Kyoto, Japan

I just returned from a trip to Japan and it was wondrous. Japan is the most first world country I've ever been to; from its efficiency, to its connectivity, the cleanliness of the country and ubiquitous application of technology, Japan ensures it is all top notch. Yet she is simultaneously steep in culture and tradition. The people are full of respect and kindness, the architecture teeming with history and the food a gastronomical delight, Japan envelops even the most touristy tourist in its embrace.

Japan is an experience, and one that shouldn't be missed.

Kyoto Day 1
The trip started with a 6 hour flight on AirAsiaX and frankly speaking I was apprehensive. I love AirAsia but I've never been on such a long flight in a budget airline before. Was I going to be comfortable? All my worries proved to be nothing, it was a wonderful flight and the RM15 meal was delicious (albeit on the small side). The flight schedule is less than ideal though, we arrived at 10+pm local time and after immigration and baggage claim we were out around 11pm. The busses had stopped running by then and we were rushing to catch last trains (without enough time to study the route!). There were multiple train switches to get to our hotel in Osaka, and at each checkpoint, the worker at the station would just let us through without charge so we can rush to make each subsequent last train. We literally paid nothing for our train ride from Kansai to Osaka (which should be near RM100pp)! A testament to the kindness of the locals, all so willing to help.

Kyoto Day 2
The next day was our first glimpse of Osaka when we headed out in search of breakfast. I bought this sugar crusted yam bread that was absolutely delicious, airy and soft with the perfect amount of sweetness. Yumm that delicious pastry...

Not wanting to spend time in Osaka,we took the subway then an express train to Kyoto. Osaka and Kyoto are not too far apart, the train ride took approx 35mins.

Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda, Phnom Penh

The Royal Palace is a striking structure near the waterfront with its classic Khmer roofs and ornate gilding. It is the official residence of King Sihamoni therefore most of the palace is out of bounds to visitors.

 

The throne hall was inaugurated in 1919 by King Sisowath. It is used for coronations and ceremonies such as the presentation of credentials by diplomats. Unfortunately no photos are allowed inside of the beautiful decorations and furnishings. Many of the items once displayed here were destroyed by the Khmer Rouge.

The Throne Hall is topped by a 59m high tower inspired by the Bayon at Angkor.

Manarola, Italy

Cinque Terre is a collection of 5 small fishing villages on the Italian Riviera, each one so laid back and charming. The pace here is worlds apart from that of bustling Rome, making our time here three days of pure relaxation bliss. I can't stress enough how much we fell in love with Manarola; the sea, the people, the food, the relaxing atmosphere.

Day 16

Getting there: We took a train from Rome to Manarola via La Spezia. We contemplated a short stopover at Pisa to maximize our travel day train usage but there just wasn't enough time. To avoid paying the 10 euro pp, we opted for the slow train which was very slow, with many stops along the way. Next time I'd just pay the 10 euros, it doesn't seem worth saving with all the extra travel time.

Manarola was love at first sight! From the get go we were greeted by the lovely sea breeze and the smell of the ocean. The town is a very small one, there is only one road that runs through it and all the buildings are on either side. Our hotel was uphill so we walked (not far) up the steep slope until we saw De Paulin next to the fullest lemon tree I've ever seen!

De Paulin is such a lovely hotel and I highly recommend it! Mind you, it was the most expensive hotel on our entire trip at 75 euros per night. But the owner was so chatty and friendly, he even let us sample a homemade lemon syrup drink his wife made. I took a photo of the bathroom but unfortunately didn't take one of the spacious bedroom..

 Headed out to explore the little town and rocky cliffs.

 A rock outcrop. Geologists would have a field day here. Pun intended, heh.

 

There are a lot of dinner options, many with claims they were mentioned in Rick Steves, Lonely Planet etc. We chose one, where we had local grilled fish, lobster pasta and chocolate tiramisu (I'm no coffee fan, quite the contrary actually). 

Simple, light and fresh.

Outdoor diners.

Rome, Italy (Colosseum)

Day 15

Italy is a beautiful place to stroll around, hand in hand, or sit at a piazza with a slice of pizza and lengthy conversation, or simply drink coffee at a cafe while people watching.

The Colosseum is probably number one on anyone's Rome list, it certainly comes top on mine! We took a bus there, eventhough it wasn't far at all and the walk is dotted with current government buildings and ancient Roman ruins.

 The Colosseum is masculine and magnificent. The sheer size and ingenuity is awe-inspiring.

The gladiatorial games were very popular up until the 5th century. Gladiators were usually prisoners of war, slaves and criminals condemned to the death sentence. The public loved a spectacular performance, with the Colosseum being the largest amphitheater seating 50,000. The animals were starved and kept under the wooden stage, so the blood of slain gladiators would drip down into their cage, causing these wild animals to be more aggressive and hunger for human blood. The blood of gladiators was also mopped up by sponges and became a profitable business, back then people believed drinking the blood of gladiators cured one of certain diseases. Besides death by being gnawed by animals, public executions like crucifixion and burnt alive were also held here.

 

 What's that we found carved into ancient ruins? Gig 'em Ags.

One of the (if not the) greatest representation of Ancient Roman civilization, a product of their mastery of architecture and engineering. You will be humbled and awed by this magnificent structure.

Rome, Italy (Vatican City & Pantheon)

Day 15

Deciding where to start in Rome is difficult- you're beyond spoilt for choice! We settled on Vatican City, since it was slightly closer to our accommodation.

Look at the queue! There was no way we could make it in before closing to see the historic 16th chapel. Though this is an absolute must see for many Christians around the world who make Vatican City a pilgrimage, it wasn't too high on our priority list especially if queuing meant we would miss out on the rest of Rome!

St Peter's Basilica

 

 Remember this from Angels & Demons?

A Vatican City guard. Don't you think he's a Tom Cruise look alike?

More of these delicious gelatos! They have every flavor you could possibly imagine and love! This one's coconut, mango and ferrero rocher.

Afif and I have a knack for stumbling upon treasures, or maybe Europe is just saturated with treasures that it would be impossible not to run into at least one (or multiple!) on a walk. At the end of a narrow street, loomed this legendary building:-

I'm embarrassed to admit, we didn't recognize it! We just thought "oh what a lovely ruin! I wonder what it is." It is, of course, the one and only Pantheon, with M·AGRIPPA·L·F·COS·TERTIUM·FECIT boldly etched across the front. 

The Pantheon is very well preserved, considering it was built in 27BC by Marcus Agrippa and rebuilt in 126AD by Emperor Adrian. It has been used as a political gathering place as well as a temple and was later converted into a church, performing religious ceremonies to this day. There are various tombs in the building, including two Italian kings and the famous Renaissance painter Raphael.

Simple geometry and aesthetics yet never fails to wow architects and tourists alike.