Lighting
by sinoda
In the end of the summer head to the St.Peter's early in the morning - on a weekday preferably, oh yes and make sure the sun is shining.
Enter the church hall and walk down then main ship, then turn around and rest in contemplation.
The picture might give you a hint of what I mean. God's finger come down and reach for you - where else than here? Maybe the architect was a clever guy or maybe a woman? and had planned this scenario carefully or it just so happend that the sun would shine "miraculously" through the upper windows and create this nice effect.
Packing List
by Gypsystravels
While I try to take as little as possible these are some items that I must take along with me on most of my travels. I travel during any season and adjust my packing list according to the weather, type and length of travel.
What I tend to do if I am traveling during the colder season, I usually wear the jacket, a heavy sweater, wool pants, along with boots (these are items that would take up more space in the luggage). In my carry-on bag I usually have an oversized T-shirt, drawstring cotton pants and a spare pair of socks which I change into about 1 ½ hours into the flight if I am going to Europe. I also carry my tooth brush (no morning breath here), something to read, glasses, contact case and travel solution, Tylenol (I usually get headaches during long flights).
Remember to adjust your packing to the location and time of year, and just go out there and enjoy your time wherever that may be. Following is just a sample of the items that I usually take along:
2 pair of slacks one black, the other any color depending on the season (depending on the season, linen or cotton for the spring/summer, wool/wool blend or polyester blend for fall/winter
1 black jacket to dress up the slacks or for casual dinning)
1 black dress (for evening dinning, show, opera, etc, or for a night out at a club)
1 pair of jeans and a pair of khakis or Capri’s (again, depending on the season)
2 skirts or shorts which can be worn either during the day or into the early evening
2 white t-shirts or tank tops
3 casual/dress shirts (sweaters in the winter)
1 pair of walking shoes for daytime touring
1 pair black shoes or sandals
2 bathing suits and 2 cover-ups
one week’s worth of undergarments
2-3 pajamas or oversized t-shirts for sleeping 4 spare pairs of contact lenses
5-7 pair of trouser socks
contact lens solution
spare glasses
extra pair of sunglasses
blow dryer (never leave home without it)
travel iron
cosmetics in a travel case
my favorite shampoo and conditioner in travel sizes
hand and body lotion travel size
Tylenol, allergy medication and any other medication I am taking at the time
Hair accessories, brush, hats or caps
2 cameras, plenty of film and extra batteries for the camera
Guide books, itineraries, maps, copies of my passport, airline tickets, phone numbers to credit card companies, extra ATM card for withdrawal from savings if my regular card fails, 2 credit cards, $500 in cash for just in case of emergency, $200 traveler’s checks (again, for just in case something happens with my ATM cards)
Extra travel bag to put all my purchases in.
That nice Italian atmosphere...
by belgianchocolate about Mercato Piazza Alessandria
I love these places. And I always do some
effort to track at least one down.
So we took the bus from 'Termini' towards
the 'porta Pia'. In the middle of the
'Piazza Alessandria' is a covered market.
The atmosphere is relaxed and different
from the places that got flooded by tourist
here they are quit amused by it. People
are helpfull and friendly. Some fresh fruit.
I also bought some olives and a combination
of mushrooms and vegetables in vinegar and
oil. A delicious and fine sort of salami ,
a fieuw tranches of th famous italian dried ham ,
..... Very little if you aske me...
Fantastic Pizza
by Clairraven about Gallo Matto
Family owned, warm service, great food. The waiters are very entertaining. In ten days we became regulars at this place. Near the end of our trip, we mentioned to our waiter that we were a little homesick and they started playing Marvin Gaye records.
If you can stop eating the pizza, the chicken is also very good. Skip dessert. Besides pizza, I thought the gnocci was very good.
It's almost impossible to list...
by mauro_pd
It's almost impossible to list good restaurants in Rome since there are hundreds of good ... anyhow:
Checcho er Carrettiere: at Trastevere (via S. Benedetta) this is a typical restaurant priced mid-hi: great amatriciana!!!
Moving away from the town: at Fiumicino (close to the main apt) Bastianelli al Molo is a reknown fish mainly restaurant at seafront: elegant & expensive (acually not my best)
Then a reminder for me (not tested yet): Cacciani (elegant & expensive) & Trattoria al 19 at Frascati (thanx to Romoletto, another vt member)
Back in the heart of Rome (via Veneto) area: Da Giovanni, expensive and elegant (not so much anyhow) place for a very good dinner.
Romantic: Montevecchio (close to Piazza Navona): you definitely need a very detailed map to find out this small (no more than 10 tables) and absolutely not to miss restaurant ... it is in vicolo Montevecchio (asking local people could help but not always).
Now: for a good pizza the problem is bigger than for a good restaurant: there are thousands of pizzerie. I just suggest you one where a particular atmosphere can be enjoyed: Gaudi via Giovannelli (not so far away from via Veneto).
Back to restaurants: alla corte dei Borboni, via della Ripetta (close to Piazza del Popolo): different opinions about this neapolitan-cuisine restaurant, good, bad, extremely good, great value-for-money, expensive & so on ... I loved it, ok ? Absolutely not to miss is Amatriciana, a pasta you can find everywhere in Rome: if you like pasta give it a try everywhere cause each one gives it a personal touch.
Living, dining and kitchen
Group Picture
Piazza di Spagna from top of steps
The Central Nave of San Giovanni In Laterano
