Here are the top problems facing Rome that has The Traveling Professor seriously considering whether it is worth visiting until the problems are corrected:
Crowds: Rome is overwhelmed by tourists. Without proper planning, visitors can wait for hours to get into popular attractions like the Colosseum and the Vatican sites. Although we cannot blame anyone for the heat, the 100+ degree weather this summer has not helped matters.
Public Transporation: It's a mess. Subways and buses are way overcrowded. They often are not on schedule, there are frequent breakdowns also. I have also noticed that buses run less frequently (contributing to more crowded buses) than they used to.
Appearance: Trash is all over the place. Rome also seems to be a haven for graffiti artists.
Crime: Pickpockets seem to flourish in Rome. It seems every trip we go on, someone is a victim of some type of petty crime. Even The Traveling Professor, with all the precautions I take, have been the victim of a pickpocket. We have to ask, "is Rome safe to visit?"
Harassment: We are constantly harassed by street vendors illegal buskers and beggars. Women travelers are often the subject of inappropriate comments or even worse, inappropriate touching.
I am not disputing that Rome is a great city and its importance in history. But until city officials make a serious attempt to bring it back to the stature of a first-class city, we will probably be staying away.