As I've muttered on the ott I think I'm going to be going to Italy for a little trip over summer.
I'm looking at booking things now and I think I'll be taking just under two weeks.
Yes. Its stupid to go in the middle of August. It'll be hot, crowded, etc.... But August will be my on my only free time before its back to the world of employment in Japan (I hope, not confirmed yet...).
At the moment in my complete ignorance of the country and what is worth seeing I'm looking at:
7th-10th: Rome
11th: Siena
12th: San Gimignano
13th-15th: Florence
16th: Ferrara or Verona
17th: Vicenza or Padua
18th ＆ １9th: Venice
20th: Fly home in the morning
Venice in particular is a worry. I hear it is grossly over-crowded and smelly, particularly in August. I wasn't planning on going there this trip, though I do really want to see it sometime, but the flights from there seem convenient (it being the middle of summer flights aren't as cheap as I thought they would be).
I was wanthing to go to Urbino and San Marino but that seems impractical and going to the east coast is best kept for a seperate trip.
Getting into another country briefly was also considered (getting into France and ticking Monaco off my list of places visited was so tempting) but due to the higher flight costs is impractical.
So.
Suggestions of stuff that must be seen in Italy (that would work for me, I shant be going down to Naples) and things to avoid?
I didn't know that San Gimignano would rate that highly on a list of places to go. My wife and I spent a day there just because we wanted to go someplace out of the way in Tuscany.
It was absolutely delightful for what its worth, but more so in the way that a married couple gets to relax, walk around, and eat gelato and drink wine, not so much for a 20-something. But it was probably our favourite day out of the whole trip (and I really enjoyed that trip).
Venice - totally worth it. Go.
I only get 10 paid days off (that includes sickness, vacation, etc). America hates leisure for workers. :(
Quote from: Phillip V on June 16, 2013, 10:20:22 PM
I only get 10 paid days off (that includes sickness, vacation, etc). America hates leisure for workers. :(
Sucker!
Like BB said, ditch San Gimignano and pick a more interesting place like Orvieto instead. Or add a day in Venice.
Ferrara/Verona and Vicenza/Padua are fine choices, Verona and Padua probably being the more accessible and lively places.
If you go to Venice then try and get up early in the morning to visit the central sites. In the afternoon you can go on trips to the outer islands or explore the less populated parts of the city. Like anywhere else 90% of the tourists mill about the same old places at the same old times, I would imagine that St Marks square at 1pm in August is horrible beyond belief.
Going to Italy during Ferragosto? Brilliant! :p
Languishites going to Italy seems to be a theme now. :hmm:
Quote from: Phillip V on June 16, 2013, 10:20:22 PM
I only get 10 paid days off (that includes sickness, vacation, etc). America hates leisure for workers. :(
I feel your pain.
Oh, no, wait ... I actually don't. I am not really sure what I can do with all my vacation days this year... :blush:
Quote from: Richard Hakluyt on June 17, 2013, 02:17:10 AM
If you go to Venice then try and get up early in the morning to visit the central sites. In the afternoon you can go on trips to the outer islands or explore the less populated parts of the city. Like anywhere else 90% of the tourists mill about the same old places at the same old times, I would imagine that St Marks square at 1pm in August is horrible beyond belief.
Agreed. Also dont stay in Venice as it is ridiculously expensive.
That means you have to find a way there. Most people go on mass transit type ships that travel from the massive car park on the main land to the main docks in Venice. This would be a mistake. Although it is cheap it is also time consuming as you wait for a boat to take you. Also on the way back there are huge lineups for the return trip. Much better to purchase a ride on one of the numerous private boat operators that will take you over immediately. That way you get more time to see the sites ahead of the big crush of tourists and when you are hot and tired at the end of the day it is a very pleasant way to return - avoiding the huge lineups.
It will be money well spent and you will thank me by sending me a bottle of wine.
Quote from: crazy canuck on June 17, 2013, 03:06:13 PM
Quote from: Richard Hakluyt on June 17, 2013, 02:17:10 AM
If you go to Venice then try and get up early in the morning to visit the central sites. In the afternoon you can go on trips to the outer islands or explore the less populated parts of the city. Like anywhere else 90% of the tourists mill about the same old places at the same old times, I would imagine that St Marks square at 1pm in August is horrible beyond belief.
Agreed. Also dont stay in Venice as it is ridiculously expensive.
That means you have to find a way there. Most people go on mass transit type ships that travel from the massive car park on the main land to the main docks in Venice. This would be a mistake. Although it is cheap it is also time consuming as you wait for a boat to take you. Also on the way back there are huge lineups for the return trip. Much better to purchase a ride on one of the numerous private boat operators that will take you over immediately. That way you get more time to see the sites ahead of the big crush of tourists and when you are hot and tired at the end of the day it is a very pleasant way to return - avoiding the huge lineups.
It will be money well spent and you will thank me by sending me a bottle of wine.
Umm, when were you in Venice? There's a bridge between it and the mainland, you can go there by bus from Mestre.
I stayed in a pensione by the railway station and walked in.
Yeah, you'll want to see the sights in the morning before the cruise ship tours unload.
Quote from: The Larch on June 17, 2013, 03:41:35 PM
Quote from: crazy canuck on June 17, 2013, 03:06:13 PM
Quote from: Richard Hakluyt on June 17, 2013, 02:17:10 AM
If you go to Venice then try and get up early in the morning to visit the central sites. In the afternoon you can go on trips to the outer islands or explore the less populated parts of the city. Like anywhere else 90% of the tourists mill about the same old places at the same old times, I would imagine that St Marks square at 1pm in August is horrible beyond belief.
Agreed. Also dont stay in Venice as it is ridiculously expensive.
That means you have to find a way there. Most people go on mass transit type ships that travel from the massive car park on the main land to the main docks in Venice. This would be a mistake. Although it is cheap it is also time consuming as you wait for a boat to take you. Also on the way back there are huge lineups for the return trip. Much better to purchase a ride on one of the numerous private boat operators that will take you over immediately. That way you get more time to see the sites ahead of the big crush of tourists and when you are hot and tired at the end of the day it is a very pleasant way to return - avoiding the huge lineups.
It will be money well spent and you will thank me by sending me a bottle of wine.
Umm, when were you in Venice? There's a bridge between it and the mainland, you can go there by bus from Mestre.
I didnt even try for the bus as I saw the long lines for that too. I assume you do know about that really really large structure on the mainland side that has thousands of cars parked in it. :P
I dunno - I think I'd pay the extra $$$ to stay in Venice itself.
Quote from: Phillip V on June 16, 2013, 10:20:22 PM
I only get 10 paid days off (that includes sickness, vacation, etc). America hates leisure for workers. :(
Now that I hit my 8th year at my company I think I get 30 now. And I think I have a 4-week sabbatical coming to me.
Quote from: crazy canuck on June 17, 2013, 03:59:20 PM
Quote from: The Larch on June 17, 2013, 03:41:35 PM
Quote from: crazy canuck on June 17, 2013, 03:06:13 PM
Quote from: Richard Hakluyt on June 17, 2013, 02:17:10 AM
If you go to Venice then try and get up early in the morning to visit the central sites. In the afternoon you can go on trips to the outer islands or explore the less populated parts of the city. Like anywhere else 90% of the tourists mill about the same old places at the same old times, I would imagine that St Marks square at 1pm in August is horrible beyond belief.
Agreed. Also dont stay in Venice as it is ridiculously expensive.
That means you have to find a way there. Most people go on mass transit type ships that travel from the massive car park on the main land to the main docks in Venice. This would be a mistake. Although it is cheap it is also time consuming as you wait for a boat to take you. Also on the way back there are huge lineups for the return trip. Much better to purchase a ride on one of the numerous private boat operators that will take you over immediately. That way you get more time to see the sites ahead of the big crush of tourists and when you are hot and tired at the end of the day it is a very pleasant way to return - avoiding the huge lineups.
It will be money well spent and you will thank me by sending me a bottle of wine.
Umm, when were you in Venice? There's a bridge between it and the mainland, you can go there by bus from Mestre.
I didnt even try for the bus as I saw the long lines for that too. I assume you do know about that really really large structure on the mainland side that has thousands of cars parked in it. :P
I never had a problem with the bus when I went there. :p
He'll have bigger problems on his trip than that, like the whole country stopping to a standstill because it's closing down for holidays. :lol:
Quote from: The Larch on June 17, 2013, 04:45:51 PM
He'll have bigger problems on his trip than that, like the whole country stopping to a standstill because it's closing down for holidays. :lol:
Yeah, that on top of the heat makes it a less than appealing location during that time. But at least he will have a nice boat ride out of the deal. :)
San Gimignano isn't worth it ey?
But it looks so pretty and old....there's only a few significant buildings and all the photos are arranged to make the most out of them?
Quote from: The Larch on June 17, 2013, 04:45:51 PM
I never had a problem with the bus when I went there. :p
He'll have bigger problems on his trip than that, like the whole country stopping to a standstill because it's closing down for holidays. :lol:
When? Why?
I would like to go at a more sensible time...but August is when I'm to be unemployed and back in Europe.
Quote from: Tyr on June 17, 2013, 07:18:46 PM
San Gimignano isn't worth it ey?
But it looks so pretty and old....there's only a few significant buildings and all the photos are arranged to make the most out of them?
Quote from: The Larch on June 17, 2013, 04:45:51 PM
I never had a problem with the bus when I went there. :p
He'll have bigger problems on his trip than that, like the whole country stopping to a standstill because it's closing down for holidays. :lol:
When? Why?
I would like to go at a more sensible time...but August is when I'm to be unemployed and back in Europe.
Why not go north instead. There are some very nice beaches up in Scandiland.
Quote from: crazy canuck on June 17, 2013, 07:25:01 PM
Why not go north instead. There are some very nice beaches up in Scandiland.
I have been considering Oslo for a music festival there. But...its expensive and I've already been to Sweden. Looking more for historic architecture than pretty nature too, particularly since I won't be driving.
Quote from: Tyr on June 17, 2013, 07:18:46 PM
San Gimignano isn't worth it ey?
But it looks so pretty and old....there's only a few significant buildings and all the photos are arranged to make the most out of them?
San Gimignano is a cute little town, perfectly idylic and bucolic, only it's not the most exciting of places. You can visit as a day trip from Siena or Florence, but don't devote a whole day to it.
QuoteQuote from: The Larch on June 17, 2013, 04:45:51 PM
I never had a problem with the bus when I went there. :p
He'll have bigger problems on his trip than that, like the whole country stopping to a standstill because it's closing down for holidays. :lol:
When? Why?
I would like to go at a more sensible time...but August is when I'm to be unemployed and back in Europe.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ferragosto (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ferragosto)
It's an Italian national holiday in the middle of august. The whole country closes shop for the summer and cities get deserted for a couple of weeks. Tipically Italians would take the whole month off, nowadays it's a couple of weeks at most. Expect plenty of places to be closed.
Italy without Italians. :mmm:
Quote from: The Larch on June 17, 2013, 07:35:29 PM
It's an Italian national holiday in the middle of august. The whole country closes shop for the summer and cities get deserted for a couple of weeks. Tipically Italians would take the whole month off, nowadays it's a couple of weeks at most. Expect plenty of places to be closed.
I saw that on wiki, it says little about the modern holiday, I don't quite get it.
So...we're looking at the entire country being crazily closed even the tourist stuff? Public transport still runs? Will I starve?
Quote from: Tyr on June 17, 2013, 07:40:42 PMSo...we're looking at the entire country being crazily closed even the tourist stuff?
More or less that, yeah. Some friends of mine happened to be in Milan on the day itself last year and they had to search for hours for an open restaurant in the city center.
Holy poo. What dates is it?
Might have to go elsewhere. So long Italy dream :(
Quote from: Tyr on June 17, 2013, 07:50:56 PM
Holy poo. What dates is it?
Might have to go elsewhere. So long Italy dream :(
15th of August. Pedrito could explain it better for you but he doesn't post much anymore. That's what I was always told, cities get deserted and everybody goes to the beach or to the countryside. On the day itself don't expect almost anything private to be open, but public services will still run, albeit in a probably reduced fashion. You could probably work around it, though, but it's not the best time of the year to visit the country.
PS: This might be anecdotical, but you could check this film to get an idea:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pranzo_di_ferragosto (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pranzo_di_ferragosto)
Quote from: derspiess on June 17, 2013, 04:33:33 PM
Quote from: Phillip V on June 16, 2013, 10:20:22 PM
I only get 10 paid days off (that includes sickness, vacation, etc). America hates leisure for workers. :(
Now that I hit my 8th year at my company I think I get 30 now. And I think I have a 4-week sabbatical coming to me.
The goal is to find a position in a nice location where I am well-compensated with upward mobility and then homestead, but I only see further job-hopping for this decade.
Quote from: Tyr on June 17, 2013, 07:18:46 PM
San Gimignano isn't worth it ey?
But it looks so pretty and old....there's only a few significant buildings and all the photos are arranged to make the most out of them?
As I mentioned - San Gimignano was my favourite day of the entire Italy trip - which included Rome, Venice (and Cortina of course). It was absolutely delightful there.
But... it depends what you're looking for. It was very low key. The historic towers - well they're just old towers. We went up them and looked at the sights. But there is absolutely nothing to compare to the big cities in terms of the history and artwork. I loved my time there - because we just walked around an old Tuscan town, ate some gelato and drank some wine.
It depends what you want. It absolutely is pretty and old. It's just not exciting.
As previously stated, the week around Ferragosto (August 15th) is probably the worst period to visit Italy. The situation is changed from some years ago, when the big cities were completely empty and closed, but still many places will be closed. You'll find to eat, don't worry.
Touristy spots will be at full regime, though, so if you plan to visit Florence the 15th it should be ok. Simply, don't have too much faith in public transports, they will run at reduced frequency.
SOme suggestions: drop Ferrara and go to Verona: much nicer, a little cooler in the summer; drop Vicenza, almost nothing to see there, instead go to Padua: I almost certainly will be on holiday (you know, Ferragosto and all :P) so won't be there to meet you, and this isn't necessarily bad, but the place is nice and, being a university city, there's plenty of places to go to drink something around the uni area, even in the middle of summer.
Everywhere, expect very hot, humid weather; being the nordic you are, bathe in sunscreen before your walks, or you'll end lobster-colored in no time.
Keep your wallet in the front pocket, and look at girls, not at monuments.
Please, please, please, don't take the picture of yourself keeping the tower of Pisa from falling.
L.
:lol:
Quote from: Ed Anger on June 17, 2013, 07:38:13 PM
Italy without Italians. :mmm:
Believe! The future is coming, not in this world, but another!
Quote from: Pedrito on June 18, 2013, 04:20:24 AM
Everywhere, expect very hot, humid weather; being the nordic you are, bathe in sunscreen before your walks, or you'll end lobster-colored in no time.
Keep your wallet in the front pocket, and look at girls, not at monuments.
Please, please, please, don't take the picture of yourself keeping the tower of Pisa from falling.
L.
Simply excellent advice. :D
oh, I forgot:
Have loads of fun :hug:
L.
Quote from: Pedrito on June 18, 2013, 04:20:24 AM
Please, please, please, don't take the picture of yourself keeping the tower of Pisa from falling.
L.
My friends looked at me weird because I
didn't pose for that stupid picture, but I knew better.
Hope you have fun Tyr. :)
Surely the default languish picture would have the Languishite posing as if pushing the tower over :hmm: ?
Or make it look like a giant penis.
Quote from: Pedrito on June 18, 2013, 04:20:24 AM
Please, please, please, don't take the picture of yourself keeping the tower of Pisa from falling.
L.
I'll probally be alone. Incapable. :(
Plus I'm not going to Pisa, hope to be back in Italy another time and it seems a prime place for flying in or out.
Its weird on the sunscreen front...but I hardly ever wear it in Japan and rarely get burned. :unsure:
It is booked.
:w00t:
Now for the trouble of finding hotels...
Does anyone know of Orvieto?
It seems a nice place to stop off for a few hours.
Orvieto is a wonderful little town, definitely worth a one-day visit. IMO it's one of the most beautiful places in Central Italy. I mentioned it, but maybe in another thread about holidays in Italy, maybe FunkMonk's or another one.
What will be your scheduled visits? If I can I'll check with you for a beer. :cheers:
L.
Here's the link to the advice I wrote for Funk:
http://languish.org/forums/index.php/topic,9799.msg578014.html#msg578014 (http://languish.org/forums/index.php/topic,9799.msg578014.html#msg578014)
L.
Thanks.
All I have set in stone right now is my 7th arrival in Rome and 20th departure from Venice.
Another vote for Orvieto from me, really cool little town.
i hated rome, what a godawful city. some sights were fun, but much of it felt like a serious waste of time in a dirty, modern city. naples was the best for atmosphere, with the historic center in florence and venice island very worth a visit, too
If you hate Rome you hate Life. -_-
Quote from: The Larch on July 03, 2013, 03:42:38 AM
If you hate Rome you hate Life. -_-
that's just what i remember from the 3-4 days i spent there years back. whereas the other destinations we visited felt full of life, rome just seemed like this disgusting, nasty city that had a depressive atmosphere. not to mention the anarchy graffiti everywhere
Quote from: LaCroix on July 03, 2013, 03:49:03 AM
Quote from: The Larch on July 03, 2013, 03:42:38 AM
If you hate Rome you hate Life. -_-
that's just what i remember from the 3-4 days i spent there years back. whereas the other destinations we visited felt full of life, rome just seemed like this disgusting, nasty city that had a depressive atmosphere. not to mention the anarchy graffiti everywhere
What is puzzling for me is the combination of hating Rome but loving Naples. A bit mind boggling.
Quote from: The Larch on July 03, 2013, 03:56:27 AMWhat is puzzling for me is the combination of hating Rome but loving Naples. A bit mind boggling.
could be influenced by having stayed on the outskirts rather than venturing much into the city itself
Quote from: LaCroix on July 03, 2013, 03:59:57 AM
Quote from: The Larch on July 03, 2013, 03:56:27 AMWhat is puzzling for me is the combination of hating Rome but loving Naples. A bit mind boggling.
could be influenced by having stayed on the outskirts rather than venturing much into the city itself
Everybody I know that has been in Naples told me that the city is 1/4 gorgeous and 3/4 terrifying, all mixed up. You must have stayed only in the gorgeous part. :lol:
Quote from: LaCroix on July 03, 2013, 03:40:10 AM
i hated rome, what a godawful city. some sights were fun, but much of it felt like a serious waste of time in a dirty, modern city. naples was the best for atmosphere, with the historic center in florence and venice island very worth a visit, too
I thought Naples was an extremely ugly city. You could tell that Southern Italy is much poorer then the North going there.
I'm scared of Naples, I've heard too much about crime. Which has me slightly worried about Rome too!
At the moment I'm looking at:
Rome: 7-11
Orvieto: stop off on the 11th
Siena: 11th-12th
Florence: 13th-15th
Verona: 16th
Padua: 17th (Sat, there will be mini-skirts?)
Venice: 18th-20th
Sorrento is nice, you can catch a boat to Capri from there and it's close to Pompei. It's fairly close to Naples.
Keep a tight grip on your wallet in Rome, the other places should be ok re pickpocketing.
Quote from: Tyr on July 11, 2013, 10:02:06 PM
I'm scared of Naples, I've heard too much about crime. Which has me slightly worried about Rome too!
At the moment I'm looking at:
Rome: 7-11
Orvieto: stop off on the 11th
Siena: 11th-12th
Florence: 13th-15th
Verona: 16th
Padua: 17th (Sat, there will be mini-skirts?)
Venice: 18th-20th
Naples is wonderful, you shouldn't be scared about crime. You're programming a visit to *Italy*, do you remember? ;)
Rome, four days, ok. Go visit the Vatican Museums and the Sistine CHapel and St. Peter. Go to Piazza Navona; Piazza di Spagna is unbelievably crowded, but it's a sight to see. The Fora and Pantheon are spectacular. Caracalla's Thermae are very interesting too. If you love fascist era architecture, pay a visit to the EUR neighborhood, it's been built for a never happened Expo in the Thirties and it's interesting too.
Orvieto, :thumbsup:
Siena, two days are maybe too much, but you can easily detour to San Gimignano if you've finished visiting Siena. Visit the Cathedral :wub:, Piazza del Campo, the sanctuary of Santa Caterina, Saint Patron of the city. Visit the museum of Contrada Dell'Oca (Goose Ward), one of the historical districts that race in the Palio of SIena (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Palio_di_Siena (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Palio_di_Siena)); the Oca just won the Palio of July, 2nd, and the neighborhood is probably still celebrating (the museum is near St. Catherine's Oratory. Tidbit: St. Catherine was born in the Oca ward.
Florence: it will be CROWDED! Go to the Uffizi museum, to Ponte Vecchio, to Palazzo Vecchio, to the Boboli Gardens.
Verona: the Arena! Stroll along the Adige river, visit the Church of San Zeno.
Padua: miniskirts will abound, Pedrito will miss :( Not a bad exchange, let me say. Will you be sleeping in town? One of the main advantages of Padua during the summer (and the winter,but for opposite reasons) is that many, many of the streets are lined with arcades that protect from the summer sun. Stick to the centre, visit the Scrovegni's Chapel (Advanced booking needed!), the Palazzo della Ragione (enormous vaulted hall top, delicacies market bottom), The university cloister (all walls covered in insignia of medieval era students who graduated there, very near to Palazzo della Ragione); I personally don't like the Church of St. Anthony, but everyone wants to see it and the bones of the saint. Go to Prato della Valle, take a stroll around, go to Gelateria Pancera, cream your pants with the best ice cream in town, go to the island, sit on the grass and watch the sunset. Then, return to Piazza dei Signori, near Palazzo della Ragione, and sit at one of the 273465 bar tables, order a Spritz Campari and sip it while watching some of the local beauties. If you happen to visit the Church of St. Sophia, you'll be, well, about 30 meters from my home :D
Ask everything you want about the city and I can answer.
Venice: Already said many things in previous posts.
L.
Quote from: Pedrito on July 12, 2013, 07:34:06 AM
Florence: it will be CROWDED! Go to the Uffizi museum, to Ponte Vecchio, to Palazzo Vecchio, to the Boboli Gardens.
What about the Duomo/Baptistery?
Quote from: garbon on July 12, 2013, 08:35:15 AM
Quote from: Pedrito on July 12, 2013, 07:34:06 AM
Florence: it will be CROWDED! Go to the Uffizi museum, to Ponte Vecchio, to Palazzo Vecchio, to the Boboli Gardens.
What about the Duomo/Baptistery?
WHOOPS :blush:
L.
Its not two days in Siena, the first is just sleeping there after spending the day travelling from Rome via Orvieto.
I plan to stay in Padua yeah. I'll be staying in all the places excep Orvieto. So I should aim to stay as close to this Palazzo della Ragione as possible?
Fascist stuff ey. :hmm: I do like stepping outside the normal tourist trail....
Quote from: Pedrito on July 12, 2013, 08:48:15 AM
Quote from: garbon on July 12, 2013, 08:35:15 AM
Quote from: Pedrito on July 12, 2013, 07:34:06 AM
Florence: it will be CROWDED! Go to the Uffizi museum, to Ponte Vecchio, to Palazzo Vecchio, to the Boboli Gardens.
What about the Duomo/Baptistery?
WHOOPS :blush:
L.
Yeah just one of the most iconic spots. :D
Also, I'd throw in (well I don't know its name) but the overlook near Giardino delle Rose. Lovely view of Florence.
(https://languish.org/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi167.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fu136%2Fgarbose%2FFlorence%2FDSCN0201.jpg&hash=aea5f58ddb878827894b09a31dbc0051955c8f36)
Quote from: garbon on July 12, 2013, 09:02:49 AM
Yeah just one of the most iconic spots. :D
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?? :mad: Better take Florence off your list now, Jos.
:lol:
Quote from: Tyr on July 12, 2013, 08:51:49 AM
Fascist stuff ey. :hmm: 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.
(https://languish.org/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg.geocaching.com%2Fcache%2Flarge%2Fd223d782-4385-4174-b3fe-701e1e65d9fd.jpg&hash=5546de3b22c2e42e68d1bf6775ab3b63d21d9d8d)
Quote from: The Larch on July 03, 2013, 03:42:38 AM
If you hate Rome you hate Life. -_-
:yes:
I really like spending time in Rome.
Quote from: crazy canuck on July 12, 2013, 10:29:35 AM
Quote from: The Larch on July 03, 2013, 03:42:38 AM
If you hate Rome you hate Life. -_-
:yes:
I really like spending time in Rome.
:yes: And I don't even like big cities.
Quote from: Capetan Mihali on July 12, 2013, 09:11:30 AM
Quote from: garbon on July 12, 2013, 09:02:49 AM
Yeah just one of the most iconic spots. :D
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?? :mad: 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.
I've said it before but Rome struck me more as a graveyard of a once amazing city.
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?
The coal mine and the union hall.
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.
Quote from: Tyr on August 05, 2013, 07:20:46 AM
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. :bowler:
Quote from: Savonarola on August 05, 2013, 08:17:55 PM
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. :bowler:
:hmm:
Quote from: Razgovory on July 12, 2013, 03:07:53 PM
Quote from: Capetan Mihali on July 12, 2013, 09:11:30 AM
Quote from: garbon on July 12, 2013, 09:02:49 AM
Yeah just one of the most iconic spots. :D
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?? :mad: 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.
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
Did you see the Cappuchin monastery? The one with all the bones?
Really? You've seen all there is to see in Rome in just 1.5 days? :huh:
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.
Quote from: garbon on August 08, 2013, 08:52:50 AM
Really? You've seen all there is to see in Rome in just 1.5 days? :huh:
Yeah, that was my thought too...
Also, "sad to see how the Christians raped Rome"? I don't understand this...the appeal of Rome is one part the ancient ruins and one part the fact that for ~2k years it has been the center of western christianity.
Quote from: alfred russel on August 08, 2013, 08:57:38 AM
Also, "sad to see how the Christians raped Rome"? I don't understand this...the appeal of Rome is one part the ancient ruins and one part the fact that for ~2k years it has been the center of western christianity.
Indeed!
I was mainly thinking of the pantheon there. It is a very sad place. They took an amazing temple and tried to turn it into a McChurch.
The pantheon would probably be in disrepair if it wasn't a church.
On wiki:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pantheon,_Rome
QuoteThe building's consecration as a church saved it from the abandonment, destruction, and the worst of the spoliation that befell the majority of ancient Rome's buildings during the early medieval period.
Quote from: alfred russel on August 08, 2013, 08:57:38 AM
Quote from: garbon on August 08, 2013, 08:52:50 AM
Really? You've seen all there is to see in Rome in just 1.5 days? :huh:
Yeah, that was my thought too...
Also, "sad to see how the Christians raped Rome"? I don't understand this...the appeal of Rome is one part the ancient ruins and one part the fact that for ~2k years it has been the center of western christianity.
This is the same person who said this
QuoteOh god I hate christians in Japan. They're such parasites. Trying to draw people in with the free English classes then subverting their lovely native beliefs with Jewish fairy stories.
I recall a big fuss here a few weeks ago when one person currently based in America heard a relative/old friend (can't recall which) here was on death's door and they wanted a christian to go and spread their faith to him. That's just low.
nice NSA work there, pal.
Quote from: Tyr on August 08, 2013, 08:44:40 AM
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
I just can't believe that you've seen everything in such a short time.
And the main block for new subway development is not popular oposition, but the fact that if you dig a couple of meters in the ground anywhere in Rome you're going to find archeological remains that are going to stop whatever you're working at. It's the same reason why there aren't any really tall buildings in the center of the city.
Quote from: garbon on August 08, 2013, 09:05:28 AM
The pantheon would probably be in disrepair if it wasn't a church.
On wiki:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pantheon,_Rome
QuoteThe building's consecration as a church saved it from the abandonment, destruction, and the worst of the spoliation that befell the majority of ancient Rome's buildings during the early medieval period.
Yeah, major ancient buildings almost all got repurposed. Either the original structure was used for something new, or the original structure was dismantled to supply building materials for something else.
Take in the markets. Buy some bread, cheese and fruit and just chill out for a while. Visiting places like Rome isnt a sprint.
Plenty of things can be done in Rome when you have the time. Buy an icecream and sit in a small square to taste it, grab a beer and sit in the Spanish Steps watching hot tourists in skimpy clothing, get lost in the alleys around Trevi...
Quote from: Tyr on August 08, 2013, 08:44:40 AM
Second day now, though yesterday was just half a day, and despite taking it somewhat easy I've seen most of what there is.
:wacko:
Quote
I don't know what to do with my last day here. Hmm
I thought you were planning to visit EUR? Don't tell me that was part of the 1.5 days :lol:
Tyr must vacation like the typical type A American tourist:
'We hit everything on the checklist in just 8 hours! On to Belgium.'
Quote from: Valmy on August 08, 2013, 10:53:33 AM
Tyr must vacation like the typical type A American tourist:
'We hit everything on the checklist in just 8 hours! On to Belgium.'
If you can do Rome in a day and a half, Belgium shouldn't take much more than 30 minutes. :P
When I spent an evening, and following morning, in Lichtenstein, I could safely feel like I did everything I wanted to do there.
Rome in a day and a half though? No fucking way.
Yeah... what are the things you did and saw in Rome?
I've been to the colloseum, where I had a little nap, walked around circus maximus and the various ruins round there- though not inside. Didn't even notice a door to the inside those. Wonder how that works. Been to the papal castle whose name I never remember, and visited the various central plazas, fountains, pantheon, steps of "I don't get it", etc...
No St Pete's yet or bone church. But otherwise unless my tourist map is missing a lot I really think 3 days would be enough for Rome
Quote from: Razgovory on August 08, 2013, 09:15:05 AM
Quote from: alfred russel on August 08, 2013, 08:57:38 AM
Quote from: garbon on August 08, 2013, 08:52:50 AM
Really? You've seen all there is to see in Rome in just 1.5 days? :huh:
Yeah, that was my thought too...
Also, "sad to see how the Christians raped Rome"? I don't understand this...the appeal of Rome is one part the ancient ruins and one part the fact that for ~2k years it has been the center of western christianity.
This is the same person who said this
QuoteOh god I hate christians in Japan. They're such parasites. Trying to draw people in with the free English classes then subverting their lovely native beliefs with Jewish fairy stories.
I recall a big fuss here a few weeks ago when one person currently based in America heard a relative/old friend (can't recall which) here was on death's door and they wanted a christian to go and spread their faith to him. That's just low.
:huh: and?
Christians in Japan do need shooting.
Quote from: The Larch on August 08, 2013, 09:51:49 AM
I just can't believe that you've seen everything in such a short time.
And the main block for new subway development is not popular oposition, but the fact that if you dig a couple of meters in the ground anywhere in Rome you're going to find archeological remains that are going to stop whatever you're working at. It's the same reason why there aren't any really tall buildings in the center of the city.
That's what I thought. There's a lot of stop metro c graffiti and protest banners about though
Quote from: Barrister on August 08, 2013, 11:48:17 AM
When I spent an evening, and following morning, in Lichtenstein, I could safely feel like I did everything I wanted to do there.
Rome in a day and a half though? No fucking way.
What was the draw to Liechtenstein?
Perhaps, Tyr, the issue is that you need a better tourist map?
Quote from: Jacob on August 08, 2013, 03:55:22 PM
Perhaps, Tyr, the issue is that you need a better tourist map?
:D
The most fun I had in Rome was when we'd get lost in the city and have to figure out our way back.
Just get lost Tyr. :P
Quote from: FunkMonk on August 08, 2013, 04:04:33 PM
The most fun I had in Rome was when we'd get lost in the city and have to figure out our way back.
Just get lost Tyr. :
I did that when I first arrived. It was quite horrible and scary. Life without GPS is terrifying
Plus this is the middle of Summer and I seem to have walking problems.
Much of it is probably me. I'm in pain and stressed out about whether I have a future or not. But so far Rome wouldn't rank as such a great place.
Quote from: alfred russel on August 08, 2013, 03:41:08 PM
Quote from: Barrister on August 08, 2013, 11:48:17 AM
When I spent an evening, and following morning, in Lichtenstein, I could safely feel like I did everything I wanted to do there.
Rome in a day and a half though? No fucking way.
What was the draw to Liechtenstein?
We were in Vienna, working our way back to Frankfurt to catch our return flight home (we'd been through Prague, Cracow and Budapest previously). We decided to drive to Salzburg and stay there for the day, then drive to Lichtenstein, stay there for the day, and then finally drive to Frankfurt.
So - we were in the neighborhood, it was convenient, and we could say we've been to Lichtenstein. I don't necessarily regret going there, but it really is just a small, out of the way tax haven. After having seen the Liechtenstein National Museum I can officially tell you that nothing of any historical significance actually happened there.
So you should: take the metro somewhere, throw away that useless map, eat a lot of ice cream, drink some espresso, then try and find your way home.
Jesus fucking tap dancing Christ, Tyr, do you ever have fun? You're in one of the most beautiful and breath taking cities in the world and you only have regrets and complaints. Your attitude sucks.
Quote from: Tyr on August 08, 2013, 04:09:30 PM
Quote from: FunkMonk on August 08, 2013, 04:04:33 PM
The most fun I had in Rome was when we'd get lost in the city and have to figure out our way back.
Just get lost Tyr. :
I did that when I first arrived. It was quite horrible and scary. Life without GPS is terrifying
Plus this is the middle of Summer and I seem to have walking problems.
Much of it is probably me. I'm in pain and stressed out about whether I have a future or not. But so far Rome wouldn't rank as such a great place.
That's your problem here, GPS is for getting places (faster), maps are for exploring.
I'd agree with Jacob and Garbon, get a better map; there must be a good bookshop or two in central Rome that'll have a good map selection, browse those and find one that fits you.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isola_Tiberina (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isola_Tiberina)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Villa_Borghese_gardens (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Villa_Borghese_gardens)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Largo_di_Torre_Argentina (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Largo_di_Torre_Argentina)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Basilica_di_San_Clemente (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Basilica_di_San_Clemente)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Church_of_the_Gesu (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Church_of_the_Gesu)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trajan%27s_Market (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trajan%27s_Market)
There you have some 2nd tier landmarks of Rome you might have skipped. Enough for a day.
Quote from: Tyr on August 08, 2013, 04:09:30 PM
Quote from: FunkMonk on August 08, 2013, 04:04:33 PM
The most fun I had in Rome was when we'd get lost in the city and have to figure out our way back.
Just get lost Tyr. :
I did that when I first arrived. It was quite horrible and scary. Life without GPS is terrifying
Plus this is the middle of Summer and I seem to have walking problems.
Much of it is probably me. I'm in pain and stressed out about whether I have a future or not. But so far Rome wouldn't rank as such a great place.
Tyr, first, Rome (and Italy in general) are great places to visit for food, lifestyle, etc. Finding a cafe and spending several hours over lunch with a bottle of wine is not a bad decision. Repeating at dinner time is not a bad decision either.
Second, there are so many historic sites in Rome--arguably more than any other city in the world. I assume you are a history nerd (I think we all are), here are a few ideas:
-visit the major basilicas and other churches in the area (in addition to St. Peter's)
-go through the Roman Forum & Imperial Fora
-visit some early christian catacombs
-walk the remains of the ancient roman walls
-visit hadrian's villa/tivoli
-walk the beginning of the Appian Way
Third, there are a lot of museums--while I generally think some museums in Italy suck in presentation (and the Vatican Museums in particular), the collections easily overcome those shortcomings.
Did you check out the catacombs? The shrine to pope Joan?
Are you planning to check out the nightlife?
Do you have any eating plans?
Drinking?
Some quick google links for you:
http://www.timeout.com/rome/features/51/20-great-things-to-do-in-rome
http://www.elitetraveler.com/destination-guides/europe/rome/the-9-best-things-to-do-at-night-in-rome
Maybe pick up a copy of Time Out Rome and see if there are any current exhibits, cultural events or other things going on.
The last time I was in Rome I was there 5 days and I wished I had been there for two weeks. I just can't relate Tyr. You are definitely doing something wrong.
It sounds like you are approaching this like an amusement park where you tick off all the rides you want to go on as efficiently as you can. This is not Disneyland. Travelling in a great city isnt like that. You need to experience it. The advice about getting lost is good. Just wander around. When you get tired find a nice little place to have some coffee/wine/gelato/whatever the hell they are serving that you have never had before and just enjoy.
If you see a lot of tourists go in the other direction. If you see a lot of Italians go there.
The trouble with getting lost is getting lost. It's nice to jus t wander for a while but then when you want to stop you can't. Wander too far fron th centre and my map runs out; I've yet to fina tourist info office. Transport isn't very good in Rome and it is a confusing city. Not so many places to buy drinks about, Japan has really spoiled me with its combinis and vending machines everywhere.
Night life....don't think I'm going to touch it as nice as it may be. I'm alone and I don't have the money, the need or the hygiene.
Anyway. I was suppose to be jus t summarising my trip so far here but it's veering towards tyr is too cowardly to kill himself territory.
No need to get all emo and Lettowy on us.
Or at least Tyr couldnt have a good time if he was in one of the best cities in the world. ;)
Quote from: Tyr on August 08, 2013, 04:50:54 PM
The trouble with getting lost is getting lost. It's nice to jus t wander for a while but then when you want to stop you can't. Wander too far fron th centre and my map runs out; I've yet to fina tourist info office. Transport isn't very good in Rome and it is a confusing city. Not so many places to buy drinks about, Japan has really spoiled me with its combinis and vending machines everywhere.
Night life....don't think I'm going to touch it as nice as it may be. I'm alone and I don't have the money, the need or the hygiene.
Anyway. I was suppose to be jus t summarising my trip so far here but it's veering towards tyr is too cowardly to kill himself territory.
Tyr, not sure how to take the last sentence....
But don't worry so much. If you get lost, you will eventually get back to where you need to be, just ask for directions.
Quote from: alfred russel on August 08, 2013, 04:55:56 PM
Tyr, not sure how to take the last sentence....
Yeah Jos, that's a bit worrisome considering that no one said anything like that...:(
QuoteLife without GPS is terrifying
Welcome to the 70's kid. We did alright.
Quote from: Ed Anger on August 08, 2013, 06:15:25 PM
QuoteLife without GPS is terrifying
Welcome to the 70's kid. We did alright.
Well except for the whole plaid bell bottoms thing. That was a mess.
Quote from: The Larch on August 08, 2013, 04:53:08 PM
No need to get all emo and Lettowy on us.
Hey now, I resent that remark! Tyr is consistently cynical, unhappy, negative and gloomy. I probably have more moments of ebullient optimism and delight at the world than most people here. Granted, lows happen too, but isn't that the case for everyone? Poor tyr needs our concern and help, but his behavior certainly doesn't have parallel with mine.
I am wandering a strange city too, and I haven't eaten for two days- but this is exciting! And soon enough I will be back in Fukuoka's gentle embrace..
Fly over to London, there's plenty to see and do, it's easy to buy drinks and get around and I hear tell there's a decent accessible nightlife :console:
I haven't been to Rome, but I have a cunning plan for any new city.
Find a tourist information place and, as others have said, get a better map. Sign up to a walking tour - there are even free ones:
http://www.romefreewalkingtour.com/free-tours/?gclid=CPe8vNn_77gCFU_MtAodkTgAXw (http://www.romefreewalkingtour.com/free-tours/?gclid=CPe8vNn_77gCFU_MtAodkTgAXw)
Or as you're finding walking a pain, try a hop-on-hop off bus tour:
http://www.hop-on-hop-off-bus.com/hop-on-hop-off-rome-with-2-routes_19393 (http://www.hop-on-hop-off-bus.com/hop-on-hop-off-rome-with-2-routes_19393)
http://www.city-sightseeing.com/tours/italy/rome.htm (http://www.city-sightseeing.com/tours/italy/rome.htm)
I can't say I've ever had a problem buying drinks in any city in Europe, but then I'd rather go into a shop or cafe than use a vending machine.
I love Jacob's link of 20 great things to do. And don't forget you don't have to do things all the time. Make like an Italian and sit in a square sipping a cappuccino (only in the morning though, they look at you weird if you ask for one later in the day), nibble a gelato, read "I, Claudius", watch the pretty ladies go by and say ciao to everyone.
Hope you relax into it and have fun, I'm certainly jealous of your trip!
I got lost in Italy once, and ended up being chased by lumberjacks/prostitutes. :(
Quote from: Razgovory on August 09, 2013, 09:41:20 AM
I got lost in Italy once, and ended up being chased by lumberjacks/prostitutes. :(
You must have wandered into a legislative session.
Quote from: Razgovory on August 09, 2013, 09:41:20 AM
I got lost in Italy once, and ended up being chased by lumberjacks/prostitutes. :(
That wasnt Italy. That was Commercial Drive in Vancouver.
Did Squeeze get lost? :unsure:
Quote from: Admiral Yi on August 09, 2013, 02:56:45 PM
Did Squeeze get lost? :unsure:
He wandered into a Samnite camp and was killed by the chief. Should have bought the 1 euro tourist map.
You could probably bargain the Nigerians down to half a euro.
i warned you, tyr :( ;)
The cappuchin crypt is creepy as fuck. They're some sick puppies those cappuchins.
The monks. Not the cute monkeys.
Catholics sure do love their graven images.
Tried to find the fascist colloseum. Failed. That is one diverse part of town. Which is kind of humorously ironic.
Tomorrow I depart Rome. Orvieto and Siena await. Hope the pain let's up.
In review:
Rome- Not as awesome as expected. Its strange, there's the nice clean and policeman filled city centre to the west of the station (NOT including the station) for the tourists and the rest of the city is left fallow for the wildlings to grafiti as they see fit.
The colloseum and forum areas were really cool. The Vatican was rather meh; I expected something more grandiose (that cathedral is the centre of christendom? Really?) and more indications that I was in another country.
I don't know how people say you could spend a week there.
One night I went drinking with a bunch of American marines. Romans drink like Japanese people. Who'd have thunk it.
Orvieto- I think the problem here is that the main site is the view of the town itself from afar, which obviously you don't get in the town.
Nice little place though, made a change from the hustle and bustle.
Siena- Really cool town, very nice place to walk around in. Must suck to live there though with all those hills.
Florence- Also overrated. What's this I read about being overwhelmed by Florence? Its pretty enough but if you hurried you could get it done in a day, two if you want to go into museums. Lots of Japanese tourists, I hadn't saw any of them anywhere else before, I made a game of whispering weird things in Japanese behind their back and confusing them as to where it was coming from.
Bologna- Really nice city despite not appearing on any tourist maps or anyones suggestions of where to go in Italy. Strikes me that it would be a great place to live, it seems to have rather a good music scene and good times were had with natives.
Padua- Pretty little place, seems like it'd be OK to live there. Sorry but not much for tourists though. I got really lost at one point when I was looking for the city walls and managed to totally miss them and walked off god knows where. But still it didn't get ghettoy. Which is a plus.
Venice- Yes, it is nice. A bit too Disneyish but still great. It doesn't smell at all, which was a surprise. Really great to see this car free city, very easy to get lost. I want to throw short,slow people in canals.
+1 :cool:
Tyr, glad you enjoy yourself overall.
Quote from: Tyr on August 21, 2013, 06:16:17 AM
The Vatican was rather meh; I expected something more grandiose (that cathedral is the centre of christendom? Really?) and more indications that I was in another country.
I don't know how people say you could spend a week there.
More grandiose than the biggest church in the world? I'd agree it's not the prettiest, but impressive it is.
My visits to Rome would add up to about 6 months total and there's still plenty left on my list. I don't particularly like the city, but it's a treasure trove like few others (if any).
QuoteOrvieto- I think the problem here is that the main site is the view of the town itself from afar, which obviously you don't get in the town.
Nice little place though, made a change from the hustle and bustle.
Orvieto is really nice, but the main attraction must surely be the cathedral and the Signorelli frescoes inside it. Your guidebook told you at least that much, right? :)
QuoteSiena- Really cool town, very nice place to walk around in.
:yes:
QuoteFlorence- Also overrated. What's this I read about being overwhelmed by Florence? Its pretty enough but if you hurried you could get it done in a day, two if you want to go into museums.
There are no words :bleeding:
QuoteBologna- Really nice city despite not appearing on any tourist maps or anyones suggestions of where to go in Italy. Strikes me that it would be a great place to live, it seems to have rather a good music scene and good times were had with natives.
Agreed, Bologna is great. :cool:
QuotePadua- Pretty little place, seems like it'd be OK to live there. Sorry but not much for tourists though.
Again :bleeding:
QuoteVenice- Yes, it is nice. A bit too Disneyish but still great. It doesn't smell at all, which was a surprise. Really great to see this car free city, very easy to get lost. I want to throw short,slow people in canals.
Agreed except for the D-word, which I'll pretend I haven't seen.
Glad your trip became more enjoyable after leaving Rome.
Quote from: Maladict on August 21, 2013, 07:06:42 AM
QuoteFlorence- Also overrated. What's this I read about being overwhelmed by Florence? Its pretty enough but if you hurried you could get it done in a day, two if you want to go into museums.
There are no words :bleeding:
Indeed. I'd got the sense earlier from him saying he was nearly out of things to do in Rome after day 2 - but after this bit of his post it was like okay, I'm done listening. :D
I keep wondering if Tyr genuinely enjoys anything he does or see. There's zero passion in his words, even when describing something he apparently liked.
meh
Quote from: The Larch on August 21, 2013, 08:46:19 AM
I keep wondering if Tyr genuinely enjoys anything he does or see. There's zero passion in his words, even when describing something he apparently liked.
He dreams of coal mines.
Quote from: garbon on August 21, 2013, 08:41:50 AM
Quote from: Maladict on August 21, 2013, 07:06:42 AM
QuoteFlorence- Also overrated. What's this I read about being overwhelmed by Florence? Its pretty enough but if you hurried you could get it done in a day, two if you want to go into museums.
There are no words :bleeding:
Indeed. I'd got the sense earlier from him saying he was nearly out of things to do in Rome after day 2 - but after this bit of his post it was like okay, I'm done listening. :D
I'm wondering if he really only enjoyed hanging out at the bars.
QuoteI'm wondering if he really only enjoyed hanging out at the bars.
:huh:
Most people go on holiday and they get drunk every night for 2 weeks.
I only drank a handful of times during my trip, mostly with food and never more than four or five, usually just the one.
Of course I wouldn't expect you to understand the fun that can be had meeting people.
Quote from: The Larch on August 21, 2013, 08:46:19 AM
I keep wondering if Tyr genuinely enjoys anything he does or see. There's zero passion in his words, even when describing something he apparently liked.
I am dead inside.
Quote from: Tyr on August 21, 2013, 09:53:26 AMMost people go on holiday and they get drunk every night for 2 weeks.
Not most people, only trashy Brits and Germans that go to places like Lloret, Magalluf, L'Arenal and so on.
Americans go to wear tshirts and yell at foreigners.
I SAY WHICH WAY TO THE LOOVER?
Quote from: Tyr on August 21, 2013, 09:53:26 AM
QuoteI'm wondering if he really only enjoyed hanging out at the bars.
:huh:
Most people go on holiday and they get drunk every night for 2 weeks.
I only drank a handful of times during my trip, mostly with food and never more than four or five, usually just the one.
Of course I wouldn't expect you to understand the fun that can be had meeting people.
No need to get drunk, but you missed out if you only drank a handful of times. Even the cheapest table wines in Italy were wonderful. :wub:
Quote from: Tyr on August 21, 2013, 06:16:17 AM
In review:
Rome- Not as awesome as expected. Its strange, there's the nice clean and policeman filled city centre to the west of the station (NOT including the station) for the tourists and the rest of the city is left fallow for the wildlings to grafiti as they see fit.
The colloseum and forum areas were really cool. The Vatican was rather meh; I expected something more grandiose (that cathedral is the centre of christendom? Really?) and more indications that I was in another country.
Tyr, something went horribly wrong with your trip to Rome.
I find it really shocking that a historically inclined person wouldn't enjoy 4 days in Rome.
I find it almost impossible that a historically inclined person ran out of things to do before 4 days were up.
As for the Vatican, I understand that St. Peters was designed with certain sightlines in mind, and I believe during the redevelopment of the city under Mussolini (could be getting the date wrong) those significantly changed. I agree the cathedral itself isn't so great to look at, but Michaelangelo's Pieta sculpture inside and the Sistine Chapel are in my opinion worth all the hype they get. The Vatican museums are also a trainwreck of organization, but still interesting.
Actually reading Jos's rundown, I can see why DGul says he dislikes travel. If that was what it was always like, I'd dislike it too.
Quote from: garbon on August 21, 2013, 12:00:58 PM
Actually reading Jos's rundown, I can see why DGul says he dislikes travel. If that was what it was always like, I'd dislike it too.
Actually, I agree.
Quote from: alfred russel on August 21, 2013, 11:58:09 AM
Quote from: Tyr on August 21, 2013, 06:16:17 AM
In review:
Rome- Not as awesome as expected. Its strange, there's the nice clean and policeman filled city centre to the west of the station (NOT including the station) for the tourists and the rest of the city is left fallow for the wildlings to grafiti as they see fit.
The colloseum and forum areas were really cool. The Vatican was rather meh; I expected something more grandiose (that cathedral is the centre of christendom? Really?) and more indications that I was in another country.
Tyr, something went horribly wrong with your trip to Rome.
I find it really shocking that a historically inclined person wouldn't enjoy 4 days in Rome.
I find it almost impossible that a historically inclined person ran out of things to do before 4 days were up.
As for the Vatican, I understand that St. Peters was designed with certain sightlines in mind, and I believe during the redevelopment of the city under Mussolini (could be getting the date wrong) those significantly changed. I agree the cathedral itself isn't so great to look at, but Michaelangelo's Pieta sculpture inside and the Sistine Chapel are in my opinion worth all the hype they get. The Vatican museums are also a trainwreck of organization, but still interesting.
Given his coments about Rome and Florence, I really wonder what were his expectations.
Quote from: Tyr on August 21, 2013, 09:53:26 AM
QuoteI'm wondering if he really only enjoyed hanging out at the bars.
:huh:
Most people go on holiday and they get drunk every night for 2 weeks.
I only drank a handful of times during my trip, mostly with food and never more than four or five, usually just the one.
Of course I wouldn't expect you to understand the fun that can be had meeting people.
Quote from: The Larch on August 21, 2013, 08:46:19 AM
I keep wondering if Tyr genuinely enjoys anything he does or see. There's zero passion in his words, even when describing something he apparently liked.
I am dead inside.
It's true, I'm not a drunk.
Quote from: Tyr on August 21, 2013, 06:16:17 AM
Padua- Pretty little place, seems like it'd be OK to live there. Sorry but not much for tourists though. I got really lost at one point when I was looking for the city walls and managed to totally miss them and walked off god knows where. But still it didn't get ghettoy. Which is a plus.
MAH HOMETOWN.
L.
Quote from: The Larch on August 21, 2013, 04:07:40 PM
Given his coments about Rome and Florence, I really wonder what were his expectations.
I am wondering what he saw or how much he understood what he was seeing. Hard to imagine anyone going through St. Peter's and saying "meh".
Quote from: crazy canuck on August 22, 2013, 03:34:44 PM
Quote from: The Larch on August 21, 2013, 04:07:40 PM
Given his coments about Rome and Florence, I really wonder what were his expectations.
I am wondering what he saw or how much he understood what he was seeing. Hard to imagine anyone going through St. Peter's and saying "meh".
I wasn't super keen on St. Peter's.
It was really, really big, and had a lot of marble. Almost too much marble. Seemed somewhat gauche, and rather impersonal. I was much more moved by some of the other cathedrals I saw in Italy (San Marco in Venice, for example).
Not really defending Jos though, as he went "Meh" to most sights he saw, which definitely wasn't my experience.
It makes me wonder what his expectations and hopes were. It's not like he hopped a ferry and checked out the place on a weekend.
Quote from: Barrister on August 22, 2013, 03:40:11 PM
Quote from: crazy canuck on August 22, 2013, 03:34:44 PM
Quote from: The Larch on August 21, 2013, 04:07:40 PM
Given his coments about Rome and Florence, I really wonder what were his expectations.
I am wondering what he saw or how much he understood what he was seeing. Hard to imagine anyone going through St. Peter's and saying "meh".
I wasn't super keen on St. Peter's.
It was really, really big, and had a lot of marble. Almost too much marble. Seemed somewhat gauche, and rather impersonal. I was much more moved by some of the other cathedrals I saw in Italy (San Marco in Venice, for example).
Not really defending Jos though, as he went "Meh" to most sights he saw, which definitely wasn't my experience.
St. Peter's really impressed me.
Quote from: Barrister on August 22, 2013, 03:40:11 PM
I wasn't super keen on St. Peter's.
It was really, really big, and had a lot of marble. Almost too much marble. Seemed somewhat gauche, and rather impersonal.
BB takes a trip to the Vatican - desire for religious reform +3
I just realized that Tyr also started the thread "Korea - too boring". :D
Quote from: crazy canuck on August 22, 2013, 04:11:46 PM
Quote from: Barrister on August 22, 2013, 03:40:11 PM
I wasn't super keen on St. Peter's.
It was really, really big, and had a lot of marble. Almost too much marble. Seemed somewhat gauche, and rather impersonal.
BB takes a trip to the Vatican - desire for religious reform +3
Oh no - the Vatican in general was wonderful. The Vatican musems, Cistine chapell... :wub:
Just St. Peters itself.
I so want to go to Rome.
Quote from: Barrister on August 22, 2013, 03:40:11 PMI wasn't super keen on St. Peter's.
It was really, really big, and had a lot of marble. Almost too much marble. Seemed somewhat gauche, and rather impersonal. I was much more moved by some of the other cathedrals I saw in Italy (San Marco in Venice, for example).
Not really defending Jos though, as he went "Meh" to most sights he saw, which definitely wasn't my experience.
St. Peter's is a Baroque orgasm, it's meant to overwhelm your senses, if you're not too keen on the style then it's logical that you're not going to appreciate it much. Personally, I found it almost mystical, and I'm not a religious person.
Bare in mind I had problems on my trip unrelated to the place itself. Major trouble with blisters, big stress over the future, etc...
Plus note my negative posts came mainly in one night during which I was really in pain and had generally had a crappy day.
But I guess the problem is that my expectations were so high. Everyone speaks of Rome and Florence as some of the best places in the world and I've wanted to visit for years. I got there and...they obviously weren't all they had been made out to be. I guess I got a spell of Paris Syndrome (only obviously not about Paris).
Also where my views differ from other people could be in that I'm not really an art fan. Most paintings do nothing for me (though I did see some that I liked. I like 'busy' paintings. Crowd scenes.). I'm more into architecture and practical parts of history.
St Petes....its too smooth and pristine. It looks machine made. I like my cathedrals gothic. Inside there was just something about the way all the chapels were disconnected seperate pieces and not part of a greater whole that detracted from it.
Plus of course it being full of tourists destroyed any chance of feeling the religious aura of the place.
QuoteIt's true, I'm not a drunk.
Well there's a non-reply.