Beauty of Art: Florence

The paintings of women have changed enormously from women who show their bare skin as a symbolic of being graceful to being heavily dressed up today in dresses, gowns accompanied by extravagant jewelleries. Nudity no longer symbolizes high status in a society, unlike during the Renaissance era.

*a street painting in Florence*

The Birth of Venus, painted by Botticelli during the Renaissance years depicted Venus being born and coming from the sea by a seashell. This painting is one of the famous pieces being kept in Uffizi Gallery in Florence. Being one of the oldest art galleries in the world, Ufifizi houses quite a number of the famous pieces of Leonardo da Vinci, Van Rijn and Michaelangelo.

*the statue of Leanardo da Vinci outside the gallery*

I spent an hour queing to buy the tickets and since reduction is only available for art students and I am not able to convince them that I studied art in my university, I have to fork out a heavy 15 euros.

But trust me, the gallery is worth every single cent of my money. I started of by looking at the portraits of the Medicci family along the corridor but since I only know Lorenzo, the man responsible for the Golden Age of Florence, I scanned through the other portraits in less than 15 minutes and went into the main gallery.

AMAZING is inadequate to describe the greatness of the art pieces in the gallery. Besides The Birth of Venus, I got to see Leonardo's The Annunciation and The Adoration of Magi. And to those who do not have a single idea of these masterpieces, fear not. There's English explanation of each art piece which helps visitors to understand better.

Photo taking is not allowed in the gallery and its fair enough since I paid 15 euros to get into the gallery just to catch a glimpse of the pictures and how unfair it is if you can see tha paintings here on my blog for free.. =)

*the famous sculpture of the death od Medusa outside the gallery*

Thus, do make a trip to Uffizi if you are planning to go to Florence anytime in the future.

Michaelangelo's David

Biggest joke of my trip to Florence:

J: Dad, we are going to Florence to see David!! *shouting happily with arms waving in the air*
Dad: Oh, ok.. Is David your friend? What is he doing in Florence?

And yes! David is everyone's friend in Florence because I would say that's the reason why thousands of tourists flocked to Florence every year, just to catch a glimpse of David, the naked boy, the most graceful man in history!

And to all of you who are still wondering who David is, here lies the history of Michaelangelo and David. David is a biblical figure who fought Goliath and the batlle is a representative of the battle between the Church against Satan. Michaelangelo started his project on sculpting David in year 1501 and it took him 3 years to complete the 5.17 metres scuplture.


David is said to be the most graceful man in history because of his posture. He looks tense and ready to fight, clearly shown from his bulging veins on his right hand. Besides, when viewed on the right side, David has a boyish expression but when one walk to the other side, you can see the furious David, full of courage, ready to knock down Goliath.

*David's bulging vein*

Like any other heroes, David, eventhough he is only a sculpture, had experienced lots of trials and tribulations. He was struck down by lightning and damaged in a riot in 1527 but he manged to survive until now, for more than 500 years. Bravo!


David is now housed in the Accademia in Florence where one needs to pay 6.50 euros for the entrance fee and the most painful part, you might have to queue at least an hour because there are just too many David's admirers waiting to see him..

And yes, The real David lives in Accademia but there are many copies of David in Florence, like this one! David from Piazzala della Signoria and the best part, its free and no queing! But do get into the Accademia because you definitely will not regret it. David is just A-M-A-Z-I-N-G!

of Galileo and the Leaning Tower

I remembered 4 years back, when I was still a secondary school student struglling with Physics, I came across a story in the textbook regarding Galileo and his famous experiment: Galileo and the Leaning Tower of Pisa. From the top of the tower, he dropped a ten pound object and a one pound object just to prove that they will fall down to the ground at the same time..

Anyway, I am neither a physicist nor an engineering student, so of course, I would not go further into details on why both items reached the ground at the same time.. XD I am only interested in visiting this tower since it is one of the wonders of the Medieval World..

*the typical tourist pose for the Leaning Tower*

I dont really understand why do most people who visit the Pisa square would spend almost 2 hours including me, taking pictures in front of the Leaning Tower and would not pay 2 euros to enter the Duomo besides it. Yes, that includes me! The Leaning Tower was actually a bell tower built to complement the Duomo next to it.. In other words, the Duomo should be the main attraction not the leaning tower. But I dont think anyone should be blamed for ignorance towards the Duomo since no one can resist striking a pose in front of a tower which leans 3.39 degrees towards southwest and due to its poor construction, does not have a proper function except acting as a tourist attraction.

*Duomo and the Leaning Tower*

Jewels of Rome

And now for the next top 5 destinations that one must visit in Rome..

HOLD ON! Before I forget, many including me thought that Vatican City is part of Rome but Vatican is a state on its own not under the influence of Rome and Italy. Odd indeed since Vatican is just another city surrounded by Rome and you do not need a passport to cross the border between Rome and Vatican City. Anyway, I will just include Vatican City in this post as well..

Number 5

San Giovanni in Laterano
This church was dedicated to John the Baptist and John the Evangelist and is one of the four main basilicas in Rome. The most important part, it is the first church to be built in Rome! I would say that this cathedral is different from the other cathedrals that I have been to in UK and Ireland. The reason?? I dont know why but everything about this church from the huge statues of Christ and the 12 apostles to the marble paved ceiling and floor attracted me. =)

*Note the bronze plated ceiling*

Number 4

Palatine Hill & Circus Maximus
Located just next to each other, they are part of the Ancient Rome and according to Myth, there is a cave on Palatine Hill where Romulus and Remus (Rome's twin founders) were found by the she-wolf that saved them.

As for Circus Maximus, it was said to be the world's first entertainment venue where shows were held for the Romans.

Number 3

Forum Romanum
This is part of the Ancient Rome where all the old and important structures are located including Rome's oldest shrines and temples, the ancient Senate House where the High Court met, etc.. I would say those of you who enjoy history will love this place or else you will be suffering because Romans are so good at preserving the historical sites that the pathways are so rocky and as the wind blows, I felt like I was in Sahara Desert with all the dust around me..

*and here lies Julius Caesar*

Number 2

Vatican City
Headed by the Pope, Vatican it the world's smallest sovereign state but it manages to get into my list of one of my favourite holiday destinations. I would recommend one to stay full day in Vatican because every single corner and every street in Vatican is worth exploring besides the three main sites; St.Peter's Basilica, Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapel. I wouldnt elaborate too much on Vatican because I am sure most fo you would like to see the greatness of Vatican yourself. Note: I had my confession in St.Peter's Basilica. =)

*the beautified remains of one of the Popes*

*Michaelangelo's masterpiece in Sistine Chapel*

Number 1

Colosseum
Of course, synonym to the Rome, a visit to Rome is not complete without a visit to themagnificent Colossuem.. Considered as Rome's greatest architecture, it was once used for gladiatorial events and now, it has become a popular concert venue!!

For those who are planning a trip to Rome soon, dont be lazy but do read the history of Rorm ahead or else you wont appreciate all the dusty and ancient buildings. =)

Rome was not built in one day..

Indeed, Rome was not built in one day and I did not manage to finish visiting all the important historical sites in Rome despite walking non-stop for 3 days under the scorching hot sun and torturing my poor feet. There are just too many for one to see and venture in Rome but I would say if you really want to experience the mighty Rome, along the Caesar feel, there are 10 top places that one must visit in Rome.

Number 10

Pantheon
Pantheon means 'every God' in Greek and was built as a temple to all the god in Ancient Rome but after the French Revolution, it has been used until today as a Catholic Church and also a tourist attraction..

Number 9

Piazza Navona
One of the famous squares in the world, indeed it is! This is the place where all the artists sell their pieces and you get to see people pulling out different stunts to attract customers.

*Put a coin into the box on the ground and she will dance for you!*

Famous for its fountains as well, my favourite is the Neptune Fountain. =)

Number 8

Spanish Steps
Also known as Piazza di Spagna in Italian, it is the longest and widest staircase in Europe and was built between 1723-1725. The reason I like this staircase is because I got to sit and rest my poor feet for as long as I want to. =) And also, you get to see artists giving their paintings final touch and I even bumped into a music composer carrying his guitar and song book.

At the base of the steps is where the famous Barcaccia Fountain lies. Here, you can see lots of young couples taking pictures in front of the fountain and of course, some 'unwelcomed' people will take the opportunity to 'con' the men into buying roses for the ladies..

Number 7

Scala Santa
Also known as the Holy Stairs and according to historical records, it was the stairs that Jesus climbed during his passion to meet Pontius Pilate. It was brought from Jerusalem to Rome by Saint Helena and every year, many Christians will climb the stairs of 28 steps but I can tell you that its absolutely NOT an easy feat because I gave up after 5 steps.. *sad*

Number 6

Fontana di Trevi
I would say this is quite similar to the Eiffel Tower in Paris where love birds will definitely like having their pictures taken here. Why? I am sure the picture tells you everything. the architecture of the fountain itself is just O-U-T-S-T-A-N-D-I-N-G!

There is a myth that goes like this, throw a coin into the fountain and make a wish, a second coin you will come back to Rome again and of course, I would definitely want to come back to Rome again..

Note: I will continue on with the next 5 must visit places in the next post..

According to Enid Blyton..

I am pretty sure most of you who are about my age (20+) or probably older must have experienced this craze when you were younger.. The Enid Blyton craze! Borrowing all her books from the library, hiding some of the books in your secret place in libraries so that you can borrow them next time or probably buying one or two from the bookshops because they are damn expensive.

Aha, I remembered reading my first Enid Blyton's Fairytale when I was 8 and I grew to love those pixies, gnomes, fairies and toadstools which I am dead sure kids nowadays have no idea what I am talking about. I finished her set of Famous Five and my favourite will always be the Wishing Chair! I still have that book at home.. =)

Well, as I entered secondary school, I no longer read her books but I still recall all the play houses mentioned in her books. And just when I thought that play houses only exist in her books or probably in the eighties when there were no Playstations and Barbie dolls..

Ta daa.. I found a real playhouse when I was in Volendam, Netherlands!

and they have their own boat too..

And just like George from the Famous Five, they have a dog as well!

Oh my, how I wish to have my own playhouse too but I guess I am too old for it now. And I am sure my collection of Enid Blyton's books are still collecting dust well kept in my store room.

The Dutch owed the windmills..

And as I climbed up one of the remaining 1150 windmills in Netherlands, I quietly pray that I will be safe because the ladder looked so unreliable, admire the beauty of the windmills and nod my head as the Dutch man in front of me explained about the windmills.

"..... and now there are only about 1150 windmills left all over Netherlands...bla bla bla..."

And as he went on telling the curious tourists about the windmills, I was busy snapping pictures but hold on a second! I heard him talking about Amsterdam was developed around a dam??

Thats a BIG WOW from me! Well, windmills were once upon a time used in agriculture and now, used to generate electricity but it had never crossed my mind that without the windmills, Amsterdam will not exist. Because, in the early days, the Dutch used the windmills to remove excess water from the low lying districts, making the land fit for human habitation.

And this shows how much the Dutch owed the windmills because without the windmills, Amsterdam might not exist and they can forget calling themselves Dutch.

YES, Dutch out there, you know you owed the windmills! Do take good care of the remaining 1150!

Perfect Love

Rings and roses have always been linked to perfect love but do imagine how amazed and dumbfounded I was when my tour guide in Amsterdam told me that tulips signify PERFECT LOVE!

Aha, I was there on my 21st birthday in April with few friends of mine and I purposely chose Amsterdam because I wanted to see their famous tulips badly. Nevertheless, we did stop by the infamous Red Light District.. *chuckle* Don't you dare tell me you didn't when you were in Amsterdam because we all know you are lying..

Keuhenkof Garden is the highlight of my trip to Amsterdam and by looking at the pictures below, I am sure these pictures painted more than a thousand word. The beauty of these flowers are just INDESCRIBABLE!

For those of you who are planning to visit Amsterdam next spring, do not miss this eye-catching garden and it is only open to visitors 3 months in a year..

Note: Now, lads out there.. Do consider giving your girlfriends/wives tulips instead of roses. Tulips are equally pretty and of course, it signifies PERFECT LOVE!

I AM BACK!

After leaving my blog for more than 4 months due to my busy-hectic-gruelling-medical student life, I am now officially back to my blog! And YES, its summer now and this means I can forget about my Nike jacket for the next 3 months and start wearing T shirts and jeans.. *wink* This signifies more shopping too! XD