vatican

“Stepping into the St. Peter Square in Vatican is indescribable. I’ve only seen this place in televisions, movies and read about it in books…”

My 2^nd time in Rome for the month of October! (The last time was Oct 11-13 See the pics here) Only few days gap but the weather changes extremely shocks me! The last time I was wearing sleeveless on a 14-16 degrees Celsius but it was so sunny so it’s still tolerable, but this time I was wearing long-sleeved but I don’t have my jacket with me. I thought it will still be sunny but to my surprise the climate became 9-12 degrees! It was freezing!

Ms. Bulgaria, Ms. Philippines, Ms. Nepal, Ms. Algeria and Ms. India (It’s official, I miss speaking in Tagalog!

The last time I’ve flown with fellow Filipina was last September! In my 3 years flying experience, it’s very rare if there’s no pinay mafia on board! hehehe!)The Vatican is the world’s smallest country, independent state, it is an autonomous region despite its close proximity to Rome. It has its own communication network, postal office (stamps), guards and transport system.

I usually preffered to join 2-3 crew, but this time we were 5 in the group but I didn’t regret joining them, we’ve had so much fun & laughter! Our tour begins waiting each other in the lobby of the hotel around lunchtime then took a cab, (I love the idea of riding the public transportation and walking on the neighborhood of the hotel. It gives you the real atmosphere of the place) went to

Piazza San Pietro or St. Peter’s Square, Every tourist in Rome comes to St. Peter’s Square and to the Vatican. The church is one of the world’s largest, covering 5.7 acres and able to hold 60,000 people.

Aside from being the heart of the Catholicism, it is also equally attractive to other tourists since Vatican is home to one of the world’s most spectacular art collections. St. Peter’s Square is the one of the main destination in Vatican City. Situated right in front of St. Peter’s Basilica, it is the central nerve of the Vatican. Every day, hundreds of Christians, Catholic pilgrims and tourists of all stripes came here to visit this popular tourist attraction. I felt holy being here!

The exterior of the Roman Colosseum is made entirely of travertine, stretching 527 m around and four stories high. The arches of the second and third stories were originally filled with statues. There were 80 entrances, with the two principal ones reserved for the emperor and his entourage.

We’re craving for authentic Italian food, fortunately the 2 restaurants that we’ve been for lunch and dinner fulfilled our expectation. The pasta was cooked to perfection and the sauce is compliments the pasta delightfully then had a gellato and cappuccino afterwards.

See The Rest of the Tour Pics Here:

1. Rome, Italy (October 11-13)

2. Rome, Italy (October 16-18)

The Eternal City of Rome is famous for its mind-blowing monuments, remarkable churches and magnificent museums but the squares in Rome are the best places to enjoy the vibrant city life and the perfect spot to laze away your day surrounded by people and history.

After 3 years of being a Flight Attendant who would believe that it’s my first time to be in Rome! As mentioned on my previous blog post, I was given 3 days Rome flight before but I swapped it for 24hours Manila because it’s Christmas Season. It was actually my fifth month of bidding this flight, at last they gave it to me! 2 Rome Flight in a row – back to back!

Arrived in our hotel (Sheraton Roma) past 8 in the evening. While in the lobby we all agreed to get ready in 15mins. To have a late dinner in the mall, at first I was hesitant to agree because I don’t have jacket and it’s freezing 9 degrees that night. Then while waiting for the Taxi the concierge told us that the mall is just open till 9pm only, so we’ve just decided to have a snack in the hotel. We ordered for Margherita Pizza, they ordered for their wines and since I don’t drink any alcohol beverage I just tried the Italian Cappuccino but it seems like Machiatto because it has more espresso shot and less froth milk. We all had a great chat that night about funny rants & gossip among our flights…hehe! Just Kidding!

Next day, it’s 14-16 degrees Celcius but it’s very sunny. We left the hotel around 11am, walk around, walk, and then walk again! Rome is best to explore by walking. Tour Rome walking your way through art and tradition. All other tourists are geared up with their boots, jacket or on a double clothing so they were all looking at me wondering why I’m the only one there without sleeves! Eh anong magagawa ko hindi naman ako nilalamig, so why be bothered to blend with them? But finally had the feeling that I’m cold after few hours and after eating lots of gelatto plus as a defense against the sun so nag long-sleeves na ’ko…

I can still recall the imitations of the Roman Colosseum I saw before in my previous travels such as Macau (See the pic here it looks the same but definitely smaller) The Colosseum is a tremendous amphitheater, the embodiment of both the grandeur and cruelty of the great Roman Empire. Construction of the Colosseum began about 72 AD and ended in 80 AD and has a capable of seating 50,000 spectators.

The Trevi Fountain is perhaps the most loved landmark in Rome after St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City and due to its enduring appeal this baroque fountain is probably the most photographed monument in Rome.

There’s a saying that when one visits the Fontana di Trevi in Rome, one should throw a coin in the fountain to ensure that one will get to visit again. Luckily, I have other countries coin or else I’ll throw away another 2 Euros! But what’s 2 Euro if you will experience your wishes can come true!

Roman Forum from the Capitoline Hill In this post we started by walking though the Capitonline Hill. Many of the current structures on the Hill are from the Medieval period or designed by Michelangelo during the Renaissance. Along the way, you’ll see people in costumes that will let you have a souvenir photo for an amount of 2 Euro…

After several pictures, we get to enjoy dinner at a very nice restaurant near the Fountain di Trevi. It was along the side of the street, with umbrellas and they were preparing candlelight dinner for evenings. When in Rome, we surely did as the Romans do. We had gelato, as there are shops in every other corner of every piazza. I could not get over the number of delicious flavors of this creamy Italian ice cream.

We Reach through taxi the lively Piazza di Spagna from where you will immerse yourself into beauty, history and mystery where the combination of a monumental staircase, the world renowned Spanish Steps. They said a trip to Rome would also not be complete without a visit to the – Spanish Steps, the most famous square in the city then Climb its 138 steps!