I also know that I have a number of readers and colleagues in Italy, though I am unsure how many of you live in or near Rome. Assuming it's possible, I'd love to meet some of you, since I can't say when I'll ever be in Europe again. The last time I did so was in the late 1980s, when I was an exchange student in England (and, before that, when I was born in the Netherlands). I'm not much of a world traveler, but I couldn't pass up the chance to see Rome when the opportunity arose.
Naturally, I've already got a number of excursions and visits planned during my trip. However, I also have a few days when I'm also quite free. Those times would be perfect for any meet-ups that might occur.
I realize, of course, I'm sharing this with comparatively little advance warning, so meeting up might present logistical problems. Still, I felt I ought to make everyone aware of this in the event that something could be arranged. I have lots of fun at Gamehole Con each year meeting my fellow roleplayers in North America. I imagine I'd enjoy doing so in Italy as well.
I took the family to Rome for Autumn, about 6 months before COVID, and we had a blast! I can recommend the historical reenactment gladiator school, where you can try on gladiator helmets and learn the five sword strokes of death and compete against each other with wooden swords. It's here: https://www.romegladiatorschool.com/gladiator-school
ReplyDeleteA pity that work and family will prevent me from taking the trip south, I would have loved to chat! In case you fancy taking a train and coming to beautiful Verona, you've got yourself a free guide!
ReplyDeleteWelcome to Italy. When you will in Rome, you have to try italian cuisine but stay at large from touristic restaurant. Go to seek "Sora Lella" at Isola Tiberina in our capital city!
ReplyDeleteI recommend a day trip to Pompeii while you’re in Rome—well worth the time!
ReplyDeleteAllan.
My big Rome tips...
ReplyDelete1. Do not try to do more than you can handle in a day. One big thing is plenty.
2. Nozzones are these little drinking fountains everywhere. They have fresh potable water. The pipe has a hole at the elbow so when you cover the pipe's exit flow it squirts out. Great for splashing the face in the heat and filling your water bottle.
3. Anytime you get pooped stop for a spritz/gelato.
4. Speaking of gelato... The shop should only sell gelato and make it on site. Long lines do not mean great gelato.
5. Need a bathroom? Go into the nearest cafe, go to the bar, order an espresso, use the bathroom, and leave. The costs of an espresso at the bar (not sitting) is set by law and is very cheap. I've done this in the fanciest of places with no issues.
6. If you want to skip the Forum, there is a great viewing spot in the bottom of the Capitoline Museum. However-there is something magic about knowing you are standing where Julius Caesar's pyre happened.
7. Use your jet lag as a superpower. Get up early those first few days for sunrise before the tourist crowds.
8. This spot for sunset... Fontana dell'Acqua Paola
https://maps.app.goo.gl/ohK5Ao2mPiHX3BNVA
Good personal insight.
DeleteVisit Villa Borghese to see the breathtaking sculpture of Apollo and Daphne by Bernini. It's the best sculpture I've ever looked at.
ReplyDeleteIf you can book, go to Domus Áurea (beside the Colliseum), a wonderful subterranean ruins (er... Dungeon?) Palace of Nero himself. Has a VR simulation of the buildings and surroundings in imperial times.
ReplyDeleteThe ruins of Ostia Antica are an _easy_ day trip from Rome, although perhaps not as impressive as Pompeii.
ReplyDeleteI live in the northern part of Italy, not so near Rome. It would have been nice to meet, though i think it won't be so easy due to my scheduled turnation job. I cannot know in advance if i am going to work or not those days
ReplyDelete