If you have a question that is not travel related and you do not see it below, please submit it to Kathleen Hohl.

LUGGAGE

How many pieces of luggage can I bring?
One piece of luggage is permitted. You also may bring a carry on bag that fits under the seat in front of you or in an overhead compartment. It is recommended that you pack a day's change of clothing, including undergarments, in case your luggage is delayed.

Do I have to bring the blue Peter's Way travel bag?
The Peter's Way travel bag is provided to all pilgrims. This may be convenient during the tour for shopping purchases, bottled water, an umbrella, a light sweater, etc. It is not mandatory that pilgrims bring the travel bag.

CURRENCY

How much money should I bring along?
The absolute minimum that is recommended is $150 USD (United States Dollars).

Where can I exchange money?
Contact a local branch of your bank to determine how to exchange USD into Euros.

What is the exchange rate?
Visit The Universal Currency Converter web site for live currency rates. If you exchange money in Rome, do so at a bank, which gives the official exchange rate.

Can I use credit cards?
Major credit cards are accepted. Be sure to record your account number in the event that the card is lost.

How should I call home?
It is recommended that you purchase a calling card that you can use internationally. These calling cards are widely available in a variety of minutes.

ATTIRE

What should I pack?
"Comfort casual" attire is recommended. There are a few instances when you will want to be formally dressed. The following are not permissible at many of our stops:

• Jeans
• Shorts
• Miniskirts
• Tank tops
• Sleeveless tops

Women should cover the tops of their arms, but do not need to cover their heads.

Men should bring along a sport coat, but a tie is not required.

We will be walking quite a bit. Comfortable walking shoes that have already been broken in are recommended.

It is recommended to bring a collapsible umbrella for protection from rain and the sun. This should fit into your tote bag.

MASSES

Will we need a Mass book with Latin prayers and responses?
Pilgrims will receive a commemorative Mass book upon arrival in Rome.

Will we be able to take pictures during the Masses?
Yes.

MISCELLANEOUS

I am a lector at my parish. Can I participate at one of our Masses?
If you are a regular lector, please contact the Kathleen Hohl

Will there be difficult walking?
Yes. Many destinations we will be visiting have winding, narrow promenades that are not accessible by motorcoach bus.

How can we get local transit schedules?
Local transit schedules will be available in our hotels. We will have a very busy schedule, so the need for local transportation will be minimal.

Can we drink the water?
Yes. Bottled water also is available at local vendors.

Do we need to have vaccinations before the pilgrimage?
No vaccinations are required.

Are there cyber cafes or places with public access to the internet?
It is recommended that you check with the hotel staff upon arrival.

What should I do with my medication?
All medication should be carried in its original package and be kept with you. Carry a copy of all prescriptions, along with information about allergies and any medical problems.

What is the best way to be notified of an emergency?
Here is contact information for the Palazzo Cesi:

Palazzo Cesi
Via della Conciliazione, 51
I-00193 Roma
Tel: 011- 39-06-68-19-32-22
Fax: 011- 39-06-68-19-33-33
Web: Palazzo Cesi

What activities are scheduled for us?
The Peter's Way staff is working diligently on creating an itinerary for a memorable trip. Once the itinerary is finalized, it will be posted here.

What is the time difference in Rome?
Rome is seven hours ahead of Milwaukee. When it is Midnight in Milwaukee, it is 7 a.m. in Rome.

What will the weather be like during the Pilgrimage?
The temperatures will range from 52-82 degrees. There may be rain, as well, so pilgrims are advised to bring a collapsible umbrella, which will provide protection from sun and rain.

Does the hotel have a hair dryer?
Yes, each hotel room is equipped with a hair dryer, safe, and mini-bar.

Here are some books that you may find helpful as you prepare for your pilgrimage to Rome and to the chair of St. Peter with Archbishop Dolan. This list was prepared by Very Rev. Mike Witczak, Rector at Saint Francis Seminary:

• Luigi Barzini, The Italians (Touchstone reprint, 1996). A great introduction to the ways and foibles of the Italian people.
  
• Umberto Eco, The Name of the Rose (Harevest Books, 1994). A fascinating story of the Middle Ages.
  
• George Weigel, Witness to Hope: The Biography of Pope John Paul II (Cliff Street Books, 2001). The best biography in English. Mr. Weigel will give the second Pallium lecture on June 2.
  
• Dante, The Divine Comedy (many versions available; a new paperback edition by John Ciardi, New American Library, 2003). This classic story of Hell, Purgatory, and Heaven reveals much about the Middle Ages and is the work that helped establish modern Italian.
  
• Colleen McCollough has a whole series on ancient Rome, including The First Man of Rome, The Grass Crown, Fortune’s Favorites, Caesar’s Women and The October Horse. This series of novels gives a great feel for ancient Rome and the personalities that still mark parts of the city today.
  
• Blue Guide to Rome (W.W. Norton, 2003). Now in its 8th edition. I think it’s the best guide to Rome, especially if you are interested in history, museums and architecture, especially churches.
  
• Marcella Hazan, Essentials of Classic Italian Cooking (Knopf, 1992). When you come back you will want to have this book to recreate the flavors you meet in Rome and Assisi. This is the best Italian cook book I have found.

Helpful Italian Vocabulary Terms

Yes – Sν (see)

Please – Per favore (pear fa-VO-ray)

Thank you – Grazie (GRAH-tsee-ay)

You're welcome – Prego (PRAY-go)

Sorry – Mi dispiace (mee dis-spee-AH-chay)

Good morning/afternoon – Buon giorno (bwohn JOR-no)

Good evening – Buona sera (BWOH-na SAY-ra)

Good bye – Arrivederci (a-ree-vah-DARE-chee)

How are you? – Come sta? (KO-may stah)

Do you speak English? – Parla inglese? (par-la een-glay-zay)

I don't speak Italian – Non parlo italiano (non PAR-lo ee-tal-YAN-no)

Where are the restrooms? – Dove il bagno? (do-VAY eel BAHN-yo)

How much is it? – Quanto costa? (KWAHN-toe COAST-a)

I am sick – Sto male (sto MAH-lay)

Help! – Aiuto! (a YOO-toe)

Stop! – Alt! (ahlt)

I am diabetic – Ho is diabete (o eel dee-a-BAY-tay)

Knife – Il coltello (eel kol-TEL-o)

Fork – La forchetta (la for-KET-a)

Spoon – Il chucchiaio (eel koo-kee-AH-yo)