14/11/2005
Rome Report
The best thing about my trip?
That had to be spending time with chums I don't see nearly enough of since moving to the other side of the country. We had so much fun in each other's company and there wasn't a cross word between us.
The worst thing?
Seeing a gang of pickpockets accost an elderly Chinese gentleman.
Thankfully the police were there to foil the gang... but the technique used if something for us all to beware of- One personable young man approaches with a clipboard to ask you to sign in support of some worthy charity or other...while you are listening his comrades approach from the other side of the road (on your blind side) and start emptying your pockets/bags etc.
Very very frightening to see in action.
We wore our bags under our coats from then on, and when we went out for a meal only one of us carried a credit card (in her bra!)- none of us carried a bag.
Is it worth risking the dangers to see Rome?
Most definately. You will never see sights like those in such profusion anywhere else in the world. Riding past the Coliseum on an open top bus is something I'll never forget; you can practically hear the roar of the crowd. The same with Circus Maximus where some of the bigger chariot races were held. It's absolutely incredible to see these places, some of them almost intact after so many centuries.
The open top bus is a relatively new development in Rome. You can buy a ticket on the bus for 13 Euros (though I was told this isn't possible at the Vatican, so you'd have to check that) The ticket is good for 24 hours and you can get on and off wherever you wish. The service is great, with a bus every 10 minutes.
I have to say this is absolutely the best way to get your bearings and to see the sights... the height is what you need when you're staring up at the Coliseum, believe me!!
Earphones are provided so you can listen to a commentary in your own language, and you also get a map... so all in all, a pretty good deal.
The cooking was fun- mustn't forget I went to do an Italian cookery course! But the experience is everything... I get more ideas from one research trip than I could ever get from a book... the sights, the sounds, the smells, the light...
So, to conclude- the food is fabulous, the shopping too... though the prices on the main drag compare with any major city.
The markets however are a different story... my fave purchase? A bead necklace I didn't even have the brass neck to haggle over. The price? 3 Euros!!!
We have a winner for my Blog-exclusive competition... so congratulations to Nikki Cole! A signed copy of the very first UnCut romance, Virgin for Sale will be winging it's way to you as soon as you let me have your snail mail, Nikki.
Better get into the writing cave now!!
Love to all, and happy reading everyone!
Susan
That had to be spending time with chums I don't see nearly enough of since moving to the other side of the country. We had so much fun in each other's company and there wasn't a cross word between us.
The worst thing?
Seeing a gang of pickpockets accost an elderly Chinese gentleman.
Thankfully the police were there to foil the gang... but the technique used if something for us all to beware of- One personable young man approaches with a clipboard to ask you to sign in support of some worthy charity or other...while you are listening his comrades approach from the other side of the road (on your blind side) and start emptying your pockets/bags etc.
Very very frightening to see in action.
We wore our bags under our coats from then on, and when we went out for a meal only one of us carried a credit card (in her bra!)- none of us carried a bag.
Is it worth risking the dangers to see Rome?
Most definately. You will never see sights like those in such profusion anywhere else in the world. Riding past the Coliseum on an open top bus is something I'll never forget; you can practically hear the roar of the crowd. The same with Circus Maximus where some of the bigger chariot races were held. It's absolutely incredible to see these places, some of them almost intact after so many centuries.
The open top bus is a relatively new development in Rome. You can buy a ticket on the bus for 13 Euros (though I was told this isn't possible at the Vatican, so you'd have to check that) The ticket is good for 24 hours and you can get on and off wherever you wish. The service is great, with a bus every 10 minutes.
I have to say this is absolutely the best way to get your bearings and to see the sights... the height is what you need when you're staring up at the Coliseum, believe me!!
Earphones are provided so you can listen to a commentary in your own language, and you also get a map... so all in all, a pretty good deal.
The cooking was fun- mustn't forget I went to do an Italian cookery course! But the experience is everything... I get more ideas from one research trip than I could ever get from a book... the sights, the sounds, the smells, the light...
So, to conclude- the food is fabulous, the shopping too... though the prices on the main drag compare with any major city.
The markets however are a different story... my fave purchase? A bead necklace I didn't even have the brass neck to haggle over. The price? 3 Euros!!!
We have a winner for my Blog-exclusive competition... so congratulations to Nikki Cole! A signed copy of the very first UnCut romance, Virgin for Sale will be winging it's way to you as soon as you let me have your snail mail, Nikki.
Better get into the writing cave now!!
Love to all, and happy reading everyone!
Susan
Comments:
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Rome sounds wonderful! I'm already keen to read the book that's going to be written as a result of this visit!
Have you been watching the Rome series on the BBC? I watched the 11th episode tonight and spent most of it behind what my dh calls my "scaredy cushion"!
Thanks for the book!
Nikki
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Have you been watching the Rome series on the BBC? I watched the 11th episode tonight and spent most of it behind what my dh calls my "scaredy cushion"!
Thanks for the book!
Nikki
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