Sunday, April 12, 2009

Europe Day 12 - Rome

Thursday, 21 August, 2008

Today's plan was, a leisurely drive from Florence to Rome, through the hills of tuscany, stop at a vineyard or two along the way. Note the use of the word 'was'...

We tried, but unfortunately there were some factory outlets at The Mall at Leccio, kinda on the way.


look at all the fabulous brands


And before you think that this was my idea of a dream holiday.. Hmm nope. Not if there isn't enough time for me to explore Tuscany. So it wasn't exactly my choice. Anyways it's also cos these brands are way too high end for me. Cannot afford, sian. Actually the Gucci was super cheap but also damn ugly. Tods, Burberrys had nice stuff but no money. Total waste of time.

pb did manage to get some emil____ zegna shirts.


Roma, or Firenze?

Sadly.. there was too much time spent shopping and waiting that we didn't get to drive through the scenic Tuscan roads. I have no respect for people who make other people wait during holidays. Especially when they did not plan a single thing. Ok, you can see that I'm very bitter about this. Enough ranting.

We tried to veer off the highways a little and found this restaurant in time for lunch.



Sneaked into the kitchen to spy on the chef


view from their balcony





Right after lunch we had to go back to the highway cos there wasn't much time left. Suddenly there were many cyclists on the roads near the restaurant. It looked like a competition and we were amazed that the roads weren't cordoned off for the occasion. So here we are, driving with many cyclists around us.



And... tada! Rome!

We are super fascinated about this water fountain down the road from our apartments and proceeded to drink lots of refreshingly cool water from it. In Rome, there are many of these drinkable water fountains so you don't have to buy mineral water! Just have to refill from these whenever you see them.

The water is pumped via the ancient Roman aqueducts which are an engineering marvel. I don't understand why they can leave it running 24/7 though, really wish there was a tap somewhere to turn it off.

Our place, Daisy Apartments, is another fantastic place to stay in Rome. It's run by Hotel Cecil (which is a lot more expensive to stay in). So we had to check in at the actual hotel but walk a few steps to reach the apartments located in a ulu looking alley. There was no proper lobby or reception, but the rooms were really nice, spacious and even had a little stove for you to cook. Most importantly, the location was superb. Just steps away from the Spanish Steps. And all other (impt) parts of Rome are walkable!



Spanish Steps



Saw some people filling their bottles from this fountain. But er, I don't think so.


greedy pb saw some gao3 lak4. Few euros for lousy tasting chestnut. *rolls eyes*


interesting display in LV shop



Took a nice stroll and eventually reached the Trevi Fountain from it's side. Hordes of people!


Throw a coin over your shoulder into the Fontana Di Trevi, and you'll find yourself in Rome again some day.



Best gelato in Rome. We couldn't stand the queue and didn't try it though. Aiyah how good could it be, right?

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