From a tourist or expat point of view, every day can seem full of wonder in a place like Rome. Like any major city, Rome has its share of problems. Of particular concern is the lack of job opportunities (of course there is the global, economic crisis, but from what I have heard this issue predates the downturn) and the tendency of workers to receive a series of short term contracts (contracto a tempo indeterminato) which leaves them in an understandably 'precarious' situation - giving rise to the term precari which is defined by 1. the lack of a continuity in work and certainty about the future 2. the lack of an adequate salary in which you can count on to plan your life and your future.
These conditions, as well as layoffs at specific companies, were what the marchers were protesting against outside our window last week on Via Cavour.
Several protests, or manifestazioni, have there origin from the top of Via Cavour (near Termini train station) and then wind their way to the Capotoline - the center of the municipal government of Rome. This contingent was not as successful; being stopped by the Carabinieri before hitting the Fori Imperiali.
