Rome – MadManBlog

This ain’t America – Female Trash’men’

Aug 152012

How many times in the U.S. have you seen a female “waste management specialist” or just a trashman? I mean, I’ve never even heard the word trashwoman let alone seen a woman driving the truck or hauling the bags. Now, that’s not to say that they don’t exist; I’m sure you could find one or two here or there. But, in Rome, and much of Europe for that matter, equality of the sexes is not limited to just the water cooler (white collar work). So, let’s take a look at two very fine examples of European equality amongst the sexes!

PickPockets in Rome

Europe, Italy, Rome 2 Responses »

Aug 132012

Pickpockets are everywhere in Rome; at least, they are everywhere that you will want to visit. The first time I walked around Rome, I noticed two things (aside from the sites of course): more tour buses than I had seen in any other city and lots and lots of street-people (beggars, shady vendors selling on cardboard boxes, and women with fake babies in their arms ready to throw them at you). Now, Rome is by no means the only place with lots of street-people but, since you will visit this city some day, let’s talk about some common sense ways to stay safe.

Tour Rome – Overview of What to See and How to Do It

Europe, Italy, Rome 1 Response »

Aug 112012

Rome is big, old, cobblestoney and BIG. However, it is very doable to cover the city on a walking tour and, to boot, you will get lots of exercise and soak-in all the beauty that Rome has to offer. You should spend at least a few days there to cover the main sites. So, let me show you where to start, where to go, and give you some tips for the journey.

Capuchin Crypts – Cappuccino in a Skull Anybody?

Europe, Italy, Rome No Responses »

Jul 122012

Let’s talk about bones! Have you ever wondered what it would look like if someone took bones from 4,000 people and decorated a few rooms with them? Yea, me neither, but if exists, why not go and see it?! Continue reading »

Catacombs – Cool but Creepy

Europe, Italy, Rome No Responses »

Jul 122012

You always hear about Rome’s underground and generally, within that context, you hear that there are catacombs in Rome. Catacombs seem pretty cool, and they are certainly an interesting experience, but just what are they?!

Pantheon – meh

Europe, Italy, Rome 5 Responses »

Jul 122012

One of the oldest buildings in Rome. One of the most impressive buildings in Rome and the world. Built to worship all gods. It has perfectly balanced 20 ton doors. It contains the largest dome in Rome. It has a giant hole in this dome.

So, you have certainly watched a history channel show on this building and have heard people talk at length about how impressive it is and how old it is and how it is an engineering marvel.

Now, let’s talk about the real pantheon experience. Continue reading »

Bruschetta (the real stuff) – not bad, not great

Europe, Italy, Rome No Responses »

Jul 122012

One common dish in Italy, which is served as an appetizer, is bruschetta. To the average American, this is something that may at first seem horrible (it kind of is lol), especially the first time that you see it. So, read on and figure out what it’s really like.

Now, there are many different variations on this and, in the U.S., you will find it often in snack-form. But, this is what I’m talking about:

Gelato – It’s Just Ice Cream…

Europe, Italy, Rome No Responses »

Jul 122012

So naturally, being in Italy, you have to try ‘Gelato.’ And I mean there’s nothing wrong with that. In fact, this is one of the few times that you actually want to try one of the most popular dishes for a foreign country. You basically get to say that you have to eat ice cream in order to experience another culture. So, go ahead, be cultured, and enjoy the scrumptious descriptions of some very sweet ice cream …

Pizza in Italy – Rome

Europe, Italy, Rome No Responses »

Jul 122012

Naturally, the first thing that you or anyone should do when they get to Rome, or anywhere in Italy for that matter, is to eat. You’re probably hungry from all of those planes, trains, and well… automobiles. The FIRST thing that you have to eat when you get to Italy is Pizza. There is no other option, except maybe gelato, but that’s for another article.

So, let’s get to the pizza! Continue reading »