The Guide Books Are Right! and other Rome, Italy General Tips

Fondest Memory: Palentine Hill is one of the talked about "seven hills of Rome". We heeded the advice of the guidebooks and walked right on by the Colosseum, making a right onto the Sacred Way. To the left of the arch of Titus leading into the Forum, is an unassuming ticket kiosk. Here we bought our tickets, with no line what-so-ever. Palentine Hill was almost all to ourselves. How much fun it was to walk among ancient history alone. There was one other couple scrambling around the rocks and a small group of about 5 with a tour guide. That was it!

Have you ever done this? Sort of stood close to a tour guided group pretending to be looking intently at the scene before you, but all the while, listening to the good bits the guide is giving out? No need to pay when you can eavesdrop...

Then, after leaving Palentine Hill, we waltzed right on by the long..........line..... waiting to get into the Colosseum. The ticket you buy on Palentine Hill also covers the Colosseum. The walk-right-on-by side is to the left when you get to the Colosseum.

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Fondest Memory: I loved walking from point A to point B and unexpectedly coming across an architectural site. This one was very endearing because it is also a Cat Sanctuary! We didn't notice all the cats at first. They lounge among the ruins like desposed royalty, waiting for their empire to ressurect. This is the Largo Argentina, located south of the Pantheon. These are Repubican era temples that were partially restored in the 1920's. (Of course if you go by it you must descend the stairs and leave a small donation to the sanctuary-please?)

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Favorite Thing: So much to see and learn about!
And still, so much being discovered just now.
I love it!


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Favorite Thing: For one, 40 euros, traveling frugally, should work. The wonderful thing I found out about Rome, is that the city itself is just one BIG open air museum. Invest in a guide book that suits you, hit the streets and you'll be set! When we ate at restaurants, we went only a few blocks off the main drag and let the proprietor serve us what he wished. We would just say, "We will take what you are serving today." They very much enjoyed our trust in their selection and our meals were superb, always ending in a complimentary digestive liquor, often with the proprietor having a lil sit down and chat with us. Price--reasonable! Have a great time, Rome is city you will remember always!


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