Where to go, where to dine, what to do, how to do it, what's going on and what's happening, why they happen, what to buy, where to buy, how to make sense of it all. The Freudian Slip points you to the answers to some of the common questions.
Roaming In Rome, The Eternal City
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The news about the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI was quite unexpected and while I was watching the news about his announcement, I was trying to recall my first visit to Rome 2 years ago. I could remember the day when our cruise ship docked in Civitavecchia, I was feeling giddy about the thought of going to Rome for the first time. It was a Wednesday and I know for a fact that every Wednesday is Papal Audience day in the Vatican. Together with some friends, we took a train to Rome.
Ticket to Rome
Traveling to Rome
My friend almost tipped this signage over trying to make a point that she has arrived in Rome
With my Spanish and Filipina friends posing outside the walls of St. Peter's
More Friends inside the St. Peter's Square
Swiss Guard on post waiting for the Pope to emerge out of St. Peter's Basillica
Pope Benedict XVI passing by on his popemobile blessing the crowd. This was the closest I could get to a Pope.
At St. Peter's Square attending the Wednesday Papal Audience of Pope Benedict XVI
After taking some pictures at St. Peter's Square, I walked all the way to Castel Sant' Angelo.
Castel Sant' Angelo
View of the Bridge from Castel Sant' Angelo
On my own, I decided to navigate this labyrinthine Roman Streets and in my wanderings, I saw myself standing at the Fontana Dei Quattro Fiumi.
It is the Fountain of the Four Rivers right at the center of Piazza Navona
Shown here on the left is the River God Ganges
From Piazza Navona, I decided to go to the Colosseum. I didn't have any map of some sort so I decided to take a cab to the Colosseum.
In front of the Colosseum
It is a long walk all the way from Piazza Navona to the Colosseum and it was a good thing that I decided to take a cab. I didn't have much time to spend in Rome. It was really a whirlwind day tour.
I was able to join another group of Filipinos so I went with them to the Piazza Venezia.
On the steps of Altar of the Fatherland
View of Piazza Venezia from the Altar of the Fatherland
From the Piazza Venezia, we found our way to the famous Trevi fountain, where we dropped of couse a few coins and made a wish. It is believed that those who make a wish at the Trevi Fountain will find their way back to Rome.
The Famous Trevi Fountain
Just made my wish and hoping to come back to Rome
Of course, the day ended with another visit to St. Peter's Basilica
Town-hopping from one historic place to another in Europe has given me the opportunity to appreciate not only the local colors but at the same time the wonderful architecture of the place, especially its churches and cathedrals. More than just the structural beauty, the story behind every building is equally astounding.
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2. St. Peter's Basilica - I found myself truly blessed when I had the opportunity to visit Rome and stand at St. Peter'...
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