When in Rome, etc. ...

I'm going to just keep posting as things pop into my head!

1) My rule of thumb is that if you can see a tourist attraction the food is bad and overpriced.

2) When you get overheated, just go into a church - instant AC and seats.

3) Learn to take pictures w/out a flash. Inside many churches, it's better to just buy a postcard than try to get a clear interior shot.

4) Take double pictures of major sights - with and without people. That way you still have a picture of the Pantheon if you don't like your hair, outfit etc.

5) Don't give your camera to anyone to take your picture unless you know them.

6) If you have your laptop w/ you, download a copy of your pics. Then you have them in 2 locations in case of a theft or oops.

7) Violent crime is not a problem for non-italians. They will just take your money and valuables (maybe grope you on a bus) without you knowing it. Leave your nice jewelry at home and don't set anything down. If you aren't holding it or aware of who is near you, it WILL walk off or get rifled.

8) When you visit the Pantheon (preferably not around noon and on a sunny day so you can see the beam of light hit the wall) also go to Santa Maria Sopra Minerva (cool ceiling and some quality sculptures) and take your pic w/ the Bernini Elephant.

Pizzeria Pantheon is a great place for an inexpensive slice of pizza that you can carry back to the Piazza della Rotunda and eat while gawking, or there is a good sit down restaurant in Piazza San Eustaccio. The coffee shops on the corners of San Eustaccio are good for a quick snack of pastry or caffiene shot too.

If you are standing facing the front of the Pantheon there is a road that runs alongside w/ a short wall for the grade change on both the right and left side. If you follow the one to the left it will take you to Santa Maria Sopra Minerva and the elephant. It will also take you to the neighborhood where they sell liturgical items (the nun's underwear street as my aunt calls it).

The road to the right has a fun shop called Cartoleria Pantheon w/ fabulous stationary and handmade paper books that make good gifts.

The road that runs parallel to the front of the Pantheon has Pizzeria Pantheon to the left and Piazza San Eustacio on the right.

If the gypsy man is out playing his violin, give him $ before taking his picture or you'll get cussed out.

Have a wonderful trip and can't wait to see photos and read a report.

When we went to Rome (one day only- cruise) we used these guys.

http://www.romeinlimo.com/

I swear we saw so many things in just a few hours. There was a wonderful coffee shop that we went to and a great restaraunt. When I open that box I will post it.....

PS - I am so jealous!!!

I would congratulate you on your upcoming trip, finding a sitter, and all that, but I'm too busy being bitter that I haven't been to Italy yet. :angry:

(Alright--I'm glad you're going. Have a wonderful trip.)

Hang out in Positano for a few weeks. Pensione Casa Guadagno - http://www.pensionecasaguadagno.it/guesthouse.html

Rooftop dining every night by the family Guadagno. Eat as much as you like because the stairs down and up to the water will take it off of you every day.

Ciao, Bella TFT! Have a wonderful trip!

TTF! I forgot one thing. Just in case you want to check in on us while you're gone (though we'll understand if you don't ) make sure you ask for a QWERTY keyboard at the internet point. Otherwise you'll waste valuable time trying to figure out where the heck all the letters and symbols are. It's funn the first time and aggravating the second!!

I would like to see a pic of a SoWal sticker over David's toolkit.

Praiano is a good spot to stop, have lunch, and take a picture of Positano.

The Pantheon is my favorite (literally holy) place in Rome. Agree with Scooterbug's advice about it (and everything else--watch that #64 bus!), as well as Kurt's mention of Piazza Navona. We bought a really cool clock in Rome at a place called Centro Raku.

Excellent day trip out of Rome: Hadrian's Villa

I know you'll have a wonderful time. Buono viaggio!

anything you do in italy will be fabulous. almost. our very best times were the little remote places off the beaten path, without hordes of tourists. italians are sharp dressers - nice jeans or pants, dress, skirt. absolutely no shorts. if you wear shorts you are a tourist from america, and the old ladies will stare.

I have a few tips for ya:

1. enjoy a delicious cappucino every single morning with italian bread and jam or whatever pastry they have to go with your coffee.
2. shop at the little cheese and pastry stores so you can keep supplies with you at all times: italian bread, cheese, biscotti, etc. you do not want to find yourself hungry while traveling.
3. take a nap every single day no matter what. everyone else does. after your late afternoon nap, you get up and get a cafe' machiato, get dressed for the evening and head out to dinner and more walking. your nap will allow you to get almost 2 days out of every one.
4. decide which sights you must see and see them. allow yourself free time to wander and shop and do as you please. (can you do your own day trip on the train?).
5. drink lots and lots of vino. get to bed by 11 and sleep til 7. get up and do it all over again.

comfy shoes are a must, but you will have lots of opportunity to sit down and rest throughout the day as you enjoy coffee, meals, naps, etc. you'll be fine. you'll have a wonderful time!!!

I'm so excited for you both!

oh crap! she left yesterday? I'm so sad I didn't say ciao! just found this darn thread!!!

I hope she checks in, though she's crazy if she even thinks about it. I really want to tell her to take a nap!!! TFT - TAKE A NAP!!!

I would like to see a pic of a SoWal sticker over David's toolkit.