Summer Break in Italy: Day 1 - Arrival

After a final check of the important things to be brought during my 6-day trip, I was relaxed and not harassed thinking that I might forget something valuable which jeopardise my trip. Having 16 kg check-in bag and one hand carry for my laptop, I was ready to go and looking forward to meeting the Pope in Vatican and David in Florence! My friend was accommodating enough to drive me to the airport, almost 45 minutes drive from the university. My Aer Lingus flight was on time (1530 departure time) and after 2.5 hours on air, the plane finally landed at the Da Vinci Airport. It was not a busy Friday night (past 7pm, 2 hours advance from UK time)) and the waiting time in the immigration area was tolerable. Not impressed with the existing condition of the airport, especially the dim effect of the lighting to the old floorings.

The airport security was helpful enough to give me the direction to the train station. It took me 5-7 minutes to reach the Leonardo Express service – one hour trip to the city centre of Rome via Roma Termini for 11 Euros (almost £10) per trip. The ticket express expires 90 minutes after validation. I did buy my return ticket as well just to save time from queuing in the central rail station.

In few minutes time, the train arrived and I managed to settle inside the carriage after a 28 degrees C exposure and the feeling of disorientation from being a non-Italian speaking tourist. The train is quite long and have enough space for the luggage with average air conditioning system. The seats were fine and comfortable for the short journey to the city comparable to local journeys in Northern Ireland or going to Dublin from Belfast. The landscape along the railway is a typical European setting with open green fields and few structures. It is noticeable however that there are high rise residential buildings along the railway and not to ignore the interesting graffitis on the concrete barrier walls.

The train finally reached its destination, the main central bus/train/metro station, Roma Termini. It is a huge station which also accommodates regional travels in the major European cities, including the city's mass transport, Metro which occupies the lowest floor of the station. The station looks like a shopping centre with major retail shops and restaurants accessible for locals and tourists.

As soon I stepped out from the train, my left hand was busy clicking my Sony digital camera for souvenir shots of the station. It was almost past 9pm but it was still bright to find my way out for Hostel Beautiful 2.

Honestly, I was not impressed with the surroundings. Not much of running cars, but there is a significant number of scooters/bicycles and cars everywhere – both sides of the narrow streets. The air is clean (as I could not find black particles settled inside my nose) but frankly, I could compare the Rome's atmosphere to some parts of the Philippine cities, except for the architecture of the buildings and its overall urban form – its historical significance to early civilisation. I felt at home really considering that the road orientation is similar to the Philippines, left hand driving. I was disoriented for a little while in crossing the streets adjusting from Northern Ireland/UK's right-handed driving.

I have all the printed materials for the hostel direction, but it took me more than 30 minutes of walking to find the hostel location. I am an Urban/city Planner and love maps but I hate to think that I am not expert in navigation and maybe I have to carry a GPS gadget or the popular "tomtom"unit used in driving in my future trips (hehehe). I might be a good idea in my next Europe trip!

I did ask directions for several people along the way and it was strange to imagine that the local people were not good navigators too which added to my frustrations. The other reasons why it was difficult to find the hostel was that, it does not have a big billboard or street sign of its own, aside from the odd-even street number arrangement. The hostel is located within the row of residential-shop buildings. In other words, the hostel is an ordinary tenant sharing a the main entrance door (including intercom) with other occupiers of the building.

Anyway, I found it after a tiring walk. The staff on-duty was happy enough to get my personal details which will be reported to the Italian police for security/safety reason. He also talked about the facilities available in the hostel, including possible siteseeing directions using the metro and bus. Frankly, the hostel is strategically located in the city – accessible for all types of transport, shopping and dining. After the documentation, I finally settled to my room, ready for my second day in Rome!

Summer Break in Italy: Pre-departure

This is my first trip in 2008 after my Xmas vacation in Canada and the US.

As a prelude of my diary, just briefly explain my university life. I really need this break after so many things happening in my work and personal life, including my health condition – suffering from a shoulder pain which forced me to attend physiotherapy session for several occasions. I am struggling to move on with my research after several revisions of the techniques to be employed in my PhD research. After working on it for more than 2 years, it seems that it is endless negotiations with my supervisors on what to do for the rest of the remaining months of my program which is due in October. Hopefully, I will be approved for extension for 6 months, so I can submit my thesis by April 2009. With this 6-day trip to Italy could somehow unwind and revitalise my enthusiasm to write, have direct focus on what to do and move on to completion of my PhD program.

As a preparation for this trip, I have to secure the necessary requirements for the Italian visa or the Schengen visa (entry to EU members, except UK and Ireland). Generally, for non-EU citizens and living in Northern Ireland, the visa is issued in Edinburgh which takes 3 weeks to process via the Consulate General in Belfast. An appointment with the Consulate General to assess the application and will be forwarded to Edinburgh office.

The supporting documents for the visa applications are follows: valid passport, ID photo, confirmed flight and accommodation details, letter from the university and current bank statement.

There several choices to book the flight on-line from Belfast to Rome. The flights are offered by Easyjet, Ryanair, Bmi and Aer lengus. I chose Aer Lengus (Irish carrier) having a direct flight to Rome from Belfast International Airport. Ryanair is much cheaper but needs to depart from Dublin and it will requires me to have an Irish visa! Aer Lengus started their new hub (central office) in Belfast late last year after so many years of operation in Dublin. In terms of accommodation, I decided to book with Hostelworld.com and luckily I got affordable places to stay (both in Rome and Florence) for the whole duration of the trip. My flights and accommodations were sorted out prior to my visa application. Finally, I got my visa 2 days prior to my departure, after calling the Embassy for updates to ensure that I have it a day before my departure and granted with one entry and limited days to stay.

West Coast: My American Summer Fun

DURING MY THIRD VISIT to the US last summer 2006, I was able to stay longer (for almost 4 weeks) and visited some part of California State. San Francisco is one of them for the very first time. A month prior to my departure from Britain, I contacted my friend working in San Francisco with an IT firm if I could stay at his place during my short visit. Being a close friend and the godfather of his only daughter, he did not hesitate to answer 'yes' to my request. So, my accommodation for few days at the city is completely ok except that I will be travelling from my cousin's place in Menifee (one hour away from San Diego by car) to Los Angeles, and then finally from San Fernando Valley to SF.

To save some dollars during my trip, I decided to travel by bus (Greyhound) which took me more than 10 hours along the road, having a two-day stop in San Fernando Valley (LA) and had a quick visit to the Universal Studios. Well, within that long journey it took the bus more than 6 hours to reach SF from San Fernando Valley. But it was a quick journey from the bus station to my friend's apartment in the downtown area using the city underground Muni Metro (light rail) train. After an hour of chatting/exchanging stories with my friend of not seeing each other for almost 6 years, my ultimate mission to experience San Francisco's hospitality and its tourists-friendly environment begins!
Frankly, having spent 3 nights was not enough to explore the entire Bay area and the neighbouring towns like Berkeley and Oakland. Nevertheless, I was able to visit some of its popular tourist attractions within that limited time, consequently enjoyed every minute of it. It is also worth mentioning of my half-day visit to UC-Berkeley's libraries (Engineering, Planning/Architecture and Business) as part of my learning experience, and was able to gather valuable reading materials for my on-going research. And surprisingly using my Olympus digital camera, I was able to capture more than 150 shots (equivalent to 4 film rolls) from my three days tour in SF. Overall, SF is an ideal place for young and old, and an ideal place for everyone where you always want to be during your next summer escapade!

For additional information about my San Francisco trip in terms of siteseeing, dining, shopping and many more, visit this link: San Francisco Summer Holiday

By the way, I also visited San Diego, Los Angeles and their towns during my four weeks vacation in the US. It was the longest summer break I had experience!

My quickie summer break in London

DESPITE MY WORK schedule, I managed to a have a weekend escapade in London (UK) last month and did explore the city at night using my Sony camera. This is my first time to do stroll around this British metropolis and capture its nocturnal beauty.

Additional informational about my trips can be viewed at:London @ Night

London is one of the busiest cities in the world and it is worth visiting and it is a must-see travel holiday destination for young and old! Unfortunately, I was not able to witness the opening of the middle span of the bridge when a ship is entering/leaving the harbour/river.

Location, location, location...

As I mentioned in my introductory message, I will feature a location which I visited recently or few years back.

In addition, a photo will be posted just below the introductory message which is not directly related to the article that I posted on that particular day, week or month. The photo will be featured as the "location trivia" for that month, depending on the response from my readers, unless otherwise I will post a message to set the deadline for that photo.

On the other hand, the trivia photo will be featured again in my succeeding write-up. It will briefly highlight the salient attractions of the place and my personal description of it.

Your answer will be sent trhru the green guestbook/comment box below the photo or just above the write-up which will be directed to my email address.

It is a refreshing feeling to have the time and space to relax and enjoy places around us. Exploring these locations is a priceless moment and be treasured as the time passes by. Again, welcome to my E-world of travelling. Mabuhay!