Any thoughts on a honeymoon in Rome, Italy?

[Anatresia]

So now Paul is thinking he wants to move the wedding up to March. AHHHH! Scary. We have NOTHING planned yet. He wants to move it up because 1. he wants it over with (to put it in a blunt way), 2. he just bought us a pool and doesn't want to take ANY time away that could be potential swim time (I am not kidding) and 3. I think he thinks I'll spend less if I'm rushed, like I won't have time to think of weird things like chocolate fountains (which someone told me their sister had at a wedding- sounds cool...)

Anyway, if we have it then, we can go on a honeymoon over Easter break (which is my break from teaching and also my birthday- pretty cool) and the prices to Rome, Italy are cheaper then than in summer. We were just going to go to Florida or on a cruise, but Rome is my ultimate destination in life (as an art teacher I feel a need to go there to see the ancient and Renaissance art).

So I was wondering if anyone has ever been there and if you could give me some tips. I will have to learn a little Italian, but can I get by with just a little? I am a super picky American eater- I eat like a little kid (chicken fingers, pizza- I'm from Buffalo, after all)- will I like the food? I love American Italian style food, so I hope so. Also, if you know of any must see places, please inform me.

Thanks so much!

[juliette]

Rome is PERFECT! It's one of the world's top tourist destinations, so don't worry about learning a great deal of Italian. Some key phrases (please, thank you, bathroom, and any other little one word social nicities work wonders however and are always appreciated by the locals). My one tip for being in major tourist cities like this is to put yourself in the shoes of the locals - how would you feel if millions of strangers came to town ever summer and asked the same silly question ;)

The food varies considerably throughout Rome and I am sure you will find something you like. Start experimenting a little bit with some local "Americanized" italian food over the winter so at least the names on menus will become more familiar. "Real" Italian food is actually very simple in most of it's premise - start with the freshest possible food and go from there. You won't find chicken wings, but you will find some amazing food which is simply prepared and tastes out of this world.

Unfortunately/Fortunately there are also outlets of a number of american fast food restaurants..so if you're really desparate for a taste of home, it's there.

The art...the architecture...the ROMANCE of Rome will wash over you. Spring is the perfect time to go - not too hot yet. Easter is especially lovely as you can see the Pope do public services in St. Peter's square. Rome during the holy time...surreal. I strongly recommend that you walk as much as possible - the more touristy tours are excellent to give you a grounding - do one on the first couple of days to orient yourself if you wish, then revisit the places that interest you at your leisure. As for where to go - use the on line resources, starting with Daily Planet and then other Rome oriented tourist sites. That way you can plan out the things that interest you in advance.

So, things to recognize - it's dirty, it's different, it's SUPER busy (especially over Easter) - so take a deep breath and enjoy the difference. It's a perfect honeymoon spot!!!

[Me&DappledDuo]

Wow! Never been overseas myself... but Rome or Hurricane ravaged FL/Tropics? Um... ;)

I think it's a GREAT idea! I know you'll be a little frantic pulling all this together so quickly... but it's not like you'll be incredibly crunched for time... right?

I actually have a CD set called "Learn Italian In Your Car"- which I've only managed to get to disc 4 (of 9) on. But it's a GREAT way to learn spoken Italian. I couldn't read or write much- but I can already ask basic touristy stuff. It's just a woman saying a word/phrase in English and repeating it in Italian. Easy as could be. PM me if it sounds like something that would work for you... :thumbsup:

And well... as long as you are willing to try REAL pizza (Yum... Italian pizza kicks butt!)... you can just live on that the whole time. Plus- I think you can always find American "cuisine" (heheh) in Europe. :)

Well, good luck with the planning! After what I've seen out of Mr. X the past few weeks... I'm ECSTATIC that my own wedding plans bit the dust- but I'm still having fun with my girlfriends who are planning theirs! Oh... chocolate fountains are pretty cool... but kind of ridiculous at the same time. Heh... it's YOUR day, though! :D

[juliette]

Oh - one other thing. The Toronto bridal shows are the next couple of weeks (in fact, I think there is one this weekend) - so you might want to pop up here and see if you can pick up some deals at the favourable currency exchange!

Let me know if you are ever coming up here - we'd love to meet up!

[Tammara]

It's everything they say. Check NEA travel for a bargain. We did a tour and it made everything 1. controlled (but in a good ways) 2. safe 3. less expensive 4. food was what Americans would eat

Remember, not to drink the water, and in 1990 it was $4 a bottle. Just drink wine. Forget food, the pastries are amazing!
Bring home leather (they told us "it won't hit your charge card for 10 weeks" when we went over budget-not smart starting a marriage that way.) Also back then the gypsies were really bad. Hands on our bodies lots. Just keep no money, ID, other valuables accessible on your person, and watch your credit cards carefully. Even the kids were really good at pickpocketing. Typical travel stuff.

I still have a couple of things I brought back, (gold, leather) but should've left the hubby there. The honeymoon was the beginning of the nightmare (But it wasn't Italy's fault.)

Go, have a wonderful time!!!

[Courtknee]

My best friend is obsessed with Rome and has been there a few times. I asked her for input and here's what she said...

Rome is a wonderful place. I completely fell in love with it, and I hope that you will, too. The people are friendly, but I would suggest trying to learn/use some Italian. If they see that you're trying, they'll be more willing to help you out. Although the food in Rome is not the best Italian food, I'd recommend trying to go as authentic as possible. About the pizza: After having pizza in Italy, it took me 3 months to warm up to the stuff over here. The ingredients are really fresh, they're mostly thin crust, and if you want to do the like the Romans do, they eat it with a knife and fork in restaurants. Use the metro system as much as possible. It's an experience to say the least, and it's also the cheapest, most efficient way to get around the city. Watch out for pickpockets -- in Italy, it's an artform.

Must sees in no particular order: Trastevere neighborhood and the Santa Maria in Trastevere church (absolutely beautiful), the Vatican/Vatican Museum and St. Peter's Basilica, The Spanish Steps for lunch and people watching, Trevi fountain, Coliseum, Piazza Navona and its church, the Pantheon, Villa Borghese Museum to name a few. If you have room for a side trip, head over to the Villa D'Este in Tivoli. I think it's about 45+ minutes away. The palace has beautiful grounds and over 1,000 fountains.

Rome is old, dirty and absolutely beautiful. Although there may be a couple of snags, take it all in stride. The most fun that I had in Rome happened when I was just roaming around the city.

*****I would recommend reading and taking along Rick Steve's Italy or Rome 2004/2005 and his phrase book. He's traveled there a million and one times; he narrows down tourist spots and rates them, gives great descriptions, advice, directions, etc. It proved an invaluable starting point in getting to know the city. Have fun :-D*****

[Paul]

Originally posted by Anatresia
So now Paul is thinking he wants to move the wedding up to March. AHHHH! Scary. We have NOTHING planned yet. He wants to move it up because 1. he wants it over with (to put it in a blunt way), 2. he just bought us a pool and doesn't want to take ANY time away that could be potential swim time (I am not kidding) and 3. I think he thinks I'll spend less if I'm rushed, like I won't have time to think of weird things like chocolate fountains (which someone told me their sister had at a wedding- sounds cool...)



He sounds like a smart man! I am sure summers are very precious there as they are here...so I understand moving the wedding up to March. If my wife wanted a chocolate fountain...all I can say is :eek: I have been lucky enough to travel to Europe three times in my life and the experiences are unforgetable! As for food, life's too short not to eat more than fast food;) Hope things work out...go for the trip and enjoy! BTW, no flaming intended. Congrats and good luck!

Paul

[Heide]

never been lucky enough to visit other countries. But this sounds like a beautiful time.
I was born in Germany and left when I was 2, so dont remember much.
Been in the states ever since.
I would dearly love to go back to my birthplace just once. It was Bremahaven Germany.
But I am sure it would cost a fortune.
I still have lots of realitives over there, that I have never met.
So go enjoy this beautiful honeymoon in Rome.
Sounds just awesome.
Please remember the camera.
:bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :D

[FOREVER A DAXIE]

I'm so envious!!! YES - go to Rome. Or Anywhere in Italy! I would love to go to Italy. However, because my kids are just 9 & 11 we'll take them to Mexico this Jan/Feb.

But I'll be planning a trip to Italy soon enough! Good Luck. Have fun! Try lots of different food - you'll be surprised with yourself!

[Schnitzel's Mom]

My husband and I spent our 3-week honeymoon in Italy in May 2003. I must preface this that ancient art and architecture was my major in college. Don't use it today, but it's my ultimate passion. Hubby has already been there, but he was kind enough to go to Italy again.

We spent a couple of days in Venice, 1 week in the Florence area, 1 week in Rome, and a few days in Naples and the Amalfi coast. All of it was incredible. There is so much to do in Rome! While it's fun and good to learn, honestly if you're worried about it, you don't need to know Italian. I know Spanish, so it was quite easy to know what people were talking about, but my husband only knew a few words of Italian and he was fine. I highly recommend Rome. We were already up to our ears in Italian food by the time we got to Rome, we honestly had Chinese and American food for 3 nights.

Rome reminded us a lot like NYC, but with cooler ancient landmarks. In addition to what Courtknee suggested: buy your Metro tickets from a Tobbaco shop--mush easier than trying to deal wth the machines in the stations. Pickpockets: we're from NYC, so we're normally aware, but, the Roma-aka Gypsies, are quite prevalent in the area. One group of 3 with a baby swarmed my husband, saying that they needed money for the baby. My husband is not a child-kind of guy. We noticed that the map from his back pocket was gone--he keeps his wallet in his front pocket.

Tivoli is on my list for our next trip there. We went to Tarquinia, an interesting Etruscan cemetery. That's my ancient self talking. :D

Vatican? Go early. You'll bypass a lot of bus groups and see the whole thing at leisure. Absolutely incredible.

I've written a lot. I'm just really passionate about this kind of stuff. :) Rome is incredible.

[Patt]

Thanks for all the info on Italy, sounds like a wonderful place to visit. :D