Renaissance Reigns

I like this photo a lot. Taken in St Pietre, Rome - 1999

The reason I put this on is because it look so artistic - don't you think so? Not bad for a beginner right! The lightings (which is not much, because we were in the church) contributes to this artistic photo.

People go to Rome for the history, early Christian churches, Renaissance palaces and basilicas. This is the place where you can see history and technology coexists. Why do I say that? Whereas can you see people in modern clothes walking around ancient building? Apart from Greece, but I can't comment much for I have never been there. And I have not watch the Olympic 2004 yet. Not even the opening!

I was there in April 1999, during the Easter break. It was not a very good time to go, because it was packed and it was cold. Really cold! Easter month is always pack because this is the time where Catholics from around the world make pilgrimages to basilicas in Rome. You have to lineup (a very long queue) for most of the historical places you intend to visit, unless it is the Roman Forum or the Collosseum. You can always have a glimpse of the Forum from Capitol Hill. You have not visited Rome if you have not include Vatican City - Sistine Chapel in your itinerary. This is where you can see the famous ceiling's painting of Michaeangelo (I think this is the right spelling).

And another famous attraction is the Pantheon. I don't remember much about this temple but all I could recall was, there's a hole at the tip of the opening at the top. I don't have any nice photo of the temple because the Pantheon was surrounded by buildings. And I have already walked to the edge of a restaurant to take the photo!!

I enjoyed my stay there but I am also dissapointed for most of the main attractions were closed for renovation ... due to Year 2000. I am not really into history but the architecture entranced me. And I still cannot believe how a person can eat so much. While my friend and I each ordered a pasta, I saw two Italian man across our table started with appertiser which seems to be equivalent of our main meal.

According to Lonely Planet, 'driving in Rome is the next best thing to suicide' - I don't agree! I think, walking in Rome itself is also like committing suicide. I sometime think, there is no red light in Rome ... only yellow and green. The motorist do not care whether you are tourist or not, they just step on their pedal! And till date, I still do not understand how the train ticketing works. We paid for our ticket but we were told we did not pay to reserve a seat. So, what did we actually paid for at the counter? We were fined for not reserving our seats. No, they don't care whether you are tourist or not. You just pay. Then, there is the bus. It is like every normal public bus - you get squash like sardine!

Wat Phra That Doi Suthep

Rising 1676 metres above and behind the city is Wat Phra That Doi Suthep - Paul Beinssen, Lonely Planet

I visited Doi Suthep last Feb and was amazed with the green surrounding ... especially when you look down the stairs. The staircase is flanked by an elongated dragon at both sides.

I can't describe my feelings when I look down the stairs, but it was something I never felt before. Yeah, no kidding. Maybe, for the first time... I am feeling serenity and peace in my life.

My advice for first-timer - Instead of taking the rail-elevator, try walking up the steps (only 300 steps - won't kill but I took the elevator). This is a good place for photo-taking ... beautiful lush green scenery

Lyndi

A girl named Lyndi called me up on Monday night. She asked whether I am looking for a change. Isn't it a big coincidence ... I was just thinking of changing job and this girl called me up. I actually thought it was someone from this particular company that I have been eyeing...cos someone I know from there was asking me why suddenly I want to change job.

I told her I will meet up with her on Thursday. I was rather excited. If I am going to get the offer from this company, I will leave. It was more to the matter of pride. A guy who just got back from his 2 months leave ... went back to office and complained I did not help him with testing. Sigh. If he is going to complain on other thing, I think it will be easier to digest. I mean, why do I want to waste my evening waiting for him to finish his coding ... and sit down doing nothing.

Found out that Lyndi was not from the company that I thought. She's doing some multi-level marketing 'stuff'. She was rather dissapointed when I said I wasn't interested. But the good part is, the company that I thought sent Lyndi called couple of days ago. ;)