Day 7 - 24 April (Thursday)
Italy (Rome, Vatican City)
This state located within Rome itself, is a country on its own with about a population of 800 people.
This country is surrounded by walls and is accessible by 5 guarded entrances.
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| Fascinated by the architecture! |
There was a massive queue at the public square area and if you are wondering, it's actually the queue for security checks. It's actually free to access the area but compulsory to go through the security.
Have initially thought that it was the queue to the museum and thus, didn't join the line when it was shorter. Having walked around for a while (and even went the wrong direction), went to ask the guards and realised that we should have queued when we reach.
Ended up giving Vatican City a miss :(
Nevertheless, if you are keen to go in, you may also purchase the Vatican Museum tickets which allows you faster access and entry to the Sistine Chapel (official residence of the Pope)
Since we didn't manage to go in, we went to the nearby cafe to have some breakfast.
Here's our cakes and cuppa!
Along the street from metro to the Vatican City, there was a Trip advisor recommendation of a sandwhich store so we popped over to ta bao some paninis.
Address: Via Dei Gracchi 11/a, 00192 Rome, Italy
Notice that the meat are all preserved, chilled and sliced on demand.
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The Menu Mine is a parma ham with morzerella sandwich while NB had a turkey ham sandwich. Damage: €5 Price is pretty affordable as it includes a free drink too - Wine or soft drinksRating: 7/10 The cold cuts have a very strong taste to it and not something we are very used to. Mine was a tad oily due to the generous amount of Olive oil which was overwhelming for me. |
Pantheon
Address: Piazza della Rotonda, Rome
Opening Hours: Mon - Sat, 9am - 6.30pm,
Sun, 9am to 1pm
Since we didn't make it into the Vatican City, we had time to visit other attractions. This was one of those in the list of Rome attractions.
This plaza area was pretty!
Weather was good and you can just find a seat to people watch or browse the many street painters' art work or simply get fascinated by the street performers' interesting acts. We spent some time figuring how this guy could "float" in midair just on a walking stick.
Beautiful colours!
Had to be inside!
And that's my travel pouch showing under my top -_-
So unflattering.
There you have the cafes and street stalls selling loving paintings.
Now, having to pass by Trevi fountain again, we can't help it but get another...
Tasty gelato. This time round, berries and tiramisu? Still as good ;)
Walked back to Spagna station and hung out at the Spanish steps.
This time round, sitting and chilling like the locals before heading over to the fashion street across the road!
After checking out the branded bag prices, headed back for dinner!
And this time round, Alex brought us out for dinner as recommended.
Address: Via Palestro, 53, 00185 Roma, Italy
Opening Hours: Mon - Sun, 12pm to 10.30pm
Tip: Can reserve online.
We actually walked past the shop without realising it's the restaurant!
The shop name isn't that prominent so be sure to keep a lookout along the street!
They have some afresco dining area outside the restaurant.
That was Seafood Spaghettia and spinach and cheese ravioli.
Panna Cotta and tasty tiramisu!
Damage: €12 for my share
Rating: 7.5/10
Along the streets of Rome (and many parts of Italy in fact), you will find these taps or little fountains that they call nasoni that provides for drink water - free flowing. Understand that it's direct from the mountains!
Water is never limited in Rome and it provides 500l of water per person per day!
Love having these Nasoni as it's safe and helps us save our moolahs for drinking bottled water! ;)
Damage for Day 7 = €30.50 per pax
Photo (all except those lousy shots taken by my mobile phone) credits to Alexander!
Credits to AirFrance for the free tickets!http://www.rome.info/pantheon/
