Sono inglesi. Dove il la pizza? (aka. Tyr goes to Italy)

[garbon]

[Maladict]

Fascist stuff ey. I do like stepping outside the normal tourist trail....

If you go, don't miss the Museo della Civiltà Romana, it contains among many other things the famous huge model of ancient Rome.

[crazy canuck]

If you hate Rome you hate Life. 

I really like spending time in Rome.

[Barrister]

If you hate Rome you hate Life. 

I really like spending time in Rome.

  And I don't even like big cities.

[Razgovory]

Yeah just one of the most iconic spots.

Also, I'd throw in (well I don't know its name) but the overlook near Giardino delle Rose. Lovely view of Florence.

Jesus garbon, SPOLIER ALERT, please??    Better take Florence off your list now, Jos.

Well Florence is the only city in Italy associated with it's on mental illness, known to cause tourists to go crazy.

[garbon]

I've said it before but Rome struck me more as a graveyard of a once amazing city.

[Josquius]

It is done, all booked up, ready to go tomorrow night.
Verona has been bumped for Bolgnia as it seems more convenient transport wise; I plan to properly do northern Italy on another trip anyway so I should save one of the better places for then.
In keeping with this my Venice stay is short. I wasn't originally planning to go there at all afterall.
What sights should I rush to in the morning before the crowds of annoying Americans appear?

[Admiral Yi]

The coal mine and the union hall.

[Alexandru H.]

I'm going for the second time in Italy in September.

a) after you visit the Sixtine Chapel, don't go for the big exit. Look for a door in the right side of the Chapel, a door used by organized groups. Wait for the next group to pass and attach yourself to it, ignoring the guards. You'll win 20 minutes extra for the Cathedral.

b) if you want to visit the Borghese Galleries, which are a must-see for me, you need a phone reservation for the exact date and hour of your visit. Try +39 06 32810 but be aware: you might not get it in time... I had to phone a week in advance for them.

[Savonarola]

It is done, all booked up, ready to go tomorrow night.
Verona has been bumped for Bolgnia as it seems more convenient transport wise; I plan to properly do northern Italy on another trip anyway so I should save one of the better places for then.
In keeping with this my Venice stay is short. I wasn't originally planning to go there at all afterall.
What sights should I rush to in the morning before the crowds of annoying Americans appear?

If you want to avoid Americans hit Saint Mark's first thing in the morning; then go to Harry's Bar in the afternoon.  The Bellini's are to die for, and you'll never find an American there.   

[Caliga]

If you want to avoid Americans hit Saint Mark's first thing in the morning; then go to Harry's Bar in the afternoon.  The Bellini's are to die for, and you'll never find an American there.   

[garbon]

Yeah just one of the most iconic spots.

Also, I'd throw in (well I don't know its name) but the overlook near Giardino delle Rose. Lovely view of Florence.

Jesus garbon, SPOLIER ALERT, please??    Better take Florence off your list now, Jos.

Well Florence is the only city in Italy associated with it's on mental illness, known to cause tourists to go crazy.

It is also where Leland Stanford Jr died - giving rise to Stanford University in his memory.

[Josquius]

I think I made a mistake in 4 nights in Rome. Second day now, though yesterday was just half  a day, and despite taking it somewhat easy I've seen most of what there is.
I've yet to go to the Vatican and my colloseum ticket let's me inside the forum too (wouldn't have bought that seperately. Saw most of what there was from outside)

So...Rome...Not half as busy with tourists as expected and many of those that there are speak Italian. The tourist areas are well kept and nice but around them, even  a little way outside their bubble, the place is dirty and covered ingrafiti. Beggars everywhere. Why do the locals object to the metro extension so much? Seems silly. But then  the metro is rather silly.

What is odd is how hot I feel. I have been living somewhere hot but this feels...hotter

It is quite amazing what  Amish mash of periods the city is. Though kind of sad to see how the Christians raped Rome.

I don't know what to do with my last day here. Hmm

[Jacob]

Did you see the Cappuchin monastery? The one with all the bones?

[garbon]

Really? You've seen all there is to see in Rome in just 1.5 days?

Also, if that's the case, then take half a day and take bus to Tivoli. Hadrian's Villa is worth a visit as is (well I don't know what it is called) but the park there that has you walking down into the center of that hill.