St. Peter's Basilica interior turned-out elusive for us
Rome, Italy - part 2 (cont’d…) I thought I’ll be able to finish my blog about our European tour around this time. It’s close to approaching the anniversary and yet I still have lots of vivid memories of the travel I’d like to put in writing - photos do not suffice, not to mention my recent travel write ups that may continue to pile up. Well, there’s the fun in it, to continually write and enjoy every moment of it!
So, going back to my story about our Rome/Vatican City experience.
After alighting from our bus, we walked towards Saint Peter Square, the place where we suppose to meet our contact.
It was just in early morning, so the chill was still in the air. The early sun did not help to alleviate the cold breeze caressing our cheeks; its rays, blocked by these massive pillars standing in a semi circle array forming an impressive colonnade on both sides of the Square. Statues of the saints atop these pillars are strikingly awesome, by the way.
We kept our clothing layers intact amidst some brave souls doing their morning jog. Actually, there was only a few of them, so I could say that we were geared more appropriately as most of the crowd was.
Regardless of one’s religious persuasion, no one can deny the positive impression the Square could provide since this is where all Roman Catholic major undertakings happen, i.e. Papal Christmas or Easter blessing. The Square can accommodate thousands.
Setting aside the cliche description for Square’s immensity and grandness, the oversize mock-up manger in between the Basilica and the obelisk is worth mentioning as it suggests a recently held Christmas commemoration activity prior to our visit.
Some Polizi were in sight; with big waves of visitors gradually pouring into the Square and the Basilica, I figured they’ll be handy for those inquiring visitors.
The line build-up going inside Saint Peter Basilica was a bit heavy by this time, I observed. So we agreed to have a glimpse of its interior at sunset rather than force ourselves to line way down at the end of the long queue. We opted to head elsewhere instead.
Fast forward to the end of that day, the queue going inside almost quadrupled! And this was near the day’s closing of the Basilica. We missed our chance. That event could only tell us how much visitors this city could have in any given day!
From among 11 cities we visited with this tour, Rome somehow topped the list with the most volume of visitors; Paris and Venice numbers may pale in comparison, I suspect. Although it was just a personal observation, I was, nevertheless impressed at the statistics.
As much as we enjoyed the spectacular Square, I still feels drawn in to come back here someday and witness for myself the awesome interior of the Basilica.
Realising the huge amount of time we would spend to explore the whole city, and our slim chance to be back in the afternoon to Florence, I asked our guide if he could help us find a hotel to stay for the night, just in case we run short of time. As always, same-day booking could cause a fortune in Rome… TO BE CONTINUED.
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Toronto, Ontario
Downtown Toronto
A mime by the sidewalk
CN Railway and Tower circa 80's
The majestic CN Tower
Glass floor over at 1,815 ft.
Set of curious feet
Breathtaking Toronto viewFallen
Friendster, Blogger, Facebook, Multiply, MySpace, MyBlogLog, etcetera: our lives have been compounded with these social networking sites nowadays. From a technology that had, from its infancy, was considered a big wonder if one was to have an email address ready to be fired-away to friends, and could explore the internet after so much waiting for the browser to open up; we, indeed, have come a long way.This is another threshold in our wired world that could either make or break us. Time and technology has truly evolved at this unprecedented stage of the century. For the better or for the worst, I'm not sure since it is all relative. Thus, I do not not intend to point finger at anyone because even myself is either a victim or a beneficiary of this revolutionary technology.
To some technologically-savvy and entrepreneurial individuals, as time has proven to them, this advancement have ushered them into a profit-generating playing field that enable them to make serious money. A prime example of this is Zuckerberg (Facebook founder). At age 25, he is worth USD 1 billion, give or take, and his social networking site has followers in hundrendths of millions. And of course, a handful of other individuals - in a lesser degree - with the same zest as him, either enjoy wealth or fame, or both.
As end-users and receivers of benefits of this continuously emerging technology, we have sprouted and grown to be more globally-aware of issues that span across borders. We have learned more than what we could have imagined, by leaps and bounds. As our awareness expands, we have become more open, tolerant, and receptive to others. We have expanded our society, albeit almost impersonal. We have reveled at our new-found way of interacting to our fellow. As a matter of fact, it may have done us some good. The freedom of expression is now being enjoyed almost globally and exponentially as a result of this advancement.
But what about the other half who may have been sucked into the vacuum of isolation and indifference because of it?
Have they not turned out to become the rightful off-springs of this enigmatic technology whom she hypnotically nursed on its breast from the onset? And like infants, have they not continually yearned for the milk of knowledge - which nourished them, as much as they could to be as competitive as their siblings and peers at discovering and exploring this elaborate 21st-century wonder?
Have they not enhanced extremely their expertise at this technology that they spend hours romanticizing their virtual selves and ego rather than their own mental and physical well-being as well as their families?
Have they not championed the cause of a hedonistic urge so much so they could only, at its best, demonstrate a myopic sense of themselves to the world?
Have they not derided skillfully the power of old-fashioned communication and way of learning through personal meetings and flipping books?
Consequently, the social networking sites have become the rendezvous within the wor[st]ld wide web, a place teeming with souls reeking with perspiration of self-importance.
No, I refuse to answer these questions myself because I may subconsciously have fallen to its influence too! Whether a victim or a beneficiary, I'm sure, I am not anymore as what I used to be.
COPYRIGHT RESERVED TO THE AUTHOR. PERMISSION REQUIRED TO REPRODUCE.
As end-users and receivers of benefits of this continuously emerging technology, we have sprouted and grown to be more globally-aware of issues that span across borders. We have learned more than what we could have imagined, by leaps and bounds. As our awareness expands, we have become more open, tolerant, and receptive to others. We have expanded our society, albeit almost impersonal. We have reveled at our new-found way of interacting to our fellow. As a matter of fact, it may have done us some good. The freedom of expression is now being enjoyed almost globally and exponentially as a result of this advancement.
But what about the other half who may have been sucked into the vacuum of isolation and indifference because of it?
Have they not turned out to become the rightful off-springs of this enigmatic technology whom she hypnotically nursed on its breast from the onset? And like infants, have they not continually yearned for the milk of knowledge - which nourished them, as much as they could to be as competitive as their siblings and peers at discovering and exploring this elaborate 21st-century wonder?
Have they not enhanced extremely their expertise at this technology that they spend hours romanticizing their virtual selves and ego rather than their own mental and physical well-being as well as their families?
Have they not championed the cause of a hedonistic urge so much so they could only, at its best, demonstrate a myopic sense of themselves to the world?
Have they not derided skillfully the power of old-fashioned communication and way of learning through personal meetings and flipping books?
Consequently, the social networking sites have become the rendezvous within the wor[st]ld wide web, a place teeming with souls reeking with perspiration of self-importance.
No, I refuse to answer these questions myself because I may subconsciously have fallen to its influence too! Whether a victim or a beneficiary, I'm sure, I am not anymore as what I used to be.
COPYRIGHT RESERVED TO THE AUTHOR. PERMISSION REQUIRED TO REPRODUCE.
The traveler's dilemma in a soon-to-be-miss flight
The hurriedness is there, it never leaves,
exhilarating rush is on everyone's feet
walk, run, sprint; sprint, walk, run; run, sprint, walk
set of limbs striding fast among the rest
the walking-speeds belt helps the tired ones
escalators are snails and stairs seem too steep
it's a punishment, but must persevere
because
the final call is conveyed
gate will close shortly
tube is retracting soon
and thrust finally will lift wings of this humongous beast
(but)
oh no! it's not happening
the security line up is not to my liking
there must be double queue of 50 or so
and I only have 15 minutes to go
come on now, fast! and please, I beg!
For I must still sprint
from gates 107 to 137
all I need is to get in
and give my smile to a lady flight attendant there
Shove in my laptop and coat overhead
Click the belt,
and soon I'll be airborne
And then...
I can relax and glide
above the clouds at certain height
and for sure, I'll be happier no sooner when I land.
So who's the better cook now?
I notice that most of the successful chefs in the world are guys. Also, I heard that men make better dough than women because of their naturally warmer palms, which makes the dough, well...better.I have always been fascinated to know if there is some truth to it, and I wanted to test myself to see if one gender is indeed better than the other in culinary undertaking.
After few domestic chores that I had to put up to help the wife this past week (kind of like pre-Spring cleaning), tired, we both felt wanting to relax at the end of that Sunday evening, but the call of my crumbling stomach was getting louder and was harder to get ignored, and I supposed she must be, too!
From what I figure, she seemed to have cooking-withdrawal syndrome at that time, and I wouldn't bother her to prepare us supper anymore after our day's chores.
Ordering pizza or Chinese dish also did not raise my equally unmotivated butt to pick up the phone. We both looked at each other, and neither of us budged to accept the humble obligation of preparing supper.
After awhile (I guess, guys really have a shorter rope for handling hunger) I, then, finally went to the kitchen, rummaged through the freezer and skimmed over pantry contents, and decided to undergo for a hunger quick-fix task. I was going to cook for supper.
"...and the best way to cook for supper?" I asked myself, but no definitive answer came out from my imaginative mind.
Suddenly, this pot of sticky rice mixed with seafood swirled enticingly across my head as if saying: "Bring me in! Bring me in!"
Aha! Paella! This visually uninviting, but wonderfully-tasting black paella I remember being served to us in a Manila restaurant. I suppose it was the squid ink that turned the rice so dark, and when you chew, it leaves a temporary stain to your teeth. I truly enjoyed it though.
Later I had full array of pot and pan, left a couple of crabs to thaw in the sink, couple cups of parboiled rice, and little tins of spices.
Honestly, I didn't know how it was cooked or made. The only guide I would have this time was my visual memory of how it looked like, but imitating taste would be a real challenge.
And of course, aside from my hunger, this self-commissioned task that I put myself upon was to essentially prove one thing: if guy like me (err, not necessarily chef) is a better cook.
Secondly, it's either she dispels the statement that "men tend to be better cooks" or it retains its credibility (at least between the two of us). In all this, the critic would be my wife who was unaware of this probe something for something I put myself into.
In the latter case, it wouldn't do me any good, believe me. I do not look forward to cooking, and besides I do not have the ability to repeat the same dish over and over. It's always been a matter of trial-and error for me.
After several minutes, I started dishing out everything in the pan: crabs, what-have-you spices, rice and tomato sauce (rice and tomato sauce? I was not sure this is right, but where I would I get sticky rice and squid ink? Anyway, parboiled rice is healthier, and orangey or any bright-looking colour dish would be more appetizing, I guess, ha ha!). I then put the lid on, let it steam for awhile.
Soon, the rice started to heave from the pan. Completed with garnish of sliced dill on top, I set the table.
"Hon, would you like to eat now?" I hollered to my wife down in the family room watching her favorite show.
"It's done now? What did you cook? she asked in return while heading to the kitchen and eventually peeked at the steaming pan of paella now on the table.
"Remember the paella in Manila I told you about? Well, that, I took inspiration of!" I answered in a dashing manner while untangling the apron strings from my back and expectantly waiting for any sort of incoming praise from my designated and unsuspecting critic.
She grabbed a spoon, dig a small portion of paella from pan's rim edge and brought it up to her mouth to taste. She chewed slowly that I couldn't wait any longer for her most-awaited judgment.
So I asked.
"So, how did you like my paella?" as I winked my eye on her and my smile arched stretchfully to both my ears signifying a perceived glorious anticipation for her impartial and honest approval.
"Arvin, this is almost perfect..." she smiled and continues, "you may would want to be less generous with salt, though...and it's a bit hot for paella!"
I recall sprinkling that crimson-looking powder from one of the round tins to the dish. It was chili powder!
We finally sat and ate. Though, I noticed along the course of our supper that she would occasionally sip from her glass.
I completely know what it meant.
Though my pride was not crushed, in retrospect, I realized something: kitchen is not my turf. After all, my wife loves being in the kitchen cooking (this time maybe was one of the few exceptions).
Next time, I'll stick to what I know better doing at in the kitchen, eating and well...running the dishwasher and putting away everything back to cupboard, ha ha!
A dignified kitchen's aide-de-camp, to be more precise. :-)
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RE-PUBLISHED: Manny Pacquiao and other Filipinos, thanks!
NOTE: watch Pacquiao-Cotto bout on November 14, 2009 (MGM Las Vegas)
Filipino boxing hero, Manny Pacquiao who has now six world boxing titles around his belt. Most sweet of all was from last night's fight with Ricky Hatton of Britain. The fight that I considered even more impressive than Pacquiao/de la Hoya match last December that sent the Mexican to his early retirement from the boxing circuit.
Why not? Amid all speculations that he will succumb to Hatton's power, it was the opposite.
First round, three powerful hits made Hatton knelt and was counted twice by the referee. Second round and Manny finished the fight with a superb final undercut to the chin sending Hatton to the canvas in a somewhat pitiful and morbid state, lays so motionless as if something worst had happened to him. I was glad Ricky recovered after few minutes.
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Filipinos have their own share of achievers and notables around the world in their respective fields. Unfortunately, sometimes we are being stereotyped wrongly not by our own choice, but by circumstances, the government's weak political will, and its flawed domestic and foreign policies geared at Filipinos back home and abroad.
Sure, you may find lots of Filipinos working around the world for other nationalities, and for such a small country, Filipinos are globally visible now, but I'm sure it is for good reasons, not for the lack of it.
Filipino boxing hero, Manny Pacquiao who has now six world boxing titles around his belt. Most sweet of all was from last night's fight with Ricky Hatton of Britain. The fight that I considered even more impressive than Pacquiao/de la Hoya match last December that sent the Mexican to his early retirement from the boxing circuit.
Why not? Amid all speculations that he will succumb to Hatton's power, it was the opposite.
First round, three powerful hits made Hatton knelt and was counted twice by the referee. Second round and Manny finished the fight with a superb final undercut to the chin sending Hatton to the canvas in a somewhat pitiful and morbid state, lays so motionless as if something worst had happened to him. I was glad Ricky recovered after few minutes.
---------
Filipinos have their own share of achievers and notables around the world in their respective fields. Unfortunately, sometimes we are being stereotyped wrongly not by our own choice, but by circumstances, the government's weak political will, and its flawed domestic and foreign policies geared at Filipinos back home and abroad.
Sure, you may find lots of Filipinos working around the world for other nationalities, and for such a small country, Filipinos are globally visible now, but I'm sure it is for good reasons, not for the lack of it.
"Flash" Elorde - first Filipino Olympian medalist
Bong Coo - gold medalist for a demonstration sport in 1988 Olympics
Paeng Nepomuceno - world record holder in international bowling circuit
Henry Soo - at 14 years old, he's the youngest Filipino and Asian Chess Grandmaster (he's still getting better)
Eugene Torre - first Asian Chess Grandmaster (he once beat Anatoly Karpov of Russia)
Carlos Romulo - world-famous stateman and held the position of UN Secretary-General
Lea Salonga - internationally-known stage actress/singer that was cast in "Miss Saigon" and garnered international awards from Tony to Sir Olivier award-giving bodies
Arnel Pineda - new vocalist for the American band"The Journey"
Charice - young sensational singer whose becoming a household name now. David Foster who built up careers of Celine Dion, Barbra Streisand, Michael Buble, etc. is also doing the same for her.
Dr. Connie Mariano - is former US President Bill Clinton's personal physician (she must have been in the Air Force One as many times as Bill Clinton's number of boarding)
Dr. Josefino Comiso - NASA's Filipino Physicist. First individual to have noted global warning
Roberto del Rosario - inventor of the now famous Karaoke Sing-Along system
Freddie Aguilar - legendary folk singer whose song "Anak" (Child) was released in 56 countries and translated to dozens different languages.
Manny Pacquiao - need I say more about him?
...and many more.
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Rome, Italy
Just having fun with a Roman soldier
One of the angel statues leading to Castel San't Angelo
A street artist's impressive charcoal piece
Typical street in Rome
Tiber River
Piazza di Spagna (Spanish Plaza)
The Colosseum
Trevi Fountain
