GRcade Travel Topic

Could have been worse. Could have gone in the sistine Chapel and not looked at the ceiling.

Just thought i'd take a moment to post a video of my visit to The Shard, my camera has a pretty decent zoom so it can pick out a lot of the more distant landmarks (though keeping it still when zoomed in is no easy feat without the sort of bulky and impractical extras needed to do that).

Need some GRecommendations

Me and the other half are off to York for a long weekend in December. We plan on doing the Xmas market and we have also booked one of those ghost walking tours.

We’ve been told it’s likely to be heaving so will be best off booking things early so we are looking for a few ideas for where to go for dinner/drinks in the evenings, places in the main city area ideally.

Any suggestions?

No:1 Final Fantasy Fan wrote:At the airport flying home from Rome now. Had such a great time seeing all the sights. Was a bit overwhelming all the history here. Even did a day trip to Pompeii.
But I just realised that when I went to the Vatican City I totally missed the museum and the Sistine chapel... all I did was St Peter's Basilica...I climbed the 500 steps to see the view and that was it.

Was the NHS covid double vaccine proof fine for everything? I've got to deal with the shitty Scottish effort

SandyCoin wrote:

Rocsteady wrote:

SandyCoin wrote:

Rocsteady wrote:Gonna try get a long weekend in Rome, and separately a long weekend in Naples, before the end of the year. Rome by myself, Naples with the mrs.

Always wanted to visit Rome. Am constantly astonished by how good the food is every time I visit Italy also so there's that to look forward to on top of all the main attractions.

I can give you lots of recommendations for Rome if you want, both food and things to do. I lived there for a bit and go back often. Luckily all my favourite restaurants survived COVID.

Tbh I actually remembered that from ages ago so was planning to search for your posts in this thread! I'll have a look through them and if I still have any questions I'll definitely hit you up, appreciate it.

Ah cool. There are a few new places actually that I visited in the Summer that are certainly worth a visit. Two pizza places actually, one of which is also a brewery if you like craft beer. Seu Pizza Illuminati and L'Osteria di Birra del Borgo. Kind of experimental but also classics.

I've noted those two places down. If there are any others which you'd recommend I'd really appreciate it - not looking for anywhere too fancy as I'll be on my own and really nice places make me feel awkward on my lonesome.

Staying pretty central and plan to be walking non-stop for the three days so location shouldn't matter too much!

Rocsteady wrote:

No:1 Final Fantasy Fan wrote:At the airport flying home from Rome now. Had such a great time seeing all the sights. Was a bit overwhelming all the history here. Even did a day trip to Pompeii.
But I just realised that when I went to the Vatican City I totally missed the museum and the Sistine chapel... all I did was St Peter's Basilica...I climbed the 500 steps to see the view and that was it.

Was the NHS covid double vaccine proof fine for everything? I've got to deal with the shitty Scottish effort

Also who did you do the Pompeii day trip with? Was it good? Might try squeeze that in

Rocsteady wrote:

Rocsteady wrote:

No:1 Final Fantasy Fan wrote:At the airport flying home from Rome now. Had such a great time seeing all the sights. Was a bit overwhelming all the history here. Even did a day trip to Pompeii.
But I just realised that when I went to the Vatican City I totally missed the museum and the Sistine chapel... all I did was St Peter's Basilica...I climbed the 500 steps to see the view and that was it.

Was the NHS covid double vaccine proof fine for everything? I've got to deal with the shitty Scottish effort

Also who did you do the Pompeii day trip with? Was it good? Might try squeeze that in

if you don't have time to go to Pompeii (it's enormous) then you could try Ostia Antica. It's a 30 min train ride from Rome and is a well preserved ancient coastal town with amphitheaters, mosaics etc.

SandyCoin wrote:

Rocsteady wrote:

Rocsteady wrote:

No:1 Final Fantasy Fan wrote:At the airport flying home from Rome now. Had such a great time seeing all the sights. Was a bit overwhelming all the history here. Even did a day trip to Pompeii.
But I just realised that when I went to the Vatican City I totally missed the museum and the Sistine chapel... all I did was St Peter's Basilica...I climbed the 500 steps to see the view and that was it.

Was the NHS covid double vaccine proof fine for everything? I've got to deal with the shitty Scottish effort

Also who did you do the Pompeii day trip with? Was it good? Might try squeeze that in

if you don't have time to go to Pompeii (it's enormous) then you could try Ostia Antica. It's a 30 min train ride from Rome and is a well preserved ancient coastal town with amphitheaters, mosaics etc.

Oo nice, that looks a cool shout.

Rocsteady wrote:

SandyCoin wrote:

Rocsteady wrote:

Rocsteady wrote:

No:1 Final Fantasy Fan wrote:At the airport flying home from Rome now. Had such a great time seeing all the sights. Was a bit overwhelming all the history here. Even did a day trip to Pompeii.
But I just realised that when I went to the Vatican City I totally missed the museum and the Sistine chapel... all I did was St Peter's Basilica...I climbed the 500 steps to see the view and that was it.

Was the NHS covid double vaccine proof fine for everything? I've got to deal with the shitty Scottish effort

Also who did you do the Pompeii day trip with? Was it good? Might try squeeze that in

if you don't have time to go to Pompeii (it's enormous) then you could try Ostia Antica. It's a 30 min train ride from Rome and is a well preserved ancient coastal town with amphitheaters, mosaics etc.

Oo nice, that looks a cool shout.

Yeah it's really nice there and usually pretty quiet. It's also on the local line so only costs about 3 euros to get to. Plus the station it leaves from is near the Pyramid which is also a cool sight.

As for some quick, on the go places to eat, I can recommend:

Trappazzino - multiple locations these days including the newish central train station market. Cacciatore is the best.
Antico Forno Roscioli - pizza rossa is probably the most famous thing they do. Good for breakfast and in the old Centre.
Campagna Amica Market If you are in Rome on a Saturday you can head to this market near the northern corner of Circo Massimo. They do great porchetta sandwiches (roast pork sandwiches from nearby Frascati region). They are big so will certainly fill you up.
Pasta Imperiale Surprisingly good take away pasta place in a couple of good locations like Monti and the old centre. You choose the pasta you want and the sauce.
Supplizio Good place to try suppli (Roman arrancini)
Testaccio Market Lots of delicious stuff to eat here like at Mordi e vai

Casual sit down:

SantoPalato Modern trattoria that gets very busy so you would most likely need to book.
Trattoria Da Enzo al 29 Sells most of Rome's famous dishes like Gricia and Carbonara. If you can, get the deep fried artichoke, but it may be out of season.
La Tavernaccia Our favourite restaurant. Friendly staff and great food, especially the suckling pig. I've defo seen people eating solo in there too.
Piatto Romano another fave of ours. They do a really good pajata, which is a Roman pasta dish of veal intestines that have the solidified milk still in them. It's nicer than it sounds.
Labottega Pastificio con Cucina Roma Excellent casual lunch spot with homemade pasta dishes. Classics as well as more modern types.


Oh, and here's a list of Gelato places on my gf's blog https://curioussparrowtravel.com/2021/05/23/where-to-find-the-best-gelato-in-rome/

SandyCoin wrote:

Rocsteady wrote:

SandyCoin wrote:

Rocsteady wrote:

Rocsteady wrote:

No:1 Final Fantasy Fan wrote:At the airport flying home from Rome now. Had such a great time seeing all the sights. Was a bit overwhelming all the history here. Even did a day trip to Pompeii.
But I just realised that when I went to the Vatican City I totally missed the museum and the Sistine chapel... all I did was St Peter's Basilica...I climbed the 500 steps to see the view and that was it.

Was the NHS covid double vaccine proof fine for everything? I've got to deal with the shitty Scottish effort

Also who did you do the Pompeii day trip with? Was it good? Might try squeeze that in

if you don't have time to go to Pompeii (it's enormous) then you could try Ostia Antica. It's a 30 min train ride from Rome and is a well preserved ancient coastal town with amphitheaters, mosaics etc.

Oo nice, that looks a cool shout.

Yeah it's really nice there and usually pretty quiet. It's also on the local line so only costs about 3 euros to get to. Plus the station it leaves from is near the Pyramid which is also a cool sight.

As for some quick, on the go places to eat, I can recommend:

Trappazzino - multiple locations these days including the newish central train station market. Cacciatore is the best.
Antico Forno Roscioli - pizza rossa is probably the most famous thing they do. Good for breakfast and in the old Centre.
Campagna Amica Market If you are in Rome on a Saturday you can head to this market near the northern corner of Circo Massimo. They do great porchetta sandwiches (roast pork sandwiches from nearby Frascati region). They are big so will certainly fill you up.
Pasta Imperiale Surprisingly good take away pasta place in a couple of good locations like Monti and the old centre. You choose the pasta you want and the sauce.
Supplizio Good place to try suppli (Roman arrancini)
Testaccio Market Lots of delicious stuff to eat here like at Mordi e vai

Casual sit down:

SantoPalato Modern trattoria that gets very busy so you would most likely need to book.
Trattoria Da Enzo al 29 Sells most of Rome's famous dishes like Gricia and Carbonara. If you can, get the deep fried artichoke, but it may be out of season.
La Tavernaccia Our favourite restaurant. Friendly staff and great food, especially the suckling pig. I've defo seen people eating solo in there too.
Piatto Romano another fave of ours. They do a really good pajata, which is a Roman pasta dish of veal intestines that have the solidified milk still in them. It's nicer than it sounds.
Labottega Pastificio con Cucina Roma Excellent casual lunch spot with homemade pasta dishes. Classics as well as more modern types.


Oh, and here's a list of Gelato places on my gf's blog https://curioussparrowtravel.com/2021/05/23/where-to-find-the-best-gelato-in-rome/

Thanks so much man, these places look great. Will definitely check out a few of those top go to places as they look right up my street, and will try visit at least one or two of the restaurants you've mentioned.

Will have to see if I'm in the mood for gelato, do enjoy some but dunno if the forecasted 10C and rain will be enticing me to one

Rocsteady wrote:Thanks so much man, these places look great. Will definitely check out a few of those top go to places as they look right up my street, and will try visit at least one or two of the restaurants you've mentioned.

Will have to see if I'm in the mood for gelato, do enjoy some but dunno if the forecasted 10C and rain will be enticing me to one

No problem.

Ha, oh gooseberry fool just saw the weather forecast! That's somewhat unfortunate. You'll be surprised about wanting gelato in the cold though. There are still usually queues outside gelaterias during the winter, and most have at least some sit down areas. That's the sad thing about living in northern Germany. There are some decent ice cream places here but they close during the winter months. One turns into a porridge shop

Rocsteady wrote:

No:1 Final Fantasy Fan wrote:At the airport flying home from Rome now. Had such a great time seeing all the sights. Was a bit overwhelming all the history here. Even did a day trip to Pompeii.
But I just realised that when I went to the Vatican City I totally missed the museum and the Sistine chapel... all I did was St Peter's Basilica...I climbed the 500 steps to see the view and that was it.

Was the NHS covid double vaccine proof fine for everything? I've got to deal with the shitty Scottish effort

Yea it was a absolutely fine but make sure you show them the QR code for your second dose not the first one.
If it doesn't accept it then it's because the app they are using is not the latest version which was updated to accept nhs qr codes.

Rocsteady wrote:Was the NHS covid double vaccine proof fine for everything? I've got to deal with the shitty Scottish effort

How does the NHS Scotland vaccine proof differ to the NHS England app?

I found that the NHS app was accepted by QR code scanners abroad without any issue, but you can also download the Irish Covid pass and open the camera viewer through the app to scan your NHS Covid pass (basically requires opening the PDF on a laptop etc since you can't have the camera viewer scan itself) and it becomes an EU pass.

Grumpy David wrote:

Rocsteady wrote:Was the NHS covid double vaccine proof fine for everything? I've got to deal with the shitty Scottish effort

How does the NHS Scotland vaccine proof differ to the NHS England app?

I found that the NHS app was accepted by QR code scanners abroad without any issue, but you can also download the Irish Covid pass and open the camera viewer through the app to scan your NHS Covid pass (basically requires opening the PDF on a laptop etc since you can't have the camera viewer scan itself) and it becomes an EU pass.

Ah strawberry float knows mate they had a ton of teething problems but actually I signed up earlier and got my QR code without too much hassle so maybe they've fixed all those by now. That's a great call out for the Irish covid pass, gonna get on that.

Grumpy David wrote:

Rocsteady wrote:Was the NHS covid double vaccine proof fine for everything? I've got to deal with the shitty Scottish effort

How does the NHS Scotland vaccine proof differ to the NHS England app?

I found that the NHS app was accepted by QR code scanners abroad without any issue, but you can also download the Irish Covid pass and open the camera viewer through the app to scan your NHS Covid pass (basically requires opening the PDF on a laptop etc since you can't have the camera viewer scan itself) and it becomes an EU pass.

Is that Irish covid pass in the form of an app? Dunno if I'm being stupid but I can't find anything about this.

Rocsteady wrote:

Grumpy David wrote:

Rocsteady wrote:Was the NHS covid double vaccine proof fine for everything? I've got to deal with the shitty Scottish effort

How does the NHS Scotland vaccine proof differ to the NHS England app?

I found that the NHS app was accepted by QR code scanners abroad without any issue, but you can also download the Irish Covid pass and open the camera viewer through the app to scan your NHS Covid pass (basically requires opening the PDF on a laptop etc since you can't have the camera viewer scan itself) and it becomes an EU pass.

Is that Irish covid pass in the form of an app? Dunno if I'm being stupid but I can't find anything about this.

It's an app, but from memory it was more difficult to actually locate on the Android app store than a simple search as I think it's hidden if it doesn't recognise the IP address as being in Ireland.

The link below should allow you to download it on android and apple:

https://covidtracker.ie/

It looks more like the NHS track and trace app rather than NHS England but when you open it the top box is "View EU compatible digital Covid certificate".

[streamja][/streamja]

Grumpy David wrote:

Rocsteady wrote:

Grumpy David wrote:

Rocsteady wrote:Was the NHS covid double vaccine proof fine for everything? I've got to deal with the shitty Scottish effort

How does the NHS Scotland vaccine proof differ to the NHS England app?

I found that the NHS app was accepted by QR code scanners abroad without any issue, but you can also download the Irish Covid pass and open the camera viewer through the app to scan your NHS Covid pass (basically requires opening the PDF on a laptop etc since you can't have the camera viewer scan itself) and it becomes an EU pass.

Is that Irish covid pass in the form of an app? Dunno if I'm being stupid but I can't find anything about this.

It's an app, but from memory it was more difficult to actually locate on the Android app store than a simple search as I think it's hidden if it doesn't recognise the IP address as being in Ireland.

The link below should allow you to download it on android and apple:

https://covidtracker.ie/

It looks more like the NHS track and trace app rather than NHS England but when you open it the top box is "View EU compatible digital Covid certificate".

Ma man.

Did see that one but like you say thought it was for tracking only. That's reassured me for in-EU travel.

God we needed that holiday. Came at just the right time too - any later and we'd have probably cancelled it yet again.

Weather was between 28-30° most days, humidity sometimes making it feel like 35 (days like that admittedly were too much, but perfect for snorkelling). Stunning hotel, very tropical, almost like walking through jungle with the amount of vegetation surrounding the paths of the resort. Lovely stuff. Did a lot of snorkelling, and got a lot of great footage (apart from when the gopro would randomly corrupt the sd card and lose days of footage ).

I won't bore you with many pictures, but here's a few:

Mexico

Moggy wrote:Mexico

6th time I've been

It's so beautiful. We were in Akumal, and the nearby town was really cool to walk to. The people are so lovely.