The Matthew Online

Rome puts a price on its history

By Graciela Chahin

ROME, March 25 — For tourists and study-abroad students planning to visit the Roman Forum, the number one thing to bring is cash.

On March 10, the city began charging an entry fee to this ancient Roman neighborhood. Officials said the fee had been introduced for security purposes -- a fee will control of who goes in and will help diminish pick-pocketing and vandalism. The money charged would also go towards new excavations and restorations in the Forum and other locations.

The ticket is 11 euros for adults, 6.50 euros for European Union members between the ages of 18-24 and free for European Union members under age 18 and over 65. It is valid for two days and includes a visit to either the Colosseum or the nearby Imperial Forum on the Palatine Hill.

Talking trash in Naples

By Sara Patterson

ROME, Feb. 26—Most of the John Cabot University students who traveled by bus to Naples Saturday slept through evidence of the city’s trash problem.

Piles of trash were visible, but only on the periphery of the city.

“I really didn’t see any trash at all,” said visiting student Leah Santoro, a Junior. She said the center of the city looked cleaner than Rome.

The trip, involving 33 students, was organized through the Cultural Experiences Abroad program. Students enjoyed picturesque views of castles by the sea and a walking tour followed through the historic city center including the Spaccanapoli neighborhood.

Students tried pizza Margherita in its birthplace for lunch. During free time several students climbed to the top of the legendary Castel dell’Ovo for a view overlooking the city. Others stayed in the center for shopping.

And, of course, the students wanted to talk trash.

Europe's 'budget' airlines taking passengers for a ride

By Ashley Boyd

ROME, Dec. 3 – With the holidays approaching, travelers are making flight arrangements, turning to the Internet for the best deal. One thing is certain: flying a budget airline may not be the cheapest way.

Ryanair, one of Europe’s oldest budget airlines and one with an extensive route network across the continent, is often the place to start the search. However, as The Matthew Online discovers, thanks to many hidden fees, traveling with Ryanair may not be such a bargain.

A lost weekend in Sicily forces JCU to rethink its tour operator

By Mara C. Martinez

ROME, Nov. 12 – John Cabot University appears to be cutting ties for good with Fun Trip, a Rome-based tour company that organized student trips, following a four-day trip to Sicily that generated a series of complaints.

“This provider is obviously ending his JCU career with this trip”, JCU President Franco Pavoncello said of Fun Trip in  a Nov. 6 e-mail seen by The Matthew Online. The president was responding to a complaint from a student who signed up for the Sicily trip.

The trip, scheduled between Nov. 1-4, was advertised on campus to include guided tours of Palermo, Catania, Siracusa, Mt. Etna, and Agrigento, plus paid meals, hotel stay and transportation.       

How a Ciampino noise dispute could ground your next trip out of town

By Maddie Sousa

ROME, Oct 3 - In an effort to muzzle airplane noise for the surrounding community, the Italian aviation authority recently declared it will limit the number of flights into and out of Rome Ciampino airport to 100 a day beginning Oct 28, threatening the low-cost airline trade.

Hit hardest could be Ryanair, the airport's primary carrier. But the popular low-cost carrier is fighting back with a lawsuit, ANSA reports. If the suit fails, 1 million fewer passengers will be able to fly in and out of Rome's second largest airport. For Ryanair, it would have to cut back on
about 66 services weekly and possibly move flights to other airports in the area, a move it is reluctant to do.

The legal battle could impact JCU students' ability to travel around the continent.

"Hey baby", the do's and don'ts of Oktoberfest

By Pauline Horwits

ROME, Oct 3 - For all those who enjoy beer, bratwurst and "Hey Baby", Oktoberfest is calling your name.

This public festival officially begins at noon on Saturday, Sept 22, when the mayor of Munich taps the first keg and says, “O’zapft is!”, or, “the keg has been tapped!” Let the party begin!

Have you planned your Spring Break getaway?

By Jamie Schwam

 

ROME, March 12 – Spring break is next week. Have you sorted out your travel plans?

Even with the semester half way over, you could still find great deals on trips all over Europe -- either on the Web or through a trip organized by JCU.

All aboard the JCU Sailing Club

By Vanessa Dones

ROME, March 5 – On a recent weekend, eight of John Cabot University’s study-abroad students set sail for an adventure on the high sea. Through JCU’s Student Activities program, the students joined the JCU Sailing Club, led by sailing instructor and recent JCU graduate Tamara Nicodeme.

On Saturday evening, Feb. 24, the students met at the Porto Turistico di Roma and climbed aboard an immaculate sailing boat. Once on board, the students chose from four beautiful cabins. Next, everyone gathered for a quaint home-style Italian meal of baked pasta and a delicious beef dish with peas followed by tiramisu, all prepared on-board by a hired chef.

 

JCU, meet your travel agent

By Blair Mlnarik

ROME, Feb. 25 - Earlier this month, JCU students on successive weekends hit the pistes of Cervinia (pictured) in the Italian Alps for beautiful and adventurous ski trips. 

These trips were organized by Michele Danza, who also planned the recent excursion to Montenegro and the upcoming trips to the island Ventotene, off the coast between Rome and Naples, at the beginning of May.

 

Capo Verde murders still haunt Italy

By Carolyn Landry

ROME, Feb 20 – Gasping for breath, eyes burning from pepper spray and body aching from continuous beatings. This is the way 17-year-old Agnese Paci woke up after a continuous brutal beatings that left her unconscious.

On Feb.10, news broke about the murder of Dalia Saini and Giorgia Busato, two young Italian women visiting Capo Verde, an island off the west coast of Africa. Paci, the only survivor, told police how the girls had gone there on vacation. They met up with acquaintances of one of the girls and were invited back to his house. From there, the girls were assaulted repeatedly, so much so that Paci became unconscious, leading the men to believe she had died. She regained consciousness, only to hide in some bushes and make an escape from the beach where the crime took place.  Her other friends were not as fortunate. They were bludgeoned to death.