EricOnTour | Hello, world | Travel Blog

Arrived in Madrid- Las Meninas, here I come

Europe » Spain » District of Madrid » Madrid July 31st 2009

Arrived in Madrid yesterday afternoon, flew in from Rome, stopped at Barcelona for a switch of flight. I was really impressed by the Metro system (subway) in Madrid. It is a web of well designed subway lines that make commuting very comfortable, fast, and noise-free (In Toronto, the subway carts now make unbearable squeaking noises when they stop). I met up with Fernando and his friends, who I had the fortune to come to know when he was on exchange to the Toronto office 2 years ago. Had a really good time having a couple beers with him and the gang. The Spanish people are quite easy-going and warm upon first impression (simpatico, en español). I think I will enjoy this place! Sorry I have not been able to provide lots of updates on my stay ... read more

Italy: land of warmth, passion and culture

Europe » Italy » Lazio » Rome July 29th 2009

EricOnTour

Well, I have given up making my blog a detailed chronicle of my trip. However, I think I will write a little bit more on my stay in Italy. The first two days I stayed in a hostel called "The Yellow" near the Termini station in Rome. It is a good hostel, with air-conditioning (thank God). The hostel is professionally run and well organized, though less personal than smaller hostels. There happened to be quite a few Australian guys who were probably in their early-twenties (in general, there are not many ladies backpacking- I don't know why). I find the Aussies in general are very easy-going, and like having a good time. Though I was too tired to socialize properly with fellow tourists for the first 2 days in Rome. I unexpectedly crossed path with David ... read more

St. Peter's Basilica

Europe » Vatican City » Vatican City July 27th 2009

Pillars encircling the square

EricOnTour

After visiting the Vatican museum, we proceeded to visit St. Peter's Basilica, the mother of all churches. St. Peter's Basilica is undoubtedly the greatest Catholic Church on earth, both in size and in significance. It was said the Church built on the site where St. Peter was martyred by the Romans, crucified head down. The church altar contains the bones of St. Peter (so goes the Christian legend). The Church symbolizes the power and legitimacy of the papacy and through which, Popes throughout the centuries wielded hard and soft powers over the temporal and "spiritual" realms. According to the Catholics, the power of St. Peter is derived from Jesus's own words: "And I say to thee: That thou art Peter , and upon this rock I will build my church , and the gates of hell ... read more

Knocked out at Vatican City

Europe » Vatican City » Vatican City July 27th 2009

The entrance to the Vatican museum

EricOnTour

Disclaimer: The following blog contains discussion of religious and philosophical nature. Viewer's discretion is advised. We all know the saying that Rome was not built in a single day. However, the Christian Church was not built in a single day either. Many martyrs and saints (in the Christian frame of reference) died a horrible death and shed their blood to spread and enhance the faith through the centuries. Therefore it was with a mind of reverence I came to Vatican, where in the legend the first Pope, St. Peter once stood and died for Christ. I came with a mind of reverence, not only because Vatican is the holiest place for the Catholics (I am not a Catholic, however, I was brought up in an Anglican high school. I am self-styled man of faith, not necessarily ... read more

En mi soledad

Europe » Italy » Lazio » Rome July 27th 2009

EricOnTour

No me siento bien esta noche. Estoy un poco enfermito, puede ser a causa del calor y de la comidad, y siento soledad. Escuché los tangos de Astor Piazzolla y me consolaron. Voy a cambiar del hostel a un Bed y Breakfast mañana, por suerte voy a conocer más gente Italiana. Ustededs extraño mis amigos! Hasta luego. ... read more

Rome- Awe, reverence and inspiration

Europe » Italy » Lazio » Rome July 26th 2009

Largo Argentina

EricOnTour

I have been putting off writing about my experiences for Rome for a few days. Partly because my day was full exploring what was on offer, but also because Rome is a place that put me in a different mood that required a few days of reflection before I could organize these experiences into a coherent account. Rome is a special place because it was the cradle of the Western Civilization; it is a city of ancient origin and also, it is where Vatican- the Holy See- is situated. The first day, I hired an Italian guide to give me a general tour of the city. We stopped at many buildings that had ancient origins (Roman or Medieval) but which were either razed, adapted, or reused by the later generations. Some of them merged imperceptibly into ... read more

The road finally led to Rome

Europe » Italy » Lazio » Rome July 26th 2009

EricOnTour

Arrived in Rome from Florence! Cannot hide the excitement to be in this ancient great city! So much to see and to do. I shall provide updates whenever I can. Ciao Ciao... read more

More photos from Florence

Europe July 25th 2009

David

EricOnTour

Florence was the important city during Renaissance where giants like Leonardo Da Vinci, Donatello and Botticelli lived and worked. It it a place full of museums and important churches. I rolled into Florence from Venice on the train, and this time I practiced what I learned. No taxi from the train station to my hostel. (No blood left for taxi drivers to suck dry anymore after almost 2 weeks in Europe, sorry). I bought the tourist map at the train station and was lucky to locate my hostel immediately. Then I walked while maneuvering the 2 large luggages clumsily through the streets of Florence. About half an hour later, I arrived at my hostel Ostello Gallo D'Oro, the owners of the hostel was extremely warm and welcoming, in the Italian style. They served me water and ... read more

Florence- Photos

Europe » Italy » Tuscany » Florence July 25th 2009

Duomo- Florentine Cathedra

EricOnTour

Here are some pictures from Florence. More to come later. ... read more

Day 2- Venice

Europe » Italy » Tuscany » Florence July 25th 2009

Boat

EricOnTour

The next day, Christine and I decided to see the inside of the St. Mark's Basilica. And we did. Venice is strict in prohibiting photo taking, so I cannot post any pictures. But the inside of the Basilica is amazing...the entire roof is made of golden mosaics, describing Biblical stories and is really beautiful. Christine proved to be very resourceful...when we arrived, the line to enter the Church was gigantic. We would have to wait several hours before we had a chance to set foot on the doorsteps of the Church. However, from her guidebook, she said that there was an "obscure custom" that can get us in fast. Apparently, if you check your bags (free of charge) at a building beside the Basilica, and show the stub to the guard, we could enter immediately. I ... read more

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