Rome

[Alexam]

About to set out for some sunshine holiday in the Med.

 

[sunnybob]

make sure you see the vatican. Every thing else is tourist sight seeing. That trevi fountain doesnt work cos i threw a coin in there in 1973 and i'm unlikely to get back there now.

The workmanship inside the vatican is stunning.
But as i havent been back in 44 years it might be a bit dated.

 

[Mark A]

If you have any interest in art history then a tour of the Vatican Museum is well worth it.

 

[AndyT]

Get to St Peter's first thing in the morning and do the trip up the inside of the dome. You get the behind the scenes view of what holds it up, which is fascinating if you have any interest in construction. You also get terrific views down into the interior of the church, and outside across the piazza.

 

[MrTeroo]

And don't forget to whistle Allegri's Miserere as you walk around the Vatican.

That will show them! Don't let the plebs hear it indeed!

 

[lurker]

I thought Rome was wonderful .........but was rather underwhelmed by the Vatican
Suggest you walk the city as we found lots of small churches that were rather good.

 

[Cordy]

Trevi fountain in 2013

Spanish Steps

Coliseum

We happened to be in Rome when they chose the new Pope; this is the press platform awaiting the News

Like previous poster we where not over chuffed with the Vatican
All that wealth and all the poor people in the world

 

[Glynne]

Have a good time Malcolm.

Glynne
PS can you bring me back a few bottles of red please.

 

[sunnybob]

You PC people, what are you like? look at the stuff inside the vatican as art for arts sake. Dont try to re distribute the worlds money, it'll never happen.

We got there one morning and after about an hour wandering, about a hundred coaches turned up and suddenly that square (by the way, it aint square) was heaving.
There was a big posh red blanket hanging out one of the windows over the front door, and we asked around and discovered the pope was going to give a speech from that balcony.

So me (heathen) and the missus (catholic), hung around. After about a half hour this loudspeaker voice started on, but there was no one on the balcony. Several minutes later the crowd realised the pope was leaning out a top floor window about two hundred yards along the side of the building, looked like a window cleaner who had got stuck.
I took a picture with my best lens, and when I got it developed (do you remember when pictures had to be developed?) I STILL couldnt see who it was. Might just as well have been the window cleaner wearing white overalls.

By the way, I am officially heathen. A catholic priest told me so (shame I didnt get a certificate though).

 

[monkeybiter]

We've been to Rome nearly every year since 2009 [as one of two holidays] and we absolutely love it [obviously]. We're still finding new bits, but then we don't go for the tourist checklist and just tick off the sights, we take as long as we like and regard the unseen bits as opportunities for a return.

How long are you going for, when, and what sort of thing do you want to do/see.

BTW we're going again on the 29th for 10 days.

 

[Stanleymonkey]

Vatican - do the tour first thing otherwise the queues are too much. St. Peters is something else. You won't bother with any other churches and cathedrals after seeing in side there!

Trevi fountain is lovely.

Spanish steps - look out for any free concerts there. memorable evening seeing one there.

If you have enough time - please get the train out to Tivoli. Shortish trip and the gardens are beautiful. Big change from the pace and numbers in Rome and was the best part of our trip out there.

https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Attractio ... Lazio.html



Water is free from fountains that are everywhere - take a bottle out and keep re-filling it. Watch out for restaurants where they bring you garlic bread while you wait. It's not free. Easy to run up a fifty quid bill when you just want a quick lunch - 3-5 euros for water when you are within sight of a public fountain as well!!

 

[monkeybiter]

How long are you going for, when, and what sort of thing do you want to do/see.

With these details you might get some relevant and useful info.

Either way, have a great time, you'll struggle not to.

 

[AJB Temple]

You will need to pre-book or prepare for big queues at the Vatican. I think Vatican and the museum are worth it. Much less hassle in winter though.

Rome is thick with thieves at this time of year. Distribute your money, warn your wife to use a closed handbag, and beware of anything with flimsy straps (bags, cameras) as they will razor them off. If you have an expensive watch don't display it as it marks you out as a monied target. Never leave mobile phone or camera on a table at restaurants etc.

My wife and I go to Italy a lot and she speaks fluent Italian. We are pretty careful and despite that we have been subject to handbag dipping and I had my belt razored (in case of money belt, they like doing this). We neither saw nor felt a thing.

Leave passport in hotel safe.

Then enjoy Rome. It is fantastic. Almost as good as Florence or Venice!

 

[sunnybob]

I think he's already gone.
You just cant tell some people, can you?

 

[Alexam]

Cannot seen to send a reply for some reason. Tried twice already. If this fails,will leave it till back home. On cruise and have seen all the sights in Rome years ago.
Malcolm

 

[Alexam]

Ahhhhh that worked. Now in Montii Carlo with fantastic weather..
Malcolm

 

[sunnybob]

misleading us huh malcolm? theres us all banging on about rome while you quietly slip anchor.

if you get as far as cyprus lent me know.

 

[Alexam]

Hi BOB, NOT COVERING Cyprus this time but it is on the agenda some time again in the future. Will definitely arrange a meeting when we do and I can then check up on you and your bandsaw methods. Lol. In St Tropez today. Lovely sunny morning. Hope we don't have problem with the customs when we return as the suntans are doing well.
Malcolm

 

[sunnybob]

when you get back to UK, just put a knotted white hankie on your head and roll your trouser legs to just below your knees. we'll know who you are, dont worry.

 

[Alexam]

Back now. The knotted hankie worked.
Malcolm