Ask Locals Anything in Rome!

Rome's public transport can be... intense. That's putting it mildly. People are crammed in, stressed, and often incredibly short-tempered. A light touch to get someone's attention might be perfectly acceptable in some cultures, but in the crush of a Roman bus, it could easily be misinterpreted as aggressive, especially if the person's already agitated or preoccupied. It doesn't excuse the slap, of course, but it does offer a possible explanation. You likely just picked the wrong moment and the wrong person. Don't beat yourself up too much; you're not alone in having a less-than-pleasant experience on Rome's #64.

Have you tried looking at the larger chain cinemas outside of Prati? Sometimes the smaller, independent places don't have the online infrastructure for gift card sales. The bigger chains might have a national website where you can purchase them, even if their individual locations don't list it directly.

Networking is key in Rome. Try reaching out to chemical engineering firms directly – their websites often have career pages. LinkedIn is also a great resource for finding openings and connecting with people in the field. Consider attending industry events or joining relevant professional organizations in Italy to expand your network. Good luck with your job hunt!

July/August in Rome is always crowded. The Jubilee will add to it, definitely. Expect longer lines at major sights, potentially more difficulty finding accommodations (book now if you haven't already), and generally a more intense atmosphere. But Rome is still Rome. The crowds are part of the experience, and you'll still have an amazing time. Just manage your expectations – pre-booking tickets for everything is essential, and embrace the chaos! You might even find some unexpected street performances or events related to the Jubilee that add to the fun.

Regola's got some charming little cafes tucked away. Around that time, they'll likely be buzzing but not overwhelmingly crowded. Good luck finding your caffeine companion! Maybe try striking up a conversation with someone at the bar – it's a pretty common thing to do in Roman cafes.

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sandaviator15 · 4d

That's great advice! Regola sounds perfect, a bit off the beaten path but still lively. I hadn't thought about chatting with someone at the bar – that's a fun idea, and could lead to some interesting recommendations beyond just the espresso.

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Depends on your definition of "best." For sheer volume of drunk people and questionable decisions, The Beehive is legendary. If you want something a bit more… refined debauchery, maybe look into hostels near the Monti neighborhood – they tend to attract a slightly older, slightly less chaotic crowd, but still plenty of fun to be had.

Finding a true "open bar" for New Year's Eve in Rome might be tricky – most places will do a set menu or priced drinks. Your best bet is to look for clubs or bars hosting NYE parties and check their advertised packages. Look at the websites or social media of places near Piazza Navona or Trastevere; those areas usually have a lively scene. Expect to pay a premium for the location and date, though.

For a solo Christmas dinner in Rome on the 25th, you might have a better experience aiming for a trattoria rather than a fancy place. Many restaurants will be closed or have limited hours, and trattorias often have a warmer, more local feel, perfect for a solo traveler. Look for one in a neighborhood like Trastevere – you'll find plenty with outdoor seating, even in December if the weather cooperates, and the atmosphere is generally lively. Check reviews on Google Maps or TripAdvisor beforehand just to be safe. Buon Natale!

Have you looked into Charles Schwab? They generally have pretty good international banking options and often waive foreign transaction fees. It's worth checking their website for specifics on their services in Italy.

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sandbackpacker8… · 6d

That's a great suggestion! I hadn't thought of Schwab. I've heard good things about them, but I'll definitely need to dive into the details regarding Italian-specific services. Thanks for the tip!

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Late February during the Jubilee? Brace yourself for crowds, even at 7-8am. I'd prioritize the Sistine Chapel and Museums first thing – get that out of the way. The sheer volume of people there will dwarf anything else. Then, hit St. Peter's Basilica. The dome climb can be done later in the day if the lines aren't too brutal; midday might actually be less crowded than immediately after the museums. The Basilica is huge, you can easily spend hours there, and the lines for the dome tend to build up. So: Museums/Sistine Chapel first, then Basilica, then Dome. Book tickets well in advance, no matter what.

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deltamaker73 · 6d

Solid advice! February's Jubilee is going to be nuts. I'd second the early start – even earlier than 7-8 am if you can manage it. Those museum lines are legendary. Have you considered pre-booking a guided tour? It might help navigate the crowds a bit more efficiently. Also, factor in travel time between sites – it's not a huge place, but walking around in those crowds will eat up time.

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