Almost as good as Pompei, but much closer
by gaiusmarius
Do not miss Ostia Antica (the former port city of ancient Rome). While admittedly second to Pompei, it is easily reached via the Rome rail transportation system. Just consult any transit system map. You can reach Ostia in less than 1/2 hour rather than the 3 1/2 hour each way trip to Pompei. Do visit Pompei if you have the opportunity. Yet, except for the frescos, formidable Mt. Vesuvius , & a catastrophic end, Ostia has everything else. You can spend a fascinating & pleasant day wandering the extensive ruins (featuring the most complete Roman toilet to be found). While not as prestigious as the Rome Forum, the ruins are in much better shape over all, particularly the everyday residences. The roads are also extremely well preserved. It will consume an entire day.
A restaurant/cafeteria is available where the food is reasonable and remarkably good (for a museum establishment). Certainly better than Louvre offerings.
Ostia is also uncrowded to the extreme. I can think of no reason why Ostia is not better promoted. My best memories of Rome are the pervading presence of history which weaves its way throughout. Also, the food in the non-tourist traps. The latter are my un-favorite memories of Rome.
3 Coeds and 11 Italian Soldiers
by mccalpin
When I was Assistant to the Director of the Rome Campus of the University of Dallas, one of my duties was watching out for the students - especially the female students. American "girls" (i.e., about 19 years of age and sophomores in college) from rural parts of the U.S. do not natively know how to handle come-ons and passes from men in large urban environments - like Rome.
One day, I was sitting in Piazza di San Pietro, waiting for the school bus to come. With me were several UD students. Suddenly, 3 of my female students walked by, hand-in-hand with 11 Italian soldiers, headed for the bus stop. Muttering to the students near me "This I've got to see", we all followed the crowd to the bus stop.
When we arrived at the bus stop, I saw the 11 soldiers all trying to collect kisses from my three students. The girls - all being from smaller towns in Texas - tried to say "No" and push the soldiers away, but ruined the effect by giggling.
So here I was all of 24 years of age, and I was going to have to chase away 11 men in uniform. Great.
I stepped up and said loudly in Italian something like "My students have to go now".
Suddenly, 22 hands flew up in the air, and the entire band surrendered, claiming in a babble of words that they didn't mean anything, no harm was done, and they were just leaving...
See next Local Custom Tip - Surprise ID of 3 Coeds...
Ancient Romans Spa Experience
by icunme
For a spa experience sililar to that beloved of the ancient Romans, head out of Rome to the Terme dei Papi in Viterbo. There you benefit from water of nearby springs famed for their healing properties. Treatments are numerous and non-gimmicky, and the spa's piece de resistance is a spectacular grotto carved out of the rock which forms a natural sauna.
Best for those who want to make at least a day of it: the spa is situated out of Rome, offering a real get-away-from-it-all experience. It's not the place for a quick facial between shopping and sightseeing. Book treatments individually, or choose one of the spa's programs, which last up to a week, for serious pampering. Also recommended for those with nagging aches and pains - expert masseurs will sooth them away.
A shuttle bus service runs Mon-Sat between Piazza Mancini in Rome and Terme dei Papi. Buses leave Rome at 8:30 a.m. and depart from Terme at 1:15 p.m. - phone in advance to book a seat Euro 8. By car, tak Via Cassia - Orte exit.
Termi dei Papi, Strada Bagni, 12 - Viterbo.
Small van for small apartment?
by Jenniflower
This was another of those 'I cannot resisit this picture' shots! haha
This removal truck was parked on the side of the road. I am not sure what exactly this removal company do move, but I doubt it could be general furniture? If it was, it would almost certainly have to be moved one at a time. The furniture in our apartment was old fashioned, huge piece... there is no way this removal van could've taken much of the furniture. I would be keen to know what exactly they DO move :)
GREAT pizza & antipasti!!
by Laura_Mexico about Pizza Forum
This is also a great place to eat Napolitan pizza (thicker and tastier than Roman style pizza) and other Italian specialties at low prices. It isn't very good looking, for some people it looks like a fast food place, but it isn't so. The food is good and the prices are quite low, and it's well located. Not many tourists (or even Romans) know about this place either. All pizzas are great here too: there's even one that includes ALL of the ingredients in the menu!!! You can also order some typical Italian appetizers, fried stuff such as pizza dough, breaded rice balls (some with melted cheese inside) which are absolutely great. You can eat a lot and not pay a lot of money for it. But be careful, because if you order a lot of appetizers before the main course, you won't be able to finish the HUGE pizzas they serve you there!
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Pantheon from the back
The interior
signatures
Flowers and a statue.
