Hi all, Well, the most amazing thing has happened! My 24 y.o. son suggested that we go to Rome together. After my taking eight trips alone to Rome, he has decided that he wants to see first-hand what draws me back to Rome every year. He is taking some time off in the spring, so we will coordinate with my spring break schedule. We will have about twelve days in March in Rome. I just hope he remembers to get his passport...
Other than wanting to share this wonderful news with all of you, I have some questions and thoughts and would like input from the board.
1. How do travelers efficiently travel from the U.S. west coast to Rome? I am used to flying over the pole in the summer (Fairbanks to Frankfurt) and so don't know the best routes. We will drive to Anchorage, and head out from there. Seattle? San Francisco? L.A.? I don't go to the west coast very often and don't know the preferred routes. 2. While I know my son well (he is an engineering, quiet, nerdy, gamer type), I am looking for advice about what a guy his age might enjoy. What do young adults like to do in Rome? If there is something you can suggest, I am happy to hear! 3. I, of course, have a looooong list of things he simply MUST see. He is not a big traveller and this may be his only trip, so I would appreciate any input there as well. What would a guy like this really want to see? When asked, he responds, "You know me and you know Rome, Mom. You choose." Not all that helpful, but in character for him. 4. Now this one is a biggie for me! Where to stay? I usually stay in Monti. I love the neighborhood and know my way around. Should I stick to the old neighborhood or try for something more central? I do know most of the neighborhoods in Rome, but not as intimately and I am wondering about the Centro, or maybe Trastevere? Any other neighborhoods to look into? I know there are trade-offs on locations, but give me ideas!
I appreciate all the information I have gotten over the years from this board and I am looking forward to everyone's input on this new adventure!
I know you are so excited! I went with my son to Rome several years ago and it was an experience we will both remember for the rest of our lives.
We stayed in Trastevere at the Ripa Hotel. The nicest thing about it was that there was a nice jazz bar in the hotel and he was able to get away and feel like he was on his own.
We each were able to see the things we wanted and fell in love with Rome. He is so jealous that I'm going back in May. (good incentive to graduate and get a job now)
Re: route to Rome from the West Coast. We live in Seattle, and have done both Seattle/London/Rome and Seattle/Chicago/Rome. I much preferred the non-stop on British Airways to London, then BA to Rome. Partially just wanting to get across the Atlantic - if there were problems, at least we'd be on the right side of the ocean, and maybe stuck someplace interesting. The experience on British Airways was much better all around in terms of customer service.
My husband is 6'8", so legroom is very important on long flights. This last time we flew premium economy 'World Traveller Plus' to get 7" extra legroom. The extra room made the overnight flight much more pleasant, but I think the regular economy seats are still much better than other airlines, and the treatment by the crew definitely much better.
(he is an engineering, quiet, nerdy, gamer type), I am looking for advice about what a guy his age might enjoy.
Is he a civil engineer? If so, get him a copy of H V Morton's The Fountains of Rome. I think he will appreciate the aqueducts and the mostre of the various aqueducts.
Amica, Thanks for the info on BA. When I traveled in the previous millennia (ahem ) BA stopped in Anchorage and that is how I always got to England. I will investigate the route you prefer! This is just exactly why I love this board. Such good information.
Bill, An excellent idea about the book! I have a copy of that book on the shelf.
I also have my little book on the rioni fountains that I haven't quite finished. I'll ask him to look it over before I print and post it. A good way to start getting an idea about what he would like to see/do. And, it would get me to finish it as well!
If Sheena sees this thread, she may tell you about the Vancouver - London flight on BA that she likes.
Whatever route you take, this will be a trip of a lifetime. I've traveled a few times now with my son...Florence, Paris and yes...Savannah! He's a great travel partner, patient with his mum, funny, caring, generous and knows so much more than me about wherever we go.
Ask your kid what he'd like to do...then do that. Add in some of your favorite things and that will make a perfect trip! Really, whatever you do together, you will do with love, so it will be good.
Monti is a great area to stay. If you have a favorite place there, by all means book it.
Make sure you are each comfortable with where you are staying...my son loves quaint little hotels (my translation: character hotels, a little bit down at the heels, tiny rooms!!!), I love apartments (my translation: gorgeous, cushy and large rooms!) We each booked our own accommodations in Florence and Paris. He stayed in his darling little hotels and I stayed and my luscious apartments. Too funny! BUT, that's what works for us. Figure out what works for you and do it!
Enjoy, most of all. You are an absolutely wonderful mom if the kid wants to travel with you!
"Each day of our lives we make deposits in the memory banks of our children." ~ Charles R. Swindoll Brenda
If he is interested in subatomic particles, and given that you have a bit of time, the Gran Sasso National Laboratory with an entrance just past L'Aquila is fascinating.
We are from the west coast as well. This past September we flew from Vancouver to Toronto to Rome. The Van-Toronto Leg is 5 hrs and Tor-Rome is 8 hrs. We are going to seriously look at going through Frankfurt as it seems to be a shorter overall travel time to get to Rome.
The 20 something I travel with to Rome is also an engineering major, but she is a girl, so shopping is one of her favorite activities. She also likes art and ruins. We send a lot of time in the Forum and at Ostia Antica (usually a whole day). Last year we explored the paleochristian basilica under San Crisgono. http://www.slowphotos.com/photo/showphoto.php?photo=43834&cat=4291
The Baths of Caracalla are an engineering marvel. Maybe he would be interested in seeing them?
Ask your son specifically, which things he might be interested in. I have been surprised by some of the answers out of my 20 something.
Posts: 4355 | Location: St Paul, MN | Registered: 10 February 2006
And make some time to go out to Tivoli, less than an hour on the train. Both the fountains at Villa D'Esta and Villa Adriana (Hadrian's VIlla) are worth the trip.
My husband is a retired electrical engineer and the first place we are heading to next March is the Montemartini Museum which is a restored 1932 electric power plant (it has all the old generators and cast iron machinery) amonst displays of 400 ancient statues.
The Pantheon is an engineering marvel of the ancient world. The coffered structure decreases the weight of the sides as the dome rises towards the oculus
The dome is poured concrete into molds in place without the benefit of any steel bar reinforcement. A testament to Roman concrete made with amorphous silica unlike modern concrete. Concrete made with amoprphous silica is stronger than concrete made with cryustalline silica (sand).
Posts: 4355 | Location: St Paul, MN | Registered: 10 February 2006
I am getting more excited! I have just cleared the days off with my principal! My son continues to be elusive in his interests. He tells me that he doesn't much care what he sees as long as we do it together.
Stefanaccio, Thanks for the idea about the Gran Sasso Lab. It is a distance from Rome, but I will put it on my list of possibles. I wouldn't mind getting out into the countryside with my son.
Pat, You always have such interesting ideas. I looked at your apartment in Trastevere. It looks like it would be very good for our needs. I have visited in Trastevere many times but never stayed there. Maybe a new locale would be good because we could discover it together! And, I had actually forgotten that at one time he was thinking of pursuing a degree in art history! But all that math he loves sucked him in. I will put art on the list!
It is fun that you linked to the aqueduct article. I had actually forgotten about writing it! Aqueducts for sure!
Dean, Thanks for the timelines from Vancouver to Rome. Now I have an idea of what a reasonable travel timeline should be.
Hugh, I visited the villas last summer and didn't get enough. I wonder if I can organize another trip?
Hi Jan! I loved our little GTG in Viterbo. It was so much fun meeting both of you. I enjoyed your blog.
Leone, What a great idea to visit the Montemartini Museum! I haven't been there and it is just the type of place he would LOVE.
Thanks to everyone who has been giving me input. More ideas? Keep them coming!
It is fun that you linked to the aqueduct article. I had actually forgotten about writing it! Aqueducts for sure!
It's a useful and great little article. I have links to it on my Google map on the appian way. My husband the Electrical Engineer came up with the aqueduct idea when I asked him what an engineer would like to see in Rome.
If you ever go to Pompeii with your son be sure to go to the main water distribution site by the Vesuvius gate. The valves and pipes are still in place.
Posts: 4355 | Location: St Paul, MN | Registered: 10 February 2006
Hi Leone, My son specialized in electrial engineering. He was also very interested in civil engineering, but decided on the one with the most math. Since I avoid math (and I teach math) I have always been a bit puzzled by his choices.
Anyway, he is very interested in anything that requires a mathematical way of thinking. Unless, it is art. He almost decided to do a degree in art history. Go figure. These seem diametrically opposed to me, but maybe not!
Thanks for your interest in our trip of a lifetime!
Pat, We are looking very seriously at the apartment where you stayed in Trastevere. It looks like the right size, place, and price. Now, we just have to make some decisions on where we want to stay and if an apartment is right for us for this trip.
Originally posted by DMae: Hi all, ... 4. Now this one is a biggie for me! Where to stay? I usually stay in Monti. I love the neighborhood and know my way around. Should I stick to the old neighborhood or try for something more central? I do know most of the neighborhoods in Rome, but not as intimately and I am wondering about the Centro, or maybe Trastevere? Any other neighborhoods to look into? I know there are trade-offs on locations, but give me ideas!
I appreciate all the information I have gotten over the years from this board and I am looking forward to everyone's input on this new adventure!
Thanks so much, DMae
Hiya DMae
You should stay where you always stay for at least three reasons: one, you will make very bella figura by being familiar with a neighborhood; two, you will make bella figura also by not following the crowd to one of the most touristed urban areas in all of Italy; and three, Monti is spitting distance from the University of Rome engineering faculty (next to the church of San Pietro in Vincoli). He might want to visit it and see the Sangallo courtyard, and he might even want to make some acquaintances there. A couple of weeks ago, Franco, who teaches there, made the acquaintance of an interesting American professor working in an area of interest to him because the professor and his wife went to see the Faculty and someone saw them looking lost and asked if they needed help. They said who they were, and this unknown intermediary delivered them to Franco.
Other engineering thoughts, yes, the fountains. That H.V. Morton book is known by a couple of titles, I think Waters of Rome as well as Fountains of Rome. Take him to Ostia Antica too. And just set him loose to examine archaeological sites and architecture in general -- engineers see things the rest of us have been looking at for years without seeing. As for what young people do, well just how nerdy is he? Franco often complains that his young ones stay up late going to discotheques, but it seems to me they're all getting married and having babies.
Hi Maureen, I have been investigating some apartments in Monti. The one I wanted is off the market and (drats) it would have been the ideal place for the two of us. I am continuing to investigate where we will stay. For some strange reason, I have always felt like Monti is my home.
Just a few minutes ago, once again, I asked Scott what he might like to see. And, once again, he responded with his basic answer of wanting to see what I like because I like Rome so much. I am beginning to think he is really just wanting to connect with me and what I love in life. I think it is driven by my life expectancy after cancer, but neither of us choose to believe that I have only a short time left! NOT in our vocabulary!
The University of Rome by the church has always been someplace I thought to visit. Many times I have passed by and thought of my son. I will add it to my list of things to do. I did plan on visiting the church as it is a familial connection. Apparently, my grandmother was a daughter of the Macabees of the Biblical family. Don't know if it is true, but family legend says it is. And, who am I to argue with legend?
Thanks for your input. I am thinking about a Context tour with you but all is still in the thinking stage right now.
Your list is very interesting and varied. To throw a few more into the stew, I am going to add:
Francesco Borromini's churches...especially Sant Ivo alla Sapienza for the combination of convex and concave surfaces. It is a beautiful church but has very difficult opening hours. Do check for times before you visit. Also his San Carlo all Quattro Fontane for the use of space. Both churches are very small, stark white interior and devoid of excess ornamentation.
For art, we could never leave Rome without visiting San Luigi dei Francesi for the Caravaggios. A visit to the Borghese Museum would also be very interesting.
If you want a coming attraction before leaving and use Netflix, try and get
Rome: Engineering an Empire.
This fascinating History Channel documentary highlights the engineering feats involved in the construction of ancient Rome, reinforcing the adage that the city was hardly built in a day. Segments focus on the construction of the city's famed aqueducts and the Baths of Caracalla, as well as landmarks such as Hadrian's Wall, Caesar's Bridge, the Coliseum and the Pantheon. Actor and art history buff Peter Weller (of Robocop fame) guest stars. Leone
The trompe l'oeil ceilings of S Ignazio should appeal to anyone with a mathematical bent ... trying to understand how the artist figured them out. Our son-in-law certainly enjoyed them when we there recently.
Posts: 966 | Location: West Sussex, England | Registered: 08 February 2007
Francesco Borromini's churches...especially Sant Ivo alla Sapienza for the combination of convex and concave surfaces. It is a beautiful church but has very difficult opening hours.
Yes, it is only open on Sunday mornings, according to the sign I read two weeks ago.On a Friday.
The Gesu also features the trompe l'oeil going on, and when I was there they had added an interesting full length mirror propped up at an angle on the floor which enabled the viewer to really study the ceiling more closely.
Glad to see your post, I've been wondering where you were! Hope you are OK, saw your reference to illness; as a breast cancer survivor I send all best wishes.
Had such a wonderful time hanging out with you and Julia in Monti last June. Your son sounds similar to mine (21, fabulous physics nerd) . . .and mine would definitely love Monti.
Congratulations on your upcoming trip!!! so happy for you and lucky Scott. Can't wait to hear all about it and will definitely bookmark these ideas . . . dreaming of taking my son Jon to Rome to celebrate his graduation whenever that might occur. He's so interested in everything (as I bet Scott is too); I figure in a year or two he'll think it's a great idea to travel with me.
This will be such a wonderful adventure for you, especially since you know many people in Roma and know the city so well. Cannot wait to return to the Eternal City, don't know when, but it will happen.
Have fun planning your trip. Buon viaggio to you and Scott.
Ciao! Betsy (you in an alternate universe)
Posts: 123 | Location: Florida | Registered: 13 August 2006
I am beginning to think he is really just wanting to connect with me and what I love in life. I think it is driven by my life expectancy after cancer, but neither of us choose to believe that I have only a short time left! NOT in our vocabulary!
I am a long time Breast cancer survivor also. It has been 16 years in feb for me. people's attitudes change after a life-threatening illness. It is like the orchestra at a fancy restaurant. Normally you don't even heart them playing that low key music in the background. But once your attention is drawn to them by some significant event (like in Law in order episode, one of them gets shot), after that, on subsequent visits you are always hearing the music.
You realize that your life will not go on forever and you want to see all that stuff you have been dreaming aboput for decades. Afterall, you could still get hit by a truck crossing the street and it would still be all over. So, drink deep of all life has to offer.
Posts: 4355 | Location: St Paul, MN | Registered: 10 February 2006
Same here, Dragonpat! 15 years ago for me . . never "cured", it's always lurking, so highly value each hour, day, week, month, year. Living with cancer has made everyday life and travel much sweeter.
DMae we are so happy for you! Your photos and reports will be much anticipated.
Betsy
Posts: 123 | Location: Florida | Registered: 13 August 2006
) BA stopped in Anchorage and that is how I always got to England. I will investigate the route you prefer! This is just exactly why I love this board. Such good information.
NOT in our vocabulary!
