Rome
We were driving from Tuscany to Sorrento and it was too far for a single days’ drive, so I tried to find something vaguely half way … hence Tivoli. Except I didn’t want to stay in the town of Tivoli, so I booked a hotel that apparently was closer to some hot, thermal baths … sounded nice – it wasn’t! Probably the worst area we have been in on the entire trip! Crime rate and poverty has to be ten times worse than Albuquerque!! Even the Nonnas here swear like sailors!
Back to Rome – I’ve been twice before, loved it the first time (partly because a gorgeous Italian at the Colosseum offered to lick the sweat off my body – it was a glow really, not sweat) but the last time I was there (10 years ago) I said “that’s it, not coming again”. And I told Jarrah – “we’re not going to Rome, we’re driving past, going to Tivoli and then heading further South”. So don’t ask me how me landed up taking the train to Rome instead of driving to Tivoli but I blame Jarrah.
So what don’t I like about Rome, I hear you ask … it’s crowded, it’s noisy, it’s dirty, it’s loud, it’s hot, it’s smelly, it’s home to the headquarters of the Catholic Church and worst of all, I get sick of being harassed by ticket touts, tour operators etc every friggin step of the way. We came up with a strategy though, pretended to not understand not only English, but any language of any kind known to man.
What was an added bonus this time though, was some deranged man walking along the pavement towards me, who all of a sudden lunged at me, shoved his face about 2cm from mine and yelled something in Italian. Nearly jumped out of my skin with fright … will let you know in 14 days if he had COVID.
Even though I received a marriage proposal the last time I was at the Trevi fountains, I didn’t throw a coin in this time … I’m making sure …
If you’ve been to Rome, I’m pretty confident you haven’t seen the Spanish Steps (above) like this – not a soul on them. That’s due to COVID, there were police armed with whistles making sure that no-one sat down, or lingered for their selfies.
Even though Rome was nowhere near as busy and crowded as it usually is, it somehow still managed to be noisy.
Likewise with Saint Peter’s Square – deserted really in comparison to what it is usually like.
Jarrah-ism:
When in Rome …. leave!
SERIOUSLY, IF YOU HAVEN’T BEEN – YOU SHOULD GO, BUT ONLY ONCE!
6 Comments
Diane Cooper
I’ve never really had an inkling to go to Rome however I’ll be sure to go in the middle of a pandemic – no crowds at all! And at least Jarrah can now say she’s been there :).
Lynda Maxwell
Pity it was so disappointing.
Patricia Forner
It’s been ages since we were in Rome. Audrey may have been 11 or 12. George and I rented Vespas and we went everywhere with the kids hanging on for dear life behind us. We navigated the city and had a great time, I think…who knows, that was many moons ago. There was a lot of noise and traffic and we consumed a lot of gelato. Glad you are on your way again. Hopefully, in two weeks time, you will only have memories of the dodgy guy who was so yukky! Stay safe. I love reading your blog everyday. It makes me feel happy to know you are having the trip of a life time with each other. That will remain a joyful memory for a long time to come – for all of us who read your daily blogs, and for the two of you making this great trek.
Audrey
Never seen any part of Rome so deserted! It would have been cool to not have the massive crowds. Funny that it was still noisy! Onward!!
Christopher
Ok. Two items to point out here. 1) The Picture of the semi-arc with all of the statues on it. Two of the statues in the center look like they are giving the most Italian of gestures. It really tickled me. 2) The picture of what I can only assume is that of a Caesar – exactly why was the statue done with the dimensions of a Hobbit? Just curious.
Sandy
Hobbit-esque stature – have you SEEN Italians??