Dos and don’ts in Rome

Lines, queues and the like

Most Italians tend to think they’re smarter than the rest (fellow Italian and foreigners alike). So any form of queue in Italy, instead of assuming the shape of a straight or curved line, tends to fill all of the space available, just like a gas would do in a vessel, as everyone tries to gain the two inches that will mean they will have to wait less than the others. To get in front (and sometimes just to stay where you are), you have to do some "elbow work" and check that no one is trying to steal your place. This can happen at bus stops, at concerts, at the entrance of cinemas, at the stadium or anywhere where there’s no machine giving out progressively numbered tickets.  So you’ll have to put away any trace of Nordic restrain (especially if you’re German) and defend yourself.

A special word about Trinità dei Monti

Trinità dei Monti is the church on top of a tall series of steps starting at Piazza di Spagna, known as Spanish Steps to the English-speaking world. These steps are a place where a lot of tourists and locals convene to kill time, have a drink, and meet people. It is also the place where it is most likely for you, if you’re a girl and especially if you look Nordic/blondish/exotic/hot/foreign, to be harassed by local horny guys. You will most likely receive vulgar compliments, most often in Italian. There’s no real danger, since the purpose of the thing, much more than to try a real approach, is for guys to show their friends that they’re the boldest and are not afraid to be slapped in the face. These guys are very funny, in fact, but the best reaction is not to laugh and simply go your own way.