Anyone ever been to Rome?

[Mark123]

The wife and I are heading to Rome in December. Anyone ever been there?

Based on what I've read concerning pickpockets, scams, streetkids, etc...going into the churches, historical sites, etc...

1. I plan on carrying all "can't lose items" around my neck-passports, ID, bank cards
2. In the pockets: digital camera, compact in front pocket, cellphone in front pocket, just enough cash for the day, lots of coins.
3. Plan on leaving the necker at home-assuming I coulnd't carry it into churches, historical sites: metal detectors, does anyone know?

Any thoughts?

[LZ]

I've been there, and yes the city has a reputation for problems with roaming groups of gypsy pickpocket kids....

What they do is approach you with a tray of trinkets for sale...as soon as your hands are occupied with the items on the tray,
you get swarmed by half a dozen young kids that can empty all your pockets in seconds....just be aware and you'll be OK!

Also, when I was there I had trouble getting money from bank machines....they actually run out of money quite quickly,
and the machines are only "refilled" once a week wether they are out of money or not...so remember to take out enough to last a few days...

There is (at least was) a great Irish bar in Rome called "The Fiddlers Elbow" a great place to get a Guinness in Rome ;)
Make sure you pay attention to the change you are given at restaurants and bars...Italian $ comes in large denominations and sometimes it's
easy to mistake what you recieve back in change...

Have a great trip...there are SOOOO many incredible things to see in Rome....and Vatican City....

[saniterra]

I've been to Rome on several occasions, last time 5 years ago. The only site that had metal detectors at that time was the Vatican - St. Peter's and the Sistene. Be careful around the train station - Stazione Termini - lots of bad players in that neighborhood. Don't leave anything in your car, if it can be seen or it will be broken into for sure. Personal experience there. Try not to park on the streets at all if you can help it. Driving in Rome is a bit of a nightmare, even during late November, early December. Purse snatchers are common, sometimes riding a motor scooter, the passenger will reach out and grab the purse of a woman - or man- walking on the sidewalk with the purse outward toward the street. Often spins the purse owner like a top and some get hurt, like a dislocated shoulder or such. Other than that, enjoy Rome. In general a very friendly city and more to see than you can believe. Don't miss San Pietro en Vincoli (St. Peter in Chains), holds not only the St. Peter manacles as its religious relic, but also the tomb of Pope Julius II (commissioned Michaelangelo to paint the Sistene as well as decorate his tomb). I think the only thing actually on his tomb is Michaelangelo's Moses, which is outstanding. The Captives were for his tomb, but never finished and are powerful in their own right but located with the David at the Buonarroti museum in Florence. Have a great trip, Rome is a good place to have one.

[RoisonDubh]

I lived in Rome for 5 months and never had problems. Just learn to have a good situational awareness. Know who is near you. Crowds are NOT your friends. In terms of entering churches (especially the Vatican) realize that shorts and short skirts are not permitted. In realizing that you are going in December that shouldn't be an issue.

In terms of keeping your possessions...I kept an largish wallet (think spec-ops THE wallet, actually would be a good choice as it can hold a passport) in my front right hand pocket turned sideways so that it is harder to pull out. If I was in a crowd I would make sure to keep a hand in the pocket. I personally didn't care for the neck pouches, too hard to get access when you need to in the stores.

Remember the pickpockets are looking for easy marks. They don't want a confrontation. The best scene I remember was a Nun walking down the street with an umbrella on a perfectly clear day, a crowd of gitano (gypsy) children tries to surround her and she goes all Jackie Chan on them! It was hilarious. If such a crowd approaches you stuff one hand in your pocket over your wallet, make eye contact, and avoid them. Keep straps to bags on cross-body rather than just on one shoulder.

[Harald]

Went to Rome a few years ago.
Amazing place. You really have to go to the ancient centre of Rome, the Forum Romanum. While standing there try and see for your inner eye how the entire Mediterranean region and large parts of Europe were ruled from there 2000 years ago, and no faxes, Internet, mobile phones or other electronic gadgets were available. Amazing.
And if you plan to go around by bus, be extra careful about pickpockets.
Also I think I would be a little reluctant to walk through parks at night, but maybe I am just paranoid?

If you need to visit a bank you will have to pass a high security entrance that allows passage of only a single person at a time. So don't expect that you can carry a large suitcase through those doors at the same time. I have to admit, though, that I don't remember if they have an extra wide doorway for disabled people that they may let people pass through in special cases...

The Italians make very delicious icecream, but when travelling in December, hm, maybe not...
Have a nice trip!

/Harald

[GiveMeLight]

2004, girlfriend and I went to Paris and Rome (took the night train from Paris to get there)
Rented an apartment while there. Had no troubles of any kind. Just be aware of your surroundings.
I wore a ScottEvest jacket to hold all my stuff when out and about (30 pockets or so). Handy because, if you have to go through a metal detector you can just take off the jacket and run it through the luggage scanner.
Rome city center is compact enough you can see most it by walking.
If I remember correctly, there is only an A and B subway line. You will probably want to avoid these anywhere near rush hour, the passengers are literally squeezed in like sardines. (I was finally able to shove my girlfriend in and use the overhead bar to lever myself in on the 4th train to come after we were on the platform) We were riding cross town east to west (to visit the Vatican city) --we walked back across town to our apartment near the train station (3 miles maybe)
I would say, don't be afraid to wander down the smaller streets. -This is where you will find some of the best restaurants!
Maybe learn a little Italian before you go... it's rather easy, shares many similarities to Spanish. (you will find that most people speak at least a little English)
If you have it in you, I recommend climbing the 400 stairs to the top of St. Peters.

Italian ice cream = Gelato (think of it as ice cream without the air, and served at a warmer temperature)
-Tip: When paying a cashier in Italy, you will often see a small tray next to the register. This is where you should place your money. The cashier will then pickup the money from the tray and place your change in the tray (and slide the tray to you) if necessary.
Not a big deal, they are used to westerners handing the money over as well, just one of the cultural differences :)
-Oh, and speaking of payments... when dining in a restaurant... you will almost never be brought the bill unless you specifically ask for it. -You should not feel hurried to finish and go, ever. Italian meals for Italians can be pretty long by our standards :) The restaurant proprietors wish for you to feel at ease.
Two and three course meals are common (you will often have several choices for each course).
Also common to be offered coffee or espresso after a meal (they believe it aids digestion). In the evening, if you are inclined, maybe try some grappa after dinner (strong Italian spirit).
** To ask for your bill when you are finished. "Ill conto per favore." (The bill please.)


My photo gallery: Rome 2004 (http://geek.smugmug.com/Vacation/46103)
http://geek.smugmug.com/photos/15144506-S.jpg

Yeah, I dig Rome. Need to go back and visit elsewhere in Italy.
Feel free to ask me any questions you might have.
Gabe

[Nephiel]

A friend of mine went to Rome with his wife in 2006. Someone pickpocketed his wife and had already passed her purse to another girl, but she realized on time and grabbed the girl by the arm, saying loudly something like "You just stole my purse!" (she's spanish so I guess that sounded closer to Italian). Pickpockets don't like attention to be drawn on them, so the girl just dropped the purse and dissapeared while my friend picked it up.

Unfortunately, later that day my friend discovered that his own wallet was missing. They doubt it was the same pickpocket, though.

Be careful, but first and foremost, have a nice trip! :wave:

(edited: duh, I misspelled "pickpocket")

[Mark123]

I appreciate all of the feedback. We're excited about the trip...my wife will be 5 months pregnant at the time, so we'll be moving at a relaxed pace...not a "let's see much we can do in 5 days type of trip."

[brix]

Have fun, it is an amazing place. Just like everyone else stated enjoy yourself and take in the city, but be alert and weary for pickpockets and other bad people that are looking to take your stuff. Keep the important stuff as close to your body as possible. I was on a tour with a group and even the Vatican city this jerk tried to cut a girl's purse strap and take her purse, fortunately she was not as willing to part with it and he eventually gave up.

The food there is awesome as well. Wish I was going :(

[Trickster]

I have been to Rome some weeks ago (end of september/beginning of october) with my girlfriend. We both did not run into any trouble, but we were careful. I kept most of my money and documents in a shoulder holster under my clothes and had only a little amount of money in my wallet, which I kept in the leg pocket of my 5.11 pants.
I also carried a backpack, always being careful not to carry it by a single strap over one shoulder, and I did not put anything valuable in there: just the Travel guide, a bottle of water, ánd the like.
Generally I felt really safe, especcially in the tourist areas you can hardly walk fifty meters without seeing someone from either one of the four police forces Rome has.

A little hint: Be a little careful where you shop and eat: a half-liter bottle of water can cost you anything from about 30 cents to 2 Euros. And some of the restaurants in the touristical areas will charge some money for "coperta" (cover charge) in addition to the overpriced food. Be prepared to pay an average of ten euros for a pizza and something to drink.

Apart from that: Enjoy your stay, its a fascinating town with a really long history and lots of amazing sights. The one thing that made me a bit sad was that many of the antique buildings (temples etc.) were converted to churches and the like over the centhuries. I would have really liked it to see them in their original state. But then if they hadn't been converted they would most likely not exist any more.

[Lunal_Tic]

Be wary of groups of 3-4 gypsy women holding small children or newspapers. Had them surround me and rifle my pockets and gear bag while waving the baby in my face. Happened the first day I was there. Made it hard to take my time to look around and take photos always looking around for more trouble.

-LT

[lam396]

I'm goin to be in Italy for 10 days in January. 2 yrs ago I spent 2 weeks in Spain and the tour guides were always talking about awarness. If you are aware you will be fine. You said you would be carring your stuff in a neck pouch...our tour guides insited that we didnt do that because the gypsies knew of them and would cut the cord and let them fall to the ground(only works if shirt is untucked). They recommended using a money belt like these http://www.rei.com/product/736041. They hold everythng easily(money, plastic, passport. i.d, etc). They go right under the waist band of your pants and are easly reached and relativly discretly. Have fun and take a bunch of pictures

[zenlunatic]

I've been to Rome, in '02 IIRC. I really liked it, although it was rather cold in December. I was in Rome for New Years Eve. Two other students in my group got wasted and they wandered off to a street party. Next day I found out all their possesions were stolen, including both their Passports. *sigh*

If anyone goes to Rome in the winter, you'll see guys on the street selling Warm Chestnuts. They're awesome! Of course I was vegan at the time so I didn't hardly eat much.

[brix]

Yep was there two years ago in March, you definately have to watch your stuff in Rome. Was on a tour and a guy tried to cut a girl's strap to take her purse in Vatican City of all places.

watch out for kids that want to show you tricks and people that just seem really forward.

[evil.little.dru]

I've been to rome twice and love it. I second the scott vest gear it rocks when travelling. I used the ultimate hoodie with a zipper it was great everything was safe and secure. I also used a small backpack but never put anything worth anything in it. Have fun!

[ntp3]

I went to Rome in March 04 with my Wife and 2 teenagers. Also took the train from there to Florence and Venice, then back to Rome. Never had any problems. Even took the subway at rush hour. Picked up several knives while there. The main tourist attractions are the places you have to watch out for. Take a photo with anyone in costume and they will try to get as much out of you as they can. Pass on that.
:luck:

[banu]

My brother in law is Roman, and when in town (touristy places) he puts his wallet inside his underpants (literally). He says its the only safe place!!!

[LZ]

I was in Rome for 10 days back in 93....had a blast!

Just watch out for gypsies and motorcycles ;)

Also, there is (was) a great Irish bar there called "the fiddlers elbow" ....if it's still there it's worth checking out :)

[hhhh]

Wife and I spent a few days there last March. We had a great time without any problems. I guess like any City you have to be on your guard a little, but Rome for us was very pleasant and easy going. Have a great time !