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  Tom & Shirley's Page -- 2012 Rome Trip
 
 
 
  Last year we planned 7 days in Rome but unfortunately the storms on the east coast caused a 4 day flight delay which meant our time in Rome was effectively cut to a 3 day visit.   Shirl and I love Rome and would live there if we could afford to.   So we made the decision to return to the city and stay in the wonderful place we had rented last year for our entire vacation, 18 days.   I'd like to share a few of our most rewarding and memorable experiences in the hopes it could be of benefit to others planning a Rome trip.
 
  Our apartment Alessandro Poerio in Trastevere was outstanding!   Located in a working class neighborhood, close to transportation connections, grocery stores, bakeries and restaurants we were just 10 minutes from many major attractions.   Two bedrooms, a huge balcony and full kitchen with laundry it provided everything we needed..   The owner Roberto is a 'gem', friendly, helpful and very concerned that our stay was comfortable.  
 
  Our Vatican/St. Peter's guide was Richard Bowen (his eMail) whom we highly recommend.   We had to cancel the previous year because of the flight issues and were very glad he was understanding and also available for this year.   His knowledge of history and the wealth of information he retains made this tour come alive.   Richard is very easy to work with and will tailor the tour to your interest areas.  
 
  Our other very impressive personal guide was Francesca Caruso (her eMail) a Rick Steve recommendation who guided us through the Coliseum, Forum and San Clemente.   Francesca took us back in time, to the everyday life, sounds and smells amid the streets of 1st century Rome.   She was no doubt the most enthusiastic, passionate and knowledgeable guide we have ever met. We feel our entire Rome experience was enriched by Francesca.
 
  We took two day trips out of the city, one to the picturesque hill town Orvieto and the other to Johnny Madge's Oil Olive Tour in Casperia, each about an hour away by train.   We found Orvieto simply lovely although there were a lot of tourists there.   The olive oil tour with Johnny was spectacular!   He has an easy going nature and was a very accommodating host.   The lunch included in his tour was by far the best meal of our trip and the tour overall another highlight of this trip.
 
  We made sure we tossed our coins in to the Trevi Fountain to guarantee a return to this City we love.   So Rome, arrivederci for now!   Please take a look at a few of the pictures we have posted.   Shirl has a posted a detailed day-by-day account of this trip on Fodors.   If anyone wants more detail or info on anything just email us at luvtworoam@yahoo.com
 
 
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  We are Tom & Shirley Draeger Our apartment Alessandro Poerio in Trastevere was perfect for us The apartment comes with a large balcony"
  Someone is going to have a bad day in Rome Common for lovers to 'lock' in their love and toss the key in the rive Shirl getting into the Euro look?
  Campo dei Fiori market of course I'm thinking we need one of these in our back yard Just hanging out on our balcony
  Cool lighthouse in Janiculum Park was a gift from Italians emigrated to Argentina SPQR (Senate and People of Rome) official emblem of the modern day Rome dates from 80 BC Villa Giulia is a great Etruscan museum and is relatively tourist free
  A trip out to the Aqueduct Park to explore these amazing feats of ancient Roman engineering These Rome water spouts are safe and clean Shirl sending emails and compiling trip notes
  Ancient underground excavations of pigeon farming in Orvieto date back 2500 years We really enjoyed the Johnny Madge Olive Oil Tour, and learned much about picking out oils The Johnny Madge Tour includes a fantastic lunch
  Francesca Caruso, our Coliseum, Forum and San Clemente guide was fantastic The interesting Norcineria Viola butcher shop in Campo dei Fiori Making pizzas at Ciccia Bomba was part of our "Walks of Italy" Rome food tour
  Segway rental in Villa Borghese park was a blast! Shirl's coin toss into Trevi Fountain will insure our return to Rome