Posted by admin on September 23, 2007 under Rome hotels and events | 
Rome - Something for everyone 23 September 2007
Posted by Danne75 in : Events in Rome , trackback
Rome has got it all. For the young, the old, families and couples. Whether you are backpacking or you are here for an extended stay. If you are interested in architecture, history, and have a passion for food then this city is definetly for you. However these are not the only distractions that can be found in this ancient giant of a city that needs several lifetimes to be explored and discovered.
There are also several different periods of history all captured in time and preserved and which can be seen literally in the hundreds of buildings monuments and churches. Renaissance, Baroque and ancient imperial buildings stand side by side and it seems that the town planning of the city was an afterthought.
Rome has got it all. For the young, the old, families and couples. Whether you are backpacking or you are here for an extended stay. If you are interested in architecture, history, and have a passion for food then this city is definetly for you. However these are not the only distractions that can be found in this ancient giant of a city that needs several lifetimes to be explored and discovered.
There are also several different periods of history all captured in time and preserved and which can be seen literally in the hundreds of buildings monuments and churches. Renaissance, Baroque and ancient imperial buildings stand side by side and it seems that the town planning of the city was an afterthought.
Large piazzas and shopping streets attract tourists and locals alike. Gelato and pizza are the order of the day and coffee seems to be drunk like water. Traffic seems to be flowing constantly and scooters are everywhere. Sirens are always wailing and hooters are blaring at every traffic intersection. However all is not chaos and noise. Solace can be found in the Villa Borghese park and in the other green areas found in the city. If the kids are with you then their energy can be spent rollerblading are using the bicycles that are available to hire in the park. If you are feeling especially brave you can hire a segway and go for a spin in Piazza del Popolo.
Large piazzas and shopping streets attract tourists and locals alike. Gelato and pizza are the order of the day and coffee seems to be drunk like water. Traffic seems to be flowing constantly and scooters are everywhere. Sirens are always wailing and hooters are blaring at every traffic intersection. However all is not chaos and noise. Solace can be found in the Villa Borghese park and in the other green areas found in the city. If the kids are with you then their energy can be spent rollerblading are using the bicycles that are available to hire in the park. If you are feeling especially brave you can hire a segway and go for a spin in Piazza del Popolo.
Trastevere is a popular night spot crowded with bars and clubs and where the partying carries on into the wee hours with total abandon. Another area which is popular with the younger crowd because it is close to the university is San Lorenzo. There are also many winebars and pubs crammed into this spot.
Shopping here is like breathing. You have to do it. Via del Corso, Via Condotti, Piazza di Spagna and Via Nazionale are just some of the more well known of the numerous places you can go to sate your appetite and shop to your hearts content. Prada, Gucci, Armani, Versace and Bulgari are all here.
Trastevere is a popular night spot crowded with bars and clubs and where the partying carries on into the wee hours with total abandon. Another area which is popular with the younger crowd because it is close to the university is San Lorenzo. There are also many winebars and pubs crammed into this spot.
Shopping here is like breathing. You have to do it. Via del Corso, Via Condotti, Piazza di Spagna and Via Nazionale are just some of the more well known of the numerous places you can go to sate your appetite and shop to your hearts content. Prada, Gucci, Armani, Versace and Bulgari are all here.
When you feel like a break from the city the beaches are not far from the city and they are really easy to get to with public transport. Wind surfing, kite surfing and the good old surfboard can be used along the coastline too. The Abruzzo National Park is also not far away. There are many trails to go hiking and mountain biking and there is also so much climbing that can be done here. In winter it is also great to go skiing here as well as in Campo Felice which is closer to Rome than the park if you have less time.
When you feel like a break from the city the beaches are not far from the city and they are really easy to get to with public transport. Wind surfing, kite surfing and the good old surfboard can be used along the coastline too. The Abruzzo National Park is also not far away. There are many trails to go hiking and mountain biking and there is also so much climbing that can be done here. In winter it is also great to go skiing here as well as in Campo Felice which is closer to Rome than the park if you have less time.
The Province of Lazio, in which Rome is located is a perfect place from which to make your daytrips too. As it is situated roughly half way between the north and the south of Italy. The main train station,Termini, located near our hotel, is perfect for this as trains from all over the country arrive and depart from here. The Leonardo Express also departs from here directly to Fiumicino airport ( Leonardo da Vinci ). There are also many bus shuttles that also depart from the station to Ciampino airport.
Well now that you have decided where you are going all you have to do now is make up your mind when. Looking forward to seeing you in Rome. Have a safe trip.
Posted by admin on September 20, 2007 under Rome hotels and events |
Places outside of Rome 20 September 2007
Posted by Danne75 in : Events in Rome , trackback
If you are here for an extended stay you might like to consider a few daytrips out of Rome. There are many places to go to outside of the city and they are not too far away and most of them are relatively easy to get to with public transport.
A few places you might like to try are Tivoli, Castel Gandolfo, Lake Bracciano and Ostia.
In Tivoli you can take a walk through the gardens and have a look at the amazing fountains of the Villa d’Este. One fountain in particular would be the Organ Fountain. There are around 500 fountains and the gardens are fantastic. Another villa to which is a must see, would be Hadrian’s Villa. Renowned as an architect and not just as an emperor, Hadrian constructed a villa with which to remind himself of his most favourite places in the world while he was in Italy.
In Tivoli you can take a walk through the gardens and have a look at the amazing fountains of the Villa d’Este. One fountain in particular would be the Organ Fountain. There are around 500 fountains and the gardens are fantastic. Another villa to which is a must see, would be Hadrian’s Villa. Renowned as an architect and not just as an emperor, Hadrian constructed a villa with which to remind himself of his most favourite places in the world while he was in Italy.
The Villa d’Este is open from 9 in the morning till an hour and a half before sunset and is closed on Mondays, January 1st, May 1st and December 25th. Tickets cost 6.50 euro for adults, 3.25 for EEC citizens between 18 and 25 and entrance is free for EEC citizens under 18 or over 65. The entrance fees and opening times are the same for Hadrian’s Villa.
The Villa d’Este is open from 9 in the morning till an hour and a half before sunset and is closed on Mondays, January 1st, May 1st and December 25th. Tickets cost 6.50 euro for adults, 3.25 for EEC citizens between 18 and 25 and entrance is free for EEC citizens under 18 or over 65. The entrance fees and opening times are the same for Hadrian’s Villa.
The next place to visit would be the pope’s Summer residence Castel Gandolfo. This building has been built over the remains of an older castle and partially incorporates the ruins of Emperor Domitian. The pope usually gives his summer audience from here while the Swiss Guard is also in attendance. The castle also overlooks the Albano Lake and it is 30 kilometres south east of Rome.
The next place to visit would be the pope’s Summer residence Castel Gandolfo. This building has been built over the remains of an older castle and partially incorporates the ruins of Emperor Domitian. The pope usually gives his summer audience from here while the Swiss Guard is also in attendance. The castle also overlooks the Albano Lake and it is 30 kilometres south east of Rome.
Lake Bracciano is another great place to go if you feel like a more relaxed getaway. This is a great place to go if you have children and it is also a lot quieter than the beach and there is plenty of shade as well amongst the trees on the bank. You can even rent deck chairs too.
Lake Bracciano is another great place to go if you feel like a more relaxed getaway. This is a great place to go if you have children and it is also a lot quieter than the beach and there is plenty of shade as well amongst the trees on the bank. You can even rent deck chairs too.
Ostia is perfect if you love to mix relaxation with exploration. With the ruins of the old sea port of Ostia being so close to the beach this would be one stop that you wouldn’t want to miss. This location is a perfect place for a daytrip as it is closer than Pompei and you can also use a regional train to get there. Which means that a day travel card is all you need to get there and back. This is a lot cheaper than going to Pompei if you are on a budget and the buildings are in a far better state of preservation than their counterparts in Pompei.
Posted by admin on September 2, 2007 under Rome hotels and events |
Getting around 2 September 2007
Posted by Danne75 in : Events in Rome , trackback
In a couple of days I will be off to London and getting to do what all of you guys do, go on holiday. Its only when you have to do something yourself that you begin to realise all the details involved. The big issue is organising transport.
In a couple of days I will be off to London and getting to do what all of you guys do, go on holiday. Its only when you have to do something yourself that you begin to realise all the details involved. The big issue is organising transport.
Hopefully this bit of information will help you out when you have to make a decision. So I am going to be flying out of Ciampino to Stanstead. I am using Ryanair so I have decided to get a Terravision bus ride from Termini to Ciampino. It takes about 55 minutes but they guarantee to get you to your destination on time. A one way journey costs 8 euro and a return is 14 euro. I have decided to get a return ticket for travelling on both sides. Here and in London. This is the most painless way for me to travel as it avoids having to connect busses with trains etc.
The other way you can get to Ciampino would be to use the A line on the metro. You go all the way to Anagnina and then you get a Cotral bus from there to Ciampino. You can also get a train from Termini that takes you to Ciampino town and then get a bus from there to the airport.
Hopefully this bit of information will help you out when you have to make a decision. So I am going to be flying out of Ciampino to Stanstead. I am using Ryanair so I have decided to get a Terravision bus ride from Termini to Ciampino. It takes about 55 minutes but they guarantee to get you to your destination on time. A one way journey costs 8 euro and a return is 14 euro. I have decided to get a return ticket for travelling on both sides. Here and in London. This is the most painless way for me to travel as it avoids having to connect busses with trains etc.
The other way you can get to Ciampino would be to use the A line on the metro. You go all the way to Anagnina and then you get a Cotral bus from there to Ciampino. You can also get a train from Termini that takes you to Ciampino town and then get a bus from there to the airport.
Getting to and from Fiumicino is far easier. The Leonardo Express takes you directly to Termini from the airport. It takes around 30 minutes and costs you 11 euros. You can also book a taxi from the hotel either to Ciampino or Fiumicino if you have a lot of bags with you.
Posted by admin on August 20, 2007 under Rome hotels and events |
Open Air Cinema on Isola Tiberina 20 August 2007
Posted by Danne75 in : Events in Rome , trackback
The hey days of Rome’s cinema greatness may have ended more than 30 years ago but Italians still like their cinema and film festivals. The Romans especially have a fondness for cinema and they do also appreciate foreign films (as long as they are all dubbed).
The hey days of Rome’s cinema greatness may have ended more than 30 years ago but Italians still like their cinema and film festivals. The Romans especially have a fondness for cinema and they do also appreciate foreign films (as long as they are all dubbed).
At the moment on Tiberina Island a film festival is being held until the 1st weekend in September. The legend of the island says it was formed when the evil Etruscan king, Tarquinas Superbus, was thrown into the river after he was killed and all the sediment and sand accumulated around his body and formed the island mass. Today there is a hospital located on the island, built on the remains of an old temple. There are 2 bridges which connect the island to the mainland. One of them is the oldest bridge in Rome which was built around 62 BC.
At the moment on Tiberina Island a film festival is being held until the 1st weekend in September. The legend of the island says it was formed when the evil Etruscan king, Tarquinas Superbus, was thrown into the river after he was killed and all the sediment and sand accumulated around his body and formed the island mass. Today there is a hospital located on the island, built on the remains of an old temple. There are 2 bridges which connect the island to the mainland. One of them is the oldest bridge in Rome which was built around 62 BC.
The island is a perfect place to go because it is still near the centre and also the Trastevere quarter. So you can always go for a bite to eat before or after the film. The film festival isn’t the only place to go if you want to relaxe and see a movie. There are a few cinemas which have screens which show films in English. One is very near the hotel, Warner Village Moderno, in Piazza della Republica. It usually costs around 5 euros for a ticket, which isn’t too bad. The other one, Metropolitan, is on Via del Corso closest to Piazza del Popolo. They are usually open from around 6 or 7 in the evening. They are also especially nice to go to now because they are air conditioned.
Posted by admin on August 16, 2007 under Rome hotels and events |
Yahoo Tiramisu 16 August 2007
Posted by Danne75 in : Events in Rome , trackback
Ok I now I have spoken about it before but this time I actually made it. It also turned out rather well too. My room mate , who has since gone back to Germany had a book with all these great recipes and I am sorry I didn’t take down anymore but I managed to scribble down this recipe before he left and I am glad I did. Anyway I had some time and I decided to go off to the Tuo Di supermarket and go get some ingredients.
So this is what you need:
500 grams of marscapone, 150 millitres of milk, 75 grams of sugar, 1 teaspoon of vanilla flavoured sugar, 2 cups of coffee ( preferably from the mocha ), 2 shots of amaretto and 200 grams of finger biscuits and 1 tablespoon of sweetened chocolate powder. Right now lets go through how you stick it all together and get a great result.
So the first thing you should do is get the coffee done and let it cool down. While that is happening you can get on with the rest. So dump the mascarpone, vanilla and sugar into the bowl and whick the hell out of it. Now add the milk a bit at a time. You don’t want to add too much milk or the tiramisu wont set properly. The mixture should be smooth not runny. If you don’t use all the milk by the time you have got this result its fine just drink what’s left and carry on. By this time the coffee should have cooled down and you can now add the 2 shots of amaretto to it. Another trick is not to dunk the biscuits into the coffee but rather put them in the dish first and then take a tablespoon and pour it over the biscuits. Once you have drizzled the first layer of biscuits with the coffee you can add a lyer of your mascarpone cream. Then repeat this with another layer of biscuits and then finally another layer of cream. For the finale get a table spoon of chocolate powder and dust it over the top of the tiramisu using a sive. You don’t want to do this without one because if you do it will come out all lumpy and you will choke on the chocolate powder.
So the first thing you should do is get the coffee done and let it cool down. While that is happening you can get on with the rest. So dump the mascarpone, vanilla and sugar into the bowl and whick the hell out of it. Now add the milk a bit at a time. You don’t want to add too much milk or the tiramisu wont set properly. The mixture should be smooth not runny. If you don’t use all the milk by the time you have got this result its fine just drink what’s left and carry on. By this time the coffee should have cooled down and you can now add the 2 shots of amaretto to it. Another trick is not to dunk the biscuits into the coffee but rather put them in the dish first and then take a tablespoon and pour it over the biscuits. Once you have drizzled the first layer of biscuits with the coffee you can add a lyer of your mascarpone cream. Then repeat this with another layer of biscuits and then finally another layer of cream. For the finale get a table spoon of chocolate powder and dust it over the top of the tiramisu using a sive. You don’t want to do this without one because if you do it will come out all lumpy and you will choke on the chocolate powder.
Once you have done this leave the tiramisu in the fridge for at least 6 to 8 hours. Or even better over night. It is really quick and easy to make. From making the coffee to putting it in the fridge takes about 30 minutes. This recipe will be enough for 8 to 10 people depending if they only have one piece.
Another great thing about this recipe is that there are no eggs so you can store it for a lot longer before having to eat it and it is has a bit less cholesterol in it than usual so granny can also have a piece. It’s also nice and light so it won’t feel like you have just eaten a horse and the cart it was pulling.
Buon appetito !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by admin on under Rome hotels and events |
Spazio Etoile Rome 16 August 2007
Posted by Xtine71 in : Events in Rome , trackback
The brand new Spazio Etoile in Rome has opened recently and is to hold meetings , galas and exhibitions.
Its location right in Rome city centre off Via Del Corso , in easy reach from our My Hotel Rome , makes it ideal for business travelers or if you are in Rome for leisure purposes.
Business meetings are held in the Spazio Etoile Rome, but also special events such as Roma D+ which is about culture of the design , that will take place between 5-13 october 2007, and for wine lovers, Roma Wine , from 16 to 18 november 2007.
The Via del Corso Spazio Etoile is also a great location where to hold wedding parties , since the Basilica San Lorenzo in Lucina is round the corner and your guests will be impressed by the elegance of the buildings and for your stay choose our central hotel Yes Hotel.
The brand new Spazio Etoile in Rome has opened recently and is to hold meetings , galas and exhibitions.
Its location right in Rome city centre off Via Del Corso , in easy reach from our My Hotel Rome , makes it ideal for business travelers or if you are in Rome for leisure purposes.
Business meetings are held in the Spazio Etoile Rome, but also special events such as Roma D+ which is about culture of the design , that will take place between 5-13 october 2007, and for wine lovers, Roma Wine , from 16 to 18 november 2007.
The Via del Corso Spazio Etoile is also a great location where to hold wedding parties , since the Basilica San Lorenzo in Lucina is round the corner and your guests will be impressed by the elegance of the buildings and for your stay choose our central hotel Yes Hotel.
The Spazio Etoile also organizes events for you such as catering, secretary service,…
Where ? close to our My Hotel Rome in :
Piazza S. Lorenzo in Lucina, 41 - Rome - Telephone : +39 - 6 68 13 65 98
Off Via Del Corso in central Rome near the Spanish Steps.
Posted by admin on August 13, 2007 under Rome hotels and events |
Special hotel deals Rome 13 August 2007
Posted by Xtine71 in : Events in Rome , trackback
If temperatures are steadily rising throughout summer , which is common in central Italy and Rome , you will find that on the other hand hotel rates in Rome tend to be cheaper which is definitely ideal since most families are on summer vacation.
Rome is the absolutely perfect location for a family holiday so check out our Rome hotel family packages.
Indeed during your stay in Rome there are plenty of things to do for every age : in a hot day kids will love the Aquapiper, a water park at the outskirts of Rome, while the whole family will enjoy the Time Elevator in the heart of the city , which brings you back to the birth of Rome in a fun way.
If temperatures are steadily rising throughout summer , which is common in central Italy and Rome , you will find that on the other hand hotel rates in Rome tend to be cheaper which is definitely ideal since most families are on summer vacation.
Rome is the absolutely perfect location for a family holiday so check out our Rome hotel family packages.
Indeed during your stay in Rome there are plenty of things to do for every age : in a hot day kids will love the Aquapiper, a water park at the outskirts of Rome, while the whole family will enjoy the Time Elevator in the heart of the city , which brings you back to the birth of Rome in a fun way.
For those who want to relax some a city tour bus is a must, and you can take advantage of our getaway package which includes city tours and restaurant.
And last but not least , going out at night during summer in Rome is an absolute delight as pounding life seems to resume only after dark as the it gets fresher ! Rome by night is another must-do for all.
Our Yes Hotel Rome in the centre of Rome is the perfect base to start off , since we are steps away from Termini Station and bus routes and more importantly Yes Hotel Rome and My hotel Rome are located in walking distance from most major sights such as the Colosseum and the Trevi Fountain only to name a few.
So do not miss out all the fun and culture in one of the most amazing ancient city of Rome and book your My Hotel Rome.
Posted by admin on July 31, 2007 under Rome hotels and events |
Rome by night 31 July 2007
Posted by Danne75 in : Events in Rome , trackback
So you are at the end of another day sight seeing and everyone has told you that the only place to go for a night out in summer is near the beach in Ostia. Well this is not true…here are some ideas of what you can get up to on a night here in Rome.
A first stop would be the Trastevere quarter. There are loads of places to check out like pubs, bars and clubs. You can also enjoy the famous “grattachecca” , which is a mixture of ice, syrup and pieces of fruit, in front of Trilussa Square. It would be great at the moment especially with the temperature being so hot. Otherwise if that doesn’t tickle your fancy try a gelato from Pompi gelateria .
A first stop would be the Trastevere quarter. There are loads of places to check out like pubs, bars and clubs. You can also enjoy the famous “grattachecca” , which is a mixture of ice, syrup and pieces of fruit, in front of Trilussa Square. It would be great at the moment especially with the temperature being so hot. Otherwise if that doesn’t tickle your fancy try a gelato from Pompi gelateria .
Piazza Navona and Campo di Fiuori are always busy. Another great place to go close to Piazza Navona in Via dell’Anima is a club called Anima and you can dance untill 4 in the morning with r&b and hip-hop thumping away.
So someone may have bursed your party bubble a bit and told you that in Testaccio in the summer its not very easy to find great discos which are open but yes as was previously mentioned Ostia does give you some respite. To get there take metro line b (the blue one) till Piramide and than you take the train for Ostia. Just remember the blue line of the metro close at 11.30 p.m. and startS again at 05.30 a.m.
Going to Eur, using the same metro line, is good for every kind of evening. Try the Zen Disco or Le Terrazze which are close to the lake that you’ll find in Viale America.
Piazza Navona and Campo di Fiuori are always busy. Another great place to go close to Piazza Navona in Via dell’Anima is a club called Anima and you can dance untill 4 in the morning with r&b and hip-hop thumping away.
So someone may have bursed your party bubble a bit and told you that in Testaccio in the summer its not very easy to find great discos which are open but yes as was previously mentioned Ostia does give you some respite. To get there take metro line b (the blue one) till Piramide and than you take the train for Ostia. Just remember the blue line of the metro close at 11.30 p.m. and startS again at 05.30 a.m.
Going to Eur, using the same metro line, is good for every kind of evening. Try the Zen Disco or Le Terrazze which are close to the lake that you’ll find in Viale America.
Close to Termini Station there is Julius Caesar Disco Pub. It has a great pubcralw. Try it!! You can find it in Via Castelfidardo on the corner with Via Palestro. Tuesday, Thursday Friday and Saturday the crawl starts at 8 in the evening.
Posted by admin on July 3, 2007 under Rome hotels and events |
Angel Tours 3 July 2007
Posted by Danne75 in : Events in Rome , trackback
On my day off the other week I decided to go to another church, as is my usual habit, to go have a look at some art. However, this wasn’t just any church, this was St. Peter’s Basilica. After being here for nine months and still not having gone inside and taking a look at the Vatican Museums too, I decided it was about time.
After organising a tour with Angel Tours I was told to meet at the taxi rank outside St. Peters Square at 12:30. I was met by a group of cheerfull guys and gals holding umbrellas with angels on all of them. They were really nice and asked me to wait in the corner just a few metres down as it was out of the sun and a lot cooler. At around ten to one we were given a quick introduction and then divided into smaller groups and taken off by our guides.
After organising a tour with Angel Tours I was told to meet at the taxi rank outside St. Peters Square at 12:30. I was met by a group of cheerfull guys and gals holding umbrellas with angels on all of them. They were really nice and asked me to wait in the corner just a few metres down as it was out of the sun and a lot cooler. At around ten to one we were given a quick introduction and then divided into smaller groups and taken off by our guides.
My guide, Steve, was absolutely fantastic and he was a virtual walking talking encyclopoedia. He was very funny too and we weren’t bored to death about too many facts but the ones that he did give us were extremely interesting and entertaining. The queue was really long to get into the museums but Steve told us to go off and have a coffee and he would keep our place in the line. So after an espresso and two chocolate bombe I was ready to get back in the queue.
So after getting inside, going through security and then a quick toilet break we were then on our way up the escelator to the museums. At the top of the stairs we went through to the garden which had a huge pine cone in it and a globe of the earth. We were then given an explanation of the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel as we weren’t allowed to talk inside. Then we went through to a small garden and had a look at some beautiful carved marble pieces.
After that it was through to another hall containing what historians believe to be a huge bird bath made out of Egyptian red marble. It has since been mined into exhaustion. We saw three more pieces made out of the same marble. The price tag for each of these pieces is unbelievable. 44 000 euros per square inch.
My guide, Steve, was absolutely fantastic and he was a virtual walking talking encyclopoedia. He was very funny too and we weren’t bored to death about too many facts but the ones that he did give us were extremely interesting and entertaining. The queue was really long to get into the museums but Steve told us to go off and have a coffee and he would keep our place in the line. So after an espresso and two chocolate bombe I was ready to get back in the queue.
So after getting inside, going through security and then a quick toilet break we were then on our way up the escelator to the museums. At the top of the stairs we went through to the garden which had a huge pine cone in it and a globe of the earth. We were then given an explanation of the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel as we weren’t allowed to talk inside. Then we went through to a small garden and had a look at some beautiful carved marble pieces.
After that it was through to another hall containing what historians believe to be a huge bird bath made out of Egyptian red marble. It has since been mined into exhaustion. We saw three more pieces made out of the same marble. The price tag for each of these pieces is unbelievable. 44 000 euros per square inch.
After a few more rooms and quite a bit more walking we finally got to the icing on the cake, the Sistine Chapel. We weren’t allowed to take any photographs but that didn’t stop people from snapping away and filming with their video cameras. It was a bit disappointing that it wasnt lit very well but this must have something to do with preserving the restored frescos. After the chapel we exited from a door on the right hand side and then we were off to St. Peter’s. Just remember to take off your hat and the rules about the dresscode and you should be ok to get in.
The place is huge and it is full of really great pieces of art. One of the great and most well known pieces must be Michelangelo’s Pieta. It was the only piece of sculpture he ever signed. There is just too much to mention here. This place is full of Bernini, Michelangelo, Bramante, Rafaello and all the other great masters.
This place is well worth a visit even if you have to wait for a while in the queues. How often are you going to be in Rome and when will you get another chance to see this magnificent place. Thanks Angel Tours for making my day.
Posted by admin on June 22, 2007 under Rome hotels and events |
Please be aware 22 June 2007
Posted by Danne75 in : Events in Rome , trackback
The pick pocketing is rife again. I have heard lots of stories about incidents happening at the train station, on the bus and the metro. A lot of the situations could have been avoided but I keep hearing the same phrase ” I didn’t know about it”.
Like any tourist you will be spotted a mile away by any local. They are usually the people with loads of cameras, moon bags and are often seen looking very confused with a large map held out infront of them. They are easy targets but they don’t have to be. Please leave all your valuables in the safes that we provide for you at the hotel. Do not take any of the following with you unless you really need them: passports, drivers licenses, credit cards, keys and cellphones. Also don’t wear any excessive jewellery as this will draw attention. Only take the necessary things like the money for entrance fees to museums or for lunch etc. If you have to take a large amount with you for splurging on shopping then please use a money belt. If you dont have one please please please buy one. I have seen them for sale at most of the stores that also sell suitcases and luggage bags.
Like any tourist you will be spotted a mile away by any local. They are usually the people with loads of cameras, moon bags and are often seen looking very confused with a large map held out infront of them. They are easy targets but they don’t have to be. Please leave all your valuables in the safes that we provide for you at the hotel. Do not take any of the following with you unless you really need them: passports, drivers licenses, credit cards, keys and cellphones. Also don’t wear any excessive jewellery as this will draw attention. Only take the necessary things like the money for entrance fees to museums or for lunch etc. If you have to take a large amount with you for splurging on shopping then please use a money belt. If you dont have one please please please buy one. I have seen them for sale at most of the stores that also sell suitcases and luggage bags.
If you take a bag with you wear it with the zips and all the pockets facing the front. That way no one can open the bag without you knowing it. Do not keep anything valuable in the back pockets of your trousers. Now when you do get the metro here are a could of tips to help you get to your destination unscathed. Try to avoid the rush hour times if you can. This is usually around seven till ten in the morning and then again from around four till six in the evening. Always get into the last carriage as it is usually the least crowded. When you are inside the carriage go stand at the opposite door to the one that opens. This way you can get a good look at who is coming in and where they are going. When you are in a carriage and there is plenty of space but you are suddenly surrounded by a group of people move away from them immediately. When you get out of the carriage wait on the platform until the crowd has dispersed a bit. Most of the incidents happen in crowded areas where people are really close together. There is nothing wrong with being at the back of the queue, especially when you still have all your belongings with you.
Try to do the same thing on the bus and and take the same precautions. Do not stop when asked to give directions, do not make eye contact and do not let anything divert your attention.
As far as the police go my personal opinion is that they don’t really care anyway. I have seen long queues of people outside the police offices in Termini all having had something stolen from them. This is the plain honest truth. The Italian station and railway police are useless. So it is up to you to be savvy and street smart. The only information I have heard is a garbled message in very heavily accented Italian over the intercom system and really small signs that are very easily over looked. They do however have tv’s on the platforms and the trains telling you about potential pick pockets. Its a good and a bad thing because you can watch tv telling you about something which is probably happening to you at that very moment.
If you take a bag with you wear it with the zips and all the pockets facing the front. That way no one can open the bag without you knowing it. Do not keep anything valuable in the back pockets of your trousers. Now when you do get the metro here are a could of tips to help you get to your destination unscathed. Try to avoid the rush hour times if you can. This is usually around seven till ten in the morning and then again from around four till six in the evening. Always get into the last carriage as it is usually the least crowded. When you are inside the carriage go stand at the opposite door to the one that opens. This way you can get a good look at who is coming in and where they are going. When you are in a carriage and there is plenty of space but you are suddenly surrounded by a group of people move away from them immediately. When you get out of the carriage wait on the platform until the crowd has dispersed a bit. Most of the incidents happen in crowded areas where people are really close together. There is nothing wrong with being at the back of the queue, especially when you still have all your belongings with you.
Try to do the same thing on the bus and and take the same precautions. Do not stop when asked to give directions, do not make eye contact and do not let anything divert your attention.
As far as the police go my personal opinion is that they don’t really care anyway. I have seen long queues of people outside the police offices in Termini all having had something stolen from them. This is the plain honest truth. The Italian station and railway police are useless. So it is up to you to be savvy and street smart. The only information I have heard is a garbled message in very heavily accented Italian over the intercom system and really small signs that are very easily over looked. They do however have tv’s on the platforms and the trains telling you about potential pick pockets. Its a good and a bad thing because you can watch tv telling you about something which is probably happening to you at that very moment.
This problem is not going to go away over night. As long as there are tourists in Rome that are ignorant of the situation it will continue. Lets make things difficult for these thieves by using the advice I have just given you. After nine months in this city and using the public transport I know a bit about the situation. We want you to come to Rome prepared and ready for a fantastic experience. We want you to leave with happy memeories and not the unpleasant experience and inconvenience of having your stuff stolen. Just take these precautions and you will be fine.
Hot spot areas for pick pocketing are: Termini station, the metro (particularly the popular tourist stops like Colosseo and Spagna) and bus numbers 64 and 40.
