[Leica] Rome in May

[pklein at 2alpha.net (Peter Klein)]

Alastair:  When we were in Rome, we stayed at the Hotel Adriano, in 
"medieval Rome."  Lots of narrow, twisty streets, and very short blocks--it 
was possible to get lost in 10 paces.  But very centrally located.  If I 
recall correctly, the rates were reasonable, breakfast was included, and 
the staff speaks English.  Our room was tiny, but the bed was long and 
confortable.

We took a bus tour to Pompeii, a place I have had a fascination with since 
I first read about it as a kid.  I have mixed feelings about the 
tour.  They picked us up at the hotel, and we did get a walking tour of 
Pompeii guided by a retired Professore.  But they also herded us to a 
couple of tourist traps along the road, including a rather embarrassing 
lunchtime serenade, all of which took time we would rather have spent in 
Pompeii itself.  On the other hand, we did see a bit of the north end of 
the Amalfi coast.  If you don't mind driving, or taking the train to Naples 
and a bus to Pompeii, that might be more efficient.  Maybe stay in Naples 
overnight, see the museum where all the artifacts are. Maybe even take the 
boat to Capri while you're there.

Our entire trip consisted of Rome for three days, plus Pompeii. Then a 
train to Siena, where we rented a car and drove around Tuscany.  Then 
another train to Venice.  Here's a link to my pictures from the trip (many 
are of minilab prints scanned on a flatbed, as I didn't get my film scanner 
until later).
http://users.2alpha.com/~pklein/italy/

I *love* Italy. The people, the food, the wine, the buildings, the 
art.  Even if half the telephones didn't work.  The trains ran pretty much 
on time--but often not from the announced platform.

--Peter