Tales from a backpacking crusader: Rome
Written: Sep 04 '00
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Rich in history and tradition
Cons: My gosh it's hot
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| brad_cantrill's Full Review: Rome |
Hello there. For the past month I've been recharging my batteries by backpacking through Europe. I can't lie the bar exam was tough. In fact, I'm sure that some of the proctors scraped some the rest of my brain matter away as they collected my final exam. That however, is a part of history (thank God) and I did have a wonderful August. I apologize to those whom I haven't visited in awhile but I promise to make amends. I have missed Epinions, but the break probably did me some good. At any rate, my travels have provided me with a wealth of new information to write on. So for awhile the writer's block will subside.
Doing Rome in two days (Yes, it can be done)
I love Rome -The city-. As a history buff, it was a must to visit. I don't regret for a moment travelling to Italy. I do however, believe that there may be a better way to see Rome, depending on what kind of traveller you are. If Rome is your sole destination then by all means spend a week. Partake of the wonderful galleries and museums. By a good guide book and enrich yourself in the history. Enjoy Roman nightlife and rather inexpensive dining. But if your like me, I have the timetable to see Rome -2 days- no more, no less.
My mistake was a) spending five days in Rome and b) Going when it was a blistering 95 degrees. Rome may be an advanced culture, but they don't believe in air conditioning. So before you embark to Rome make sure you factor in the time spent there and the temperature. If you do, you will be a step ahead.
Okay I'm here, I've got 48 hours, so what do I see?
Day one must be spent in old Rome. This is the area that houses such sites as the Colessium, the Circus Maximus, and the Forum. Old Rome is packed with history and is a place where one could benefit from a guide. Fortunately, tours tend to run every 20 minutes in the Forum. Some are paid, but if you are lucky (as I was) you can go on a tour for free. Many times students give tours in order to entice travellers to sign up for other tours. Take my advice, take the free tour throw them 1,000 lira and move one.
Now I could try to sit here and recant everything you would see in old Rome but I would create a headache for myself and ruin the tour for you. Let me just say that among other things you can view the Arch of Titus, The temple of the Vestial Virgins, the Pantheon, the Temple of Marcus Agrippa, The Imperial forum, Julius Caesar temple, Augustus Caesar temple, etc.... Go see it.
After you see Old Rome (which will take the better part of Day one). Make sure you stop by the Trevi Fountain and through in a coin to ensure a speedy return to Rome. Walk by the Spanish Steps, view the earliest operating sewer system (and hold your nose), and walk through the Jewish Ghetto. Cap the day off with a stop at a Geleteria (by the Spanish Steps) and dinner at a Pizzeria. Drink a litre of wine, go to bed early, and get ready for Day 2.
Day 2 will of course include a trip to the Vatican, but the smart traveller will not do this in the morning where the lines can strech up to 2 blocks. Instead, try to get tickets to the Villa Borghesse a remarkable museum of art. It is difficult to get in, so reserve your tickets the moment you arrive in Rome. After the museum, grab a sandwich and head over to the Vatican.
Be sure you see the Museum and the Sistine Chapel first. It is a longer exhibit and they close before the Church of St. Peter. When in the Museum your going to have to pick and choose a bit. It's possible to spend 2 days at the Museum alone, but the backpacker has no time. Avoid the Rapheal Rooms (though they are intersting there are over 100 rooms to see). Instead, concentrate on the Museum itself and the Sistine Chapel. Then after you have seen the Museum walk over and take in the Church of St. Peter. A most impressive site, do not deny yourself the experience of climbing to the top. The spires twist and are small, but the view is spectacular.
Finally, after seeing the major sites of Rome reward yourself with a dinner by the Colessium. Seeing this marvel at night lit up is amazing and is an experience that should not be missed. But above all enjoy Rome. Eat well, drink the wine, and partake of the culture.
Recommended:
Yes
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