Rome Handbook - St. John's University
Rome Handbook - St. John's University
Rome Handbook - St. John's University
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<strong>Rome</strong> <strong>Handbook</strong><br />
Fall 2008<br />
OFFICE OF GLOBAL STUDIES
<strong>Rome</strong> Undergraduate Programs<br />
Dru Burtz<br />
Associate Director<br />
Tel +39-06-9799.6767<br />
Juliet Manto<br />
Assistant Director<br />
Tel +39-06-9799.6768<br />
Domenico Ferraro<br />
<strong>St</strong>udent Affairs Coordinator<br />
Tel +39-06-9799.6768<br />
Office of Global <strong>St</strong>udies<br />
Queens Campus<br />
Marillac Terrace<br />
Tel (718) 990-6105<br />
Fax (718) 990-2321<br />
globalstudies@stjohns.edu<br />
Matthew Pucciarelli<br />
Executive Director<br />
(718) 990-6105<br />
Karl Rutter<br />
Director of Recruitment<br />
Rosanna D’Urso Sanders<br />
Assistant Director of Recruitment<br />
Mark Eckman<br />
Assistant Director of<br />
Global <strong>St</strong>udent Services<br />
<strong>St</strong>acey Thomas<br />
Coordinator of Global<br />
<strong>St</strong>udent Services<br />
Annalisa Sacca, Ph.D.<br />
Faculty Coordinator<br />
<strong>St</strong>. John Hall, Room 434 L<br />
(718) 990-5204<br />
<strong>St</strong>aten Island Campus<br />
Rosati Hall, Room 106<br />
(available on Tuesdays)<br />
(718) 390-4035<br />
<strong>St</strong>. John’s <strong>University</strong><br />
<strong>Rome</strong> Undergraduate and Graduate Programs<br />
Via Marcantonio Colonna, 21<br />
00192, <strong>Rome</strong>, Italy<br />
Tel +39-06-9799-6767<br />
Building Hours<br />
Monday – Thursday ..............9:30 a.m. – 10 p.m. Saturday ........... 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.<br />
Friday ....................................10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Sunday ............. 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.<br />
Computer Lab/Library Hours – <strong>Rome</strong> Campus<br />
Monday – Thursday ..............10 a.m. – 10 p.m. Saturday ........... 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.<br />
Friday ....................................10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Sunday ............. 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.<br />
The computer facilities at the undergraduate campus allow students access to<br />
online databases, library resources, e-mail and internet. There is also a wireless<br />
connection throughout the undergraduate campus where students can connect their<br />
own <strong>St</strong>. John’s laptops to the internet. If you need any information prior to your arrival<br />
regarding technology issues related to the <strong>Rome</strong> campus, please contact Martina<br />
Mascarenhas via e-mail @ mascarem@stjohns.edu.<br />
Collegio Leoniano Housing Complex<br />
Via Marcantonio Colonna, 21A<br />
00192, <strong>Rome</strong>, Italy
Packing and Baggage<br />
Airlines restrict the amount of baggage that passengers are<br />
allowed to carry. In general, passengers are allowed to check<br />
in two bags, each weighing 50 pounds or less. Also, neither<br />
bag can exceed 62 dimensional inches in size. However,<br />
airline requirements vary from carrier to carrier; it is your<br />
responsibility to be aware of these requirements.<br />
When packing, eliminate items that are not essential. Do not<br />
bring anything that you would hate to lose. Leave home any<br />
unnecessary credit cards, expensive jewelry or irreplaceable<br />
objects. Make sure to leave extra room in your bags for items<br />
acquired abroad.<br />
You are also allowed one piece of hand luggage to take on the<br />
plane with you. This should not weigh more than 10 pounds.<br />
When packing your carry-on, include:<br />
1. An extra pair of eyeglasses or contact lenses<br />
2. A sweater or sweatshirt<br />
3. Needed cosmetics, toothbrush/toothpaste<br />
4. A book<br />
5. Needed medication — keep medications in original<br />
labeled containers to make customs processing<br />
easier; if any medications contain narcotics, carry a<br />
letter with you from your physician attesting to your<br />
need to take them<br />
6. Do not pack liquids in your carry-on unless they are<br />
according to airline standards; refer to the airline<br />
Web site for details<br />
7. An extra change of clothes for back up, in the event<br />
that your luggage is lost<br />
Pre-Departure<br />
Checklist<br />
What to pack in your luggage<br />
Most travelers pack too much clothing. Avoid overpacking.<br />
Bring your favorites, but make sure they are practical. Take<br />
only what is necessary and what you expect to wear.<br />
The first rule of packing is “less is definitely better.” You<br />
know best what you consider essential. First, put everything<br />
you intend to bring with you on the bed or floor — then put<br />
half of it back in the closet because you won’t need it. You<br />
will probably buy a few things in Italy and if you are packed<br />
to the hilt, it can make your trip back difficult. As long as<br />
you meet the following voltage guidelines, you may bring<br />
electronics such as hairdryers, showers, curling irons, etc.<br />
Voltage in Europe is 220v — your appliance must be able to<br />
switch from 110 to 220. Plugs are shaped differently and the<br />
power level is different in Italy so bring a plug adapter and<br />
converter if necessary.<br />
Many students suggest that you purchase your hairdryer<br />
and flat iron in Europe instead of bringing one with you.<br />
They say that the electronics purchased in Europe are more<br />
compatible with the European voltage system.<br />
Pre-Departure Packing List<br />
Here’s a list of suggested items — remember that many<br />
of these items can be purchased in Europe to minimize<br />
luggage weight:<br />
Clothing<br />
• One business<br />
casual outfit<br />
• One pair of good<br />
walking shoes<br />
• One pair of shower<br />
flip-flops<br />
• Two pairs of shorts<br />
• Bathrobe<br />
• Hat, gloves, scarves<br />
• Heavy winter coat<br />
• Light spring jacket<br />
• Pants<br />
• Rain jacket<br />
• Shirts<br />
• Slippers<br />
• Sneakers<br />
• Socks<br />
• Sweaters<br />
(wool and cotton)<br />
• Sweatpants<br />
• Sweatshirt<br />
• T-shirts<br />
• Underwear
Toiletries<br />
• Antiperspirant<br />
• Comb, brush<br />
• Contact lens cleaning solution<br />
• Cosmetics<br />
• First Aid kit<br />
• Prescription medicines<br />
• Shampoo/conditioner<br />
• Sunscreen/moisturizers<br />
• Toothbrush, toothpaste<br />
Miscellaneous<br />
• Adapter and voltage converter<br />
• Alarm clock<br />
• Camera<br />
• Day backpack<br />
• Good guidebook to Italy<br />
• Italian/English Dictionary<br />
• Money belt or neck wallet<br />
• Notebooks<br />
• Phone book (keep important<br />
contact numbers on you at<br />
all times)<br />
• Sewing kit<br />
• Umbrella<br />
Pre-Departure<br />
Travel Documents: Make certain<br />
that you have a valid passport and visa.<br />
Purchase round trip airline tickets and<br />
check that all dates and information<br />
are correct.<br />
Important Addresses and Phone<br />
Numbers: Bring with you the following<br />
addresses and phone numbers:<br />
Collegio Leoniano Housing<br />
Via Marcantonio Colonna, 21A<br />
00192, <strong>Rome</strong>, Italy<br />
<strong>St</strong>. John’s <strong>University</strong><br />
<strong>Rome</strong> Campus<br />
Via Marcantonio Colonna, 21<br />
00192, <strong>Rome</strong>, Italy<br />
Tel +39-06-9799-6767<br />
Fax +39-06-9799-6769<br />
Photocopies: Make two sets of<br />
photocopies of your airline ticket,<br />
passport, insurance information, student<br />
ID card, travelers’ checks and credit cards<br />
that you are taking with you. Leave<br />
one set at home with your parents or<br />
relatives, and keep another with you in a<br />
separate place from the originals. Never<br />
pack your passport and other important<br />
documents in your checked luggage<br />
or carry-on luggage. These documents<br />
(passport, credit cards and money)<br />
should be worn around your neck in a<br />
pouch or a money belt as close to you<br />
as possible.
Personal Documents: ALL students should carry copies<br />
of ALL important documents at ALL times, and it is<br />
suggested that you carry in your wallet the addresses and<br />
phone numbers of <strong>St</strong>. John’s <strong>University</strong> and the Collegio<br />
Leoniano Housing.<br />
Parent Information<br />
1. The address and phone numbers of the <strong>St</strong>. John’s<br />
<strong>University</strong> campus in <strong>Rome</strong> should be given to<br />
your parents.<br />
2. Leave the names, addresses and telephone numbers<br />
of all important <strong>University</strong> contacts at your home<br />
institution for Financial Aid, Registrar, etc.<br />
3. Also, remember to leave your return dates and times<br />
with your parents. They will want to know when<br />
they can expect to have you back home!<br />
Medical Issues: Have a physical, dental check, eye<br />
examination, etc. prior to your departure.<br />
Money: The best way to get cash abroad is using the<br />
ATM machines that are part of the Cirrus/Plus network.<br />
You can take up to €250 per day from your account and<br />
there are banks conveniently located throughout the city,<br />
airports and railway stations. It is highly recommended that<br />
students bring a credit card with them as well in case of an<br />
emergency. It is also a good method of payment at grocery<br />
stores and department stores. This means you do not have<br />
to carry a lot of cash with you. If you are bringing along<br />
travelers’ checks, make sure to leave a copy of the numbers<br />
at home so any lost or stolen checks can be easily replaced.<br />
Money Transfers (USA – Italy)<br />
Western Union<br />
Money can be wired from any Western Union office in the<br />
USA to Italy in one hour. You must have your passport with<br />
you for identification purposes.<br />
Western Union offices are located at:<br />
Angelo Costa SpA<br />
Via Del Babuino, 51<br />
00187 Roma<br />
800 220-055<br />
Finint SpA<br />
Via Amendola Giovanni, 48<br />
00185 Roma<br />
800 464-464<br />
American Express<br />
An American Express “Money gram” can be sent from<br />
the USA to <strong>Rome</strong> from any U.S. bank that sells AmEx<br />
Travelers Cheques. The charge for wiring money is 10%<br />
of the amount being sent and takes about 24 hours. No<br />
commission is charged on exchanged AmEx Travelers<br />
Cheques when exchanged at the American Express office. If<br />
your AmEx Travelers Cheques are lost or stolen, please call<br />
167-872-000.<br />
The American Express Office<br />
Piazza di Spagna, 38<br />
+39-06-679-5222<br />
Office hours are: Monday – Friday: 9 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.<br />
Saturday: 9 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.<br />
Banks<br />
Most banks are open 8:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. and 2:45 – 3:45<br />
p.m., Monday – Friday. Personal checks drawn on U.S. banks<br />
are very difficult to cash in Italy and are charged very high<br />
bank fees. Your best bet is to bring travelers’ checks with you<br />
or to use an ATM card that is part of the Cirrus/Plus network.<br />
These can be used all over Europe. Banks will cash travelers’<br />
checks and will charge you a commission fee. You must bring<br />
your passport for identification purposes. You can access up to<br />
€250 every 24 hours. Most Italian Bancomats and ATMs take<br />
the Cirrus card.
Getting Settled<br />
in <strong>Rome</strong><br />
Collegio Leoniano Housing<br />
Via Marcantonio Colonna, 21<br />
00192, <strong>Rome</strong>, Italy<br />
The Leoniano housing is a newly renovated<br />
dormitory-style residence located on the<br />
top of the <strong>St</strong>. John’s <strong>University</strong> campus<br />
which is situated in a bustling area with<br />
restaurants, movie theaters, grocery<br />
stores, clothing and shoe stores, etc. It is<br />
within walking distance to the historical<br />
center and only a few blocks from the<br />
underground Metro. Shared dormitorystyle<br />
rooms with two to four beds are<br />
available. There is a common lounge with<br />
a refrigerator and a microwave for each<br />
floor. The floors are coed, but the rooms<br />
are single sex. Separate male and female<br />
bathrooms with private stalls and showers<br />
are located in the hallway. Rooms are<br />
furnished with the following items: twin<br />
beds, one desk per student, bookshelves<br />
and separate wardrobes. Individually<br />
controlled air conditioning and heating<br />
units are provided in each of the rooms.<br />
Wireless internet is available throughout all<br />
locations of the building.<br />
Directions around the Collegio<br />
Leoniano Housing and the<br />
<strong>Rome</strong> Campus<br />
The Collegio Leoniano Housing and<br />
the <strong>Rome</strong> campus are in a bustling<br />
neighborhood in the heart of <strong>Rome</strong>.<br />
There are many cafes, restaurants, ice<br />
cream shops, movie theaters and stores<br />
all around the campus.<br />
They are a short walk to some parts of the<br />
historical center and are also conveniently<br />
located next to the Metro and close to<br />
many buses. To get to the historical center<br />
of <strong>Rome</strong> from Leoniano housing, you can<br />
walk across the bridge from Piazza Cavour<br />
(10 minute walk) and you will be in Piazza<br />
del Popolo. You can also take the Metro A<br />
from Lepanto and the Spanish <strong>St</strong>eps stop is<br />
just two Metro stations away.
Transportation<br />
Metro and Buses<br />
The city of <strong>Rome</strong> has a comprehensive<br />
transportation system comprised of two<br />
subway lines, a tram service and a bus<br />
service — making it very convenient to<br />
explore <strong>Rome</strong> in your spare time. Travel by<br />
subway (METROPOLITANA) or bus costs<br />
1€ and is valid for 75 minutes on the bus<br />
or one metro ride.<br />
The ticket should be stamped in the<br />
machine of the first bus you take and<br />
stamped again if you get on a bus just<br />
before the 75-minute limit is reached.<br />
The metro stops are shown on your<br />
official maps by a red circle. The broken<br />
red line connecting each circle denotes<br />
the route taken. All students should buy<br />
a monthly bus/metro pass (TESSERA)<br />
which permits the holder to travel on any<br />
Getting<br />
Around <strong>Rome</strong><br />
bus, tram or metro for the entire month.<br />
The pass may be purchased at the end<br />
of each month for the following month’s<br />
use. A monthly pass costs €30. Those<br />
who choose not to buy the pass must<br />
buy a supply of individual tickets, sold at<br />
most tabacchi stores and bus and metro<br />
information booths.<br />
Attenzione: There is an expensive fine<br />
for using public transportation without a<br />
ticket or pass. You must pay a €50 fine on<br />
the spot.<br />
Bus <strong>St</strong>op Signs: Read the sign downward<br />
to determine which way the bus is<br />
traveling. The bus stop where you are<br />
waiting is framed with a rectangle. Look<br />
at the bottom of each route to make sure<br />
that the bus for which you are waiting is<br />
running at that time. Buses have different<br />
schedules depending on the day and time.<br />
Some buses stop running early; other<br />
buses are only night buses and some<br />
only run on Sundays. Read these<br />
schedules carefully.
If you are waiting for the bus, be sure to wave down the bus<br />
driver. If there are no passengers who are departing at that<br />
stop, the bus will continue onward without stopping.<br />
The bus (ATAC) service generally begins at 5:30 a.m. with<br />
the last departure at 11:30 p.m (atac.roma.it). The Metro<br />
(ACOTRAL) begins around 5:30 a.m. and the last departure<br />
around 9 p.m. Metro trains pass every five minutes. Some<br />
buses have night service, SERVIZIO NOTTURNO. The random<br />
departure times from each stop are indicated on the time<br />
schedule written on the bus signs, under Servizio Notturno.<br />
Getting<br />
Around <strong>Rome</strong><br />
Taxis<br />
Taxis are white with a taxi sign on the roof. In<br />
addition to the metered taxi fare, there are extra<br />
charges for a number of services. There are night fees<br />
from 10 p.m. – 6 a.m., a fee per piece of luggage and<br />
an extra charge on Sundays and holidays. If you call a taxi<br />
from your home, payment begins from the time the taxi<br />
is dispatched to your home or location. The numbers to<br />
call are 06-3570 or 06-5551; most of these taxis are<br />
air-conditioned. They will ask for the address from which<br />
you need to be picked up and the telephone number you<br />
are dialing. Taxi stands are denoted by the sign “TAXI.”<br />
It is difficult to obtain a taxi unless you are at a taxi stand,<br />
because taxis are not supposed to pick up passengers that<br />
hail them down. Regardless of what anyone tells you,<br />
never get into an unmarked car. These unmarked taxis<br />
cost double the price of a regular taxi.<br />
Airport Service<br />
It is possible to get to and from the airport by train. The<br />
Leonardo Express runs every 30 minutes and travels between<br />
the airport and the Termini <strong>St</strong>ation and costs 11€. Trenitalia.<br />
com has Leonardo Express scheduling information.Taxis to<br />
the airport cost approximately 40€.<br />
IMPORTANT — When at the airport, DO NOT take a ride<br />
with anyone with an unmarked car who approaches you and<br />
claims to be a taxi driver. They are illegal and will charge you<br />
double. When exiting the airport turn to your right and you<br />
will see a line of official white taxis, get in line and wait until<br />
one is available. Be sure to confirm the rate of €40 before<br />
getting into the car. Many drivers do not understand English,<br />
so save yourself some hassle and have the address to which<br />
you are going written down along with some brief directions<br />
and landmarks.<br />
Trains<br />
The <strong>St</strong>azione Termini is the main train station in <strong>Rome</strong>. Trains<br />
going throughout Italy and to all other European countries<br />
depart from here. You can purchase train tickets at the station<br />
or at travel agents, for no extra charge. Train schedules can be<br />
found on the Internet — www.trenitalia.it or at the train station<br />
itself. The schedules are written and displayed on yellow<br />
and white glass-covered signs. On these posters you should<br />
not only check the final destination column but also the city<br />
you want to reach. This can be found in the “PRINCIPALI<br />
FERMATE” (major stops) column or “ANNOTAZIONI” (notes).<br />
Remember to validate your ticket at the yellow boxes<br />
before boarding the train, or you will be fined. There is an<br />
information office at the station where English is spoken.<br />
They can tell you any departure or arrival time to or from<br />
any destination.
Pharmacies<br />
Pharmacies can be identified by a sign with a red or green<br />
cross on it. They are open during normal business hours,<br />
with a rotation system for night and holiday service. A<br />
closed pharmacy keeps a list in its window with the address<br />
of the nearest pharmacy open in the area. The International<br />
Pharmacy (Farmacia Internazionale) is located at Piazza<br />
Barberini, 49 and will be able to supply you with most<br />
American prescriptions or at least the Italian equivalent.<br />
All staff members speak English. The telephone number is<br />
06-487-1195.<br />
Doctors<br />
If you require medical attention, all hospitals have a first aid<br />
or emergency division, “PRONTO SOCCORSO.” The closest<br />
hospital to the Collegio Leoniano Housing and the <strong>Rome</strong><br />
campus is Ospedale Santo Spirito.The EMERGENCY ROOM<br />
number is 06-633-606. ISOS can also provide you with a list<br />
of English speaking doctors in the area.<br />
ISOS (Emergency Services) +33 01-55-63-31-55<br />
<strong>St</strong>. John’s <strong>University</strong> ISOS<br />
Membership #11BSGC000069<br />
Private Doctor<br />
Dr. Tobias Wallbrecher<br />
Via Domenico Silveri, 30<br />
00165, Roma<br />
06-638-0569 (secretary speaks English)<br />
The City and<br />
How It Works<br />
Dr. Susan Levenstein<br />
Dr. Catherine <strong>St</strong>ainier<br />
Aventino Medical Group<br />
Via della Fonte di Fauno, 22<br />
06-578-0738 (secretary speaks English)<br />
Hours:<br />
Monday – Friday: 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.<br />
Saturday: 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.<br />
*By Appointment Only*<br />
Emergency Numbers<br />
Carabinieri 112<br />
Police Emergency 113<br />
Fire 115<br />
Ambulance 118<br />
Road Breakdown Service 116<br />
Highway Police 06-55441<br />
First Aid 06-482-6741<br />
Eye emergency 06-362-081<br />
(Dr. Robert <strong>St</strong>eigerwalt)<br />
Dental emergency 330-624-715<br />
(Dr. Lino Calvani)<br />
Orthopedic emergency 335-621-1414<br />
(Dr. Marcus Frolich)<br />
Gynecological emergency 335-834-2737<br />
(Dr. Luigi Don Francesco)<br />
Poison control 06-490-663<br />
Important Numbers<br />
<strong>St</strong>. John’s Undergraduate campus 06-9799-6767<br />
School Fax 06-9799-6769<br />
<strong>St</strong>. John’s Graduate campus 06-393-842<br />
Taxi 06-3570/4994<br />
Fiumicino Airport 06-65951<br />
Termini Train station info 06-47301 or<br />
atac.roma.it<br />
ATAC (Public Transportation) 06-46951<br />
Customs 06-6595-6647<br />
American Embassy<br />
The American Embassy is located in the historical center,<br />
on Via Veneto, 119. The telephone number is 06-46741.<br />
The Embassy offers a number of services for U.S. citizens<br />
abroad.<br />
Overseas Citizens Services (in the U.S.)<br />
Crises abroad involving American citizens<br />
(202) 647-5225 (24 hours)<br />
Passport Services (in the U.S.)<br />
Inquiries about the passport application process or the<br />
status of an application or emergency 1(900) 225-5674.
Telephones<br />
Local telephone calls cost around € .10 for a call to a land<br />
line and €.30 for a call to a cell phone. Local calls can be<br />
placed in a public pay phone by using a phone card, a<br />
SCHEDA TELEFONICA. Schede telefoniche are “debit” cards<br />
that can be purchased at most tabacchi stores and bars.<br />
There will be a sign outside of the location, with a “T” on<br />
it. Remove the upper left-hand corner of the card and insert<br />
into the slot. It is reusable until its “time” runs out. Pay<br />
phones can be found on the street and in most Italian bars.<br />
Other types of prepaid calling cards, used for international<br />
calls, are also available at tabacchi. (The best one to buy<br />
is probably the Europa phone card, which costs 5€ for 90<br />
minutes and 10€ for three hours. On this card use the 800<br />
number at the top, not the local <strong>Rome</strong> number — otherwise<br />
they charge you for the local call!).<br />
Cellular Phones<br />
<strong>St</strong>udents often choose to purchase cell phones upon their<br />
arrival in Italy. Inexpensive cell phones can be bought<br />
for 50-75€ with 10€ of call time included. U.S. Tri-band<br />
cell phones may operate with an Italian SIM card, but it<br />
is recommended that you consult your local cell phone<br />
company to be sure that your cell phone would operate<br />
with an Italian SIM card.<br />
It is more common in Italy to purchase rechargeable SIM<br />
cards instead of a monthly calling plan. The three most<br />
common cell phone companies in Italy are TIM, Wind, and<br />
Vodafone. Once you have a SIM card, you can purchase<br />
rechargeable minutes at most tabacchi stores. Unlike cell<br />
phone plans in the United <strong>St</strong>ates, cell phone users are not<br />
charged for received calls, but only for dialed calls. If a cell<br />
phone is out of minutes, the user is still able to receive calls.<br />
International Telephone Calls<br />
Other types of prepaid calling cards, used for<br />
international calls, are also available at tabacchi stores.<br />
The best card is the Europa phone card, which costs<br />
€5 for 90 minutes and €10 for three hours. On this<br />
card use the 800 number at the top, not the local <strong>Rome</strong><br />
number — otherwise the residence will charge you for the<br />
total time of the local call.<br />
Calling to and from the United <strong>St</strong>ates<br />
If calling collect to the United <strong>St</strong>ates, you can call the AT&T<br />
operator directly by dialing 1 (800) 172-444. When using<br />
a public phone, you must first deposit a .10€ coin or insert<br />
a telephone card, which will be returned to you upon<br />
completion of your call. Those preferring to use MCI<br />
must dial 1(800) 172-401. To use U.S. SPRINT, you must dial<br />
1(800) 172-405.<br />
To Dial the USA from Italy<br />
001 + area code and number<br />
To Dial <strong>Rome</strong> from the USA<br />
011-39-06 and number (06 is <strong>Rome</strong>’s area code)<br />
Vatican Mail<br />
The Italian mail system is often slow. However, the Vatican<br />
Post Office is said to be more reliable, has longer hours of<br />
operation and only takes six to seven days for letters to<br />
arrive to the U.S. It is also cheaper than the Italian post.<br />
The Vatican Post Offices are located on either side of<br />
<strong>St</strong>. Peter’s Basilica and inside the Vatican Museums.<br />
Letters mailed from the Vatican Post Office<br />
must bear the Vatican stamp. These stamps<br />
can only be purchased at the Vatican Post<br />
Office. If the wrong stamp is placed on the<br />
letter, the letter will not be mailed and will be<br />
discarded. Office hours are Monday – Saturday,<br />
8:30 a.m. – 6 p.m.<br />
Italian Mail<br />
If the Vatican Post Office is inconvenient for you,<br />
you may use the regular mail system. Postage stamps<br />
(francobolli) can be purchased at a tabaccaio, recognized<br />
by a “T” sign, or at any post office (recognized by the<br />
yellow “PT” sign). Mailboxes are usually located outside<br />
the tabaccaio. There is one slot for local mail (per la<br />
città), and one slot for all other destinations (tutte le altre<br />
destinazioni). Italian Post Office hours are usually from<br />
8:30 a.m. – 2 p.m., Monday – Saturday.<br />
Shipping and Mailing Packages to and from the U.S.<br />
Please avoid, at all costs, receiving and mailing packages<br />
(regular mail and overnight courier) with any sort of electronic<br />
equipment, cameras, computers, peripherals, medicines,<br />
vitamins, etc. These packages are always stopped in the<br />
customs entry point in northern Italy. Before the package is<br />
released, you must fax the completed form back to the customs<br />
office and pay a processing fee (approximately $50) and a tax<br />
that is equivalent to 20 percent of the value. Medicines and<br />
vitamins are often not allowed through customs.
It can also be very expensive and difficult to mail packages to<br />
the U.S. <strong>St</strong>. John’s <strong>University</strong> cannot intervene or be responsible<br />
for outgoing packages that are blocked in the post office or<br />
for incoming packages that are held up in customs.<br />
Security<br />
In a recent survey of major European cities, <strong>Rome</strong><br />
was voted the safest in terms of crime and violence.<br />
Violent crime is extremely rare. Unfortunately, petty<br />
crime is a problem. PICKPOCKETS are active at railway<br />
stations, tourist areas and on public transportation,<br />
especially on tourist bus routes such as the 62, 64 and<br />
46. If someone comes towards you with a newspaper or<br />
a cardboard sign asking for directions, move away quickly<br />
because they may be trying to pick your pocket. SAY “NO”<br />
FIRMLY! Should a gang of noisy gypsy children surround you<br />
on the street, HOLD ON to your purse or wallet. This is the<br />
most popular method of robbing tourists.<br />
Precautions<br />
The following are some steps that should be taken<br />
to make your stay in <strong>Rome</strong> pleasurable:<br />
1. Make copies of all your documents, credit cards and<br />
travelers’ checks and keep the copies separate from<br />
the originals.<br />
2. Keep all valuables in your front pockets.<br />
3. When walking, keep your purse on the building side of<br />
the street. (Purses have been snatched by people<br />
on motorcycles.)<br />
4. Carry only enough cash and documents you will need for<br />
that day.<br />
5. When traveling on overnight trains, always stay in a<br />
compartment with other people. Make sure to use the<br />
night lock located at the bottom of your compartment<br />
door and keep all money and documents close to<br />
your person.<br />
6. Always be conscious of your surroundings.<br />
Police Reports<br />
You must report all stolen items to the QUESTURA,<br />
Ufficio <strong>St</strong>ranieri, Via San Vitale (bus #75) or at the nearest<br />
CARABINIERI or POLIZIA station. You will have to fill out a<br />
police report listing all stolen items. This report is necessary<br />
in order to obtain passport and travelers’ check replacements<br />
and can be used for insurance claim purposes.<br />
Shopping<br />
Porta Portese is the largest outdoor market in <strong>Rome</strong>. Here<br />
you will find all sorts of goodies and rare items. The market is<br />
open every Sunday morning and takes place in the old streets<br />
around Porta Portese. To get there, take any bus that goes<br />
to <strong>St</strong>azione Trastevere and get off three stops after Piazza<br />
Sonnino. It is best to be there by 9 a.m. to avoid the crowds.<br />
The market closes at about 1 p.m. Carry your money in a very<br />
safe spot; the market is a breeding ground for pickpockets.<br />
Make sure to bargain with all vendors. They are willing to<br />
lower their prices.<br />
The San Giovanni market at Via Sannio takes place every day<br />
but Sunday. It is the clothes-only version of Porta Portese. It is<br />
extremely cheap and has lots of different kinds of apparel and<br />
trinkets. To get there you can take the Metro and get off at<br />
the San Giovanni stop or take the bus to Piazza Venezia and<br />
then switch for San Giovanni. It closes at 2 p.m. Once again,<br />
you can bargain down any item.<br />
Department stores, Grande Magazzini, are dispersed<br />
throughout <strong>Rome</strong>. COIN, LA RINASCENTE and STANDA are<br />
the most popular department stores. STANDA is located on<br />
Via Tritone. COIN is located on Via Cola di Rienzo, near the<br />
undergraduate campus. LA RINASCENTE is located on<br />
Via del Corso.
Good overall shopping streets are Via Cola<br />
di Rienzo, Via del Corso, Via Nazionale,<br />
Via Sistina, Via del Babuino and Via<br />
Candia. All designer boutiques are found<br />
on Via Condotti, Via Frattina and their<br />
surroundings. (Gucci, Prada, Valentino,<br />
Bulgari, Ferragamo, Fendi, Armani, etc.)<br />
The Flower market, which sells wholesale<br />
flowers, is located on Via Trionfale and is<br />
open on Tuesdays from 10:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.<br />
The largest fruit and vegetable market<br />
is located on Piazza Vittorio Emanuele<br />
II. There is also another large fruit and<br />
vegetable market located close to the<br />
residence on Via Andrea Doria, where<br />
you can buy fruits, vegetables, fish,<br />
meat, cheese, etc. It is open from<br />
7 a.m. – 1 p.m., Monday – Saturday.<br />
GS Supermarket is a grocery store chain<br />
similar to those in the U.S. This is located<br />
close to the residence.<br />
Other English Language Libraries<br />
(in addition to <strong>St</strong>. John’s library)<br />
Santa Susana Church Parish Library<br />
The Church of Santa Susanna<br />
Via Venti Settembre 15<br />
00187, Roma, Italia<br />
John Cabot <strong>University</strong> Library<br />
(with <strong>St</strong> John’s ID)<br />
Via della Lungara 233<br />
00165 - <strong>Rome</strong>, Italy<br />
Other English Language Bookstores<br />
The Corner Bookshop<br />
Via del Moro, 48<br />
Trastevere<br />
06-583-6942<br />
Feltrinelli International<br />
Via V.E. Orlando, 84/86<br />
06-482-7878<br />
The Anglo American Bookshop<br />
Via della Vite, 27<br />
06-679-7636<br />
Cultural Events Listings<br />
WANTED IN ROME is an English<br />
publication with listings of pubs,<br />
apartments, jobs, etc. It can be found<br />
in most English bookstores and at most<br />
newspaper stands. Wanted in <strong>Rome</strong><br />
also has a Web page which provides<br />
information about life in <strong>Rome</strong> and<br />
adjusting to life in Italy.<br />
www.wantedinrome.com<br />
TROVAROMA is a supplement to La<br />
Repubblica, an Italian newspaper that has<br />
an excellent weekly listing of films, concerts,<br />
and events. It comes out every Thursday.
Movies<br />
There are a few cinemas in <strong>Rome</strong> that show films in their<br />
original language (usually English or American films) with<br />
subtitles in Italian. You can check the local paper, Wanted in<br />
<strong>Rome</strong>, Roma C’è or ABCroma at www.abcroma.com/cinema<br />
Mass in English<br />
Santa Susanna<br />
Via XX Settembre, 14<br />
06-488.2748<br />
Santa Susanna is located near Piazza Barberini and<br />
Via Veneto.<br />
Mass in English is offered once a week at the <strong>Rome</strong> campus.<br />
Dates and times will be posted.<br />
Recommended<br />
Restaurants<br />
Almacrì (Near the Trastevere <strong>St</strong>ation)<br />
Via F. Benaglia, 3/5/7. 06-589-5651<br />
This restaurant serves pizza, pasta, and second courses.<br />
They serve huge portions, all at VERY reasonable prices. It’s<br />
a fun and young crowd.<br />
Pastarito (Via Veneto and in Trastevere)<br />
Huge portions. You may pick any type of pasta from<br />
a list of 20 and choose any topping from a list of 15.<br />
Il Bucatino (Testaccio)<br />
Via Luca della Robbia,<br />
06-574-6886.<br />
Closed Mondays<br />
Pizza Ciro (Off the Via del Corso)<br />
Via delle Mercede<br />
This pizzeria serves typical pizza and other traditional dishes<br />
from Napoli and is a little more expensive.<br />
PizzaRè (Piazza del Popolo)<br />
Via del Ripetta, 14. 06-321-1468<br />
Call in advance for reservations, there is always a line.<br />
Oliphant (Near the Pantheon)<br />
Via delle Coppelle, 31. 06-686-1416<br />
This is a Tex Mex place, one of the most American places in<br />
<strong>Rome</strong>. Here you can also watch American sports.<br />
Il Buco<br />
Via S. Ignazio, 7/8.<br />
06-679-3298<br />
(Cucina Toscana) @ €25 per person<br />
Bruni<br />
Via Germanico,<br />
06-397-23373<br />
Girarosto Toscano.<br />
BEST steaks in town<br />
€25 per person<br />
Very nice restaurants<br />
I Due Ladroni (near Piazza Navona)<br />
€35 per person<br />
Superb cuisine! Order anything and you will be completely<br />
satisfied. “Amazing Fish” – suggestions:<br />
a) the moschardine affocati antipasto<br />
b) spaghetti alla pescatora<br />
c) fish of your choice
Italian Food<br />
Vocabulary<br />
ALIMENTARI<br />
Food stores that are found in abundance throughout all<br />
neighborhoods. They sell general foods and no produce.<br />
Meats and cheeses are bought in denominations of etti<br />
(One etto equals 100 grams or enough for two sandwiches).<br />
Please keep in mind the differences in the measuring system<br />
used in Italy.<br />
SALSAMENTERIA<br />
Sells cold cuts, cheeses and specialty items.<br />
FORNO or PANETTERIA<br />
Sells fresh baked breads and pastries.<br />
MACELLERIA<br />
A butcher shop.<br />
PESCHERIA<br />
A fish store.<br />
PASTICCERIA<br />
A pastry shop.<br />
ENOTECA/VINI OLII<br />
A wine shop.<br />
BARS<br />
Sell coffee, sandwiches (panino), drinks, candy and ice cream<br />
(gelato). At most bars you must pay at the cash register first<br />
then take your receipt to the counter and hand it to the<br />
man/woman behind it (Barista). They will fill your order. If<br />
you want to sit at a table, you will most likely pay an extra<br />
cover charge. Most Italians have cappuccino with a cornetto<br />
(pastry) for breakfast at these bars.<br />
PIZZA RUSTICA/PIZZA A TAGLIO<br />
Offers pizza slices sold by weight, as well as calzoni, supplì<br />
and tramezzini.<br />
TAVOLA CALDA<br />
A bar that has pasta, rice and bean dishes, roasted meats<br />
and salads and cafeteria-style seating. The food is usually<br />
very good and the prices are reasonable.<br />
ROSTICCERIA<br />
Has an elaborate choice of foods to either eat in or take out.<br />
The most popular items are roasted chickens and potatoes.<br />
PIZZERIA<br />
Offers pizza, salads and some other dishes. Usually about €6<br />
to €10 per pizza. Surcharge per person is usually €2 to €5.<br />
TRATTORIA<br />
Offers pasta and meat dishes; usually simple fare. Most are<br />
specialized and concentrate on one type of food. A coperto<br />
(cover charge) of 1€ to 4€ per person is usually charged.<br />
RISTORANTE<br />
The most expensive of categories, this eating establishment<br />
has a complete menu, with four-course meals. Check prices<br />
on the menu displayed outside before you enter.
Notes<br />
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