Hoi An, a charming ancient town of Vietnam

September 25, 2023 by · Leave a Comment
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The map below shows the location of Hoi An Town in Vietnam

Hoi An is located in Central Vietnam as shown in this map.

Thank you for your interest in writer’s trip in Hoi An Town on 29 Oct 2022.

Golden Bridge of Vietnam

September 2, 2023 by · Leave a Comment
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Golden Bridge is the latest tourists’ attraction in Vietnam since 2018.

The bridge is held up by two hands of a “giant”.

The map below shows the location of Golden Bridge on Bana Hills that is 24 km west of Danang in Vietnam.

Writer and wife at the main cable-car station, Hoi An Station, at the foot of Bana Hills, Vietnam, on 30 Oct 2022.

They boarded this cable-car to ascend to 1414m above sea-level to visit the famous bridge, Golden Bridge, on Bana Hills.

While ascending Bana Hills for 20 mins, they had breathtaking views of forests and sea in the distance.

Soon they reached the next cable-car station, Marseille Station, where they alighted and and walked to Golden Bridge.

They saw many tourists on the bridge enjoying the spectacular sights of Bana Hills. The bridge is known as Golden Bridge as its railings are golden in colour.

Tourists came in droves to see the unique Golden Bridge and enjoyed the breathtaking views of Bana Hills in Vietnam.

Golden Bridge is supported by two hands of a “giant”. This photo below shows the right hand of the “giant” holding up the bridge.

This photo below shows the left hand of the same “giant” holding up the bridge.

Tourists on Golden Bridge will enjoy the spectacular view of Bana Hills and beyond.

Another spectacular view of Bana Hills and beyond as seen from Golden Bridge.

The weather in Bana Hills is unpredictable. One moment the place is bright, another moment it is misty and visibility is very poor.

Photo below shows very poor visibility when Golden Bridge is shrouded in thick mist.

The spot with Golden Bridge in the background is tourists’ favourite place for taking photos for remembrance.

Writer and wife visited the famous bridge, Golden Bridge, on Bana Hills in Vietnam on 30 Oct 2022. It is a memorable visit to them.

Hue Imperial City, Vietnam

August 29, 2023 by · Leave a Comment
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Nguyen Dynasty was the last Vietnamese dynasty. Its emperors ruled Vietnam for 143 years from 1802 until 1945.

Gia Long was the first emperor of Nguyen Dynasty. He ruled Vietnam from 1802 until 1820. The last emperor was Bao Dai who ruled the country from 1926 until 1945.

The dynasty made Hue in Central Vietnam its capital where the Hue Imperial City was established for emperors to rule and live.

A map below shows the location of Hue in Vietnam.

13 Vietnamese Emperors ruled Nguyen Dynasty from 1802 until 1945.

The photo below shows the hierarchy of emperors of the Nguyen Dynasty from 1802 to 1945.

The emperors lived in Hue Imperial City. The photo below shows the layout of the Emperors’ domain.

The Imperial City was protected by a large fortress which was surrounded by a moat.

Gates were built to enter the fortress.

The fortress had some bastions for defensive fires in several directions.

The main entrance to the Imperial City is an impressive gate and is a popular spot where tourists will take a photo for remembrance.

The Imperial City is inside the fortress where the ex-emperors’ office and residence were in a special area known as the Purple Forbidden City.

Unfortunately, some buildings were destroyed in Vietnam War(1955-1975).

Ten emperors of Nguyen Dynasty were honoured in a large temple, The To Temple, in the Imperial City.

The following photos show the altars of the first four emperors in the temple.

A place outside that temple is reserved for visitors to worship the ex-Nguyen emperors.

A 3-storey pavilion, Hien Lan, was built facing The To Temple. It had nine large bronze urns to honour nine ex-Nguyen emperors.

Many ornate gates were built in Hue Imperial City. Some are shown in the photos below.

There are two temples near Hien Nhon Gate. One which is known as Trieu Mieu Temple was built to dedicate to the Lord Nguyen Hoang’s parents whereas the other one, Thai Mieu Temple, was built to honour the cults of nine ex-Nguyen emperors.

A shed outside Hue Imperial City and in the fortress compound houses four large bronze cannons left behind by Tay Son Dynasty(1778-1802).

Each cannon is 5.1m long and weighs more than 10 tons.

The writer, Choo Chaw, visited the Hue Imperial City of the Nguyen Dynasty(1802-1945) on 28 Oct 2022 and hope you have learned about the Nguyen Imperial City in Hue, Vietnam.

Writer’s List of Visited Countries

December 8, 2019 by · Leave a Comment
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Writer’s List of Visited Countries:

(Click on the name of a country or city below and read about the writer’s tour in the country or city.)

Australia Travel:

Part I: Melbourne/Mornington Peninsula/Phillip Island),

Part II: Sydney

China Travel:

i. Beijing, Tianjin, Chengde Travel:

Part I: Beijing, Badaling

Part II: Beijing, Tianjin, Chengde

ii. China Relatives & Ancestral Places(Fujian Province)

Part I: Parents’ China Relatives

Part II: Hanjiang, Meizhou Island

Part III: Putian

 iii. Hong Kong Travel

Part I:  Hong Kong City Tour

Part II:  Hong Kong City Tour

 iv. Macau Travel

Macau City Tour

 v. Shanghai Travel

Part I:  Hangzhou, Suzhou, Wuxi, Nanjing

Part II: Nanjing Bridge, Shanghai City, Shanghai Expo, Hangzhou

  vi.  Shenzhou, Hezhou, Quilin, Zhaoqing Travel

Part I: Shenzhen, Hezhou

Part II: Quilin, Yangshuo, Zhaoqing, Shenzhen

  vii. Taiwan Travel

Part I: Taipei

Part II:  Checheng, Kaohsiung, Taichung, Sanyi, Yehliu, Jioufen

  viii.  Yunnan Travel

Part I: Kunming, Jiu Xiang, Shilin, Dali

Part II: Dali, Lijiang

  ix. Zhangjiajie Travel:

Part I: Tianmen, Zhangjia jie, Wulingyuan, Tianzi, Yuangjiajie

Part II: Dragon King Cave, Shaoshan, Changsha, Macau

  x.  China Expedition 2013:

Part I: Thailand

Part II: Yunnan

Part III: Tibet

Part IV: Qinhai

Part V: Xinjiang

Part VI: Gansu

Part VII: Ningxia

Part VIII: Inner Mongolia

Part IX: Beijing

Egypt Travel

Part I :Salah el Din Citadel, Muhammad Ali Mosque, Tahrir Square and Egyptian Museum

Part II :Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut Temple and Colossi of Memnon

Part III :Hot Air Balloons and Karnak Temple Complex

Part IV :Papyrus Paper-Making, Luxor Temple and Esna Lock

Part V :Edfu Temple, Kom Ombo Temple and Galabia Party

Part VI :Abu Simbel Temples and Nubian Village(Elephantine Island)

Part VII :Unfinished Obelisk, Aswan High Dam and Philae Temple

Part VIII:Ahmed Hamdi Tunnel, Moon Beach(Ras Sudr), and St. Catherine

Part IX :Mount Sinai, Catherine’s Monastery and Sharm el Sheikh

Part X  :Sharm el Sheikh

Part XI :Cairo Food, Saqqara Step Pyramid Complex and Memphis

Part XII :Great Giza Pyramid Complex and Khan el Khalil Bazaar

Europe Travel:

i.  Eastern Europe Travel

Part I: Budapest(Hungary)

Part II:  Bratislava(Slovakia)

Part III: Vienna(Austria)

Part IV: Vienna II(Austria)

Part V: Brno(Czech Republic)

Part VI: Prague(Czech Republic)

ii.  Western Europe Travel

Part I: Germany, Switzerland, France

Part II: France, Belgium, Holland, England

Indonesia Travel:

i.  Bali Travel

ii Batam Island Travel

Italy Travel:

Part I: Rome and Vatican City

Part II : Rome(continued)

Part III: Pisa and Florence

Part IV: Venice

Part V(Final): Verona and Milan

Japan Travel:

Part I: Osaka, Kyoto, Hamamatsu

Part II: Owakudani Valley, Mt. Fuji, Tokyo

Myanmar Travel:

Part I: Yangon, Bagan, Mount Popa

Part II: Yangon, Kyauktan

New Zealand Travel:

New Zealand

Portugal Travel:

Porto

Lisbon

Singapore Heritage Trail Discovery:

Part I: Chinatown, Little India

Part II: Malay Heritage, Civic District

11.  South Africa Travel:

Part I: Air Flight from KLIA to Cape Town, Cape Town Shantytowns

Part II: Table Mountain, Malay Quarter, Castle of Good Hope. A & V Waterfront

Part III: Hermanus, Cheetah Outreach, Stellenbosch, Jewel Africa

Part IV: Duiker Island of Seals, Cape Point, Boulders

Part V: Cape Town to Johannesburg, Pilanesberg National Park(Game Drives)

Part VI: Sun City, Union Buildings, Vootrekker Monument

Part VII: Kruger Museum, Church Square, Melrose Museum, Carnivore Restaurant

Final Part: Gold Reef City: Gold Mine Museum

South Korea Travel:

Part I:  Seoul, Jeju Island

Part II:  Sokcho, Everland, Dongdaemum, DMZ, Seoul

Spain Travel:

Toledo

Madrid

Salamanca

Cordobo 

Granada

Valencia 

Barcelona

Thailand Travel:

i. Bangkok, Ayuthaya Travel:

Part I: Bangkok, Ayuthaya

Part I: Bangkok

ii. Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, The Golden Triangle Travel:

Part I: Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, The Golden Triangle

Part I: Maesa, Chiang Mai

iii. Phuket Travel:

Phuket 

iv. Part I: Thailand (from China Expedition 2013)

Turkey Travel:

Trojan Horse/Ancient Troy Cities

Asklepion

Ephesus

Hierapolis/Pamukkale Travertine

Sultanhani Caravanserai

Pasabag Valley

Uchisar Valley/Kaymakli Underground City

Gerome Valley/Turkish Night Show

Hot Air Balloon/Lake Golu/Anitkabir

Hagia Sophia/Topkapi Palace/Blue Mosque

Bosphorus Boat Cruise

Spice Bazaar/Grand Bazaar

U.S.A & Canada Travel:

i.   East Coast of U.S.A. & Canada

Part I: Philadeiphia, Washington D.C.

Part II: Niagara Falls, Toronto

Part III: Colborne, 1000 Islands, Ottawa

Part IV: Montreal, Quebec

Part V: Boston

Part VI: New York

Part VII: Woodbury Common Premium Outlets

ii.   West Coast of U.S.A.

Part I: San Francisco

Part II: San Francisco, Monterey Bay, Las Vegas

Part III: Grand Canyon

Part IV: Las Vegas

Part V: Premium Outlets(S. California)

Part VI: Disneyland(Anaheim)

Part VII: Hollywood Walk of Fame(Los Angeles)

Part VIII: Universal Studios Hollywood

Part IX: Universal Studios Hollywood Theme Park

15.   Vietnam Travel:

Hanoi:

Part I: Hanoi, Halong Bay

Part II: Hoa Lo, Tam Coc, Hanoi

END

Writer’s List of Foreign Countries Visited

April 9, 2018 by · Leave a Comment
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Writer’s list of foreign countries that he has visited

The map below shows the foreign countries I, Choo Chaw(a Malaysian), have visited from 2003 until 2017.

Writer's list of foreign countries visited from 2003 until 2017

Writer’s list of foreign countries visited from 2003 until 2017

Click on a country below to read about my travel there:

1.  AFRICA

a. Egypt Travel

      Egypt Travel Part I :Salah el Din Citadel, Muhammad Ali Mosque, Tahrir Square and Egyptian Museum

      Egypt Travel Part II :Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut Temple and Colossi of Memnon

     Egypt Travel Part III :Hot Air Balloons and Karnak Temple Complex

     Egypt Travel Part IV :Papyrus Paper-Making, Luxor Temple and Esna Lock

     Egypt Travel Part V :Edfu Temple, Kom Ombo Temple and Galabia Party

     Egypt Travel Part VI :Abu Simbel Temples and Nubian Village(Elephantine Island)

      Egypt Travel Part VII :Unfinished Obelisk, Aswan High Dam and Philae Temple

      Egypt Travel Part VIII:Ahmed Hamdi Tunnel, Moon Beach(Ras Sudr), and St. Catherine

      Egypt Travel Part IX :Mount Sinai, Catherine’s Monastery and Sharm el Sheikh

     Egypt Travel Part X  :Sharm el Sheikh

     Egypt Travel Part XI :Cairo Food, Saqqara Step Pyramid Complex and Memphis

     Egypt Travel Part XII :Great Giza Pyramid Complex and Khan el Khalil Bazaar

b. South Africa Travel

      South Africa Travel Part I:       Air Flight from KLIA to Cape Town, Cape Town Shantytowns

      South Africa Travel Part II:      Table Mountain, Malay Quarter, Castle of Good Hope. A & V Waterfront

      South Africa Travel Part III:     Hermanus, Cheetah Outreach, Stellenbosch, Jewel Africa

      South Africa Travel Part IV:     Duiker Island of Seals, Cape Point, Boulders

      South Africa Travel Part V:       Cape Town to Johannesburg, Pilanesberg National Park(Game Drives)

      South Africa Travel Part VI:      Sun City, Union Buildings, Vootrekker Monument

      South Africa Travel Part VII:    Kruger Museum, Church Square, Melrose Museum, Carnivore Restaurant

       South Africa Travel  Final Part:  Gold Reef City: Gold Mine Museum 

2. AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND

a.  Australia Travel 

         Part I: Melbourne/Mornington Peninsula/Phillip Island),

         Part II: Sydney 

b.  New Zealand Travel

          New Zealand Travel 

3. ASIA

a.  China Travels

      i. Beijing, Tianjin, Chengde Travel

           Part I: Beijing, Badaling

           Part II: Beijing, Tianjin, Chengde

      ii. China Relatives & Ancestral Places(Fujian Province)

            Part I: Parents’ China Relatives

            Part II: Hanjiang, Meizhou Island

            Part III: Putian

      iii. Hong Kong Travel

             Part I:  Hong Kong City Tour

             Part II:  Hong Kong City Tour

      iv. Macau Travel

             Macau City Tour

       v. Shanghai Travel

            Part I:  Hangzhou, Suzhou, Wuxi, Nanjing

            Part II: Nanjing Bridge, Shanghai City, Shanghai Expo, Hangzhou

      vi.  Shenzhou, Hezhou, Quilin, Zhaoqing Travel

             Part I: Shenzhen, Hezhou

             Part II: Quilin, Yangshuo, Zhaoqing, Shenzhen

      vii. Taiwan Travel

              Part I: Taipei

              Part II:  Checheng, Kaohsiung, Taichung, Sanyi, Yehliu, Jioufen

     viii.  Yunnan Travel

              Part I: Kunming, Jiu Xiang, Shilin, Dali

              Part II: Dali, Lijiang

       ix. Zhangjiajie Travel

              Part I: Tianmen, Zhangjia jie, Wulingyuan, Tianzi, Yuangjiajie

              Part II: Dragon King Cave, Shaoshan, Changsha, Macau

        x.  China Expedition 2013

              Part I: Thailand

              Part II: Yunnan

              Part III: Tibet

              Part IV: Qinhai

              Part V: Xinjiang

              Part VI: Gansu

              Part VII: Ningxia

              Part VIII: Inner Mongolia

              Part IX: Beijing 

b.  Indonesia Travels

           i.  Bali Travel       

           ii.  Batam Island Travel  

c.  Japan Travel 

            Part I: Osaka, Kyoto, Hamamatsu

            Part II: Owakudani Valley, Mt. Fuji, Tokyo

d.  Myanmar Travel

            Part I: Yangon, Bagan, Mount Popa

            Part II: Yangon, Kyauktan 

e.  Singapore Heritage Trails

            Part I: Chinatown, Little India

            Part II: Malay Heritage, Civic District

f.  South Korea Travel

             Part I:  Seoul, Jeju Island

             Part II:  Sokcho, Everland, Dongdaemum, DMZ, Seoul

g.  Thailand Travel: 

       i. Bangkok, Ayuthaya Travel

               Part I: Bangkok, Ayuthaya

               Part II: Bangkok

      ii. Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, The Golden Triangle Travel

                Part I: Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, The Golden Triangle

                Part II: Maesa, Chiang Mai

      iii. Phuket Travel 

      iv. Part I: Thailand (from China Ezpedition 2013) 

h.   Vietnam

            Hanoi Travel

                   Part I: Hanoi, Halong Bay

                   Part II: Hoa Lo, Tam Coc, Hanoi

4.  Europe:

              a.  Western Europe Travel

                     Part I: Germany, Switzerland, France

                     Part II: France, Belgium, Holland, England

              b.  Eastern Europe Travel

                   Part I: Budapest(Hungary)

                   Part II:  Bratislava(Slovakia)

                   Part III: Vienna(Austria)

                   Part IV: Vienna II(Austria)

                   Part V: Brno(Czech Republic)

                   Part VI: Prague(Czech Republic)

             c. Italy Travel

                  Italy Travel Part I: Rome and Vatican City

                 Italy Travel Part II : Rome(continued)

                 Italy Travel Part III: Pisa and Florence

                 Italy Travel Part IV: Venice

                 Italy Travel Part V(Final): Verona and Milan

d. Spain & Portugal

Spain Travel Part I: Toledo

 Spain Travel Part II: Madrid

Spain Travel Part III: Salamanca

Portugal Travel Part IV: Porto

Portugal Travel Part V: Lisbon

  Spain Travel Part VI: Seville

Spain Travel Part VII: Cordoba

Spain Travel Part VIII: Granada

Spain Travel Part IX: Valencia

Spain Travel Part X(Final): Barcelona

 

5.  U.S.A. & Canada

           a.   East Coast: USA & Canada

                  Part I: Philadeiphia, Washington D.C.

                  Part II: Niagara Falls, Toronto

                  Part III: Colborne, 1000 Islands, Ottawa

                  Part IV: Montreal, Quebec

                  Part V: Boston

                  Part VI: New York

                  Part VII: Woodbury Common Premium Outlets

            b.   West Coast: USA

                    Part I: San Francisco

                    Part II: San Francisco, Monterey Bay, Las Vegas

                    Part III: Grand Canyon

                    Part IV: Las Vegas

                    Part V: Premium Outlets(S. California)

                    Part VI: Disneyland(Anaheim)

                    Part VII: Hollywood Walk of Fame(Los Angeles)

                    Part VIII: Universal Studios Hollywood

                    Part IX: Universal Studios Hollywood Theme Park

THE END  (Home)

Italy Travel Part I: Rome and Vatican City

December 11, 2017 by · Comments Off on Italy Travel Part I: Rome and Vatican City
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Italy Travel Part I: Rome and Vatican City

Italy is a popular tourists’ destination that is rich in history and culture. She has many interesting cities where old, monumental buildings built in Gothic, Classical, Medieval, Baroque and Neoclassical architectural styles still exist.

Italy Tour of 7 Cities

Tour-Group and Tour-Manager

Malaysia Tour Group

Malaysian Tour Group

My wife and I joined a group of 20 Malaysians under a Golden Destinations(Malaysia) tour manager, Jenny, and travelled to Italy for a five-day land tour of 7 cities, namely Rome, Vatican City, Pisa, Verona, Florence, Venice and Milan.

Map of Italy showing Cities to be Visited

Italy tour of Rome, Vatican City, Pisa, Florence, Venice, Verona and MIlan

Italy tour of Rome, Vatican City, Pisa, Florence, Venice, Verona and MIlan

Writer and Wife

Writer, Choo Chaw, and wife, Peng

Writer, Choo Chaw, and wife, Peng

Tour-Manager, Jenny

Jenny, tour manger

Jenny, tour manger of Golden Destinations(Malaysia)

Day 1  Thursday, 2 November 2017

Air Flight to Italy

On the first day we left KLIA(Malaysia), travelled to Hong Kong and then to Rome in Italy. The air-flight was long taking about 15 hours.

Day 1: Flight to Italy from Malaysia via Hong Kong

Day 1: Flight to Italy from Malaysia via Hong Kong

Day 2  Friday, 3 November 2917

Visiting Rome and Vatican City on Day 2

Rome Tour Guide, Christina

When we arrived in Rome, Italy, on the 2nd. day,  a Polish coach-driver, Bart, brought us to some historical places in Rome and later to other cities in northern Italy for a total of 5 days.

Bart, the Coach-Driver

Bart, a Polish coach-driver, bringing Malaysians on a tour to 7 cities in northern Itaky

Bart, a Polish coach-driver, bringing Malaysians on a tour to 7 cities in northern Itaky

Map of Italy showing the location of Rome and Vatican City

Visiting Rome and Vatican City on Day 2: Friday, 3 November 2017

Visiting Rome and Vatican City on Day 2: Friday, 3 November 2017

Jenny, our tour-manager, led us to the historical places in Rome and they were as follows:

Monument of Victor Emmanuel II

The first place we visited was one in the centre of Rome City where we saw the massive Monument of Victor Emmanuel II(1820-1878). It was built in honour of Emmanuell II for unifying Italy in 1861 and becoming her first king. It was built by several well-known sculptors in the 1885-1925 period.

Monument of Victor Emmanuel II

Monument of Victor Emmanuel II, Rome

Pantheon

Then we walked to Venezia Square where a Roman temple was built in 113-125 A.D periodk. Now it is a Catholic church dedicated to “St. Mary and Martyrs”. The front of the church is supported by 12 Cornithian columns and a rotunda with a dome is behind them.

Pantheon in Rome

Pantheon in Rome

Top of the Pantheon dome allows light to pass through.

Top of the Pantheon dome allows light to pass through.

Visitors in the interior of Pantheon

Visitors in the interior of Pantheon

Tombs of Kings

Tombs of two Italian kings, Victor Emmanuel II(1820-1878) and Umberto I(1844-1900), are displayed in the building. The tomb of Umberto I’s wife, Margerit(1851-1926), is inside, too.

Tomb of King Umberto I(1844-1900) in Pantheon, Rome

Tomb of King Umberto I(1844-1900) in Pantheon, Rome

Piazza della Rotunda

Outside Pantheon is a square known as Piazza della Rotunda which has an obelisk and fountain.

Pantheon Square or Piazza della Rotunda, Rome

Pantheon Square or Piazza della Rotunda, Rome

Colosseum in Rome

From Pantheon we walked to a historical site where Italy’s iconic Roman amphitheatre was built. Known as Colosseum, it was built in the 72-80 A.D. period by two Roman Emperors, first Vespasian and later, Titus. Built for gladiators’ contests and public spectacles, it could accommodate 65 000 spectators.

Christina, the Colosseum Tour-Guide

At the Colosseum we met our local tour-guide, Christina, who showed us around the amphitheatre.

Rome tour-guide, Christina

Colosseum tour-guide, Christina

Colosseum of Rome

Colosseum of Rome

Colosseum in the Olden Days

Colosseum in the Olden Days

Fall of the Western Roman Empire

The Colosseum ceased to be used for gladiators’ contests and public spectacles in the early Medieval Period or Middle Ages(5-15th. Century) after the fall of the Western Roman Empire. Then it was used for such purposes as a cemetery, workshops and for housing.

Earthquake

In 1349, a strong earthquake damaged the southern part of the Colosseum and it was repaired later.

Colosseum in Ruin

Owing to weathering, erosion and neglect for over a 1000 years, the Colosseum is in ruin, but millions of visitors continue going to Rome to see the legacy of the Roman Empire every year.

Ruined Interior Colosseum

Ruined interior of Colosseum

A Bare Colosseum without Statues and Stucco Decorations

A bare Colosseum without statues and stucco decorations

Steps of Colosseum in ruin after 1400 years

Steps of Colosseum in ruin after over 1000 years

Colosseum Decorations Were Stolen

Since the Colosseum was not used after the fall of the Western Roman Empire in the 4th. Century, marble statues and stucco decorations were all stolen; leaving the amphitheatre bare with ugly holes in the walls.

Ugly Holes in Walls of Colosseum

Ugly holes in walls of Colosseum

Stucco Decorations in Colosseum

Stucco decorations in Colosseum taken off from walls

Headless Statue in Colosseum

Headless statue in Colosseum

Colosseum’s Wooden Floor of Arena

The wooden floor of the Arena of the Colosseum soon rotted and was removed, exposing the underground rooms and passageways.

Wooden floor of arena rotted and removed

Wooden floor of arena rotted and removed exposing rooms and passageways below

Arch of Constantine

Next to the Colosseum stands a triumphal arch known as Arch of Constantine. It was built in 315 A.D. to commemorate Constantine I(272-337)’s victory in the Battle of Milvian in 312 A.D.

(Arch of Triumph in Paris built in the 1806=1836 period, looks similar to this smaller Roman triumphal arch in Rome. The former was erected in honour of those who fought and died for their country in the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic wars.)

Arch of Constantine built in commemoration of Constantine I's victory in the Battle of Milvian in 312 A.D.

Arch of Constantine built in commemoration of Constantine I’s victory in the Battle of Milvian in 312 A.D.

Writer, wife, tour manager and tour guide posing in front of Arch Constantine

Writer, wife, tour manager and tour guide posing in front of Arch 0f Constantine

Taking photo in front of Arch of Constantine

Tour members posing in front of Arch of Constantine

Visiting Vatican City

Later, we moved on to the world’s smallest country, Vatican City, that is surrounded by the city of Rome. It has a population of about 840 and a small area of 44 hectares which is equivalent to 82 football fields.

She has the largest Catholic church in the world known as St. Peter’s Basilica that was built in the 1506-1626 period.

St. Peter's Basilica, the largest church in the world

St. Peter’s Basilica, the largest Catholic church in the world

St. Peter's Square as seen from St. Peter's Basilica, Vatican City

St. Peter’s Square as seen from St. Peter’s Basilica, Vatican City

The church is dedicated to St. Peter(one of Jesus Christ’s apostles and the first pope) and the burial site of St. Peter. It is a popular place for pilgrimage and liturgical  functions.

Bronze Statue of St. Peter in St. Peter's Basilica, Vatican City

Bronze statue of St. Peter in St. Peter’s Basilica, Vatican City

Rain and Long Queue

When we arrived at the church, St. Peter ‘s Basilica, it was drizzling and we had to join a long queue to enter the church. According to our tour manager, Jenny, we were lucky that we queued for about an hour before we entered the church. She had to queue for three hours the last time she brought a tour group there!

Long queue to St; Peter's Basilica, the largest church in the world

Long queue to St. Peter’s Basilica, the largest Catholic church in the world

“Pieta”

When we entered the church, the first thing that caught my eyes on the right was a marble sculpture known as “Pieta”.

Floor Plan of St. Peter's Basilica, Vatican City

Floor Plan of St. Peter’s Basilica, Vatican City

“Pieta” is a masterpiece created by a famous Italian sculptor, Michelangelo Buonorroti(1475-1564), from  1498 until 1499. It depicts Virgin Mary holding her dead son, Jesus Christ, on her lap after his crucifixion.

"Pieta" by Michelangelo

“Pieta” by Michelangelo

More sculptures, monuments, paintings and statues of previous popes, founders of religious orders, etc. can be seen in the church.

Monument dedicated to Pope Leo XI(1535-1605)

Monument dedicated to Pope Leo XI(1535-1605)

Monument dedicated to Pope XI(1611-1689) in St. Peter's Basilica

Monument dedicated to Pope XI(1611-1689) in St. Peter’s Basilica

Statue of Pope Pius X in St. Peter's Basilica

Statue of Pope Pius X in St. Peter’s Basilica

Other Basilicas

On the floor of the nave are markers showing the comparative sizes of other basilicas in other places.

On the floor of the nave of the church are makers showing other churches of comparative sizes

On the floor of the nave of the church are makers showing other churches of comparative sizes

The Holy Door

There is a special door known as “The Holy Door” made of bronze in the northernmost entrance of St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City. It depicts the life of Jesus Christ.

The door is cemented shut and only opened for Jubilee Years of the church. The Catholics believe that if they go through the door during the Jubilee Years, they may be granted the plenary indulgences.

The Holy Door is only opened in Jubilee Years of St. Peter's Basilica

The Holy Door is only opened in Jubilee Years of St. Peter’s Basilica

Change of Guards at St. Peter’s Basilica

Coming out of the church at 5 p.m. I was fortunate to watch the change of the Swiss guards at the entrance adjacent to the church. The ceremony lasted for 5 minutes.

Swiss guards protect the pope and St. Peter's Basilica

Swiss guards protect the pope and St. Peter’s Basilica

The guards are Swiss citizens. Their duty is to protect the pope and the church. They wear a colourful uniform which has vertical blue, red, orange and yellow stripes.

Victoria Terma Hotel

In the evening we left the church, went for dinner and retired to our rooms at Victoria Terma Hotel that is a few kilometres from Rome City.

Tour group staying at Victoria Terma Hotel near Rome on the first night in Italy

Tour group staying at Victoria Terma Hotel near Rome on the first night in Italy

Home / Next

Italy Travel Part I: Rome and Vatican City

Italy Travel Part II : Rome(continued)

Italy Travel Part III: Pisa and Florence

Italy Travel Part IV: Venice

Italy Travel Part V(Final): Verona and Milan

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Italy Travel Part II: Rome

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Italy Travel Part II: Rome(continued) 

Day 3  Saturday, 4 November 2017

Map Showing the Location of Rome

Visiting Rome on Day 3: Saturday, 4 November 2017

Visiting Rome on Day 3: Saturday, 4 November 2017

Visiting Rome(continued)

In the morning we left Victoria Terma Hotel and went to visit two more places in Rome City before we left for Pisa and Florence in the north.

Trevi Fountain, Rome

The first iconic landmark we visited in the morning was a well-known Baroque fountain, Trevi Fountain. It was built in the 1752-1762 period by several sculptors with the facade of Poli Palace as its backdrop.

Trevi Fountain was built in 1732-1762 by a few sculpyors

Trevi Fountain was built in the 1732-1762 period by a few sculptors

Trevi Fountain viewed from right

Trevi Fountain viewed from right

Trevi Fountain seen from the left

Trevi Fountain seen from the left

Coins in Fountain-Pool

Visitors believe that if they throw coins into the fountain-pool after making one, two or three wishes their wish or wishes may be granted. Everyday many visitors throw about 30oo euro worth of coins into the water. The money collected is for subsidizing a supermarket for the poor.

Coins thrown by visitors into the fountain pool are worth 3000 euros a day

Coins thrown by visitors into the fountain pool are worth 3000 euros a day

Spanish Steps

Having spent a short time at Trevi Fountain, we left and took a long walk to another place of interest known as Spanish Steps.

The Spanish Steps has 135 steps from the Spanish Square below to a Roman Catholic church, Trinita dei Monti, on top of Pincia Hill. The steps were built to link the Bourbon Spanish Embassy below with the church on the hill.

Spanish Steps has 135 steps linking Spanish Square below and Church on top of Pincia Hill

Spanish Steps has 135 steps linking Spanish Square below and Church on top of Pincia Hill

Crowded Spanish Square

Crowded Spanish Square

Spanish Square

In the Spanish Square there is a small fountain known as “Fountain of Ugly Boat”.

Fountain of Ugly Boat in Spanish Square

Fountain of Ugly Boat in Spanish Square

At about 11 a.m. we were lucky to hear a band on the Spanish Steps playing Italian music.

Band Playing Italian Musics

Band Playing Italian Music

Trinita dei Monti Church

The Roman Catholic church located on Pincia Hill is known as Trnita dei Monti Church. It was built to replace the old one that was constructed by King Louis XII in 1502 to celebrate his victory in the Battle of Naples. This church was consecrated in 1585.

Triniti dei Monti Church on Pincia Hill

Triniti dei Monti Church on Pincia Hill

Roman Obelisk

In front of the church is a Roman obelisk that was moved there in 1789.

Interior of Trinita dei Monti

Interior of Trinita dei Monti

Journey to Florence

Soon we left Rome for Florence in the north. On the way we stopped at two places. The first place was a shop, Autogrill Service Area in Val di Chiana, where we stopped to buy Italian food products for our loved ones back home(Malaysia).

Shopping at Autogrill, Val di Chiana

At 3.30 p.m. we arrived at the shop, Autogrill. It was a pleasure to shop at this well-stocked place and the tour members were spoiled for choice. Besides, the shop-assistants were friendly and helpful.

Shopping for Italian foodstuffs at Autogrill, Val di Chiana, Italy

Shopping for Italian foodstuffs at Autogrill, Val di Chiana, Italy

Shopping at Autogrill, Val di Chiana

Shopping at Autogrill, Val di Chiana

Francesca, friendly shop-assistant

Francesca, friendly shop-assistant

Many kinds of foodstuffs at the shop

Many kinds of foodstuffs at the shop

Writer befriends a shop-assistant, Andra

Writer befriends a shop-assistant, Andra

After spending an hour at the shop, we moved on.

Pierotucci Leather Factory

In the evening we arrived at a leather factory known as Pierotucci Leather Factory near Florence City.

Established in 1972, it produces genuine leather bags, jackets and accessories. Besides producing its own designs, it also produces those of others such as Dunhill, Valentino, Bally, Fratelli Rossetti, Cole-Haan and Hugo Boss.

Pierotucci Leather Factory Workshop, Florence

Pierotucci Leather Factory Workshop, Florence

Leather Craftsmen

When we arrived at the factory, we were led into a workshop where expert craftsmen worked. As the workers had left the factory, a lady explained how a craftsman made a handbag. Then we were led to a showroom where many kinds of leather goods were displayed for sale.

Tour group at Pierotucci Leather Factory, Florence, Italy

Tour group at Pierotucci Leather Factory, Florence, Italy

Genuine leathers for making bags, jackets and accessories

Genuine leather for making bags, jackets and accessories

Factory showroom of leather-products

Factory showroom of leather-products

Genuine leather handbags in showroom

Genuine leather handbags in showroom

Genuine leather jackets in showroom

Genuine leather jackets in showroom

Genuine leather belts in showroom

Genuine leather belts in showroom

“Authentic Florentine Steak”

A few of us bought some items and then left for dinner at a L’ema restaurant nearby to savour the “Authentic Florentine Steak”. Unfortunately, I could not finish the meat as it was too “rubbery”.

Tour group having "Authentic Florentine Steak" for dinner at a L'ema restaurant

Tour group having “Authentic Florentine Steak” for dinner at a L’ema restaurant

Photo Session

At the restaurant I took the opportunity to take photos of the happy tour members and myself for remembrance.

Tye Family

Tye Family

Mr, and Mrs. Raymond Low, Penny and Fong Eng

Mr. and Mrs. Raymond Low, Penny and Fong Eng

Eunice and Lim

Mr. and Mrs. Lim

Mr, and Mrs. Lim

Mr. and Mrs. Lim

Mr. and Mrs. Look

Mr. and Mrs. Look

Ai Lan and Mee Lan

Ai Lan and Mee Lan

Mr. and Mrs. Ho

Mr. and Mrs. Ho

Mr. and Mrs. Leow

Mr. and Mrs. Leow

Writer(Choo Chaw) and wife(Peng)

Writer(Choo Chaw) and wife(Peng)

Hotel President, Prato

After the dinner we left and went to stay at a hotel, Hotel President, in Prato that is near Florence. We would be going to Pisa to see Leaning Tower of Pisa the following day.

Previous / Home / Next

Italy Travel Part I: Rome and Vatican City

Italy Travel Part II : Rome(continued)

Italy Travel Part III: Pisa and Florence

Italy Travel Part IV: Venice

Italy Travel Part V(Final): Verona and Milan

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Italy Travel Part III: Pisa and Florence

December 11, 2017 by · Leave a Comment
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Italy Travel Part III: Pisa and Florence

Day 4:  Sunday, 5 November 2017

Visiting Leaning Tower of Pisa, Pisa

Visiting Pisa and Florence on Day 4, Sunday, 5 November 2017

Visiting Pisa and Florence on Day 4, Sunday, 5 November 2017

Rain in Pisa

In the morning we left our hotel. Hotel President near Florence and went west to Pisa. On arrival at Pisa, we walked in the rain from the coach parking area to Cathedral Square which was a few hundred metres away.

Pickpockets

On the way we came across some foreigners selling umbrellas and ponchos. They forewarned us that there were several pickpockets around, trying to steal tourists’ money. As we were walking to the square, we looked out for one another. Luckily, none of us fell prey to the pickpockets.

Walking in the rain to Leaning Tower of Pisa

Walking in the rain to Leaning Tower of Pisa

Souvenir stalls along a street to Pisa Tower

Souvenir stalls along a street leading to Pisa Tower

Three Monumental Buildings

When we were in the square we saw three prominent monumental buildings, namely Baptistery of St. John, Cathedral of Pisa and a world’s famous leaning tower known as “Leaning Tower of Pisa”.

Cold and wet in Cathedral Square of Pisa

Cold and wet in Cathedral Square of Pisa

Baptistery of St. John 

Baptistery of St. John is a Roman Catholic church that was built in Romanesque and Gothic architectural styles in the 1152-1363 period.

Three prominent buildings in Cathedral Square

Three prominent buildings in Cathedral Square

Cathedral of Pisa

Cathedral of Pisa is in between Baptistery of St. John and the Leaning Tower of Pisa. It was built in Romanesque architectural style from 1063 until 1092 and dedicated to the Assumption of Virgin Mary. Now it is the seat of Archbishop of Pisa

Cathedral and Leaning Tower of Pisa

Cathedral of Pisa and Leaning Tower of Pisa

Leaning Tower of Pisa

The well-known tower, Leaning Tower of Pisa, which is about 56 metres high was built in Romanesque architectural style. The builders took almost 200 years(1173-1372) to complete the construction. Unfortunately, the tower tilted slowly to as much as 5.5 degrees while they were building it. It was due to weak foundation on one side of the ground.

Leaning Tower of Pisa has tilted to about 3 degrees

Leaning Tower of Pisa has tilted to about 3 degrees

Tower Tilting 5.5 Degrees

Later, frantic efforts were carried out to make the tower stand upright. But they could only reduce the leaning angle to about 3 degrees as we are seeing it now. I think it is because of its tilting nature that attracts the attention of millions of tourists every year.

Visiting Florence

Michelangelo Square

Michelangelo Square, Florence, Italy

Michelangelo Square, Florence, Italy

In the afternoon we left Pisa and travelled east to Florence City. Before we entered the city, we went to Michelangelo Square on a small hill in the south. Standing at the square in the rain, we saw the beautiful city of Florence.

 

Panoramic view of Florence City from Michelangelo Square

Panoramic view of Florence City from Michelangelo Square

Bronze Statue of David

In the square we saw a bronze statue of David which is a replica of Michelangelo’s marble statue of David.

Bronze statue of David in Michelangelo Square

Bronze statue of David in Michelangelo Square

Florence Square

When we entered the city centre, the first place we visited was a square known as Florence Square where we met a local guide, Virginia.

Virginia, Florence tour-guide talking to tour group

Virginia, Florence tour-guide talking to tour group

Florence Tour Guide, Virginia

In the square, Virginia brought us round and told us about the monumental buildings. some of which are shown below

Cathedral of St. Mary of the Flower

This huge cathedral with a red dome was built in 1296-1436 in Gothic architectural style. It is the largest one in Florence.

 

Cathedral of St. Mary of the Flower, the main Florence church

Cathedral of St. Mary of the Flower, the main Florence church

An entrance to the Cathedral of St. Mary of the Flower, Florence

An entrance to the Cathedral of St. Mary of the Flower, Florence

The interior of Cathedral of St. Mary of the Flower

The interior of Cathedral of St. Mary of the Flower

Giotto’s Bell Tower

Close to the cathedral and built in Gothic architectural style from 1334 until 1359 is a tall tower, Giotto’s Bell Tower, that is about 85 metres tall. Visitors can climb up 414 steps to the top to see the whole city of Florence.

Giotto's Bell Tower next to Cathedral of St. Mary of the Flower in Florence Cathedral Square

Giotto’s Bell Tower next to Cathedral of St. Mary of the Flower in Florence Cathedral Square

Giotto Bell Tower, Florence

Giotto Bell Tower, Florence

Baptistery of St. John

Another building near the cathedral is Baptistery of St. John in Romanesque architectural style. It was built in the 1059-1128 period in octagonal shape and has three bronze doors with relief sculptures. One of them was dubbed as “Door of Paradise” by Michelangelo.

Baptistery of St. John in Florence Cathedral Square

Baptistery of St. John in Florence Cathedral Square

One of the three doors of Baptistery of St. John

One of the three bronze doors of Baptistery of St. John

Signora Square

Then we walked a short distance to another place known as Signora Square. This square was the political focus of Florence for many years. On one side of the square an equestrian monument of Cosimo I(1519-1574) was erected in 1594.

Cosimo I Monument

Cosimo I was the 2nd. Duke of Florence from 1537 until 1569. The Fountain of Neptune near the monument was under repair.

Signoria Square, the political focus of Florence

Signoria Square, the political focus of Florence

Palazzo Vecchio

In the square there is a building, Palazzo Vecchio, which houses the town hall and a museum, too. It was built in the 13th. Century to show the importance of Florence and protect the magistrates of the city in times of turbulence.

Palazzo Vecchio, a town hall and museum

Palazzo Vecchio, a town hall and museum

Statue of David

At the entrance of the building there is a statue of David which is a replica of Michelangelo(1475-1564)’s David statue on one side and statues of Hercules and Cacus by Baccio Bandinelli(1493-1560) on the other side.

Statues of David, Hercules and Cacus at the entrance of Palazzo Vecchio

Statues of David, Hercules and Cacus at the entrance of Palazzo Vecchio

Signora Square, the political focus of Florence

Signora Square, the political focus of Florence

Loggia dei Lanzi

Loggia dei Lanzi built in the 15th. Century is an open-air gallery of Renaissance sculptures.

Loggia dei Lanzi, an open-air gallery of Renaissance sculptures

Loggia dei Lanzi, an open-air gallery of Renaissance sculptures

This building at Signora Square displays several beautiful sculptures. The photos below show some of them.

A bronze statue of Perseus holding Medusa's head

A bronze statue of Perseus holding Medusa’s head

Statue of a Male Lion belonging to Ferdino I of Medici(1549-1609)

Statue of a Male Lion belonging to Ferdino I of Medici(1549-1609)

"Hercules beating the Centaur Nessus" by Giovanni Bologna(1529-1608), a Flemish sculptor living in Italy

“Hercules beating the Centaur Nessus” by Giovanni Bologna(1529-1608), a Flemish sculptor living in Italy

"Menelaus supporting the body of Petroclus" sculpture, a much restored Roman sculpture

“Menelaus supporting the body of Petroclus” sculpture, a much restored Roman sculpture

"The Rape of Polyxena" by Pio Fedi(1815-1892), an Italian sculptor

“The Rape of Polyxena” by Pio Fedi(1815-1892), an Italian sculptor

Uffizi Gallery

Uffizi Gallery is behind Loggia dei Lanzi. It is a famous large museum that has 101 rooms displaying artworks, particularly, from the Italian Renaissance period. It attracts many visitors every year. About 2 million people entered the museum in 2016.

Uffizi Gallery, a famous museum of artworks, particularly, from the Italian Renaissance

Uffizi Gallery, a famous museum of artworks, particularly, from the Italian Renaissance

Uffizi Gallery has niches in exterior columns that contain statues of important historical figures, such as Michelangelo Buonarroti, Leonardo da Vinci, Galileo Galilei, and Dante to name a few.

Michelangelo Buonarroti(1475-1564)

Michelangelo was born in Florence, He was a sculptor, painter, architect and poet. His famous sculptures include “David” and “Pieta”.

Michelangelo Buonarroti(1475-1564) was born in Florence. He was a scul[tor, painter, architect and poet. His famous sculptures include "David" and "Pieta".

Michelangelo Buonarroti(1475-1564) was born in Florence. He was a sculptor, painter, architect and poet. His famous sculptures include “David” and “Pieta”.

Leonardo da Vinci(1452-1519)

Leonardo was an Italian polymath who had many areas of interest such as sculpture, painting, invention and astronomy. His famous paintings include “Mona Lisa” and “The Last Supper”.

Leonardo da Vinci(1452-1519) was an Italian polymath who had many areas of interest. His famous paintings include "Mona Lisa" and "The Last Supper".

Leonardo da Vinci(1452-1519) was an Italian polymath who had many areas of interest. His famous paintings include “Mona Lisa” and “The Last Supper”.

Galileo Galilei(1564-1642)

Galileo was also an Italian polymath who was interested in astronomy, physics, engineering, natural philosophy and Mathematics.

Galileo Galilei(1564-1642) was an Italian polymath interested in astronomy, physics, engineering, natural philosophy and Mathematics.

Galileo Galilei(1564-1642) was an Italian polymath interested in astronomy, physics, engineering, natural philosophy and Mathematics.

Dante Alighieri(1265-1321)

Dante Alighieri(1265-1321) was an Italian statesman, poet, language theorist and political theorist.

Dante Alighieri(1265-1321) was an Italian statesman, poet, language theorist and political theorist.

Ponte Vecchio(Old Bridge)

Ponte Vecchio is a 30 metre-long stone-bridge that spans River Arno. The first bridge was built in the Roman times. It had been destroyed by flood a few times and then reconstructed.

Ponte Vecchio is an old 30 metre-long stone-bridge spanning River Arno in Florence.

Ponte Vecchio is an old 30 metre-long stone-bridge spanning River Arno in Florence.

Shops have been built on the bridge selling jewellery and souvenirs to tourists.

Shops on Ponte Vecchio selling jewellery and souvenirs to tourists

Shops on Ponte Vecchio selling jewellery and souvenirs to tourists

Basilica Santo Croce

In the evening we left the old bridge, Ponte Vecchio, and walked for several minutes to a restaurant for dinner. On the way we came across a white cathedral, Basilica Santa Croce(Basilica of the Holy Cross), that housed the tombs of many influential Italians, including those of Michelangelo and Galileo. So it is also known as the Temple of the Italian Glories.

Built in the 1294-1385 period. it is the main principal Franciscan church and a minor basilica of the Roman Catholic church.

Basilica Santo Croce that houses the tombs of Michelangelo and Galileo

Basilica Santo Croce that houses the tombs of Michelangelo and Galileo

Hotel President, Prato, Florence

After dinner we went back to our hotel, Hotel President in Prato, to rest.

The following day, we left Florence for Venice.

Previous / Home / Next

Italy Travel Part I: Rome and Vatican City

Italy Travel Part II : Rome(continued)

Italy Travel Part III: Pisa and Florence

Italy Travel Part IV: Venice

Italy Travel Part V(Final): Florence and Milan

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Italy Travel Part IV: Venice

December 11, 2017 by · Leave a Comment
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Italy Travel Part IV: Venice

Day 5:  Monday, 6 November 2017

Journey from Florence to Venice

We left the Florence hotel, Hotel President, in the morning and travelled to Venice in the northeast of Italy.

Map of Italy showing the location of Venice

Visiting Venice on Day 5, Monday, 6 November 2017

Visiting Venice on Day 5, Monday, 6 November 2017

Venice

Venice is built on more than 100 islands in a lagoon. The islands are separated by canals, straddled by over 400 bridges. A causeway, Bridge of Liberty(Ponte della Liberta), connects the mainland to a small island of Venice.

This causeway, Bridge of Liberty(Ponte Della Liberta), connects the mainland and a Venice island

This causeway, Bridge of Liberty(Ponte Della Liberta), connects the mainland and a Venice island

Causeway

In the afternoon we arrived at the island of Venice after crossing the causeway from the mainland. Then we boarded a boat that took us to another but larger island, San Marco Island(St. Mark Island).

Tour group taking a boat to San Marco Island of Venice

Tour group taking a boat to San Marco Island of Venice

Spectacular Views

While sailing to San Marco Island we saw a few large cruise ships and spectacular views of old medieval buildings, hotels and churches on some islands.

A large cruise ship bringing tourists to Venice

A large cruise ship bringing tourists to Venice

Tour group's boat passing by a beautiful building, Hotel Hilton, on Giudecca Island of Venice

Tour group’s boat passing by a beautiful building, Hotel Hilton, on Giudecca Island of Venice

Old Venetian buildings along the waterfront of Dorsudoro Island of Venice

Old Venetian buildings along the waterfront of Dorsoduro Island of Venice

Photographing

While sailing to the island, we took the opportunity to take some photos of ourselves in the boat for remembrance. Below are a few of them.

Writer and wife

Writer and wife

Raymond Low and wife

Raymond Low and wife

Mr. Tye and family

Mr. Tye and family

Some Ladies of Tour Group

Some Ladies of Tour Group

Mr. and Mrs. Lim

Mr. and Mrs. Lim

San Marco Island of Venice

After a 20 minute boat-ride, we sighted San Marco Island with a prominent bell tower known as St. Mark’s Bell Tower. The view was stunning.

After a short boat riding, we sighted our destination, San Marco Island.

After a short boat riding, we sighted our destination, San Marco Island.

Soon we arrived and disembarked at the jetty of San Marco Island.

Tour group arriving on San Marco Island of Venice

Tour group arriving on San Marco Island of Venice

Waterfront of San Marco Island

The waterfront is wide and about 1 metre above sea-level. Hence, it is prone to flooding whenever the tide is high. But tables kept on the waterfront are ready to be used by visitors if it is flooded.

Tables on the waterfront are ready to be used by visitors if there is flood

Tables on the waterfront are ready to be used by visitors if there is a flood

Tables were used earlier by visitors queuing up to enter St. Mark Cathedral in San Marco Square.

Visitors standing on tables to prevent their feet from getting wet in flooded San Marco Square, Venice

Visitors standing on tables to prevent their feet from getting wet in flooded San Marco Square, Venice

Flood in Venice

A flood occurred in Venice on the following day after our visit.

Venice was flooded on Tuesday. 7 November 2017 when we were in Florence

Venice was flooded on Tuesday. 7 November 2017 when we were in Florence

Venetian Buildings

On the waterfront there are several rows of old Venetian buildings. Among them are Doge’s Palace(Palazzo Ducale) and a prison separated by a narrow canal.

 

Wide eastern waterfront of San Marco Island

Wide eastern waterfront of San Marco Island

Wide westerm waterfront of San Marco Island

Wide westerm waterfront of San Marco Island

Doges of Venice

Doges of Venice were chief magistrates and leaders with supreme authority of the former Republic of Venice. They were elected for life. Venice was under their rule from 697 until 1797 when France under Napoleon Bonaparte(1769-1821) captured it.

Doge’s Palace(Palazzo Ducale)

Doge’s Palace built in Gothic architectural style and established in 1340 was the residence of the Doge of Venice until 1797 when France took over Venice. Later, the palace was taken over by Austria when Venice was ruled by Austria. In 1866 Venice became part of Italy.

Since 1923 it has become an art museum.

Doge's Palace(Left) and Old Prison(Right)

Doge’s Palace(Left) and Old Prison(Right)

Bridge of Sighs

A bridge was built from Doge’s Palace to the prison next to it in 1614. Known as the Bridge of Sighs, it was built for criminals who were sentenced to jail. They had to walk across the bridge from Doge’s Palace where the court was situated to the prison.

While crossing the bridge, the criminals had a last look outside through the two windows, sighed and entered the prison to serve their sentences.

Bridge of Sighs links Doge's Palace and Old Prison

Bridge of Sighs links Doge’s Palace to the Old Prison

Writer and wife standing on a bridge and Bridge of Sighs in the background

Writer and wife standing on a bridge, with the Bridge of Sighs in the background

Over 400 Bridges in Venice

There are over 400 bridges in Venice. Most of them are short, straddling narrow canals and different from each other in design.

A low bridge in Venice

A low bridge in Venice

A short and low bridge

A short and low bridge in Venice

A high bridge in Venice

A high bridge in Venice

Malaysian beauties on a Venetian bridge

Malaysian beauties on a Venetian bridge

San Giorgio Maggiore Church

Standing on the waterfront I looked across a waterway, the Grand Canal, and saw a large church on Dorsoduro Island. It is called San Giorgio Maggiore, a 16 th. Century Benedictine church built in Classical Renaissance architectural style in the 1566-1610 period.

San Giorgio Maggiore Church on Dorsodura Island of Venice

San Giorgio Maggiore Church on Dorsodura Island of Venice

Venetian Ladies

On the waterfront we saw two ladies walking on stilts. They were dressed in traditional Venetian costumes and wearing masks. They were inviting visitors to take photos with them.

Venetian ladies in traditional costumes and wearing masks on waterfront

Venetian ladies in traditional costumes and wearing masks on waterfront

Venetian Masks

There were some souvenir stalls on the waterfront. The most common things they were selling were the Venetian masks.

Venetian masks are usually worn during the Carnival of Venice which is an annual festival in Venice. They may wear full-face masks or eye masks to hide their identity and social status.

Venetian masks worn during the Carnival of Venice

Venetian full-face masks worn during the Carnival of Venice

Venetian eye-masks worn during the Carnival of Venice

Venetian eye-masks worn during the Carnival of Venice

Black Spaghetti for Lunch

When it was lunchtime, we went to a restaurant, Taverna dei Dogi, in an alley near St. Mark’s Square. We had black spaghetti or squid ink spaghetti, simple salad, fried squid rings and ice-cream for lunch.

Tour group having lunch at Taverna dei Dogi Restaurant, Venice

Tour group having lunch at Taverna dei Dogi Restaurant, Venice

Interior of Taverna dei Dogi Restaurant, Venice

Interior of Taverna dei Dogi Restaurant, Venice

Black Spaghetti or Squid Ink Spaghetti

Black Spaghetti or Squid Ink Spaghetti

Simple Salad

Simple Salad

Tasty Fried Squid Slices

Tasty Fried Squid Rings

Glass-Blowing Demonstration

After lunch, we walked to a glass-shop in Castello District which was nearby. At the shop we watched a glass-blower, Parlo, making a glass-object by traditional method. After the glass-blowing demonstration, we went to the glass showroom where many kinds of glass-objects were for sale, such as chandeliers, drinking glasses, glass figures, etc. But none of us bought any of them as it was troublesome to bring them home, 10 000 km away from Venice.

Glass-master demonstrating traditional glass-making

Glass-blower, Parlo, demonstrating traditional glass-making

Glass-objects of different forms, sizes and colours for sale

Glass objects in different forms, sizes and colours for sale

Glass-shop assistant trying to sell Venetian glass-objects

Glass-shop assistant trying to sell Venetian glass-objects

St. Mark Square(Piazza San Marco)

Later, we went to the most important place in Venice. It is the centre for social, political and religious activities of the city. It is known as St. Mark’s Square(Piazza dei San Marco).

St, Mark's Bell Tower built in the 12th. Century is 98.6 metres tall in the centre of St. Mark's Square

St. Mark’s Square is an important place for social, political and religious activities in Venice.

Malaysian tour group in St. Mark Square(Piazza San Marco), Venice

Malaysian tour group in St. Mark’s Square(Piazza San Marco), Venice

Malaysian tour group visiting St. Mark's Square on 6 Nov 2017

Group photo

St. Mark’s Bell Tower

In the centre of the square stands a tall tower, St. Mark’s Bell Tower. It is 98.6 metres tall and built in 1912 replacing the old one that collapsed in 1902. The first one was built in the 12th. Century as a watch-tower or lighthouse.

St. Mark's Bell Tower built in 1912 to replace the old one that collapsed in 1902 is 98.6 metres high.

St. Mark’s Bell Tower built in 1912 to replace the old one that collapsed in 1902 is 98.6 metres high.

St. Mark’s Cathedral(Basilica dei San Marco)

On its western side is a large church, Basilica dei San Marco(St. Mark Cathedral). It was built in 978-1092 with five domes and five arches in front. It has a mixture of Italian, Byzantine and Gothic architectural styles.

It was built as a private chapel for the Doges until 1807 when the local bishop, Patriarch of Venice, took over in 1807.

St. Mark's Cathedral(Basilica San Marco) built in 978-1092 houses St. Mark's Treasure in St. Mark's Square, Venice

St. Mark’s Cathedral(Basilica San Marco) built in 978-1092 houses St. Mark’s Treasure in St. Mark’s Square,

The Church houses St. Mark’s Treasure consisting of 293 items in gold, silver, glass and other precious materials from various sources like from Constatinople, Western art, of Islamic origin and others.

Gondola Ride 

Finally, we went to a pond or small lake, Bacino Orseolo, near St. Mark’s Square to ride gondolas.

A gondola is Venetian iconic boat that looks like a canoe. Painted black, it is 11 metres long with comfortable seats and ornately decorated.

 

Bacino Orseolo is a place for gondola rides

Bacino Orseolo is a place for gondola rides

Fellow tour members getting ready for a gondola ride

Fellow tour members enjoying a gondola ride

10 000 Gondolas

About 200 years ago, there were approximately 10 000 gondolas, but now there are about 500 left. Those boats were the chief means of transportation in Venice in the olden days. Today most of them are used for carrying tourists who want to enjoy the ride.

Venetian gondolas at a mooring on Grand Canal, Venice

Venetian gondolas at a mooring on Grand Canal, Venice

Bacino Orseolo

A tourist gondola can carry 6 persons and is rowed by a gondolier. My wife and I together with 4 members of the Tye family sat in a gondola at Bacino Orseolo, a small lake. Our seating in the gondola was decided by the gondolier as he did not want his boat to be tilted to one side

Writer, wife and Tye family enjoying gondola ride

Writer, wife and Tye family enjoying gondola ride

Slow Gondola Ride

Shortly afterwards, we were moving away from the lake. The boat was moving slowly along narrow canals and part of the large canal known as Grand Canal, passing under low bridges.

Gondola moving into busy Grand Canal of Venice

Gondola moving into busy Grand Canal of Venice

Marco, the Gondolier

Our gondolier was Marco. We asked him to sing for us while he was rowing, but there was no response from him. Anyway, we enjoyed the sights and sounds of  Venice as we were moving along the canals and under low bridges. The ride which lasted for about 20 minutes is a memorable one.

Marco is a skilful gondolier since he was a teenager.

Marco is a skilful gondolier plying his trade since he was a teenager.

Gondoliers row their boats with skill and care in narrow canals

Gondoliers row their boats with skill and care in narrow canals

Low canal bridges will be a problem for gondoliers to row their boats underneath.

Low canal bridges are a problem for gondoliers during high tide.

Rialto Bridge(Ponte de Rialto)

While riding in a gondola on Grand Canal, we saw an iconic bridge of Venice known as Rialto Bridge. Constructed in 1591, it spans Grand Canal and connects San Marco Island and San Palo Island.

Rialto Bridge(Ponte de Rialto) spanning Grand Canal was constructed in 1591.

Rialto Bridge(Ponte de Rialto) spanning Grand Canal was constructed in 1591.

Departure for Venice Mainland

Soon we left Venice’s San Marco Island and returned to the mainland of Venice. Then we headed west to a hotel, Hotel Da Porto, along Viale del Sole to stay overnight before going to Verona and Milan in the north the following day.

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Italy Travel Part I: Rome and Vatican City

Italy Travel Part II : Rome(continued)

Italy Travel Part III: Pisa and Florence

Italy Travel Part IV: Venice

Italy Travel Part V(Final): Verona and Milan

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Writer’s List of Memorable Travels

July 10, 2017 by · Leave a Comment
Filed under: Uncategorized 

Writer’s List of Travels

1.  Africa

South Africa

South Africa Travel Part I:       Air Flight from KLIA to Cape Town, Cape Town Shantytowns

South Africa Travel Part II:      Table Mountain, Malay Quarter, Castle of Good Hope. A & V Waterfront

South Africa Travel Part III:     Hermanus, Cheetah Outreach, Stellenbosch, Jewel Africa

South Africa Travel Part IV:     Duiker Island of Seals, Cape Point, Boulders

South Africa Travel Part V:       Cape Town to Johannesburg, Pilanesberg National Park(Game Drives)

South Africa Travel Part VI:      Sun City, Union Buildings, Vootrekker Monument

South Africa Travel Part VII:    Kruger Museum, Church Square, Melrose Museum, Carnivore Restaurant

South Africa Travel  Final Part:  Gold Reef City: Gold Mine Museum

2.  Australia: 

Part I: Melbourne/Mornington Peninsula/Phillip Island),

Part II: Sydney

3.  China:

i. Beijing, Tianjin, Chengde Travel:

Part I: Beijing, Badaling

Part II: Beijing, Tianjin, Chengde

ii. China Relatives & Ancestral Places(Fujian Province)

Part I: Parents’ China Relatives

Part II: Hanjiang, Meizhou Island

Part III: Putian

 iii. Hong Kong Travel

Part I:  Hong Kong City Tour

Part II:  Hong Kong City Tour

 iv. Macau Travel

Macau City Tour

 v. Shanghai Travel

Part I:  Hangzhou, Suzhou, Wuxi, Nanjing

Part II: Nanjing Bridge, Shanghai City, Shanghai Expo, Hangzhou

  vi.  Shenzhou, Hezhou, Quilin, Zhaoqing Travel

Part I: Shenzhen, Hezhou

Part II: Quilin, Yangshuo, Zhaoqing, Shenzhen

  vii. Taiwan Travel

Part I: Taipei

Part II:  Checheng, Kaohsiung, Taichung, Sanyi, Yehliu, Jioufen

  viii.  Yunnan Travel

Part I: Kunming, Jiu Xiang, Shilin, Dali

Part II: Dali, Lijiang

  ix. Zhangjiajie Travel

Part I: Tianmen, Zhangjia jie, Wulingyuan, Tianzi, Yuangjiajie

Part II: Dragon King Cave, Shaoshan, Changsha, Macau

  x.  China Expedition 2013

Part I: Thailand

Part II: Yunnan

Part III: Tibet

Part IV: Qinhai

Part V: Xinjiang

Part VI: Gansu

Part VII: Ningxia

Part VIII: Inner Mongolia

Part IX: Beijing

3. Egypt Travel

Egypt Travel Part I :Salah el Din Citadel, Muhammad Ali Mosque, Tahrir Square and Egyptian Museum

Egypt Travel Part II :Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut Temple and Colossi of Memnon

Egypt Travel Part III :Hot Air Balloons and Karnak Temple Complex

Egypt Travel Part IV :Papyrus Paper-Making, Luxor Temple and Esna Lock

Egypt Travel Part V :Edfu Temple, Kom Ombo Temple and Galabia Party

Egypt Travel Part VI :Abu Simbel Temples and Nubian Village(Elephantine Island)

Egypt Travel Part VII :Unfinished Obelisk, Aswan High Dam and Philae Temple

Egypt Travel Part VIII:Ahmed Hamdi Tunnel, Moon Beach(Ras Sudr), and St. Catherine

Egypt Travel Part IX :Mount Sinai, Catherine’s Monastery and Sharm el Sheikh

Egypt Travel Part X  :Sharm el Sheikh

Egypt Travel Part XI :Cairo Food, Saqqara Step Pyramid Complex and Memphis

Egypt Travel Part XII :Great Giza Pyramid Complex and Khan el Khalil Bazaar

4.  Europe:

i.  Western Europe Travel

Part I: Germany, Switzerland, France

Part II: France, Belgium, Holland, England

ii.  Eastern Europe Travel

Part I: Budapest(Hungary)

Part II:  Bratislava(Slovakia)

Part III: Vienna(Austria)

Part IV: Vienna II(Austria)

Part V: Brno(Czech Republic)

Part VI: Prague(Czech Republic)

5.  Indonesia:

i.  Bali Travel       

ii Batam Island Travel

6. Italy:

Italy Travel Part I: Rome and Vatican City

Italy Travel Part II : Rome(continued)

Italy Travel Part III: Pisa and Florence

Italy Travel Part IV: Venice

Italy Travel Part V(Final): Verona and Milan

7.  Japan:

Part I: Osaka, Kyoto, Hamamatsu

Part II: Owakudani Valley, Mt. Fuji, Tokyo

8.  Myanmar:

Part I: Yangon, Bagan, Mount Popa

Part II: Yangon, Kyauktan

9.  New Zealand:

New Zealand Travel

10.  South Korea

Part I:  Seoul, Jeju Island

Part II:  Sokcho, Everland, Dongdaemum, DMZ, Seoul

11.  Singapore:

Singapore Heritage Trail

Part I: Chinatown, Little India

Part II: Malay Heritage, Civic District

12.  Thailand:

i. Bangkok, Ayuthaya Travel

Part I: Bangkok, Ayuthaya

Part I: Bangkok

ii. Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, The Golden Triangle Travel

Part I: Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, The Golden Triangle

Part I: Maesa, Chiang Mai

iii.  Phuket Travel 

iv. Part I: Thailand (from China Ezpedition 2013)

13.  U.S.A & Canada

i.   East Coast

Part I: Philadeiphia, Washington D.C.

Part II: Niagara Falls, Toronto

Part III: Colborne, 1000 Islands, Ottawa

Part IV: Montreal, Quebec

Part V: Boston

Part VI: New York

Part VII: Woodbury Common Premium Outlets

ii.   West Coast

Part I: San Francisco

Part II: San Francisco, Monterey Bay, Las Vegas

Part III: Grand Canyon

Part IV: Las Vegas

Part V: Premium Outlets(S. California)

Part VI: Disneyland(Anaheim)

Part VII: Hollywood Walk of Fame(Los Angeles)

Part VIII: Universal Studios Hollywood

Part IX: Universal Studios Hollywood Theme Park

14.   Vietnam

Hanoi Travel

Part I: Hanoi, Halong Bay

Part II: Hoa Lo, Tam Coc, Hanoi

END

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