SIN ✈ ITALY; To Rome with Love
My impressions of Italy were formed from images I’ve seen in books, magazines, TV, movies such as To Rome With Love. And, when I saw Rome unfold before my own eyes, it was indeed like what I’ve imagined it to be. It’s a pretty place where I couldn’t wait to explore so indeed it was a dream come true when I stepped foot into this city. *screams I'm so excited!*
Though it was a relatively short time spent in Italy, I guess I’m contented and it did grant me memories aplenty to reminisce especially when I’m back home in Singapore.
The Italy adventure started at Vatican City and these few days brought me to attractions such as St Peter’s Basilica, Trevi Fountain and many more as y’all continue reading on. All I can say is, ohmygod, I should have brought a better lens for my camera. The pictures don’t do justice to the beautiful Rome. But I’m sure, I’ll be back someday...
✈ VATICAN CITY
St. Peter's is located in Vatican City, across the river Tiber, west of Rome's center. Vatican City is completely surrounded by the city of Rome. Remember to dress properly as a very strict dress code is enforced. That, I didn't know, but it's so cold there that I'm probably rightly dressed to suit their culture requirements.
Arrived in Europe and as planned, we visited St Peter's Basilica, the most famous and largest church in the Christian world. The imposing structure was built over a span of more than one hundred years by the greatest Italian architects of the era. To my great dismay, it was quite a turn-off because of the crowd (maybe because the day I went was on a Saturday) plus there were lots of construction going on. Sigh!
Honestly, I felt more like I was at a construction site instead of a famous historical tourist spot.
There was a huge queue (almost like a stampede) to even get into the church, wow but thank god, I managed to get in before it closed. The entire interior of St. Peter's is lavishly decorated with marble, reliefs, architectural sculpture and gilding. Really, like what you see of museums in movies, there stands the sculptures in niches and chapels. The basilica contains a large number of tombs of popes and other notable people, many of which are considered outstanding artworks. Most of the paintings in the church are replicas of the original paintings created for the basilica.
The most famous monument in the St. Peter's Basilica is the monument located in the first chapel on the right. Head straight for that amongst the crowd. So what exactly is it? It's the Pietà, a marble sculpture of a young looking Mary holding the dead body of her son. It was created by Michelangelo in 1499-1500. In fact, it is the only work of Michelangelo that bears his signature.
It was interesting for me to walk through the entire church but I was badly lacking in some artistic sense to appreciate the pieces of drawings and sculptures cause I couldn't even tell who's who plus there was really too many people in there, so I couldn't even take a proper picture. Zzz :/
✈ ROME
When you'r in Rome, do what the Romans do ♡
I’ve always wanted to visit Rome, the Eternal City. It’s a really romantic place and I want to see it for myself, not just on movies. Things like finding your true love at Trevi Fountain? I wish. Haha. Anyways, *back to reality*, Rome was a great eye opener for me because I felt like a local there indulging in the Italian lifestyle. However, my mood was totally dampened on that day because it started to rain coupled with the fact that the massive weekend crowd didn't help a single bit.
In Rome, we visited the Colosseum, originally known as Flavian Amphitheatre, where ancient gladiators fought for the public’s entertainment. Looking at it, I could only stare blankly thinking to myself, wow it's really right in front of me! I'm not a history person, but I really really regretted not taking a picture in front of the Colosseum (it's like a must!) because it was raining heavily thus we had to head another way to exit and take shelter instead :(
After lunch, we arrived at the beautiful Trevi Fountain before visiting Spanish Steps.
I was quite disappointed with Trevi Fountain because thanks to the crowd, I didn't manage to fulfill my plan of making a wish after throwing coins in. PLUS, guess what? My impression of fountains were supposed to be round but the Trevi Fountain turned out otherwise.
Ohwells. At least I had a taste of Gelato, a must-try in Italy! There're lots of shops selling Gelato and I really don't know which are the famous ones but I just tried my luck at a nice-looking shop and I loved it.
I was spoilt for choice by the many flavours offered, but I eventually picked my standard dark chocolate and lime plus nutella, chocolate chic nut and pistaccho. 5 flavours in 1 choconut waffled cone, best gelato! And yes, I insisted on the chocolate nut waffled huge cone! Yummy!!!
Entered shops like Prada but it wasn't that cheap after all, so I left empty handed. I'm not a very brand conscious girl, so although it's relatively cheaper in Europe, I'm proud to say I didn't buy any PRADA goods at all! Maybe next time when I start working then I'll get a branded bag but for now, studying, I don't see a need to.
Walked all the way up the Spanish Steps and I caught some talented artistes there!
on random streets
Dinner
Checked into our hotel downtown for the night. There's free wifi so I was a happygirl.
And, hola, we're heading to Florence tomorrow morning!
My Rome City Guide
Dinner
Checked into our hotel downtown for the night. There's free wifi so I was a happygirl.
And, hola, we're heading to Florence tomorrow morning!
With Love, Rome
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