The next three entries will be a guide on how to have fun in Rome without the need to re-mortgage your home. However, please note that all prices are subject to change.
Trevi Fountain- FREE.
Be sure to try some of the Italian ice cream from the many parlours that surround the fountain. The smooth texture of the gelato (ice cream) is a perfect accompaniment to the rich view of the shimmering water cascading between the statues.Glistening and awe inspiring it is the most beautiful fountain in Rome and attracts a huge crowd the entire day.The Trevi fountian is best seen in the evening when the lights gleam off the clear blue water, and is the perfect spot for a romantic cuddle and picture.
It is said that if you turn your back to the fountain and throw a coin over your shoulder it will ensure a return to Rome, and after the sights and the tastes of the Trevi fountain you will gladly participate.
Pantheon- FREE.
A prodigious building, the Pantheon is one of the most famous buildings of the Roman Empire. Standing next to the gigantic columns that each weigh 60 tons you are but a mouse.The size and structure is amazing and shows Roman architecture at it's best, make sure to look at all sides of the building for a full appreciation. Opposite is a charming and busy Piazza della Rotonda with another beautiful fountain.
I found this building hard to find even amid the signposts, which perhaps is due to poor map skills. However, it did lead me to Area Sacra Argentina, which had many free ruins to gaze down upon from a beautiful street, a detour worth making.
The Spanish Steps- FREE.
A busy area just a short walk from the designer shops. I felt like a tinned sardine walking through the area only to reach the Spanish steps and not really see them. The steps were covered in people sitting on them and made it hard to see the beauty you see in films or pictures. They would be worth seeing on a quiet day and to take a walk up the steps for the view at the top.
Be careful in this area, we encountered people selling flowers that place the flowers in your hand, expect money and will not take them back. It is best to avoid eye contact with them or keep your hands in your pockets.
Restaurants near by-
That's Amore Restaurant near the Trevi Fountain serves gorgeous Italian food to the sound of the crooners of 1940's America. Small and quaint the service was unparalleled.
Address- Via del Lavatore, 88
00187 Rome, Italy
Other areas with lots of good restaurants to try are: Area Sacra Argentina and Via Nazionale.
I am sad to admit I know little Italian and whist out there needed medication for an allergy, but I'm pleased to say that after five attempts of asking do you speak English? That we were finally understood and communicated like this:
Me- Pary inglesee?
Parrrrleh inglesee?
Par-lah inglseseh?
Par-lah een-gleh zeh?
Pharmacist- Yes. (motions little with his fingers)
Me- Allergy? (Sticks out cheeks) blotchy, (pokes skins on arms) itchy, (Scratches skin on arms) Medication, need more. Stronger!
Pharmacist- (Looks at medication) No good?
My Partner - More! Higher! (Waving hands up in there air)
Finally we did get the medication but it is important to remember that although most know English do not assume they all do. There is nothing worse than an English person shouting in English slowly to somebody who does not speak the language, because guess what? No matter how many ears you damage that day, they still do not understand you. So before you travel anywhere do the sensible thing and buy a phrase book!
Phrases to help the struggling English tourist:
Hello Buon giorno.
Good bye Arrivederci.
Excuse me Mi scusi
Yes/No Si/No
Please Per favore
Thank you Grazie
Do you speak English? Parla inglese?
Help! Aiuto!
Stop! Fermate!
Do you speak English? Parla inglese?
I don't understand Non capisco.
The Trevi Fountain.
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