ITALY... absolutely love the fabulous food, the very fine wine, the excellent shopping, the rich history, and the warm & frenly italians : )Rome
You don't frequently bump into familar faces in Orchard Road, Holland V... but in the Roman City, you run into frens @ the main train station and JC classmates staying next door in Mr Carlo's backpackers hostel!! Go work out the probability of this happening!
Was kinda disappointed to discover that the Colosseum and The Roman Forum were right in front of the subway station... was thankful for the convenience and easy access... but still...
"All Roads lead to Rome" : ) ... you have not crossed a real road until you cross one in Rome. The drivers don't give way to the pedestrian even when you have the right of way!!
The St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican City is huge. Ran quite a distance all the way just to see the famous Sistine Chapel. The chapel was crowded with tourists, straining their necks as they stare at Michelangelo's famous masterpiece on the ceiling.
Don't mean to be disrespectful, but one queer observation i made: The many statues inside the dim churches/duomos look more like an 'ang moh' version of the Chinese temples. The devotees offering prayers and incense offerings to the saints.
No point trying to beat the crowd by arriving early @ the Spanish Steps so that you can have the enire place to yourselves, coz you need the crowd to have that 'feel' and 'busy mood'. Else, the photos won't look quite right. :P
"When in Rome, do as the Romans do" i.e. you shop when the shops are open, you go have your lunch and siesta when the shops are closed for siesta as well! :P
Naples
Joined a day tour from Rome to Naples. Very interesting to have a knowledgeable local guide to tell you all the history of the lost city. Looking through the remains of the ruined city of Pompeii, learnt that it's not true that in ancient days the folks were much more conservative. Their lifestyle could be more decadent, kinky, sinful and wild.
Pisa
Being there, staring @ the Leaning Tower of Pisa, makes you wonder if it's gonna collapse any moment soon!
Florence
Gawked @ the magnificent Statue of David. Another brilliant work of art by the very talented Michelangelo.
Didn't bump into the dangerous italian mafia, but bumped into the national soccer team hunky players who were on their way north for a match with Holland's Ajax (i think). : )
Didn't get to visit the famous vineyards though...
Venice
1st impression: This place is all out to Fleece the tourist monies!! Everything is so bloody Expensive and souvenir shops all over the place!!!
No cars... and Kinda fun watching Venetian version of the ambulance, police patrol, taxi, 'bus' ferries...
There's a mix of Airy Delicacy and Dim Melancholy... somewhat romantic feel @ the Piazza San Marco during Sunset.
Milan
Ranks alongside Paris and London as one of Europe's greatest places to shop. Fashion is its lifeblood, and the famous Golden Quad "Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II" houses some of the world's most exclusive boutiques.
Didn't have enough monies to check out the resorts in the nearby Alps and lakes.
Will definitely visit the beautiful country and its frenly people again : )
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