Kids Portrait : Wei + Xiang + Sheng + Cheng @ Malacca

Dreaming of Mc Donald at Spanish Steps, Rome

The Spanish Steps are famous set of steps in one of the most well known areas of Rome. Despite of its name, the famous Spanish Steps were actually built by the French. The monumental stairway of 138 steps, "Scalinata di Spagna" or  "Spanish Steps" were constructed between 1723 and 1725 with French diplomat Étienne Gueffier. They can be easily found and recognized at the Piazza di Spagna square rectangle like shape. The Piazza di Spagna is one of the most popular tourist sites in Rome. The Scalinata  is without a doubt the longest and widest staircase in all Europe. She is floated by crowds everyday as you can see from the picture. 

At the base of the Piazza is the Early Baroque fountain called "La Fontana della Barcaccia" ("Fountain of the Old Boat"), built in 1627-29 by Gian Lorenzo Bernini. Legend has it that, Pope Urban VIII had the fountain installed after he had been impressed by a boat brought here by a flood of the Tiber river. Most people seem to think that Bernini used the Boat as a sign of safety from the common floods once roam the Square from the Tiber River.

The weather in Rome can get quite hot, even in the Fall. So the many cafes, shops and restaurants near the Spanish Steps are always popular full of people absorbing this fine, elegant atmosphere. The steps are not a place for eating lunch, being forbidden by Roman regulations, but in Rome where everything is calm and peaceful, it's likely you will still see some people snacking on a sandwich or "tramezzino" (Typical Roman Sandwich) sipping up on a cold drink. Lexson and I rested at the stairs for hours. Indulging the weather, the environment, the ancient and classic buildings, the busy crowds, and the mouth-watering Gelato (Italian ice-cream) recommended as the best in the world by many experts!

Events happened at Spanish Stairs :

(1) On June 13, 2007, a 24-year-old Colombian man attempted to drive a Toyota Celica down the Spanish Steps. No one was hurt, but several of the 200-year-old steps were chipped and scuffed. The driver was arrested and a breath test showed his blood alcohol content to be twice the legal limit for driving.

(2) On January 16, 2008, Graziano Cecchini, a right-wing artist, covered the steps with hundreds of thousands of multicolored plastic balls. He claimed that it was done to make the world notice the situation of the Karen people in Myanmar, and as a protest against the conditions of artists in Italy.

(3) It is rooted in the Slow Food Movement, which began in Italy in 1986 when food writer Carlo Petrini organized a protest of the construction of the first Mc Donald's near the Spanish Steps in Rome. His protesters were armed with bowls of penne paste, to stress the importance of local food over fast food.

Italian are the conscious group who have very strong attitudes towards healthy eating habits, food quality and ingredients, eating for health, etc. Italians willing to spend 2 to 3 hours to enjoy a good dish rather than a fast foods. We can't really find Mc Donald everywhere in Italy like others country. Italy goverment don't encourage fast food. Fast foods are unhealhty and rubbish food for Italians. Besides, the goverment believed that fast foods will affect the life style and living habits of the locals as well. Nevertheless, they don't admire the way/ look of people consuming a fast foods too.

This reminds me the stories that I read about the Mc Donald. There were another protest for Mc Doanld when the first annoucement of Mc Donald in Bologna was made. They concepted that the corporate colour of Mc Donald, which are red and yellow, don't match with classic image of Italy as a whole. As a result, Mc Donald changed its logo colour to brown and blue. And, Mc Donald keeps the original classical design of the building without huge alternation. A "Classical Mc Donald" in Bologna town.

Besides, there is another interesting Mc Donald outlet located inside the football stadium in Istanbul, Turkey. Turkey is one of the country whose fall violently crazy for football. Turkey's biggest competitor is in red and yellow! It is impossible to have a "red + yellow" Mc Donald outlet inside the Istanbul's football stadium. As a result, this is how a Turkey's football image colour, black and white, Mc Donald emerged. I called it "Prisoner-like" Mc Donald. Don't kill me!!

These really fascinated me! I would definately pay a visit to these "The Classical Mc Donald " and "The Prisoner-like Mc Donald" outlets if I would have the chance to go to Bologna and Istanbul. I don't have any experience to come across these two versions of Mc Donald yet. So I try to imagine  ... ... ...

Last but not least, I would like to apologize for my primary standard's drawing *shy*...

Have you ever or wanted to visit the Spanish Steps? Have you seen any unique McDonald's in your travels?

Make a wish @ The Trevi Fountain

This article published on Xanga's Featured Weblog Frontpage on 26102009 LINK

This article published on Tripcrazed's frontpage on 29102009 LINK

The Trevi Fountain (Fontana di Trevi)! Known as the most famous fountain in Rome! It's the largest standing and most ambitious of the Baroque fountains of Rome. A visitor come to Rome without witnessing this magnificent master piece can't assume been to Rome before. Fontana di Travi measuring 25.9 meters (85 feet) high and 19.8 meters (65 feet) wide. There is no place on earth like this. The fountain is at the juncture of three roads (tre vie)^. It marks the terminal point of the "modern" Acqua Vergine. One ancient aqueduct has been supplying fresh water to Rome bringing water all the way from the Salone Springs, which is situated over 22 km (14 miles) away. This aqueduct (Aqua Virgo)also fed water into the Baths of Agrippa.

When I was on the way to the fountain, I saw people start to pick up the pace as they make their way though the narrow streets surrounding the Piazza to reach this amazing fountain. Even from some distance away, I can hear the gushing water from some distance away. When I entered the small piazza the noise of cascading water gets much louder. It sounded even denser and the noises louder when I almost reached the crowds. The romantic feeling that came over the Piazza then made it a great place for Lexson and I to stop. I believed crowds in the Piazza are common, since everyone wants a picture of the fountain at almost all hours of the day. It was seriously difficult to get a shot without the unwanted third party inside the picture.

The fountain was built by the architect Salvi (1735) in the time of Clement XII, and decorated by several artists of Bernini's school. It is the front part of Palazzo dei Duchi di Polis. The Fontana di Travi, immortalised in Fellini’s film, La Dolce Vita, is dominated by the imposing figure of Neptune riding in his shell shaped chariot pulled by two sea horses. The two female deities beside the Neptune each represents weatlh and health. The center part is a modeled replica of the triumphal arch. The center niche has free-standing columns for maximal light-and-shade. On the outside Oceanus, water comes out from her urn and Salubrity holds a cup from which a snake drinks out from. On the top is a copy of the Roman origin of the aqueducts. The tritons and horses provide symmetrical balance, with the maximum contrast with their facial expressions and poses. "Taming of the waters" is the theme of the gigantic structure that jumps forward, mixing water and rockwork  filling the small square. And, it served Rome for more than four hundred years. It is completely astoundingly sacred yet utterly stunningly breathtaking for me.

The mystery legend of "Coin Throwing": A traditional legend says that if visitors throw a coin into the fountain, they are sure to return to Rome. For those who are not familiar with the tossing of the "three coins", here I attached a little introduction. The current version is you throw two coins, (1) to guarantee that return trip to the Eternal City (2) it will lead to a new romance and (3) will ensure either a marriage or divorce! Legend says that this act brings good luck.

Tip to do the ritual the right way: (1) Toss a coin with your right hand (2) cross it over your left shoulder (3) with your back to the fountain (4) make your wish (5) throw it into the Travi Fountain. According to the local tour guide, survey done and statistically showed that "Top 3 wishes that make by Italians" are: (1) a lovely romance/ life partner (2) become rich (3) a legal divorce of marriage - The local tour guide explained due to their religion, it is not easy to dissolve a marriage.

Is it works? Lexson was here two years back. He made a wish. He wished that I will become his wife one day. Rome is part of our honey moon trip. And, we were right in front of her after two years. Mystery or coincident? 

Approximately 3,000 Euros are thrown into the fountain each day and are collected at night. The fountain grosses almost EUR 120,000 a year, most of it donated to charity. For example, the money has been used to sponsor a supermarket for Rome's needy people. The fountain was refurbished in 1998; the stonework was scrubbed and the fountain provided with re-circulating pumps. However, there are regular attempts to steal coins from the fountain, including some using a magnetized pole. The police guard the fountain 24 hours a day to keep out movie buffs, lovebirds alike, and transgressors risk a fine of up to EUR 500.

I saw these cute locks right in front of The Trevi Fountain. They was attached to certain locks with names written on the locks. I not too sure of what it means. But, my six sense told me, they are the names for couples or family members to attach together in order to wish for eternity in relationship, etc.

So, what would you wish if you are now at The Trevi Fountain? 

An ancient Roman soldier passed by Rome

This article published on Tripcrazed's frontpage on 30092009 LINK 

In Rome, I was walking on the street, someone walked near to me and hold my arm in sudden. I was wowed and sheer perplexed. I loathed and leered lasciriously at him. He is a  young man dressed up like an ancient Roman soldier. "Can I take a photo with a pretty lady like you?" he asked benevolently. I look at him bewilderly without uttering a word. "But you have to pay me Euro 4." he continued. "Oh, that's cheap! Because if you want to take picture with me, you will have to pay me at least Euro 10." I said. He was stunned and looked at me with a pair of big round eyes. Then, we laughed together.

Man who dressed up like ancient Roman soldier walked around Rome especially nearby the tourist spots. They catered the phototaking service for the tourists. Definately, you have to pay for it. " In order to show that I'm a nice guy, I will take picture with your boy friend for free" he said. As a result, I paid Euro 4 for both Lexson and I.

In Roman history, Roman soldiers were very strong and tough, they had to march over 20 miles a day with heavy things to carry. They had to carry equipment such as tents, food, cooking pots and weapons as well as wearing all their armour. They are divided into two categories as legionaries and auxiliaries.

(1) Roman Legionary
The Roman legionary was a soldier who was a Roman citizen younger than 45 who had Roman citizenship. Legionaires served in the army for 20 years. They were well-armed and great fighting men They also served as engineers and craftsmen to build roads, bridges and forts.

(2) Roman Auxiliary
The Auxiliaries were non-Roman citizens. They were recruited from tribes that had been conquered by Rome or were allied to Rome. Roman Auxiliaries served in the army for 25 years. And, they were paid less than the legionaires. After the service period, then only they can become Roman citizens.

Today, I saw ancient Roman soldiers passed by Rome.

Are you a lovely tourist in Italy?

This article published on Xanga's Featured Weblog Frontpage on 29092009 LINK

This article published on Tripcrazed's frontpage on 30092009 LINK

In Italy, when you are out for shopping, museum or church touring, you have to go to a WC. The brilliant way is: Go to the closest cafe/bar, buy an espresso, down it, then, very politely, in Italian, ask  "Mi scusi signore, dov e il bagno?" (Excuse me, mister, where is the bathroom?)  High chances are very good, they will borrow you their private toilet, or lead you the way to the nearest toilet which is clean and foc. Notably, the IMPORTANT thing is to first buy a cup of espresso or a snack.  If you don't do so, you will be directed and told to go to the nearest public toilet, which located ten minutes away. By right, they don't cheat you though, just they don't share you in personal.

 
I took this picture in EuroStar, he sat facing of me, I was attracted by the posture he slept. He looked cool!I hope he doesn't mean to kill me if he sees this picture.

For me, Italians is kind of polite yet obstinate group of ethnic. We have to respect their culture when we are on their cultureland. By and by, I realized their are interesting, friendly and helpful too. Here, I learned, I had composed my suggestions on 10 ways to avoid upsetting the Italians yet ensure you will have an enjoyable experience in Italy as below.

1) Learn some Italian.  In order to initiate with “Hello”, “Goodbye”, “Please” and “Thank you”, we can rather always ask  "Parla Englese?" (can you speak English?). Always greet the host/hostess with a pleasant "Buon giono" or "Buona sera" before asking if they have a table for two. It will put us up one place in the respect scale. That's not necessary to be super fluent in Italian, although it helps!

2) Don’t speak loud English. Italians don't like rude and loud vulgar people, tourists are regarded as guests, and expected to behave politely in their eyes.

3) Dress appropriately. You’re most likely to be refused at the entrance to churches, restaurants, bars and museums, any public places if you look untidy. I don't appoint for flamboyant attire or "dressing up". Being respectful doesn't mean  "fancy", but it has to be sensible enough. Rather, it means no sneakers, tee shirt, sloppy baggy clothes. The most important is a clean appearance. Italians hate dirty looking people. You’ll generally be treated as an object of amusement. 

4) Acknowledge people.  Keep in mind that Italians don't commonly talk to strangers. Italians can get uncomfortable feeling or even feel threatened, when they treated with excessively informal by a stranger. When enter to a shop or restaurant, greet “buon giorno” (good morning) or “buona sera” (good evening) to the proprietor is always the best way. You will reap what you sow. Offer respect will receive respect. Behave rudely will be treated rudely. 

5) Behave politely. Italians expect to be respected and then they will offer respect for you. Never ever put your shirt/ shoes on a table or a chair. Because the seating place will be considered dirty, and you are consider acting rude. Keep your shirt/ shoes on at all times while in public place, no matter how hot the weather is, because here is not a beach.  And remember, don't burp or belch in the public, this is considered extremely utterly rude. Nevertheless, holding and drinking a bottle of alcohol while walking the street, is displeasure and frowned as well.

6) Be aware of regional sensibilities. Steer and converse clearly of politics (especially American foreign policy) and don’t mention the war. Don't patronize or treating the locals condescendingly, they take great exception at it. Always remember Italy is the fifth industrialized country in the world.

7) Never presume a business or restaurant accepts credit cards. Never expect a shopkeeper will break a large bill for a small purchase. Always ask, and expect a "No." Carry small bills for small purchases is a brilliant choice. 

8) Dining Etiquette. Make sure you understand the different levels of service between a restaurants, bar and cafes. You can either sit at a table and get waiter service, or stand at the bar to eat/drink or buy something to take away. The prices are different in each case. It is important to learn some basics in order to avoid unnecessary embarrassment. The rules are pretty much the same throughout Italy except for Venice. There is a surcharge per person from 1.50 EU to 2.50 EU in Venice, in addition to a gratuity of 12-15%.  Most of the places in Italy, you can tip if you want, but it is not expected, and not to the tune of like 15-20% in US.

9) Expediency is not prioritized over courtesy. Shopkeepers/Alimentary owners will help one person at a time, first come first served.  Be patient! They are not ignoring you, they are lavishing attention on the previous customers. When it is your turn, they will lavish uninterrupted, undivided attention on you while others will wait. This is their way of respecting each of the individual customer.  

10) Do not handle the produce! Tell the shopkeeper what you want. Don't start riffling through a pile of neatly folded shirts. The staff will freak out! Tell them what size and color you desire, they will serve you politely. By right, most employees will know your size without your telling them.

She is a lovely girl, who help her friend to manage of this stall in Florence. We had endless topic to chat as SHE CAME TO MALAYSIA before! She gave me "good" price for the shawls and mufflers. Ended up I bought 20 of them as souvenir for my relatives and friends in Malaysia.

If you read reviews of Italy, you’ll find that Italians are regarded as either very friendly and helpful, vice versa.  Wherever you travel, there’s always the possibility of meeting the minority of local curmudgeon, but I believed that generally Italians are only rude to people who have offended them. Such a historical place with high respect scale. So, are you a lovely tourist in Italy?