End of 2011 trip - Venice, ITALY

The place that I most looked forward to this trip.  It is undoubtedly beautiful and full of its own characters.  One of a kind!

End of 2011 trip - Florence, ITALY

Michael Angelo's hometown, also home to "David" and many other famous statues.  Florence is considered as "Cradle of the Renaissance".

Basilica of Saint Mary of the Flower

Inside of Basilica

The sculpture-studded Signoria Square

羅馬夜景

Vatican City

Merry go round

Castle of St Angelo

End of 2011 trip - Rome, ITALY

After a long 13-hour flight, we arrived into Rome internatonal airport, at 6am.  It was a rainy day.

Rome, as famously known by all a city full of history and ancient artefacts.  It is certainly a pure heaven for history and art passionates.  I felt like I was transported back into ancient time.  I was most intrigued by the well known Michaelangelo's paintings in Sistine Chapel, Vetican City.  Having known the stories behind and understanding the painter's mind make the paintings even more beautiful.  Now I can understand why Michaelangelo is called a genius of all time in the fine art history.

History aside, Rome is quite an interesting city unfortunately in a not-so-good way. The traffic is bad.  Drivers are ruthless.  They drive to their own rules.  Pedestrians need to be extra careful when crossing.  Beggers are a common sight.  They would come right in your face with their little tin cup.  This is the best time to practise "ignorance is a bliss"! LOL.

There are also many off street sellers, selling fake goods mainly designer bags. LV, Gucci, Prada etc all laid out nicely on the floor.  When the polices were around the area, they grabbed their bags all in their arms like bracelets and disappeared in seconds.  The next thing I saw, they were in business again in a different street!

On a good sunny day, people come to you selling sunnies.  On a rainy day, you have human trees of umbrellas running into you, €5 each.  Then on a cloudy day, all disappeared, you have your peace and quiet! LOL.

Just arrived into Rome Leonardo Da Vinci International Airport

Our hotel which is just a stone throw away from the Vatican city

Castle of St Angelo

Piazza Navona

Christmas Market at Piazza Navona

Pantheon

Spanish Steps

Via Condotti - the place I found my comfort after an awfully long day of walking

Trevi Fountain

Vatican Museum

Genesis and The Last Judgement by Michaelangelo

St. Peter's Basilica

The stunning interior of St. Peter's Basilica

Sunnies for sunny day!

Take note fashionistas, the world first shopping mall! (no longer in operation of course!)

Piazza Venezia (aka the Wedding Cake)

Colosseum

Why we should drive a teeny-weeny car

I am not a fan of pizza, but the authentic version is just so much nicer.  Love~

And yes, ice-cream in winter!  LOL