Why do a Broadcast Series on Rome?
Better Yet, Why Rome?
I would like use to my Top Ten Tips from Tom to explain why the Eternal City is the star of my book, At Home in Rome, and my production, Rome 360º. Let the countdown begin. Here We Go!
10: Tourism. In the past few years, certain reports announced that Rome became the #2 visited city surpassing The City of Lights, Paris. The Big Apple, New York City, remains #1.
9: Unpretentious/User Friendly. Rome is casual. You can stroll through Her without taxis, mass transit, dress codes, reservations or budget concerns.
8: Inviting. Romans are happy, polite and helpful people for the most part. They love sharing and showing off their magnificent community.
7: Art. It is everywhere. The Vatican Museums with the Sistine Chapel and the Galleria Borghese in Rome’s central Park, Villa Borghese, are just the beginnings of a journey that can lead a visitor through Etruscan to modern periods. Museums, galleries and church naves abound with both masterpieces and emerging artist works.
6: Architecture. Same here. The grandeur of the Colosseum, the suggestions to imagination offered by the Forums, perfection which is the Pantheon, functional engineering prowess of the aqueducts and of course, the Churches, from St. Pete to back alley chapels: all are open, accessible and inviting. Take a walk and if the door is open, go in.
5: Shopping. Commerce is clever, convenient and sometimes, even cryptic. The high-end houses around the Spanish Steps fill any “designer” craving. But, just off the main Via is a cobbler, stationery store, jeweler; all family owned for 5 generations.
4: Food. Fresh farmers markets in every neighborhood opened every day except Sunday and holidays. The Romans shop everyday for the meals. Most have no idea what a freezer or microwave is. And when you tell them, they calmly muse, “Why would you do that to food”? Peasant food served at the simple trattoria, osteria, ristorante and bar is inexpensive and delicioso.
3: Open Space. Rome is the Capital of Italy. That means lots of government buildings and bureaucracy structures. It also mandates the embassy, ambassador’s residence and all the diplomatic trimmings for 150 plus countries. And the Vatican is a sovereign state as well. More diplomat infrastructure. Add the over 360 Churches, parks, piazza and palace grounds and archeological sites and you have the only major metropolitan center on the planet that offers such an abundance of hang out-sip a vino-grab a gelato-stop for cafe- at the cafe’ and so on, right in the heart of the city.
2: Con Calma. If you are in a hurry or seek productivity, why did you come to Rome? They work so they can live. They do not live to work. Lunch is 2 hours. Dinner is 3. 10 AM meetings start at 11, but only after everyone walks to the neighborhood bar for a cafe’. They eat, drink, smoke, relax and fool around. And they are all thin and live to be 100.
1: I love my Bella Roma and love sharing Her even more.
