Day 9-Roma

Roma, roma, roma.....

Rome was one of my favorite city in my early 20's Europe trip. My 3 girl friends and I were marching down streets from morning to night, having so much fun. I still remember vividly, those breathtaking architectures and master art pieces.

The Rome that I found many years later, came through me differently. Probably because of my energy level is not as hight as when I was 21:) Rome was absolutely overwhelming (especially for our 3 days schedule!) and mayhem with traffics and tourists. Every where we went, even though March is considered as an"off" season, was packed with people. We moved one tourist spot to the others like huddle of cows:) We appreciated artworks and touched by masters. But after one day, I was totally exhausted! I still think that Rome is the one of -must visit before you die- cities--but we need at least 1 week to explore it:)

Here are some hot spots of Rome.

Spanish steps which got more famous after Audrey Hepburn's "Roman Holiday".

lookout point! there is a Vatican in the back!(the second dome)

We visited Gallery Borghese, awed to the master collections. Especially, I was happy to see 6 Caravaggio's paintings.

people said that Trevi fountain is the biggest movie star in Rome.

Indeed,it is . Look at those people!

Rus tossed a coin backward,wishing his return to Rome in future!:)

So did I!!:)

A beautiful Bernini's work.

This stoic temple,Pantheon has been hanging around since AD 120!

So has people!:)

Another popular spot near by- piazza Navona!

By the time we reached Castle Sant'Angelo, we lost day light.
Whewwww...what a day!:)

Day 8- Rome

It was really hard to say good bye~ to Cinque Terre.

But life must move on:)-----I should mention that I am pretty impressed about our packing skills for this trip!:)

We took  four and half hour train ride to the next city which is on everyone's itinerary once in their lives

Hello Rome!!:)

Day 7- Cinque Terre

After a cup of  perfect cappuccino,

 We started a serious hiking trip through the rest of the villages.

I mean, a really serious hiking....:)

We went to next village, Vernazza, a jewel of Cinque Terre.

took a little play time there, 

and kept hiking to next town, Monterosso.

After two and half hour of dramatic up N down of hiking, we deserved focaccias!!:)

We just took a train back to our village-no more hiking today!:)

A kitty's purring welcome was nice!:)

Day 6-Cinque Terre

Since I didn't get a good internet connection at a small beach town, Cinque Terre, my posting is running behind! 

We took a train to Riomaggiore, one of 5 towns of  Cinque Terre.

and hiked 20 minute to the next town, Manorola where our B&b located.

We walked along Via dell'Amore

where all the " love locks "were dangling, hoping their loves locked eternally.

and here I come, MANOROLA!! the place I could die for!:)

Cinque Terre doesn't have museums but they do have outstanding sea food.

This place is local's favorite as well as mine.

We order the famous Antipasti frutti di mare which means "Fruits of the sea"-comes with 14 different small dishes.

and a fresh lobster pasta as a main dish....sorry, lobster...:( but you were truly tasty..

They served local drinks in the end. Dark one is for girls and other is for boys. ha!

Good night!

Day5- Palette of Bellagio

A sculpture boy who is sitting on the best spot.

Sleepy season for this little town before it gets packed with tourists in summer.

We must walk these countless steps when we venture out here.

a cute piazza.

Color of Italy,

another color of Italy!:)

Yummm...I gave up being vegetarian here.:)

A big deal of little town,Carnival! They are all dressed up and drive town to town.

This carnival lasts for three days.

After a long day, when night falls,

A bottle of Italian wine is the best way to end the day.:)