Day 1 in Rome
First site, the Colosseum! As our bus driver skilfully drove us around the site, while avoiding the infamous roman traffic of course, every single one of us sat in awe at one of the 7 wonders of the world. It was so extraordinary!
Our tour guide of the day, Alexandria, showed up and told us the many happenings and histories of the Colosseum. Things like how it was originally called the Flavian Amphitheatre and how it was able to seat about 50,000 spectators. Unfortunately, we couldn't enter the Colosseum that day due to some complications, but we got our chance the next morning. (:
After that, we made our way to the Roman Forums, the Vittorio Emanuele II located at Piazza Venezia and then walked all the way to the Trevi Fountain; the legend that's held here is that if an individual were to throw 3 coins with their right hand over their left shoulder, luck will come their way. Did you know that 3k euros is thrown into the fountain every day? The money is then used to help the needy people in Rome!
We then went to the Spanish Steps in Piazza di Spagna, where we climbed all 138 steps! A proud moment for us rather physically challenged students. Afterwards, we had our lunch (our first Italian meal for the trip) and then was taken to the Holiday Inn, where we rested for a while before heading off to dinner.
Day 2 in Rome
After breakfast, we went to the Colosseum once again (and met up with our second tour guide, Valeria), but this time, to actually enter! As we entered (for free btw), we walked through the pathways and while catching glimpses of the arena through the arches. We headed towards the arena to find the hypogeum; tunnels that were once underground but now totally exposed to visitors.
Afterwards, we were dropped off at the Piazza Navona (which is one of the locations for the films Angels and Demons), and then soon after, the Pantheon; it was originally built as a temple for the Roman Gods, so as you go in, you’ll be able to see a massive dome above your head, with a giant hole in the middle which allows sunlight to enter. When it rains, there're little "invisible" holes in the ground to drain out the water.
Vatican City was our next destination! Since we didn’t have enough time to visit all 8 museums, Valeria dragged us straight to the Sistine Chapel, where we actually saw, Michelango’s very own masterpieces! We weren’t allowed to snap photos though but if you asked any one of us students to tell you what his paintings meant, we could lay all the stories down for you! *giggles* Then, we went to St. Peter’s Basilica (also a location in Angels and Demons). Eyes widened + mouths opened + noses flared = the expression on everyone’s faces! It was beyond amazing! Rays of light shined through the windows as if heaven dropped down on earth! Unbelievable. You. Just. Had. To. Be. There.
Afterwards, we were dropped off at the Piazza Navona (which is one of the locations for the films Angels and Demons), and then soon after, the Pantheon; it was originally built as a temple for the Roman Gods, so as you go in, you’ll be able to see a massive dome above your head, with a giant hole in the middle which allows sunlight to enter. When it rains, there're little "invisible" holes in the ground to drain out the water.
Vatican City was our next destination! Since we didn’t have enough time to visit all 8 museums, Valeria dragged us straight to the Sistine Chapel, where we actually saw, Michelango’s very own masterpieces! We weren’t allowed to snap photos though but if you asked any one of us students to tell you what his paintings meant, we could lay all the stories down for you! *giggles* Then, we went to St. Peter’s Basilica (also a location in Angels and Demons). Eyes widened + mouths opened + noses flared = the expression on everyone’s faces! It was beyond amazing! Rays of light shined through the windows as if heaven dropped down on earth! Unbelievable. You. Just. Had. To. Be. There.
Nadirah! Caught red-handed!
Day 3 in Rome
On this day, we headed up north from Rome, about a half an hour away, to Tivoli. A humble town with chilly weather, friendly people and good food! Not to mention Villa d'Este, a villa that is now a UNESCO World Heritage site with fine Renaissance Architecture and Italian Renaissance garden (also a location for the Lizzie Mcguire Movie)!
The buildings there are centuries old but so well preserved that most of the paintings, furniture, wallpaper are still in remarkable shape. And the garden is breath-taking! The shooting water from all fountains are apparently not operated by machinery, but are natural circulated by the hills; as in the water pressure fr the fountains come naturally from the hills of Tivoli. We then had lunch at the most adorable Italian restaurant on top of the highest hill in Tivoli. The food was delicious! <3>
Afterwards, we had the rest of the day to do as we please! Most of us went SHOPPING!
Day 4 in Rome
Free and easy day! The best time to shop and site see!
Day 5 in Rome
Bye bye Rome. )':
The buildings there are centuries old but so well preserved that most of the paintings, furniture, wallpaper are still in remarkable shape. And the garden is breath-taking! The shooting water from all fountains are apparently not operated by machinery, but are natural circulated by the hills; as in the water pressure fr the fountains come naturally from the hills of Tivoli. We then had lunch at the most adorable Italian restaurant on top of the highest hill in Tivoli. The food was delicious! <3>
Afterwards, we had the rest of the day to do as we please! Most of us went SHOPPING!
Day 4 in Rome
Free and easy day! The best time to shop and site see!
Day 5 in Rome
Bye bye Rome. )':
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