The Riots of Rome and The Cloudburst

One might think that some sort of religious punishment hit Rome after so much violence struck the city during the "black-block" protests. The water that came down, a staggering 170 millimeters in just few minutes, was not absorbed by the sewage system, and washed away the memories of the riots altogether with the lives of two people.

I do not believe in anything like a superior punisher, even because those that needed to be reprehended for their nonsensical acts were far away from Rome during the cloudburst. To tell you the truth, the cloudburst was quite manageable, and it resulted in much greater issues than it should have just because the city did not spend as much as it should have to clean up its waste water system. In other words, the two deaths could have been easily avoided.

Actually, the mess that resulted from the rioting could also have been avoided. Some say the worst fringes of the protest should have been cracked down more violently, but who knows. From an outsider that relocated to Italy it is sad to see that a pacific protest with 98% of the people just dancing, marching or simply voicing their concerns is completely ruined by that 2% with no intention of building any constructive, meaningful point of view.

I wonder what makes people feel like thrashing such a wonderful city such as Rome. If I were marching along one of the magnificent boulevards in Rome I would jut stay all the time with my nose up looking at the monuments and palaces, no matter if ancient. The center of the city is just splendid, mixing a variety of Classic, Neoclassic, Liberty, Roman, and Medieval styles. It seems like you are spending time on a time machine. But can time be perceived on a time machine? Of course not. Time in Rome passes by so quickly that you can find yourself at the end of the day and not remember what you did and where you went to.

My advice: let others riot, and the sky pour water. You just head towards the nearest "Trattoria" and feast in front of a plate full of "Bucatini Amatriciana", "Bruschetta" or "Abbacchio". When you are done the sky will be clear and the streets safe again!

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Touring Rome

If you are traveling to Rome then you need to take into account several aspects. The first thing is to plan right, then you'll have a fantastic time in what is the most amazing locations of the world. You must plan your means of transportation to get there, how long you want to stay, the hotel where to stay, what to visit, and other things. If you want a fantastic journey in Rome, you need a clever planning.

How to get to Rome
Rome can be reached many ways. You may fly in to Fiumicino or to Ciampino airports. Fiumicino is much better serviced though, and you will get a train directly into town. Cheaper flights get to Ciampino, which does have a shuttle bus to Rome.

Transportation inside the Italian capital
If a car rental worries you, or you drove in with your car, then you may use public transportation, leaving your car at a long stay parking lot. Buses, trams, subway, and taxis provide for plenty of alternatives to your car and relieve you from worries. Green buses are a great transport in Rome. During the night there are more than 20 lines running the city. Taxis are also a good option, and they can also be used as tour guides for an extra charge. They know the spots you should not miss and are to be trusted.

Accommodations in Rome
A huge city such as Rome offers hundreds of places to stay at for all budgets. If you go the traveled booking route, you will get more expensive hotels, but if you put in some effort you can get better deals. Among the places to consider are the Westin Excelsior Rome in Via Veneto, and is considered a kind of monument. Or the Baglioni, again in Via Veneto, near Piazza di Spagna. Finally the Hotel Albani is in the Parioli area, set in a place to remember.

What to do in Rome
Rome offers plenty to see. Needless to say, you can spend a month visiting and just see a glimpse of it all. The cornerstones are St. Peter’s Basilica plus the Vatican. Then you have the Roman Forum, the Colosseum, and the Palantine Slope. The history of this city is unbelievable, rich of well preserved Roman architecture.

A better way to enjoy the archaelogic sites of Rome is by purchasing the Roma Archeologica card, including a series of historic locations throughout Rome that are must see. The card will give you access to the Colosseum, Palatino and also Palatino Memorial, the Normal Roman Museums, Terme Di Caracalla, Cecilia Metella, plus the Villa Dei Quintili. Must-see museums are Palazzo Altemps, Palazzo Massimo, Terme di Diocleziano, and also the Cripta Balbi.

Rome Shopping
Looking to just relax and walk around doing some serious shopping? Then you must go to Piazza di Spagna and Spanish Scalinata. This section of Rome literally bursts with all kinds of shops, bars, restaurants, and markets. These are very characteristic of the city and should be visited. Just remember that this is the reign of pickpockets, so keep your values tight.

Rome deserves several days to be appreciated. Do not commit the mistake to go for a daytrip, as you will just be exhausted, confused, and hungry, trading good food for the first tourist joint at hand. You will hate it! Plan ahead instead. Choose your places in advance, then go straight to the point, and always remember to leave some space for the unforeseeable and unexpected, which is the zest of life!

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Rome Festivities

Rome has always been a city rich of events. Sometimes you can find traces of celebrations and festivities that go deep in the roots of Italian history of Rome and Italy. There are many religious celebrations, but not all are from the Roman Catholic tradition.

For example the celebration of the Purim holiday is a Jewish festivity. The date of the celebration changes every year but is however included between the last days of February and the first ones of March. Romans have renamed the celebration the Carnival of the Jewish since the most visible part of the celebration is children going around dressed up like Ester and Mordechai, the liberators of the Jewish people.

The celebration of Rosh Ha-shanà celebrates the sovereignty of God on earth. It consists of the 10 days of prayer and repentance and is also the beginning of the religious Jewish year.

The birthday of Rome is celebrated on the day when the city was supposedly founded on April 21, 753 BC. It is celebrated every year with a series of happenings that last 10 days and conclude on April 25 coinciding with the anniversary of the liberation of the city during World War II. On April 21 there is a solemn Celebration in Campidoglio.

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