b'Rome rose for free when sudden-(continued from page 31) ly an adult shows up de-manding money. Avoid bus passageways, once used toN64, as it is internationally transportwildanimalsandknown for pickpockets and gladiatorsintothearena.pursesnatchers.Always Arecent,18millionEurobe aware of your surround-(25millionC$)restorationings, do not be fooled by project,hasallowedthethe most sincere hard luck Colosseum to emerge morestories,andnevercarry imposing than ever. Visitorsmoney or jewellery openly.under 18 and over 65 areOnly change your cur-admittedfreeofcharge,rency at the bank and be while the rest of us pay 15. waryofunmarkedtaxis. Rome has nearly 2,000The transit system in Italy hotels, so finding accommo- The ancient Roman Ruins. iswonderful,andmuch dation should not be difficult.lessexpensivethanany Restaurants are everywhere, as RomansManyofthemuseumsnowofferother form of transportation. Ask before love to eat. Dont be fooled by their casualpasses, which are good for multiple visitsyou snap photographs and, should some-attitude, when it comes to food they areto different locations, allowing you to seeone be dressed as a gladiator in the vicin-pickier than most. The city center catersthetopattractionsataffordableprices.ity of the Colosseum, be assured that it to tourism, and it is easy to fall into touristKeep in mind that Rome is an older citywill cost you to take their photo.traps. I try and find places filled with lo- and access to subways, as well as manyI would also recommend purchasing cals, and am usually assured of an excel- buildings may only be by stairs. tickets on line, well ahead of time. Line-lent cuisine. The many restaurants offerA few things to remember: June andups are long and this will avoid the disap-fare which ranges from traditional RomanJuly are the busiest months. A two-hour trippointment of possibly not being admitted.dishes to exotic menus from all over theto the Vatican can become a full-day event,Romeisanamazingcityandwell withmostofyourtimeshufflingbehindworth the visit. It is a place Ive been sev-hundreds of other sightseers. The summereral times, and will always welcome the months are extremely hot and humid, soopportunity to go back to. I was pleased they should be avoided if possible. Pick- to see the Colosseum make the new list pockets are numerous, and are found inof Seven Wonders of the World, as it is an the metros and at tourist attractions. Mostamazing architectural feat, and very hard of these people are gypsies who have en- to believe is over 2000 years old. tered Italy illegally. Beware, for nothing isArrivederci, baby.sweeter than a small child offering you a Jonathan van Bilsen is a television host, published author, award-winning St. Peters Bascilica and garden. photographer and keynote speaker. Watch his new show The Jonathan globe.Therearepossibilitiesforeveryvan Bilsen Show on YouTube.pocket and for every mood. You can stroll amongstcountlesspizzerias,hipspotsTRAVEL TIP: andpopulareateriescalledtrattorias, where it is not uncommon to find a stereo- AllmuseumsinRomearefreeof typical mama making fresh handmadecharge on the first Sunday of every pasta. Anotherenjoyablepastimeistomonth. This could be good for your visit the wine bars, and nibble while enjoy- Sitting is now forbidden on Romeswallet, but no doubt lineups will be ing a glass of wonderful Italian wine. Spanish Steps. long.If you cant make it inSHOP LOCAL 24/7 Its as easy as one, two, three, four! MCTICO #4577532158 Casimir St., Port Perry905-985-2268virginia.frew@marlintravel.ca32 FOCUS - MARCH 2020'