Eternally Ripped Off!

Rome? It is known as the Eternal City. My experience thus far is being ripped off…eternally. In one day I was scammed by what is supposed to be the officially recognised taxi service. The White Taxis with the Commune of Rome logo. They charged me 18 euros to cover 1 kilometer. I wanted to argue but I was too tired.  ” Stupid Canadian” he probably thought. Maybe but Rome has lost one taxi customer for good.

Went out in the first evening for a beer at an outdoor cafe. Very funky (red flag), and inviting (second red flag). A small glass of beer 🍺 cost me 8 euros. I ordered two but that was before I knew the cost. There was no price on the menu (third red flag) but I was too tired and thirsty to care.

I was in Italy 30 years ago on a NATO course for 6 weeks. I was robbed 3 times and ripped off continuously. I vowed never to ever return. But here I am again-killing it. There but for the grace of my wife I go again in self flagellation of being shafted. Maybe, deep down inside, I like it. Who knows.

My BnB also turned out to be a big disappointment. Booking.com highly recommended it. Breakfast included but define breakfast in Italian. A coffee maker, instant coffee and a crumbly piece of cake. For 5 days. Fungu!

Italian breakfast!

Guido and his sidekick Pasquale never showed up to greet me. Door handle fell off.  Shower and bath drain didn’t work. No WiFi. No room service. No nothing. All I can say is be careful as not all is as it seems in Rome. The Romans are experts at this sort of thing as they have been shafting people for almost 3,000 years.

‘Thumbs Down’ to the stupid Canadian.

“Off with his head”

There is a saying though: “When in Rome do as the Romans do.” Okay Caligula. I am all in. I am looking for a Roman to rip off.

Went to Termini Train Station to go on the express train to the airport. Advertised as leaving every 20 minutes. 90 minutes later and no departure. Major delay. The place was a zoo and all of us there were the animals brought to the slaughter in the station of chaos. I was ok but I felt sorry for those that had to meet a departure time at the airport.

Termini is huge and super busy. Lots of red jacketed staff to help you. Easy to get around. Signage is excellent 👍 .

Same with the Fiumicino airport. Busy as a Roman bath on a hot Saturday night but easy to navigate. They sure know how to move people here.

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How do you spell my name?

L…O…S…E…R

Turns out that there is a metro stop just outside from where I am staying. So instead of paying 1.50 euros from Termini to our flat I paid 18 euros,(read para above). Loser!

So far my impression of Rome is positive. Very clean. People seem friendly enough and lots of cafes. My wife arrives tomorrow and the touring starts Saturday. We will see.

Hey, Colonel Sanders is sitting beside me. I thought he was dead although I do smell chicken about.

Here it is, October and it is 29C and very humid. I don’t think anyone works anymore as there are thousands upon thousands of tourists here. Metro is packed solid as are the express airport train. Unbelievable?

I was told that there is no shoulder season anymore. It is a cluster…of tourists all year round. People push and shove on the sardine can they call a metro. The main culprits are women. Why? I don’t know. Relax for Nero,s sake.

Very, very clean here. The metro is easy to use but the stations are dark and old looking. Run down but the system is extremely good and efficient. They pack you in like sardines all day long.

Well, I am on the train to the airport to meet my wife. This is my last post for awhile.

Cheers and pass the pasta please.