Middle Aged and Touring Rome

Just a couple quick tips that may help you if you're planning a trip to Rome.

In front of the Colosseum.  As usual, I am wearing sunglasses, which makes it difficult to take out my tour guide and maps to read about what I am seeing and navigate where I am headed to next.

Like I said in a earlier blog, it pains me a bit to say this - but I am middle aged.  For those of you in the same boat and touring Rome, there are two things I would recommend to make your trip a bit more enjoyable.

1. Sunglasses with readers built in.
2. If taking tours (and I highly recommend them), your own ear buds.

Most of us over 40 need reading glasses.  I was able to put off using readers till my later 40's, but now that I need them - I really need them.  I am also sensitive to light, so sunglasses are always a must.  When touring Rome, I was frequently taking off my sunglasses, putting on my reading glasses and looking at maps and reading tour guide books....very frequently in fact.  So much so that if I were to tour it again I would purchase sunglasses with readers in them so I wouldn't have to hassle carrying another pair of glasses and wasting time with changing and eyes adjusting from light to dark and back.  It didn't spoil my trip by any means, however, it is something I wish I had thought of before going. If you're not reliant on reading glasses, this won't be an issue for you of course.

We took several guided tours, some using audio systems that make for a great experience.  However, all ear buds are not created equal, and some were uncomfortable.  If you're extra sensitive to such things or particular about your earbuds you might find it better to bring your own.  The companies give you new pairs, wrapped in plastic, so I was never afraid I was using old or dirty earbuds, but some just were not as comfortable as my own pair.