Roma

 

 

This is where my Italian Odyssey has all began. I fell in love with Italia ever since Under the Tuscan Sun, Letters to Juliet and when Lizzie McGuire went to Rome. How can you not?! With it's laidback charm, great food and wine - it is love at first bite. As a premise though, this is a little bit tricky for me as I am writing this travel post which happened about... errr... 5 months ago! Since I'm on home standby, I thought, I could squeeze in some writing. To be honest, I have a backlog of stories to share with and have lost ‘some’ photos along the way. BUT! There's nothing to worry about because I kept safe all the good memories locked away in my heart and memory bank (and hard drive). 

As Fiumicino made it’s first appearance in my roster, the Colosseo canNOT be missed! And with that, landed No. 2 on my list of the 7 Wonders of the World! It was on and off sunny and gloomy when we arrived but that didn’t stop me and, my beautiful Egyptian colleague-turned-friend, Amira from exploring this historical city. Seeing the ruins made me appreciate time and all the history it withholds. We found a quaint Italian restaurant called the Pasqualino Al Coloseo, tucked within the alleys from the Colosseum. The streets were filled with gelato and vespas. Well, we missed the Fontana de Trevi as we got stuck with shopping and hoarding Olive Oil and Balsamic Vinegar. Toink! I’m also hoping one day to make a trip to the Vatican City. For now, I ended my travel here visiting the Basilica Sta. Maria in Aracoeli. Short and sweet. Thank you Eataly! Ciao Bella!

Festival of Lights

The family were on the move again attending the first ever Dubai Festival of Lights. The event (or exhibition) was stationed at the promenade of Dubai Mall where you stroll the area to see the light shows and displays. It was more like "Feast for the Eyes", we had our "oooh" and "ahhhh" moments. I suddenly remember some local boys who yelled "This is Dubai, live your lives!" (chuckles here) We cousins also had the time to bond, share good laughs and jumps! You have no idea how jumping is a big part of our bonding! (There are a whole lot of hilarious jumps, I just put the blog-worthy ones here haha!) But what struck me the most (and never fails to amaze me) is the gorgeous fountain show that night. Feast your eyes!

 

     

Just when we're about to leave, the background music started to play and the fountains were coming to life. I was tearing up while watching and listening to what seemed like African beats. The song which the waters were dancing to is "Baba Yetu" by Christopher Tin, finding out it meant the "Our Father" prayer in Swahili. No wonder I felt like crying, I was blessed and really moved to witness that show. Couldn't help but share this with you all.    

The Dubai Metro

Since I have landed on this city, I ought to know my whereabouts and how to get going. Dubai has conveniently provided "The Metro". It is this impressive Rail Network that takes you all around the city in an ultramodern mode of public transportation. The train station exudes metal and chrome posh in a shell-like architecture. Yes, I have just used uber modernistic words in one sentence. But that's just the way it is! The first time I took the train here, I forgot if I was entering a hotel or an airport. The train carriage are enclosed and partitioned from the platform station so "Mind the gap" (though you wouldn't really mind). Aside from it's aesthetic value and sheer "modernity" is it's purpose of providing the citizen's (and the rest of the people) an over-the-top means of transportation while enjoying the city view and journey at the same time. I too have found myself living like a local. All you need is the 'Nol' card which is their form of ticket you use tapping in and out on any mode of public transportation and even paying for parking. 

I'd have to say, it is very commuter-friendly, clean and sophisticated. I admire how the Emirate provides nothing but the best of public services. Dubai made it is possible to achieve something like this. Impressive.