Summer '11: Rome, Italy

I've always always always wanted to go to Italy. So when I knew I was going to Europe I made sure Italy was on the itinerary even if it was a complete departure from the areas we were coming from- thankfully my travelmates were game to head here as well. Luck was on our side when a flight from Nimes to Rome opened up A WEEK before we left!

We also lucked out in the place we stayed at (MyGuest Roma) - awesome awesome bed and breakfast. Charming charming place and perfect for our little tour group - a great mishmash of contemporary furniture, vintage pieces and quirky touches. We rented a flat so it was rather spacious. My favorite part was the living room / kitchen where we spent our evenings unwinding from a full day. Owners were awesome and took the time to really make our stay comfortable and convenient.

We figured Rome was a good place to immerse ourselves in Italian culture. Though it wasn't built in a day, we ran through all the major sites in a full day.

• Colosseo 
• Palatino / Foro Romano
• Piazza Venezia
• Via Dei Giubbornari (for a bit of shopping)
• Lunch at Camp de' Fiori
• Piazza Navona
• Pantheon
• Gelato break!
• Fontana Di Trevi
• Piazza di Spagna
• Via del Corso (for some more shopping)
• And what to eat for dinner in Italy?! Burger King. lol

Not bad for an extremely hot hot hot day noh?

textures: holy week '11

I love patterns. I love textures. Here's a look at my holy week trip through design-tinted glasses. 

 Kitchen flooring in the over 100-year old Locsin home (Jaro, Iloilo)

  Stone steps at the Talisay Ruins (Talisay, Bacolod)

  Ornate old frame on wall of Balay Negrense (Silay, Bacolod)

  Rosaries galore being sold at Jaro Cathedral (Jaro, Iloilo)

   Exterior facade of Jaro Cathedral (Jaro, Iloilo)

   Open window at Jaro Cathedral (Jaro, Iloilo)

  Friends making way out of banca (Jordan, Guimaras)

   Bamboo at Trappist Monk Abbey (Jordan, Guimaras)

   Door at Miag-ao Church door (Miag-ao, Guimaras)

   Miag-ao facade (Miag-ao, Iloilo)

   Street side cotton candy as (one of many) roadtrip snacks (Iloilo) 

     Empty glass bottles (Jaro, Iloilo)

    Light switch at Nelly Gardens (Jaro, Iloilo)