Travel: Our Sagada (mis)adventures!

Strength does not come from physical capacity. It comes from an indomitable will.
-Mahatma Gandhi
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How does an inactive, couch potato survive Sagada spelunking? Well, read on and find out...
 
The hubby and myself were on our home leave and we promised the nieces and the nephew a Hongkong or a Singapore trip. Poor planning, however, made it impractical to see Disneyland or Universal Studios. But a promise is a promise (and with these kids, it's a covenant!) so we had to provide an alternative.

The searing heat of Philippine summer made the choice quite easy - go up north where the mountains and the cold weather are. My fascination with UNESCO Heritage Sites brought the 7 of us to the municipality of Sagada in the Mountain Province.

Sagada is located 275 km north of Manila and takes around 10 hours from our place in Pampanga. We took a 10PM bus to Baguio and the 6:30 AM GL-Lizardo Trans arriving in Sagada at around 1PM. The commute itself was strenuous but the majestic views of mountain stretches, rice terraces and roadside waterfalls made it bearable. 

Breathtaking view on the way to Sagada

Exhausted, hungry and with little sleep, we found our way to the municipal tourist information center where we registered ourselves and paid the PhP 35 environmental fee. We found a place to stay at the Isabelo's Inn and Cafe for PhP250 per person a night (with free wifi!).

Now, we are officially registered Sagada tourists....

Lunch at the famous Yoghurt House. Sagada is known for its delectable specialties that we just had to try some of them. The Yoghurt house is touted to have the best, well, yoghurt! :)

Delicious fares at the Yoghurt House...

Lake Danum and a majestic sunset at Mount Ampacao. After catching a few winks, we opted to book the Lake Danum/sunset tour. The lake is, well, unimpressive but it gave us an opportunity to take some nice photos. As for the sunset, it was majestic in its own rights but not really comparable to that of Santorini. :)

Goofing around Lake Danum...

Aspiring models all...

Sunset at Mount Ampacao...majestic in its own rights...

Day 2: Spelunking at Sumaguing. I was warned! But everybody said you have not been to Sagada if you don't do the cave tours. There were actualy 2 cave tours you can choose from - the Cave Connection and the Short Course Caving. Having been warned of the difficulties of the former (and simply reading the description in the brochure), we opted for the short course caving...not without some precautions, I tell you. 

Q: We have kids with us, can they do this? 
A: If they're older than 7, sure.  

Q: CAN I DO IT? 
A: (Guide looked at me from head to toe and said...) If you set your mind to doing it, then you can do it! 

Bah!! That sounded like a challenge. 

The short course caving tour actually includes a Dokiw hanging coffin viewpoint, a Lumiang burial cave entrance, rice terraces viewpoint and of course, the Sumaging cave adventure which promises to treat us with " awesome rock arts, a wade through waist deep water, rappelling and boulder climbing". Not bad, huh! Sumaguing is also home to hundreds of bats and yeah, you would need to go through the bat dung section to go to the next part. Still interested?! :)

So, with our petite but really awesome guide, Dalifer...off we went to our great (mis) adventure of the day (of my lifetine, probably)!

First stop, the Dokiw hanging coffin viewpoint. After a  few minute-walk, we were treated with gorgeous rock formations and of course, some of the hanging coffins. Sagada is famous for this traditional way of burying people which is still practiced by some. We were told that not everyone can be buried this way; one had to be married and have grandchildren to qualify (among other things). So there goes my chances, no grandchildren to boot. :)

Hanging coffins and awesome rock formations...

Next was a visit to the Lumiang burial cave. The challenge started here as you need to descend about hundred feet down and go up the same way. It was an eerie experience, what with old coffins and skeletal remains around in the darkness of the cave...

Oh yes, these are coffins, alright!

View of the rice terraces. The rice terraces in Sagada are not the most breathtaking but they are not less than remarkable.The trek to Sumaguing cave is made bearable by these fantastic wonders of human ingenuity.

Ingenious wonders indeed!

Now, comes the Sumaguing cave adventure. The cave has a huge opening and you would need to go down a number (hundreds!!!) of steps to proceed. It's like a descent to the unknown. Next, is the overpowering smell of bat dung and if you shun anything icky, this one is not for you...its like, eeewwww, as my nieces exclaimed. The only thing that prods you on is the excitement of what's next. If you're lucky too, you will have spots of dung droppings as you proceed. :) Totally, eeewwww....

Having fun still...

That was the easy part...next you have to continue your descent with only rocks to hang on to and slippery boulders to contend with. My sister-in-law almost slipped all the way through but was saved by our guide. My brother jokingly said "Sayang...". Hehe...

Shoe off now...the hubby declined to proceed further claiming painful corns and calluses...so he opted to wait for us. Where is your sense of adventure??!! Well, he probably had common sense...:)

Those are extremely slippery boulders...

So, we waded through cold cave waters...slippery boulders...had,  at some point, needed to descend by stepping on the shoulders of the guide (yeah, yeah...poor him)..But yeah, the rock formation are a sight to behold - we saw the mother and kid elephant, the Queen (giving birth), the King (the reason for the queen's form) and the Prince. We also saw the cake and the curtains...:)

Now, rappelling!! What?! I thought there's another route?! Well, the other route requires wading through neck deep water. So, what now...the kids say - rapelling! I was outvoted. So, be it (with an uttered prayer)!! I was so worried that I cannot lift my own body weight that I vowed at that point to lose some...Did I honor that vow? Well, the camel ride in Dubai made me rethink...but that's another story... :p

Not my best shots, but hey, these are proofs...:)

Ok, I rappelled. I survived. Me: What?! Another one?! Noooooooo!!!!!  Guide: Oh, yeessss!!!

So, we had to go back same way we came, so back to the point where we left the hubby....and seeing what we needed to climb still, I almost cried!! I saw the vertical climb that I feared for everybody's survival. It was so steep with only rock protrusions to help the ascend. You then come to the realization that this is what you survived climbing down and that there is no other way up. I probably called all the saints beseeching them to just get us through this...please, please LORD! Sabi siguro ni Lord  "Ginusto mo yan eh...".

And then we saw the light....no, silly, we survived!!! ! ...that's the entrace to the cave...a few more climb...one..two...a few more steps...three..four...don't care about the bat dung...$%$&....slide through it...hundred more steps....bring it on!!!!

Then, FREEDOM!!! Halo-halo treat came next...:)  :)

Survivors all...yipppeeee!!!

  
  Can't imagine how we survived this (mis)adventure...how I survived it! But I did and I AM PROUD!!.. Will I do it again?! Nooooooo.....not in this lifetime!!!
 

It was indeed an adventure of a lifetime and memories I will always share with my brother's family. Let's do this again...the vacation I mean, not the spelunking...:)

Take a (Turkish) bath!

...an insanely relaxing experience!
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It was for official purpose, for sure. Our Turkish colleagues decided to hold their task teams inventory workshop for the Turkey National Implementation Plan (NIP) update and review project in Antalya, the country's biggest international sea resort. I won't bore you with the details of the work I do, but one of the perks of the job is being able to go to gorgeous place like this... for free! :).

Get a glimpse of this Mediterranean paradise...

Fantastic views from the Mirada del Mar Hotel

Enjoying the place

Anyways, I felt really exhausted on the second day of the workshop. Well, who wouldn't?! I came from a two-week long duty travel in Manila and Sao Paulo - attending high level meetings to find solution to some frustrating issues, enduring 14-hour drives (both ways) to go to Bicol to present a paper on the work we do in the Philippines and suffering a 28-hour haul from Manila to Brazil to attend a very important workshop of the Stockholm Convention Secretariat. Add the (happy) pressures of celebrating your birthday, attending a family reunion, attending to the needs and whims of the nieces and the nephew...wheeewww!!!  By the way, I "passed by"  our Vienna home, arriving at 3 PM last Saturday and leaving for Antalya at 7AM the next day.

The hotel's wellness center...

Now, back to the main story. One Turkish colleague apparently noticed the constant stretching to relieve soreness and recommended that I try the Turkish bath offered by the hotel spa. So, of course I had to ask "What is a Turkish bath?". She simply shrugged and replied, "It's best experienced than described." with a hint of a naughty smile. Hmmm, curiosity...curiosity!

So after the usual "thank you's"  and "see you soon's", I marched down the spa center and booked myself the luxury  spa package with a Turkish bath, a hot stone and facial treatment and a Balinese massage for a whooping price of  70 Euro!!! (hahaha...gosh, this is definitely a steal!!)

So, there I was at the spa promptly at 5:30 PM,  welcomed with an unknown tea concoction. I was led to a personal dressing cubicle, made to strip down to my undies, gave me sandals and a colorful checkered cloth (I initially thought its a table cloth :) - I learned later that it's called a peştemal to be tied around the body for modesty) and led to a dark hallway and  taadaaahhh....the Turkish bath!


Called hamam, the bath itself is interesting. It's like going back to the Ottoman Empire and reliving the time when emperors bathed in their naked glory ( the naked is obvious, the glory needs to be checked :)). The bath is hot (think sauna hot) and completely made of marble with raised platforms (sorry, the comparison that comes to mind is a raised marble tomb). Again, with little research, I learned that these platforms are called  göbektaşı. This is where you relax and sit or lie down, sweating it out to the soothing piped-in music.

Since I  was not able to photograph the actual bath in the hotel, for obvious reasons, I googled some photos to give an idea how the bath looked....

Thanks Google for the photos...

After probably a lifetime (its just about 15 minutes but I hate heat, so it felt like a lifetime), an attendant entered and asked me to lie down in the göbektaşı.

And the surreal bathing experience began....

In a rhythmic trance, the attendant began pouring deliciously warm water all over my body and lathered me with foamy soap. Then, the scrubbing began. She wore a sandpaper-like wash cloth and started scouring away dead skin cells and accumulated dirt (?). She then worked up a lather and the satiny feeling and delicious scent of soap suds enveloped my body while her gentle massage rocked me to an almost orgasmic sensation (ehherrmmm, pardon the loss for adjective) . Then, very gently, she started the rinsing ritual with warm water. I was still in dreamland when the shocking sensation of cold water touched my skin!  Asked to relax still for a few minutes, I savoured again the hotness of the marble platform. After 5 minutes, she re-entered the bath and asked me to stand...and then, again splashes of warm water to the "sensitive" parts completing the rinsing ritual. She then dried me up, gave me a fresh towel and led me to the "cold room" to cool down a bit...

O-M-G!! So this is how babies felt when being bathed! It was surreal, dreamlike - with the attendant taking control of the whole experience...


The Turkish bath alone melted down all the physical soreness and mental exhaustion of the last few days and I still had the hot stone and facial treatment with the Balinese massage! What universal good have I done to deserve such karmic reward?!!

Also, I was told that, traditionally, male attendants usually give the bath...tssskk, I should have known. :)

Nonetheless, I should profusely thank the Turkish colleague who advised me to give it a try and my stars and planet for appositely aligning to allow me to experience this realm of physical pleasures.

By the way, the spa has a Cleopatra package....hmmmmm..... next time, next time....

Travel: Carnevale di Venezia!

Man is least himself when he talks in his own person. Give him a mask and he will tell you the truth. - Oscar Wilde
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We endured the 8 hour bus drive with the Aguman Kapampangan group from Vienna to Venice to take part in its famous Carnival festivities. The trip is supposed to be a celebration of the birthdays of all Februarians in the group.

I have been to Venice before and said "So this is it! the city of romance, gondolas and O' sole mio!" The city is beautiful, no doubt - charming to the core - but the tales of tourist rip offs and unfriendly locals are also true. This, however, should not stop anyone from experiencing the city and taking pleasure in its sights, sounds and history. Also, the whole city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site...so there...:)

Take pleasure in the city's sights, sounds and history.

As I've said, I have been to Venice before but not during a Carnival season. So, the Carnevale de Venezia plus the hubby in tow made this visit much more special.

During this time, the whole city was vibrant with color, teeming with interesting masked figures! An almost dreamlike, magical time where Venetians and tourists alike lose themselves in their flamboyant costumes and fanciful masks. I soooo loved the festivities!

According to Wikipedia,  "the Carnival of Venice was started from a victory of the Repubblica della Serenissima, Venice's previous name against the Patriarch of Aquileia, Ulrico in the year 1162.  In honor of this victory, the people started to dance and make reunions in San Marco Square." Somehow, the carnival declined in the 18th century and was only revived in 1979. Since then, the festivities became a tourist magnet - with most taking part in the celebration with their own costumes and masks or with their face colorfully painted.

Let me share with you some of the grandest costumes I've photographed...

Flamboyant costumes all..

and the weirdest...

And a photo ops with some of them....
.

And naturally, the greatest reason why this visit was most memorable - it was spent with the person who truly loves me, mask or no mask! :) 

Hello 2013!

...looking forward to a year of wonders and blessings!
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Last night's New Year's eve celebration was simple....traditional media noche feast, soothing violin's music in the background, sweet fragrance from scented candles, chilled wine and the two of us.

New Year's eve celebration for two...

 Today, I woke up refreshed! I had a very good sleep that I thought 'what a good start for a new year!'.

While browsing the net, I found this powerful proclamation in a blog site:

"Today, I receive all GOD's love for me. 

Today, I open myself to the unbounded, limitless, overflowing abundance of GOD's universe.

 Today, I open myself to GOD's blessings, healing and miracles. 

Today I open myself to GOD's words so that I become more like GOD everyday. 

Today, I proclaim that I am GOD's beloved, I'm GOD's servant, I'm GOD's Powerful Champion! 

And because, I am blessed, I will bless the world, in GOD's name. AMEN.

It was just so appropriate for the 1st day of the new year that the message hit me hard.Thank you GOD, indeed, for these 1st day blessings!

 2013... I look forward to your wonders, challenges and blessings! I am hopeful...

Travel: Veselé Vánoce! (Christmas in Prague...)

.....you had me at hello!
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We were there in September! That was when the (in)famous kiss that would put to shame Gustav Klimt's version happened... right in the middle of Charles' Bridge! Can't help it...the City is simply enchanting... magical...

The KISS that puts to shame Klimt's version :)

Its no surprise, therefore, that we decided to spend Christmas in Prague and have a second, deeper appreciation of the city with hundred spires...(plus the fact that I do NOT wish to see another airport this year made the choice easier!:))

Christmas in Prague is a delightful experience both for the eyes and the palate. At Christmas, the whole city displays its usual grandeur enveloped with the holidays warmth (despite the cold). We loved taking a stroll in its archaic, cobbled streets and partaking of the culinary offerings of the Vanochni trh (Christmas markets) that are all over the city.

The markets flaunt a variety of local  knick knacks you'll love to bring home. But it was the display of Czech traditional gastronomic delights that made the experience more appealing. A cup of svařené víno or svařák (hot wine) to warm the body, unhealthy (but insanely delicious!) slices of the freshly-roasted old prague ham or peppered klobasa (sausages) to fill the stomach and a couple of freshly-prepared, cinammon-dashed, sugary Trdelnik for the sweet tooth - complete a meal.

And yes, what is Christmas without noche buena. While we miss nilaga, asado, kaldereta, kalamay and bibingka of home, we tried traditional Czech cuisine in our hotel's famous La Boca restaurant. The food was not exceptional but the ambiance was superb!

We had Boullabaise de La Boca and Plato Iberico - slices of Jamon Serrano, Queso Manchego (sheep cheese), chorizo de Bellota with olives, honey dew melon and tomato bruschetta - for starters. For the main meal, the hubby tried the fried Třeboň carp (we were told all Czechs have this fish in their Christmas eve dinner) and I had the roasted venison with Carlsbad dumplings and cranberry sauce. Franky, I did not enjoy my venison - I guess, its not palatable to have Rudolf for dinner especially during Christmas. :)

We truly enjoyed the Christmas experience in Prague but hey, we were still 'tourists' who needed to do some touring! And tour we did!!!

Our hotel was situated right smack the middle of Staré Město (old town) and Nové Město (you guessed it - new town). Most interesting sights are walking distances so the feet did the work (foot massages came after...)! :)

Prague is filled with interesting places that it would be difficult to show all and tell all in this blog. Nonetheless, I came up with a list of places to see and things to do - just in case you fancy a trip to Prague sometime: :)

 1. Step into history at the Old Town Square

Panoramic view of the Old Town Square

Stepping into the Old Town Square(Staroměstské náměstí) is like going back in time. The square is adorned with ancient buildings and magnificent churches each with their own stories, history and intrigues.

Astronomical Clock at the old town hall tower

The most fascinating sight for me was the Astronomical Clock situated at the southern wall of the Old Town tower. Built in 1410, the clock is the third oldest astronomical clock in the world and the oldest one still working. To this date, the clock continues to provide a full range of astronomical data. Below the clock are 12 medallions with the signs of the Zodiac.

At the strike of the hour, join the throng of people gathered in front of the tower to view the procession of the twelve apostles while the skeleton of Death tolls the bell. It is a full-minute of fascinating mechanical artistry.

The Old Town Hall tower that houses the clock was built in 1338 (completed in 1364) and is one of the most striking buildings in Prague. Severely damaged during the WW II, Gothic and Renaissance -style buildings now make up the expanded town hall.

Asymmetrical Tyn Church Spires

Another imposing structure in the square is the Gothic Church of Tyn, or The Church of Our Lady Before Tyn. The grand spires of the church are like compasses directing you towards old town.

According to Prague experience website, "the Tyn Church (Týnský Chrám) was founded in 1385, a tumultuous period when the Hussites were being slaughtered by the ruling Roman Catholics. Indeed, in time Catholic Jesuits took over the church, recasting the bell and replacing the Hussites symbolic chalice with a large figure of Mary nailed between the towers.

Although the structure is not the same, legend has it that Tyn Church gave Walt Disney the inspiration for Sleeping Beauty Castle. True or not, it is certainly an awe-inspiring sight both during the day, and even more so at night brightly lit against a dark sky. And take a close look at the two spires on the church. They are not symmetrical. They represent the masculine and  feminine sides of the world."

2. Charles Bridge: its statues and rituals

Charles Bridge, Karlův most, is the famous historic bridge named after King Charles IV, lined with 30 statues on both sides.  The bridge offers a fantastic view of the river and the city but what made the walk here more interesting are the "rituals"  that transpire.  

St John of Nepomuk and the reliefs below the statue

Touch the reliefs below the bronze statue of St. John of Nepomuk, the oldest statue created in 1683 by Matthias Rauchmüller and Jan Brokoff. St. John of Nepomuk was a priest, who refused to betray a secret, confided to him by Queen Sophia, to the king Wenceslas IV. He was tortured on the king´s demand and then thrown to the river Vltava from the Charles Bridge in 1393.Purportedly, touching the relief depicting that of the saint being thrown off the bridge brings good luck (right most). There is another relief which shows a dog and a woman with no special meaning but which is just as shiny (from rubbing). Apparently, a lot of people (us included) does not know the legend and just 'rub' on both - just in case. :)  

Talented all!

Take delight in the free (well, almost) showcase of talent on the bridge. A stroll on the bridge would eventually bring you to the talented 'artists'  who display their 'wares' to the delight of (and a few euros from) the crowd. The showcase of talents will rival the best shows. In fact, we were so awed with a violinist that we parted with Euro 12 to buy his self-titled album.



Bring your own locks and remember to throw away the keys. Prague is definitely a romantic place. Thus, its no wonder that 'lovelocks' litter probably every available railing along the Charles' bridge and canals in the city.  The 'locking' rite obviously symbolizes eternal and faithful love. Once locked on fences, railings or bridges, lovers are supposed to throw away the key in a romantic gesture of their everlasting commitment to each other - 'locked together through time'. NO, we didn't do it - the hubby says its not necessary (this guy is a spoilsport sometimes). :) And anyways, I think the locks are being removed (of course!!)...compare the photo of the same lovelock location in September (lower left) and then again in December (lower right).

Lovelocks all over Prague - symbol of eternal love?

3. Pay tribute to freedom of expression on the Lennon Wall

The Lennon Wall used to be a platform where young Czechs, prior to 1989 when communism rules, express their grievances, paying tribute to John Lennon and his ideas of peace and freedom. It may not anymore reflect the idealism it used to represent (there are several touristy messages like "Jack was here...") and has definitely evolved over the years, but its still worth seeing and reflecting on the bits and pieces of literature written there. I particularly like this one..."Life is what happens to you when you are busy making other plans..."

Enjoy the 'writings on the wall!"

4. Visit Prague's churches and castles (and synagogues, too!)

Prague won't be known as the "City of a Hundred Spires" for nothing. Its skyline is literally dominated by spires from churches, castles and cathedrals.

Most notable structure which spires are seen across the city's landscape is that of the Hradcany Castle. The castle is formerly the residence of the kings of Bohemia and is now the official residence of the president of the Czech Republic. According to the Guinness Book of World Records, the Prague Castle is the largest coherent ancient castle complex in the world, with an area of almost 70,000 m².

The Palace Complex

More than the spires, the churches and cathedrals offer a deeper religious meaning. For a Roman Catholic such as myself, a visit to Prague is not complete without paying respects to the Infant Jesus of Prague at the Chuch of our Lady of Victorious. I offered a prayer for a loved one beseeching a blessing for her to the Santo Nino de Praga. The Loreta, located at the castle complex,  is an important Marian pilgrimage destination.

The Church of our Lady Victorious, the Infant Jesus of Pargue, the St. Nicholas Church and the Loreta.

One important structure in the Castle complex is the Gothic Masterpiece, St. Vitus Cathedral, the seat of the Archbishop of Prague. Aside from being the largest and most important spiritual cathedral in Prague, St Vitus had overseen the coronations of Czech kings and queens. The Royal Mausoleum, in front of the high altar, are the tombs of royalties and saints. One important feature of the Cathedral is the Chapel of St. Wenceslas.

The St. Vitus Cathedral

5. And lastly, stroll along the New Town

Don't be misled, the New Town is not exactly 'new' - it was founded by Charles IV in 1348 and its the  largest and the youngest of the five independent towns of Prague.

New Town boasts of intriguing history but has modern structures. Wenceslas Square is the bustling center teeming with grand hotels, commercial establishments and entertainment possibilities. The National Museum and the statue of Saint Wencelas are imposing structures that face the square.

Stroll along the New Town

Prague offers a symphony of history and elegance anywhere and everywhere you look. So, one important tip: DON'T RUSH! Enjoy the magnificence of the sights and sounds around you. Bask in the city's history, myths and legends!

There's truth to what Franz Kafka said  "Prague never lets you go... this dear little mother has sharp claws." And as I said "Prague had me at hello!" :)

By the way, the historic centre of Prague is a UNESCO World Heritage Site...there you go! :)

12-12-12: A very special post....

....our wedding was 14 years ago but the celebration continues to this day.

I am writing this en route to Nha Trang City.  12 December 1998, exactly 14 years ago, we took the plunge, so to speak.  And what a plunge it has been since!!!
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12:00 am, 12 December 2012:  

Happy anniversary, loves! Thank you for 14 years!

For us, it was never a roller-coaster ride....it was more of a leisurely drive! Sure, there are the occasional bumps in the road but our marriage is more of a comfortable cruise along a newly-paved road. Thank you for this!


Thank you for loving me despite my imperfections! Thank you for saying that I am still the sexiest for you! Thank you for bearing with my nightly snores! Thank you for cleaning up my mess! Thank you for the everyday patience! Thank you for just listening to me when I rant! Thank you for giving me foot massages even if your hand hurts, thank you for the lovely flowers...

More than these, thank you for understanding - for saying that I am not less of a woman just because I did not bear us a child, for loving me in my weakest moment, for celebrating with me all my achievements, for holding my hand when I was sick and frail, for crying with me when I felt sad, thank you for being faithful and kind....

Thanking the Lord for another good year...

 12-12-12: the 12th day of the 12thmonth of the 12th year -  the last time, at least for another century, that the elements of the date are identical....for the Mayans, the end of times as we know it...

12-12-12: the 2nd cycle of our seven-year itch, our 14th wedding anniversary, the start of yet another blissful year...

Although, we won't be together (again!) on this day, I look forward to celebrating it "properly"  when I come home... :)

I love you! <3

 ********

And the passing years will show

that you will always grow ever more beautiful....

in my eyes....

Travel: Italian moments (over again!)

....as our UNIDO expert said "It's the Italian charm...".....
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Somehow I managed to convince the husband to join me in our UNIDO study visit to Italy. I have been away for several missions and thought this would be an opportunity for us both to be together and for him to have an insight on the rigorous requirements of my job considering it is just a study tour.

We visited the facilities of Ansaldo Caldaie (a boiler manufacturer) at Gioia del Colle, Centrale Enel Torrevaldaliga Nord power plant and CRA-ING biomass boiler research facility. Overall, it was an interesting and very educational visit in relation to the regional fossil fuel-fired utilities and industrial boiler project.

UNIDO study tour participants at the Ansaldo Caldaie facilities in Bari, Italy

A visit to Italy would not be complete without doing the usual rounds of its sights. So, when work ended, pleasure began.

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At the St Peter's Square...

Just a bit of Rome, this time.  While we have been in Rome before (thrice even), the rich heritage of the city never fails to amaze and impress every time. First thing on the list was a visit to the St. Peter's Basilica, touted to be one of the holiest Catholic sites situated in the 44-hectare sovereign territory of the Vatican. Contrary to popular belief, the basilica is not the mother church of Roman Catholicism but I can vouch that all Catholics have the pilgrimage to this place in their bucket list.

Colosseo and the Arco di Constantino

Now, on to another iconic symbol of Imperial Rome - the Colosseo. This Flavian amphitheatre had seen the goriest battles between men and beasts.Today, however, the only battle you will see is between the quasi-gladiators outside the Colosseum and the unknowing tourists who had to part with Euro20 after having a photo taken with them. Somehow, I wished Russel Crowe will make his appearance in his gladiator suit. :)

We went through the usual touristy things to see and do - Fontana de Trevi,  Fora Romana, Vitorrio Emanuele II monument , gelato, pizza, pasta...not with much zest and details as before, but still with a great deal of  fascination.

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But what made this Italy visit a little more special, at least for me,  is a visit to two of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites outside of Rome.  I looovvvee Heritage Sites. As I've always mentioned, my dream is to see as many of these sites in my lifetime.

Drenched in Tivoli. With the study tour over, our Italian expert decided to bring the group to the nearest interesting place outside Rome - the town of Tivoli. Tivoli is home to two World Heritage Sites - Villa Adriana and Villa d' Este. 

Villa Adrian was created as a retreat by Emperor Hadrian in the 2nd century AD and is a massive complex of 30 buildings. The miniature model of the villa will tell you that one day is not enough to explore and commune with the place.

Unfortunately, the weather, was not so cooperative. While in Villa Adriana, a heavy downpour made it impossible to see the whole historical complex. I called it literally soaked in history. Braving the rains, we manage to see a few sites and take some souvenir shots.

With the heavy rains, Villa d'Este is out the question. Sigh! :(

We had another day to spare and were debating where to go - there's just too many interesting sights and too little time. From our wish list, our Italian experts and our 'almost' Italian cousins recommended the city of Siena - another heritage site!

A Taste of Tuscany.  Siena is a medieval city  in the Tuscan region of Italy. Tuscany is the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance and is famous for its wine. For me, it is a heritage site haven - six of them!!! The historic centre of Florence (check!), the square of the Cathedral of Pisa (check!), Val d' Orcia, historical centre of San Gimignano and the historical Center of Siena (now, check!!).

Perhaps the most famous of Siena's attraction is the Piazza del Campo, the town's main square where the infamous horse race, Palio, is held annually. The piazza  features the Palazzo Publicco (town hall) with the towering Torre del Mangia, from the top of which supposedly, a picturesque panorama of the Sienese countryside maybe viewed. I said supposedly because I refused to climb the 400-step to the top! My mantra these days - NO.MORE.CLIMBING!!!

Piazza del Campo, or 'il Campo, where Palio , the most infamous horse race in the world, is held

Another distinct attraction is the Cattedrale dell' Assunta (Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Assumption) which rises majestic on the Duomo Square.

According to Wikipedia, the cathedral itself was originally designed and completed between 1215 and 1263 and has the form of a Latin cross with a slightly projecting transept, a dome and a bell tower. The exterior and interior are constructed of white and greenish-black marble in alternating stripes, with addition of red marble on the façade. Black and white are the symbolic colors of Siena, etiologically, inked to black and white horses of the legendary city's founders, Senius and Aschius.

There's so much to see inside and outside the Cathedral. The facade is one of the most impressive features in Sienna. It showcases impressive artistry in tiniest details. The first sight would leave you breathless. Like, wow!!!

I have seen several magnificent cathedrals, churches, abbeys and basilicas but what I've seen inside impressed me to the core. The altar, the nave, the pulpit , the dome - my limited vocabulary is not sufficient to do justice to my description of these. The visual impact is just too stunning!

The inlaid marble mosaic floor, depicting scenes from the Old Testament, allegories and virtues,  is one of the most ornate of its kind in Italy.

Adjoining the cathedral is the Piccolomini library, housing precious illuminated choir books and frescoes painted by the Umbrian Bernardino di Betto, called Pinturicchio. 

Amazing collection of wonders inside the Cathedral

What we failed to see (which I will forever regret) is the Basilica of San Domenico. Having been educated in a Dominican University, the University of Santo Tomas, this is a cardinal sin. It should have been on top of my list on this visit to Sienna. And yes, its "home"  to Saint Catherine of Siena - from whom my youngest sister was, obviously,  named after. It could have been the perfect place to beseech guidance and blessings for her.  Tssskkk!  I, however, take this as a reason to go back - soon! :)

Sights and delights of Siena

******

Overall, this trip has been a respite to the body and  nourishment to both the mind and spirit. Although it was marred by another unpleasant experience, I believe that Italy has so much more to offer, so much more secrets waiting to be uncovered.... so as they say in the local parlance - Arrivederci, Italia!!!