Rome (Roma), Italy - 25-28 September 2007

The drive to Roma from Assisi was uneventful. Once again, out of sheer luck or blessing, I found the Hostel Asian Delight in Roma. I say this because this city is HUGE and to be able to find the hostel without having to deal with traffic or parking was a blessing in itself...or perhaps I've become a seasoned city driver with a dose of 'when-in-Rome-do-as-the-Romans-do'?

The guest room we will stay in for 4 consecutive nights (the longest on this trip) is rustic with unpainted walls but well complemented with modern home comforts like a TV, DVD player, mini refrigerator, desk and free wireless connection! A home away from home feel indeed!

As the hostel is located in an Asian district, we were simply delighted (hence the hostel's namesake?) to find many Chinese restaurants near by. After a really good and cheap Chinese lunch, we took the Metro to the Forum area and saw the Colosseum and the rest of the attractions there. By 6 PM, I was dead tired and couldn't take in another sight of old Roman ruins still in excavating stages by the University of Rome and other institutions. The city has a long time-line and tomorrow we will see some of Renaissance, Christian and Baroque Rome. The weather -- no complains there. Some photos below - more will be uploaded later when time permits:

Above left: @ the Rome Colosseum; Above right: Rome Forum

Above: Rome Forum

Wednesday 9/26/07 - Another blessed day. I did not know that there would be a public Mass today at the Vatican. When we showed up at the gate in the morning, we were surprised to find a large crowd of people walking in lines to get inside the Vatican City. We asked a woman in front of us what the occasion was and she said that there was a public Mass. She and her friend were holding a ticket each. Worried that we didn't have a ticket, she gave us a spare one just in case we needed to "show" it to the guard. By the time we reached the entrance, the Swiss Guard merely directed us to an area to seat, sans ticket request. We stepped up to the front area and got seats in clear view of the stage and that were also close to the barrier railings (where I got a marvelous shot of the Pope when his Pope-mobile drove by). I was SO excited. The Mass was long and celebrated in several languages with people from all over the world. It was truly wonderful. After the Mass, we walked around the Vatican. I also got my rosary blessed by a Bishop. I saw the gigantic St Peter's Basilica and toured the massive frescoes and monuments and paintings by Michelangelo, Bossini and others. The climb up to the Dome rewarded me with a bird's eye view of the city -- another wow-ser!

Above left: View from the Dome of St. Peter's; Above right: St Peter's Basilica in the background

Thursday 9/27/07 - After more than an hour's wait in line to enter the Vatican Museum, we finally reached the entrance @ 11 AM only to be pleasantly informed that today was a free museum day for all. Woohoo! Another blessed day! :) I am contented now to have seen the two most important displays there -- the Raphael rooms and the frescoes in the Sistine Chapel (by Michelangelo). Truly amazing work.

After the museum, we took the Metro to Piazza Spagna and like the rest of Rome, the place was crowded with tourists and touts. I wonder how the locals are able to tolerate this constant barrage of crowds. After Piazza Spagna, we decided to return to the apartment early to rest - the continuous traveling and sightseeing were starting to hit us. It was a good call too as it started to rain later in the day. We had a very satisfying Korean dinner. :)

Above left: The Sistine Chapel in the Vatican Museum - truly a masterpiece!; A spiral staircase in the Vatican Museum

Friday 9/28/07 - It was a cool day to walk and sight-see despite the intermittent showers (of blessings, in my opinion). Perhaps due to the rain, we didn't encounter as many tourists and touts out on the streets, which was a welcome respite from the days of constant pushing and shoving in the crowds. The market at Campo di Fiuri was a nice change from the tours of museums and churches of previous days (it's always good to mix things up).

Above left: @ the Pantheon; Above right: @ Piazza del Popolo

Above left: The famous Fountain de Trevi; Above right: Fresh produce from the Campo di Fiuri market

So what can I say? Rome is overall a great place to visit. I got a good sign that Rome is always going to be here for me if I so chooses to return to the Eternal City for a reprise visit. This Italian waiter, who served us breakfast every morning, gave us this warm, huge and unforgettable smile as he bid us farewell. What sincerity and generosity!