Who: Nick, AJ and Dan Giardina of Centennial, CO
Where: Rome, Italy
Out and about: Having nearly completed a semester of college in Rome, I
(AJ) was excited to be the tour guide for my brothers and parents’
visit in April. Rome is an exciting, fast-paced city with an endless
list of sites, sounds, and smells. The Colosseum is a must see! It is
awe-inspiring and makes you truly ask how did they actually build it
way back in A.D. 80? After several days in Rome my parents headed
north to Venice, Florence and ended their trip in beautiful, scenic and
slower-paced Tuscany the perfect finish to a fantastic trip.
Travel tip: Whether crossing a street or navigating Rome’s largest
traffic circle around the Colosseum, you have to be on your toes so as
not to be run down by speeding Italians driving tiny cars, motorinos
(Vespas), taxis and tour buses. As a pedestrian be aggressive, the
meek and mild will be left behind! Make eye contact with the driver
and move quickly and you should be just fine. Your other option
cross the street with a nun: they command all the respect you will
need. While somewhat daunting, the public transportation system buses
and the subway are pretty easy to master and reliable just give it
a shot. Steer clear of bus number 64R: rarely on time, very crowded,
and you run the risk of meeting a fast-fingered pickpocket!
