Catherine Murray from Santry in Dublin has some tips about the Eternal City
I read with delight Paddy Agnew's article on Rome (September 6th). My husband and I have gone to Rome every year for the past 12 years. We go at St Patrick's weekend, staying at the Hotel Canada (Via Vicenza 58, 00-39-06-4457770, www.bestwestern.it), just streets from Stazione Termini. I would recommend this hotel without hesitation. The tariff starts at €65 B&B per person, with a substantial breakfast.
Paddy Agnew mentioned EUR, the town built for the Olympics. Go there, but take the 714 bus instead of the metro. That way you can see some of suburban Rome. Stay on the bus for about 45 minutes and get off at the petrol station just after the monument. Here, you will find markets, a park, four museums, an antique market and a basilica under the protection of the Franciscans. If you are 54 years of age or older you can also get into all historical sites free of charge. This is quite a saving when you consider that a ticket for the Colosseum is €10.
St Patrick's day in Rome is very special. After mass in either St Patrick's or St Isidore's, there is a reception. Then we go on to the Irish Embassy, where there is another reception. Then to the Irish College, where the students put on a show and (yes, you've guessed it) another reception. Rome is a marvellous place, so go and enjoy, and throw a coin in the Trevi Fountain for me.
Annraoí Blaney had a chilly transatlantic experience
On a transatlantic flight to Boston I reported the cold to cabin staff, but they were too busy serving the terrible food to care. I demanded that the temperature be turned up but they just gave us blankets. These are useless: you need at least two.
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