Visiting Florence

Florence the capital city of the Italian region of Tuscany.

The city lies at the Arno River.

Is well known for its history, art and architecture.

Skyline view of Florence.

There are many bridges.

In the forefront is the famous historical

Ponte Vecchio Bridge over the river Arno.

Many Cathedrals.

Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral.

Fantastic architectural facade.

All the way up there.

In the Cathedral.

There is this large clock that goes anti-clock wise.

Exquisite hand-painted ceilings.

Intricate cravings on the doors.

Baptistery.

Ghiberti's Gates.

These were the two craftsmen who crafted the door above.

Piazza della Signoria.

Palazzo Vecchio.

Palazzo Strozzi.

Uffizi Palace.

People dressed in costumes.

Stood still as one of the statues.

Waits to surprise and spring on passers-by.

Piazza della Repubblica.

There were many modes of transport.

Like the horses.

The mini buses.

How about this transporter.

Food is ready available.

River Arno.

Visiting Vatican City and Rome

This holiday, I had a wintry fun time in Europe.

Hope you'll find some of these pictures interesting.

The Vatican City in St Peter's Square.

This gigantic tree was getting ready for Christmas.

St Peter's Basilica

A spiritual capital of Roman Catholicism.

Sophisticated and elaborated architecture.

Life size statues adorn the place.

Elaborately crafted.

The famous 'Pieta' by Michelangelo.

Colossal columns.

Picturesque

The Colosseum

A magnificent monument of ancient Roman Empire, built in 72AD.

Was an amphitheatre where gladiatorial battles were held.

Trevi Fountain

Where people make a wish by throwing a coin into the fountain.

The talked-about Spanish Steps

Stalls selling chestnuts everywhere.

The chestnuts were bigger and tasted sweeter than our local roasted chestnuts.

In the vicinity

Branded boutiques like Gucci, Prada, Dior, Cartier can be found.

Driving pass the countryside was tranquil.

A 'Beehive' oven

With today's busy lifestyle,
I was fortunate to have the chance to enjoy,
good sumptuous home cook food with the family.

At this wonderful home,
the roasts were traditionally done from this
'Beehive' oven.
It was just divine.

This is one of its kind that I have seen in a home.

I was always fascinated and enticed by the aroma of the food that came from the oven.

I waited eagerly for dinner.

Below are some pictures of the oven..

Heavy duty, long hand gloves are needed... very, very hot!

Beautiful roast.. crusty on the outside and tender on the inside, moist and delicious.

Yummy!!
Simple yet delectable, mouthwatering,
well-prepared home cooked dinner for a
wonderful wholesome family Christmas get together.

Thanks to the wonderful hostess.

'Pumpkins in the air'

Looking like...'Pumpkins in the air'

These lanterns at a restaurant looked so attractive.

I could not resist taking a picture of them and sharing it with my viewers.

Dress them up further and they can be used for Halloween or during the lantern festival.

They will make good, as lanterns on their own too.

Attempting new world record for tallest chocolate sculpture

At Centre Point Shopping Mall.

This was the tall chocolate that was announced in the news.

It brought back memories of my earlier post on the yummy F1.

'Ooh lala...Chocolah!!!'