and we could have used reservations. Brian Wickham

Response:

>I’ll be traveling to Rome, Florence, Bologna, and Venice in a couple >of weeks.  Are restaurant reservations necessary?  Any OUTSTANDING >restaurants I should visit in any of these cities? > Was in Rome a few weeks ago and had a great meal at Ristorante 34, Via > Mario de Fiori, 34 near the Spanish Steps.  It was a Saturday night > and we could have used reservations. > Brian Wickham

Can you translate the Americanism. If you got in without a reservation how could you have "used" reservations? JohnT

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> >I’ll be traveling to Rome, Florence, Bologna, and Venice in a couple > >of weeks.  Are restaurant reservations necessary?  Any OUTSTANDING > >restaurants I should visit in any of these cities? > Was in Rome a few weeks ago and had a great meal at Ristorante 34, Via > Mario de Fiori, 34 near the Spanish Steps.  It was a Saturday night > and we could have used reservations. > Brian Wickham > Can you translate the Americanism. If you got in without a reservation how > could you have "used" reservations? > JohnT

time for a table? Ryan

Response:

Ryan B: Priests in Macdonalds????

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> >I’ll be traveling to Rome, Florence, Bologna, and Venice in a couple > >of weeks.  Are restaurant reservations necessary?  Any OUTSTANDING > >restaurants I should visit in any of these cities? > Was in Rome a few weeks ago and had a great meal at Ristorante 34, Via > Mario de Fiori, 34 near the Spanish Steps.  It was a Saturday night > and we could have used reservations. > Brian Wickham >Can you translate the Americanism. If you got in without a reservation how >could you have "used" reservations?

We had to wait an hour to be seated.  That, to me, qualifies as "we should have made reservations". Brian

Response:

MattB schrieb: > I’ll be traveling to Rome, Florence, Bologna, and Venice in a couple > of weeks.  Are restaurant reservations necessary?  Any OUTSTANDING > restaurants I should visit in any of these cities?

Can’t list you any special restaurants because I don’t hoard this information, however in Rome and Venice we found that you are generally advised to book – it’s not a requirement, it’s just that there is a high probability of it being full. Just walk in at lunchtime and say you want a table that evening – or the day after, or next week etc… Tom

Response:

> Ryan B: > Priests in Macdonalds????

McDonalds takes up a large part of the piazza at the Pantheon.  Always struck me as the ultimate in American commercialism. Ryan

Response:

> One near the Pantheon (tried to find its name, but couldn’t) run by > French nuns. The many priests eating there attests to its wonderful > food.

I certainly would not do something just because many priests are doing it. I mean, all the priests in Boston are having sex with little boys, so should everyone else follow suit?

Response:

Invalid: Did you not seem the tongue pressed against the inside of my cheek?

Response:

> Was in Rome a few weeks ago and had a great meal at Ristorante 34, Via > Mario de Fiori, 34 near the Spanish Steps.  It was a Saturday night > and we could have used reservations. > Can you translate the Americanism. If you got in without a reservation how > could you have "used" reservations?

It implies something beneficial, rather than a necessity. Perhaps the restaurant was full when they arrived. They would have waited a while before being seated, then ate a nice meal but would have avoided the wait had they made reservations. Richard

Response:

>One near the Pantheon (tried to find its name, but couldn’t) run by >French nuns. The many priests eating there attests to its wonderful >food. >Perhaps some other reader knows its name.

L’Eau Vive – Via Monterone 85 – Tel. 06 68801095 Margaret Coffin InfoRoma – The Rome Experts (N.B. The site www.inforoma.it will be offline for a few days while we change to a new server.)

Response:

Ryan B: Wrong! McD should be in the Roman Forum, right in front of the Temple of the Vestal Virgins. "It  doesn’t matter what you do in the bedroom as long as you don’t do it in the street and frighten the horses".      – Mrs. Patrick Campbell (English actress)

Response:

Margaret C: Thank you; you ‘jogged my memory’. Is it still there? "It  doesn’t matter what you do in the bedroom as long as you don’t do it in the street and frighten the horses".      – Mrs. Patrick Campbell (English actress)

Response:

I’ll be traveling to Rome, Florence, Bologna, and Venice in a couple of weeks.  Are restaurant reservations necessary?  Any OUTSTANDING restaurants I should visit in any of these cities?

Response:

Of the cities you mentioned I can’t think of any particularly noteworthy [though there are surely many] . . . except.: One near the Pantheon (tried to find its name, but couldn’t) run by French nuns. The many priests eating there attests to its wonderful food. Perhaps some other reader knows its name.

Response:

> I’ll be traveling to Rome, Florence, Bologna, and Venice in a couple > of weeks.  Are restaurant reservations necessary?  Any OUTSTANDING > restaurants I should visit in any of these cities?

Papagallo is perhaps the best place in Bologna. You should reserve (although when I was there in April it wasn’t full and you probably could have walked in off the street).

Response:

I’ll be traveling to Rome, Florence, Bologna, and Venice in a couple of weeks.  Are restaurant reservations necessary?  Any OUTSTANDING restaurants I should visit in any of these cities?

Response:

Of the cities you mentioned I can’t think of any particularly noteworthy [though there are surely many] . . . except.: One near the Pantheon (tried to find its name, but couldn’t) run by French nuns. The many priests eating there attests to its wonderful food. Perhaps some other reader knows its name.

Response:

> I’ll be traveling to Rome, Florence, Bologna, and Venice in a couple > of weeks.  Are restaurant reservations necessary?  Any OUTSTANDING > restaurants I should visit in any of these cities?

Papagallo is perhaps the best place in Bologna. You should reserve (although when I was there in April it wasn’t full and you probably could have walked in off the street).

Response:

YES. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > I’ll be traveling to Rome, Florence, Bologna, and Venice in a couple > of weeks.  Are restaurant reservations necessary?  Any OUTSTANDING > restaurants I should visit in any of these cities?

Response:

> Of the cities you mentioned I can’t think of any particularly noteworthy > [though there are surely many] . . . except.: > One near the Pantheon (tried to find its name, but couldn’t) run by > French nuns. The many priests eating there attests to its wonderful > food. > Perhaps some other reader knows its name.

McDonalds?

Response:

>I’ll be traveling to Rome, Florence, Bologna, and Venice in a couple >of weeks.  Are restaurant reservations necessary?  Any OUTSTANDING >restaurants I should visit in any of these cities?

Was in Rome a few weeks ago and had a great meal at Ristorante 34, Via Mario de Fiori, 34 near the Spanish Steps.  It was a Saturday night and we could have used reservations. Brian Wickham

Response:

>I’ll be traveling to Rome, Florence, Bologna, and Venice in a couple >of weeks.  Are restaurant reservations necessary?  Any OUTSTANDING >restaurants I should visit in any of these cities? > Was in Rome a few weeks ago and had a great meal at Ristorante 34, Via > Mario de Fiori, 34 near the Spanish Steps.  It was a Saturday night > and we could have used reservations. > Brian Wickham

Can you translate the Americanism. If you got in without a reservation how could you have "used" reservations? JohnT

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> >I’ll be traveling to Rome, Florence, Bologna, and Venice in a couple > >of weeks.  Are restaurant reservations necessary?  Any OUTSTANDING > >restaurants I should visit in any of these cities? > Was in Rome a few weeks ago and had a great meal at Ristorante 34, Via > Mario de Fiori, 34 near the Spanish Steps.  It was a Saturday night > and we could have used reservations. > Brian Wickham > Can you translate the Americanism. If you got in without a reservation how > could you have "used" reservations? > JohnT

time for a table? Ryan

Response:

Ryan B: Priests in Macdonalds????

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> >I’ll be traveling to Rome, Florence, Bologna, and Venice in a couple > >of weeks.  Are restaurant reservations necessary?  Any OUTSTANDING > >restaurants I should visit in any of these cities? > Was in Rome a few weeks ago and had a great meal at Ristorante 34, Via > Mario de Fiori, 34 near the Spanish Steps.  It was a Saturday night > and we could have used reservations. > Brian Wickham >Can you translate the Americanism. If you got in without a reservation how >could you have "used" reservations?

We had to wait an hour to be seated.  That, to me, qualifies as "we should have made reservations". Brian

Response:

MattB schrieb: > I’ll be traveling to Rome, Florence, Bologna, and Venice in a couple > of weeks.  Are restaurant reservations necessary?  Any OUTSTANDING > restaurants I should visit in any of these cities?

Can’t list you any special restaurants because I don’t hoard this information, however in Rome and Venice we found that you are generally advised to book – it’s not a requirement, it’s just that there is a high probability of it being full. Just walk in at lunchtime and say you want a table that evening – or the day after, or next week etc… Tom

Response:

> Ryan B: > Priests in Macdonalds????

McDonalds takes up a large part of the piazza at the Pantheon.  Always struck me as the ultimate in American commercialism. Ryan

Response:

> One near the Pantheon (tried to find its name, but couldn’t) run by > French nuns. The many priests eating there attests to its wonderful > food.

I certainly would not do something just because many priests are doing it. I mean, all the priests in Boston are having sex with little boys, so should everyone else follow suit?

Response:

Invalid: Did you not seem the tongue pressed against the inside of my cheek?

Response:

> Was in Rome a few weeks ago and had a great meal at Ristorante 34, Via > Mario de Fiori, 34 near the Spanish Steps.  It was a Saturday night > and we could have used reservations. > Can you translate the Americanism. If you got in without a reservation how > could you have "used" reservations?

It implies something beneficial, rather than a necessity. Perhaps the restaurant was full when they arrived. They would have waited a while before being seated, then ate a nice meal but would have avoided the wait had they made reservations. Richard

Response:

>One near the Pantheon (tried to find its name, but couldn’t) run by >French nuns. The many priests eating there attests to its wonderful >food. >Perhaps some other reader knows its name.

L’Eau Vive – Via Monterone 85 – Tel. 06 68801095 Margaret Coffin InfoRoma – The Rome Experts (N.B. The site www.inforoma.it will be offline for a few days while we change to a new server.)

Response:

Ryan B: Wrong! McD should be in the Roman Forum, right in front of the Temple of the Vestal Virgins. "It  doesn’t matter what you do in the bedroom as long as you don’t do it in the street and frighten the horses".      – Mrs. Patrick Campbell (English actress)

Response:

Margaret C: Thank you; you ‘jogged my memory’. Is it still there? "It  doesn’t matter what you do in the bedroom as long as you don’t do it in the street and frighten the horses".      – Mrs. Patrick Campbell (English actress)

Response:

> Ryan B: > Wrong! > McD should be in the Roman Forum, right in front of the Temple of the > Vestal Virgins.

Be patient doctor.  Rome wasn’t built in a day. Ryan

Response:

Question:

Dear Walter, Thank you for posting your report. I’ve saved it and the Curran photos to which you refer.  Followed your route in my head as best as I could while reading your post.  The territory was familiar but the sites of the Ides of March events were not.  Now it is time to locate some maps of ancient Rome and read through your report again… Best, Chessa in Maryland USA

Response:

>You can form a google groups URL from >the message-ID of your post, which is: >[snip]

Miguel, Thank You very much! I have seen extremely long "google" URLs posted and was afraid that was what I would have to use. But the one you posted (and the method) will be very manageable. Thanks-Again. Regards, Walter Also seeing as this is also going into the google archive for this thread. I’d like to add forget the thing I said (in the introduction) about adding "?" marks in the middle of sentences, google added groups of "?" marks all thru my post:). But usually in between complete sentences and usually in groups ???. ..And Paradise Was Lost…like teardrops in the rain…

Response:

The 19 Photo links got screwed-up going into the google achive??? It left out all the "_" in the URLs and left them with an open space, so even if you closed them up they would still be wrong. So I’m going to repost them. Regards, Walter 1. http://wings.buffalo.edu/AandL/Maecenas/rome/for_rom_central/ac822333… 2. http://wings.buffalo.edu/AandL/Maecenas/rome/for_rom_central/ac660408… 3. http://wings.buffalo.edu/AandL/Maecenas/rome/for_rom_west/ac990904.html 4. http://wings.buffalo.edu/AandL/Maecenas/rome/for_rom_west/ac660411.html 5. http://wings.buffalo.edu/AandL/Maecenas/rome/tabularium/ac660412.html 6. http://wings.buffalo.edu/AandL/Maecenas/rome/tabularium/ac881321.html 7. http://wings.buffalo.edu/AandL/Maecenas/rome/arch_septimius/ac740810…. 8. www.geocities.com/Athens/Forum/6946/virtual/regiainfo.html 9. www.ku.edu/history/index/europe/ancient_rome/E/Gazetteer/Places/Europ… 10. www.vroma.org/images/raia_images/3theaters.jpg 10a. www.vroma.org/images/raia_images/pompeyrecon.GIF 11. http://wings.buffalo.edu/AandL/Maecenas/rome/largo_argent/ac740511.html http://wings.buffalo.edu/AandL/Maecenas/rome/largo_argent/ac990808.html 12. http://wings.buffalo.edu/AandL/Maecenas/rome/largo_argent/ac990807.html 12a. www.vroma.org/images/raia_images/largoargent3.jpg 13. http://wings.buffalo.edu/AandL/Maecenas/rome/largo_argent/ac991829.html 14. www.vroma.org/images/raia_images/largoargent8.jpg 15. www.vroma.org/images/raia_images/largoargent11.jpg 16. www.vroma.org/images/raia_images/largoargent10.jpg ..And Paradise Was Lost…like teardrops in the rain…

Response:

> I have a favor to ask of someone, I wish to know the URL of this post > in the "google groups" (once deja). With "Webtv" I can’t find long URLs > and I wish to hopefully shorten it (via Paul Ding’s website?) and post > this on the guidebook message boards (Fodors, Frommers, LP). If not, it > would require *many* multiple postings in sections. Either post or > e-mail the URL. TIA Regards, Walter

You can form a google groups URL from the message-ID of your post, which is: Stick this on the beginning:    http://groups.google.com/groups?selm= So the URL of your post should be:    http://groups.google.com/groups?selm=28700-3DA0BC9C-482%40storefull-2… It may not be available right away because postings take several hours to appear in Google’s archive. miguel — Hit The Road! Photos and tales from around the world: http://travel.u.nu New mini photo-feature: Life in DC: http://travel.u.nu/dc/

Response:

The Roman Forum and historical sites associated with Julius Caesar have always fascinated me when I’m in Rome. Tourists (like myself:) often bypass these unmarked major and minor sites, never knowing what transpired there over 2000yrs ago. But we all have heard the story, either thru history books, teachers. movies, tv or the Shakespearean play.  I’m not a very good writer:) and this was written in parts over time, I repeat info sometimes (usually at locations) so if you do take this walk you don’t have to go back and look for something I mentioned previously. Also I detail locations in case the Photo links go dead someday. And I admit I’m a bit anal about the directions to certain places esp *The Tree*:).  The actual site locations are accurate but as far as what was said or done, or the omens that happened…It’s up to you to believe it or not:). All I have done is piece together what was written by ancient historians (Suetonius, Plutarch, Cassius Dio) and info I’ve gotten from websites, history books, historical guidebooks, documentarys, etc. I have paraphrased some words and/or combined different versions or just chosen one version of who, what or where. Also a few educated guesses:). I have added a "?" mark here and there in the middle of a sentence when there’s a doubt or another version says something differently.  Again it’s just a historical tourist walk of the sites, not a thesis:) and I just tried to balance everything out to keep it accurate plus entertaining.  I have a favor to ask of someone, I wish to know the URL of this post in the "google groups" (once deja). With "Webtv" I can’t find long URLs and I wish to hopefully shorten it (via Paul Ding’s website?) and post this on the guidebook message boards (Fodors, Frommers, LP). If not, it would require *many* multiple postings in sections. Either post or e-mail the URL. TIA Regards, Walter Located around the center of the Roman Forum *area* ruins is the Regia. Stand on the Via Sacra with the south side of the Regia before you. In front of you is the Temple of Antoninus and Faustina and behind you is the House of the Vestal Virgins (Atrium Vestae) and the Temple of Vesta. (Photos 1,3,4,17).

Question:

Hotel Graspa, should be nice too, Ive only seen their lobby though, but I know how they run the restaurant and that gets the highest marks from me. Also at Rialto (a 4 min walk to S. Marco) is Hotel Rialto (rooms, sanz balcony that face the canal), others here have recommended them. In Rome I stay at a friends apartment… sorry. jay Tue, Sep 10, 2002 – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Jay, > Thanks for the reply. Marconi is little expensive. Can you recommend something > else which has room facing Rialto bridge and near San Marco? > Any recommendations for hotels in Rome? > P > Eat at the hotel Graspo de Ua… IT A MUST! > But see if you can get room 101 or 102 at the Hotel Marconi, its just > across the canal and has an incredibly nice balcony over looking Rialto. > Http://www.hotelmarconi.it > They reply timely to E-MAIL and all arrangements can be made via E-MAIL > too.  They will make your reservation for you at Graspa… you need one, > It is Venice’s best. > I cant recommend this room at Hotel Marconi too much and Ive stayed at > some very good places in Venice. > jay > Tue, Sep 10, 2002 > > Hi, > > I am planning to stay 2 days in Venice and 3 days in Rome in December. > > Any recommendations on hotels ? In Venice I want to stay near Piazza San > > Marco. I looked at these two hotels. > > Hotel Palazzo Bembo: > > http://www.palazzobembo.com/Palazzo_Bembo-en.htm > > Hotel Graspo de ua: > > http://www.graspodeua.com/description.htm > > Anyone has any experiences? Do you know how far are they from San Marco > > ? How can you reach Piazza San Marco from these hotels? Any other > > recommendations? > > What are the places worth visiting in Venice and Rome? Hotel > > recommendations in Rome ? > > Thanks, > > PS > — > Legend insists that as he finished his abject… > Galileo muttered under his breath: "Nevertheless, it does move."

– Legend insists that as he finished his abject… Galileo muttered under his breath: "Nevertheless, it does move."

Response:

Jay, Thanks for the reply. Marconi is little expensive. Can you recommend something else which has room facing Rialto bridge and near San Marco? Any recommendations for hotels in Rome? P – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > Eat at the hotel Graspo de Ua… IT A MUST! > But see if you can get room 101 or 102 at the Hotel Marconi, its just > across the canal and has an incredibly nice balcony over looking Rialto. > Http://www.hotelmarconi.it > They reply timely to E-MAIL and all arrangements can be made via E-MAIL > too.  They will make your reservation for you at Graspa… you need one, > It is Venice’s best. > I cant recommend this room at Hotel Marconi too much and Ive stayed at > some very good places in Venice. > jay > Tue, Sep 10, 2002 > Hi, > I am planning to stay 2 days in Venice and 3 days in Rome in December. > Any recommendations on hotels ? In Venice I want to stay near Piazza San > Marco. I looked at these two hotels. > Hotel Palazzo Bembo: > http://www.palazzobembo.com/Palazzo_Bembo-en.htm > Hotel Graspo de ua: > http://www.graspodeua.com/description.htm > Anyone has any experiences? Do you know how far are they from San Marco > ? How can you reach Piazza San Marco from these hotels? Any other > recommendations? > What are the places worth visiting in Venice and Rome? Hotel > recommendations in Rome ? > Thanks, > PS > — > Legend insists that as he finished his abject… > Galileo muttered under his breath: "Nevertheless, it does move."

Response:

Hi, I am planning to stay 2 days in Venice and 3 days in Rome in December. Any recommendations on hotels ? In Venice I want to stay near Piazza San Marco. I looked at these two hotels. Hotel Palazzo Bembo: http://www.palazzobembo.com/Palazzo_Bembo-en.htm Hotel Graspo de ua: http://www.graspodeua.com/description.htm Anyone has any experiences? Do you know how far are they from San Marco ? How can you reach Piazza San Marco from these hotels? Any other recommendations? What are the places worth visiting in Venice and Rome? Hotel recommendations in Rome ? Thanks, PS

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Hi, > I am planning to stay 2 days in Venice and 3 days in Rome in December. > Any recommendations on hotels ? In Venice I want to stay near Piazza San > Marco. I looked at these two hotels. > Hotel Palazzo Bembo: > http://www.palazzobembo.com/Palazzo_Bembo-en.htm > Hotel Graspo de ua: > http://www.graspodeua.com/description.htm > Anyone has any experiences? Do you know how far are they from San Marco > ? How can you reach Piazza San Marco from these hotels? Any other > recommendations?

wallk there is no place in Venice you can’t walk to San Marco from — and the walk is the best part of being in Venice > What are the places worth visiting in Venice and Rome? Hotel > recommendations in Rome ?

oh please!! These are two of the best known tourist destinations in the world — it is one thing to ask for guidance of what to do after your first week there — i.e. hidden treasures — but with so very little time to spend in either place, you can barely hit such ‘must sees’ as the Roman forum/coloseum/palatine, St. Peters and the Pantheon if you really don’t know the major sights of either location, get yourself a guidebook

Response:

 How can you reach Piazza San Marco from these hotels? Any > other recommendations? > wallk there is no place in > Venice you can’t walk to San Marco from

How about Giudecca?  Can you walk to San Marco from there? — Ken Blake Please reply to the newsgroup

Response:

Eat at the hotel Graspo de Ua… IT A MUST! But see if you can get room 101 or 102 at the Hotel Marconi, its just across the canal and has an incredibly nice balcony over looking Rialto. Http://www.hotelmarconi.it They reply timely to E-MAIL and all arrangements can be made via E-MAIL too.  They will make your reservation for you at Graspa… you need one, It is Venice’s best. I cant recommend this room at Hotel Marconi too much and Ive stayed at some very good places in Venice. jay Tue, Sep 10, 2002 – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Hi, > I am planning to stay 2 days in Venice and 3 days in Rome in December. > Any recommendations on hotels ? In Venice I want to stay near Piazza San > Marco. I looked at these two hotels. > Hotel Palazzo Bembo: > http://www.palazzobembo.com/Palazzo_Bembo-en.htm > Hotel Graspo de ua: > http://www.graspodeua.com/description.htm > Anyone has any experiences? Do you know how far are they from San Marco > ? How can you reach Piazza San Marco from these hotels? Any other > recommendations? > What are the places worth visiting in Venice and Rome? Hotel > recommendations in Rome ? > Thanks, > PS

– Legend insists that as he finished his abject… Galileo muttered under his breath: "Nevertheless, it does move."

Response:

Hi, I am planning to stay 2 days in Venice and 3 days in Rome in December. Any recommendations on hotels ? In Venice I want to stay near Piazza San Marco. I looked at these two hotels. Hotel Palazzo Bembo: http://www.palazzobembo.com/Palazzo_Bembo-en.htm Hotel Graspo de ua: http://www.graspodeua.com/description.htm Anyone has any experiences? Do you know how far are they from San Marco ? How can you reach Piazza San Marco from these hotels? Any other recommendations? What are the places worth visiting in Venice and Rome? Hotel recommendations in Rome ? Thanks, PS

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Hi, > I am planning to stay 2 days in Venice and 3 days in Rome in December. > Any recommendations on hotels ? In Venice I want to stay near Piazza San > Marco. I looked at these two hotels. > Hotel Palazzo Bembo: > http://www.palazzobembo.com/Palazzo_Bembo-en.htm > Hotel Graspo de ua: > http://www.graspodeua.com/description.htm > Anyone has any experiences? Do you know how far are they from San Marco > ? How can you reach Piazza San Marco from these hotels? Any other > recommendations?

wallk there is no place in Venice you can’t walk to San Marco from — and the walk is the best part of being in Venice > What are the places worth visiting in Venice and Rome? Hotel > recommendations in Rome ?

oh please!! These are two of the best known tourist destinations in the world — it is one thing to ask for guidance of what to do after your first week there — i.e. hidden treasures — but with so very little time to spend in either place, you can barely hit such ‘must sees’ as the Roman forum/coloseum/palatine, St. Peters and the Pantheon if you really don’t know the major sights of either location, get yourself a guidebook

Response:

Eat at the hotel Graspo de Ua… IT A MUST! But see if you can get room 101 or 102 at the Hotel Marconi, its just across the canal and has an incredibly nice balcony over looking Rialto. Http://www.hotelmarconi.it They reply timely to E-MAIL and all arrangements can be made via E-MAIL too.  They will make your reservation for you at Graspa… you need one, It is Venice’s best. I cant recommend this room at Hotel Marconi too much and Ive stayed at some very good places in Venice. jay Tue, Sep 10, 2002 – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Hi, > I am planning to stay 2 days in Venice and 3 days in Rome in December. > Any recommendations on hotels ? In Venice I want to stay near Piazza San > Marco. I looked at these two hotels. > Hotel Palazzo Bembo: > http://www.palazzobembo.com/Palazzo_Bembo-en.htm > Hotel Graspo de ua: > http://www.graspodeua.com/description.htm > Anyone has any experiences? Do you know how far are they from San Marco > ? How can you reach Piazza San Marco from these hotels? Any other > recommendations? > What are the places worth visiting in Venice and Rome? Hotel > recommendations in Rome ? > Thanks, > PS

– Legend insists that as he finished his abject… Galileo muttered under his breath: "Nevertheless, it does move."

Response:

 How can you reach Piazza San Marco from these hotels? Any > other recommendations? > wallk there is no place in > Venice you can’t walk to San Marco from

How about Giudecca?  Can you walk to San Marco from there? — Ken Blake Please reply to the newsgroup

Response:

Jay, Thanks for the reply. Marconi is little expensive. Can you recommend something else which has room facing Rialto bridge and near San Marco? Any recommendations for hotels in Rome? P – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > Eat at the hotel Graspo de Ua… IT A MUST! > But see if you can get room 101 or 102 at the Hotel Marconi, its just > across the canal and has an incredibly nice balcony over looking Rialto. > Http://www.hotelmarconi.it > They reply timely to E-MAIL and all arrangements can be made via E-MAIL > too.  They will make your reservation for you at Graspa… you need one, > It is Venice’s best. > I cant recommend this room at Hotel Marconi too much and Ive stayed at > some very good places in Venice. > jay > Tue, Sep 10, 2002 > Hi, > I am planning to stay 2 days in Venice and 3 days in Rome in December. > Any recommendations on hotels ? In Venice I want to stay near Piazza San > Marco. I looked at these two hotels. > Hotel Palazzo Bembo: > http://www.palazzobembo.com/Palazzo_Bembo-en.htm > Hotel Graspo de ua: > http://www.graspodeua.com/description.htm > Anyone has any experiences? Do you know how far are they from San Marco > ? How can you reach Piazza San Marco from these hotels? Any other > recommendations? > What are the places worth visiting in Venice and Rome? Hotel > recommendations in Rome ? > Thanks, > PS > — > Legend insists that as he finished his abject… > Galileo muttered under his breath: "Nevertheless, it does move."

Response:

Hotel Graspa, should be nice too, Ive only seen their lobby though, but I know how they run the restaurant and that gets the highest marks from me. Also at Rialto (a 4 min walk to S. Marco) is Hotel Rialto (rooms, sanz balcony that face the canal), others here have recommended them. In Rome I stay at a friends apartment… sorry. jay Tue, Sep 10, 2002 – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Jay, > Thanks for the reply. Marconi is little expensive. Can you recommend something > else which has room facing Rialto bridge and near San Marco? > Any recommendations for hotels in Rome? > P > Eat at the hotel Graspo de Ua… IT A MUST! > But see if you can get room 101 or 102 at the Hotel Marconi, its just > across the canal and has an incredibly nice balcony over looking Rialto. > Http://www.hotelmarconi.it > They reply timely to E-MAIL and all arrangements can be made via E-MAIL > too.  They will make your reservation for you at Graspa… you need one, > It is Venice’s best. > I cant recommend this room at Hotel Marconi too much and Ive stayed at > some very good places in Venice. > jay > Tue, Sep 10, 2002 > > Hi, > > I am planning to stay 2 days in Venice and 3 days in Rome in December. > > Any recommendations on hotels ? In Venice I want to stay near Piazza San > > Marco. I looked at these two hotels. > > Hotel Palazzo Bembo: > > http://www.palazzobembo.com/Palazzo_Bembo-en.htm > > Hotel Graspo de ua: > > http://www.graspodeua.com/description.htm > > Anyone has any experiences? Do you know how far are they from San Marco > > ? How can you reach Piazza San Marco from these hotels? Any other > > recommendations? > > What are the places worth visiting in Venice and Rome? Hotel > > recommendations in Rome ? > > Thanks, > > PS > — > Legend insists that as he finished his abject… > Galileo muttered under his breath: "Nevertheless, it does move."

– Legend insists that as he finished his abject… Galileo muttered under his breath: "Nevertheless, it does move."

Response:

Question:

HI   what do you think is the best cruise port. ( please say why )

Response:

Had a great time in Costa Maya last week.  That massage on the beach was terrific.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> HI   what do you think is the best cruise port. ( please say why )

Response:

3157.bay.webtv.net: > HI   what do you think is the best cruise port. ( please say why )

Sorrento, you are in a beautiful bay looking at the back of hotels perched on a cliff (as opposed to standard industrial areas near piers) Santorini, anchored in a volcanic caldera that was the site of Atlantis, does it get any better than that?

Response:

According to Linda… Flam Norway.  Why?  The Mountains, the quaint little village, everything in walking distance.  Just about the most gorgeous place in the world. The Captain on Constellation told us last year that the Norwegian Fjords was the best itinerary in the world in his opinion For me… Rome.  Though I’ve never gone there by ship… I’ve spent several weeks there over the years on business trips.  Why Rome?  The eternal city. St. Peters (Michelangelo’s Pieta) and the Vatican Museum (the Rafael room).  The shopping.  The Roman Forum (where the concept of Law first started) and the Coliseum.  Piazza de Spagne (Spanish Steps).  Sipping a cappuccino at Piazza Navona.  A cold Peroni (I think it’s Astra Nazura or something like that) beer by the Trevi Fountain.  Italian mini skirts on girls riding scooters.  The glove shop (Sermonetta Gloves) by the Spanish Steps (the best soft leather/cashmere gloves).  The best food. The best tiramisu. –Tom <—- thinks Singapore might be another "best" cruise port, but I haven’t been there (yet)… and don’t forget New York City – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > HI   what do you think is the best cruise port. ( please say why )

Response:

> HI   what do you think is the best cruise port. ( please say why )

Caribbean: 1. St. Martin for great beaches, fun casinos, and great shopping. Europe: 1. Amsterdam for people, Rembrandt/Vermeer, and coffee. 2. Barcelona for nice people, great food, great weather, Gaudi’s work. Howie

Response:

Santorini upon entering the crater at sunrise. JJ

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> HI   what do you think is the best cruise port. ( please say why )

Response:

> For me… > Rome.  Though I’ve never gone there by ship… I’ve spent several weeks > there over the years on business trips.  Why Rome?  The eternal city. > St. Peters (Michelangelo’s Pieta) and the Vatican Museum (the Rafael > room).  The shopping.  The Roman Forum (where the concept of Law first > started) and the Coliseum.  Piazza de Spagne (Spanish Steps).  Sipping a > cappuccino at Piazza Navona.  A cold Peroni (I think it’s Astra Nazura > or something like that) beer by the Trevi Fountain.  Italian mini skirts > on girls riding scooters.  The glove shop (Sermonetta Gloves) by the > Spanish Steps (the best soft leather/cashmere gloves).  The best food. > The best tiramisu.

I love Rome!  All of the things you mentioned above are things I’ve done and seen.  I also would add listening to various free concerts in all of the churches, Trastervere wanderings, Pantheon, Ostia Antica, Borghese Gallery….ah, so many things. — Monica If you want to make God laugh, tell him your future plans. (Woody Allen)

Response:

Alaska-  just supurb scenic sailing most of the trip and all excellent worthwhile distinctly different ports.  With a one way the ability to see interior- adds a whole second trip!!!

Response:

>If you want to make God laugh, tell him your future plans. (Woody Allen)

Or you could swear on a stack of Bibles that you never had intercourse with your daughter, eh Woody?

Response:

> Santorini upon entering the crater at sunrise. JJ > HI   what do you think is the best cruise port. ( please say why )

Rio de Janiero also has great charm with the big sugar loaf mountain at the entrance of the port.

Response:

My favorite would be Venice. A very unique experience and like none other that I have ever seen. We arrived about 7:00 in the morning and I spent a half hour on my balcony, with a pot of good coffee, in my robe, as we slowly moved through the channels and canals past St. Marks to our Berth. Rome is a great city but I do not consider it a "Port of Call" but rather a shore excursion or preferably a destination for several days. The nice thing about Cruises is that you get a feel for a place without being stuck there and when you get home you know where you want to go back to to enjoy in depth. Anyone who things they have seen Rome because they were there during a Cruise is like the little boy who saw the Parade but not the Circus. Cal Ford Lido Deck Cruises 800-511-4417 says… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->HI   what do you think is the best cruise port. ( please say why )

Response:

I am new to the group. Is there a web site for Cruise Port Terminal information. Location, map etc. I’m going to Honolulu for a cruise and can’t find terminal info..Thanks Dave B

Response:

Dave:     Steve the webmaster of http://seacruisereviews.com has put together port information for almost 500 ports around the world.     For your info the Port in Honolulu is Aloha Market Place for now. It is about a $18.00 Cab fare from the airport. You can visit http://www.state.hi.us/dot/harbors/oahu/2002cruise.htm for the complete schedule. Note that there is a new Pier 19 Passenger Terminal being built and some ships scheduled to dock there have to find other places to dock. All the docks are right around this area though. Phil Seacruise > I am new to the group. Is there a web site for Cruise Port Terminal > information. Location, map etc. I’m going to Honolulu for a cruise and > can’t find terminal info..Thanks Dave B

– Seacruise http://www.seacruisechat.com Canal Cam Schedule http://www.seacruisechat.com/panamacanal.html Cruise Review Archive http://www.seacruisereviews.com Strange but True: 1) 22,000 checks will be deducted from the wrong bank accounts in the next hour! 2) 40% of women have hurled footwear at a man!

Response:

I am new to the group. Is there a web site for Cruise Port Terminal information. Location, map etc. I’m going to Honolulu for a cruise and can’t find terminal info..Thanks Dave B

Response:

Dave:     Steve the webmaster of http://seacruisereviews.com has put together port information for almost 500 ports around the world.     For your info the Port in Honolulu is Aloha Market Place for now. It is about a $18.00 Cab fare from the airport. You can visit http://www.state.hi.us/dot/harbors/oahu/2002cruise.htm for the complete schedule. Note that there is a new Pier 19 Passenger Terminal being built and some ships scheduled to dock there have to find other places to dock. All the docks are right around this area though. Phil Seacruise > I am new to the group. Is there a web site for Cruise Port Terminal > information. Location, map etc. I’m going to Honolulu for a cruise and > can’t find terminal info..Thanks Dave B

– Seacruise http://www.seacruisechat.com Canal Cam Schedule http://www.seacruisechat.com/panamacanal.html Cruise Review Archive http://www.seacruisereviews.com Strange but True: 1) 22,000 checks will be deducted from the wrong bank accounts in the next hour! 2) 40% of women have hurled footwear at a man!

Response:

HI   what do you think is the best cruise port. ( please say why )

Response:

Had a great time in Costa Maya last week.  That massage on the beach was terrific.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> HI   what do you think is the best cruise port. ( please say why )

Response:

3157.bay.webtv.net: > HI   what do you think is the best cruise port. ( please say why )

Sorrento, you are in a beautiful bay looking at the back of hotels perched on a cliff (as opposed to standard industrial areas near piers) Santorini, anchored in a volcanic caldera that was the site of Atlantis, does it get any better than that?

Response:

According to Linda… Flam Norway.  Why?  The Mountains, the quaint little village, everything in walking distance.  Just about the most gorgeous place in the world. The Captain on Constellation told us last year that the Norwegian Fjords was the best itinerary in the world in his opinion For me… Rome.  Though I’ve never gone there by ship… I’ve spent several weeks there over the years on business trips.  Why Rome?  The eternal city. St. Peters (Michelangelo’s Pieta) and the Vatican Museum (the Rafael room).  The shopping.  The Roman Forum (where the concept of Law first started) and the Coliseum.  Piazza de Spagne (Spanish Steps).  Sipping a cappuccino at Piazza Navona.  A cold Peroni (I think it’s Astra Nazura or something like that) beer by the Trevi Fountain.  Italian mini skirts on girls riding scooters.  The glove shop (Sermonetta Gloves) by the Spanish Steps (the best soft leather/cashmere gloves).  The best food. The best tiramisu. –Tom <—- thinks Singapore might be another "best" cruise port, but I haven’t been there (yet)… and don’t forget New York City – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > HI   what do you think is the best cruise port. ( please say why )

Response:

> HI   what do you think is the best cruise port. ( please say why )

Caribbean: 1. St. Martin for great beaches, fun casinos, and great shopping. Europe: 1. Amsterdam for people, Rembrandt/Vermeer, and coffee. 2. Barcelona for nice people, great food, great weather, Gaudi’s work. Howie

Response:

Santorini upon entering the crater at sunrise. JJ

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> HI   what do you think is the best cruise port. ( please say why )

Response:

> For me… > Rome.  Though I’ve never gone there by ship… I’ve spent several weeks > there over the years on business trips.  Why Rome?  The eternal city. > St. Peters (Michelangelo’s Pieta) and the Vatican Museum (the Rafael > room).  The shopping.  The Roman Forum (where the concept of Law first > started) and the Coliseum.  Piazza de Spagne (Spanish Steps).  Sipping a > cappuccino at Piazza Navona.  A cold Peroni (I think it’s Astra Nazura > or something like that) beer by the Trevi Fountain.  Italian mini skirts > on girls riding scooters.  The glove shop (Sermonetta Gloves) by the > Spanish Steps (the best soft leather/cashmere gloves).  The best food. > The best tiramisu.

I love Rome!  All of the things you mentioned above are things I’ve done and seen.  I also would add listening to various free concerts in all of the churches, Trastervere wanderings, Pantheon, Ostia Antica, Borghese Gallery….ah, so many things. — Monica If you want to make God laugh, tell him your future plans. (Woody Allen)

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Alaska-  just supurb scenic sailing most of the trip and all excellent worthwhile distinctly different ports.  With a one way the ability to see interior- adds a whole second trip!!!

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>If you want to make God laugh, tell him your future plans. (Woody Allen)

Or you could swear on a stack of Bibles that you never had intercourse with your daughter, eh Woody?

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> Santorini upon entering the crater at sunrise. JJ > HI   what do you think is the best cruise port. ( please say why )

Rio de Janiero also has great charm with the big sugar loaf mountain at the entrance of the port.

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My favorite would be Venice. A very unique experience and like none other that I have ever seen. We arrived about 7:00 in the morning and I spent a half hour on my balcony, with a pot of good coffee, in my robe, as we slowly moved through the channels and canals past St. Marks to our Berth. Rome is a great city but I do not consider it a "Port of Call" but rather a shore excursion or preferably a destination for several days. The nice thing about Cruises is that you get a feel for a place without being stuck there and when you get home you know where you want to go back to to enjoy in depth. Anyone who things they have seen Rome because they were there during a Cruise is like the little boy who saw the Parade but not the Circus. Cal Ford Lido Deck Cruises 800-511-4417 says… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->HI   what do you think is the best cruise port. ( please say why )

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Question:

– Click here for Free Video!! http://www.gohip.com/freevideo/

> I will be in Rome with my family (kids aged 11 & 7) in March on holiday and > am looking for a moderately priced hotel that would be kid-friendly.  I > think I would like to stay in the Termini or Ancient Rome area.  Any > suggestions as to a place?  Are there other areas of town that would be > better?  Thanks, Scott > Dear Mr Scott,

I have a bed and breakfast very confortable in Rome near the underground stop "Bologna" so it is very connected to any part of Rome. If you are interested you can contact me. your sincerely,

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The least expensive lodging is near the train station in Rome.  I’ve been to that city maybe eight or nine times and prefer staying in the Campo di Fiori area.  There is a 12-room hotel there — 3-stars — Hotel Teatro di Pompeo, that I like a lot.  You can get a room that has a large closet thing that doubles as a second bedroom if you don’t mind being close.  The good thing about that particular hotel is that it is built on the spot where the Theatre of Pompey was in ancient Rome.  It’s the place where Caesar was assassinated. In the breakfrest room, you’ll see they still have a piece of the original wall in place. Funny story.  We took our daughter there when she was seven or eight years old.  She preferred at that age to stay home.  I tried to warm her up by telling her that the hotel was on the spot where Caesar was assassinated.  She did a double take and said, "What?!  Somebody was MURDERED there?!  I’ll have nightmares!"  Ahhhh, kids….<g> If you want to book that hotel, you’re better off calling them.  They don’t bother to reply to FAX’s.  Ahhhh, Italians….<g> Ed Hooks Chicago – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > I will be in Rome with my family (kids aged 11 & 7) in March on holiday and > am looking for a moderately priced hotel that would be kid-friendly.  I > think I would like to stay in the Termini or Ancient Rome area.  Any > suggestions as to a place?  Are there other areas of town that would be > better?  Thanks, Scott

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> I know you say hotel, but take a look at www.realrome.com for apartments.

I second apartments if you can find something that works for you — it is so convenient to have a little more space — even a studio is better than a hotel room — and it is also nice to have kitchen facilities.  it is fun to shop in  local markets for bread and cheese, pastries, fruits etc even if you eat your main meals out.

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I know you say hotel, but take a look at www.realrome.com for apartments.

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> I will be in Rome with my family (kids aged 11 & 7) in March on holiday and > am looking for a moderately priced hotel that would be kid-friendly.  I > think I would like to stay in the Termini or Ancient Rome area.  Any > suggestions as to a place?  Are there other areas of town that would be > better?  

I suggest the Campo dei Fiori area. It’s a pleasant neighborhood, not too crowded with plenty of reasonable places to eat. It’s near a number of ancient Roman sites, including the Pantheon. Some of the hotels are built around Roman ruins. (However, this is true in a good part of Rome.) The Campo dei Fiori itself has an outdoor fruit market with all sorts of other stuff on sale. It’s held every morning. The Tiber is an easy walk, the Roman Forum a bit longer, and you could even walk to St. Peters if the kids are energetic. I have stayed in the Albergo della Lunetta, which is reasonably priced and very friendly. I have also stayed at the Hotel Arenula, which is slightly more expensive, but includes free breakfast. It’s also a bit nearer the Roman Forum. Both hotels are close to bus and tram lines. I don’t know what you mean by child-friendly, but almost every place in Italy welcomes children. I’ve never seen a hotel or restaurant that didn’t. It’s very unlike England in that respect. Barbara

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I will be in Rome with my family (kids aged 11 & 7) in March on holiday and am looking for a moderately priced hotel that would be kid-friendly.  I think I would like to stay in the Termini or Ancient Rome area.  Any suggestions as to a place?  Are there other areas of town that would be better?  Thanks, Scott

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I will be in Rome with my family (kids aged 11 & 7) in March on holiday and am looking for a moderately priced hotel that would be kid-friendly.  I think I would like to stay in the Termini or Ancient Rome area.  Any suggestions as to a place?  Are there other areas of town that would be better?  Thanks, Scott

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I know you say hotel, but take a look at www.realrome.com for apartments.

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> I will be in Rome with my family (kids aged 11 & 7) in March on holiday and > am looking for a moderately priced hotel that would be kid-friendly.  I > think I would like to stay in the Termini or Ancient Rome area.  Any > suggestions as to a place?  Are there other areas of town that would be > better?  

I suggest the Campo dei Fiori area. It’s a pleasant neighborhood, not too crowded with plenty of reasonable places to eat. It’s near a number of ancient Roman sites, including the Pantheon. Some of the hotels are built around Roman ruins. (However, this is true in a good part of Rome.) The Campo dei Fiori itself has an outdoor fruit market with all sorts of other stuff on sale. It’s held every morning. The Tiber is an easy walk, the Roman Forum a bit longer, and you could even walk to St. Peters if the kids are energetic. I have stayed in the Albergo della Lunetta, which is reasonably priced and very friendly. I have also stayed at the Hotel Arenula, which is slightly more expensive, but includes free breakfast. It’s also a bit nearer the Roman Forum. Both hotels are close to bus and tram lines. I don’t know what you mean by child-friendly, but almost every place in Italy welcomes children. I’ve never seen a hotel or restaurant that didn’t. It’s very unlike England in that respect. Barbara

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> I know you say hotel, but take a look at www.realrome.com for apartments.

I second apartments if you can find something that works for you — it is so convenient to have a little more space — even a studio is better than a hotel room — and it is also nice to have kitchen facilities.  it is fun to shop in  local markets for bread and cheese, pastries, fruits etc even if you eat your main meals out.

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The least expensive lodging is near the train station in Rome.  I’ve been to that city maybe eight or nine times and prefer staying in the Campo di Fiori area.  There is a 12-room hotel there — 3-stars — Hotel Teatro di Pompeo, that I like a lot.  You can get a room that has a large closet thing that doubles as a second bedroom if you don’t mind being close.  The good thing about that particular hotel is that it is built on the spot where the Theatre of Pompey was in ancient Rome.  It’s the place where Caesar was assassinated. In the breakfrest room, you’ll see they still have a piece of the original wall in place. Funny story.  We took our daughter there when she was seven or eight years old.  She preferred at that age to stay home.  I tried to warm her up by telling her that the hotel was on the spot where Caesar was assassinated.  She did a double take and said, "What?!  Somebody was MURDERED there?!  I’ll have nightmares!"  Ahhhh, kids….<g> If you want to book that hotel, you’re better off calling them.  They don’t bother to reply to FAX’s.  Ahhhh, Italians….<g> Ed Hooks Chicago – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > I will be in Rome with my family (kids aged 11 & 7) in March on holiday and > am looking for a moderately priced hotel that would be kid-friendly.  I > think I would like to stay in the Termini or Ancient Rome area.  Any > suggestions as to a place?  Are there other areas of town that would be > better?  Thanks, Scott

Response:

– Click here for Free Video!! http://www.gohip.com/freevideo/

> I will be in Rome with my family (kids aged 11 & 7) in March on holiday and > am looking for a moderately priced hotel that would be kid-friendly.  I > think I would like to stay in the Termini or Ancient Rome area.  Any > suggestions as to a place?  Are there other areas of town that would be > better?  Thanks, Scott > Dear Mr Scott,

I have a bed and breakfast very confortable in Rome near the underground stop "Bologna" so it is very connected to any part of Rome. If you are interested you can contact me. your sincerely,

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Question:

I am going on a 10 day tour of Italy. I have a question on lodgings in Rome- I will get into Rome (if schedules hold) by 8:00pm local time… I am told all the cheap hotels are near the Termini. How do I get there from the airport and is it safe at that time in the night? ( I am travelling alone). thanks Siva

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 there is a non stop shuttle between roma fiumicino and roma termini. you will find a webpage of the airport of rome with all details.  int eh trains tation roma termini there is an accomodation   office that gives room on a last minutes base. the train is safe. the train station  can be frequented by pickpockets 08.00 in italy is note late.. restaurants are opne till  24.00 at least.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> I am going on a 10 day tour of Italy. I have a question on lodgings in > Rome- > I will get into Rome (if > schedules hold) by 8:00pm local time… > I am told all the cheap hotels are near the Termini. How do I get there > from the airport and is it safe at that time in the night? > ( I am travelling alone). > thanks > Siva

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> I am going on a 10 day tour of Italy. I have a question on lodgings in > Rome- > I will get into Rome (if > schedules hold) by 8:00pm local time… > I am told all the cheap hotels are near the Termini. How do I get there > from the airport and is it safe at that time in the night? > ( I am travelling alone).

It’s not true that all the cheap hotels are near Termini, and if I had a choice, I wouldn’t stay in that area. If you will only be in Rome for one night, it doesn’t really matter, but if you will stay a few days, I would look for a cheap hotel elsewhere, especially in the Campo dei Fiori area which has lots of cheap hotels and a good selection of restaurants, is closer to the main tourist sites, and has a lot more charm. Barbara

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At 10:18pm on Jun 6, Barbara Vaughan is all like : > I am going on a 10 day tour of Italy. I have a question on lodgings in > Rome- > I will get into Rome (if > schedules hold) by 8:00pm local time… > I am told all the cheap hotels are near the Termini. How do I get there > from the airport and is it safe at that time in the night? > ( I am travelling alone). > It’s not true that all the cheap hotels are near Termini, and if I had a > choice, I wouldn’t stay in that area. If you will only be in Rome for

Are there more compelling reasons other than the ones mentioned implicitly in your mail ? I am staying in Rome for 5 days, the first night by myself, and then I meet up with my friends and we are gonna look for accomodation if necessary ! from what I’ve seen/heard, the Termini area seems pretty close to the center of the city as well… thanks Siva – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> one night, it doesn’t really matter, but if you will stay a few days, I > would look for a cheap hotel elsewhere, especially in the Campo dei > Fiori area which has lots of cheap hotels and a good selection of > restaurants, is closer to the main tourist sites, and has a lot more > charm. > Barbara

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Hi I spent 7 days in rome, alone as a student on a student budget 3 years ago, and was warned to stay away from the termini area due to pickpockets etc, rule of thumb with most major cities is that the area you arrive in is never the nicest. I stayed at a pension style guest house near the vatican and one of the tube stations, and found it very easy to get round, I don’t remember the name of the street but the pension was called fortis guest house, run by an american guy and his wife, it cost me around

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says… > I used a private guide named Daniella Hunt, who is an American living in > Rome. Her tours cost somewhat less then Scala Reale and she was willing > to work with a very small group and was flexible in arranging times. She > is an expert in ancient Roman history, having studied classics at the > Center for Classical Studies in Rome; she does historical research at > the present time. Her email address was (a few years ago) > I know she’s still doing tours because someone else mentioned her in > this forum a few months ago.

Probably me. She was very good. I’d also recommend her tour of underground Rome, I.e. Nero’s Palace and San Clemente, must-sees. Doug —  Doug Weller member of moderation panel sci.archaeology.moderated  Doug’s Archaeology Site: http://www.ramtops.demon.co.uk  Co-owner UK-Schools mailing list: email me for details

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> I’m looking for a walking tour of the Roman forum–in English. Can anybody > recommend a tour guide and/or tour company, with contact information?

When I was there in May, two years ago, there was a group of American college students who gave a wonderful tour of the Roman Forum for free. They were either history managers of theater majors. We also had a similar tour at the Roman Coliseum. Both tours were excellent.

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check out www.romeinsight.com – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> I’m looking for a walking tour of the Roman forum–in English. Can anybody > recommend a tour guide and/or tour company, with contact information? > Thanks, > Marianne

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> I’m looking for a walking tour of the Roman forum–in English. Can anybody > recommend a tour guide and/or tour company, with contact information?

Not a walking tour, but a great (and cheap) way to get oriented in Rome is by taking the ATAC "Tourist Route" 110 bus. For 15,000 lira (under $7 US), you can glimpse most of the major sights of Rome, with several brief stops where you can get off the bus. Buy tickets in advance at the ATAC (public transit) kiosk in front of Termini Station. This is also where you board the bus. The buses leave every 30 minutes. See: http://www.atac.roma.it/trasroma/oraperco/metauk.htm —    — Richard Manager, Technical Services   Fax: 801-858-8591    Office:785-864-0445 The University of Kansas            ICQ: 12709127 Mobile:785-550-7424 1001 Sunnyside Ave.                  "AMBIVALENCE CAN RUIN YOUR LIFE" Lawrence, Kansas 66045-7520                       – Jenny Holzer http://people.ku.edu/~richard

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I have taken a tour with ScaleReale and highly recommend it.  Tours in English.  Go to their web site http://www.scalareale.org A very reputable company and you can correspond with them via email to arrange the tour of your choice. Janet

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> I’m looking for a walking tour of the Roman forum–in English. Can anybody > recommend a tour guide and/or tour company, with contact information? > Thanks, > Marianne

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> I’m looking for a walking tour of the Roman forum–in English. Can anybody > recommend a tour guide and/or tour company, with contact information?

I used a private guide named Daniella Hunt, who is an American living in Rome. Her tours cost somewhat less then Scala Reale and she was willing to work with a very small group and was flexible in arranging times. She is an expert in ancient Roman history, having studied classics at the Center for Classical Studies in Rome; she does historical research at the present time. Her email address was (a few years ago) I know she’s still doing tours because someone else mentioned her in this forum a few months ago. It is an excellent idea to get a private guide at the Roman Forum, because there is little explanation at the site. Also, if you are going in the summer try to arrange your tour early in the day, as there is little shade there and it gets quite hot with the sun beating on all that stone. Barbara

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I’m looking for a walking tour of the Roman forum–in English. Can anybody recommend a tour guide and/or tour company, with contact information? Thanks, Marianne

Response:

I’m looking for a walking tour of the Roman forum–in English. Can anybody recommend a tour guide and/or tour company, with contact information? Thanks, Marianne

Response:

I have taken a tour with ScaleReale and highly recommend it.  Tours in English.  Go to their web site http://www.scalareale.org A very reputable company and you can correspond with them via email to arrange the tour of your choice. Janet

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> I’m looking for a walking tour of the Roman forum–in English. Can anybody > recommend a tour guide and/or tour company, with contact information? > Thanks, > Marianne

Response:

> I’m looking for a walking tour of the Roman forum–in English. Can anybody > recommend a tour guide and/or tour company, with contact information?

I used a private guide named Daniella Hunt, who is an American living in Rome. Her tours cost somewhat less then Scala Reale and she was willing to work with a very small group and was flexible in arranging times. She is an expert in ancient Roman history, having studied classics at the Center for Classical Studies in Rome; she does historical research at the present time. Her email address was (a few years ago) I know she’s still doing tours because someone else mentioned her in this forum a few months ago. It is an excellent idea to get a private guide at the Roman Forum, because there is little explanation at the site. Also, if you are going in the summer try to arrange your tour early in the day, as there is little shade there and it gets quite hot with the sun beating on all that stone. Barbara

Response:

> I’m looking for a walking tour of the Roman forum–in English. Can anybody > recommend a tour guide and/or tour company, with contact information?

Not a walking tour, but a great (and cheap) way to get oriented in Rome is by taking the ATAC "Tourist Route" 110 bus. For 15,000 lira (under $7 US), you can glimpse most of the major sights of Rome, with several brief stops where you can get off the bus. Buy tickets in advance at the ATAC (public transit) kiosk in front of Termini Station. This is also where you board the bus. The buses leave every 30 minutes. See: http://www.atac.roma.it/trasroma/oraperco/metauk.htm —    — Richard Manager, Technical Services   Fax: 801-858-8591    Office:785-864-0445 The University of Kansas            ICQ: 12709127 Mobile:785-550-7424 1001 Sunnyside Ave.                  "AMBIVALENCE CAN RUIN YOUR LIFE" Lawrence, Kansas 66045-7520                       – Jenny Holzer http://people.ku.edu/~richard

Response:

check out www.romeinsight.com – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> I’m looking for a walking tour of the Roman forum–in English. Can anybody > recommend a tour guide and/or tour company, with contact information? > Thanks, > Marianne

Response:

> I’m looking for a walking tour of the Roman forum–in English. Can anybody > recommend a tour guide and/or tour company, with contact information?

When I was there in May, two years ago, there was a group of American college students who gave a wonderful tour of the Roman Forum for free. They were either history managers of theater majors. We also had a similar tour at the Roman Coliseum. Both tours were excellent.

Response:

says… > I used a private guide named Daniella Hunt, who is an American living in > Rome. Her tours cost somewhat less then Scala Reale and she was willing > to work with a very small group and was flexible in arranging times. She > is an expert in ancient Roman history, having studied classics at the > Center for Classical Studies in Rome; she does historical research at > the present time. Her email address was (a few years ago) > I know she’s still doing tours because someone else mentioned her in > this forum a few months ago.

Probably me. She was very good. I’d also recommend her tour of underground Rome, I.e. Nero’s Palace and San Clemente, must-sees. Doug —  Doug Weller member of moderation panel sci.archaeology.moderated  Doug’s Archaeology Site: http://www.ramtops.demon.co.uk  Co-owner UK-Schools mailing list: email me for details

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