Archive for the ‘Italy’ Category

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Travel Report: Rome


2010
03.18

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Posted in Italy | No Comments »

  • Date: April 21st-22nd
  • Accommodation: San Jouan Guest House - Via Francesco Berni 7, Rione Monti, 00185
  • Transportation:  London Gatwick to Rome Fiumicino with EasyJet
  • Food: lasagna, lasagna, lasagna. take-away sandwiches.
  • Activities: piazzas, Vaticano Museum, Colosseum, Forum Romano, eating lots of lasagna.
  • Total cost of trip: €400, for two people.
  • Appreciation: 5/5

Fontana di Trevi

I was lucky enough to be in Rome on the last day of Cultural Week, which gave free access to the Colosseum and the Forum. €30 in my pockets. I was off to a good start.

The city itself is a museum, every detail is interesting to look at. It doesn’t feel like walking from one sight to another, it feels more like a natural and relaxed stroll, taking in as much as possible.

As mentionned in a previous post, I think that Vaticano Museum was a rip-off, but it’s still worth visiting nonetheless, even if it’s only for the Sistine Chapel. One of those unmissables.

As for the hotel, I would definitely go back there. It was friendly, homy, well located and totally affordable at €69 per night for a double room with bathroom, breakfast included.

You can see on the map below what my itinerary was. I think that I really made the most out of my two days there, although I wish I visited more churches. I was not able to visit St Peter of Rome because there was at least a 4 hours wait. Next time I will plan ahead.


View Rome Itinerary in a larger map in a larger map

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Top 10 Overrated Attractions in Europe


2010
02.20

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Posted in Belgium, Czech Republic, France, General Tips, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Spain, United Kingdom | 2 Comments »

1. Manneken Pis, Brussels

It’s a tiny little men peeing in a fountain, on the corner of a street, with hundreds of tourists in awe around it. It sometimes has costumes. When I was there, it was an orange tuxedo. Lovely.

2. Astronomical Clock, Prague

The clock is not really interesting. It’s more of a tourist trap than anything, so beware your belongings… pickpockets thrive in this area.

3. Stonehenge, England

The stones are actually pretty impressive, especially when learning how it got there. What’s not impressive is the 20 feet distance from the stones and the nearby motorway.

4. Champs-Élysées, Paris

Large busy boulevard. Too many tourists. Angry French drivers. Luxury stores aplenty. Make sure you pack a bunch of “patience” before going there.

5. Vatican City, Rome

Too much luxury in such a tiny place. Definitely worth a visit though, as long as you don’t think about world hunger.

6. The Spire, Dublin

That’s basically just a tall, metal thing in the middle of O’Connell street.  You can’t really walk past it, unfortunately.

7. La Barceloneta, Barcelona

The beach is dirty and overcrowded. Too many Asian masseuses asking around (repeatedly) for clients. The sea is filthy and cold. Just don’t rely on this spot  to  have a true “Spanish beach experience”.

8. Moulin Rouge, Paris

The Boulevard de Clichy burlesque club has nothing to brag about. It looks like something you would normally see in Vegas. Plus, tickets are very, very expensive.

9. Heineken Brewery, Amsterdam

Video simulation. €15. Enough said.

10.  The Louvre, Paris

Perfect if you want to wait hours outside, argue with non-queuing people, walk around in an overcrowded corridor and fight your way to catch a sight of the Joconde, hidden behind a glass wall and two guards.