Hi David, My fiancée and I visited Italy in 09/2022, for 2 weeks with Rome being our anchor. We went to Positano, Capri, and Massa Lubrenese. We stayed at each of them for a day (not nearly long enough) and Rome for the rest of the time. We loved it so much, that we are going to move there within 3-5 years. Thank you for your videos.
Hi Brian, thank you very much for your comment! That is exactly what happened to me. Once you be in coming here and experiencing Italy, just can’t get enough of you realize that the only cure for this satisfaction is to live here. Best of luck in the future for whatever you do.
My son (17) and me (49) stayed in Rome for four days at the end of March 2022 and loved every single minute. We lived in a small hotel in Aurelia and our experiences with the Metro (getting tickets, prices, speed and frequency) were - phantastic! Same with Roman food. Pasta Cacio e Pepe sure adds sense to live : ) We loved to strive on and around the Piazza of San Pietro, prayed for peace with Padre Francesco, visited the Musei Vaticani and the gardens, the Spanish Steps, Trastevere and even took the Metro to Ostia one day to relax at the sea. Somehow I did not mind the bus (quite an experience though , one more passenger would have destroyed us all : ) or the litter and the somewhat neglected stations like Cornelia (where they play the national anthem before starting business in the morning at 5:30 which finally made me wake up for the flight back home : ) Somehow (for me personally only) it was like: If this was all cleaned up and "perfect", you just could not bear all this heart-warming beauty : ) Or it might get lost in too much tidyness? We are simple people, maybe a bit like the the old pilgrims, from a small Black Forest town and still got along there very well without getting lost, cheated or dispised among all this elegance, big world surprises (like the seemingly never-ending escalators) and the splendor. Very different from Paris or London, truly, the Romans were so kind and ready to laugh with us and to overlook our stupid tourist mistakes, kind and helpful also with my son who has Asperger - we felt just blessed and discovered new friends and their unpretending joy of living. I think Rome and Roman life are very nourishing for senses, heart and spirit - to me it seems like you are very lucky to live there : ) Since I returned home, I sometimes look at the dark and silent hills and feel happy to know there is a city like this I can hopefully return to one day and with more time to discover and just love it. Thank you so much for your video, I enjoyed it!!!
Hi Sandra! Thank you for the comment and positive vibes about Rome! I somewhat disagree however, I think Rome would be even more magnificent if it were simply cleaner! There are some days where I go to the center of town and think "I am fortunate to live here, some people never come here or only come once in their lives!". Un abbraccio!
Hi David! Great video 😁 to answer your graffiti question: my husband is Roman through and through, he grew up in Garbatella. He, like many other kids around the age of 14, started graffitiing as a way to express themselves. It’s a sort of emotional release, a way to say “I EXIST, I MATTER”. As they get older they realise it’s wrong to do this, and I know many from his graffiti group have turned this illegal art form into a full time job. One is a graphic designer, another wants to help children with emotional issues through art and psychology, another now works for the Comune di Roma thanks to his art! If they ever get together to paint, they seek out “Legal walls” aka a wall that has been designated by a neighbourhood as a free for all. Elderly people even walk past and enquire with curiosity about what they’re spray painting 😅 They all agree that the unnecessary tagging and spray painting in nice places is ugly, but it’s something mainly teenagers do whilst going through stuff. If more “legal walls” were allocated, maybe there’d be less of it in public spaces 🙌🏻 Hope that answers your question! Take care
@@DavidsDoseofItaly I did not get the street sign thing, they are pretty similar all over europe and I think they are way more confusing in the States. The driving analysys was vey deep no foriegner ever got it as well as you did in my experience. At the metro you have tap in your card now, no more need of buying tickets
Thanks for the video, I am italian, from a smaller city (Bologna) but actually living in Berlin. Everytime I go to Rome (almost once a year) I am fascinated, it is probably one of the most beautiful cities in the world and I am sorry to see how bad can be burocracy and un-organisation, I think it is not just the size of a city (if I think about Paris, Berlin or London....). I think Rome deserves something better! Anyway, I think I would move to Rome even tomorrow if I could ahaha cause it is true, a bad day it is a bad day everywhere :-)
Hi Fulvia. Yeah. This would be a great city if it weren't so neglected. However there is a certain charm to it. I have good days here! hehhe. I've been to Bologna a few times and I'd love to go back. The first time I arrived in Italy was in 1997 and we landed in .....Bologna. When i moved here exactly 12 years ago (Sept 12th) I landed in ....Bologna and then I went to Napoli. Too ironic!
@@loremipsum9859 well, it depends a lot from what you are looking for and what you are going to do there. Milan ist better if you have to look for a job, it is more modern and has a lot of events but it is expensive. Rome it would be a choice made with the heart for me, it is one of the most beautiful cities in the world but it is huge and chaotic, i would chose Rome because of the feeling, the sunset, the food, the art everywhere, but it isn't for everyone. If you are going to Rome look for a job next to your place or a place next to your job, it helps a lot!🙂
Daje! Another great video David! Out of my 21 trips to Italy, all but one I have stayed in or been to Rome. I've had good experiences, and not so good (bothered by gypsies at metro stations, approached by scammers, a bancomat machine keeping my card, and difficulty in getting around on night busses, etc) but overall, I am still in awe of the city of Rome and I never get tired of exploring. This video showed me more parks and churches I still have yet to see. The areas of which I'm least familiar or haven't seen yet are Monteverde,Testaccio, Eur, Garbatella, Pigneto, San Lorenzo, and Centocelle. When I fly to Rome and take the train to Termini, the sights and sounds are all familiar and I feel like I'm coming home. Even though I'm only in Italy (Rome) for a short time on vacations, I feel I'm more like a short term resident than a tourist! I am in 100% agreement with you regarding the busses and road in the city. My whole body shakes when riding on the uneven and cobblestoned streets, however I just utilize busses when I need to go to an area of which the metro doesn't serve, or if my feet are dead tired. The art, architecture, history, and food are what I love most about Rome. Everywhere you turn it's History 101. It's simply a treat to see in person what I read about in my art history class in college! Every time I'm in Rome THE sight I simply must see is the Colosseum. I agree. I never tire of seeing it. Before there was a fence around it, I would always walk up and place my hand on the stone work ground level so I was touching history. It might sound corny but it's what I do, along with throwing coins in the Trevi. Your mentioning the actual artwork on buildings reminds me I have yet to see any of these. It's now on my list. The outright scribbling graffiti is disgusting but I overlook it because of the overall Grande Bellezza di Roma. Non vedo l'ora di tornare. Grazie David. 🇮🇹🙋♀️
Hey Tina! As always it's nice to see you in the comments. You're definitely not your average tourist ! If I may, what kind of scammers have approached you and how did you know it was a scam? Touching history. Heh, did my dad inspire you to do that? He always likes to touch something historic. Yeah I feel there is a diff between art and vandalism and at times the line is blurred. Overall I am not a fan of most graffiti.
Great video--Personally, I think the reason for the graffiti is the lack of jobs for young people and literally too much time on their hands added to the frustration to not be able to have the life they dreamed of. Many people I know lived with their parents well into their 30s which is completely uncommon in the US as you know.
Hey! Thanks 😊. Yeah that’s possible too. It is uncommon in the US but I think in recent years people are still living with their parents due to bad economies and I think this damn Covid situation has forced families to come together
@@DavidsDoseofItaly On that point--love to hear more from you on the Italian economy and what the job market and pay scale are like. From my many many visits, things are definitely not cheap there, yet I don't think the pay scale is that great there either.
@@DavidsDoseofItaly On that point--love to hear more from you on the Italian economy and what the job market and pay scale are like. From my many many visits, things are definitely not cheap there, yet I don't think the pay scale is that great there either.
I know this video is a bit older now, but I just had it recommended to me. Apologies for being longwinded. I just spent two weeks in Rome. My second time there, but the first time was only for about 6 hours. With my limited exposure, my cons were as follows: 1- The traffic/cars. Including Paris, Manhattan, and Houston I count Rome as the most unpleasant place I've ever been in relation to cars. There are not only too many and the drivers too aggressive, but they're parked in crosswalks, on sidewalks, in the middle of the road, everywhere. Even in the most winding, tight, historic of streets, where they really shouldn't be allowed at all, they're speeding through or parked to block pedestrians. There also seems to be an inordinate number of them in disrepair, so they're super loud. Combine that with the mopeds and motorcycles, and Rome is one of the loudest cities I've ever been in. Consequently, the air quality was awful. Related to this, while I actually thought the public transit itself was quite good, clean, mostly modern, etc., it's clearly not extensive or connected enough to be as useful as it could/should be. 2- The smoking. I know this is a cultural difference between the US and Europe generally, but of all the cities I've visited in Europe, Rome is the worst for the constant stink of cigarette smoke (only Munich is close...and it's not that close). Even in our hotel room several floors up, if the window was open, every other gust of air was moped exhaust or cigarette smoke. Combined I found the air quality in the city to be really awful, and only felt like I got some fresh air while sitting in a big park. 3- That thing where Italians seem to like being in hot, stuffy rooms. Again, I know this is somewhat a cultural thing, but the fact that we couldn't do anything about the temperature in our very hot and stuffy hotel room really sucked. And that's been true every time I've visited Italy. The AC was switched off on a building level and the fan didn't work. So, we were forced to open windows if we wanted any air, and then we were choked by street fumes and eaten alive by mosquitos. Seriously, I'm still polka dotted with mosquito bites a week later. Obviously, if I lived there, I'd have screens on my windows, maybe have a heat pump to keep the air flowing, and have a place with a patio or something. But 2 weeks of a stuffy or mosquito infested hotel room...It was not ideal. My pros: 1- The food was fantastic. I tend to prefer the food of Florence & Tuscany, but I can't complain about anything I ate (this time) in Rome. It was also pretty cheap. Admittedly, my sense of expensive VS cheap is skewed because I live in the DC area, which is one of the most expensive parts of the US. Still, getting quality wine for a couple euros, and having a multi-course meal for less than 30? I'll take it. This time around, my coffee was even good. No lukewarm crap with coffee grounds floating in it (the best I could find in Florence). For a long time, I thought I didn't really care for Italian food, but what I realized upon visiting Italy was that I didn't really like Sicilian/Neapolitan food, filtered through New York City and New Jersey, and homogenized to appeal to John Q. Lunchbox across the United States. Actual Italian food I like. 2- The prices generally were, I thought, good for a large city. Did I look at apartments? Yes I did. Some really nice places for pretty good prices. 3- You mentioned it being dirty, but I actually was struck by how much cleaner it was than I expected. Sure, sometimes there was extra trash around the containers, but the containers seemed to get picked up and cleared out, at least in my neighborhood, fairly frequently. I only ran into a few places where there was trash scattered about. Washington DC is often considered one of the US's cleaner cities, and I don't think it's much better than Rome, at least the parts I saw. I think Rome's age maybe makes it look a little more "run down." The only major exception was dog crap. The whole time I was there I only saw one guy taking care of his dog's poop. And whenever I was out walking, I had to constantly be on the lookout to dodge piles of crap on the sidewalk. The graffiti didn't really bother me. I mean, sure, it's ugly. But a lot of US cities and a LOT of European cities are the same. Lisbon was absolutely covered in it. When I was there in 2015, almost every surface under six feet in height was covered in graffiti. 4- The parks were great. Because my wife was at a conference, I had a lot of time to myself, and spent a good deal of it wandering around, people watching, dog watching, and reading in the Villa Borghese gardens, which was maybe 5 minutes from our hotel. I saw a few others, but wasn't able to spend as much time in them. The fact that there are so many parks and that they seem to be spread out around the city is nice.
Hi Matt. Thank you for your thoughts. Very interesting to read. I must say some things surprised me. For example about trash being picked up. Yes it gets collected often enough but there are times where it’s super annoying cuz it’s piling up. AC. Italians still have this hang up about it and how it can give you a cold and muscle spasms. The latter maybe but the former no. I don’t have really any hotel experience in Rome to be honest and rightly so because I live here but my gut says you could have got a better one. Reviews and gut feelings pay off. We’ve had bad experiences in other Italian towns so it happens.
Daje! Ha! I too am an American living here in Rome. I have been here going on two years now. You hit a lot of things out of the park as far as living here. I always joke, "Hang on to your bridge work" when riding the buses over the cobblestones. In regards to the the trash, it DOES drive me crazy the randomness of it. One thing I have noticed though is that trash cans can be few and far between. I have literally walked four blocks needing to throw away something, never coming across a single trash can. Next time you are out just notice how few and far between trash cans can be. So I can see tourist and other folks just plopping their gelato cup down by where everyone else has plopped theirs. So it really does come back to city management. The thing that drives me the craziest is that it doesn't have to be this way. Other major cities in Italy seem to manage it fine and it seems as the capital they would do better. This just leads me to believe someone is making money off it it being the way it is, and I leave it alone. As far as the graffiti, that is something that is an ancient Roman tradition. Graffiti (scratches) has always been a part of Roman culture since the Vestal Virgins. That doesn't bother me as much when I look at it that way. And a lot of times, like in Trastevere, it can add an extra layer of dimension, overall vibe. I just hate it when someone spray pants the side of a building with just random political thoughts. Recently down Merulana in Esquilino, someone spray painted sentences down the side of a building. That was annoying and they have gotten rid of it. Otherwise street art and tagging I don't mind as much.
Hey, Zachary! Glad to see another American is “doing time” here in Rome! I thought about your comment the other day as I was passing by graffiti I can’t help it as it does bother me. Maybe it’s because my parents would’ve killed me if I had done it as a kid and so this way of thinking has stayed with me all these years. I just feel a lot of graffiti as a very public display of self indulgence, and somebody who wants to be the center of attention I am the polar opposite and so I just simply can’t relate to graffiti art. I do, however, understand that it can be used in a very political way, and that there are specific reasons why people do it. Although here in Rome there are plenty of types of graffiti which are just pure selfishness. Yes, very true. Rome does need to put more trash cans around town. Hang onto your bridgework ! Nice ! Which part of the states are you from and where are you in Rome?
Hey there, I am originally from Ohio but I lived in NYC for over twenty years. I moved here almost two years ago now. I live in the Esquilino area off of Merulana. It’s funny, my comment about the graffiti was the opposite. The political stuff bugs me. That seems most self indulgent as if “Stop Hate” sprayed on a wall is going to stop hate. There is a ton of grafitti, I agree. Certain places it bothers me, others no so much. Like Trastevere or San Lorenzo, I think it adds character. One thing I do notice and respect is that for the most part the ancient walls (surfaces made for grafitti it would seem) aren’t tagged. It’s as if there are lines you don’t cross, boundaries that are respected. I guess my mental rule of thumb is that if I could do what I see, I don’t like it. But if there is some skill, some artistry behind it, that elevates it past pure vandalism, I don’t mind it as much. I think of the Keith Harings and Basquiats of the world who got their start with grafitti.
The graffiti all over Italy drive me nuts! I mean it's everywhere and folks don't even notice it anymore. The Italians I spoke to about it told me kids will be kids. Really? I'm with you David, it's something I never would have done even as a teenager. I just don't understand why someone would do such a thing. Daje Rega! Basta con i graffiti.
It is a concept that I have never ever gotten used to here. The kind of graffiti that I’m referring to, and that is the most prominent here is nothing more than mindless self intelligence and a useless plea to thrust themselves to the center of attention. I only hope is that eventually they use these artistic skills in a useful and meaningful occupation.
This video was made 2 years ago but lets hope this comment gets seen. My family is moving to Rome in august and I am trying to decide wether i should go along with them or not, this video gave me lots of great insights, thank you very much! greetings from sweden!
I’ve seen it! Well where will you be living ? Living in Rome greatly depends on the areas of the city, thus it determines the quality of life you will have.
Thank you for the informative video! I just returned home from my 4th visit to Rome, and I want to live there! I'm retired, and it's easily affordable. I'm also studying Italian, of course. It would be great if you could produce videos about the pros and cons of various neighborhoods to live in. I'm drawn to Prati, for example. It's quiet, yet a short walk to the center of everything! I'm interested in renting a furnished apartment, so any insights in how to go about that would be appreciated! Grazie!
Hey! Rome is not exactly affordable but I suppose it depends on where you're coming from. I really should examine more areas of Rome to live in. Thanks for the idea.
Daje! Thank you for sharing your views. Could you perhaps do a video about the notorious Italian "bureaucracy" and your experience with it? I'd be curious to find out !
Daje! Love this and all your videos. While I'm sorry you had to change the direction of your channel because Covid meant fewer tourists, what a bonus for me. My husband and I are making plans to move to Italy next fall and Rome is our top choice. We'll be in Italy in January spending two weeks in Pescara and two weeks in Rome and I can't wait to visit the neighborhoods you mentioned in your other video (we'll be staying in EUR very close to a metro stop), and to soak up the Roman life. Planning to "buy you a cup of coffee" and chatting with you live prior to our trip. Grazie mille. Tu sei molto bravo!
Hi Patti ! Congratulations on your choice to make such a courageous and calculated move to Rome. No don’t worry. I think I’ve found my audience and you’re proof of it. I prefer to zoom in on people who want to move to Italy as it’s a more niche topic. Let me know when you’ll be here. It’s always a pleasure meeting subscribers in person!
Yes, we are being methodical about our choice to move and watching your videos is helpful to gain a realistic sense of la bella vita italiana. I appreciate you pointing out that there are negatives (I mean, there are negatives everywhere, especially in big cities - we live in gorgeous San Diego and even here things aren’t perfect…although our weather is!). And what I appreciate even more is your description of the positives. Non vediamo l’ora di visitare. I will definitely send you an email ahead of time - we’d definitely prefer to buy you un caffè in person! Ciao.
Thank you! Yeah, I try to show both sides of the coin. It's easy to only focus on the positive here but I think that is misleading and for folks like yourself who want to move here, I feel that is deceiving.
Hello David. I recently found your channel and I’m enjoying your videos. I was in Rome last month sound of the day the beautiful and exciting city. I honestly don’t think that the graffiti was all that bad. That may be because I was in Athens the week before I was in Rome and the graffiti in Athens is absolutely everywhere. I sure hope that I have the opportunity to get back to Rome, I would love to stay there for 2 to 3 months and explore the city. Thanks again for the wonderful videos. Daje e Gratzie Mille.
Hey Jim ! Thx for watching. I was in Athens 24 years ago and I wasn’t impressed. The city had a dirty feel to it. I think when tough economic times hit young people use graffiti because they’re bored and as a way to lash out against society. For my standards I find it excessive here.
@@DavidsDoseofItaly I enjoy any videos that show daily life activities. I like when you explain common Italian phrases that you use. I’d love to see more videos on what it is like to do common life activities like grocery shopping, getting a haircut, going to a football game. My family will be moving to Italy fairly soon so videos that help us see how we might easily integrate into the lifestyle and culture are very informative for us.
hi david! i'm moving to rome next year for university and am a bit nervous as I'm moving alone for the first time- this video helped me become more informed and also excited! I've binged your channel and it's definitely put me at ease. thank you for all of your videos!
Hi ! Thanks for the marathon watching 🥰. You’ll be absolutely fine don’t worry. I say that not from naive optimism but because I know from experience what it’s like to leave our comfort zone. Good and bad things will happen to you but that’s the reality of Rome living and anywhere really. Take it all in and live it. Everyone needs to leave their comfort zone. 🙂
Great videos! Just got back from Italy, including Rome and fell in love with the country and city. Do you plan on returning soon? If so I had an idea for a video. My tour guide in Italy mentioned it's possible to get on a train, bus or taxi and take it a few minutes outside the center of Rome found yourself in an entirely different city yet still considered Rome. I'm assuming these are mostly suburbs? Would you be willing to make a video of locations in or around Rome that are drastically different from the center of the city that can somewhat be a nice / interesting place to visit? Would be interesting to see if you ever plan to return. Keep up the great videos!
Hey Paul! Thank you molto for the positive feedback. I am not sure what you mean by "return" to Rome though. I live in the center of the Eternal City. Anyway, I am actually in the process of making a video on different areas to live in Rome, although your idea could easily (and probably will be) a separate video. With that said, thank you for the suggestion, as that is an excellent idea!
@@DavidsDoseofItaly @@DavidsDoseofItaly Lol you're an American? Talking about giant signs the way the Americans have it. This is Europe:) cities have smaller signs. Nice to meet you.
really interesting video! I'm also living in Rome, also coming from a little town on the South, and I should admit that you highlighted exactly the same points that I likes or not (especially the rubbish and the parking jungle). Anyway I'm also grateful to this city, and always amazed by her... P.S.: Dajèeeeee!!
Daje! Thanks David really enjoyed the video. I'm from northern England, my wife is from Rome and we live in London. You know it much better than me but having visited family in Rome many times over the years a lot of what you said chimed with me, both good and bad. I'm considering whether we might move over there one day (when the kids leave home perhaps). Your parents' comments about pride in the city really resonated, it's such a shame that the public parts of the city are in such a bad state of repair. Peoples' private spaces are clean and tidy, great pride is taken. But the public areas are often quite depressing. You see small areas that obviously haven't been cleaned in years. I think over the years romans have become used to it and don't see it - the graffiti being an example. London is far from perfect and is even larger than Rome but it's much cleaner. I often think that over here people would form groups and clean up themselves - there are all sort of small local groups keeping on top of things, whether it be cleaning or lobbying councillers etc. So I think that there is a lack of community spirit, generostiy and organisation, which I find strange given how closely people live together. This lack of community I think is evidenced by some of the other problems you mention like the driving, the state of kerbs for disabled/buggies, the roads etc. There is much private wealth, unemployment is low, so it's strange...
Hey Liam and thank you ever so much for watching all the video! I think the key word there is habit. They've gotten so used to it that it becomes normal. When an outsider comes in and points out these things we get an emotionless indifferent look or some excuse for which things are the way they are. Yea, I've seen it many times. People's houses and their own appearance are well kept, yet the outside often leaves much to desire. I don't have all the answers and I don't want to offend anyone but I will be so bold as to say that we must not accept these dirty and run down conditions as "normal". I've lived in different places, I've traveled so I will not be brainwashed into accepting everything here as an uncontrollable situation and the way things should be. Every problem has a solution and I will teach my daughter that change starts with us. For example: if we throw our garbage away and the idiot walking by throws some plastic on the ground, I will tell her that even though this uncivil act Xs out what we are doing, it doesn't matter. We aren't adding to the problem and that if we all did our part we'd see a different city. Call me a dreamer, call me naive but I won't submit to the "I don't care, what can I do" attitude. That negative mentality is also the cause of low voter turn out when people say "well I'm just one vote, what does it matter?". So yeah, as a parent you lead by example and you take your child to see beautiful places. If not graffiti is the new normal and trash on the ground becomes tolerable. Northern England. Which city are you from? I only saw Liverpool in the North but I've been all over the South for summer work in past years. I lived in Birmingham for a year where I did my master and on that note, Brum is a city that has a bit of a rough edge to it. It's still cleaner than here!
@@DavidsDoseofItaly Hey David, thanks for the reply, wise words. Re my background I've lived in a few different places in the UK - childhood in Derbyshire (a beautiful green part of England) and 15 years in Manchester (working in the music scene), also some on the south coast and now London/Surrey. Northern English cities are a bit rough around the edges following many years of post industrial decline, as I'm sure you saw in Brum. They are generally on the up though - I saw a huge change in Manchester from the early 90s to today. There is a kind of parallel between northern england and southern italy - the stereotypes of them being worse off economically but having more friendly people. I suppose in that scenario Manchester would be Roma/Napoli and London would be Milan, if you see what I mean. I can't help but compare Italy and the England - both wonderful countries and both frustrating, but in different ways :-) My wife's family are mostly around Pigneto but over the years I've been all around Rome, very much looking forward to coming over at christmas - considering trying to get there by train this time. When I first arrive I'm always overwhelmed by the delapidation, but by the end of the visit I've got used to it. Very glad I'm not pushing prams there any more! Looking forward to more videos. A dopo!
@@liammullan2197 Hi Liam. Yeah that's a very good comparison between England and Italy and at least Manchester is on the up and up. Can't say the same for Rome. Once, I remember seeing a before and after picture of the canals in Brum and the difference was noticeable. I am hoping to see that change here eventually. England will always have a special place in my heart. I considered working there after my Masters but it wasn't meant to be. Not to mention Brexit was on the horizon and I didn't want my immigration status to have a question mark next to it. The Irish got the best out of that deal, EU and UK citizens to this day! Yeah, tell me about it . Pushing a pram here is no fun at times! Happy to have you here on my channel, keep in touch! Un abbraccio.
we went to rome with our school in 1995. the first thing everyone noticed was how dirty the city is. Since then, every close acquaintance who visited the city said the same thing: "What a beautiful city, but everything is so dirty."
Hi Jim. Super grateful ! Thank you ! I’ve been to Orvieto twice and I’d gladly go back there again. Do you have family there ? Yeah it’s in a good location to do a day trip to Rome.
Da je! Have discovered your channel and enjoy your content. I'm of Italian origin who grew up in Australia..we are now able to divide time between Italy and Australia..We love Rome and would appreciate your thoughts on the neighbourhoods of Baldo Degli Ubaldi..Piccolomini? our Budget we dont think can stretch to Trastevere as we have EUR250,000-300,000 to buy a small flat. We want to be close to Metro and local conveniences and easily go the centre. We stayed in this area and felt comfortable..we will rent first as we look for a place to buy..grazie
Hey Geoff! Thank you for watching! I am vaguely familiar with those areas and they seem decent although I can't make any guarantees. Baldo Degli Ubaldi does have access to a metro that is correct so it's wise to get a place close to the metro which is the most reliable mode of public transport in Rome.
sono nato qui a roma 50 anni fa..... la odio per molti aspetti che hai detto ma quando vado in giro dove guardo guardo me la fa amare ogni giorno di piu. Vabbe' so di parte.... 😉DAJE !
DAJE! Hi Davide! Just found your channel and big thank you from the States! We are going to be retiring there and are scouting out places we want to live. I'm a dual citizen, third generation like you and I'm moving there for the same reasons, familia history! Great video's! We are actually coming out soon to look to buy and I'm so excited! Maybe we'll bump into each other! LOL!
@@DavidsDoseofItaly Yes, its always been a big pull for me. My great grandfather actually took our family back to Rome but they wanted to go back to the USA so he had to but didn't like it here. I'm not sure where we want to be but will be searching near Roma! How did you find the area you wanted to be, did you do a video on it yet? My dual citizenship residence is in Scilla. My mother's grandfather family was from Rome.
The place where we are now was decided by my wife because she wanted to be closer to her job. It worked out well as she can walk there and we have all the conveniences we need all around us. Sadly in my family, all those that left Italy never went back ever again. Who knows why.
Hi! I saw you during Nick Nimmin’s live feed today and wanted to stop by and show my support as a fellow RUclipsr who loves the advice and tips Nick provides us. When we were in Rome we bought front row seats at the Colosseum only to find out there were no games that day! We took a great selfie anyhow! I hope to see more of you online soon!
Wow ! What a chance encounter. Thank you for stopping by Yeah Nick is the man! Honest , unbiased , straightforward and friendly. Yeah. Games have been suspended for about 1500 years ! Oh sure. I’m in this YT game for the long haul. I’ve also subscribed to your channel given that I also teach English. Keep plugging away , learn , improve , EXECUTE and you’ll see results.
Generally when I look for a hotel I am only concerned about the price, number of stars, and most importantly are the reviews. And I don’t think Airbnb is what it used to be in the sense that they seem to be much more expensive and I don’t think they are a clear difference between themselves and a traditional hotel.
Dejeeeee! David, we're coming back to Roma for a month. We would be very interested in mom and pop shops / ristorante that you would recommend around the city center. Just subscribed. Grazie millie!
Daje! Thanks for these videos David. We are suppose to be in Italy on Sept 11 for two weeks. You videos have been great. The driving, tipping and cellphone videos were especially helpful. Hopefully we wont get barred from entry due to our awful covid numbers!
Hey Ryan! Thank you for the channel support ! I appreciate it. My parents were just here and in essence had smooth entry and exit trips. Just show your airline proof of vaccination or a negative Covid test. Also you need to fill out the EU passenger locator form. You need this enter Italy. Then before you leave get a Covid test within 3 days of departure.
Hi and thank you for the compliment. In general, Italians are not the most proficient at English however, there are plenty of exceptions. Fortunately, most Italians are patient when they are dealing with people who can’t speak Italian
How much is the cheap rent and how much are the salaries ? You can stay only with English language ? I am from Romania soo the language is nearly the same ...
I think the best thing to do is to look for posto letto however, don’t stay there forever and eventually work your way up to better accommodations. There are plenty of Italians who speak English. however, there are also many who do not so learning the language here is essential, I think.
Daje! My family and I are moving to Trieste in November. I can not wait to see Rome. I also am a history buff and am really excited to be around awesome landmarks.
Nice ! Trieste. I passed by it once. Is your family moving there for work? What I love about Rome is there is so much history out in the open and free! Appia antica for example
@@DavidsDoseofItaly This is actually Brian. Nicoletta’s husband. No I retired. My wife is from there. Once we settle in I’ll look for work somewhere. I also love free history lol.
Daje. I was scammed by a 'taxi driver' the first time I was in Rome but that unfortunate incident did not lessen my desire to keep on coming back - had been there 3x already.
Thank you for watching!! I appreciate it. Eh it happens. We got taken a bit by a taxi last week. 063570 is the number to call for better service. Taxi drivers can be hit or miss.
Great material! Apart from the three districts you recommended, are there any other "villa districts" of a higher standard and reasonably well connected with the city? We are planning to move to Rome in a few years (wife + two small children). We are looking for a good neighborhood to raise our kids (schools, parks, activities, small stores and restaurants). Not necessarily party and even more not necessarily millions of tourists.
@@DavidsDoseofItaly we hv had too many lockdowns and we all suffering lockdown fatigue, thanks to people like you that provide a great escape. We r the only western country in the world unable to travel overseas . Thanks to your videos I can deal with this drudgery ciao grazie 👋
DAJE! Another helpful and fun video! Coming from NYC- graffiti is annoying and part of the charm (?)... David, even you negative opinions were said in a kind way. We will try to see one of the parks you mention on our trip! I cannot believe your daughter is almost a year old!!! time flies!!
Have been to Rome several times, seen all the more-famous attractions several times, am going to spend October right on (yes, touristy) P Navona. Was nice to hear your ideas about parks and such to go wander, thank you. On a recent trip, after visiting V Borghese I decided to go into the zoo nearby - loved it!
@@DavidsDoseofItaly Am not a zoo aficionado by any means, it was an impulse thing. Am glad to have gone in, the grounds were gorgeous and (more importantly) the animals are in beautiful condition too. I highly recommend an afternoon there.
Getting ready to move to rome from america. Should I brimg our honda minivan or should we buy a vehicle in rome? Not really concerned about the shipping costs. Just wanted to know what is more practical. I dont I tend to have to drive to work but we do wanna travel while there. Thanks
Daje. Really enjoyed your video and thought it was very helpful. I'm hoping to visit Rome next year for 2 weeks. Keep up the great work David. Can you recommend a guide to show us around ? Thanks Joe
Hi Joe ! Thank you a ton for the compliment and generosity ! I might be able to give you some ideas. Drop me an email davidsdoseofitaly@gmail.com and I’ll see if I can give you some pointers.
Ciao Davide, I always look forward to your videos because they give a unique perspective since you are american from Connecticut and italiano ! You are always well informed, honest and helpful. I will only disagree with your chose of churches. St Paul outside of walls. although important place, is not my favorite! it is too stark and plain for my ecclesiastical taste . St Mary the Major is beautiful with ancient mosaics with icon of Mary salvation of the roman peoples. Dio ti benedica e la tua famiglia!
Grazie Giovanni! I've actually never been to Santa Maria Maggiore but now that you mention it I should really go there. I appreciate your channel support and I hope you like my future videos! God be with you and your family as well!
Thanks so much for this vide, David!! When you touch on English Speaking Opportunities and say "you've got your choice," can you elaborate on that a bit more? I'm moving back to Rome in a couple months after doing a study abroad there years ago and I'm looking for a lowkey job - English teacher to adults, administrative assistant, personal assistant, hostel worker. Are there certain places you recommend I look to apply to be an English teacher? Thank you SO much!
Hi Allison and thank you very much for the positive feedback! Well if you wanted to find an English-speaking job especially Involving teaching the first place that I would go to the website called wantedinrome.com. However through the magic of the Internet you are not bound only to an Italian institution. If you want to teach I would look at online teaching opportunities and And a good website for that is Dave’s ESL café. Now if teaching isn’t your thing but you want a job here in Italy that involves English speaking then I would go to an Italian Job search website and type in the word inglese. I would look at a website called indeed and also infojobs. You could also be a tour guide but I don’t have any experience in that sector however it is a possibility here in Rome given the Number of tourists that come here every yearAnyway I hope all of this helped!
@@DavidsDoseofItaly Incredible, thank you so much for this - that is SO helpful! A friend who lived in Rome for awhile suggested that maybe I could lead one of those "Airbnb Experiences" for instance taking folks around to try top 5 best cocktails in Rome, or best aperitivi (let's be honest, we all know some Americans that would pay for that kind of a thing). So I'm thinking about that as well. Hopefully jobs like administrative assistant at an office or personal assistant will be available. If you or anyone you know happens to need a personal assistant, let me know! I'm really moving to Rome to learn the language and take time away from the American work culture to figure out what I want / want do to in life. And a non-typical job to support myself is really ideal. Any tips would be so helpful, thank you David!!
That’s how I started out. I couldn’t stand the American work culture anymore and I wanted to just simply get away. Those types of BNB tours sound interesting. You’d probably get a lot in tips knowing American tipping culture. I suggest you have enough in savings to cover yourself and rent for a few months. You can also check out Tefl.com for online and jobs in Italy.
Daje! I live in Flordia but if theres anywhere I would want to go in the world it'll probably be Italy, specifically south, based on what I have heard. Your content is very nice and I like how organized you keep it!
Hey! Thanks for watching till the end. Oh yes, Southern Italy is a fascinating place. I lived there, my roots are from there and my in-laws live there. Thank you for the positive feedback! Share the videos out if you think someone else may enjoy them. I actually need to go back and possibly remake a few old videos.
@@DavidsDoseofItaly You're welcome! I'd imagine making videos specifically about Italy can get difficult, so if you want a suggestion for another video you could talk about the history of Italy broadly speaking, and/or specific history you find fascinating in Italy. I think you could really experiment with these kinds of videos however you'd want it. Myths could work too.
Those are great ideas! Thank you. History videos take a lot of editing and great visuals if you want to compete. But gloss or no gloss you need to be a good story teller. My dad is great at that
@@DavidsDoseofItaly I can only imagine how long it would take. Your videos are cool, if you ever do want to attempt those kinds of videos that have cool scene idea, I'd be willing to sketch out a couple. Wouldn't take long. No money for it it'd just be super awesome to see my art in a video.
Hey that might be an idea. thank you! Sure, I in turn could promote whatever you have: blog, channel, website, online store etc. This way It'd be an even exchange.
David I’m surprise you haven’t made a video on these e scooters and ebikes on street and sidewalks .Where to ride?Where you could go and can’t?How you rent them?Especially in Roma where there’s a lot walking . I live in Miami and there are everywhere which of course young generation uses them and some old guys like me uses them .
Thanks for the video idea. Maybe I should. I tried it once and honestly I’m not crazy about them. They’re dangerous because you could be hit by a car easily ( fortunately I haven’t seen it happen, hopefully never ). Also they create more traffic because they think they’re cars and chug along in normal traffic lanes. I’ve had to go around them too often. But yeah. Worth mentioning. Thank you!
What is parking like in Rome? Will it be worth it to bring my car? What is grocery shopping like? Are there part time jobs teaching English or are they all full time?
Parking is usually difficult and I wouldn’t bring your car. If you’re going to live here maybe buy a car here after you’ve spent some time here and confirmed that you’d need one here Grocery shopping is similar to the states. There are big and small stores but a bit less choice in products Teaching English is generally 25 hours per week.
Daje. You did a great job highlighting the issues and the positives. I came here for an extended vacation for a month. Loved every single minute of it. But will add to one of your negatives. Dog shit. It’s literally everywhere and if you are casually walking down the street while looking at your phone you will step in it. I’d advise people to not walk and sctoll.
Il mio canale è una delle cose più belle che io abbia mai creato! Mi piace molto leggere i commenti e interagire con chi che dedica del tempo per scrivermi, guardare i miei video ecc ecc. Thank you!
@@DavidsDoseofItaly Tivoli gardens some of the smaller areas my list is not with me any good suggerstions I will be there 5 full days thinking of day trip to Herleculum (SPI) and go to Capri /Blue Lagoon
Appia antica If it’s not too hot. Ponte milvio , laghetto park in Eur , Villa pamphilli, parco degli acquedotti. Outside of Rome: Orvieto , Foligno , spello and Spoleto in Umbria. Napoli. Just go there ! I got a few videos that talk about it. The palace in Caserta and Caserta vecchia ( you need a car to get there ) Hope that helps 😎
Do you have any videos on teaching in Rome and what the qualifications are? Are the similar to the states/Canada? I would love to teach English, but I’m also a very beginner at Italian- seems like a dumb question- but do you need to speak Italian to teach English? I only ask because I know a lot of countries that dont require you to know the native language.
Specifically about teaching English in Rome no, but that is a good idea for a video. However the videos that I made on teaching in Italy really do apply to all Italian towns and cities, Rome included. I came to Rome originally because I knew there were more teaching options since this is the capital of Italy. One tip I would give is this; don't ever work per hour! It's miserable because during Xmas, holidays and the summer you don't get paid! Also, if you don't have a car, try to live and work along a metro line. It makes life a lot easier here in Rome. I may have mentioned this in my videos but it's worth repeating. Qualifications: If you're looking to get into the public schools, yes the requirements are similar. You need a college degree and it needs to be validated here in italy. You also need to do a public exam and also enter a points system which you accumulate as you teach until finally you are called for a permanent position in the public schools. The requirements for the private schools are less stringent although the more the better. I think the better schools will want to see qualifications. Don't worry about the lack of Italian. It actually forces the students to not translate and speak English. Although it does help to know some Italian especially for everyday living situations. Here is my playlist with videos on this topic. I know ! I know! I need more videos! ruclips.net/p/PL9RTA_49N-uZwbuWVnTLJ8amIFrqqAjYB
@@DavidsDoseofItaly Italy is an ancient country, Rome even more, the roads are what they are, they can't knock down buildings to make larger and wider roads, automobiles increase, the traffic is heavy, our layout is a puzzle, you go one way come back another, many one way streets, we don't have blocks, so it is easy to get lost due to the fact that often you can't go back home the way you left. Another thing I cannot digest as you said are the signs, you can't see them, without mentioning the numbers, many are worn out on the buildings, hidden by trees, and if you slow down to figure out where you are everyone is honking at you!
That is so true. I do not understand why the signs are so damn small! Is it because larger US style signs would ruin the aesthetic value of the street ?
i got a contract in rome for 6 months internship , i m just asking how s the weather at summer? and does food cost so much for a person who cant cook? and also i understand from ur point of view that public transport are the worst so do u advice me to buy a bike,electric scooter .. or it s just not worth it also? sorry if i botherd u with my many questions but i want to thank you for this great video ^^
Hey! Thanks for the kind words! Congrats on the internship opportunity. YES! Italy is an oven in the summer so I suggest you find an accommodation where you can close the windows completely (total darkness helps keep the heat out) or Air conditioning. Rome is humid! At the very least invest in a fan. If you can't cook and you plan on doing take out or just eating out often then there are ways to save but you could also see your food bill going up substantially. I suggest learn how to make basic pasta dishes and you'll save money. As for public transportation I recommend the metro. I used to live in Arco Di Travertino and I worked in Parioli. If you drove that it's a nightmare in traffic but the metro made it 100% easier. So I suggest you get a place to live near the metro. You can get around by bikes and electric scooters but I feel the roads here in Rome are not suitable for these things and whatsmore I think it's more dangerous. Hope all this helped!
This is a great topic for a future video. Thank you. I actually can't remember the last time I took a guided tour here in Rome apart from headset audio guided tours at local museums. With that said I recommend Palazzo Massimo alle Terme which is right next to Termini. I took my parents there and they enjoyed it. I believe you can do a guided audio tour. I also recommend a guided tour of the Vatican museums (you could be there all day believe me!) and indeed of the Colosseum. I'd check out this website as this seems to be the official website for Colosseum tours: www.coopculture.it/en/products/ticket-colosseum-forum-and-palatine-_24h/ Check out this channel too. ruclips.net/user/TheRomanGuyTours They have a website and with them you can book a tour here in Rome. I've seen them around town including at the Colosseum. I hope this helps, feel free to reach out if you have other questions!
Thank you so much for this video. I’m going to Rome to study in two years, and these videos help me understand what I’m going for. But I was also worried about not knowing Italian. Of course I’ll learn the basics and more if I can before going, but I guess it is pretty necessary to know Italian to live there, right? Also, how would you consider the price for leaving there (alone) is? Cheap, expensive, medium?
Hi. Great questions! This is very likely going to be a future video so stay tuned. I'll share my thoughts on it here too. I would say that it is a wise idea to learn some Italian before coming to live here. Even just the effort is appreciated by Italians because it shows an interest in their culture and a desire to connect with them. Fortunately, Italians for the most part are patient with people who don't speak their language very well and they will never correct you unless you're a close friend. Since you're coming here in 2 years, you've got plenty of time to start learning Italian. I actually just made a video on that a few days ago where I talk about tips and mental processes on how to learn a new language. Check it out if you get a chance, and I hope it helps you! ruclips.net/video/egHlzCrXcjk/видео.html Living here. In a nutshell, the big cities are expensive, anything smaller than them are cheaper and Southern Italy is cheaper than the North. This also depends on your lifestyle and if you know how to budget your money well. If you're a frugal person and live in a small town then you can do quite well. If however you live in Rome and feel the need to treat yourself often, then you may have problems paying the rent! I've been in both situations so I speak from experience! I would say though that Italy, compared to the US (I am sure where you are from, but I often compare the US with Italy) is cheaper and if you can make a US salary here in Italy you can live quite well.
@@DavidsDoseofItaly thank you so much! I’ll suscribe and Watch the video you say, it sounds useful. I’m sorry for asking another question, but do you know if they hire young people? I’ll be going being 17 or 18 years old, and even if I have some savings and my parents will support me, I’m sure the money won’t be enough. In my country they almost not hire young people, specially women because there’s a stereotype we’re weak and lazy. Is it like that in Italy too?
Oh no, I don't think that way of thinking is prevalent here that women are weak and lazy. don't worry! As far as getting a job at 18 here, it is possible, but it would most likely be a low paying job which would be good only for some life experience. Consider learning how to make money on the internet (Blog, your own website, a youtube channel, Instagram account) and this way you'd be location independent. Where are you from?
A question.. I was once staying on P Campo de Fiori and went as usual into a Deli there (Rugerri's?) for a few items and as I left and crossed the Piazza back toward my apt, I got confronted by a very-scary 'Terminator' -like guy, from the Guardia di Financia (?) who demanded to see my receipt. He had a weapon and everything, it was scary! And I didn't have the dang receipt, maybe I left without it or maybe they never offered one. Anyway.... Do you take your receipts?
WoW ! That’s unusual. It’s never happened to me. You probably had nothing to do with the situation and it’s more likely they were interested in the deli where you had been. To answer your question yes it’s good to get the receipt
Question of the week: Do you now see more positives than negatives living in Rome? POST VIDEO OBSERVATION: There is indeed a card reader at the ticket machine at the Colosseum. What was confusing was that on the screen, when you're asked to pay for the tickets, the card reader doesn't light up and on the screen it doesn't indicate that you can use your card. In all honesty, I'd be nervous too about paying by card. It is odd though that all 3 of us, me and the couple couldn't find the card reader. I guess I'd make a lousy detective! I apologize for the inaccuracy in this video! Scusate per l'errore!
I like graffiti sometimes, but I dislike how widespread and boring it is in some places. I haven’t seen many big blocks of graffiti art. I like when I get to see more detailed art all in one spot. Sometimes the graffiti plays off eachother and having it in one spot makes it feel more put together. I hate to see a blank building with a scrubbily spray painted few letters and it feels like almost every other building has it.
I feel exactly the same way. I recognize good street art when I see it, but a lot of it is mindless self indulgence done only for one's ego and self interest.
I grew up in Italy and I can attest to trash not being picked up on time. Often, workers would be on strike bc of not being paid on time. School buses wouldn’t take us to school too when these things happened. Lol
YOU DID NOT MENTION ABOUT: PUBLIC FACILITIES : LIKE PUBLIC TOILETS AND SHOWRS AND HOW TO GET AROUND THIS NATURE NEED TO ALL OF US?= WHAT ABOUT THE BUDGET COSTS OF ACCOMMODATION? THANKS
Public toilets exist but are lesson common than in the States. Your best bet is to go into a Bar, buy something and ask to use the toilet. Public showers I have never seen here but they may in fact exist. Budget costs for accomodation: that depends on what you are looking for and where in the city.
Strange what you say about Northern Europe and the possibilty to pay by card. In Rome all shops have to have a machine that reads cards and I never use to be worried about having cash in Rome. Moving to Germany, it was a shock for me to eat at a restaurant. After the meal I wanted to pay with my credit card and they said "cash only". "I don't have cash" I responded. They asked me to leave my passaport or identity card, I refused and they called the police. At the end I realised that in Germany you have to ask first if you can use a card for the payment and they aren't obliged to offer it. Basically the opposite of what you are saying in the video. By the way, there is a law in Italy to fight money laundering. You cannot pay over 2.000 € by cash even if you want to. There Is always the possibilty to use your card in Rome and you are using just one episode of a machine that doesn't have a card reader to say something completely false.
I am not talking about shops in Rome and the inability to pay by card. No. I was talking about purchasing it at the ticket machine if you want to use the metro. I use my card for many things here in Rome but I wouldn’t dare insert my card into the reader at the metro especially when there is no indication on the touch screen that I can pay by card. There is in fact a card reader, BUT it doesn't light up at the time of purchase. This is something that catches someone's attention when they are looking for the reader and is quite convenient, especially when you are expecting it. I have clarified this in the comments and description of this video. Northern Europe: I am referring to Scandinavia and it is a fact that I didn’t touch their currency once. I can’t speak for Germany because I have never been there apart from the airports.
Yup. That's accurate! It's instinctive too. You need to be able to predict someone else's move in certain situations. When a car is in front me of in a multi lane road, I always assume they're going to drift slowly into my lane with no blinker. In essence I am defensive and cautious here.
Have you ever been to Rieti, btw? Suppose One day you wanted your daughter to grow in a Much safer environment, and you want to stay close to Rome, you could move there; its a fantastic city, Ideal for a family...worth a visit for sure! 😊👍
Unfortunately no I haven’t been there. But that is next on my list. For right now we are in Rome indefinitely but fate may step in and we may go and live somewhere else.
In regards to the trash issue. Many Roman's state that it's the immigrants that cause this problem. I am not really sure that this is total case. I think the younger generation could also be the problem. I did see the homeless situation there and did see a lot of immigrants just toss trash on the floor as my family stated. So It just solidifies the comments from my family and friends in Roma. Anyways....it could be both again your point about being a large city....even in the states this problem exists.
I think it's a culmination of everyone, although I wouldnt be surprised if it were the homeless, Roma people or drug addicts that did the bulk of it. Hard to tell. It could also very well be rude locals.
Ciao ! Io sono di Monza adesso vivo in Friuli-Venezia Giulia... Lignano per l’esattezza ... sei mai stato al Nord ? Sarebbe interessante sapere cosa ne pensi delle differenze tra le regioni del Nord ... come Lombardia, Veneto o Friuli-Venezia e le regioni de Sud ... 😉 potresti fare dei video spiegando agli americani le varie differenze visto che tendono a fare di tutta Italia il classico stereotipo del italiano preso dai film Good fellas o il padrino 😂🤣
Ciao! Questa è ottima come idea! Grazie! Io sono stato al Nord diverse volte ma chi mi segue sul mio canale sa che la maggior parte della mia esperienza in Italia è stata al Sud. Però so qualcosa dell’Italia settentrionale. Comunque, io sono stato tante volte in Toscana, alcune volte in Umbria, Veneto, una volta a Milano, Bologna e poi un viaggio meraviglioso a Trentino Alto Adige! Si infatti, l’Italia è molto di più rispetto a ciò che pensano la maggior parte delle persone che conoscono l’Italia dei loro antenati e ciò che viene trasmesso in TV e nei film. Quasi quasi ti contatterò quando farò questo video che mi ha proposto. Mandami una email e ci organizzeremo! A presto!
That's a very good analysis of Rome. If i might add there is another cons of Rome , that is always hard to explain. You see this less in central areas, is called : abusivismo. Many areas of Rome have been built illegally without a government / local administration plan and they lack of infrastructures and services. I am from Torre angela, it is one of those areas. Do you have a word in English to describe the idea of zona abusiva?
Thank you! I’d call it unauthorized construction or also illegal building. They both capture the idea From personal experience I can tell you it’s not worth it because if you want to sell the property, eventually it becomes more difficult. It’s more difficult because banks will most likely not give you a mortgage on a house that isn’t up to code.
@@DavidsDoseofItaly hope to not bore you with my comments. Like u said in other comments, many things that do not work Rome , is because of the habit, Romans think that this stuff is normal. I lived in Rome for 27 years, now i live in Munich germany since 10. Here you got parks open 24 / 7. In Rome they close at the sunset, so between 6-8 pm. Talking to Romans asking why they think is like that. Majority answered because otherwise drug dealers or homeless go to do their stuff there. Since you travelled a lot, U would agree that this is very stupid argument. In Munich are dealers or homeless more polite? Or is the police not allowing it? You know what i mean? My point is this Roman habit to accept strange things as they are normal and when you ask to elaborate on that , they come up with these stupid explanations
@@danilo6548 not a bother at all. In fact this is an interesting topic. That drug dealers and homeless people will wander into the parks after closing hours may be true , but I think what makes the difference is that in Germany you most likely have police that patrol the parks. I think most nonsense happens here because of a lack of a societal norm that there are consequences for ones actions. There is a vicious cycle of “what can I do ?” And the result is absurdities being accepted as normal. The solution? Be the difference. Change begins with the individual and then others will begin to take notice. Not all mind you but enough. Example: I once saw a movie where prisoners are in an outdoor prison and in this large (yet confined) area there is a small yet powerful group of prisoners who lure new prisoners into a little corner with the promise of food. Then they’re beaten and robbed. Finally one prisoner has seen this scene enough and he grabs a stick and charges towards the thieves’ area. He yells “who’s with me?!” At first on one but then one by one they begin to join him. They all then charge the thieves and eventually overpower them. This is from the movie Andersonville, a civil war camp which really did exist. Granted this is an extreme example but I believe it illustrates the point! Here’s the video of that fight scene ! ruclips.net/video/vyKr26vZkYA/видео.html
agree on the graffiti point 100%...kind of ruins everything....my take is that the people that do it have low self-esteem/ unemployed etc.. and that is their way of leaving a mark and giving a finger to society...just my view...LOVE Rome though :)
There are many reasons why people Leave graffiti. I think all the reasons you’ve said are correct and I also think it’s just being rude in a certain way. I also believe it’s an act for people who are egotistical Or quite simply people who want to be the center of attention. This is something that I really can’t relate to.
Hi Dave. I'm italian and I think all of the cons you talked about on your video can be applied to (almost) all italian cities. I live in a large city in Northern Italy and garbage and filth are an issue here too. Lack of civility norms is the main culprit. (You could go and reach another garbage that Is not as full as the one near your house). As far as graffittis are concerned, in my personal opinion are strictly related to a generation who feels worthless and anonymous and doesn't fit in. These Kids want to leave a trace, even an annoying one. Graffitis on monuments are done on purpose as if to say: I am just as important. I'm not justifying their actions at all, in fact I am annoyed by them Just as you are. Sorry for my english that got a bit rusty over the years.
Hi Anna. Your English is better than 94% of my students! Well done ! Very often that’s exactly what I do. I have to walk a little bit and find a dumpster which is not full. While graffiti has been around for thousands of years, I think this younger generation has made it worse and I think your reasons for which they do it are correct. lack of civilized behavior I believe is learned behavior and people, especially children learn by example. If you grow up with parents who don’t give a damn about anybody but themselves, then kids accept this as normal behavior. The same can be said about mindless self indulgence behavior, which they observe maybe from their peers or from their parents. That’s just my opinion, but I am not a sociologist. Happy new year. 🎊!
Sono romano e concordo su tutte le cose negative della città. Io credo che molte di quelle che hai detto sono solo della città di Roma e basta. Graffiti, strade, sporcizia e trasporto pubblico. Non esiste nessun’altra città che ha tutti questi problemi così evidenti come Roma. E questo è molto triste. Poi però la città è allo stesso tempo talmente bella e offre davvero tanto, e capisci perché i quasi 3 milioni di abitanti non siano tutti scappati. Per fortuna c’è anche altro.
Una buona notizia è che le macchinette automatiche con pagamento con carta sono già in arrivo e verranno montate in tutte le stazioni. In più è già possibile pagare con carta direttamente al tornello. Comunque questa è un’altra cosa che non doveva esistere in una capitale europea di un paese del G7 nel 2021.
Si io mi lamento ma in fin dei conti c’è da apprezzare di Roma. Tendiamo sempre a concentrarsi di più sulle cose negative. Anch’io avevo visto che c’è la possibilità di pagare direttamente con contactless al tornello Ma mi chiedo se ci sono delle limitazioni. Accetta tutte le carte sia quelle italiane sia quelle straniere? Comunque ritengo che non è del tutto facile pagare alle stazioni della metropolitana di Roma.
Non sono d'accordo. Atene, Barcellona, Berlino: sono città infestate di *graffiti* tanto quanto Roma, se non di più (Berlino batte tutti i record in quanto a tags). *Sporcizia:* Parigi, Londra, New York (!!!), San Francisco (!!!!!!). Una peggio dell'altra. Vieni pure a Hollywood a dare un'occhiata. La situazione ha raggiunto livelli allucinanti con in più tendopoli ovunque e migliaia di drogati senza tetto che si fanno di fentanyl per strada e alla luce del sole (con feci umane ovunque sui marciapiedi). Roma ha i suoi problemi, certo; ma, tutto sommato, è messa meglio di molte altre metropoli di simili dimensioni. Ed oggi, nel 2024, con la giunta Gualtieri e le tante migliorie in atto, l'aria sta cambiando. Occorre un po' di tempo.
My advise is you need to take better care for your kidneys. Go to bed early before 11 pm eat less salty spiced food 3 hours before reaching the bed. Drink cranberry juice unsweetened half water. Becouse I follow you and noticed. EYES.
Hi Eliza. Thank you for watching and most importantly thank you for observing my physical state. Unfortunately it’s not exactly easy to get to bed early here. We live in a small apartment and so it’s not exactly easy to fall asleep and absolute silence. I have been looking for cranberry juice and while you can’t get it here it is not something that people drink often in Italy and so therefore it’s expensive. Yeah thank you for bringing this to my attention and I will do my best to improve things🤞🏻☺️
Hi David,
My fiancée and I visited Italy in 09/2022, for 2 weeks with Rome being our anchor. We went to Positano, Capri, and Massa Lubrenese. We stayed at each of them for a day (not nearly long enough) and Rome for the rest of the time. We loved it so much, that we are going to move there within 3-5 years. Thank you for your videos.
Hi Brian, thank you very much for your comment! That is exactly what happened to me. Once you be in coming here and experiencing Italy, just can’t get enough of you realize that the only cure for this satisfaction is to live here. Best of luck in the future for whatever you do.
My son (17) and me (49) stayed in Rome for four days at the end of March 2022 and loved every single minute. We lived in a small hotel in Aurelia and our experiences with the Metro (getting tickets, prices, speed and frequency) were - phantastic! Same with Roman food. Pasta Cacio e Pepe sure adds sense to live : ) We loved to strive on and around the Piazza of San Pietro, prayed for peace with Padre Francesco, visited the Musei Vaticani and the gardens, the Spanish Steps, Trastevere and even took the Metro to Ostia one day to relax at the sea. Somehow I did not mind the bus (quite an experience though , one more passenger would have destroyed us all : ) or the litter and the somewhat neglected stations like Cornelia (where they play the national anthem before starting business in the morning at 5:30 which finally made me wake up for the flight back home : ) Somehow (for me personally only) it was like: If this was all cleaned up and "perfect", you just could not bear all this heart-warming beauty : ) Or it might get lost in too much tidyness? We are simple people, maybe a bit like the the old pilgrims, from a small Black Forest town and still got along there very well without getting lost, cheated or dispised among all this elegance, big world surprises (like the seemingly never-ending escalators) and the splendor. Very different from Paris or London, truly, the Romans were so kind and ready to laugh with us and to overlook our stupid tourist mistakes, kind and helpful also with my son who has Asperger - we felt just blessed and discovered new friends and their unpretending joy of living. I think Rome and Roman life are very nourishing for senses, heart and spirit - to me it seems like you are very lucky to live there : ) Since I returned home, I sometimes look at the dark and silent hills and feel happy to know there is a city like this I can hopefully return to one day and with more time to discover and just love it. Thank you so much for your video, I enjoyed it!!!
Hi Sandra! Thank you for the comment and positive vibes about Rome! I somewhat disagree however, I think Rome would be even more magnificent if it were simply cleaner! There are some days where I go to the center of town and think "I am fortunate to live here, some people never come here or only come once in their lives!". Un abbraccio!
@@DavidsDoseofItaly 🤗
Hi David!
Great video 😁 to answer your graffiti question: my husband is Roman through and through, he grew up in Garbatella. He, like many other kids around the age of 14, started graffitiing as a way to express themselves. It’s a sort of emotional release, a way to say “I EXIST, I MATTER”. As they get older they realise it’s wrong to do this, and I know many from his graffiti group have turned this illegal art form into a full time job. One is a graphic designer, another wants to help children with emotional issues through art and psychology, another now works for the Comune di Roma thanks to his art! If they ever get together to paint, they seek out “Legal walls” aka a wall that has been designated by a neighbourhood as a free for all. Elderly people even walk past and enquire with curiosity about what they’re spray painting 😅
They all agree that the unnecessary tagging and spray painting in nice places is ugly, but it’s something mainly teenagers do whilst going through stuff. If more “legal walls” were allocated, maybe there’d be less of it in public spaces 🙌🏻
Hope that answers your question! Take care
It most certainly does
Personally I never felt the need to yell out to the world publicly that I exist. But that’s just me.
Very interesting video! Being a roman living in Milan I would say that you highlighted Rome's pros and cons just perfectly.
Hey Andrea ! Thank you for watching 😎😎. After I made the video I thought of a lot of other things I could have mentioned. The Roma people for example.
@@DavidsDoseofItaly
I did not get the street sign thing, they are pretty similar all over europe and I think they are way more confusing in the States. The driving analysys was vey deep no foriegner ever got it as well as you did in my experience. At the metro you have tap in your card now, no more need of buying tickets
Thanks for the video, I am italian, from a smaller city (Bologna) but actually living in Berlin. Everytime I go to Rome (almost once a year) I am fascinated, it is probably one of the most beautiful cities in the world and I am sorry to see how bad can be burocracy and un-organisation, I think it is not just the size of a city (if I think about Paris, Berlin or London....). I think Rome deserves something better! Anyway, I think I would move to Rome even tomorrow if I could ahaha cause it is true, a bad day it is a bad day everywhere :-)
Hi Fulvia. Yeah. This would be a great city if it weren't so neglected. However there is a certain charm to it. I have good days here! hehhe. I've been to Bologna a few times and I'd love to go back. The first time I arrived in Italy was in 1997 and we landed in .....Bologna. When i moved here exactly 12 years ago (Sept 12th) I landed in ....Bologna and then I went to Napoli. Too ironic!
@@DavidsDoseofItaly
Fulvia its warmer in winter in roma, than Berlin, Deutschland, and Nice to meet you David , great channel
If you should pick between Milano or Rome for living, which one would you and why? Help :(
@@loremipsum9859 well, it depends a lot from what you are looking for and what you are going to do there. Milan ist better if you have to look for a job, it is more modern and has a lot of events but it is expensive. Rome it would be a choice made with the heart for me, it is one of the most beautiful cities in the world but it is huge and chaotic, i would chose Rome because of the feeling, the sunset, the food, the art everywhere, but it isn't for everyone. If you are going to Rome look for a job next to your place or a place next to your job, it helps a lot!🙂
At some point you realise there is the same amount of good and bad things everywhere. They are just different.
This video helps me a lot with my english homework about describing the living in a city and I've chosed Rome, thanks!
Glad it was helpful!
Daje! Another great video David! Out of my 21 trips to Italy, all but one I have stayed in or been to Rome. I've had good experiences, and not so good (bothered by gypsies at metro stations, approached by scammers, a bancomat machine keeping my card, and difficulty in getting around on night busses, etc) but overall, I am still in awe of the city of Rome and I never get tired of exploring. This video showed me more parks and churches I still have yet to see. The areas of which I'm least familiar or haven't seen yet are Monteverde,Testaccio, Eur, Garbatella, Pigneto, San Lorenzo, and Centocelle. When I fly to Rome and take the train to Termini, the sights and sounds are all familiar and I feel like I'm coming home. Even though I'm only in Italy (Rome) for a short time on vacations, I feel I'm more like a short term resident than a tourist! I am in 100% agreement with you regarding the busses and road in the city. My whole body shakes when riding on the uneven and cobblestoned streets, however I just utilize busses when I need to go to an area of which the metro doesn't serve, or if my feet are dead tired.
The art, architecture, history, and food are what I love most about Rome. Everywhere you turn it's History 101. It's simply a treat to see in person what I read about in my art history class in college!
Every time I'm in Rome THE sight I simply must see is the Colosseum. I agree. I never tire of seeing it. Before there was a fence around it, I would always walk up and place my hand on the stone work ground level so I was touching history. It might sound corny but it's what I do, along with throwing coins in the Trevi. Your mentioning the actual artwork on buildings reminds me I have yet to see any of these. It's now on my list. The outright scribbling graffiti is disgusting but I overlook it because of the overall Grande Bellezza di Roma. Non vedo l'ora di tornare. Grazie David. 🇮🇹🙋♀️
Hey Tina! As always it's nice to see you in the comments. You're definitely not your average tourist ! If I may, what kind of scammers have approached you and how did you know it was a scam?
Touching history. Heh, did my dad inspire you to do that? He always likes to touch something historic.
Yeah I feel there is a diff between art and vandalism and at times the line is blurred. Overall I am not a fan of most graffiti.
Great video--Personally, I think the reason for the graffiti is the lack of jobs for young people and literally too much time on their hands added to the frustration to not be able to have the life they dreamed of. Many people I know lived with their parents well into their 30s which is completely uncommon in the US as you know.
Hey! Thanks 😊. Yeah that’s possible too.
It is uncommon in the US but I think in recent years people are still living with their parents due to bad economies and I think this damn Covid situation has forced families to come together
@@DavidsDoseofItaly On that point--love to hear more from you on the Italian economy and what the job market and pay scale are like. From my many many visits, things are definitely not cheap there, yet I don't think the pay scale is that great there either.
Can you type your last comment again ? RUclips from time to time deletes random comments. It’s so frustrating!
@@DavidsDoseofItaly On that point--love to hear more from you on the Italian economy and what the job market and pay scale are like. From my many many visits, things are definitely not cheap there, yet I don't think the pay scale is that great there either.
RUclips hates you ! 😅😅. Email me your thoughts instead.
Davidsdoseofitaly@gmail.com. Thx!
I know this video is a bit older now, but I just had it recommended to me. Apologies for being longwinded.
I just spent two weeks in Rome. My second time there, but the first time was only for about 6 hours.
With my limited exposure, my cons were as follows:
1- The traffic/cars. Including Paris, Manhattan, and Houston I count Rome as the most unpleasant place I've ever been in relation to cars. There are not only too many and the drivers too aggressive, but they're parked in crosswalks, on sidewalks, in the middle of the road, everywhere. Even in the most winding, tight, historic of streets, where they really shouldn't be allowed at all, they're speeding through or parked to block pedestrians. There also seems to be an inordinate number of them in disrepair, so they're super loud. Combine that with the mopeds and motorcycles, and Rome is one of the loudest cities I've ever been in. Consequently, the air quality was awful. Related to this, while I actually thought the public transit itself was quite good, clean, mostly modern, etc., it's clearly not extensive or connected enough to be as useful as it could/should be.
2- The smoking. I know this is a cultural difference between the US and Europe generally, but of all the cities I've visited in Europe, Rome is the worst for the constant stink of cigarette smoke (only Munich is close...and it's not that close). Even in our hotel room several floors up, if the window was open, every other gust of air was moped exhaust or cigarette smoke.
Combined I found the air quality in the city to be really awful, and only felt like I got some fresh air while sitting in a big park.
3- That thing where Italians seem to like being in hot, stuffy rooms. Again, I know this is somewhat a cultural thing, but the fact that we couldn't do anything about the temperature in our very hot and stuffy hotel room really sucked. And that's been true every time I've visited Italy. The AC was switched off on a building level and the fan didn't work. So, we were forced to open windows if we wanted any air, and then we were choked by street fumes and eaten alive by mosquitos. Seriously, I'm still polka dotted with mosquito bites a week later. Obviously, if I lived there, I'd have screens on my windows, maybe have a heat pump to keep the air flowing, and have a place with a patio or something. But 2 weeks of a stuffy or mosquito infested hotel room...It was not ideal.
My pros:
1- The food was fantastic. I tend to prefer the food of Florence & Tuscany, but I can't complain about anything I ate (this time) in Rome. It was also pretty cheap. Admittedly, my sense of expensive VS cheap is skewed because I live in the DC area, which is one of the most expensive parts of the US. Still, getting quality wine for a couple euros, and having a multi-course meal for less than 30? I'll take it. This time around, my coffee was even good. No lukewarm crap with coffee grounds floating in it (the best I could find in Florence). For a long time, I thought I didn't really care for Italian food, but what I realized upon visiting Italy was that I didn't really like Sicilian/Neapolitan food, filtered through New York City and New Jersey, and homogenized to appeal to John Q. Lunchbox across the United States. Actual Italian food I like.
2- The prices generally were, I thought, good for a large city. Did I look at apartments? Yes I did. Some really nice places for pretty good prices.
3- You mentioned it being dirty, but I actually was struck by how much cleaner it was than I expected. Sure, sometimes there was extra trash around the containers, but the containers seemed to get picked up and cleared out, at least in my neighborhood, fairly frequently. I only ran into a few places where there was trash scattered about. Washington DC is often considered one of the US's cleaner cities, and I don't think it's much better than Rome, at least the parts I saw. I think Rome's age maybe makes it look a little more "run down." The only major exception was dog crap. The whole time I was there I only saw one guy taking care of his dog's poop. And whenever I was out walking, I had to constantly be on the lookout to dodge piles of crap on the sidewalk. The graffiti didn't really bother me. I mean, sure, it's ugly. But a lot of US cities and a LOT of European cities are the same. Lisbon was absolutely covered in it. When I was there in 2015, almost every surface under six feet in height was covered in graffiti.
4- The parks were great. Because my wife was at a conference, I had a lot of time to myself, and spent a good deal of it wandering around, people watching, dog watching, and reading in the Villa Borghese gardens, which was maybe 5 minutes from our hotel. I saw a few others, but wasn't able to spend as much time in them. The fact that there are so many parks and that they seem to be spread out around the city is nice.
Hi Matt. Thank you for your thoughts. Very interesting to read.
I must say some things surprised me. For example about trash being picked up. Yes it gets collected often enough but there are times where it’s super annoying cuz it’s piling up.
AC. Italians still have this hang up about it and how it can give you a cold and muscle spasms. The latter maybe but the former no.
I don’t have really any hotel experience in Rome to be honest and rightly so because I live here but my gut says you could have got a better one. Reviews and gut feelings pay off. We’ve had bad experiences in other Italian towns so it happens.
Daje! Ha! I too am an American living here in Rome. I have been here going on two years now. You hit a lot of things out of the park as far as living here. I always joke, "Hang on to your bridge work" when riding the buses over the cobblestones. In regards to the the trash, it DOES drive me crazy the randomness of it. One thing I have noticed though is that trash cans can be few and far between. I have literally walked four blocks needing to throw away something, never coming across a single trash can. Next time you are out just notice how few and far between trash cans can be. So I can see tourist and other folks just plopping their gelato cup down by where everyone else has plopped theirs. So it really does come back to city management. The thing that drives me the craziest is that it doesn't have to be this way. Other major cities in Italy seem to manage it fine and it seems as the capital they would do better. This just leads me to believe someone is making money off it it being the way it is, and I leave it alone.
As far as the graffiti, that is something that is an ancient Roman tradition. Graffiti (scratches) has always been a part of Roman culture since the Vestal Virgins. That doesn't bother me as much when I look at it that way. And a lot of times, like in Trastevere, it can add an extra layer of dimension, overall vibe. I just hate it when someone spray pants the side of a building with just random political thoughts. Recently down Merulana in Esquilino, someone spray painted sentences down the side of a building. That was annoying and they have gotten rid of it. Otherwise street art and tagging I don't mind as much.
Hey, Zachary! Glad to see another American is “doing time” here in Rome!
I thought about your comment the other day as I was passing by graffiti I can’t help it as it does bother me. Maybe it’s because my parents would’ve killed me if I had done it as a kid and so this way of thinking has stayed with me all these years.
I just feel a lot of graffiti as a very public display of self indulgence, and somebody who wants to be the center of attention I am the polar opposite and so I just simply can’t relate to graffiti art. I do, however, understand that it can be used in a very political way, and that there are specific reasons why people do it. Although here in Rome there are plenty of types of graffiti which are just pure selfishness.
Yes, very true. Rome does need to put more trash cans around town.
Hang onto your bridgework ! Nice !
Which part of the states are you from and where are you in Rome?
Hey there, I am originally from Ohio but I lived in NYC for over twenty years. I moved here almost two years ago now. I live in the Esquilino area off of Merulana.
It’s funny, my comment about the graffiti was the opposite. The political stuff bugs me. That seems most self indulgent as if “Stop Hate” sprayed on a wall is going to stop hate. There is a ton of grafitti, I agree. Certain places it bothers me, others no so much. Like Trastevere or San Lorenzo, I think it adds character. One thing I do notice and respect is that for the most part the ancient walls (surfaces made for grafitti it would seem) aren’t tagged. It’s as if there are lines you don’t cross, boundaries that are respected. I guess my mental rule of thumb is that if I could do what I see, I don’t like it. But if there is some skill, some artistry behind it, that elevates it past pure vandalism, I don’t mind it as much. I think of the Keith Harings and Basquiats of the world who got their start with grafitti.
Daje! I was just there a few weeks ago on holiday. It was great! I already want to go again.
The graffiti all over Italy drive me nuts! I mean it's everywhere and folks don't even notice it anymore. The Italians I spoke to about it told me kids will be kids. Really? I'm with you David, it's something I never would have done even as a teenager. I just don't understand why someone would do such a thing. Daje Rega! Basta con i graffiti.
It is a concept that I have never ever gotten used to here. The kind of graffiti that I’m referring to, and that is the most prominent here is nothing more than mindless self intelligence and a useless plea to thrust themselves to the center of attention. I only hope is that eventually they use these artistic skills in a useful and meaningful occupation.
This video was made 2 years ago but lets hope this comment gets seen. My family is moving to Rome in august and I am trying to decide wether i should go along with them or not, this video gave me lots of great insights, thank you very much!
greetings from sweden!
I’ve seen it! Well where will you be living ? Living in Rome greatly depends on the areas of the city, thus it determines the quality of life you will have.
due to the nature of my fathers work we will be living very central, not sure exactly where but in the vicinity of via bartolomeo eustachio
@@folkeberglund7588 that’s a nice area of Rome. My best suggestion is to never live on the ground or first floor of any building.
Thank you for the informative video! I just returned home from my 4th visit to Rome, and I want to live there! I'm retired, and it's easily affordable. I'm also studying Italian, of course. It would be great if you could produce videos about the pros and cons of various neighborhoods to live in. I'm drawn to Prati, for example. It's quiet, yet a short walk to the center of everything! I'm interested in renting a furnished apartment, so any insights in how to go about that would be appreciated! Grazie!
Hey! Rome is not exactly affordable but I suppose it depends on where you're coming from. I really should examine more areas of Rome to live in. Thanks for the idea.
Daje! Thank you for sharing your views. Could you perhaps do a video about the notorious Italian "bureaucracy" and your experience with it? I'd be curious to find out !
Excellent idea ! Thank you.
I’ve had good and bad but nothing that really hampered my life or really disrupted it
Daje! Love this and all your videos. While I'm sorry you had to change the direction of your channel because Covid meant fewer tourists, what a bonus for me. My husband and I are making plans to move to Italy next fall and Rome is our top choice. We'll be in Italy in January spending two weeks in Pescara and two weeks in Rome and I can't wait to visit the neighborhoods you mentioned in your other video (we'll be staying in EUR very close to a metro stop), and to soak up the Roman life. Planning to "buy you a cup of coffee" and chatting with you live prior to our trip. Grazie mille. Tu sei molto bravo!
Hi Patti ! Congratulations on your choice to make such a courageous and calculated move to Rome.
No don’t worry. I think I’ve found my audience and you’re proof of it. I prefer to zoom in on people who want to move to Italy as it’s a more niche topic.
Let me know when you’ll be here. It’s always a pleasure meeting subscribers in person!
Yes, we are being methodical about our choice to move and watching your videos is helpful to gain a realistic sense of la bella vita italiana. I appreciate you pointing out that there are negatives (I mean, there are negatives everywhere, especially in big cities - we live in gorgeous San Diego and even here things aren’t perfect…although our weather is!). And what I appreciate even more is your description of the positives. Non vediamo l’ora di visitare. I will definitely send you an email ahead of time - we’d definitely prefer to buy you un caffè in person! Ciao.
Thank you! Yeah, I try to show both sides of the coin. It's easy to only focus on the positive here but I think that is misleading and for folks like yourself who want to move here, I feel that is deceiving.
Patti. Did you and your husband end up moving to Rome? And if so, how is it for you?
@@littlelittlesmirf7657Yes, we moved her four months ago and we love it!
Hello David. I recently found your channel and I’m enjoying your videos. I was in Rome last month sound of the day the beautiful and exciting city. I honestly don’t think that the graffiti was all that bad. That may be because I was in Athens the week before I was in Rome and the graffiti in Athens is absolutely everywhere. I sure hope that I have the opportunity to get back to Rome, I would love to stay there for 2 to 3 months and explore the city. Thanks again for the wonderful videos. Daje e Gratzie Mille.
Hey Jim ! Thx for watching. I was in Athens 24 years ago and I wasn’t impressed. The city had a dirty feel to it. I think when tough economic times hit young people use graffiti because they’re bored and as a way to lash out against society. For my standards I find it excessive here.
Daje! Really good video thank you for making these!
Hey Aaron! Thank you for watching all the video !!
What types of videos do you enjoy in particular if I may ask ?
@@DavidsDoseofItaly I enjoy any videos that show daily life activities. I like when you explain common Italian phrases that you use. I’d love to see more videos on what it is like to do common life activities like grocery shopping, getting a haircut, going to a football game. My family will be moving to Italy fairly soon so videos that help us see how we might easily integrate into the lifestyle and culture are very informative for us.
hi david! i'm moving to rome next year for university and am a bit nervous as I'm moving alone for the first time- this video helped me become more informed and also excited! I've binged your channel and it's definitely put me at ease. thank you for all of your videos!
Hi ! Thanks for the marathon watching 🥰. You’ll be absolutely fine don’t worry. I say that not from naive optimism but because I know from experience what it’s like to leave our comfort zone. Good and bad things will happen to you but that’s the reality of Rome living and anywhere really. Take it all in and live it. Everyone needs to leave their comfort zone. 🙂
Hi i am also moving there for university! Which one are you going to?
@@suzanneel-haj6189 john cabot! what about you?
How are you liking your experience at John Cabot?
@@DavidsDoseofItaly i start in august, I'll definitely update!
Great videos! Just got back from Italy, including Rome and fell in love with the country and city. Do you plan on returning soon? If so I had an idea for a video. My tour guide in Italy mentioned it's possible to get on a train, bus or taxi and take it a few minutes outside the center of Rome found yourself in an entirely different city yet still considered Rome. I'm assuming these are mostly suburbs? Would you be willing to make a video of locations in or around Rome that are drastically different from the center of the city that can somewhat be a nice / interesting place to visit? Would be interesting to see if you ever plan to return. Keep up the great videos!
Hey Paul! Thank you molto for the positive feedback. I am not sure what you mean by "return" to Rome though. I live in the center of the Eternal City. Anyway, I am actually in the process of making a video on different areas to live in Rome, although your idea could easily (and probably will be) a separate video. With that said, thank you for the suggestion, as that is an excellent idea!
@@DavidsDoseofItaly
@@DavidsDoseofItaly
Lol you're an American? Talking about giant signs the way the Americans have it. This is Europe:) cities have smaller signs. Nice to meet you.
really interesting video! I'm also living in Rome, also coming from a little town on the South, and I should admit that you highlighted exactly the same points that I likes or not (especially the rubbish and the parking jungle).
Anyway I'm also grateful to this city, and always amazed by her...
P.S.: Dajèeeeee!!
Ciao Raffaele. I can deal with the jungle parking, but the rubbish is really depressing at times! Where are you from in the South?
Daje! Thanks David really enjoyed the video. I'm from northern England, my wife is from Rome and we live in London. You know it much better than me but having visited family in Rome many times over the years a lot of what you said chimed with me, both good and bad. I'm considering whether we might move over there one day (when the kids leave home perhaps). Your parents' comments about pride in the city really resonated, it's such a shame that the public parts of the city are in such a bad state of repair. Peoples' private spaces are clean and tidy, great pride is taken. But the public areas are often quite depressing. You see small areas that obviously haven't been cleaned in years. I think over the years romans have become used to it and don't see it - the graffiti being an example. London is far from perfect and is even larger than Rome but it's much cleaner. I often think that over here people would form groups and clean up themselves - there are all sort of small local groups keeping on top of things, whether it be cleaning or lobbying councillers etc. So I think that there is a lack of community spirit, generostiy and organisation, which I find strange given how closely people live together. This lack of community I think is evidenced by some of the other problems you mention like the driving, the state of kerbs for disabled/buggies, the roads etc. There is much private wealth, unemployment is low, so it's strange...
Hey Liam and thank you ever so much for watching all the video! I think the key word there is habit. They've gotten so used to it that it becomes normal. When an outsider comes in and points out these things we get an emotionless indifferent look or some excuse for which things are the way they are. Yea, I've seen it many times. People's houses and their own appearance are well kept, yet the outside often leaves much to desire. I don't have all the answers and I don't want to offend anyone but I will be so bold as to say that we must not accept these dirty and run down conditions as "normal". I've lived in different places, I've traveled so I will not be brainwashed into accepting everything here as an uncontrollable situation and the way things should be.
Every problem has a solution and I will teach my daughter that change starts with us. For example: if we throw our garbage away and the idiot walking by throws some plastic on the ground, I will tell her that even though this uncivil act Xs out what we are doing, it doesn't matter. We aren't adding to the problem and that if we all did our part we'd see a different city. Call me a dreamer, call me naive but I won't submit to the "I don't care, what can I do" attitude. That negative mentality is also the cause of low voter turn out when people say "well I'm just one vote, what does it matter?". So yeah, as a parent you lead by example and you take your child to see beautiful places. If not graffiti is the new normal and trash on the ground becomes tolerable.
Northern England. Which city are you from? I only saw Liverpool in the North but I've been all over the South for summer work in past years. I lived in Birmingham for a year where I did my master and on that note, Brum is a city that has a bit of a rough edge to it. It's still cleaner than here!
@@DavidsDoseofItaly Hey David, thanks for the reply, wise words. Re my background I've lived in a few different places in the UK - childhood in Derbyshire (a beautiful green part of England) and 15 years in Manchester (working in the music scene), also some on the south coast and now London/Surrey. Northern English cities are a bit rough around the edges following many years of post industrial decline, as I'm sure you saw in Brum. They are generally on the up though - I saw a huge change in Manchester from the early 90s to today. There is a kind of parallel between northern england and southern italy - the stereotypes of them being worse off economically but having more friendly people. I suppose in that scenario Manchester would be Roma/Napoli and London would be Milan, if you see what I mean. I can't help but compare Italy and the England - both wonderful countries and both frustrating, but in different ways :-) My wife's family are mostly around Pigneto but over the years I've been all around Rome, very much looking forward to coming over at christmas - considering trying to get there by train this time. When I first arrive I'm always overwhelmed by the delapidation, but by the end of the visit I've got used to it. Very glad I'm not pushing prams there any more! Looking forward to more videos. A dopo!
@@liammullan2197 Hi Liam. Yeah that's a very good comparison between England and Italy and at least Manchester is on the up and up. Can't say the same for Rome. Once, I remember seeing a before and after picture of the canals in Brum and the difference was noticeable. I am hoping to see that change here eventually. England will always have a special place in my heart. I considered working there after my Masters but it wasn't meant to be. Not to mention Brexit was on the horizon and I didn't want my immigration status to have a question mark next to it. The Irish got the best out of that deal, EU and UK citizens to this day!
Yeah, tell me about it . Pushing a pram here is no fun at times!
Happy to have you here on my channel, keep in touch! Un abbraccio.
Was researching for a semester abroad, your video was a big help. Thank you:)
Glad to help. Thinking of coming here(Italy ? Rome) to study ?
we went to rome with our school in 1995. the first thing everyone noticed was how dirty the city is. Since then, every close acquaintance who visited the city said the same thing: "What a beautiful city, but everything is so dirty."
Confirmed. It’s an eyesore at times. I’ll admit it
DAJE. I’m an Orvietani but enjoy your videos. Hope to be in Orvieto in May for a few months. Love Rome day trips
Hi Jim. Super grateful ! Thank you !
I’ve been to Orvieto twice and I’d gladly go back there again. Do you have family there ?
Yeah it’s in a good location to do a day trip to Rome.
Da je! Have discovered your channel and enjoy your content. I'm of Italian origin who grew up in Australia..we are now able to divide time between Italy and Australia..We love Rome and would appreciate your thoughts on the neighbourhoods of Baldo Degli Ubaldi..Piccolomini? our Budget we dont think can stretch to Trastevere as we have EUR250,000-300,000 to buy a small flat. We want to be close to Metro and local conveniences and easily go the centre. We stayed in this area and felt comfortable..we will rent first as we look for a place to buy..grazie
Hey Geoff! Thank you for watching! I am vaguely familiar with those areas and they seem decent although I can't make any guarantees. Baldo Degli Ubaldi does have access to a metro that is correct so it's wise to get a place close to the metro which is the most reliable mode of public transport in Rome.
sono nato qui a roma 50 anni fa..... la odio per molti aspetti che hai detto ma quando vado in giro dove guardo guardo me la fa amare ogni giorno di piu. Vabbe' so di parte.... 😉DAJE !
Si è vero. Ha tanti difetti ma è ricco di capolavori.
Grazie per aver guardato questo video fino in fondo !
@@DavidsDoseofItaly difficile capire le sue contraddizioni…… Roma è una vecchia signora che cerca di stare al passo con i tempi. 😂
@@andreazippilli8692 è bella questa metafora
DAJE! Hi Davide! Just found your channel and big thank you from the States! We are going to be retiring there and are scouting out places we want to live. I'm a dual citizen, third generation like you and I'm moving there for the same reasons, familia history! Great video's! We are actually coming out soon to look to buy and I'm so excited! Maybe we'll bump into each other! LOL!
Hi Lisa ! Massive welcome to the channel ! Yeah. Our roots have a strong pull don’t they ?? Are you looking to buy a house here in Rome ?
@@DavidsDoseofItaly Yes, its always been a big pull for me. My great grandfather actually took our family back to Rome but they wanted to go back to the USA so he had to but didn't like it here. I'm not sure where we want to be but will be searching near Roma! How did you find the area you wanted to be, did you do a video on it yet? My dual citizenship residence is in Scilla. My mother's grandfather family was from Rome.
The place where we are now was decided by my wife because she wanted to be closer to her job. It worked out well as she can walk there and we have all the conveniences we need all around us. Sadly in my family, all those that left Italy never went back ever again. Who knows why.
Hi! I saw you during Nick Nimmin’s live feed today and wanted to stop by and show my support as a fellow RUclipsr who loves the advice and tips Nick provides us. When we were in Rome we bought front row seats at the Colosseum only to find out there were no games that day! We took a great selfie anyhow! I hope to see more of you online soon!
Wow ! What a chance encounter. Thank you for stopping by Yeah Nick is the man! Honest , unbiased , straightforward and friendly.
Yeah. Games have been suspended for about 1500 years !
Oh sure. I’m in this YT game for the long haul. I’ve also subscribed to your channel given that I also teach English. Keep plugging away , learn , improve , EXECUTE and you’ll see results.
For tourism would you recommend AirB&B or traditional hotels. The Vatican and the Coliseum areas would be places we'd like to spend the most time. TY
Generally when I look for a hotel I am only concerned about the price, number of stars, and most importantly are the reviews. And I don’t think Airbnb is what it used to be in the sense that they seem to be much more expensive and I don’t think they are a clear difference between themselves and a traditional hotel.
Dejeeeee! David, we're coming back to Roma for a month. We would be very interested in mom and pop shops / ristorante that you would recommend around the city center. Just subscribed. Grazie millie!
Hey Jason and thank for watching till the end! Thank you also for the great video idea! I've already started jotting down some ideas!
@@DavidsDoseofItaly Awesome, looking forward to it!
Great video, amazingly accurate
Thank you !! I wanted to give a realistic view of the status quo
Daje!
Thanks for these videos David. We are suppose to be in Italy on Sept 11 for two weeks. You videos have been great. The driving, tipping and cellphone videos were especially helpful. Hopefully we wont get barred from entry due to our awful covid numbers!
Hey Ryan! Thank you for the channel support ! I appreciate it.
My parents were just here and in essence had smooth entry and exit trips.
Just show your airline proof of vaccination or a negative Covid test. Also you need to fill out the EU passenger locator form. You need this enter Italy.
Then before you leave get a Covid test within 3 days of departure.
Daje / Go head / Grazie !
Is ‘daje ‘ different than “dai!”? Great video. I really enjoy your content.
Hi Pat. No, daje is the Roman version of dai. Thank you for the channel support! I appreciate it.
Hey Dave,
Thanks for this informative video.
One thing that I have been wondering about is that if people in rome can communicate in english or not?
Hi and thank you for the compliment. In general, Italians are not the most proficient at English however, there are plenty of exceptions. Fortunately, most Italians are patient when they are dealing with people who can’t speak Italian
Very good points presented in a reasonable, objective and polite way. Good reasoning from perspective of your personal experience. Keep up good work!
How much is the cheap rent and how much are the salaries ? You can stay only with English language ? I am from Romania soo the language is nearly the same ...
I think the best thing to do is to look for posto letto however, don’t stay there forever and eventually work your way up to better accommodations. There are plenty of Italians who speak English. however, there are also many who do not so learning the language here is essential, I think.
Thoughts on Santa Marinella to live in, near Rome? I know you don't live there but maybe you've been?
My dream has always been to go to Rome. It's terribly sad it's so dirty there.
Not every inch of the city is dirty. Some areas are nicer than others
Daje love any video you do of Roma. 🎉🇮🇹🍷
Thank you for watching all the way through! I got other ideas. Keep watching !
Daje! My family and I are moving to Trieste in November. I can not wait to see Rome. I also am a history buff and am really excited to be around awesome landmarks.
Nice ! Trieste. I passed by it once. Is your family moving there for work?
What I love about Rome is there is so much history out in the open and free! Appia antica for example
@@DavidsDoseofItaly This is actually Brian. Nicoletta’s husband. No I retired. My wife is from there. Once we settle in I’ll look for work somewhere. I also love free history lol.
Best of luck. If you have any experience in a particular field consider sharing it with others online. It might be profitable!
Very nice video, thank you. Will ck your other videos.
Awesome! Thank you and much appreciated. What did you like about it?
Daje. I was scammed by a 'taxi driver' the first time I was in Rome but that unfortunate incident did not lessen my desire to keep on coming back - had been there 3x already.
Thank you for watching!! I appreciate it.
Eh it happens. We got taken a bit by a taxi last week. 063570 is the number to call for better service. Taxi drivers can be hit or miss.
Great material!
Apart from the three districts you recommended, are there any other "villa districts" of a higher standard and reasonably well connected with the city?
We are planning to move to Rome in a few years (wife + two small children). We are looking for a good neighborhood to raise our kids (schools, parks, activities, small stores and restaurants). Not necessarily party and even more not necessarily millions of tourists.
Hey! Thanks! I actually just made a video on that. Check it out and let me know what you think. Grazie! ruclips.net/video/9b7mvxvIhms/видео.html
If Money Is no concern, Id Say northern Rome, the poshest slice of the city. Best district: Parioli, Flaminio, Fleming Hill: la crème de la creme 🙂
Daje! 🙌🏻
David very good video. Very honest. You could though try to pimp your video with a bit of more between cuts 😁😍 otherwise all good.
Thank you! Any suggestions? For that matter, what are between cuts?
Thanks Davide your video hv provided an escape during this lockdown in Melbourne ciao 👍🙏👋
Oh I’m sorry to hear that ! Hopefully these lockdowns will begin to lessen as time passes. Glad to help in my own way !
@@DavidsDoseofItaly we hv had too many lockdowns and we all suffering lockdown fatigue, thanks to people like you that provide a great escape. We r the only western country in the world unable to travel overseas . Thanks to your videos I can deal with this drudgery ciao grazie 👋
@@patrickquacinella6997 We're all sick of this situation. Hopefully we can move on ASAP! Which videos have you enjoyed in particular?
@@DavidsDoseofItaly Summer in Rome & living in Rome thank you hv a nice day 👍👋ciao
DAJE! Another helpful and fun video! Coming from NYC- graffiti is annoying and part of the charm (?)... David, even you negative opinions were said in a kind way. We will try to see one of the parks you mention on our trip!
I cannot believe your daughter is almost a year old!!! time flies!!
Good question. Charm or vandalism ?
Thank you Ann as always !
Yeah. One year. It’s been a long year !
Have been to Rome several times, seen all the more-famous attractions several times, am going to spend October right on (yes, touristy) P Navona. Was nice to hear your ideas about parks and such to go wander, thank you. On a recent trip, after visiting V Borghese I decided to go into the zoo nearby - loved it!
Well at some point we need to see the touristy places. Like when I eventually go to France I’ll have to see the Eiffel Tower.
How was the zoo btw?
@@DavidsDoseofItaly Am not a zoo aficionado by any means, it was an impulse thing. Am glad to have gone in, the grounds were gorgeous and (more importantly) the animals are in beautiful condition too. I highly recommend an afternoon there.
@@dogzillamonster Cool thanks for the advice. I might take my daughter there some day.
Getting ready to move to rome from america. Should I brimg our honda minivan or should we buy a vehicle in rome? Not really concerned about the shipping costs. Just wanted to know what is more practical. I dont I tend to have to drive to work but we do wanna travel while there. Thanks
My only concern is that the car would stick out and could be the target for theft. For all practical reasons I’d buy a car here.
@@DavidsDoseofItaly thanks for the advise. any ideas of what i could expect to pay for a reliable vehicle? something that would allow us to travel
Daje. Really enjoyed your video and thought it was very helpful. I'm hoping to visit Rome next year for 2 weeks. Keep up the great work David. Can you recommend a guide to show us around ? Thanks Joe
Hi Joe ! Thank you a ton for the compliment and generosity !
I might be able to give you some ideas. Drop me an email davidsdoseofitaly@gmail.com and I’ll see if I can give you some pointers.
Ciao Davide, I always look forward to your videos because they give a unique perspective since you are american from Connecticut and italiano ! You are always well informed, honest and helpful. I will only disagree with your chose of churches. St Paul outside of walls. although important place, is not my favorite! it is too stark and plain for my ecclesiastical taste . St Mary the Major is beautiful with ancient mosaics with icon of Mary salvation of the roman peoples. Dio ti benedica e la tua famiglia!
Grazie Giovanni! I've actually never been to Santa Maria Maggiore but now that you mention it I should really go there. I appreciate your channel support and I hope you like my future videos! God be with you and your family as well!
@@DavidsDoseofItaly grazie caro mio.Ciao!
Thanks so much for this vide, David!! When you touch on English Speaking Opportunities and say "you've got your choice," can you elaborate on that a bit more? I'm moving back to Rome in a couple months after doing a study abroad there years ago and I'm looking for a lowkey job - English teacher to adults, administrative assistant, personal assistant, hostel worker.
Are there certain places you recommend I look to apply to be an English teacher? Thank you SO much!
Hi Allison and thank you very much for the positive feedback! Well if you wanted to find an English-speaking job especially Involving teaching the first place that I would go to the website called wantedinrome.com.
However through the magic of the Internet you are not bound only to an Italian institution. If you want to teach I would look at online teaching opportunities and And a good website for that is Dave’s ESL café.
Now if teaching isn’t your thing but you want a job here in Italy that involves English speaking then I would go to an Italian Job search website and type in the word inglese. I would look at a website called indeed and also infojobs. You could also be a tour guide but I don’t have any experience in that sector however it is a possibility here in Rome given the Number of tourists that come here every yearAnyway I hope all of this helped!
@@DavidsDoseofItaly Incredible, thank you so much for this - that is SO helpful!
A friend who lived in Rome for awhile suggested that maybe I could lead one of those "Airbnb Experiences" for instance taking folks around to try top 5 best cocktails in Rome, or best aperitivi (let's be honest, we all know some Americans that would pay for that kind of a thing). So I'm thinking about that as well.
Hopefully jobs like administrative assistant at an office or personal assistant will be available. If you or anyone you know happens to need a personal assistant, let me know! I'm really moving to Rome to learn the language and take time away from the American work culture to figure out what I want / want do to in life. And a non-typical job to support myself is really ideal.
Any tips would be so helpful, thank you David!!
That’s how I started out. I couldn’t stand the American work culture anymore and I wanted to just simply get away.
Those types of BNB tours sound interesting. You’d probably get a lot in tips knowing American tipping culture. I suggest you have enough in savings to cover yourself and rent for a few months. You can also check out Tefl.com for online and jobs in Italy.
Daje!
I live in Flordia but if theres anywhere I would want to go in the world it'll probably be Italy, specifically south, based on what I have heard. Your content is very nice and I like how organized you keep it!
Hey! Thanks for watching till the end. Oh yes, Southern Italy is a fascinating place. I lived there, my roots are from there and my in-laws live there. Thank you for the positive feedback! Share the videos out if you think someone else may enjoy them. I actually need to go back and possibly remake a few old videos.
@@DavidsDoseofItaly You're welcome! I'd imagine making videos specifically about Italy can get difficult, so if you want a suggestion for another video you could talk about the history of Italy broadly speaking, and/or specific history you find fascinating in Italy. I think you could really experiment with these kinds of videos however you'd want it. Myths could work too.
Those are great ideas! Thank you.
History videos take a lot of editing and great visuals if you want to compete. But gloss or no gloss you need to be a good story teller. My dad is great at that
@@DavidsDoseofItaly I can only imagine how long it would take. Your videos are cool, if you ever do want to attempt those kinds of videos that have cool scene idea, I'd be willing to sketch out a couple. Wouldn't take long. No money for it it'd just be super awesome to see my art in a video.
Hey that might be an idea. thank you! Sure, I in turn could promote whatever you have: blog, channel, website, online store etc. This way It'd be an even exchange.
DAJE!😊
David I’m surprise you haven’t made a video on these e scooters and ebikes on street and sidewalks .Where to ride?Where you could go and can’t?How you rent them?Especially in Roma where there’s a lot walking . I live in Miami and there are everywhere which of course young generation uses them and some old guys like me uses them .
Thanks for the video idea. Maybe I should. I tried it once and honestly I’m not crazy about them. They’re dangerous because you could be hit by a car easily ( fortunately I haven’t seen it happen, hopefully never ). Also they create more traffic because they think they’re cars and chug along in normal traffic lanes. I’ve had to go around them too often.
But yeah. Worth mentioning. Thank you!
What is parking like in Rome? Will it be worth it to bring my car?
What is grocery shopping like?
Are there part time jobs teaching English or are they all full time?
Parking is usually difficult and I wouldn’t bring your car. If you’re going to live here maybe buy a car here after you’ve spent some time here and confirmed that you’d need one here
Grocery shopping is similar to the states. There are big and small stores but a bit less choice in products
Teaching English is generally 25 hours per week.
Daje. You did a great job highlighting the issues and the positives. I came here for an extended vacation for a month. Loved every single minute of it. But will add to one of your negatives. Dog shit. It’s literally everywhere and if you are casually walking down the street while looking at your phone you will step in it. I’d advise people to not walk and sctoll.
Totally. I hate it too. this is why I take my daughter in a stroller still as I can control where we walk.
Daje David, bel video 🌔
Grazie ! Ti è piaciuto qualcosa in particolare?
@@DavidsDoseofItaly Il fatto che le tue opinioni e quelle che sento più spesso sono identiche ahah significa che ormai sei un vero romano
@@yellow13_ Romano. Cognome napoletano, accento americano! PIacere, sono David !!
@@DavidsDoseofItaly Ahaha daje David, sei un grande
Il mio canale è una delle cose più belle che io abbia mai creato! Mi piace molto leggere i commenti e interagire con chi che dedica del tempo per scrivermi, guardare i miei video ecc ecc. Thank you!
DAJE I am just excited to be back end of September early October and seeing sites that are not the big attractions been there done that.
What sites did you have in mind ?
@@DavidsDoseofItaly Tivoli gardens some of the smaller areas my list is not with me any good suggerstions I will be there 5 full days thinking of day trip to Herleculum (SPI) and go to Capri /Blue Lagoon
Appia antica If it’s not too hot.
Ponte milvio , laghetto park in Eur , Villa pamphilli, parco degli acquedotti.
Outside of Rome: Orvieto , Foligno , spello and Spoleto in Umbria.
Napoli. Just go there ! I got a few videos that talk about it.
The palace in Caserta and Caserta vecchia ( you need a car to get there )
Hope that helps 😎
We don't have a card reader on the ticket machine because there's one right on the turnstile, you bring your card near it and the turnstile opens
What cards must a tourist use? Regular debit cards ok ?
@@DavidsDoseofItaly yeah as long as it works with contactless, for example i use Google pay on my phone with NFC
It seems to work that way now, but you need to top with the ATAC website.
Do you have any videos on teaching in Rome and what the qualifications are? Are the similar to the states/Canada? I would love to teach English, but I’m also a very beginner at Italian- seems like a dumb question- but do you need to speak Italian to teach English? I only ask because I know a lot of countries that dont require you to know the native language.
Specifically about teaching English in Rome no, but that is a good idea for a video. However the videos that I made on teaching in Italy really do apply to all Italian towns and cities, Rome included. I came to Rome originally because I knew there were more teaching options since this is the capital of Italy.
One tip I would give is this; don't ever work per hour! It's miserable because during Xmas, holidays and the summer you don't get paid! Also, if you don't have a car, try to live and work along a metro line. It makes life a lot easier here in Rome. I may have mentioned this in my videos but it's worth repeating.
Qualifications: If you're looking to get into the public schools, yes the requirements are similar. You need a college degree and it needs to be validated here in italy. You also need to do a public exam and also enter a points system which you accumulate as you teach until finally you are called for a permanent position in the public schools. The requirements for the private schools are less stringent although the more the better. I think the better schools will want to see qualifications.
Don't worry about the lack of Italian. It actually forces the students to not translate and speak English. Although it does help to know some Italian especially for everyday living situations.
Here is my playlist with videos on this topic. I know ! I know! I need more videos!
ruclips.net/p/PL9RTA_49N-uZwbuWVnTLJ8amIFrqqAjYB
I am from the US but have been living in Rome for years. Beautiful city, full of history, but the traffic!! Too much bumper to bumper traffic.
Traffic I can deal with. I just wish the city was better maintained
@@DavidsDoseofItaly Italy is an ancient country, Rome even more, the roads are what they are, they can't knock down buildings to make larger and wider roads, automobiles increase, the traffic is heavy, our layout is a puzzle, you go one way come back another, many one way streets, we don't have blocks, so it is easy to get lost due to the fact that often you can't go back home the way you left. Another thing I cannot digest as you said are the signs, you can't see them, without mentioning the numbers, many are worn out on the buildings, hidden by trees, and if you slow down to figure out where you are everyone is honking at you!
That is so true. I do not understand why the signs are so damn small! Is it because larger US style signs would ruin the aesthetic value of the street ?
Actually, Italy is a modern country
i got a contract in rome for 6 months internship , i m just asking how s the weather at summer? and does food cost so much for a person who cant cook? and also i understand from ur point of view that public transport are the worst so do u advice me to buy a bike,electric scooter .. or it s just not worth it also? sorry if i botherd u with my many questions but i want to thank you for this great video ^^
Hey! Thanks for the kind words! Congrats on the internship opportunity. YES! Italy is an oven in the summer so I suggest you find an accommodation where you can close the windows completely (total darkness helps keep the heat out) or Air conditioning. Rome is humid! At the very least invest in a fan. If you can't cook and you plan on doing take out or just eating out often then there are ways to save but you could also see your food bill going up substantially. I suggest learn how to make basic pasta dishes and you'll save money.
As for public transportation I recommend the metro. I used to live in Arco Di Travertino and I worked in Parioli. If you drove that it's a nightmare in traffic but the metro made it 100% easier. So I suggest you get a place to live near the metro. You can get around by bikes and electric scooters but I feel the roads here in Rome are not suitable for these things and whatsmore I think it's more dangerous. Hope all this helped!
Hi, I wish to live and work in Italy. I am from India. Plz suggest.
That’s not much to go on. More details about yourself please
DAJE! :) I will be visiting Rome for the first time in December. Do you have any suggestions of any tour groups in Rome?
Thanks for watching all the video ! I appreciate it !
Can you be more specific ? Are you looking for a guided tour of the Colosseum for example ?
@@DavidsDoseofItaly Yes, the Colosseum, museums. Or anything you suggest would be fine, thanks.
This is a great topic for a future video. Thank you. I actually can't remember the last time I took a guided tour here in Rome apart from headset audio guided tours at local museums. With that said I recommend Palazzo Massimo alle Terme which is right next to Termini. I took my parents there and they enjoyed it. I believe you can do a guided audio tour.
I also recommend a guided tour of the Vatican museums (you could be there all day believe me!) and indeed of the Colosseum. I'd check out this website as this seems to be the official website for Colosseum tours:
www.coopculture.it/en/products/ticket-colosseum-forum-and-palatine-_24h/
Check out this channel too. ruclips.net/user/TheRomanGuyTours
They have a website and with them you can book a tour here in Rome. I've seen them around town including at the Colosseum. I hope this helps, feel free to reach out if you have other questions!
@@DavidsDoseofItaly Thank you so much, David, this is very helpful! Continued success and I will spread the word about your channel.
@@mlegacy24 awesome 😎. Thank you and much appreciated!
I’m coming over next August 2023 I could use a personal tour guide lol
Sure. Keep in touch and we'll see what we can do.
@@DavidsDoseofItaly how do I reach you
Email is best. Davidsdoseofitaly@gmail.com
Thank you so much for this video. I’m going to Rome to study in two years, and these videos help me understand what I’m going for. But I was also worried about not knowing Italian. Of course I’ll learn the basics and more if I can before going, but I guess it is pretty necessary to know Italian to live there, right? Also, how would you consider the price for leaving there (alone) is? Cheap, expensive, medium?
Hi. Great questions! This is very likely going to be a future video so stay tuned. I'll share my thoughts on it here too.
I would say that it is a wise idea to learn some Italian before coming to live here. Even just the effort is appreciated by Italians because it shows an interest in their culture and a desire to connect with them.
Fortunately, Italians for the most part are patient with people who don't speak their language very well and they will never correct you unless you're a close friend. Since you're coming here in 2 years, you've got plenty of time to start learning Italian. I actually just made a video on that a few days ago where I talk about tips and mental processes on how to learn a new language. Check it out if you get a chance, and I hope it helps you!
ruclips.net/video/egHlzCrXcjk/видео.html
Living here. In a nutshell, the big cities are expensive, anything smaller than them are cheaper and Southern Italy is cheaper than the North. This also depends on your lifestyle and if you know how to budget your money well. If you're a frugal person and live in a small town then you can do quite well.
If however you live in Rome and feel the need to treat yourself often, then you may have problems paying the rent! I've been in both situations so I speak from experience! I would say though that Italy, compared to the US (I am sure where you are from, but I often compare the US with Italy) is cheaper and if you can make a US salary here in Italy you can live quite well.
@@DavidsDoseofItaly thank you so much! I’ll suscribe and Watch the video you say, it sounds useful. I’m sorry for asking another question, but do you know if they hire young people? I’ll be going being 17 or 18 years old, and even if I have some savings and my parents will support me, I’m sure the money won’t be enough. In my country they almost not hire young people, specially women because there’s a stereotype we’re weak and lazy. Is it like that in Italy too?
Oh no, I don't think that way of thinking is prevalent here that women are weak and lazy. don't worry! As far as getting a job at 18 here, it is possible, but it would most likely be a low paying job which would be good only for some life experience. Consider learning how to make money on the internet (Blog, your own website, a youtube channel, Instagram account) and this way you'd be location independent. Where are you from?
@@DavidsDoseofItaly Thank you so much! I’m from Chile
Cool! I’d love to see South America one day
A question.. I was once staying on P Campo de Fiori and went as usual into a Deli there (Rugerri's?) for a few items and as I left and crossed the Piazza back toward my apt, I got confronted by a very-scary 'Terminator' -like guy, from the Guardia di Financia (?) who demanded to see my receipt. He had a weapon and everything, it was scary! And I didn't have the dang receipt, maybe I left without it or maybe they never offered one. Anyway.... Do you take your receipts?
WoW ! That’s unusual. It’s never happened to me. You probably had nothing to do with the situation and it’s more likely they were interested in the deli where you had been.
To answer your question yes it’s good to get the receipt
I know Air conditioning is not really a european thing but I know it gets hot in Rome. Do Roman homes have AC?
No no we have an AC unit in my apartment. It’s much more common now
@@DavidsDoseofItaly thanks agian
Dipende da dove abiti per la spazzatura, dove abitavo io era molto più pulito che in Canada..
Se intendi Roma si è vero. EUR per esempio è più pulito rispetto ad altri quartieri. Non sapevo che Canada fosse così sporco!
Metti i sottotitoli in italiano, sono curioso di ascoltarti
Assolutamente si. Dammi un po’ di tempo e poi quando saranno pronti ve lo comunico sul mio canale sotto il community tab.
Question of the week: Do you now see more positives than negatives living in Rome?
POST VIDEO OBSERVATION: There is indeed a card reader at the ticket machine at the Colosseum. What was confusing was that on the screen, when you're asked to pay for the tickets, the card reader doesn't light up and on the screen it doesn't indicate that you can use your card. In all honesty, I'd be nervous too about paying by card. It is odd though that all 3 of us, me and the couple couldn't find the card reader. I guess I'd make a lousy detective!
I apologize for the inaccuracy in this video! Scusate per l'errore!
I like graffiti sometimes, but I dislike how widespread and boring it is in some places. I haven’t seen many big blocks of graffiti art. I like when I get to see more detailed art all in one spot. Sometimes the graffiti plays off eachother and having it in one spot makes it feel more put together. I hate to see a blank building with a scrubbily spray painted few letters and it feels like almost every other building has it.
I feel exactly the same way. I recognize good street art when I see it, but a lot of it is mindless self indulgence done only for one's ego and self interest.
drifting = wine
DAJE! Come to see me in Turin so I can introduce you to the piedmontese cuisine (and wines) :D
Ciao Paolo ! Thank you for watching all the way through !
Volentieri! That’s an area I haven’t seen at all unfortunately. Un abbraccio
daje
Thank you!
I grew up in Italy and I can attest to trash not being picked up on time. Often, workers would be on strike bc of not being paid on time. School buses wouldn’t take us to school too when these things happened. Lol
Can anyone figure out why the trash is such an issue ?
YOU DID NOT MENTION ABOUT: PUBLIC FACILITIES : LIKE PUBLIC TOILETS AND SHOWRS AND HOW TO GET AROUND THIS NATURE NEED TO ALL OF US?= WHAT ABOUT THE BUDGET COSTS OF ACCOMMODATION? THANKS
Public toilets exist but are lesson common than in the States. Your best bet is to go into a Bar, buy something and ask to use the toilet. Public showers I have never seen here but they may in fact exist. Budget costs for accomodation: that depends on what you are looking for and where in the city.
Strange what you say about Northern Europe and the possibilty to pay by card. In Rome all shops have to have a machine that reads cards and I never use to be worried about having cash in Rome. Moving to Germany, it was a shock for me to eat at a restaurant. After the meal I wanted to pay with my credit card and they said "cash only". "I don't have cash" I responded. They asked me to leave my passaport or identity card, I refused and they called the police. At the end I realised that in Germany you have to ask first if you can use a card for the payment and they aren't obliged to offer it. Basically the opposite of what you are saying in the video. By the way, there is a law in Italy to fight money laundering. You cannot pay over 2.000 € by cash even if you want to. There Is always the possibilty to use your card in Rome and you are using just one episode of a machine that doesn't have a card reader to say something completely false.
I am not talking about shops in Rome and the inability to pay by card. No. I was talking about purchasing it at the ticket machine if you want to use the metro. I use my card for many things here in Rome but I wouldn’t dare insert my card into the reader at the metro especially when there is no indication on the touch screen that I can pay by card. There is in fact a card reader, BUT it doesn't light up at the time of purchase. This is something that catches someone's attention when they are looking for the reader and is quite convenient, especially when you are expecting it. I have clarified this in the comments and description of this video.
Northern Europe: I am referring to Scandinavia and it is a fact that I didn’t touch their currency once. I can’t speak for Germany because I have never been there apart from the airports.
Somebody told me
Being able to drive in Rome, Is like holding a black belt in some martial art! So true 😆
Yup. That's accurate! It's instinctive too. You need to be able to predict someone else's move in certain situations. When a car is in front me of in a multi lane road, I always assume they're going to drift slowly into my lane with no blinker. In essence I am defensive and cautious here.
Have you ever been to Rieti, btw? Suppose One day you wanted your daughter to grow in a Much safer environment, and you want to stay close to Rome, you could move there; its a fantastic city, Ideal for a family...worth a visit for sure! 😊👍
One of the safest cities in Italy, according to statistics (Italia oggi magazine issues a survey on the best cities to live in every year)
Unfortunately no I haven’t been there. But that is next on my list. For right now we are in Rome indefinitely but fate may step in and we may go and live somewhere else.
DAJE!
😎😎😎
Thanks for watching it that far into the video ! Hope you enjoyed it!
In regards to the trash issue. Many Roman's state that it's the immigrants that cause this problem. I am not really sure that this is total case. I think the younger generation could also be the problem. I did see the homeless situation there and did see a lot of immigrants just toss trash on the floor as my family stated. So It just solidifies the comments from my family and friends in Roma. Anyways....it could be both again your point about being a large city....even in the states this problem exists.
I think it's a culmination of everyone, although I wouldnt be surprised if it were the homeless, Roma people or drug addicts that did the bulk of it. Hard to tell. It could also very well be rude locals.
@@DavidsDoseofItaly agreed. Just sad because it happens everywhere to be honest. Thank you for videos and keep em coming!
Ciao ! Io sono di Monza adesso vivo in Friuli-Venezia Giulia... Lignano per l’esattezza ... sei mai stato al Nord ? Sarebbe interessante sapere cosa ne pensi delle differenze tra le regioni del Nord ... come Lombardia, Veneto o Friuli-Venezia e le regioni de Sud ... 😉 potresti fare dei video spiegando agli americani le varie differenze visto che tendono a fare di tutta Italia il classico stereotipo del italiano preso dai film Good fellas o il padrino 😂🤣
Ciao! Questa è ottima come idea! Grazie!
Io sono stato al Nord diverse volte ma chi mi segue sul mio canale sa che la maggior parte della mia esperienza in Italia è stata al Sud. Però so qualcosa dell’Italia settentrionale. Comunque, io sono stato tante volte in Toscana, alcune volte in Umbria, Veneto, una volta a Milano, Bologna e poi un viaggio meraviglioso a Trentino Alto Adige! Si infatti, l’Italia è molto di più rispetto a ciò che pensano la maggior parte delle persone che conoscono l’Italia dei loro antenati e ciò che viene trasmesso in TV e nei film. Quasi quasi ti contatterò quando farò questo video che mi ha proposto. Mandami una email e ci organizzeremo! A presto!
Daje!
Thanks for watching it that far into the video ! Hope you enjoyed it !
That's a very good analysis of Rome. If i might add there is another cons of Rome , that is always hard to explain. You see this less in central areas, is called : abusivismo. Many areas of Rome have been built illegally without a government / local administration plan and they lack of infrastructures and services. I am from Torre angela, it is one of those areas. Do you have a word in English to describe the idea of zona abusiva?
Thank you!
I’d call it unauthorized construction or also illegal building. They both capture the idea
From personal experience I can tell you it’s not worth it because if you want to sell the property, eventually it becomes more difficult. It’s more difficult because banks will most likely not give you a mortgage on a house that isn’t up to code.
@@DavidsDoseofItaly hope to not bore you with my comments. Like u said in other comments, many things that do not work Rome , is because of the habit, Romans think that this stuff is normal. I lived in Rome for 27 years, now i live in Munich germany since 10. Here you got parks open 24 / 7. In Rome they close at the sunset, so between 6-8 pm. Talking to Romans asking why they think is like that. Majority answered because otherwise drug dealers or homeless go to do their stuff there. Since you travelled a lot, U would agree that this is very stupid argument. In Munich are dealers or homeless more polite? Or is the police not allowing it? You know what i mean? My point is this Roman habit to accept strange things as they are normal and when you ask to elaborate on that , they come up with these stupid explanations
@@danilo6548 not a bother at all. In fact this is an interesting topic.
That drug dealers and homeless people will wander into the parks after closing hours may be true , but I think what makes the difference is that in Germany you most likely have police that patrol the parks.
I think most nonsense happens here because of a lack of a societal norm that there are consequences for ones actions. There is a vicious cycle of “what can I do ?” And the result is absurdities being accepted as normal.
The solution? Be the difference. Change begins with the individual and then others will begin to take notice. Not all mind you but enough. Example: I once saw a movie where prisoners are in an outdoor prison and in this large (yet confined) area there is a small yet powerful group of prisoners who lure new prisoners into a little corner with the promise of food. Then they’re beaten and robbed.
Finally one prisoner has seen this scene enough and he grabs a stick and charges towards the thieves’ area. He yells “who’s with me?!” At first on one but then one by one they begin to join him. They all then charge the thieves and eventually overpower them. This is from the movie Andersonville, a civil war camp which really did exist.
Granted this is an extreme example but I believe it illustrates the point!
Here’s the video of that fight scene ! ruclips.net/video/vyKr26vZkYA/видео.html
@@DavidsDoseofItaly thanks for sharing. I agree 100%
The video that I posted here is a bit of an americanata! I know!
agree on the graffiti point 100%...kind of ruins everything....my take is that the people that do it have low self-esteem/ unemployed etc.. and that is their way of leaving a mark and giving a finger to society...just my view...LOVE Rome though :)
There are many reasons why people Leave graffiti. I think all the reasons you’ve said are correct and I also think it’s just being rude in a certain way. I also believe it’s an act for people who are egotistical Or quite simply people who want to be the center of attention. This is something that I really can’t relate to.
@@DavidsDoseofItaly it's funny....but it also goes all the way back to the ancient Romans! Heaps of graffiti was left!
Oh I know! They even found graffiti at Pompeii. But I can’t judge graffiti of that time based on our moral perceptions.
Daje:)
Grazie !
Daje! My wife and I love Rome for all its filth and history.
Thanks for watching! filth! hehhehe.
Daje!!! ;)
WHAT IS THE BEST CITY IN THE WORLD THAT YOU VISITED TO LIVE : REGARDING EXPENSES= PUBLIC FACILITIES ; PEOPLE .. BEAUTY AND SAFETY >>>> THANKS
Good question: hard to say but I'd pick Treviso but I don't know how friendly the people are.
Hi Dave. I'm italian and I think all of the cons you talked about on your video can be applied to (almost) all italian cities. I live in a large city in Northern Italy and garbage and filth are an issue here too. Lack of civility norms is the main culprit. (You could go and reach another garbage that Is not as full as the one near your house). As far as graffittis are concerned, in my personal opinion are strictly related to a generation who feels worthless and anonymous and doesn't fit in. These Kids want to leave a trace, even an annoying one. Graffitis on monuments are done on purpose as if to say: I am just as important. I'm not justifying their actions at all, in fact I am annoyed by them Just as you are. Sorry for my english that got a bit rusty over the years.
Hi Anna. Your English is better than 94% of my students! Well done !
Very often that’s exactly what I do. I have to walk a little bit and find a dumpster which is not full.
While graffiti has been around for thousands of years, I think this younger generation has made it worse and I think your reasons for which they do it are correct. lack of civilized behavior I believe is learned behavior and people, especially children learn by example. If you grow up with parents who don’t give a damn about anybody but themselves, then kids accept this as normal behavior. The same can be said about mindless self indulgence behavior, which they observe maybe from their peers or from their parents. That’s just my opinion, but I am not a sociologist. Happy new year. 🎊!
Where did you lived before
Ostia which technically is Rome. Before I was in Campania for 5 years
@@DavidsDoseofItalydovresti chiedere scusa,è tu sei un fra i migliori e meno stereotipi,immagina altri
They're proud but they're unorganised and careless.
That’s accurate
Daje
Evil. 👍
True they don’t clean
Not enough
Sono romano e concordo su tutte le cose negative della città. Io credo che molte di quelle che hai detto sono solo della città di Roma e basta. Graffiti, strade, sporcizia e trasporto pubblico. Non esiste nessun’altra città che ha tutti questi problemi così evidenti come Roma. E questo è molto triste. Poi però la città è allo stesso tempo talmente bella e offre davvero tanto, e capisci perché i quasi 3 milioni di abitanti non siano tutti scappati. Per fortuna c’è anche altro.
Una buona notizia è che le macchinette automatiche con pagamento con carta sono già in arrivo e verranno montate in tutte le stazioni. In più è già possibile pagare con carta direttamente al tornello. Comunque questa è un’altra cosa che non doveva esistere in una capitale europea di un paese del G7 nel 2021.
Si io mi lamento ma in fin dei conti c’è da apprezzare di Roma. Tendiamo sempre a concentrarsi di più sulle cose negative.
Anch’io avevo visto che c’è la possibilità di pagare direttamente con contactless al tornello Ma mi chiedo se ci sono delle limitazioni. Accetta tutte le carte sia quelle italiane sia quelle straniere?
Comunque ritengo che non è del tutto facile pagare alle stazioni della metropolitana di Roma.
Non sono d'accordo. Atene, Barcellona, Berlino: sono città infestate di *graffiti* tanto quanto Roma, se non di più (Berlino batte tutti i record in quanto a tags).
*Sporcizia:* Parigi, Londra, New York (!!!), San Francisco (!!!!!!). Una peggio dell'altra. Vieni pure a Hollywood a dare un'occhiata. La situazione ha raggiunto livelli allucinanti con in più tendopoli ovunque e migliaia di drogati senza tetto che si fanno di fentanyl per strada e alla luce del sole (con feci umane ovunque sui marciapiedi).
Roma ha i suoi problemi, certo; ma, tutto sommato, è messa meglio di molte altre metropoli di simili dimensioni.
Ed oggi, nel 2024, con la giunta Gualtieri e le tante migliorie in atto, l'aria sta cambiando. Occorre un po' di tempo.
My advise is you need to take better care for your kidneys. Go to bed early before 11 pm eat less salty spiced food 3 hours before reaching the bed. Drink cranberry juice unsweetened half water. Becouse I follow you and noticed. EYES.
Hi Eliza. Thank you for watching and most importantly thank you for observing my physical state. Unfortunately it’s not exactly easy to get to bed early here. We live in a small apartment and so it’s not exactly easy to fall asleep and absolute silence. I have been looking for cranberry juice and while you can’t get it here it is not something that people drink often in Italy and so therefore it’s expensive. Yeah thank you for bringing this to my attention and I will do my best to improve things🤞🏻☺️
I found every avaliable wall is covered in graffiti
It does seem that way doesn't it? In time all of Rome may look like that.