Vatican and Rome

17-18 September 2011

It's a dream come true, one of the most unforgettable experience in my 33 years thus far. We were hooked because of its glorious monuments. Its architectural marvels are surrounded by chaotic traffic of cars and people. Graffiti are everywhere, nevertheless, it's still incomparable. 

Among the cities that I want to explore ever since were Vatican and Rome. One of the city that stands above the others, maybe because I have been reading and studying a lot of its history and even made a study about the Rise and Fall of Roman Empire during my college days in Santa Isabel. Some of the places and historical sites  written in my thesis are actually existing until now. No matter how many days you plan to spend in Rome, it will never be enough. I thought I will be telling a lot of stories after our trip, but most of the places we went would not need any introduction, as the photos would speak for themselves.

 The Colosseum is located in the city proper, a short walk from anything else you might like to see. It’s stunning, not just because of it’s age, but because it’s so big. I just can’t imagine how the ancient Romans managed to build something this size, by HAND.

 My favorite thing about Rome is the ancient sites and the architecture. Visiting the Colosseum was a great experience.  I found it difficult to understand how such a remarkable structure was constructed  around 2000 years ago without electricity and the resources we have today.

 The events that took place here were gladiatorial combats, wild beast hunts, vaudeville acts, and many types of theatrical entertainment. Among these, the gladiatorial combats and the wild beast hunts made up most of the program.

 The big open space that greeted us after the Colosseum was a sight to behold, the Saint Peter's Square (Piazza San Peitro) 

The queue going to the entrance of the Basilica were extremely long. Its like a pilgrimage to me and my husband, waiting for our turn to get inside under heat of the sun. I am living in my dreams now, an hour of waiting is really worth the wait.

 by the way, a little trivia...the white line behind me is the border between Vatican and Rome.  You cross it and you're in another country, isn't it great haha

 My up close and personal view of St. Peter’s Basilica with my eyes drawn upward, left me absolutely speechless. I can’t begin to describe what I felt when I first walked in.
Now I am with the throngs of tourists and worshippers inside the Basilica. Really, I am so fortunate.

 Michelangelo's Pieta

 picture taken from my iPhone. The impressive Baldachin, commonly known as the canopy. 

There are countless of things to see inside that I end up so confused on what to do, what to see first, where to go next or just sit, rest and pray. 

 We made a promise, never will we take  picture of ourselves inside but I broke it.

With so very limited time inside, we were not able reach the top of the dome to see the magnificent view of the world's smallest independent state. 

Vatican have a spectacular array of paintings and sculptures but we were very tired and exhausted walking inside the Basilica, really 5 hours inside is not enough. It's time to stop for much needed refreshment so we just went outside  to find one.

 There are many cafes and restaurants to choose from in Rome. Italy is fabulous for people watching, their regular pastime. Just grab a seat at a sidewalk table, relax with your espresso or gelato, and watch the world go by. It is very relaxing!

 Strolling through the narrow streets of Rome evokes wonder for a first time tourist like me. Now I can hear the roaring  waters of the fountain, excited much haha.

 Anyone heading to Rome for the first time knows they have to go to the Trevi Fountain and throw in a coin. It means you will return to the city. Luckily, Rome is that special you’ll want to return again and again so it’s not a coin wasted.

  While making our way closer to the fountain, I became aware of the possibility of pick-pockets. Ringed by hordes of tourists - sitting, resting and taking photographs, the place is also alive with those trying to make money. They offer to take your photograph, then ask for money in return. We did not stay long in the area, few shots from our camera just to have a souvenir of the famous fountain in the world.

 After taking these photo, I bought myself a gelato and go straight to our bus to take some rest. Oppps by the way, do your feet a favor, wear comfortable shoes while wandering the city of Rome.