A Little Local Knowledge Goes a Long Way

 

Month 6 - Bite 15

Reading guide books, looking on line and so on are all free and helpful ways of deciding what to do, especially somewhere like Rome where the choice is vast.

The best information we've got, however, has always been from asking a local! The owner of the apartment where we stay in a mine of information. The first time she directed us to a church around the corner from where we were staying which had the most amazing archeological site beneath it. We were there for hours, exploring old Roman roads and houses and wondering at the state of preservation of it all. It also helps with the spending as you can be advised of the best routes to get there, any off peak viewing times or additional free entrances.

Another time she sent us off to Ostia Antica -wow - a mini Pompeii a short train reide away.

This time she sent us to a park with fountains, statues and a magic door that may even lead to the Underworld itself, along with a church we hadn't thought to visit before, but which had fabulous ceilings. 

You get the idea!

Month 6 - Bite 16

Of course there's nothing like walking a place to get your bearings and to see it at a variety of times of the day and night.

                                      

It's true for just about anywhere at home or away. There's always plenty to see and then to add to your list of 'must visit' locations for later in the holiday - or in our case there seems to be an overspill list for 'another time'!

By walking around we've discovered cut throughs and short cuts and so can duck from one overcrowded spot to another less busy corner changing our plans as we fancy. It also means that we can see whether we want to spend money in certain spots or if a place around the corner is a little cheaper for just as great an experience. Although it must be said that sometimes it's worth pushing the boat out - to take a drinks break in Piazza Navona perhaps. It's only spendthrift if you don't fully throw yourself into the experience!