"Rome..for Christmas" Rome by mapakettle

Rome Travel Guide: 11,941 reviews and 26,475 photos

A life long dream for my wife has been to visit the Vatican, and to vist during Christmas was a step beyond what she ever believed we would do.

Well, dreams do come true, because we were there. We attended Christmas Mass, as well as the Pope's greeting on Christmas day, and were as close as any visitor could get to Pope John Paul. What a wonderous feeling, the aura this man gives off, unbelievable. We were positioned immediately behind some school girls from Spain, who chanted over and over, "we love you father", and sang snippets of school songs. The feeling of love, of belief, of belonging filled every square foot of space within the wall of St. Peters Square. (Piazza S. Pietro)

The police did a wonderful job of handling the huge crowds, and did so with patience and kindness. For every question my wife asked, this one particular lady police (woman) gave long and detailed explanations, answering questions I'm sure have been asked countless times before. I have great respect for the Rome police force.

A hint for those who wish to see the Pope give his greeting, attend the mass Christmas morning, and be one of the first people out of the church after Mass is over. We did and were, and ended up only yards from where the Pope gave his address.

We visited the usual sights, but bewarned, not every site is open over Christmas, and those that are have reduced hours. I will outline what I recall on the 'tips pages'.

If you plan on visiting the Colosseum, be sure you use the washroom prior to your visit. They have porta-pottys, and you line up for their use. Just a word to the needy.

Pope's Blessing Dec.25/2003

Rome is a city for walking. Maria and I walked from one end of the city, to the other, with great confidence and sense of safety. The only flaws were the 'businessmen' selling their wares outside of every major attraction. They lined bridges, and obscured wonderful photo ops, but, to be fair, they have to make a living too. We saw the police perform a 'sweep' of one area outside the Colisseum, but they just grabbed the four corners of the blanket their goods were displayed on, and hefted the whole thing onto their shoulders and strolled down the street. I imagine this is a part of their daily routine, and they accepted it with grace and good natured banter. After the police moved on, they set up shop and started again. Beware however, the handbags are not the quality that you will find in regular stores, but then you aren't paying the same price either.

The one sight that I particularly wanted to visit was the Trevi Fountain. I have seen this view in countless movies, and wanted to see it in person. Well, been there, done that. The most interesting thing I saw was this lady with a long pole with a magnet attached to the end of it, systematically probing the water and collecting the coins that people were tossing into the fountain 'to promote their return'. I assumed this person was employed by the city of Rome, but no, once again, an enterprising sort. Apparently the money in the fountain was originally meant to be directed towards the 'poor', but somewhere along the way, monies were misdirected, and ended up in politicians personal bank accounts. This info came directly from a Dutch Tour Guide who gave us many other tidbits as well. Take it for what it is. I like to believe that the lady with the pole was doing her civic duty, and cleaning up the debris in the fountain.

Santa Susanna...I found it very peaceful

I can't say I fell in love with Rome as many others have. I found it to be overwhelming, too much to see, way too much traffic, and very noisy.

I didn't feel the 'vibe' as it were, I didn't feel the soul of the city, and nothing really jumped out at me that I would run and tell others about.

To be fair, we were there at a bad time, Christmas holidays , it was cold and windy, and I had the flu to boot. Not the best person to be relating their holiday travels. However, that said, I loved our visit to Santa Susanna, the home of the American Catholic Church in Rome. I felt so at home, so at peace within these four walls. Just something about this church gives comfort. I am not American, nor Catholic !! Well worth a visit.

We are already making plans to return to Rome. I have to find what I missed, and Rome certainly deserves a revision of what I have already written.

The people were great, shopkeepers and waiters attentive, and hotel clerks outstanding. Rather short staffed at certain sights, but I blame that on the season.

Rome, we're coming back, and we expect to throw our coins into the Trevi Fountain as well. Lady with the stick, adjust your magnet.

Pros and Cons

Pros:so much history to absorb...where do you start, and for how long at each site.
Cons:traffic, car horns, and peddlers.
In a nutshell:wonderous city, but.....???

Last visit to Rome: Dec 2003
Intro Updated Nov 22, 2005
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Comments (12)

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jjjesse Mar 9, 2008 at 7:44 AM

Best tip ever about paper plates & plastic knives/forks. Especially in rip off Venice. Thanks Jesse
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GrossPierre Aug 16, 2006 at 8:10 PM

Yeah, this is an advert, right?
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BerniShand Jul 9, 2006 at 3:44 PM

we`ll be here in 2 weeks time, I hope that lady doesnt take my coins out of the fountain, I know I`ll want to return
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scottishvisitor Apr 29, 2006 at 3:19 PM

It is a dream of mine to visit Rome your tips will help I an sure
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hundwalder Oct 14, 2005 at 6:25 PM

Another outstanding page. Thanks for visiting my Trieste page. ciao !
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travelgirl3 May 16, 2005 at 10:36 AM

Hi Pa, enjoyed your Rome page, sounds like your visit was short & sweet. I'm intriqued by the CAA cash card - it's news to me, but I'll have to check it out. Penny
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madamx Dec 29, 2004 at 6:26 PM

More, Pa more!! What a great page, but more tips please. Many thanks for the hotel tips, we are heading to Rome for our 5th Anniversary; can't believe it's been 5; hard to imagine 30+ years of marriage ;o) ~ Helen
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o00o Aug 2, 2004 at 7:03 AM

Great tips and awesome photos.
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GrantBoone Jun 26, 2004 at 5:16 AM

Nice Rome page Dave, I know what you mean about the subway thieves. They are everywhere in the city !!
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evona May 14, 2004 at 3:22 PM

Hi! Nice page! I would like go to Rome one day.... Ciao da Polonia :)