Rome Italy

Arriving in Rome at the Fiumicino- Leonardo da Vinci FCO airport is a fun experience. I say this because when you listen to how they pronounce the name of the airport that the name stuck with me. It is beautiful and a modern airport.

The city of Rome is far away from the airport. To the city you can take the Fast train called the “Alta Velocita”, Taxi, Uber or a shuttle. Shuttle will be the cheapest option and it would take you to the main bus terminal in Rome. From here you can choose to take the subway or the city bus to where you have to go.

I love Rome because it is modern and old at the same time. Roads are brick and asphalt. This is the case in many countries in Europe. The commute here is very easy. A pass of €24 for week will take you everywhere in the city and you can use it for the bus and the subway. With this you will be able to go all the touristic places and more.

It is nice to walk to all places as there are all sorts of statues and stuff with historical importance in every corner of the street. But having the weekly pass you can always jump on the bus or subway when you get tired.

The the subway is very efficient. It is very safe and clean. However you will often hear in crowded places, announcements to watch for pick pockets. This is something you have to watch for as a traveler regardless where you go. I would say even in New York for that matter.

The food

Italian food is famous all over the world. But it has a special meaning in Italy. The pasta here tastes so good and texture is not like I have eaten anywhere. Pizza is so thin and crunchy and I watched them make it from a tiny ball of dough. The tossing part is like magic. Although you don’t see the traditional pizza tossing anymore a lot. Walk into supermarket and you will go crazy of the kind of food there. Big barrels of olive oil and all different types of pasta that looks so yummy. The million types of cheese and seafood. You will have such a hard time deciding what to buy.

Yo should also visit the local farmers markets in certain areas of the city. The farmers are so friendly. I met Abdul a Moroccan vendor who sells vegetable graters at the market. It’s his own design and that he demonstrated the functionality of it. He was giving me vegetables and one of those graters for free just because I was talking with him. This is true is many countries. This happened to me in Lima Peru where they would give you more than what you paid for. If you look at a product they will give you sample with a smile. This is what I love about traveling to other countries. You experience things that you don’t at home. The markets are full of life.

Picture of the Grater and what it does.

Ice cream and deserts.

There are a lot of ice cream places and bakeries. France is normally a place for bakeries but guess what, Italy is also famous for that. Their pastries are delicious too. You have to stop and have some ice cream. They have some crazy flavors. Delicious and colorful. These shops are crowded. Some have ice cream and the bakery together.

Colorful Pastries

Colosseum

There is a subway station very near to the Colosseum. This is an ancient amphitheater which is located in the heart of the city. This was used for the for gladiator contests. The ruins of the outer wall is intact. It is a very popular tourist attraction. Mainly guided tours. Tours are in little groups and you can learn the history and ask questions. The entrance fee covers all that. You also have to visit at night to see the lights from outside.

Spanish Steps

It is a very popular place in Rome. These is an episode of ‘king of queens’ the whole family was in Rome and a scene took place at the Spanish steps. At the base of the steps is a fountain shaped like a boat Fontana della Barcaccia. On top is a park that has a spectacular view of the city at night.

Trevi Fountain

Trevi fountain is a very popular among fountains in the world. It is unique in the sense that if you make a wish here apparently it comes true. Not any wish, a love wish. You will see that when you are there. You toss a coin in a back way toss. You see girls will toss a thousand coins and take pictures and I guess to find love. They say it’s a myth. If you are single do it to find out to see if you found love with your wish. This place is free. It is the fountain of youth. People in general, toss coins in any fountain. This is different. This toss brings you love?

Well I happened to talk to an Italian historian. He had a different take on that. He said it is nice that people believe in that. He joked about it and said no one that he knows fell in love this way. I know you want to try it…

Did you know that The Vatican City state is in Rome but it is independent state. Governed by the pope. Visiting and touring takes a long time as the lines are long. Tickets could be purchased on the street through guides. Just because you went there does not mean you are going to see the Pope. You can make the tour how ever long you want. You get to learn the history of the popes a customs that takes place.

If you traveling in January it rains a lot. It is winter there but it not very cold.