I’ve finally uploaded our pictures from our latest trip to Italy on my multiply site.

Before we went to Italy, I’ve been waking up early mornings from feeling so hot even with the air-conditioning on. So I dumbly assumed that my increased body temperature can easily take on Italy’s temperature. Plus I wanted to justify that I needed to pack lightly because we were going to do a lot of moving around and I have to be able to carry my own load. So I just packed a light jacket, and I didn’t even bring jeans (well, that’s because I don’t have jeans that fit me and I haven’t gone shopping for maternity jeans yet.) I was so wrong. It was still freakin cold when we got there specially in Venice. I thought my fingers were going to just drop off.

The plane ride to and from Italy was great.  It wasn’t a full flight so we each had a row to ourselves so we can stretch out.  I could snugly fit in three airline seats, Jorey needed more space than that.  The perks of travelling while your pregnant is you get to skip most of the lines at the airport.

Our jet lag served us well because we woke up early and went out early (and yes braved the cold) so we hardly got caught in the crowds.

We did a LOT of walking. We walked so much that one of Jorey’s socks got holes from too much walking. I, on the other hand, didn’t notice until we got back that I had friction burns on my legs from my boots which I felt served me well until I saw those marks. I’m kinda proud of myself because I was still able to take long walks. The long walks though didn’t keep me from gaining weight. I think my body coped with the temperature by storing fat. Tsk.

We even had to run for the train one time on our way back to Rome from Venice. Those trains didn’t wait for anyone, and we sure didn’t want to waste the 30 Euros we paid for compulsory reservations on top of our Eurail tickets (which is more expensive than budget flights). It was probably a funny picture – there’s this pregnant lady running with her luggage trying to catch the train.

In Rome, we rented an apartment that was located right in the area of the Colosseo. That’s why we have a lot of pictures of it because it’s the first thing we saw when we go out of the apartment. The bed and breakfast we stayed at in Venice was very charming and we’ll surely stay there again when we go back.

We got to see a lot of sights but we still didn’t get to see everything because some days we were busy checking out the flea markets looking for “cheap” Italian shoes for the parents. Cheap, meaning around 40 Euros which translates to about P2500 – well that’s cheap if you compare it to buying the same exact shoe in the store for 100+ Euros (P6000). The same goes for the bags. Quality leather bags go for about 60-100 Euros which is half its price in stores.

We went back to Rome during our last day in Italy and stayed at this cheap 60 Euro/night hotel at the Termini area.  It was a backpacker’s hotel and it was definitely not for the finicky.  The rooms were dimly lit and the lights on the reception hall was flickering (as if there was a ceiling fan blocking the light but there wasn’t).  It was a scene out of a horror movie.  What was funny was the receptionist asked me to put down my age.  I think he thought I was underaged.  I was more comfy sleeping on the plane than in those beds.  I woke up (I hardly even slept at all)  with a sore tailbone because the bed was so used it was sagging in the middle.    Good thing we only stayed there our last night.

Here’s some tips we can share when going to Italy:

1. A rented apartment might prove cheaper than a hotel if you’re staying for at least 3 days.
2. If you’re renting an apartment, the tourist offices would be the place to get your maps for free.
3. Consider taking the train to and from the airport to the Termini station. It costs only 11Euros per person compared to a 40Euro taxi ride for 2 going to central Rome.
4. Buy the ATAC bus tickets (valid for 24 hours/3 days/7 days). Getting lost in the bus is cheaper than getting the bus tour.  We got the 16 Euros ticket each for 7 days which was so worth it.  It lets you get on the bus and metro free while it’s valid.
5. Eat your breakfast standing up by the bar! The Bars (Cafes as we know them)  charge extra (almost double) for sitting on tables.  Be wary of bar servers asking you to sit down.  They probably want to take advantage of you being the ignorant tourist.
   Once we ate at this bar along Via del Babuino near Piazza di Spagna. The bar server (tender?) asked us to sit but we insisted we’d stand.  When we asked for the bill, he was charging us 20Euros for a pizza, a small sandwhich, a cappuccino and a hot chiocolato.  He didn’t even give us a breakdown of the charges!  So when we asked how much each individual item was, he just said “Ok, then 17 Euro.”  He then gave us a tape receipt that still didn’t have a breakdown, only a the amount 17.00 Euros.   Honestly, we’ve been eating 50Euro meals and we don’t really care as long as we know it was worth 50Euros.  But it sucks to know you’re being cheated.  In the end, we paid the 17 Euro.  It’s hard to argue with someone who can’t speak English.
6. The good value for money restaurants are far from the tourist spots.   If you go to Rome expecting to sample good Italian food, you might find yourself disappointed like I was.  We’d recommend I Buoni Amici on Via Aleardo Aleardi 4 for good value for money (it’s not cheap but it’s reasonable and the food is good.)  We also liked Franchi along Via Cola di Rienzo (1 bus stop away from Piazza del Risorgimento) in the Vatican area.  You can get something to munch on from there before you wait in line at the Vatican Museum.  And we also tried Alle Fratte di Trastevere Ristorante in Trastevere which was also good.  It was the first good place we tried after being frustrated with other places.  I almost cried because I finally was able to taste what I expected Italian food to taste.
   Also, one thing to note:  I saw Luzzi Pizzeria behind the Colosseo recommended in 2 of the guide books I read.  It does get packed at night with locals but I didn’t really find their food amazing.  Their trippa ala romana which was recommended in Let’s Go Italy guide book was actually blech!  Plus, one time we were seated near the kitchen,  I was observing them do the bread,  I’m quite certain that they recycly the bread they serve.  They take uneaten pieces of bread from the tables and serve it to other tables.  I’m not sure if this is common practice in restaurants but when it comes to this bit of information, ignorance is bliss.