Ciao Roma! — ColourfulLittleMoments

Being a tourist in Rome is exhausting! It's crazy here - everywhere you look is something from ancient Rome. So much to see, so many people, so many qeues. But, I have to admit, the Romans (and Italians in general) have taught me a few things about reducing my stress levels. And that surprised me!

Road laws in Italy are suggestions only. A no parking sign? Park. A really no parking at any time sign? Park. Not enough room to park between the cars? Park - perpendicularly. Pedestrian crossing? No problem, park. Two lane road? Just go three abreast, make a 3rd lane. What has amazed me though, with the traffic in Rome particularly, is that you rarely hear a horn beeped, a word shouted, a fight breaking out. While the drivers seem to be oblivious to any kind of road rules, they are actually quite courteous and patient with each other. It seems to be anything goes, if there is a space in the road, go for it and no-one cares. While I'm not sure about the ignoring the road rules bit, we could certainly pick up a few pointers from the Italians in patience and forgiveness. Perhaps the road rage back home would be reduced.

Typical example of street parking. Have a good look at all cars. Even the black one in the middle of the street is parked.

The train and car park facilities in Rome are few and far between. There is a law here (one of which they follow) that Roman ruins can not be moved but they can build around them. Each time they excavate to build a train line or car park they hit more Roman ruins and then have to try and find somewhere else. It is no wonder there are so many scooters, Fiat 500's and Smart cars in Italy.

Pedestrians are very similar. People in front of you stop in the middle of the footpath? Meh, just go around them. The footpath is blocked with a gazillion people? Don't stress, just walk on the road, the cars will go around you. Before we finished the tour in Rome and were left to our own devices the tour director gave us some advice. 'When looking to cross the road just step out nice and calmly. If you make eye contact with the driver and he sees fear in your eyes he will speed up. If you're part way across a road and a car comes? Just act nonchalant and continue along at your own pace. If the driver sees you speed or look scared, he will speed up.' In one case, a woman was crossing at the lights on the red man. Our taxi was actually getting impatient. The woman stopped in the middle of the road, lit a cigarette and continued on her merry way, slowly. The taxi driver didn't even beep her! So far, the advice on crossing streets in Italy seems to be working and I think I am getting the hang of it.

The other thing that I noticed in Italy was that while there were plenty of peddlars selling their wares, they did not hassle you. Once you say no thanks they leave you along and move on to the next person. Great!

We stayed three extra days in Rome in an apartment I found on airbnb. So nice not to be in a hotel! The apartment was in a great area (about 3 minute walk to the Spanish Steps) and was nice and spacious. The only down side was that it got noisy early but that's what you get in a Rome apartment.

Sightseeing in Rome. If you like visiting history, ruins, eating, drinking and shopping then three days is not enough! I did a few of the big ones but there is still plenty more to see. I mentioned in a previous post that I purchased a Omni Rome and Vatican card. It was worth it as you can book in for fast tracking and skip lining up. Don't get me wrong, it still takes a while but it does beat the major ticket line. In the Vatican Museum (including Sistine Chapel) , St Peter's Basilica and Colosseum your bag goes through a security check similar to the airport. The Vatican Museum was by far the worst for crowds and just about took the amazement out of it.

I did a lot, but not enough. Until next time. Arrivederci!