Rome: A City of Contrasts and other Rome, Italy General Tips

Contrasts in Rome

Favorite Thing: Rome is, indeed, a city of contrasts.

The new with the old, the antique with the modern, the ancient with the contemporary.

Romans use their cell phones more than Americans! But, it certainly is fun to see locals standing beside an ancient monument, cell phone in hand or up to the ear.

Also, the roar of scooters resounds in the streets along with the clip clop of the horse-drawn carriages.

Even though the buildings seem ancient on the outside, once you enter, you are amazed at how modern the interiors are.

This is especially true in Roman villas and apartments. Their kitchens and bathrooms are marvels!

Fondest Memory: In fashion, Romans are on the cutting edge; yet, classic suit jackets, vests, dresses, and traditional shoes are also evident, especially with the older generation.

Regardless, the Romans I saw were so well dressed and seldom in casual attire such as Americans usually are!

I appreciate this attention to attire; it indicates self worth and dignity in my estimation. Perhaps that is one of the many reasons why I love Rome so much!

Top Photo: Allan took this of me beside a horse-drawn carriage in Rome.

Bottom Photo: Allan took this of me "pretending" to ride the ever-popular scooter in Rome.

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General Tips: Men: In All Kinds of Uniforms!

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Updated by deecat

on May 11, 2005

Irresistible Men in Uniforms

Favorite Thing: Well, girls, one of the most enticing facts about Rome is the incredibly good looking Italian men.

They are outgoing, sophisticated, well dressed, and Italian handsome! On top of that, it seemed to me that wherever I went, I would see men in Uniform. And we know, girls, that men in uniform are sexy!

I noted that there are three different kinds of Police Uniforms. Then, there are the Military Uniforms. Additionally, there are the Swiss Guards in Uniform at the Vatican City Gates as well as various Guards at important historical sites.

The Uniforms only add more mystic to the incredible Male Specie.

Fondest Memory: I had always been told that Italian men, especially in Rome, were "fresh". So, I was expecting to see Roman men flirting with attractive foreign tourists, especially if she were a blond.

I did not observe that at all. That fact impressed me because instead of being obnoxious, the Roman men were true gentlemen. Thank goodness.

Please click the photograph to see the five different examples of men in uniform in Rome

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Districts - typical & commercial: Small Images Make a Large Impact

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Updated by deecat

on May 11, 2005

Roasting Chestnuts

Favorite Thing: We love to roam the streets, the main ones and the not-so-famous ones. We do get lost quite often, but all you have to do is ask. Italians are so accommodating and helpful.

In order to see the "flavor" of the city, stroll the streets and be aware of the small, yet remarkable, scenes.

Yes, do all the tourist activities, but make time for wandering.

Some of our best "moments" happened when we least expected it.

As we were walking to find a hotel in Rome for when Allan's sister came to see us in Gaeta for a week, and we had plans to bring her to see Rome), we really were not paying much attention to our surroundings. Suddenly, an old Italian man with a cane was trying to help a crying child. Of course, we stopped to see if we could assist. The child was lost, and she was English.

Even though the Italian man could speak no English, his gentle hand on her back, his warm smile, and his reassuring voice all helped to calm the hysterical youngster. In time, between him hailing a policewoman and us speaking to her in English, all ended well.

Two very greatful parents thanked us profusely and nodded to the old gentleman. He waved goodby, and that ever-present smile lit up his wonderful, wrinkled face. I tell you, that's one memory emblazoned forever in my mind.

Another time, a street vendor roasting and selling chestnuts told us in his broken English, "You must be American. You are so friendly!"

Now, we did not purchase the chestnuts so he was not attempting to use flattery. Those few words of his made us feel special, and they forever erased that Ugly American Stereotype that we've always fought so hard to dispel.

It's this side of Rome that I cherish; I invite you to try to discover it too.

Fondest Memory: Once we left Rome, I missed the historical flavor, the vibrant activity, and the elegant fashions unique to Rome. But, most of all, I missed the people.

Yes, Rome is an ancient yet modern city...one for All the Ages.

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General Tips: A Shocking Reminder

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Updated by deecat

on May 11, 2005

Bruno Magli Store in Rome

Favorite Thing: While in Rome with our military friend, Hugh, we did a little window shopping. As we were chatting and pretending to purchase all the lovely items that are readily available in Rome's most exclusive areas around Piazza di Spagna, especially the elegant shoppes around Via Condotti, we were "Stopped Dead In Our Tracks" when we saw a shoe store with a sign that read, "Bruno Magli.

Why? You might ask. Well, Bruno Magli shoes just happen to be the choice brand and really only brand of shoe that our own O.J.Simpson wears, and this brand of shoe played an important part in his murder trial.

Well, since all of America, and half of the world, had been watching that infamous trial, we were smirking and pointing to the sign. So I decided to ask Hugh and Allan to pose in front of the store, pointing to the sign. A crowd of tourist gathered round.

Fondest Memory: Not all of them were American, and not all of them knew about the O.J. Simpson murder trial. We attempted to explain why we were taking this photo and why we were laughing. Some people just walked away, shaking their heads and probably thinking, CRAZY AMERICANS!

It's another of those moments that are really unimportant in the total scheme of life; however, it's a fun time to recollect. It would be impossible for me to purchase a pair of Bruno Magli shoes for Allan knowing that OJ loved them so.

Besides, I could never afford to buy them!

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Roman Forums: Roman Forum: Once the Center of Life in Rome

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Updated by deecat

on May 11, 2005

Forum Ruins in Rome

Favorite Thing: The Roman Forum is interesting to see if you have some background information. Otherwise, it just looks like a disaster zone.

So, I suggest that you view the whole area from the Capitoline Hill above it. From that vantage point, you can understand and pick out the most substantial of the ruins. You can also see the main street (Via Sacra{Sacred Way}) which was the path followed through the Forum for triumphal and religious processions as they made their way to the Capitol for the purpose of giving thanks at the Temple of Jupiter.

For me, the most interesting items in these ruins are the Temple of Castor & Pollux which was dedicated to the twin brothers of Helen of Troy. I like its Corinthian columns.

I also enjoyed seeing the circular Temple of Vesta and behind it the House of the Vestal Virgins. From mythology I knew that the Vestal Virgins served Vesta, goddess of hearth and home. She also protected children. So her temple was one of ancient Rome's most sacred. There was a flame that was kept alive by the Vestal Virgins because it symbolized the continuation of the state of Rome. They thought that if the flame died, so died Rome.

The House was where the cherished virgins lived. There were 50 rooms and was probably annexed to the Temple.

Fondest Memory: Everyone has his/her favorites in the Forum Ruins, much of it based on personal taste or architectural interests. My favorites always have to do with the mythological tale or legend that accompanies it.

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Piazza Venezia: The Victor Emmanuel Monument

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Updated by deecat

on May 11, 2005

The Victor Emmanuel Monument