Coffee in Italy for beginners
Coffee in Italy is one serious thing. This dark and aromatic brew is strong, fragrant and nothing like people in the US are used to. Even the smallest bar will serve a very good cup of coffee (to start with, they all have a cappucino machine). To help the traveller choose the coffee, here are my tips:when you order a coffee or "caffé", don't expect a 20 oz. cup. "Caffé" is the equivalent of an "espresso". You don't even need to call it espresso, if you ask for a coffee, you'll get an "espresso". It is seriously strong and served in a tiny cup. The ristretto is an even tinier cup of coffee but because it's "stopped short" of a Caffé", it's not as bitter. On the opposite, the caffé lungo is a tall caffé. If you crave coffee, you can order a "caffé doppio", a double shot of coffee or a "caffé americano" which is basically a shot of coffee with more water added afteward so you have a bigger cup. Caffé macchiatto" or stained coffee is a coffee with a little bit of milk while "caffé con panna" has cream on top, instead of milk. The "caffé latte"is quite popular amongst the tourist too. It's a shot of coffee with a lot of steamed milk and topped with a little bit of foam. While people pleaser cappucino is a coffee just topped with steamed milk without holding back the foam (tourists add coccoa on top). Little known "Caffé coretto" has a little bit of alcohol (grappa, whisky for gentlemen, amaretto for the ladies but you can choose what you want) in it. Coffee is usually drunk on the spot without even sitting. You'll see a lot of Italians in the morning on their way to work stopping at the bar for a quick fix. But even tiny bars have a couple of chairs, if you want to take your time. Now... to order the coffee is another thing ;o) so you can follow the link bellow and you'll be able to order your drink like an Italian!
Rome: best dressed city in the world.
I often tell people about the beautiful woman, with coifed hair and manicure, wearing jewelry, heels and a long elegant coat, who swept into the hotel in which I was staying. Ten minutes later I saw her in slippers and a pink maid's uniform! While styles have definitely become more casual over the past five years, Rome still dresses up more than American cities. I'm not the clothes police, but if you're over 30, your jeans should probably be designer jeans and you should be wearing them with $300 stiletto heel leather boots. You never used to see Italians wearing shorts, but lately...... Big, bulky white running/walking shoes aren't seen much (though leather "bowling" shoes are popular). Ditch the fanny pack and I've never seen an Italian wearing sweats. Other than that, your feet need to be comfortable, cause you're going to be doing a lot more walking than the gorgeous Italian woman with the fabulous 300 Euro shoes. To look more Italian, just carry a cell phone next to your ear and say loudly into it "COH-may?" Of course, teenagers and 20-somethings dress more casually. You'll find them in torn jeans, backpacks and running shoes, just like everywhere. But you'll also find some young fashion victims wearing the newest (and sometimes bizarre) styles. UPDATE, Oct 2004: The times they are a changing. If you can believe it - I actually saw three ITALIANS in sweat pants! To be sure, it was in Naples, but sweat pants? On an Italian? Good lord.
In the Morning it's COFFEE
For breakfast, Italians usually drink coffee - normally a cappuccino. Afternoons and evenings usually Espresso. Following is a guide to coffee: UN ESPRESSO - strong, black coffee in small cups UN DOPPIA - double espresso UN LUNGO - espresso with a bit more water UN MACCHIATO - espresso with milk UN CAFFE CORRETTO - espresso with a shot of Whisky UN CAPPUCCINO - espresso with foamed milk UN CAFFE LATTE - espresso with lots of milk, no foam UN AMERICANO - espresso with lots of hot water UN CAFFE HAG - coffeinfree UN CAFFE FREDDO - iced coffee, pre-sweetened. If you want it without sugar, ask for UN AMARO' UN CAPPUCCINO FREDDO - iced milk-coffee.
Sunday in Rome
Sunday is one lazy and relaxing day in Rome. Even the traffic seems to calm down. Even though it's not what it once has, Italians and Romans in particular remains pretty religeous and, to my surprise, my neighbourhood church had 2 services on Sunday morning and it was PACKED. Funny detail, the first stop on the way back home from the mass for a lot of parishoners was... the next door bar ;o) for a little "aperitivo". I also indulged and loved to the bar when it gets lively with older gentlemen having a sambuca or a martini rosso (the real drink, not the cocktails), kids on their Sunday best enjoying a soda or a hot chocolate... Then, everybody's off for lunch, usually a family affair on Sunday and everybody gathers at the grandparents to have a 4 course home-cooked meal (antipasto, mostly cold cuts and cheese, pasta, main and dessert). In the afternoon, if it's football season, most of the family will be glued to the TV to watch a football game (I would hear my neighbours scream about the feats of AS Roma or Lazio di Roma, the 2 Romans teams). In the evening, a "before dinner" passegiata is often recommended. The passegiata (simply taking a walk) is a big social affair. In my street, you would find lots of people on their porch or in front of their houses, people stops and chat, enquire about each other and each others family... Maybe a stop for a little limoncello at the next door bar before going back for a small dinner... Or maybe enjoy Rome at night.
Cover charge
In Italy it is customary to have a cover charge (Coperto) added to your bill at every place that you sit down to eat or drink. This is to pay for the bread sticks and the cleaning of the table. Even if you just sit to take a break at a table at a snack shop expect to pay this coperto even if you do not eat the bread or olives. This is why the shops do not like you to sit without buying something. They will still charge you and you should pay. It is their way.
ROMA BY FELLINI Federico
ROMA BY FELLINI Federico Fellini (director of four Oscar-winning Best Foreign Language Films) pulls out all the stops in this fantasy-laden, cinematic paean. More an experiential journey than a travelogue, Roma teems with images and sequences inspired by the filmmaker's remembrances and by his sharp observations about modern times. The settings shift from outdoor banquets to music halls, subterranean tunnels to bordellos and more, all enlivened by Fellini's unique style and imagination. (The Ecclesiastical Fashion Show even includes roller-skating priests who 'move faster to paradise.') For all his dazzling imagery, the cinema's high priest of pomp and audacity also had a message--that Rome and Western civilization itself may be at an end.
Villa Borghese is the most...
Villa Borghese is the most famous villa in Rome built by Cardinal Scipione Borghese early in the 17th century. At the beginning of the 19th century Prince Camillo Borghese set up the art collection in the casino which today is where the gallery and the Borghese museum stand. Currently, the gallery hosts a foto exhibition showing Marylin Monroe (see my travelogue for a picture of the exhibition). There is also the Garden of the Lake, thus called because it stretches around an artificial lake and a small temple dedicated to Aesculapius on an islet in the middle of the lake. The best known entrances to the park are: Piazzale Flaminio, Porta Pinciana, the Pincio Gardens, Viale Belle Arti next to the Modern Art National Gallery. The villa also hosts the zoo, set up in 1911.
Tossing a coin in Trevi Foutain
Vespa City
Rome is one busy city! And the hordes of Vespas and other motor bikes make it a somewhat noisy city as well. Use of these vehicles makes a great deal of sense: they use a fraction of the fuel of an automobile and take far less room to park. I think a seasoned Roman rider can park one of these things in a 6 inch space! We were very cautious in crossing the streets of Rome as the traffic is never ending. One interesting thing about these two wheeled vehicles is that at home we tend to think of them as transport primarily for the young. While there were plenty of young people on them in Rome, there were also older women, men in business suits, men dressed like university professors, young women fashionably attired - you name it, everyone rides them.
When in Rome, Speak as the Romans do!
So here we made it to Rome - now what? Finding a place to stay and getting around town really shouldn't have been a problem, since between the 2 of us we had English, Spanish, German, French, Hindi, Marathi, Urdu, and some broken pieces of other languages here and there. Especially with the Spanish, the fact that we didn't speak any Italian shouldn't have been a problem... so we thought! :-D Lessons learned: Spanish is not as similar to Italian as is commonly assumed. In fact, nobody understood a word of Spanish. English, to some level, is spoken in the very touristy areas, but otherwise it seems the only language spoken in Rome is - ITALIAN. Here's some Italian that we picked up on our trip and that might come in helpful: + Grazie - Thank you! + Per piacere - please + Scuuusiiiii - sorry + Mama mia - expression of surprise + Nessun non desidero comprare alcune rose! - No I don't want to buy any roses. + La u mi non ha dato il mio cambiamento completo indietro! - You have not given me my complete change back!! + Potete tasto aumentare prego la vostra camicetta? Sembre distracting il mio fiancee! - Could you please button up your blouse? It seems to be distracting my fiancee! + Mama mia!!!! Quella E Catherine Zeta Jones!!! - Oh my mother!!!! That's Catherine Zeta Jones!!! + Mary Santa, madre del dio!!! Ci e il papa! - Holy Mary, mother of God!!! There's the Pope! + Spaghetti, Pizza, Pasta!!! E quello tutto che abbiate? Ottengami qualche tacos ora! HRMPH!!! - Spaghetti, Pizza, Pasta! Is that all you have? Get me some Tacos now! HRMPH!!! (translations to be taken lightly.
Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel.
Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel is a marvel, however I was a bit disappointed with the experience as a whole. The Chapel itself is not disappointing- it's magnificent, but as you're walking through the Vatican Museum, there is no limitation to the number of people allowed into the Sistine Chapel so it's always very crowded in the Chapel. You're not allowed to speak, a rule which is enforce by security, but this solemn, silent atmosphere is completely defeated by the crowds. You are also not supposed to take pictures, but I squeezed this one off by getting lost in the crowds and not using a flash.
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on August 26, 2002.
The Roman Satire
Between the XV and the XIX century, popes were both spiritual and civil leaders in Rome, as reflected in the motto "In Nome del Papa Re" (In the name of the Pope King). This absolute power did not go over well with the citizens, especially when some of the leaders were not exactly role model type. Pasquino, Marforio, Madama Lucrezia, Facchino, Babbuino, and Abate Luigi, the six so-called "talking statues," appeared at the right moment in history to be used as the voice with which the Romans vented their thoughts and feeling about the arrogance and corruption of the ruling classes -- the papacy, the nobility and all authority in general. During the nights, anonymous writers attached contemptuous compositions, pithy epigrams, and derisive poems to the statues. In the mornings, the messages would be read, applauded, discussed, seen and heard all the way to the Pope's chamber before they were removed. Many times the statues would comment on each other's messages, holding "conversations" over periods of days. The citizens even gave the statues the official name "Congress of the Witty" (Congresso degli Arguti) to make the deliverance of their opinions more important. Although much less frequently, the talking statues still carry on their jobs nowadays, speaking out against corrupt government and abhorrent international events.
How To Cross The Streets In Rome
I know what you're thinking when you read the title of this tip. You've crossed thousands of streets all over the world; you've survived much chaotic, big city traffic, so you don't need a lesson on crossing the streets anywhere. Nevertheless, you do, my friend, because crossing the streets in Rome is an art. Unless you were born with Michelangelo's talent, you do need to learn how to hold a brush. Roman drivers were born differently. They've never learned to yield to anyone, whether it's another car, motorcycle, bus, or helpless pedestrian. It's easy if you cross the streets at a stop light, but if you need to be on the other side and there isn't a legal crosswalk nearby, you'll find yourself desperately craving a helping hand. So here is your helping hand. Check traffic on the left to see if there's enough space to step down from the curb. Once you step down, never, ever, under any circumstance, make eye contact with the drivers, nor change the speed and rhythm of your stride. Walk steadily, do not zigzag, do not run, do not stop to retrieve anything, do not point, do not look around, and do not turn your head to talk to your companions. At the dividing line, check the traffic on the right from the corner of your eye. Again, do not make eye contact. Looking at the approaching drivers in the eye is a signal that you have seen them, you have recognized their coming, and you will take the responsibility of avoiding being hit. Your speed and rhythm have to stay the same so the drivers can gauge how much space they would need to swerve around you without slowing down. Their responsibility is not hitting you. Your responsibility is not making their job difficult by changing the rules mid-game. Once you step foot onto the path of the oncoming traffic, you're entering in a contract that involves trust and harmony from both parties. If you do not breach the agreed upon rules, they will not have any reason to falter and hit you. Now that you know the principle, why not start to practice? Happy crossing!
How To Drink Water From A Fountain
Drinking fountains are everywhere in Rome; there seems to be one at every block. The regular stand-alone fountain is called nasone (big nose), with fresh water flowing continuously into a bowl or an underground cistern. The faucet of every nasone is built with a small hole on the top. To drink water from this kind of fountain, you need to block the stream by putting a finger over the end of the pipe, thus forcing a jet of water to gush upwards from the small hole. This design makes drinking from a public fountain easy and hygienic, since a person's lips would never touch the faucet and no act of back bending is required
The Movers, Shakers, and Shapers
Whether they were loved or hated, they had left their indelible marks in the Eternal City, had done many good things to create, add, and preserve the glory and the myth called Rome. Their symbols are attached to the architectural and religious artworks that pack every corner, street, and neighbourhood. Here is a short list of the best names without whom Rome would be a different city today: Colonna: At the end of the Schism, Pope Martino V restored not only the city as the permanent seat of the papacy but also many of the long-neglected buildings and monuments. Della Rovere: To assert Rome as Caput Mund (head of the world), Pope Sisto IV rebuilt Santa Maria del Popolo, constructed Santa Maria della Pace, commissioned Botticelli, Ghirlandaio and Perugino to work on Cappella Sistina. Pope Giulio II used Bramante's design and Raffaello's work in Basilica di San Pietro, collected antique for the Vatican, and built Via Giulia. Borgia: Pope Alessandro VI used gold from Peru on the ceiling of Santa Maria Maggiore. Medici: Pope Leone X commissioned Raffaello and Romano to work on Loggia di Vaticano. Pope Leone XI acquired Villa Medici. Farnese: Pope Paolo III built Palazzo Farnese, gave the world Michelangelo's Last Judgement, and put the artist to work in Basilica di San Pietro. Borghese: Pope Pio V built Palazzo Borghese, Villa Borghese, and Fontana Paolina. Barberini: Pope Urbano VIII ordered Bernini and Borromini to work together on Palazzo Barberini. He gave Bernini his first job in designing Baldacchino di San Pietro, then Fontana del Tritone and Fontana delle Api. Pamphilj: Pope Innocenzo X transformed Sant' Agnese in Agone, constructed Fontana dei Fiumi, Palazzo Propagazione della Fede, Palazzo Doria Pamphilj, and rebuilt San Giovanni in Laterano. Chigi: Pope Alessandro VII used Raffaello's works in Villa Farnesina and commissioned Bernini to build San Pietro's colonnades.
How to park like an Italian
Romans drive like crazy people! You take you life in your hands when you cross the road in Rome - traffic racing in every direction, squeezing down narrow streets and ignoring pedestrian crossings. If you are going to drive in Rome you should get the smallest car possible - this make it a lot easier easy to get a park as well!!
Bocca della Verita'
The stone disco represents the face of a river divinity. In the time of the ancient Romans it served as a drain cover which was set in the centre of the temple under open sky dedicated to Hercules Winner and had to carry the rainwaters into the cloacae. It was found in the Middle Ages and moved up on the capital of the porch in Santa Maria in Cosmedin. The cover has become more than a document but a symbol. Yesterday it was an object of superstition, today it is an object of curiosity. According to the legend it was created by Virgilio Magro (magro means slim). They believed that he had the magic power to cut the fingers of those who did not say the truth after with his hand slipping into the mouth.
Demonstrations!
Italians love to talk politics and they love to demonstrate in support of their beliefs. Thousands, hundreds of thousands, even a million people show up almost weekly for these demonstrations in Rome. It really was quite thrilling to be in the middle of a million people parading for peace in the middle of ancient Rome, next to the Forum and Colliseum! Demonstrations usually take place on Saturday. Certain streets and even churches or other buildings might be closed, if they are near the gathering points. For example, the field in front of San Giovanni in Laterano is often used, and when it is, the Church is usually closed. The demonstrations are usually colorful, music filled, and completely peaceful. This photo is of the communists and pensioners who were demonstrating against changes in government pensions in December 2003.
Tips for Coffee
When you order a coffee it is normal to leave 5 or 10 cents as a tip with the receipt when you put it down on the counter. 5 or 10 cents is enough, as untiol 3 years ago it was nromal to leave 100 or 200 lire, so it is fine. Don't start big tipping as it only makes people then expect those big fat tips all the time. In Rome it is more a courtesy than an expected sort of thing. In Florence, you almost never see anyone tip for a caffee.
The christmas tree - Albero di natale
by AngelinkaThis year the christmas tree came from the north of italy and it was brought there by helycopter.... quest'anno l'albero di natale è stato donato dalla Val d'Aosta ed è stato traportato in elicottero .
Sexual Behaviours
Written by OttoMarzo on July 1, 2005.
Although romans' mentality is changing a lot, it is still influenced by Catholic religion a little bit. WOMEN: they will be very indipendant and they will often wear "sexy" dresses, but it doesn't mean anything. If you are a man and your idea is to come to Rome and have an easy sexual intercourse with an italian girl, you may be wrong. I mean, you may be lucky, but it's not that easy to have sex at first meeting or first date. Young easy girls prefer black boys anyway (who knows why!). Roman women are quite hot but they like tender love nad sex; sex won't be sports, maybe art? MEN: they are very passionate and they love to conquer women's hearts... and to have easy sex too, but their dream is to meet a girl to marry. If you are a woman travelling to Rome, expect to be approached by someone, but don't be scared. They'll try to make you laugh, be funny and to gain a date with you. You may like them or not, but don't be scared and spend time with them, you are going to have fun. Just be clear about your sexual behaviour! They will promise you the best things, and some keep their words. We are known to be latin lovers but I guess it's just because what we give women in the flirting process. I really don't know if we are that good as they say under the blankets, maybe religions gave us a big respect of women so we'll be more sweet than rude in making love.
Sunday in Rome
Sunday is one lazy and relaxing day in Rome. Even the traffic seems to calm down. Even though it's not what it once has, Italians and Romans in particular remains pretty religeous and, to my surprise, my neighbourhood church had 2 services on Sunday morning and it was PACKED. Funny detail, the first stop on the way back home from the mass for a lot of parishoners was... the next door bar ;o) for a little "aperitivo". I also indulged and loved to the bar when it gets lively with older gentlemen having a sambuca or a martini rosso (the real drink, not the cocktails), kids on their Sunday best enjoying a soda or a hot chocolate... Then, everybody's off for lunch, usually a family affair on Sunday and everybody gathers at the grandparents to have a 4 course home-cooked meal (antipasto, mostly cold cuts and cheese, pasta, main and dessert). In the afternoon, if it's football season, most of the family will be glued to the TV to watch a football game (I would hear my neighbours scream about the feats of AS Roma or Lazio di Roma, the 2 Romans teams). In the evening, a "before dinner" passegiata is often recommended. The passegiata (simply taking a walk) is a big social affair. In my street, you would find lots of people on their porch or in front of their houses, people stops and chat, enquire about each other and each others family... Maybe a stop for a little limoncello at the next door bar before going back for a small dinner... Or maybe enjoy Rome at night.
Dog's Rule in Rome
In Rome, and all over Italy, dogs rule. We seldom saw dogs on leashes as one does in the USA (most cities have an ordinance that animals must be on leashes). The interesting part is that the dogs are quite well behaved. I never saw dogs on leashes; yet, they stayed near their owners. In some places where we were eating dinner (nice places), the local would bring his/her dog with. Each time I observed this, the dog would lie under the table and bother no one or no object. It fascinated me and surprised me as well. Once again, because of city ordinances and health departments, dogs are not allowed in restaurants in the USA unless the dog is leading a blind person. I would be interested in knowing how the dogs are trained to be so calm and obedient.
Open Affection is Commonplace
The Italians are lovers...they are openly affectionate and never embarrassed about their affectionate ways. Everywhere we went, we saw couples kissing, holding hands, walking arm in arm. They are not disgustingly passionate, just affectionate. I also like the fact that the men meet and kiss cheeks. In the USA men are so wrapped up in their image that they seldom even touch another man unless in a contact sport or in a fight! I realize that Italian men are very concerned about being macho, so it took me by surprise to see them so affectionate with other males. I'm impressed and wish that attitude were more prevelant in America. I personally feel that it is a healthy attitude. Click the photos to see 3 different "affectionate" situations.
sip a cappuccino
... a short break, enter one of the many bars and have quickly a cappuccino at the bar and op on the way again! I really was surprised how cheap a cappuccino is. In a bar in Trastevere we paid EUR 0,90 for one! I know no place in Germany were you would get a cappuccino for this price or any other drink. Not even a glass of water! As I understood they have different prices depending if you sit down or if you stay at the bar. We stayed at the bar ...
Italian Bureacracy
Italian Bureaucracy
Italian Bureaucracy can be dealt with if you have a sense of humor and understand how to play the game...it also helps to speak Italian pretty well but with a definite accent so that the bureaucrats know that you re a foreigner. First of all, recognize that Italian bureaucrats are terribly bored. Anything you can do to make their lives more interesting will help. I once took two of my students down to Stazione Termini to ship their luggage to London. We found the office, and walked in past a long-haired backpacker who was arguing with a uniformed guard. The bored office manager listened to my request and slowly pulled out the forms needed to send the luggage ahead of the girls. He asked me in a disinterested way what I did, and I told him that I worked at an American university, and these were two of my students. He eyed them, and we carried on talking about the fact that they were really attractive and how it must be great working in such an environment, surrounding by really beautiful co-eds. I am SO grateful that the girls did not understand Italian, because even in the 70s, the conversation was not politically correct. However, the entire time we were talking, he was filling out the forms. Soon, he was finished, and the total bill was a ridiculous 4,000 lire (a few dollars). We said goodbye, and as I and the two girls were leaving, we walked by the long-haired backpacker who was still arguing with the guard. See next tip for another example...
Another time, one of my students received notice that a replacement camera that his parents had sent him was in customs at Fiumicino (Rome's main airport). We went to go get it. While in the office waiting for the paperwork to be typed up, I noticed that the import tax to be levied was over 200,000 lire (about $250 dollars). Surprised, I turned and asked my student just how expensive this camera was. He said it was cheap, so I asked the Italian in charge how this figure was arrived at - it turns out that his parents had insured the camera for $500 (probably 4 times what it was worth) because it never occurred to them that anyone would actually use the figure. By this point, the student was somewhat hysterical - since he probably didn't have $250 this late in the semester. The Italian office manager and I continued talking, and he finally asked me if the camera was used. Well, I had no idea, but, yes, the student thought that it probably was used. "Well, why didn't you say so?" he exclaimed. A whole group of people (Italians love a good show) followed the office manager and the student and myself over to the customs vault, where all the stuff waiting to be claimed. The office manager rooted around in the vault, came up with the box, pulled out the camera, and voila' (excuse my French), the camera had a scratch on it, so it was officially determined to be "used". Oh, the import price? 2,000 lire - about $2.50. In any case, talk to the bureaucrats, treat them like people, pretend to be a some dumb foreigner who needs their help, and I think you'll be surprised how often they'll help you. Yes, sometimes a (monetary) tip after the fact (not before!) is warranted - but given how much time they may save you, it's well worth it....maybe I'll tell you about the experiences with the post office some time... Bill
Cover charge
In Italy it is customary to have a cover charge (Coperto) added to your bill at every place that you sit down to eat or drink. This is to pay for the bread sticks and the cleaning of the table. Even if you just sit to take a break at a table at a snack shop expect to pay this coperto even if you do not eat the bread or olives. This is why the shops do not like you to sit without buying something. They will still charge you and you should pay. It is their way.
Tossing a coin in Trevi Foutain
Do you want to come back to Rome because of fate? Then chuck a coin over your left shoulder with your right hand. If you throw one coin in, you will have a speedy return to Rome, chuck in two coins and you will fall in love in Rome, and after three coins the wedding bells begin to ring.
Tartuffo
I am not sure whether it is a local customs tip or a tip for tourists... I didn't know how to place it better. Have a Tartuffo ice cream on Piazza Navona!! There is one café directly at the middle fountain where you get your Tartuffo for 5,50 Euro. You can sit outside and observe the many people on the Piazza. In other cafés the Tartuffo is more expensive. So take a look at the menu. Tartuffo is an excellent chocolate ice cream with chocolate pieces. It tastes a bit like mousse au chocolat but frozen. Unfortunately I didn't take any picture.
Sidewalk vendors & bargaining
There are tons of sidewalk vendors in Rome. The tip I want to give to you is that you can BARGAIN with these guys. My usual shy wife is better than bargaining than me. We were hot and on our way to the Vatican when we came across a vendor selling drinks and snacks. She wanted a big cold gatorade drink and the price was 5 Euros, and she said 'I'll buy it for 4', and she got it without a problem, could have gone lower probably. By the way, these guys all sell the same stuff whether it is food or these corny Roman trinkets. If you've seen one, then you've seen them all! Don't pay the price these guys are asking. Go inside a few actual indoor shops to compare prices, I found that the indoor shop prices were almost always lower, and sometimes a lot lower.
La vita, gli amori.......The Men in Italy!
Ladies.....the men in Italy are known to be relentless, no? But don't 'fear' them......INDULGE!! The men in Italy celebrate women and adore everything about a woman. Of course, as in any other country, if things get out of hand, you should already know how to handle the situation. Otherwise, just enjoy being a woman in Italy! The dapper gentleman in this picture? He was neither a boyfriend nor a friend. Never even knew the guy......he was our WAITER!!!!! I went to a local restaurant where the waiters were infamous for kissing the female patrons and sending them off with a long-stemmed rose. Ya think they were after the big tips??? It was a lovely time.....don't quite remember how good the food was, but the 'service' was impeccable! If anyone out there knows the name of this particular restaurant.
never too busy
In Rome you're never supposed to be too busy in order to not have time for a chat here or there. cosí fan tutte - e tutti --- everybody does it Especially when being visibly a tourist you will find this attitude among natives in customer service. They will have all the time to chat with each other, capable of leaving you waiting for... just as long as the conversation happens to take, no matter what. And if you should have the impertinent habit of interrupting and claiming to be served, you might even achieve it, but this will be rewarded with an arrogant "tssseh" and a demonstrative look away.
Big Noses
"Big Nose" is a familiar Roman name to call those small fountains where you can drink at. They are always opened and it's not a waste of water. I've read anywhere that Rome is just upon a huge water reserve and its level is stable. Once you don't use that water you are gonna loose ita anyway. Maybe it's a bit immoral, but it's super comfortable. Bars and stands will make you pay big amounts of money for small bottles of mineral water. Don't do that. Springing water is perfect, clean, fresh and delicious, and it's brought to you through the original Roman Acquedoct. So... it tastes of history. One of the funniest things is watching tourists on their first approach to the Big Noses. The easiest way to drink is: close the bottom (main) hole and water will spring out from the smaller hole on top. Then just drink!
Restaurant Etiquette
If you are from New York, Los Angeles, Toronto, Sydney or any other city where good service is defined by promptness, you will need to make a severe attitude adjustment in Rome. Roman restaurant etiquette dictates that the worst thing you can do to a diner is to rush him. Rush is a four-letter word. We do not rush over meals, we relax, we converse, we take time. This means that you may not get a menu until you ask for it. You will almost certainly have to wait a significant period of time between courses. Nothing could be worse for the Roman digestion than to have an antipasto plate whisked away to make room for the immediate delivery of the pasta course.On the matter of ordering, many foreigners find themselves cowed by the assumption that the antipasto, primo, secondo, dolce routine is de rigeur. There was a time when Roman waiters made little effort to conceal their disappointment, nay their disgust, at the uncultured tourist who just wanted a plate of spaghetti. Nowadays, however, you will find you can order a minimal one-dish meal without enduring sneers. No need to be intimidated into ordering more than you care to eat. Getting the check can be an exercise in determination. What could be ruder than to present a check unsummoned? You will have to be quite clear in your communication with the waiter when you are ready to pay up and leave. The correct Italian verbiage is il conto, per favore. Failing that, you can resort to gesture, miming the writing of a pen on paper in midair. This is usually well understood. The check will not instantly appear, however. It will first need to be totaled out at the convenience of the waiter, often in consultation with the proprietor. Try to remain calm during this interval.
Do not, under any circumstances, attempt to have dinner before eight o’clock in the evening or lunch before one in the afternoon. The restaurants will all be closed and you will be forced to resort to pizza by the slice, probably eaten standing up. Lunch is rarely served after three in the afternoon. Dinner hours are more flexible. Occasionally, but not often, you may find a restaurant that stays open after eleven or even twelve. But since most restaurants, hating to rush anyone, have only one seating per table, habitual meal times are observed. Should you try to call a restaurant at four in the afternoon in the hope of making a reservation for that evening, you may well find there is no answer. Restaurants actually close between lunch and dinner. Everybody goes home for a couple of hours, returning at six in the evening to prepare for an eight o'clock re-opening. Best time to call for reservations is around noon, while they're setting up for lunch.
Tips are generally lower here than they are in the USA where 15 percent is considered polite and 20 percent is common. Many places will list an item called coperta or servizio on the bill. It's a built-in tip. Look for it and then leave a little bit extra depending on how well you liked the service. If there's no indication that the service is included, 10 to 15 percent is a respectable gratuity.
Buskers
Busker is a common name for street musicians, who are as common in Rome as stray cats. You cannot escape them, and their repertoire is generally limited to “My Way,” “Arrivederci Roma,” and “Those Were the Days My Friend.” Some buskers are also famiiar with the popular standard “Autumn Leaves.” Whenever you decide to sit at an outside table, they will soon make their presence known, and having assaulted your ears, they will then accost you for payment. The most common instrument for busking is the Italian accordian or fisarmonica, an instrument few buskers have mastered. But sometimes you get lucky and find yourself serenaded by a group who really know how to play. Throw a euro or two into the hat. They deserve it.