When in Rome

I will add to this as I go, but here’s what I’ve got for now: Crossing Streets: Try to only cross at crosswalks, or ‘zebras’. Drivers won’t hit you despite the lack of stoplights because if you are in a zebra and they hit you they lose their license. That’s a really expensive mistake in Europe. So don’t look too hard this way and that, just give the drivers a bit of distance to notice you and step out and walk at a consistent pace. In a large group, cross streets in a clump rather than like a line of ducklings. Ducklings drive drivers nuts. Yes, I realize that was a ridiculous sentence. It takes less time to get across a street that way. From noon to 3 is nap/lunch time. Churches and other things tend to shut down. It’s rude to call people during these hours. Take epic naps. Old Bridge is the best gelato place in town. It’s cheap, 2 euros for 2 huge scoops, and it is SO good. We walked down in a group last night with Fr. Maher and walked through the Vatican all lit up. Ordering coffee/drinks: Go to the cashier, order what you want, pay, then take your receipt to the bartender for your drink. People like to run next to the Tiber. Girls, run in pairs, but don’t be worried about the catcalls; it’s a local sport. Get to things early – by 8 am St. Peter’s is starting to get crowded. Go early to avoid the 3 hour waiting line. It’s also cool and empty. There are little aqueduct fountains around the city that constantly spout drinking water. Aqua Marcius (Sp?) is the best aqueduct. To drink from them, stopper the spout with your finger and you’ll find that a smaller hole on the top of the spout will spray water towards your face. That way your slobber doesn’t get into the little pool below the spout. Fr. Maher calls it the Roman power floss. They’re also a great place to fill up water bottles. Dress modestly. Ladies, below the knee and no spaghetti straps, sleeves would be best. Gentlemen, no shorts or tang tops. Italians may not say anything, but they think that kind of clothing denotes trash. You also may not be able to get into churches. Bedets make a great place to do laundry. Romans love the Macarena. They do it every 15 minutes on the dance barges. Toilet seats are a luxury. Fr. once saw a lady who carried one around with her in a plastic bag. It's probably not worth doing that.