[RJT]

I think audiences with the Pope (actually that means a seat in a large auditorium - or outside in the square sometimes - to hear him speak) are usually conduct on Wednesdays. In the summer, I am not sure of the schedule as he is not always in town then. If this is something that you are interested in, let me know and I will try to get you tickets. I know a few people in Rome.

Regarding a picnic lunch - the perfect spot is the Borghese Gardens. Which is not far from the Spanish Steps which is a must see anyway. In the Borghese park is a great museum (can’t recall the name right now - but I’ll check my tour book) with a few noteworthy items - a few Bernini sculptures in particular. Regarding the meal itself - I’d go with the bread/cheese/salami/wine thing - but if you want a box lunch you should be able to do that easily. If you were staying at a pensione or hotel they could hook you up. But, just ask at the hostel or a nearby café - that shouldn’t be very hard to arrange. There are quite a few cafeteria type places near where you are staying (it looks like you are near the train station - which, btw isn’t the safest area - but don’t worry, Rome is not at all dangerous. Pick pockets are about as bad as it gets ) they’ll make you a box lunch.

You will have to check the time that the Vatican museum is open. You will want to see the Sistine Chapel. You must get there very early - ahead of time. Especially in the summer - the most crowded time of the year. The lines will be long and you can get shut out - it might close by noon, I can’t recall exactly. But the times are messed up. Once you find out where to go and when - you will see that the museum itself is huge. But, there is a direct route to the Chapel. Along the way, you will still see some of the treasures of the museum.

Make sure you wear long pants and no tank type things when you go to the Vatican, otherwise you will have trouble (might not get in) seeing the Basilica (Church) itself. Inside the church there are many side chapels. Here you can attend mass, no problem. You will have to find out when one is scheduled. I don’t have a calendar, but if you want to do Sunday Mass at the main Altar, I’ll have to find out more about that. Again, I have friends who are priests in Rome, so they can give me details. Tomorrow, I’ll check the calendar and see what days you are in Rome then I’ll send off some e-mails.


Buses are the cheapest way to get around in Rome. When I was a student there we often just got on and off the bus at will. Hardly ever bought a ticket. Tickets are cheap though, so handle that as you are most comfortable. Taxis are cheap, btw. Rome is a great city to walk around. You can cover a lot of territory by walking.

The thing to keep in mind when you are on a crowded bus - pick pockets are at their best. They will reach in your pocket without you realizing it. The other thing to be aware of are the gypsies. They come up to you - mostly at tourist spots, like the Roman Forum - carrying babies or a piece of cardboard to distract you. Once they see you are looking at the cardboard sign, they reach under the cardboard and pick your pocket. They are quick, so be alert. You will see a bunch of them approach you begging - just scream at them to get away (don’t be bashful about this) say it any language. They will leave you alone as long as you let them know you aren’t going to take any …

One of the best things to do in Rome is just to get a seat in a café along a piazza or busy street and just watch the people. Italians are a good looking bunch (men and women) and dress sharply, too. Never a dull moment in the Eternal City. Coffee lover - go to Tasso D’Oro near the Patheon. They pump out the coffee all day long.

This week I’ll look over some stuff I have at my office. I have one or two places in mind for great pizza in Trastevere, which is a pretty young, hip area anyway. And there is a place I love to hit for the grilled lamb and roasted potatoes -kind of touristy, but great food.

Oh yeah, make sure you take the express train to Milan. Or at least a semi-direct one. They have trains that stop in a zillion town on the way. You don’t want to go that way - wouldn’t really be a bad trip, just - you get the idea.

I'll get back to you.