{ The Column of Marcus Aurelius in Rome }

A quick post:
I have been trying to learn some basic Italian for these past few months.
Reason? well, I just thought I'd like to learn a new language. ^-^

I try watch the news and had a hard time listening to it.

I always saw this particular column at the background whenever the Prime Minister: Matteo Renzi and his alliesa are being interviewed.
I reviewed photos from my trip to Rome.
Initially, it got me confused with the Trajan's Column.

But apparently, it's not the same.






This Doric column of Marcus Aurelius is actually inspired by the Trajan Column's itself.
The statuesque bronze of Saint Paul stands at the top of the column.
In 1589, Pope Sixtus the Fifth restored it and had these inscriptions below.
Notice the detailed works on the relief.

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You could find it right at the heart of Piazza Colonna, along Via del Corso,
where the Palazzo Chigi is located.






Palazzo Chigi is the official residence of the current Prime Minister.
On the east side, is a shopping arcade called Galleria Alberto Sordi.
It has a distinct Art Nouveau style which unfortunately we weren't able to see it
as it was closed during the holidays. More info here

{ FOOD REVIEW: ALAS LE DELIZIE GRECHE RESTAURANT }

Who would've thought there's a nice, authentic Greek restaurant right at the heart of Florence?



Back in 2013, we were walking at the back streets of Florence, around the San Marco area.
and was actually looking for the main Piazza San Marco and the Basilica della Santissima Annunziata.
but we got out of the way into Via Cavour, a sort of off-beaten path for tourists
and was lucky to have stumbled into this Greek restaurant.



It is a family run business that had just recently opened. [that was back in 2013]
I could still smell hints of fresh paint on the walls.
The interior was inviting and comforting.
I love the subdued, pastel like decor and
was immediately attracted at the food display and the overall ambiance.






I was hoping to have a slice of Pita for take-away and that's it.
A bad habit of "walking while eating", so I don't waste time. ^0^
But since only a few seats were occupied at that time, we ate there instead.

I'm no expert when it comes to Greek food and the local names are all alien to me. ^-^
But the nice lady was kind enough to explain the kind of cheese the Pita was wrapped in
and also the food and pastry trays that were displayed.



I would love to eat more but we had a heavy breakfast that morning...



It was delectably fresh, warm and very light.
Not the kind of food that's too heavy on the stomach and had too much grease on it.


[ special pomodoro, feta cheese and peppeoni ]

The service was excellent, definitely a service with a smile. ^0^
[You don't get much of that these days... ]
I can't remember how much the bill was,
but I can assure you that it was very affordable and not overpriced.

Just as we were about to leave, the nice lady served us complimentary sweet treats. ^-^



I would recommend this restaurant in a heartbeat and the place is worth a visit the next time you're in Florence.


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ALAS LE DELIZIE GRECHE RESTAURANT
Via Camillo Benso Cavour 32, Florence Italy
* Neighborhood around San Marco *

" Spending the afternoon in Trastevere "

► The street sign: sandwiched between a monument and a fountain.

I don't remember anything significant about our short trip to Trastevere.
Even though, I've been reading rave reviews about it, the other side of the Tiber river doesn't seem appealing.
Perhaps the timing wasn't right or we didn't stay long enough to appreciate it.

[ and so the other day,
As I was looking back at my notes, checking old scribbles,
I can't seem to find my travel journal anywhere, I rummaged all my stash already, wherever did it go?!
Note to self: Must do spring cleaning immediately.]


Here's my Trastevere handy map, thanks to Rick Steve, I got me-self a handy print out

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What I did remember though, was that after our visit to the Vatican *St. Peter's Basilica*.
We stopped by a local cafeteria, had a quick lunch and both of us drank a liter of Sparkling Water !
We shouldn't have, but:
We were so lazy to bring the bottle with us,
and it would be such a waste to leave it behind.

* hehe, not a really a smart idea to go tipid *


Had lunch at this small cafeteria, the food was mediocre, but the price range was affordable ,
overlooking the Vatican from afar, not bad eh?!


the very long and winding road of Via della Lungara

* Well, as soon as we started walking, it only took minutes before we started to feel
our bloated bellies from too much water.
How we wish we hadn't had too much to drink at that time. *tsk,tsk*
We were meandering in circles, even caught a dead end, but still couldn't find the loo.
and finally, an *Osteria* near the Museum was kind enough to let us in..


Thankfully,the owner of this resto bar was kind enough to let us use their restroom without a fee. ^0^

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► We saw young crowds hanging about at the center of The Piazza Trilussa ,
within hearing distance from The Tiber river or Tevere River.
During summer, The Piazza is packed with people.





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At Via di Ponte Sisto, you'll find lots of local restos like this Osteria.
When it comes to food: Trastevere is known for its fresh Artichokes -
like Carciofi all Giudia- *Fried Artichokes* and Carciofi alla romana.





what a cute green vintage Fiat !
I want one!
okay, cute isn't exactly the right adjective for it. ^-^




and around the Tiber is San Bartolomeo all'Isola , where the Basilica di San Bartolomeo all'Isola is located.
more info here
Such a pity that among all the churches I've mentioned here,
I haven't got the chance to see any of its interiors and I'm a sheer fan of domes and frescoes.






The exterior of Basilica di San Bartolomeo all'Isola

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Forgive me for exaggerating, but Rome has got to have the most Churches I've ever seen,
I'm pretty sure you're bound to bump into one.

► This is yet another church which is the Chiesa di San Giovanni de la Malva
More info here



And the Piazza di San Giovanni de la Malva


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Spotted along Trastevere, look at all these vines!





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A look at the narrow alleyways and cul-de-sacs of this neighborhood.
Maybe we arrived just as the sun was about to set,
because there were only a few people.





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Another interesting church to look for is the Santa Maria della Scala
More info here.





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and the reason why you visit the Trastevere area is because of :
► Piazza di Santa Maria in Trastevere + The Basilica of Santa Maria in Trastevere







We only manage to get a glimpse of it as the skies were getting dark then,
and I would've like to visit it again if only we weren't pressed for time.

Santa Maria in Trastevere =
was probably the first christian place of worship in Rome that was founded by Pope Callixtus I.
Here's more info about it .



* a must-see inside is the Apse mosaic of the Coronation of the Virgin,
where the details are covered in gilded tiles*

Images I got from google

It is not everyday that I got the chance to see a bird as fleetingly beautiful as this.
I wish we have healthier birds here. ^-^



. hanging clothes and red bricked walls .


The reason why I took this foto:
"Made in Rome" vintage car + a holy niche and a parked bike



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and last but not the least, just some random shot.

The legendary wooden Pinocchio and this tourist, who seemed so absorb with his phone.



[ Many churches close around midday for a few hours, and some establishments are closed on Mondays.

Getting there: It is walkable from the city centre, but if walking takes too long,
You can take tram number #8 to Viale Trastevere ]

Linked to: "Serendipity is sweet"

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