Italy Trip - Day 2

Date: 20th June 2009
Venue: Rome, Italy

We slept quite well last night as we were veru exhasuted. I, especially
had a nice sleep as i ate 2 paracetamol. Praise the Lord that i felt
much better when i woke up.

We were waiting for our breakfast to be served. We discussed
about type of breakfast that would be served. Would it be like
English breakfast? (with sausages, eggs and toasts) or would it
be buffet style breakfast? (with cornflakes). So, early in the morning
at about 7.30am, we were already waited at the dining table.
Stella already in the kitchen preparing breakfast by the time
we entered the dining room. She was making coffee as we could
smell the aroma of coffee. Finally, Stella served us with 2 tiny cups
of coffee and a packet of biscuit. We did not say anything but to
finish the coffee and biscuit. After we finished the breakfast only
we realized that normally Italian drink Expresso (a tiny cup of
coffee) and with biscuit as breakfast........ haha.... different country
different culture. I'm pretty sure that Nelson was not satisfied
with this type of breakfast.



After the breakfast, we headed Basilica St. Pietro. This place is
really magnificant. I really do not know how to describe my feeling
when i entered into this building. I was speechless. The sculpture
and the painting are so great........
Please visit website for more info about this building:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St._Peter%27s_Basilica

They have tight security check on tourists who enter into the building.
All your bags and cameras will need to go through the security
check scanner. Of couse all the tourists will have to go through
the security scanner gate.






Make sure you do not wear shorts or skirts (above knee level)
and sleeveless blouse or T-shirt if you want to enter to
the building


















We spent nearly the whole morning in St.Pietro. Then, we had a simple
lunch (just panini) and we continued our journey. We walked down
the road and we reached Castle Sant' Angelo. We did not enter into
this castle as the entrance fees are quite expensive.
Please visit the website for more information about this castle,
which now is a museum.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Castel_Sant%27Angelo





Then, we crossed the Ponte Sant' Angelo. Ponte means "bridge"
in Italian. There are quite a lot of bridges along the Tevere River
(Fiume River).
Please visit the website for more information about this bridge.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ponte_Sant%27Angelo




There are some stalls selling souvenirs and ice cream not far
away from Ponte Sant' Angelo.




In front of Ponte Umberto I is the Palazzo di Giustizia. This is a
place of justice.



I saw this complete set of Noah's Ark in one of the shops near Ponte
Umberto I.





Next, we walked further down the street and we reached
P.zza Navova. It is a city square in Rome. There are a lot
of fountains in this city square.

Please visit the website for more information:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Piazza_Navona



Fontana del Nettuno



Fountain of the Four Rivers
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fontana_dei_Quattro_Fiumi


Not far from P.zza Navova is the Pantheon. I think many people
should be familiar with this place. Pantheon is a temple for all the
gods in ancient Rome. This place was really crowded
with local people and tourists. The design of the building is unique.
The building is circular with three ranks of huge granite Corinthian
columns.
Please visit website for more information:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pantheon,_Rome







Joyce starts to show her funny face expression whenever
she sees horse.


Wow... it was indeed a hot day in Rome. So, we decided to stop
for Italian homemade ice cream. One of the children in Harborne
Kids Club told me that i must try the Italian homemade soft ice
cream if i were to visit Italy. She is right, it's a must to try!!!!
The ice cream is so creamy and soft....



Nelson is happy with the ice cream


I accidentally tripped over a small stone and my feet was hurt. At first
we decided to stop our journey and just sat down to rest. We looked at
the map to locate the next destination, it was stated as a fountain. Well,
we thought we should stop and rest as it was nothing interesting about
fountain. Afterall, we had seen so many fountains around Rome. As we
need water to clean the wound on my feet, we thought we should at least
walk until somewhere near the fountain to get some clean water.

I tell you we will regret if we did not try to make it to this fountain. It
is not a small fountain. It is a huge fountains with lots of statues .
It is magnificant!!!!!! It is Fonte di Trevi. The fountain is not only
celebrated for its excellent water but for the legend that whoever drinks it
or throws coins in the fountain will assure his return to Rome.







Next, we were at Trinita dei Monti. It is a Baroque church in Rome.
Please visit website for more information:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trinit%C3%A0_dei_Monti



This place is again crowded with people


Then, we came to Fontana del Tritone.
Please visit website for more info:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Triton_Fountain




Next, Piazza delia Repubblica. It is a semi circular piazza in Rome.
In front of the piazza is the Fountain of the Naiads.
Please visit website for more info:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Piazza_della_Repubblica



After about 8 hours walking here and there in Rome, we decided to
call it a day and back to Stella House.


The entrance of Stella House.... with huge door


We had terrible dinner last night, so we decided to treat ourselved
with nice dinner. We really enjoyed the food although it's a bit
expensive than what we had last night.


Joyce's starter - mussels


Joyce's main course - Egg Plant Pizza
Nelson's main course - grilled chicken


Mix fruit - dessert

End of 2nd day..................................................