[pepsionice]

I made a two-day stopover in Rome and came to three conclusions:

1. Crime (mostly by pickpockets or snatch-and-grab) is a big deal, and you have to think about what’s going on around you at all times.

2. The city is loaded with scenes from the ancient period. It’s also loaded with street hustlers, boozers, and heron addicts.

3. Great food is in abundance and you can’t lose weight while visiting the city.

I would go back again, but I would be very picky about what I see and how I do it. This is not a place for the accidental tourist.

[FreedomPoster]

We were there 7 years ago. Road the local transit trains once. Observed a pickpocket attempt while riding, it only stopped when the pickpocket saw me watching. I was going to grab his wrist if he got the guys wallet out; wallet owner never knew what was going on.

Had fun in Rome, but enjoyed villa in rural Tuscany much more.

[TADSLOS]

Agreed on all counts.

[riri]

The black market thrives and there is a constant feeling of chaos surrounding any sort of day to day life, business, etc. If you are an orderly Germanic thinker, that can drive you crazy.

But, that said, you can walk down to a cafe, have beautiful weather, gorgeous scenery, order a world class pastry and espresso or cafe Americano for less than $5.

The Italians will keep on being Italians long after the socialist system collapses.

[riri]

I wanted to add---I didn't see any heroin users in Florence but there was a heavy police presence.

I went to the Czech Republic last summer and Prague was insane. I was seeing people shooting up left and right. It's a horrible feeling to see that. Very dark.