[Leica] Rome in May

[firkin at ncable.net.au (Alastair Firkin)]

> Dear Alastair (and Helen)
> Rome is one of our absolutely favorite places in the World! Suggest
> you stay in the old section of the city. The Albergo Santa Chiara
> (www.albergosantachiara.com) is a group of houses developed as a
> hotel just around the corner from the Pantheon. If that is full
> (Europeans knowing a good thing populate it frequently and early) the
> Albergo del Senato (www.albergodelsenato.it) hotel at the corner of
> the square where the Pantheon is located is a good alternative. In
> May its roof top terrace will be open to watch the action in the
> Piazza della Rotonda below. We have stayed in both. Don't miss the
> Villa Borghese - you need half a day and must book tickets in
> advance. Learn to take the electric 8 passenger buses that glide
> around the old quarter - their routes are not the same coming and
> going but it doesn't matter - the scenery is great either way and the
> occupants equally interesting. Connect up, if you can, with the
> unsanctioned history tours run by (mostly) American history majors
> studying in Rome - they are great value and you also learn what it's
> like to live in Rome as a foreigner. We accidentally caught up with
> one such group outside the Vatican and used them to take three
> walking tours. Watch your belongings closely in crowded public
> places.  Rome in May - wish we could join you!
> Cheers,
> Howard (and Esther)

Great advise especially on the hotels. Join us if you can ;-) I'm
beginning to think about the camera gear already and how to keep it to
myself ;-) I'm thinking about a small b/w Leica and the baby rollei along
with the M8.

Cheers

Alastair