As mentioned in my Paris' post, we headed to the capital of Italy (i.e. Rome). Time difference in Rome is also 7 hours behind in February. So how did we travel? Well, we took a train down to Rome :D
Train to Rome
We prefer to plan out all our itinerary in Singapore so that any screwed ups would be kept to the minimum. Hence, the train to Rome was booked via the website in Singapore. As we wanted to try the sleeper's cabin (more expensive), 2 tickets cost us 360€. It's a cabin with beds so that we can sleep while the train is travelling towards Rome :D
Once again, I have to emphasis the importance of being vigilant as there were many people around. Do keep a lookout for pickpockets!
Website: http://www.raileurope.com.sg/
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| Front of the train station |
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| A lot of people, beware of pickpockets |
We boarded the train around 7pm. The cabin was pretty small but cozy. As it was our first time trying out the sleeper's cabin, we were really excited. There were a long dark green sofa chair (look a little like the train in Harry Potter movie) and we were presented with 2 vouchers - one for cocktail and the other for breakfast :) The staff informed us that about 10pm Paris time, they will assist to make the beds for us (see how they make the bed - short video below).
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| The bed that I slept in |
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| To put luggage |
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| Basin to wash your face, at times there wasn't any water -.-"' |
Welcome drink at the bar - Champagne
Breakfast
We finally reached Rome's train station (Roma Termini) at 10.30am, which was a 15.5 hours train journey. Sounds pretty long eh, but if you sleep, eat and look at the scenery, time passed pretty quickly.
Tourist Information
Like all other times, we went in search for the Tourist Information Counter. There was a long queue formed when we arrived.
We bought their Roma Pass, which consisted of :-
- Travelcard - for traveling via their metro (valid for 3 days)
- Entry to Colosseum
- Maps
For more information. visit http://www.romapass.it/p.aspx?l=en&tid=2
Gusto Bistorante
Hungry? There are lots of eateries at the Train Station. We tried Gusto Bistorante, where there were variety of food and desserts! Don't you think the desserts look pretty yummy?
Hotel the Independent
This hotel is about 10 minutes walk from Roma Termini. Pretty convenient. The staffs greeted us warmly. As we arrived earlier than our check-in time, our room was not ready yet and hence, the staffs directed us to the top of the Hotel where we could see the view of Rome.
Rooms
After 30 mins, one of the staffs went to the top and presented us with the card keys to our room. When we opened the door, the room was much bigger than that of Paris. At least there were space to open 2 to 3 luggages at the same time. Here are some pictures of the room.
Breakfast is served at the top of the hotel. I simply loved their breakfast! Their ham, egg and bacon are totally awesome! They have a wider variety of food, pastries, fruits and beverages compared to our hotel in Paris. Each morning, the staffs would greet us in a hearty manner. They were really friendly and cheerful, and would ask us for our preferred hot beverage once they saw us arrived. There's a choice of dining inside or outside (if the weather is not so cold). We chose to dine inside as the morning air was freezing cold. The view outside was beautiful.
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| I love how the morning sun comes in creating a warm atmosphere |
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| View outside |
Metro
Similar to Paris, their trains are also called Metro. The Roma Pass can used for travelling via Metro. If you do not have a Rome Paris, simply purchase a ticket from the machine.
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| http://www.rome.info/metro/ |
Colosseum
Metro Station: Colosseo
This is a historical site which is rich of ancient ruin. It used to be an area for the roman gladiators to fight. These gladiators were usually slaves, prisoners of war or criminals. In AD 64, the Great Fire of Rome burned the Colosseum down. If you bought the Roma Pass, you can visit the Colosseum for free.
It is this place where Pope Francis led the Good Friday rite earlier this year.
Metro Station: Colosseo
A walkable distance from Colosseum to Palatine Hill. It's a pretty nice walk especially during the cold weather as you won't sweat! If you love the greens, do take a walk around here. Roma Pass can be used here, so it's also FREE! We were very lucky on the day we visited as the blue sky was so beautiful, despite the cold wind. And yes, I was trigger happy in here. Such a lovely garden. It was also my first time where I saw orange trees!!!
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| Orange trees! |
Pantheon is Rome's best-preserved building and has the largest dome in the world. What's interesting is that the diameter of the hemispherical dome is equal to the height of the whole building, has a perfect sphere and built without support. This is the place where you will find Raphael's tomb.
Metro Station: Barberini
Trevi Fountain attracts a lot of tourists. Some of these tourists will throw loose change into the Fountain as they make a wish. Many couples were seen taking photos together. The sculptures of the fountain is really lovely.
When we arrived at Trevi Fountain, one of the locals tried to give me a rose saying that it's free. DO NOT TAKE IT! Because the moment you accepted their rose, they will ask you to pay for it. I put both hands firmly into the pockets of my coat and refused to take any of the "free" rose. I saw some tourist fell into their trap and had to pay for the rose. And yes, please beware of pickpockets as it's very crowded.
As the name implies, Spanish Steps is a flight of steps. To get to the top, you will have to climb these steps and you will find Trinità dei Monti church at the top. It is located between the Piazza di Spagna and Piazza Trinità dei Monti.
Inside Trinità dei Monti church...
Tiny Pea
