A Visit to the Vatican

Work has brought me again to new destination....Rome, Italy.

The annual technical seminar was held in Rome last April and like most of my colleagues, I stayed over for the weekend. Everybody seemed to be excited about visiting famed tourist locations with the Colosseum topping the list. But for me, it was the Vatican visit that weighed the most. I considered the trip as a celebration of my faith. And indeed it was!

I met up with my cousin, who is based in Milan, as she was also in Rome on the same weekend that I was there. We attended the ordination of a Filipino seminarian (who is a friend of my cousin) in Parrochia San Gabriel Arcangelo in the outskirts of Rome. It was truly a new and meaningful experience for me as it was the first time for me to witness the Sacrament of Ordination. I never thought it could be that solemn and emotional event. After the ceremony, there was a small reception in the garden and I was pleased to have met a lot of Filipinos – nuns, priests, parishioners and visitors – who are based in Rome for quite a while.

After the ceremony, we went straight to the St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City. With us were Filipino priests and nuns who we were eager enough to be our tour guides. Since it was a Saturday, the queues leading to the Basilica, the museum, the crypt and the dome were just unbelievable. It seemed we spent the whole afternoon and when inside, there were just so many people that you can hardly have enough time to appreciate the solemnity and beauty of the basilica. The main alter was closed and you can only view it from afar. I think it was for the preparation for the Sunday Mass the following day.

In front of St. Peter's Basilica with kababayan from all over Italy

But I didn’t mind at all. God is so good that He gave me an early treat the day before. I just could not contain my excitement that I got out of the Metro on San Pietro Station on my way back home to the Pontifico Collegio Filippino where I was staying, despite my cousin’s instruction that we will all go together for the Vatican tour when they arrive the next day. I just need to take peek and see what to expect. Hehe! It was around 5:30 PM when I got there and was not able to close my gaping mouth the moment I saw the square and the St. Peter’s Basilica. It was majestic!!! I was literally shaking and could not stop myself crying. It was a different feeling that enveloped me. I just stood there for like 30 minutes and it took me a lot of convincing that I was actually there and I was not just dreaming.

St. Peter's Square
late in the afternoon is an ideal time to visit here as almost everybody seems to queue up in the morning

Basilica di San Pietro in Vaticano -
the Greatest of all churches of Christendom

The Papal Swiss Guard

What more?!!! There was a short queue leading to the basilica and I was inside in a matter of three minutes. There were not much people inside and I indulged myself to the holiness and sacredness of the place going from one chapel to the other that line up in parallel to the aisle. I took all my time in admiring the priceless works of arts and the exquisite architecture making the basilica the greatest building of its age. It was definitely worth the side trip and I was thankful I acted on impulse and got off the train.

St. Peter's Basilica - The Altar and Chair of St. Peter's
Straight below the alter and the baldachin is the tomb of St. Peter

one of the many grandious pieces of art

The Pietà sculpted by Michelangelo
just to the right of the entrance, between the Holy Door and the altar of Saint Sebastian and is now protected by a bullet-proof glass panel.

As I was flying back to England on Sunday evening, I went back to the St. Peter’s Square for the Sunday Papal address and Angelus led by the Pope. I got their early and squeeze myself towards the center among hundreds or even thousands of pilgrims and tourists. I was able to attend the Holy Mass officiated by Pope Benedict XVI as broadcasted on the wide screens and loudspeakers. I am not sure though if it was a live ceremony inside the Basilica or just a taped one. It was said in Italian and though I was not able to follow a word, it was meaningful experience as well.

After the mass, the people were alert more than ever and started cheering when the famous “second to the last” window opened and the papal flag was put out. We welcomed Pope Benedict XVI with cheers. I was not even aware that I myself was cheering and waving as well. Then the Pope started the Angelus and his address in different languages. People cheered every time their language was spoken. The whole thing reminded me of Jesus and his flock. The Lord’s people of different races and languages gathered together to hear His words. It was very touching.

Holy Mass officiated by Pope Benedict XVI as broadcasted in St. Peter's Square

The flag is out and the Pope is here!!!
Pope Benedict XVI waving to the pilgrims

Pilgrims crowded in St. Peter's Square to hear the Angelus and Papal Address

It was a trip that I will never forget and will cherish forever. It was indeed a celebration of my faith! I am proud of my faith and appreciated it even more. Praise God!

The Joys of Travelling (Alone?!!!)

I’ve always had this desire to travel. As a kid, I had my own share of travelling (out-of-town trips and travels that entailed plane or ship-ride) during summer vacations and came high school years, when I sort of travelled independently (sans family) during school and scouting activities. Years later, my sister landed this hip job as a tour coordinator bringing students to educational trips and I would usually tag along when school schedule permitted.

It somehow slowed down a bit when I started working with limited leave entitlement and I would usually reserve them for my homecomings. Definitely, I would put emphasis on FUNDS being the main reason especially when I started to earn and plan my own finances. Hehe!

And where are all this talk heading to? It’s just that I realized that I haven’t really travelled alone until recently when I am actually in foreign countries. My previous travels were always with colleagues or if not, there would always be somebody I know who would meet up with me and bring me to all these interesting spots or restaurants. Until I get to Munich.

Munich

I went to Munich in Germany just as the month of March was about to end to attend a 3-day training. It is a vibrant and happy city and for me, Munich is a rival to Berlin in terms of being the most popular destination in Germany. It is a city of all sorts of culture with an array of museums and vibrant art scenes and who would forget the infamous Oktoberfest.

This time, I opted to stay in a hotel which is located right in the city center even it entailed 15 minute-train travel for me going to the academy just so I can have the opportunity to walk around the city every after training session. The city has so much to offer and unquestionably a 3-day stay was not enough to see and try it all. Much more if that 3-day stay is on a business purpose. Thus for me, the highlight is the Altstadt (Old Town) walking tour that I took on my own which covers the historic locations and structures in Munich and commenced in Marienplatz (St. Mary’s Square) which is the heart of the city of Munich.

Marienplatz is the focal point of the city and was named so as a way to ask Virgin Mary to protect the town from a cholera epidemic.

At the center of Marienplatz is Mariensäule, a large column and atop is a statue of Virgin Mary. It was erected in 1638 to mark the end of Swedish invasion.

Mariensäule

The center is also dominated by Neues Rathaus or New Town Hall- the impressive Gothic town hall with six courtyards and 85m-high Rathausturm with the Glockenspiel or carillon as its main attraction which plays every 11:00 in the morning , 12 noon and 5:00 in the afternoon each day.

Neues Rathaus (New Town Hall)

taken in the courtyard of the new town hall

Glockenspiel
a re-enactment of the 1568 wedding of Duke William V and Renate of Lorraine, complete with a jousting match; or a rendition of a dance called the Schläfflertanz

Just a few meters away is the Altes Rathaus or the Old Town Hall. It now houses a Toy Museum or Spielzeugmuseum which traces the history of toys from the early 19th century up to the modern ones of today.

Altes Rathaus

Continuing my walk led me to infamous Hofbräuhaus where its Oktoberfest all year round. It is one of the oldest brewery in Munich and its a must for tourists to drop by here for a true Munich experience. They provide lots and lots of beer (where you can smell its strong scent upon entering), traditional Bavarian food, music and dance combined with a cosy atmosphere and waitresses dressed in traditional costumes.

Hofbräuhaus

*picture taken from wikipedia

Inside Hofbräuhaus

Alter Hof – served as royals’ residence until 1474

Alter Hof

Maximilianstrasse – Munich’s ultrachic shopping street

a not so busy Maximilianstrasse

Max-Joseph-Platz with the big black statue of Maximilian I

At Max Joseph Platz with Maximilian I and the Resideztheater behind.

Residenz was the official home of Bavaria’s monarchs from 1385 to 1918 and it serves as a museum today. Residenz Museum occupies the southwestern portion of the palace and consists of about 120 rooms full of art, furnishings, and other treasures. The Antiquarium boasts dozens of 16th and 17th century frescoes.

The Residenz was under construction at the time of my visit and had a tarpauline-like facade.

* Picture taken from Wikipedia

posh side entrance to the Residenz

Antiquarium in Residenz

Felderrnhalle or Field Marshall's Hall. Built as a tribute to the Bavarian army that fought in the Franco-Prussian War, the structure features bronze statues of some of the most revered generals of Bavaria, including von Tilly (1559-1632) and Wrede (1767-1838). The spot is also popular as the site of a pre-World War II historic clash between the Bavarian police and the Nazi and where Adolf Hitler was eventually arrested and was made to serve a short prison term.

Felderrnhalle

Frauenkirche (Cathedral of Our Blessed Lady) is the landmark which is usually featured in many of Munich's postcards. It is the largest church in Munich.

The two towers of Frauenkirche

Travelling alone is quite new to me but it offers something good as well. It made me discover a sense of independence and adventure within me in roaming around unfamiliar streets with people speaking an unfamiliar language. I only have myself to look after to and have nobody's comfort to think of. I found it amusing to get lost and walked around and finding my way back. One drawback though, for a person who loves to have her pictures taken, is the lack of a photographer companion at hand. haha! I guess I would have to settle to take landmark photos and master the craft of asking favors from other tourists to take a souvenir shot of myself or better yet, carry a dependable tripod with me.

Afterall, it was an enjoyable long and lonesome (but definitely not lonely) walking tour. It was worth the achy feet and all.

Until my next adventure....alone!

Berlin – A Mix of Old and New

“This is indeed the capital!”

That was my first impression the moment I saw Berlin. I can’t help but compare it to Bonn, the old German capital, where I have been staying for almost 3 months now. Berlin, being a very busy city, is the center of politics, culture, media, science and economy. It has modern buildings, museums which stands right next to each other, shopping centers and restaurants.

Since I was only staying for three days to attend a workshop, I saw to it that I got a glimpse of the historical and famed landmarks around the city. Right after every session, my Taiwanese colleague and I would call a taxi and with our limited Deutsch words asked to be brought to the interesting tourist spots.

Gendarmenmarkt is known as one of the most beautiful squares in Europe. It was created on the 17^th century as a market place. It is now a quiet place surrounded by three landmark buildings, the Französischer Dom (French Cathedral), Deutscher Dom (German Cathedral) and the Konzerthaus. In the center of the square is a statue of Friedrich Schiller, a famous German poet.

German Cathedral in Gendarmenmarkt

Konzerthaus

The French Cathedral behind me with the statue of Friedrich Schiller

Charlottenburg Palace is the largest existing palace in Berlin and now functions as a museum. It stands in a sprawling land complete with park and garden which is used mainly for recreation. Inside the palace used to be what was described as "the eighth wonder of the world" — the Bernsteinzimmer, a room with its walls surfaced in decorative amber.

Unfortunately, as our sightseeing time was outside the office hours, we were not able to visit the museum.

Charlottenburg Palace

The Bradenburg Gate is an iconic landmark of Berlin and Germany which has been a witness and played different political roles in German history. Located atop the Bradenburg gate is the Quadriga of Victory . The quadriga was looted by Napoleon of France in 1806 and was only returned to Berlin in 1814.

East side of Bradenburg Gate

The Gate with the Quadriga of Victory on top.
Victory used to carry an olive wreath but was subsequently replaced by an Iron Cross.
The cross was once removed by the Communist government of East Germany but was restored back after the German reunification in 1990.

The magnificent and historical Bradenburg Gate

Of course, a visit to Berlin is not complete without having a glimpse of the Berlin Wall. Though I never had the time to see the actual remaining stretch of the wall, I was able to stumble upon this block while shopping for souvenirs near the gate.

Once was part of The Wall

Three Decades

Certainly! It has been three decades of life full of love and blessings. I cannot thank the Lord enough. He truly loves me – unconditionally.

“Youth had been a habit of hers for so long that she could not part with it.”

– Rudyard Kipling

Who says I’m 3-Oh?!!!

Holiday Sightseeings

Going through my blog, I thought it might not be too late to share photos taken during our trip to The Netherlands last December 2007. Since we were not able to go back home to Pinas, Zach and I decided to reward ourselves for our hard work for 2007 with this trip and to celebrate our first wedding anniversary.

We braved the busy pre-Christmas days and flew to Brussels last 22^nd December. We took a side trip and spent the night in the Belgian capital where we met up with college friends, couple Rey and Elanie.

Grand Place, Brussels

light and sound display show where they illuminated the Town Hall with hundreds of colourful lights which changes along with the classical music.

Brussels Christmas Market: Elanie and I trying out the must-try German mulled wine Glühwein

and Belgian waffle

parade of restaurants near Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert.

The following day, we took a 2-hour train ride and got off at Rotterdam Central in Holland where my Auntie Darling and her Dutch husband Uncle Dirk picked us up and drove us around the modern city for sightseeing.

Rotterdam is a city with modern architecture (as compared to Amsterdam) since it was greatly damaged by World War II bombings. Rotterdam port is the biggest in Europe and one of the world’s busiest.

Rotterdam's cube houses

My uncle brought us to see this weird structure in Rotterdam -

A building literally on top of another one.

Erasmusbrug ("Erasmus Bridge") across Nieuwe Mass River linking the

southern and northern part of the city

a quick shot in front of Auntie Darling and Uncle Dirk's house

Amsterdam welcomed us the following day. We drove to the country capital early in the morning and took a side trip to the city center before going to my Auntie Nenet’s place where we will be spending Christmas Eve.

Royal Palace, Amsterdam

The canals and bicycles of Amsterdam

Amsterdam at night

Taken while on a canal boat tour - typical boat houses along the canal and

Dutch structures at the bank of the canal.

Just after Christmas, the days were spent resting at home, visiting friends, partying with Filipino organizations, sightseeing and shopping. As for me and Zach, we did not let our holidays pass without visiting Elanie and Rey's town down South of Holland - s'Hertogenbosch or Den Bosch. As we did not have enough time to chat-to-the-max while in Brussels, we stayed for a night at their place and chat and drink the night away.

Photo-op immediately after stepping out of Den Bosch train station. hehe!

College buddies Elanie and I - reunited after 7 years

Zach, I and St. John's Basilica in s'Hertogenbosch

Little Women ( as in small gid ya...) conquered Europe. hehe!

The next day, Rey and Elanie brought us to Madurodam in The Hague. It is a miniature city showcasing a model of Dutch typical structures and landmarks.

Head office of Nationale-Nederlanden in miniature

Amsterdam Royal Palace

Zach enjoyed watching the mini cars driving along the mini street.

ECE5A in Madurodam - Rey, Elanie and me.

And since we are in The Hague, we dropped by the Peace Palace before calling it a day.

The Peace Palace is home to a number of international judicial institutions, including the International Court of Justice (ICJ) or World Court, the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA), the renowned Peace Palace Library, as well as the Hague Academy of International Law, which attracts law students from all over the world every summer.

The Peace Palace - a quick shot just before it got dark