RomaPolacchi

If you are interested in learning Italian, it really is best to learn in a classroom setting until you can get to Italy. In San Francisco, the Italingua Institute offers classes in conversational Italian, Italian grammar, even Italian literature. The Institute also holds workshops on various topics of Italian culture such as cooking, film and politics. Their main campus is in San Francisco on Market Street, and their Berkeley campus is located on Center Street.

It's important for kids to see the world-and it's important for their parents to have a little sanity while showing their kids the world. It certainly helps if you know your hotel is set up for kids. That doesn't mean fun parks and arcades-it just means space to relax knowing that your children won't be in danger or bored to tears. Ciao Bambino! is a website that takes care of the research for you, providing reviews of hotels, like the Ponte Sisto , pictured above, that are baby-ready, toddler friendly and fun for bigger kids too. Instead of worrying about the hotel, you can spend your time planning activities to entertain them when you go out. Or, since you are going to Italy, take advantage of the website's Italy-only customized itinerary planning.

Gaius Valerius Catullus is probably ancient Rome's best known love poet (although some might award that title to Ovid ). His poems about his on-again, off-again relationship with an older Roman noblewoman have inspired and frustrated devotees of Latin poetry for centuries. In fact, Catullus can be credited with being the first poet to encapsulate the vexaciousness of relationships. His words "odi et amo" (I love you and I hate you) perfectly sum up the feelings of countless lovers through history. The British writer Helen Dunmore has written a novel about Catullus' greatest love affair titled Counting the Stars . Although reviewers hint that the plot may be a bit slow, Dunsmore's writing style turns the tale into a smoldering study of human emotion. The Modern Traveler will certainly be picking up a copy as soon as it is available stateside.

Rome is a juxtaposition of the ancient world and the 21st century. Intermingled with ruins and Baroque churches are cell phones, motorini and stilleto heels. Never is the contrast more evident, and more harmonious, than at the Museo Centrale Montemartini . The museum is a former electrictricity plant which now houses an impressive collection of Greek and Roman sculpture. You will fascinated by the contrast of white marble against diesel engines and turbines. The Museo Centrale Montemartini is not to be missed! You can get there by taking the Metro Line B to Piramide. The Museum is located on Via Ostiense, a short walk from the Metro stop. Admission to Centrale Montemartini also pays for admission to the Capitoline Museums within a 7 day period.

Conversations in Tusculum , a play set at the end of the Roman Republic, is now playing at New York's Public Theater. Cicero and Brutus, among others, explore the responsibilities of Rome's aristocrats under the rule of Julius Caesar (pictured). Should they continue to live their lives, oblivious to the Republic's downfall, or should they save Rome from the ruin caused by a reckless man? Tickets are only $50 and the show is playing until March 23rd.

Just behind the Piazza Navona is a classic, the Hotel Raphael . Moderately priced for Rome in the low season (rates start at 250 Euros) and more expensive in the high season (450 Euros) the Raphael is famous for its museum-quality art collection, Richard Meier designed rooms on the third floor, and rooftop restaurant and garden with views of the entire historic district. You will certainly enjoy walking out of your hotel to cafes, restaurants, shopping and sights all in the heart of Rome.

Sicily is one of the last places in Italy that is still relatively unexplored. For $2,909 GoAheadTours (see Budget Travel ) is offering airfare from eastern U.S. cities, 12 nights accomodation and sightseeing tours in Palermo, Segesta (pictured), Agrigento, Siracusa, Taormina (the Modern Traveler's favorite) and two days in Rome. Sicily is rich in natural beauty, Greek and Roman ruins, unique culture and amazing food. Stay tuned for the next installment of the Modern Traveler's Guide-to Sicily!