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Lateran Palace Mysteries?
the scala santa climb is real, people do it all the time. i've seen plenty of locals go up on their knees while chatting on the phone, which is kind of funny but also shows how normal it is here. the atmosphere is quieter than you'd expect for such a busy spot, but not in a forced way.
for the palace itself, the trick is to start with the cloister. it's this peaceful courtyard with twisted columns that most people rush past, but it's got some of the best preserved medieval details in rome. then work your way to the museum upstairs, the views from the loggia are worth the stairs.
don't stress about getting lost, the building is huge but the main route is pretty straightforward. just keep the scala santa as your anchor point, it's hard to miss from anywhere in the complex. and if you need a break, there's a decent cafe on the ground floor near the exit, not tourist priced either.
ngl the scala santa climb is more about the collective silence than any miracle. the wood is super worn down so it's not even that uncomfortable, but the whole room has this heavy quiet that gets to you. the palace itself is a maze but honestly just follow the signs for the baptistery and you'll find the best spot, the 5th century mosaics in the chapel of san giovanni are way more impressive than the big halls upstairs.
if you get overwhelmed just step into the piazza outside, there's a tiny fountain with a pineapple on top that's a good landmark to reset. the cafe near the exit is actually decent for a quick espresso, 1 euro last time i was there.
tbh the scala santa climb is more about patience than pain, the wood is worn smooth from centuries of knees so it's not as rough as u'd think. most people go quiet in there, it's a weirdly intimate space even with a line. for the palace, don't skip the clivo di scauro just outside, it's this ancient street that makes u feel the layers of rome more than the big rooms inside
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What are current tobacco prices for LM Blue or Chesterfield Blue?
tbh duty free at Riga is only worth it if you're buying cartons, single packs at the airport arent that much cheaper than teh tabaccai in Rome. also remember you can only bring a limited amount into the EU anyway so stockpiling has its limits
Chesterfield Blue usually runs around 5.50 to 6 euros a pack in Rome these days, though tabaccai prices are fixed by the state so it won't vary much shop to shop. Riga is generally cheaper for cigarettes but your layover time matters, if it's tight you might not have time to clear security and find a shop.
LM Blue in Rome is roughly the same ballpark, around 5.50 to 6 euros. One thing to keep in mind at Riga airport, the duty free selection isn't always great for specific brands like these, so if you're set on LM or Chesterfield you might strike out. I'd check what the actual duty free has before counting on it.