Friday, July 24, 2009

I am going to italy in mid-april with a small school group..what should i pack? what do i need to know

I am going to italy in mid-april with a small school group..what should i pack? what do i need to know?
we are visiting rome (vatican city) florence, pisa, venice, and assisi. websites with helpful info please and other info. thanx
Other - Italy - 4 Answers
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1 :
well first i would look up the weather for there and then i would see what i would want to pack the most!! hope I could help :)
2 :
I have never been to Italy but I have traveled to Paris and London. First find out what the temperature is going to be like and pack accordingly. Bring clothes that will be easy to layer, such as tank tops and long sleeve shirts, a hoodie as well. Do you have a passport? If not, find out which post office in your area takes passport applications. I also recommend exchanging a small amount of dollars for Euros before you leave, this creates less confusion and then you can get anything you need right away with out a hassle. Bring a suitcase (that rolls) and a backpack for during the day. Do you know any Italian? If not learn at the very least, Hello, thank you, goodbye, water, please, I would like, and do you speak English. Um I can't think of anything else right now.
3 :
try to type in Italy, usually they have different languages and also english, most Europaen cities have an english language site. For clothes takes spring clothes and one warm jacket. Long pants a must, jeans are fine for casual, for the vatican bring a head covering like a scarf. Good running shoes, otherwise just what ever you like to wear. You need a converter for your hairdryer and curling iron if you use one. Available at Wal-Mart. Have a nice trip.
4 :

Hi, Usually the weather is warm during this time of year but some warm clothes are recommended... You can check the weather online before you leave here: http://www.weatheronline.co.uk/Italy.htm For other good information check this site: http://www.italyexposed.com If your time schedule allows it I would suggest a visit to the ancient town Spoleto. It's not far from Assisi and is allways a wonderful place to visit! Another nice place not far from Assisi is Orvieto.

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Thursday, July 16, 2009

Hello, What is the best and legal way to move to Italy permently

Hello, What is the best and legal way to move to Italy permently?
This is my ultimate Goal, to move to Italy as a legal resident. I am in School in right now getting my Art Degree. I plan to take as many Italian classes and learn the language and dialects profencintly
Etiquette - 3 Answers
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1 :
Why is this question in this section?
2 :
If you want to become a permanent resident, you'll have to look up Italy's immigration policy, and comply with it. You'll have to be employed, not be charged with any criminal offense, etc.
3 :

Italy makes you take a spelling test before you can legally move there .......... and it looks like you`re in BIG trouble !!

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Wednesday, July 8, 2009

How do I avoid theft in Florence and other parts of Italy

How do I avoid theft in Florence and other parts of Italy?
I am spending five weeks in Florence for school in two weeks. My grandparents (who have visited Italy on more than one occasion) are telling me how important it is that I get a money belt thing to wear under my clothes because it's so unsafe there with pickpockets and theft. Is this really necessary? Do they tend to pick out the tourists? And is there ways to avoid this? I'm just concerned that the tourist-y belt thing might scream, "pick on me, I'm not from around here!" My grandparents are really starting to freak me out.
Packing & Preparation - 3 Answers
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1 :
Hm. It sounds as if your grandparents are talking about the gypsies. You do need to be smart when around them. They are often women, who are often with children. They may approach with a piece of cardboard, laid flat, to distract you. (It makes you look down at the cardboard, to read what it says. They use this opportunity to use the board as a shield for their hands that will pick your pocket.) Gypsies target tourists, and there are a few ways you can avoid getting picked. I've been to Florence several times and have never been picked. I'm going to assume that you are a staying at a secure place; a host family's home, I guess. Whatever bag you use during the day, a purse or a knapsack, make sure that it's the zippered kind, not the clasped kind, which is harder to get into. Avoid putting anything valuable in an outside pocket; I usually just keep gum or tissues in the outside pocket. If you need to take money out of the ATM, try to go inside of the bank and using inside machines. If you use the ones that are outside, people can see how much money you're taking out. If you have to use the ones outside, have a friend stand next to you, to hide what you're doing from the stares of people in the street. If you're alone, be quick about putting in your PIN and putting your money away, and keep looking around you. Try to take your money out during the day, when it's easier to take in your surroundings. As to where you keep your money on a daily basis, you can do what I do. I travel with a "main" money wallet, one that I never take out in public. This holds the bulk of my money and documents. This I always keep in my messenger bag, in an inside pocket that is zippered up and never opened unless I'm in my hotel room. Every morning, before I leave the hotel, I put in a different "shopping" wallet my allowance for the day; this is the money I'm expecting to spend for the day. I divide my allowance by two. One half I hide in a compartment (you know the ones; where you can slip business cards and such). The other half I actually put in the money part of the wallet. That way, if I take my wallet out to pay for stuff, I don't show a whole wad of cash. I also make sure that the shopping wallet goes into a different zippered compartment of my bag, and that the zipper is always closed up. If you pay attention to your surroundings, you should be fine. Always make sure that the zippers of your bag face INWARD of your body. Never take your money out in public if you can help it. If you need to take out more money from a "main" wallet, like I do, do it in a bathroom stall, from the prying eyes of other. Avoid the gypsies, and ignore women and children who approach you for money. I know it's hard, especially when it's children, but keep in mind that the gypsies will use their children to distract you while they pick your pocket. If you insist on keeping your wallet on your person, always, always keep your wallet in the front pocket of your jeans. Keep one credit card separate from the shopping wallet, just in case. I had a money belt, and although it was helpful, it was a pain in the neck (I had to keep lifting my shirt to get to it). Just travel smart, and you should be fine.
2 :
The answerer here above has already given a few good suggestions. I'm living in Italy, close to Florence, and I've never been pick pocketed here in spite of I'm not putting my values under my shirt in a money belt. You know what, till now I've been pick pocketed only once in my life and it was in NYC...!! I don't know where you're living but wherever you're coming from I bet when you are in yr town you're paying careful attention to yr valuables by using the common sense. I guess this is really the only one thing you'll need while you're in Florence. In any case I'm sure in yr first days here you'll get very good tips from other students of yr school who probably have already had experience of gypsies but please now you musr relax since tourists are not the only one target of this gypsies people, all of us we are continuously "under attack". Have a nice staying here in Italy.
3 :
The 1st answerer gave very good advice. Other than keeping your valuables well, try your best to behave unlike a tourist. Dress like the locals. Don't carry a fanny pack and walk a camera hanging off your neck- these just scream "tourist!". You really need to watch out for the pickpockets who are mostly gypsies in Italy. They are very experienced in picking out which are the tourists. The women gypsies may even throw you their baby suddenly- you have no choice but to hold on to it and they would take the chance to grab your money. They are also good at cutting open your bag and taking your money WITHOUT you even realizing it. So watch out. I think you should carry a money belt if you are wearing clothes that wouldn't show it.

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Wednesday, July 1, 2009

Can someone tell me about this castle in Italy

Can someone tell me about this castle in Italy?
What can you tell me about Castel del Monte in Italy? I am doing a school project on it and need to get some info
History - 1 Answers
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1 :
http://www.casteldelmonte.beniculturali.it/index.php?en/94/the-history

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Wednesday, June 24, 2009

How do I avoid theft in Florence and other parts of Italy

How do I avoid theft in Florence and other parts of Italy?
I am spending five weeks in Florence for school in two weeks. My grandparents (who have visited Italy on more than one occasion) are telling me how important it is that I get a money belt thing to wear under my clothes because it's so unsafe there with pickpockets and theft. Is this really necessary? Do they tend to pick out the tourists? And is there ways to avoid this? I'm just concerned that the tourist-y belt thing might scream, "pick on me, I'm not from around here!" My grandparents are really starting to freak me out.
Florence - 7 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
yes pickpockets are really good at when stealing your stuff so here are things that can help you: Wear a money belt or pouch dress like a local person don't dress like a tourist for more info click on the site hope that helps http://seniortravel.about.com/od/travelsafety/a/pickpockets.htm
2 :
Sorry, but your grandparents are right. On my trip to Italy, a women near us got dragged by 2 teens trying to take her backpack. (Her husband caught one & beat the snot out of him. Then the Police arrested the teen.) Then, on line for David, our tour group had a woman posing as a tourist (ugly clothes, camera & all) join our group to look for someone to steal from. She just didn't know that she'd joined a group, so we spread the word and stared at her, and she left us to find some other prey. My sister's husband nearly got pickpocketed on their trip, but he always looks like a tourist. Definitely use a money belt or something under your clothes. Don't wear flashy colorful clothes or sneakers (major tourist thing). Watch your surroundings. Be safe. Italy is AWESOME!
3 :
Grandparents are generally a little paranoid. There's no reason to be nervous or freak out. Just use common sense. Use a money belt if it makes you feel comfortable -- at least in the beginning until you get the lay of the land. Pick-pocketing does happen (especially around the train station), but it's not as common as it is in Rome, for example. Walk confidently, don't carry a lot of cash, leave the credit cards in a safe if possible. You should be okay.
4 :
I live in Italy and yes pickpockets are everywhere here especially in the major cities. Wearing the money belt under your clothes is a very good idea. Also you can get an ID holder on a string that you wear around your neck to put your money and credit cards in. I have been told that pickpockets don't generally hit when you are standing still but when you are moving and in crowded area....train stations, tourist areas, etc.
5 :
I live in Italy and I feel safe from theft here for the most part. It is like going to NYC or any other major city, but not worse. With the exception of Naples, which is extremely dangerous. In Florence I would use the same precautions you would use in any big US city; be aware of your surroundings, don't stop and talk to people trying to hand out fliers or sell stuff on the street, keep your purse tucked under your arm, possibly with a zipper. I go to Florence often and have never felt uneasy or witnessed any trouble.
6 :
I have never felt so safe as I was in Rome and the rest of Northern Italy last year I travelled on the metro throughout Rome and also walked all over Florence - with no problems at all. Although I do have a personal travel motto - "carry what you can afford to lose". I carried credit cards in my top pocket of my denim jacket and a bit of cash - then had stuff like a camera and purse in my handbag. It is best to have a bag you can sling across your body - but all the locals carry handbags (almost like normal people really!!!) If you are worried - take a money bag and decide when you get there - I spent a fortune on anti- stealing devices before I left for Italy only to arrive and find them unnecessary and very obvious to every one else. I left mine in my luggage after day one. I did a tour thing and the tour guide really ramped up the fear factor about how unsafe it was to all on the tour - I felt that she did that to make us all more scared and therefore more reliant on her and the tour company. Live your life and enjoy Italy - it is simply such a magical destination to be a part of!
7 :

Yes unfortunately Italy is a high spot for pick pockets as is Paris one of the best things is a money belt. another thing is to wear a back pack a smallish one and wear it in front so you can see it another thing if your really scared is to use a simple luggage lock on the zippers don't put anything in your pockets and when shopping people usually pull out their whole stack of cash keep the lesser bills on the out side it will fool someone if their watching you. also always use the safe in your hotel rooms. don't let worry ruin your trip Italy is one of my favorite places to be! live laugh enjoy!!! In tensione Ã¨ grande in modo da vive!!

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Tuesday, June 16, 2009

Italy-- Turino or Vertibo, Travel/study abroad to turino or vertibo? Italians, Study Abroad, Italy Trip.

Italy-- Turino or Vertibo, Travel/study abroad to turino or vertibo? Italians, Study Abroad, Italy Trip....?
This summer I am going to study abroad for about 7 weeks. I want to travel to Italy and the 2 places that are offered by my school are Turino, Italy and Vertibo, Italy. I really am not familiar with these places, so I was hoping I could get some suggestions, or hopefully some people's experiences from either or both. The only thing I do know about these two places are that the Olympics were once in Turino, and Vertibo, is right outside of Rome, about an hour away. My school does not offer Sicily, Rome, Florence, Naples, etc. I am still looking forward to going and living there for about 2 months! I hope that you all can help. If not, share an experience you had about your study abroad and give me some travelling tips! I will be taking accredited classes. The University in Turino is the 4th best university in Italy. But anyway, the bottom line is....Turino or Vertibo? It's a difficult decision, and I have to make my decision this week. Hope you can help! Thank you.
Studying Abroad - 3 Answers
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1 :
First of all correct spelling in Italian of the two towns is Torino and Viterbo. Torino is a large town with all the good and bad things of a large place. Its University is rather renowned here in Italy but it's also depending on which course you want to attend. I don't know about schools in Viterbo. The town is much smaller than Torino but in some way more friendly. Also locals in this region are warmer / more welcoming than in Torino. As you know Rome is not that distant. If I were you I would go with Viterbo but my suggestion is only based on the ambiance of the town and not to the quality of its school.
2 :
I agree with what Martox45 already answered to you. Viterbo is a nice and friendly place and could allow you to travel easily to Rome and to the seaside. You are in the middle of Italy so you can also travel by train to Florence and Naples. Torino is not a touristic place (mainly industry, fog and pollution) and is far away from some artistic cities and from the seaside. From the point of view of which place, I can really reccomend you Viterbo!!! If you have other questions, just ask. P.S. I forgot, if you should go to Viterbo, don't miss the monster park in Bomarzo (close to Viterbo). http://www.infoviterbo.it/bomarzo/parco_dei_mostri_di_bomarzo.asp
3 :
Why visit Turin? Because it is a city that is undergoing profound urban transformation. The city has taken on a new guise, thanks to the creation of ultramodern Olympic facilities and state of the art infrastructure. Turin with its new subway system has entered in the company of modern European cities. Turinâ€™s has an innate industrial vocation that has enabled it to adapt to new technological needs, to the extent that today it has become one of the main centres of the ICT sector. Turin has known how to speak of its own history through the testimony of its many artistic and architectural sights. We can learn of the Ancient Roman times through the Palatine Gates, the Savoy era through its Baroque palaces and churches, the nineteenth century that saw Turin as capital of the Kingdom of Italy, and the 1950s through its factories. Turin has been able to transform itself recently into an important international capital of taste. It is the â€œhomelandâ€ of vermouth, of grissini bread sticks, and of chocolate that is craved by refined palates the world over. Turin is a great commercial centre. Besides the stores in its city centre, there are about 50 open-air markets and 18 kilometres of arcades that frame the main squares and city streets. Turin, where Italian cinema was born, has dedicated one of its most interesting museums to this â€œseventh artâ€ located right inside the Mole Antonelliana, the symbol of the city. Turin is tied in with cinema as a privileged set for important film and television productions. As Le Corbusier said, â€œTurin is the city with the most beautiful natural location.â€ In fact, one of its assets is its extraordinary environmental heritage. It has 16,000,000 square metres of parks and gardens, 400 kilometres of tree-lined streets, more than 60,000 plants, 17 parks, and 70 kilometres of green areas along the four rivers in the city - the Po, Dora Riparia, Stura and Sangone. Turin is a city that is fascinating, aristocratic, literary, magic and very beautiful. As a young Sicilian writer wrote, we should visit Turin because â€œTurin is Turin and it is not a city like any other.â€ So, don't waste your time in Viterbo.
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Monday, June 8, 2009

Italy-- Turino or Vertibo, Travel/study abroad to turino or vertibo? Italians, Study Abroad, Italy Trip.