Roma

St. Peter's Basilica

Destination: Europe. 1st stop Rome
Route: Manila-Rome-Berlin-Potsdam-Berlin-Goettingen-Cologne-Brussels-Aachen-Cologne-Amsterdam-Utrecht-Eindhoven-Amsterdam-Stuttgart-Frankfurt-Manila... phew!!!
Airline: Cathay Pacific (CX) from Manila-HK-Fiumicino and Frankfurt-HK-Manila
If you've booked economy seats but you need a bit more room, you may want to pay an extra US$100 for a bulkhead seat or one with extra leg room such as in this photo...

A tip about your short waiting time at HK airport before leaving for Rome, you may want to try out popular local fastfood joints Tsui Wah or Cafe de Coral. Both have shops at the airport food center. You won't have that much time BUT if you set your alarm to give you enough time to board your Rome-bound plane, then it's a good option. It's a must on my list :-)... just don't miss your flight!

Tsui Wah Eatery at the HK airport

Delicious Curry. The milk tea or nai cha drink is a fave of mine.

Ground Transportation: Private transfers and tours
         Upon arrival at Da Vinci or Fiumicino airport you are greeted by this sign...

... a good option if your hotel is near Termini station or the Vatican

         As I had booked for private transfers and since my accommodations were not too near Termini and the Vatican, I didn't get to try this 8-Euro shuttle. A taxi ride from Fiumicino to a city center hotel/lodging is charged a flat rate of 40euros.
Season: Fall but more like summer at a hot 28〫celsius.
Highlights:
        Before any journey that I take, I always jot down a list of must-visit sites. For this particular Rome trip, I kept my list simple: St. Peter's Square, the Colosseum and Trevi Fountain(Why? To throw a coin & wish for a return trip to Rome, of course ;)). These photo highlights show that I got through my list with much success :-). All other attractions are delightful bonuses!

Breathtaking Palatine Hill... my photo doesn't capture how
jaw-dropping this sight is. In the foreground, Circus Maximus.

This is it! The Colosseum... check! :-)

Small shops thrive on this side of the Colosseum

Perfect on a moonlit night. Sigh!

With the Arch of Constantine on the right. Double Sigh!

Approaching St. Peter's, The Vatican. Triple Sigh! :-)

Trevi Fountain. Fontana di Trevi where I made my wish :-)

Galleria delle Carte Geografiche, Vatican Museums

The School of Athens by Raphael, Raphael Rooms
Vatican Museums

I like this work by Armando Spadini. The lady with her left
hand outstretched has a beautiful glow on her face. Such joy!

La Bocca della Verita. The Mouth of Truth

Basilica San Giovanni In Laterano ceiling

The inspiring 19th century mosaic on the facade of San Paolo fuori le Mura

Fontana dei Fiumi, Piazza Navona

Piazza Navona and I

        If you drink water, you will never go thirsty in Rome. Try to bring a refillable bottle and you can have as much water as you wish from one of the many fountains that dot the city. 
        Some may not look that fancy....

Outside St. Paul's

... but the water is cool and potable... and you don't need to spend a cent ;)

This is one of the fancier ones located at St. Peter's Square near Via di Porta Angelica

If pizza is your thing, then you won't need to spend much either. You can go for pizza by the slice or by weight. There's HEAPS to choose from!

Lots of options at Pizza Rustica! Just one of many pizza places.

Pizza stuffed with spinach & ricotta. So good! Good enough
reason to visit Rome ;-)

Yummy shawarma, couscous & hummus dip at Shawarma Station.
Via Merolana near Piazza Sta. Maria Maggiore

Side salad, falafel, shawarma & couscous (partly hidden:))

Three letters to describe the Pantheon as you approach it from the side...

        ... O...

                                   ... M...

                                   ... G!
   
     Rome is an amazing destination! After Palatine Hill, I lost count of how many times I gazed in amazement, appreciation & awe at the history and beauty that was before me. 
        Arriverderci, Roma! Hopefully, not for long! :)