Some everyday challenges...

Two of the biggest challenges I have had in Rome was crossing the road when there is no stop sign or light, and ordering food.  Crossing the road, as I wrote in an earlier post, you just have to be brave and step off the sidewalk.   Then stare down the driver as you are stepping into his lane.  If you’re lucky, they will slow down.  If not you may be forced to step back a bit – but do not get back on the sidewalk, that is admitting complete defeat makes you look like a wimp.  Once you step off the curb you’ve got to stay committed to getting to the other side!

Ordering food – you’d think that would be simple, but it depends on where this takes place.  They have food carts all around the city that sell basic Panini’s (sandwiches) in several varieties – so first you have to figure out what is on the Panini.  Not many cart vendors speak English so asking “what’s in that Panini” gets met with a blank stare.    It then just becomes a game of point and hope.    

Next, you have the bar.  A bar has cafeteria like setting for serving food, they also have Panini’s and Pizza for sale at the coffee bar.   If you want a coffee, or Pizza, or Panini or anything else being served in the coffee bar, you must first go the cashier sitting in the other corner of the café, tell him what you want at the coffee bar and then pay the cashier.  He then gives you a receipt you give to the staff working the coffee bar to fill your order.   But there is no sign over the cashier’s head explaining this; you’re just supposed to know.  And if you don’t know, sometimes the guy at the bar is nice – sometimes not.   If you’re eating cafeteria style instead you get a tray and pick & take your food and then pay the cashier.    And when you’re sitting at your table, there is wait staff who will also bring you additional things and accept payment BUT only if you are already eating food that you already purchased in their bar.

The restaurant is easiest because it has a menu, but it is usually the most expensive options.  And most restaurants have a bar area inside.  If you are having espresso, cappuccino or coffee, it is cheaper to stand at the bar and drink them instead of ordering them while sitting at a table.  Why?  Why not…   Restaurants offer the full 3-4 course set menus and a-la cart options.  Important to note here, salad is served at the end of the meal. This is the traditional way and very smart as it helps your digest the main course easier.    The beer of Rome is Beck’s.  It’s what’s on tap.  They have great wine selections but you will never go wrong if you order the house red or white.   A ½ liter cost 4-6 euros.  The waiters do not rush you, they ask once if all is OK and then leave you alone.  So if you want something, you have to tell them.  They will let you linger at the table for hours and sometimes you have to ask for the check more than once.   It’s lovely….