New Parts of the Colosseum Open

Ever been to the Colosseum and said, "awww why can't we go all the way up to the third ring or down underneath where the floor used to be?" Well, now it's open to the public.

The underground corridors, as I'm sure everybody who took a tour of it (or saw Gladiator, for that matter) is well aware, is where the gladiators would prepare for the fight. Animals, slaves, and fighters were kept here and could be introduced into the middle of a fight by a series of lifts. Many say that this is the most interesting part of the Colosseum, showing off the Romans' architectural brilliance, as well as their flare for the dramatic.

Further, since these corridors were buried underground throughout much of history, they are much better preserved than the rest, which has been subject to thousands of years of the elements.

The third ring that has opened (previously you could only go to the first and second) would be where the lower class Romans (plebeians) sat for the fights (even if, I've always thought that they had it better than the rich patricians, who sat so close that they risked death by a stray arrow or javelin). However, aside from the better view of the inside, the third ring also offers great views of Rome itself.

36 Hours in Rome

In a new travel piece in the New York Times, 36 Hours in Rome, the newer, trendier aspects of Rome are explored instead of the classic tourist spots. It gives a list of (mostly) new things to do and places to go that likely won't be found in Rick Steves.

While I appreciate the desire to go off the beaten path, I can't help but feel that these are all expensive, ritzy places (located in the expensive, ritzy areas of Rome) made to seem as if they are hidden gems. It's like going to the upper East side of Manhattan and making a guide to the trendiest places in New York. Of course it's nice, but who can afford it?

I'd like to see a list of the countless not-so-glamorous, yet incredibly delicious restaurants, or the hidden treasures beneath Rome's surface that tourists often miss.

Berlusconi Making Friends in All the Wrong Places

Well Muammar Gaddafi, Libya's whack-job dictator is back in Rome and Silvio is all smiles (again). For those unaware, Gaddafi has a history for outlandish actions and statements, like last year when he paid hundreds of young Italian women to come for a night out in Rome, only to sit them down and preach the Koran. In fact, in 2007 he said he wants to ''save European women.'' Then there was when he called for the dismantling of Switzerland, issuing a jihad against the country because his son was arrested there.

Well, he's not done, and Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi doesn't seem to mind. Just the other day he went for round two with the young Italian women in another paid preach-fest, as well as called for Europe to convert to Islam. Then, he asked for five billion euros a year to keep Europe from ''turning black'' as a result of African immigration. You can't make this stuff up (hence all the links).

What's fishy though is that this all seems to be a side-show, during which serious ties are being strengthened between Italy and Libya. Italian firms are taking an increasing role in building up Libyan infrastructure, while Libya is investing heavily in Unicredit, one of Italy's biggest banks.

Given Italy's economic (La Repubblica reports that one in four young Italians is unemployed) and political instability, I'm not so sure that buddying up with guys like Gaddafi is sound politics.

Watch the World Cup in Style at the Fifa Village

Well the World Cup is well underway and it's full of surprises so far. Italy plays again today against New Zealand and the best place to catch it has to be the International Fifa Fan Fest in Villa Borghese.

It's basically a little park, free to enter, dedicated to the World Cup; it's got a giant screen that shows every game, a large turfed area to camp out and watch, a little field to play against friends, and lots of vendors selling beer and snacks (although you are absolutely allowed to bring things in, which is probably a lot cheaper).

You can find all information about it's location and other details on the official website (in English), the link for which is above.

Public Transportation Strike Tomorrow, June 11

There will be a public transportation strike (sciopero) tomorrow, June 11, in Rome. The ATAC website says that services will be available before 8.30 in the morning and between 5 and 8 p.m., but other than that all bets are off (I wouldn't exactly count on service being great in those hours either though).

So, just make sure you are within walking distance of one of these bars, pubs, or even cinemas that are showing soccer to catch the beginning of the World Cup!!

Shopping Malls in Rome

Shopping in the center is a hallmark of Rome. However, for those of us who are here for long enough that the via del Corso loop gets old (and expensive), there are a number of giant, modern shopping malls in Rome that, although they are outside the center, are not difficult to get to. Check out the new article on Students in Rome.

Want to soak up the sun? Go to the beach!

Anyone who was looking out their window on the flight into Rome knows that it is not far from the Mediterranean at all. In fact, the beach at Ostia is the go-to for Romans when they want to relax and cool off, mostly because it is so close and easy to get to.

Getting there with public transportation is really easy. What you need to do is take the Metro B to Piramide, which is also a train station, and take the train line that goes directly to Ostia. Once you get there you can either walk to the beach or take one of the buses a couple stops, nothing too difficult.

It's the same type of train as the metro and takes about 45 minutes (no worse than most normal journeys within Rome on the metro). According to the article linked to above, they are stepping up traffic to the beach on this train line, as well as offering a bus (although I would recommend the train, just for it's simplicity).

Getting a job in Rome?

Did you know that you can work on a student visa in Rome? It's probably not the number one thing on everyone's mind, but a few spare euros never hurt anyone either. By law you are allowed to work 24 hours per week.

Just remember that things are very different in Italy from the North America (as well as Great Britain and Australia, I assume), so don't expect a minimum wage, or even any sort of legal contract. Bartender jobs, etc will probably not pay more than 5 euros an hour. However, you're drinking for free, so maybe it evens out in the end.

If you're considering it, the first place to look is Wanted in Rome, an English-language website devoted to those of us living and studying in Rome. Check it out, but just be wary, as always, of those trying to take advantage.

BNL International Tennis Tournament in Rome

Don't miss the BNL International Tennis Tournament in Rome, which is going on now. It started yesterday, April 24th and will continue until May 8th, featuring most of the big names in tennis (Federer, Djokovic, Nadal, although no Andy Roddick).

I would recommend trying to get out to see the early rounds, since many matches will be happening at the same time, so you can wander from match to match and get the most tennis out of your ticket, whereas if you go later in the tournament you will only be able to see a few, or just one, match.

The tournament is located in the Foro Italico in the north of the city, right next to the Stadio Olimpico, where Roma plays. Search 'Foro Italico' on the google map on our main page.

Enjoy this beautiful weather: Villa Torlonia

This is without a doubt the best period to be in Rome. The weather is warm and sunny, yet not overwhelmingly hot (like in August), so enjoy it! As I posted earlier this year, Rome has a lot of parks where you can get away from the smog, traffic, and confusion of the city and enjoy the weather.

Villa Torlonia is not such a well-known park, yet it is very beautiful. Located near the Policlinico Metro B stop, it's not difficult to get to (search "Villa Torlonia" on the Google map on our main page). I would recommend it, as Villa Borghese usually fills up quickly when the sun comes out, despite the fact that it is relatively not as big as other parks. Of course, this is one of many, but I just thought I'd give you a heads up!

Disco events this weekend

Here is your weekly roundup of events (sorry it's a day late, I've been busy lately):

Saturday, March 27th

DJ Spen at Room 26

Claudio Cocculoto at Goa

Irish Village

Glamour Spring Party at MyClub

Piper Club

Disclaimer: I'm just bringing these events to your attention, not promoting anything (even if they should pay me!!) or guaranteeing anything. Make sure, in one way or another, to read what they have written in the description, because there is often important information about prices, what to wear, what you have to do to get on the list, etc.

A word on the recent pro-Berlusconi rally

Some of you around Rome on Saturday might have seen the pro-Berlusconi demonstration that paraded through the city. The rally was held to support the Premier after multiple anti-government protests, culminating in a speech by the Prime Minister himself at San Giovanni that served to label anyone that is not with him a communist (so, basically like every other speech he gives).

At this point, politicians and pundits are left arguing over the number of people that were there, Berlusconi claiming there were a million, and the police in Rome that there were only 150,000 (ehm, welcome to Italy.) The left is saying that people were paid as much as 130 euros by unemployment firms to attend the rally, in addition to the free buses that were provided from around the country.

My two cents:

1. The problem with Berlusconi is not that he is conservative. The problem is that he is letting Italy rot while he reaps huge benefits, he is centralizing power and limiting freedoms, and is just overall corrupt. The biggest rally against the Prime Minister was called "No-Berlusconi Day," because it was not motivated by any political ideology, but just contempt for this individual person.

So, when he responds that all his critics are "communists," not only is it a false accusation, but irrelevant. Conservative Italians have just as much reason not to like him as liberal ones (or actual communists). The fact is that it is not a politically-motivated debate, it is personal.

2. The opposition to Berlusconi plays right into his hands. I can't understand why Italians think that to oppose a right-wing candidate, you must oppose it with far-left ideas. To show that people did not support the rally, they flew red flags on the streets where the parade marched. In anti-government rallies, all you see are communist flags. How stupid! Talk about making it easy for him to label the opposition communist.

Come on people, haven't you learned anything in history class? Communism would never work in Italy (take away a work holiday and then we'll see a real revolution). All this does is make a reasonable solution impossible, because, as usual, everybody is left bickering like 8-year-olds in a schoolyard. Why not criticize a problem for what it is and propose rational solutions instead of trying to fight fire with fire, leaving everyone burned.

3. People often make the comparison between Berlusconi and Bush, which I don't think fits. Being American, it is admittedly difficult to criticize after having a president ruin so much, however the situations don't correspond well. While Bush was ruining the world, he was doing what he thought was right, whether or not it actually was.

He was acting in what he and his administration perceived as America's best interest, while Berlusconi is not doing anything of the sort. Sure, I won't deny that private interests benefited from Bush's policies, but they weren't the motivating factor like they are for Berlusconi.

Whew! I feel better. Feel free to comment and let me know what you think.

Pete Tong in Rome and other disco events this weekend

Here's your weekly round-up of discoteca events:

Friday, March 19

Pete Tong at Room 26

Nicola Fasano at 45 Giri

Friday Dinner/Spectacle at Jet Set

Special Guest Percussionist Davide Ruberto at Loop

Saturday, March 20

Cassius vs. Scarlett Ettiene at Spazio 900

Supreme Party w/ DJ Bizzaro at Saponeria

Free Entrance on the list at Akab

Lista Vida Loca at Piper

Disclaimer: I'm just bringing these events to your attention, not promoting anything (even if they should pay me!!) or guaranteeing anything. Make sure, in one way or another, to read what they have written in the description, because there is often important information about prices, what to wear, what you have to do to get on the list, etc.

Current art exhibits in Rome

There is never a shortage of beautiful art in Rome. Here is a list of the current exhibits, as shown on lifeinitaly.com:

Capitoline Museum: The Age of Conquest: The Lure of Greek Art in Rome; masterpieces looted from Greece between the third and first centuries BC; until September 5.

Scuderie del Quirinale: Caravaggio; 24 masterpieces from Italy and abroad including Musicians from the Met, Lute Player from the Hermitage, and many others; until June 13.

Fondazione Roma Museo: Edward Hopper, 170 works mostly from New York's Whitney Museum including The Sheridan Theatre, New York Interior; until June 13.

Vittoriano: From Corot to Manet, The Symphony of Nature; 170 impressionist works including Corbet, Boudin, Pissaro, Sisley; until June 29.

Chiostro del Diamante: Boldini, De Nittis, Zandomenighi, other Italian painters in Paris; until March 14.

Disco events this weekend

Here's a few excuses to get out and go dancing this weekend:

Friday, March 12th

Dinner, Live Music, then Dancing at JetSet

DJ Stefano Capasso at 45 Giri

Free Entrance at Babel

Women Enter Free at Akab

Saturday, March 13th

Aperitivo and Dance at Gilda

Commercial/House Music at Joia

University Party at Glamour

Aperitivo Buffet, Live Music, then Dancing at Sky Bar

Disclaimer: I'm just bringing these events to your attention, not promoting anything (even if they should pay me!!) or guaranteeing anything. Make sure, in one way or another, to read what they have written in the description, because there is often important information about prices, what to wear, what you have to do to get on the list, etc.

Dennis Ferrer at Goa Disco this Friday

For those who like house music, Rome discos, dancing, a great time, or all of the above, the American DJ Dennis Ferrer will be at Goa this Friday. Should be pretty cool, he's ripping it up in the house music scene right now.

Refresh your memory of Rome's club scene here.

Caravaggio Exhibit at the Qurinale

Make sure that you get out to see the Caravaggio exhibit at the Scuderie del Qurinale this semester. It will be there until June, so you have time, but make sure to check it out, it's full of incredible art that is usually not on display in Rome.

Here is a list of other exhibits both in Rome and throughout Italy (scroll down to where the exhibits for Rome are listed).

Anti-Berlusconi rally today in Piazza del Popolo

There will be a demonstration today (una manifestazione) against several attempts by Berlusconi that try to make him immune to Italian law. It will be held in Piazza del Popolo, which will likely be packed, if it's anything like the other anti-Berlusconi demonstrations have been.

Basically, the Prime Minister is in a bunch of trouble with the law for corrupt business practices of his and now he is trying to change Italian law so that he cannot be punished while he is Prime Minister. This rally will be a united rejection of this.

I personally recommend that, even if you are not so interested or informed in Italian politics, to come out today. These rallies are usually really interesting, if not entertaining. I guarantee that if you go you will not forget it. Hope to see you there!

"La legge è uguale per tutti" -- The law is the same for everyone