Rome — Eternally Entertaining

When they call Rome the “Eternal City,” I always think “eternal” means I’ll find visiting it fascinating and rewarding forever. At the risk of offending a billion people, I have to say the city’s cuisine is head and shoulders above any cuisine I’ve experienced so far on this trip.

In a city as densely populated as Rome, only the wealthy have a garden. And even then, it’s likely on the rooftop. Strolling, it’s important to look up as well as out. And when you do, you’ll see intriguing rooftop gardens like this.
In a city as densely populated as Rome, only the wealthy have a garden. And even then, it’s likely on the rooftop. Strolling, it’s important to look up as well as out. And when you do, you’ll see intriguing rooftop gardens like this.

In Milan and the north of Italy, it’s long been a tradition for bars to put out little buffets of appetizers which are offered free with a drink during happy hour. The tradition has now traveled south to Rome. Perhaps it’s a sign of the economic challenges faced by local watering holes — and the stiff competition — but now, throughout Rome, you’ll find bars competing by offering enticing buffet spreads free with an €8 drink. That can make for a cheap and tasty light dinner in an otherwise expensive city.
In Milan and the north of Italy, it’s long been a tradition for bars to put out little buffets of appetizers which are offered free with a drink during happy hour. The tradition has now traveled south to Rome. Perhaps it’s a sign of the economic challenges faced by local watering holes — and the stiff competition — but now, throughout Rome, you’ll find bars competing by offering enticing buffet spreads free with an €8 drink. That can make for a cheap and tasty light dinner in an otherwise expensive city.

Lately I’ve been thinking that the caliber of politicians has a determinative effect on the well-being of a society. And poor Italy is really struggling. I have a friend who just told me, “We’ll take your losers. After the election, just send them over to us.” Here, comedians are viable candidates. And, I noticed, the local elections in Rome are featuring people who are nothing more than pretty faces. People seem to just vote for the sexiest poster.
Lately I’ve been thinking that the caliber of politicians has a determinative effect on the well-being of a society. And poor Italy is really struggling. I have a friend who just told me, “We’ll take your losers. After the election, just send them over to us.” Here, comedians are viable candidates. And, I noticed, the local elections in Rome are featuring people who are nothing more than pretty faces. People seem to just vote for the sexiest poster.

Speaking of weak politicians, Benito Mussolini portrayed himself as just the opposite. Given the wacky nature of Italian politics, it’s no wonder out that, out of desperation, many will vote for a bombastic strong man with big promises. Consider Silvio Berlusconi in our times and Mussolini back in the 1920s. When you're in Rome, Mussolini’s planned and futuristic city, E.U.R., is a fascinating place to explore. This "people’s palace" (the Palace of the Civilization of Labor), which comes with statues to fit, says it all: Fascism — monolithic, melodramatic, no questions asked — either you’re with us or you’re against us, superpatriotism. It's potent...and scary. If Hitler and Mussolini had won the war, our world might look like E.U.R.
Speaking of weak politicians, Benito Mussolini portrayed himself as just the opposite. Given the wacky nature of Italian politics, it’s no wonder that out of desperation, many will vote for a bombastic strong man with big promises. Consider Silvio Berlusconi in our times and Mussolini back in the 1920s. When you’re in Rome, Mussolini’s planned and futuristic city, E.U.R., is a fascinating place to explore. This “people’s palace” (the Palace of the Civilization of Labor), which comes with statues to fit, says it all: Fascism — monolithic, melodramatic, no questions asked — either you’re with us or you’re against us, superpatriotism. It’s potent…and scary. If Hitler and Mussolini had won the war, our world might look like E.U.R.
Comments

3 Replies to “Rome — Eternally Entertaining”

  1. Just returned from a fabulous trip to Rome with my husband. Stayed at a Rick Steves recommended Hotel Nerva, so close to the Forum and Colesseum!!! LOVED IT!! We got an updated suite with a loft!! Extremely wonderful people.!!! The food and gelatoriums are to die for..Especially the breads and pizzas!!! Buy a bottle of wine to bring to your room.. Even the pasta dishes were fabulous!!! LOVE LOVE LOVE !!! Everywhere you look is architecture, ancient ruins, Mediterranian pines trees, cobblestone narrow streets, art and sculpture. The Vatican visit early in the AM was perfect via bus…The angel bridge to it was amazing! Thank you!

  2. Hi there! This post is getting me very excited for my upcoming trip to Rome. I would love to have some specifics on bars offering the buffet with happy hour drink. That sounds lovely and a great way to mingle with locals!

  3. Glad I had booked with the Hotel Aberdeen as recommended by RS. The driver had to come for me twice as my flight was changed and no way to notify the hotel. Friends who usually book hotels at the airport upon arrival were dismayed to find the booking agents on strike and the tourist agency could only offer a list of hotels which they had to contact themselves. What a fiasco and loss of money for the hotels.

    My stay in Rome was wonderful. Especially enjoyed the Ancient city at night all light up.
    Vatican tour pre-booking is a must. First tour of the day was pleasant before all the crowds.

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