Rome: A City of Contrasts
by deecat
Rome is, indeed, a city of contrasts.
The new with the old, the antique with the modern, the ancient with the contemporary.
Romans use their cell phones more than Americans! But, it certainly is fun to see locals standing beside an ancient monument, cell phone in hand or up to the ear.
Also, the roar of scooters resounds in the streets along with the clip clop of the horse-drawn carriages.
Even though the buildings seem ancient on the outside, once you enter, you are amazed at how modern the interiors are.
This is especially true in Roman villas and apartments. Their kitchens and bathrooms are marvels! In fashion, Romans are on the cutting edge; yet, classic suit jackets, vests, dresses, and traditional shoes are also evident, especially with the older generation.
Regardless, the Romans I saw were so well dressed and seldom in casual attire such as Americans usually are!
I appreciate this attention to attire; it indicates self worth and dignity in my estimation. Perhaps that is one of the many reasons why I love Rome so much!
Top Photo: Allan took this of me beside a horse-drawn carriage in Rome.
Bottom Photo: Allan took this of me "pretending" to ride the ever-popular scooter in Rome.
Don't order drinks or food at...
by karen_mo
Don't order drinks or food at the bar and then sit at the tables. Fairly common in Europe this but different to the pub culture in UK.
Also, in snack bars, pay for your food first and then go and order it. This is dodgy if you can't speak Italian as you have to wave wildly at the sandwiches and hope you get one on your bill. Somehow I ended up with a capuccino instead, must be my accent!
Fresh fruits, frutta fresca
by Karahan about Food or beverage
In the summer time you alway get thirsty. There are plenty of fountains everywhere around the city but what about some vitamins? Yeah, there are many fresh fruit shops on streets too. More than just fruits, They have coolers and some of them sell cool waters, fruit juices and coconuts.
Metro line B
by thirstytraveller
Metro line B is the oldest line of Rome's rapid transit. Old graffiti-covered trains are running on this line. They get hot in the summer - open windows help a bit, but of course make the ride noisier. The line takes you to Colosseo and Roma Tiburtina railway station, for example, intersecting line A under stazione Termini. Stations are announced acoustically (also in English) on some trains.
A new branch of the line, B1, is under construction.
Red Red Wine (and also White White Wine)
by karenincalifornia about Il Simposio
Rome has wonderful enotecas (wine bars) throughout the city. Their hours seem to be hit and miss - I couldn't quite figure them out. They'd be open mid day but not late afternoon, then sometimes they would be open in the evening.
We took an evening stroll and walked by this enoteca, so we stopped for a glass of Italian vino. The enoteca was elegant and had a nice selection of Italian wines.
Age limits don't apply here like they do in the US. Wherever we went, my 6 foot 1 15-year old son was asked if he wanted wine. He declined (good boy, although I would have let him if he wanted a glass.) A small intimate restaurant, Il Simposio, is located at the back of the Enoteca. We didn't eat there, but the atmosphere was very nice. The reviews of the restaurant are very good. Next door is Constantini, a very well stocked wine shop (closed in the evening).
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St.John Baptist
Statues crowning the 18th c. façade
Apollo del Belvedere, Vatican Museums
The Temple of Saturn, Roman Forum, May 2007
