Devout Franciscan friars attending the Pope sermon at noon on Sunday (the "Angelus")	Same group, a few minutes later, having a snack

Romans just love gatherings and rallies. Although they will possibly inconvenience your visit, they are also spectacular and give you a cross-section of the Italian popular spirit.

Wealthy Romans always find new ways to spend their leisure time. Rowing is traditionally an elitarian sport, as an introduction is needed in the rowing clubs of the Tiber. A new elitarian fashion is to attend beaches and pools on the Tiber shores, right in the city centre.

Rowing and basking in the sun along the Tiber shores	Pools by the Tiber, near the Vatican

By contrast, in Rome you find naturally also poor people, and beggars, although the latter are usually not Italian.

Homeless people sleeping under a bridge of the Tiber. They are usually not Italian. A popular Roman saying about falling into poverty is "to sleep under the bridges of the blond river" (IE the Tiber, whose waters are clear).
	A beggar, an old lady, near the Coliseum. Her povery is enlarged in contrast with the size of the monument

The majority of Romans have a job and are settled down. Most work as state employees, shop-owners, and professionals. Yet the town, because of its peculiar history, didn't reach a complete industrial development, and so you also find people living of creative and laborious expedients, which in time might become fashionable professional activities.

Top: a band of street musicians Right: A bum, in St. Peter's square.

The vast majority of Romans work humbly with goodwill. Upon retirement the family is the centre of all activities and interests, although as it happens worldwide, old people feel increasingly alone.

When all things come to an end, Romans are never really alone... they cherish cats, which can be found in gardens and in cemeteries.     Back to The Romans (article)

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