Life Any of you guys been to Italy? - Page 5

Wallcrawler · 08-27-2014, 11:53 AM

So, Ive been blowing off suggestions of vacations for a long time now. I just don't really have a desire to get out and do much of anything. My idea of a vacation is just hanging out around the house.

Its been several years, and the wife really has this thing for Italy, and I could actually be down for that because I would be interested in checking out the Colosseum. Seen tons of pictures but I think standing in it and touring the underground chambers would be pretty cool.

Ive seen a few tour sites, and while Im only interested in the Colosseum there are a few that offer a 5 day "Best of Italy" tour with English speaking guides. Since its such a huge thing for her, I wanted it to be the biggest bang for our buck and see as much of it as we could because we aren't going to be able to get more than a week off from our employers to do something like this.

If any of you have gone, or you've travelled out of the country and know of some companies to go with, or to avoid, Id love to hear some suggestions.

**cdcox** · 11-14-2014, 12:42 AM

Ravenna to see the mosaics. It's a day trip from Florence and well worth it.

In addition to your Big 3, we spent a couple days in Milan and I thought those days were well spent. You could do well spending a could of days there. The Duomo and Da Vinci's Last Supper are enough of a draw. We had dinner on a roof top restaurant overlooking the city and it was... well, you know. So, I would think it worth while to fly in and out of Milan. We traveled by train between cities and I think we had some kind of pass to facilitate that.

saphojunkie · 11-14-2014, 02:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cdcox

Ravenna to see the mosaics. It's a day trip from Florence and well worth it.

In addition to your Big 3, we spent a couple days in Milan and I thought those days were well spent. You could do well spending a could of days there. The Duomo and Da Vinci's Last Supper are enough of a draw. We had dinner on a roof top restaurant overlooking the city and it was... well, you know. So, I would think it worth while to fly in and out of Milan. We traveled by train between cities and I think we had some kind of pass to facilitate that.

The in laws are from Milan and that's where i go most often. Underrated city, and I think the second bet church in Italy after St. Peter's in Rome. Also worth checking out the massive castle.

**Baby Lee** · 11-14-2014, 03:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dayze

uh, I believe the proper pronunciation is "It-lay"

Frah GEEE lay

**DaKCMan AP** · 11-14-2014, 07:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cdcox

Ravenna to see the mosaics. It's a day trip from Florence and well worth it.

In addition to your Big 3, we spent a couple days in Milan and I thought those days were well spent. You could do well spending a could of days there. The Duomo and Da Vinci's Last Supper are enough of a draw. We had dinner on a roof top restaurant overlooking the city and it was... well, you know. So, I would think it worth while to fly in and out of Milan. We traveled by train between cities and I think we had some kind of pass to facilitate that.

Quote:

Originally Posted by saphojunkie

The in laws are from Milan and that's where i go most often. Underrated city, and I think the second bet church in Italy after St. Peter's in Rome. Also worth checking out the massive castle.

Thanks. Flights are definitely cheaper flying in/out of Milan so maybe we'll fly in to Milan, see The Duomo, Last Supper, a couple other things and stay the night or take a late train to the next destination.

**MahiMike** · 11-14-2014, 09:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MikeMaslowski

Don't go. I lived there for three years and would never do it again. ...Alright, that is me being harsh. The infrastructure is crap. It is very dirty in many places and I found that a good percentage really dislike Americans. Oh, and you will get ripped off at every single tourist spot. Do NOT let some African dude tie a string on your wrist, he will say you owe him around 10 US dollars. I really wish I had better stuff to say about that place, but with the mob issues where they decide not to pick up trash and the wake left behind after Baby rapin' Burlasconi, I continue to dislike that place more than I like it. I try not to be so negative most of the time, but this place really ruffled my feathers.

Anyway, you should go. Check out the castles and the prepubescent boy peeing statues and pay $7 for a bottle of water that has gas.

When you cross the border from Switzerland to Italy it's like going from a 4 star hotel to a Motel 6.

Sorce · 08-15-2015, 05:09 PM

We are going to Italy in September, we are flying into Rome. I was wondering about cell phone service. I currently have sprint but have a nexus 5 which should support either network type. My thought was to purchase a pay as you go type sim card when we got there.

Is anyone familiar with this and whether it's that easy. I have been trying to learn some Italian but I'm nowhere near being able to communicate effectively. The translation apps could be a big help, I'm just wondering how reliable the data networks there are and if a simple sim swap would be enough.

thabear04 · 08-15-2015, 05:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sorce

We are going to Italy in September, we are flying into Rome. I was wondering about cell phone service. I currently have sprint but have a nexus 5 which should support either network type. My thought was to purchase a pay as you go type sim card when we got there.

Is anyone familiar with this and whether it's that easy. I have been trying to learn some Italian but I'm nowhere near being able to communicate effectively. The translation apps could be a big help, I'm just wondering how reliable the data networks there are and if a simple sim swap would be enough.

Had a friend that went watch out for your luggage they might steal it.

FlaChief58 · 08-15-2015, 05:57 PM

I was concieved there, I don't remember any of it, but I'm guessing my dad had a pretty good time

beach tribe · 08-15-2015, 08:41 PM

Struck out in Japan.

Not in Italy, baby.

[

**Rain Man** · 08-15-2015, 10:04 PM

I was there for Operation Husky in 1943. We landed in Sicily and then eventually worked our way up through southern Italy and Rome. I wouldn't recommend the area around Monte Cassino. Very loud.

listopencil · 08-16-2015, 01:53 AM

No, I got to go to Sicily instead. Giant shit hole. If it's not the asshole of the world then it is definitely within farting distance. I would imagine that Italy is better. I have relatives who have spent a substantial amount of time over there and they enjoyed it.

**DaKCMan AP** · 08-16-2015, 11:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sorce

We are going to Italy in September, we are flying into Rome. I was wondering about cell phone service. I currently have sprint but have a nexus 5 which should support either network type. My thought was to purchase a pay as you go type sim card when we got there.

Is anyone familiar with this and whether it's that easy. I have been trying to learn some Italian but I'm nowhere near being able to communicate effectively. The translation apps could be a big help, I'm just wondering how reliable the data networks there are and if a simple sim swap would be enough.

Don't sweat the language barrier. We had no issue communicating there.

FlaChief58 · 08-16-2015, 01:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaKCMan AP

Don't sweat the language barrier. We had no issue communicating there.

Yeah, just wave your hands around like an idiot, yell a lot, don't shower and you should be fine

Randallflagg · 08-16-2015, 02:27 PM

I was stationed in Germany (Heidleberg and Berlin) and used to visit France and Italy fairly often. LOVED Italy. France (and Paris, in particular) was a cesspool.

I can't recommend Italy enough. The people are great and the country is beautiful.

Go for it!

**Rain Man** · 08-16-2015, 05:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BiStateNo

I was stationed in Germany (Heidleberg and Berlin) and used to visit France and Italy fairly often. LOVED Italy. France (and Paris, in particular) was a cesspool.

I can't recommend Italy enough. The people are great and the country is beautiful.

Go for it!

What part of Paris were you in? Paris may be the most beautiful city in the world, in my opinion (though in fairness, I haven't yet made it to Kinshasa).

08-27-2014, 11:53 AM
Wallcrawler How tall is this thing? Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Ground 0 for enema of US. Casino cash: $4242912	Any of you guys been to Italy? So, Ive been blowing off suggestions of vacations for a long time now. I just don't really have a desire to get out and do much of anything. My idea of a vacation is just hanging out around the house. Its been several years, and the wife really has this thing for Italy, and I could actually be down for that because I would be interested in checking out the Colosseum. Seen tons of pictures but I think standing in it and touring the underground chambers would be pretty cool. Ive seen a few tour sites, and while Im only interested in the Colosseum there are a few that offer a 5 day "Best of Italy" tour with English speaking guides. Since its such a huge thing for her, I wanted it to be the biggest bang for our buck and see as much of it as we could because we aren't going to be able to get more than a week off from our employers to do something like this. If any of you have gone, or you've travelled out of the country and know of some companies to go with, or to avoid, Id love to hear some suggestions.
Posts: 6,931

11-14-2014, 12:42 AM	#61
cdcox www.nfl-forecast.com Join Date: Sep 2000 Casino cash: $2351769	Ravenna to see the mosaics. It's a day trip from Florence and well worth it. In addition to your Big 3, we spent a couple days in Milan and I thought those days were well spent. You could do well spending a could of days there. The Duomo and Da Vinci's Last Supper are enough of a draw. We had dinner on a roof top restaurant overlooking the city and it was... well, you know. So, I would think it worth while to fly in and out of Milan. We traveled by train between cities and I think we had some kind of pass to facilitate that.
Posts: 45,536

08-15-2015, 05:09 PM	#66
Sorce Veteran Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Kansas City, MO Casino cash: $6428777	We are going to Italy in September, we are flying into Rome. I was wondering about cell phone service. I currently have sprint but have a nexus 5 which should support either network type. My thought was to purchase a pay as you go type sim card when we got there. Is anyone familiar with this and whether it's that easy. I have been trying to learn some Italian but I'm nowhere near being able to communicate effectively. The translation apps could be a big help, I'm just wondering how reliable the data networks there are and if a simple sim swap would be enough.
Posts: 2,443

08-15-2015, 05:57 PM	#68
FlaChief58 SuperChiefs Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Florida Casino cash: $2269822	I was concieved there, I don't remember any of it, but I'm guessing my dad had a pretty good time
Posts: 18,948

08-15-2015, 08:41 PM	#69
beach tribe Keep doubting J MFing Houston Join Date: May 2007 Location: ft.lauderdale Casino cash: $4818036	Struck out in Japan. Not in Italy, baby. [ Last edited by beach tribe; 08-15-2015 at 08:52 PM..
Posts: 21,429

08-15-2015, 10:04 PM	#70
Rain Man NFL's #1 Ermines Fan Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: My house Casino cash: $3328491 VARSITY	I was there for Operation Husky in 1943. We landed in Sicily and then eventually worked our way up through southern Italy and Rome. I wouldn't recommend the area around Monte Cassino. Very loud. __________________ I'm putting random letters here as a celebration of free speech: xigrakgrah misorojeq rkemeseit.
Posts: 141,404

08-16-2015, 01:53 AM	#71
listopencil Immanentize The Eschaton Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: In Partibus Infidelium Casino cash: $2235880	No, I got to go to Sicily instead. Giant shit hole. If it's not the asshole of the world then it is definitely within farting distance. I would imagine that Italy is better. I have relatives who have spent a substantial amount of time over there and they enjoyed it. __________________ Good friends we have had, oh, good friends we've lost...along the way. In this great future, you can't forget your past. So dry your tears, I say.
Posts: 55,944

08-16-2015, 02:27 PM	#74
Randallflagg MVP Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Olathe Casino cash: $9987156	I was stationed in Germany (Heidleberg and Berlin) and used to visit France and Italy fairly often. LOVED Italy. France (and Paris, in particular) was a cesspool. I can't recommend Italy enough. The people are great and the country is beautiful. Go for it!
Posts: 9,578