Roma is historic. Act like a local, keep your valuables hidden, and don't walk round with a map. There are pickpockets and thieves. Watch out.
And if you hate your pension or hostel, change it. There are hundreds of others. Don't be intimidated by the pushy owners. I found Rome to be the pushiest city I have ever visited in terms of locals. Perhaps someone needs to remind the Italians that without tourists their economy wouldn't be that good.
Rome was one of the most beautiful and interesting cities I have ever seen, but also one of the sketchiest. My friend got her wallet and one hundred-fifty Euros stolen on the Metro on the way to the Vatican Museum, so watch out! Also, beware of the Termini train station late at night and early in the morning. Lots of creepy drunk guys tend to hang out around there.
Rome is fantastic!!! The trevi Fountain is incredible!! I thought it was smaller but is simply fascinating, I could be watching it for hours without a problem, the colosseo, the pantheon, every single piece of Rome is incredible! It's easy to reach everything by la Metro and the people are helpful.
It was so relaxing and laid back I could have stayed forever! The town is small and not known to many tourists. I think we were the only Americans in the place!
You can drive from the Rome airport if you don't mind sharing the road with some of the most insane drivers in the world, but the best way to get there is to take the train to Formia and hop on a bus that will take you right to the main street in Sperlonga.
You will not need a car or want one once you get there. It is much cheaper and enjoyable just to take the train. You walk to wherever you want to go. The beaches are great and not too crowded. Beautiful!
My wife and I visited Sperlonga in June 2005, while staying at nearby Terracina. We considered our own little town enchanting, but soon conceded that Sperlonga was even more outrageously beautiful. We've seen much of Italy -- Sestriere, Rome, Pompeii, Trieste, Naples, Turin. All of them surprised us in their way, but nothing prepared me for the stunning magnificence of Sperlonga.
Sperlonga was the most beautiful and peaceful place I have been. I hope to return in a few months with the hope of moving there permanently.
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