PISA
Located in Tuscany, Pisa is a humble, quaint city in central Italy with tourists flocking in for the wines, the sun, the beach, and of course, its infamous leaning tower.
Situated at Piazza dei Miracoli (Square of Miracles) and standing beside Cattedrale de Pisa, the Leaning tower is quite an architectural case that drives curiosity amongst many who sees it.
As I've found out, the tower started to lean in 1178 because the soil underneath the foundation is not strong enough to carry the weight of the tower, and over the course of many, many years, the lean of the tower increased. To prevent the tower from totally collapsing, they started reinforcing the soil underneath. And they only successfully prevented the tower from leaning further in the 90s!
As I've found out, the tower started to lean in 1178 because the soil underneath the foundation is not strong enough to carry the weight of the tower, and over the course of many, many years, the lean of the tower increased. To prevent the tower from totally collapsing, they started reinforcing the soil underneath. And they only successfully prevented the tower from leaning further in the 90s!
Beside the leaning tower and Cattedrale de Pisa lies a sculpture of a fallen angel (Angelo Caduto) created by Igor Mitoraj.
What's interesting in this installation is that if you look at the back, you will see the head of Medusa in one of its wings. A little curious, I started researching and found out that Medusa is actually the symbol of ancient Sicily, signifying the protection of the island by the goddess.
After strolling around, there are restaurants just inside Piazza dei Miracoli to satisfy your Italian food cravings.
For us, we ordered their delicious antipasto (god I missed pork), pizza and pasta, of course. To accompany your delicious food, try ordering their house wine. It was amazing and one glass will only cost you around 4euros. Just a gentle reminder, they have a table charge for each person when you are dining in at restaurants here. |
We only had one day to roam around Pisa, but it certainly left a wonderful impression on me. I would certainly try to come back here around the summer to experience the sun and the beach, and the great vineyards of Tuscany.
Speaking of roam... Let's start talking about--- ROME.
Speaking of roam... Let's start talking about--- ROME.
ROMA
Ah... Romantic Roma... The minute I saw this river, that's the first thing that came to my mind-- the perfect description of Rome-- a lively city, filled with history, religious locations, great food, and romance. I could certainly live here. If you haven't guessed it yet, I've fallen in love with this city. And if I can go back again and again, I would.
Here are a few ideas to get you started falling in love with Rome, just like I did:
Here are a few ideas to get you started falling in love with Rome, just like I did:
Visiting the Colosseum is a good starting point to roam around Rome. As soon as you get out of the train station, you will easily see the structure. If you haven't had any breakfast yet, try the delicious pastries and a cappuccino (authentic Italian coffee) at the station. You would love it and certainly set your mood to experience the city and what it has to offer.
Just a few walks away from the Colosseum is the ruins of Forum Romanun, and the Piazza Venezia.
Just a few walks away from the Colosseum is the ruins of Forum Romanun, and the Piazza Venezia.
WHERE TO EAT
There are lots of restaurants/ pizzerias all around Rome, so if you're tired walking just pick any restaurant and your belly will be satisfied. For my family, we chose this hidden restaurant just around Piazza Venezia called La Cabana.
If you're on a budget though, its also a good idea to visit grocery stores and buy affordable, delicious cold cuts like prosciutto for only around 1 to 2 euro.
There are lots of restaurants/ pizzerias all around Rome, so if you're tired walking just pick any restaurant and your belly will be satisfied. For my family, we chose this hidden restaurant just around Piazza Venezia called La Cabana.
If you're on a budget though, its also a good idea to visit grocery stores and buy affordable, delicious cold cuts like prosciutto for only around 1 to 2 euro.
OUR NEXT STOP: VATICAN CITY
For Roman Catholics like me, Vatican City is a very important landmark and I consider myself fortunate to be able to get here. This is where the Pope lives, and in the Philippines, it is a massive celebration every time the Pope visits. Around Vatican City, must go places to visit is the St. Peter's Basilica and Castel Sant'Angelo.
For Roman Catholics like me, Vatican City is a very important landmark and I consider myself fortunate to be able to get here. This is where the Pope lives, and in the Philippines, it is a massive celebration every time the Pope visits. Around Vatican City, must go places to visit is the St. Peter's Basilica and Castel Sant'Angelo.
But tourist destinations aside, what really made me fall in love with the city are the quaint little restaurants and shops on the side streets, the architectural designs of the houses, random buildings and the romantic views around the Tiber River.