This story, published in the ITALY Magazine – the n.1 magazine for lovers of all things italian - shows that even the ”big clients” have trouble with their bills in Italy. We pay our power bill once every two months… and there IS NO consistency to the charges we receive. Our water meter is read twice a [...]
On travel boards I often see folks asking, should I rent a scooter to see Rome or Naples? The responses are often one-sided – Not just no, but NO, NO, NO, NO….NO! I certainly understand this as we drive a ride a motorino (scooter) and it can be quite challenging.
The motorino rules are simple [...]
The holidays are rapidly approaching… and in Rome, it’s already starting to look “a lot like Christmas.” Okay, so really it’s only a few stores but yes, there are Christmas decorations a twinkling! In the streets headed towards the Pantheon you’ll see STARS mounted in the narrow alleys. Rome is a WONDERFUL place to come [...]
“Bond, James Bond.” That’s the image you get of the incredible Italian Casinos. You’re just waiting for 007 to walk through the doors. Although there are very few Casinos in Italy, no other country has done more for the development of gambling than Italy. In ancient times, the Italians adopted the fortunetelling cards of the [...]
Perhaps the most convenient way to get money in Italy is at an automatic teller machine. ATM’s in Italy, like in the US, come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and bank-names. In Italy, ATM’s are usually called Bancomats! A Bancomat (sportello in Italian) may be just outside a bank, hanging on a wall in [...]
One of our favorite Sunday morning activities is to head over to Porta Portese, the largest “flea market” in Rome. Thank goodness it’s only open on Sundays. The vendors, thousands of them, start setting up early in the morning, and the market usually opens around 7 AM. Depending on the weather – and the crowds [...]
Easter, April 12 this year, is rapidly approaching. I thought this would be a great time to talk about my experience in St. Peter’s last year – and if you’re coming, prepare you for the “scene.” This pictures below were taken at the Easter 2008 Mass.
We had friends visiting from the States and they really wanted [...]
Traveling by car in Rome is at best, difficult. If you avoid the “unique” driving habits of the locals and safely arrive at your destination, then you have to find a place to park – Good Luck! Taxis are available – somewhat. You are only supposed to get in a cab at a designated Taxi [...]
Strikes are very commonplace in Italy – especially transportation strikes. They are a way of life here and you just have to adjust your plans if you get caught up in one. Strikes are on the rise. Reports indicate that in 2008 strikes were up more than 17% over 2007 – OUCH! In 2008, unions [...]
When people travel, many folks bring electronic gear with them. One question asked over and over on travel boards is, “Will my _________ work in Europe? The answer is…. CERTAINLY – with the proper preparation!
For most travelers, converting your North American appliance and electronic equipment to European electricity is a real pain! So deciding what to bring [...]
Taking a break from the travel information, here’s a post on some of the technology challenges of “Living in Rome.”
When my wife Jeff (yes, that’s her name – No, it’s not short for anything) first came to Italy she took our Nintendo Wii with her – a great sacrifice on my part! Unfortunately, we found [...]
We come to Rome for the sights, the history, the food… but mostly we come for the Gelato. Almost everyone I meet has a favorite gelateria – and they are passionate about their selection. I’m very fortunate (or maybe unfortunate?) to have the opportunity to try them all. Research must be done… and I’m willing [...]
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