| Dear Diary, Monday, June 17th, 2002 How did I feel waking up in Rome, Italy - the Capital City of Italy? Actually I didn't feel wierd or homesick, I felt absolutely hyped! I just couldn't wait to start my visit in Rome, looking through all the wonderful yet historical ruins, and visiting the all-so-colourful Basilica (cathedrals), and the tombs of the great ones. I couldn't wait till I go outside and feel the wonderful bright glares of the mighty sun... I heard that it is 37 degrees celcius! Well anyways, I, like the rest of the tour started the day with a filling breakfast, which was followed by a City Tour. First we visited St. Peters Cathedral, and since it was a rule that no shorts, hats, or sleeveless shirts were allowed, without a choice, I was to wear my jean pants. I mean usually I don't make a fuss about wearing my nice jean pants, but I did then as it was 37 degrees celcius outside! If I was to wear my pants, I would surely be burned alive! Before I go on, maybe I should mention that St. Peters Cathedrals is located within Vatican City. Vatican City was a state of its own so before we were allowed to enter, we had to pass through all sort of securities. Interesting ain't it? Back to the Basilica, which was built in the 4th century by the Emperor Constantine. Many young and old, famous and infamous people had took part in constructing this Cathedral, which was rebuilt many times. Michelangelo was one of these people. You may be wondering why it was named St. Peters Cathedral, and not St. Madonna Cathedral. It was really very simple....this magnificent structure was built on a site "venerated according to a century old tradition as the place where Peter had been martyred". Well anyways, the first thing that catched anyone's eye was the gigantic bronze canopy that was supported by 4 thick bronze pillars; underneath the canopy was a white altar. It was so gorgeous! On the window behind the glamourous altar and canopy was an oval-shaped stainless glass. What's special about this glass that was worth mentioning was the dove found in the middle with wings that stretched to 4m long! Incredible ain't it? Here at this special altar was where the Pope gives his sermons. You know the walkway where the Pope walks down to his altar to give his sermon, well it is the longest one in the world; therefore, St. Peters Cathedral is the largest Basilica in the world by length. Can you imagine the long walk he has to make? Then I with the rest of the tour left Vatican City. I was so glad to be away from the hot and humid weather... too sticky, as I climbed onto the coach. Ahhh.... air conditioning... cool, refreshing! I saw an Island where there was a Jewish Synagoues, which was dedicated to the God of Medicine. Next I saw a wall - that stretchs many miles - which was built in 4AD; it was known as the city walls. This was so because the size of Roman Empire used to locate within these walls, but as years passed, it expanded, which became to be known as the Rome we all knew today! . Wow! What was that? From here it looked like a deserted pile of ruins...lol! What could it once been? It was humongous, but only a few walls were left standing. Oh, now I know, that was once Circus Maximus. It was a place where it could hold more than 20 thousand spectators! Could you imagine the size of that? You have got to have heard about the historic Colosseum. Don't tell me you haven't cause everyone has. A little background history on this may clear things up for you if you are trying to figure out what it is. The Colosseum (actually the Flavian Amphitheater) ranks as Rome's greatest monument and the one which has become the symbol of the Eternal City itself. There are so much interesting facts about the Colosseum, but I don't want to drown you with them, so I'll mention the most important ones! The opening was memorable as was the celebration held for the 1000th anniversary of the founding of Rome in 249AD. There were hundreds of animals, including elephants, lions, tigers, hippos, zebras, and giraffes, as well as 2000 gladiators were killed. The shows comprised mock sea battles, tournaments, and games of all kinds in which death played a prominent part and were open to all Roman citizens. Following all those wonderful monuments and symbolic buildings, I saw many other forums, and temples, but due to their countless numbers, and I think I should keep this entry short and simple, and not long and boring, you will just have to find out for yourself facts and interesting points on these forums and temples... if you have the interest to, that is! Like the temples and forums mentioned above, there were a few more areas that I haven't really get a chance to really know about, and to actually go inside and have a look around. The main reason for this was because most of them were merely a pile of ruins, both neglected and deserted. What they once were, was what made them attractions nowadays. Aforementioned, I didn't get to have first hand with the attractions, so my knowledge of them are very limited. Well anyways, before I go on blabbering, I saw monument of the King of Italy in the heart of the Venice Square, then the Treason Market, which was the 1st shopping mall in Italy, etc. The last to be seen today before the Welcoming Dinner that was worth mentioning was the Trevi Fountain. The Trevi Fountain was enormous; thus occupying most of Piazza di Trevi, a charming square off Via del Corso. Here it was said that if you throw 3 coins into the fountain, 3 wishes would be granted. 1. Make your wish 2. Fulfilment of your wish 3. Wish to return to Rome Well, after a exhausted tour, I settled down in the Hotel - Beverly Hills, took a long refreshing shower, and head downstairs for the delicious and scrumptious 4-course meal! Mmm.... That's all for today, good night! Luv, Florence |
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| Adopt your very own now! Ain't this Moogle cute??? |
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| St. Peters Cathedrals in Vatican |
| Cathedral |
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| The Famous Colosseum |
| The Arch of Constantine |
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| Piazza Venezia |
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| The Trevi Fountain |
| Forum |
| Outside of the Cathedral were 48 statues crowning the square above the porticles, which were carried out by Bernini's pupils to his designs. There in the St. Peter's Basilica and Square, I took many pictures! |
| Next up was the Arch of Constantine, which was one of the best preserved of the Roman triumphal arches. This celebrated monument embodies Rome's final artistic flowering, which took place in the early 4th century AD and was built in 315 AD to commemorate Constantine's victory over Maxentinus in the battle of Pons Milvius in |
| 312 AD. It was a majestic and victorious piece of art, with lots of engravements and decorations! |
