Firenze II

On a bit of time crunch as i entered into the 2nd day of my florence trip simply because of the big one minute boo-boo at the Duomo. Cut short my Pisa visit to reach back Florence on an early afternoon to visit one of the famed domes of the world, The Duomo of Florence (aka Santa Maria del Fiore). The Duomo was indeed a piece of architetural excellence for even i had to bow to it the moment i stepped into its vicinity. This is especially so after i had thought that i would have been a bit exhausted from seeing so much cathedral and churches on the trip. It was a different feel from that of St Peter's Basillica or any other churches. It was not exactly the biggest of all structures but it stood out for its striking outline and beautiful symmetry. The entire building contrasted sharply against the clear blue sky and even when it was dark, it still stood there brilliantly.

Michaelangelo famously remarked when he left to work on the Sistine Chapel that he may have left to work for a bigger dome but not exactly a more beautiful one was true to his words literally, The Last Judgement on the ceiling does not in any way pale in comparison to the one that graced the walls of the Sistine Chapel. What the other has in blue, it was eqaully presented with white here. The wide canvas that was provided here allowed a more comprehensive and thus more insightful thought of the meaning behind this story in the Bible. It was the ideal capping off to the visit of the cathedral but there was still this slight pity that i couldn't view it from a clearer and nearer view point.

I believed much had already been said about the Uffizi and thus would not need be to talk more about it. What particularly upset me was the queueing to get into the museum. Yes, if there's anything bad that i had to say about Florence, it had to be the tourism and the extremely long queues. I had woken up early and went to the museum on a rainy day half an hour earlier but i still queued for an hour outside the museum. Honestly speaking, i can't remember queueing up that long for the Louvre or the Prado and even the Vatican. And it totally spoilt the experience of visiting the Uffizi for i had to rush through the last few galleys. But despite the rush, i must say that there was still a few exhibits which still impressed me, in particular all the busts and statues of those historical figures.

And that concluded my Florence trip. Sort of round up my view of Italy as what i had kept emphasising. Matched and satisfied my expectations but nothing exceptional to make it an outstanding trip...

City rating : 4 stars

Firenze I -- 10th Apr to 11th Apr 2008

I had no idea why but images of the Duomo came to mind just now as i was lazing around at home, waiting for the rain to stop. And interesting enough, that wasn't the only occasion tonight where its image suddenly appeared in my head and hence, i guessed its time to blog about Florence (or Firenze, the Italian name which allows one to curl the tongue at the end of the phrase :p)

Firenze was the city which promised much hope and yet was also the one which i feared would disappoint me the most. The It was the last 2nd stop of my Italian trip which i had expected much but then again did not exceed much also in expectations. Arriving in Florence was a simple affair. Had just left the Sistine Chapel and thus pretty much of me was still immerse d in the arty stuffs of Michaelangelo and Raphael. However, the first thing that striked me most upon arrival in Florence was the Chinese population there. I did notice there were Asians dispersed here and there over the various cities i had visited but it was particularly striking here in Florence, near the main railway station. Gave the city a pretty different feel from the rest of Italy i guessed.

One important lesson i learnt here is that the next time i was to hover around the outside of any building which required admission, do not hesistate but just go straight in. I wsa standing outside the Duomo at around 425 pm, deciding which room to enter first and when i finally decided that i will visit the main cathedral first, it was closed. Yes, closed at 430 pm sharp! Imagine my horror and disgust that i was only a few minutes late and my entire schedule had to be rearranged for i had anticipated completing the cathedral on the day itself... ith the main attraction closed, i had no choice but to wander around and leave the entire Duomo package to the floolowing day =(

But surprisingly, it turned out to be a blessing in disguise. Following the Uffizi and aiming for the beautiful sight that was supposed to await me on the hilltop at Piazza Michaelangelo, i stumbled across the serene sight of the River Arco and the Ponte Vecchio. Maybe its just me but i was absolutely taken in my the serenity that was presented to me on the river bank. it was quite and beautiful, yet there seemed hidden a deep rustic charm among the calm waters. The buildings are more or less similar to the Rialto of Venice but there is this lack of commercialism from the outside. Its old but yet not that old and somehow left a very deep impression on me.

Next up would of course be the view at Piazza Michaelangelo. Here lies my first encounter with
the 3 statues of David that was to be found in Florence. These bronze version was the one that i felt was the least impressive because of the state that it was in. But then again, it was similar to all the bronze statues that was found all across Europe, badly weathered and fading in colour. Nevertheless the panoramic view that greeted me was again breathtaking. A must see for all those out there who are fit enough to make the climb =)

The 2nd David was located outside the Uffizi and it was my favourite David (despite it not being the original one). It had all the essence of the real one and yet it was able to weather the elements with little signs of wear and tear. It was also located at a place where it was able to show off its beauty admist all the other statues which were on display.

The last David was of course located in the Academia where it was highly commercialised with a computer panel that allowed one to examine his features in great details on the computer screen.
Would have been a great piece of art if not for the techy stuff. It was also the one which look the most grand as it towers above all in the gallery. The lighting also did much to bring out its beauty. But David aside, it is also the place where the significance of the artists' work dawned on me. As i lay my eyes on the unfinished work of Michaelangelo, i realised the hard work that had to be put into these statues and the difficulty that faced the artists. They had to carve the shape out of a rectangular block of marble or stone and its unimaginable how much effort and skill it took for them to come up with the ultimate perfectionism...

To be continued...

Valencia -- 5th to 6th April 2006

Decided to post another entry since i feel like I m on a roll currently but the decision to blog on which city was a bit difficult, partially due to my success in being able to include pictures in my previous posts. As i had mentioned previously, i was still armed with my analogue camera on my maiden Europe trip and thus there was no soft copy to rely on. Tried scanning in my photos but the end results was horrendous so i decide to abandon the idea.

Valencia, the 2nd Spanish city on my itenary is the 3rd largest city in Spain (behind Madrid and Barcelona). A city that reminded me so much of Singapore as I walked through its streets at night. Surprising? Absolutely for who would think that i would actually be able to find a city that was so similar to ours in both feel and appearance.

First thing first, the thing that striked me most was the relatively calm feel as i took a gentle stroll at night along the path to the famed Museum of Arts and Sciences. Throughout the path, i see residents jogging and walking their dog all around, without fear of being robbed or beaten. This sense of confidence in the security of the place was not typical of most European cities as far as i know. It actually touched me so much that i thought to myself that this was a place which i wouldn't mind living in if given a choice.

And as much as i would try not to compare, the Museum reminded me so much of our Esplanade. It was built in the shape of a helmet, an aberrant just like our durian. From afar, it cuts a lone figure standing in the dark nut go nearer and as u gazed over its architetural intricacy, one will come to appreciate the beatuy of its modernist feel. And just like our dear durian, the more i look at it, the more absorbed i m by it.

Enough for the similarities, i shall now go on to the difference. Just like any other Spanish cities, there is again the usual cathedral and fort that characterised this port city of years ago. Nothing spectacular but still worth a quick glance if one likes all the historical and cultural stuff. But the 2nd thing that impressed on me a lot was again the path leading to the Museum. As i had mentioned before that there was a lot of residents hanging out on the main path but what i did not mention was the lining of the river bank just underneath it. It was a sport path made of alternating basketball court and street-soccer court interspersed with a few tennis court here and there. This is indeed a truly sports park i would say and it just add to the attractiveness of the city.

And what would a city tour be if i did not visit the stadium of my adopted supported team in Spain. The Mestalla, a famed stadium in Europe for its famed supporters did not disappoint. Located in a quiet neighbourhood, it may not cut as majestic a figure as the Nou Camp in Barcelona but it was a grand old dame no least. The simple grey walls and terraces actually reminded me of our dear old Kallang. I m not joking when i say it and its a pity i did not get to enter the stadium but i m sure it would give the same feel as our national stadium back home.

Yup and that's enough ramblings about the city of Valencia. Pretty much to talk about for a one day one night tour but it really left a deep impression on me. Valencia, a modern city mixed with old Baroque charm, a city so far but yet so similar to the one close my heart...

City rating : 4 stars

Barcelona -- Part 3

Guessed its also time to finish up on the leg of my Barcelona travel. Can't blame me much for its after all my first overseas trip and alone some more. The world out there is so huge and there is really so much to rave and rant about ^-^

The Sagrada Famillia (or the Temple of the Holy Family) essentially took up my final day in Barcelona. This was a majestic complex, a an architetural wonder that leaves me rooted the moment i saw it when i stepped out of the metro station. It was built more than a hundered years ago and the unbelievable thing is that its still uncompleted. I am sure my friends out there would have read about it on my main blog but i guess i need to reiterate it again. The concept of this temple was pioneered by Antonio Gaudi in what was to be his final piece of work. Intended as the last great sanctuary of Christendom, the temple was to have 3 grand facades reflecting the 3 major events of Christanity, namely Nativity, Passion and Glory. Gaudi passed away in 1926 but others have since taken up his work and the expected date of completion would be in 2026 way down the road.

It may sound funny how an uncompleted project would leave so much fascination within me but to me, this project epitomises the numerous cathedrals scattered throughout Europe and brought realism into them. To see a project being constructed in front of me and the prospect of being there when its completed simply excites me. The temple is currently halfway through as 2 facades had already been completed, leaving only the Passion facade yet to be constructed.

Just to dwelve a bit more into the various facade, i shall start with the Nativity panel. True to the Baroque style that is found throughout Spain, sculptures of various biblical characters are found throughout the facade. Their intricate details and the beauty generated by the overall feel left me dumbstruck. A magnificent introduction to what it would be like. The Passion facade was next-in-line. I still feel that it was greatly influenced by one of the great artists that lived during that period -- Picasso. His imprint was clear (though a bit subtle). The characters had the typical box-like feel that was so characteristic of his works. A clear differentiation from the initial facade and given it a spanning through centuries feel.

Work had already started on the Garden of Eden. It was too early for me to make any conclusion about its beauty but i looked forward to its completion. However, deep inside me, i can't helped but wished that it should not be completed that early, especially the Glory facade. Both the Nativity and Passion facade were reflective of the dominant art forms during their respective period. Unfortunately, there did not seem to be a dominant art form at this current moment. Artists we no doubt had a lot but there is none who can stakely their claim and say that this is my art and its the art of the late 20th centruy. There may be a deadline to meet, to hope to complete the project by 2026 but i do hope that its not acheived at the expense of a dull Glory facade, no different from that of either the Nativity or Passion panel. Even the Garden of Eden, seemingly a separate entity from the 3 facades had a touch of modernism to it where it reflects the technological advances that was made in the 20th century, with accurate mathematical and computer technology applied to its calculations and colouring...

And with this, i conclude the 3-part series of my Barcelona tour. The pictures may be a bit grainy for i had not had yet a digital camera. Barcelona, a modern cosmopolitan city filled with rich cultural heritage of its inhabitants that lived here centuries ago. It continued to shine among Spain's cities and with its unique identity, it had managed to secure a special place in my heart...


City rating : 4 stars

Santorini -- 20th Apr - 22nd Apr 2008

I realised that it's hard to keep track and recall my travels based on timeline for it defeats the spirit of carefree blogging as and when u like it associated with travelling. Mood comes and goes and so the same can be said for fond recollections of a particular place.

Santorini island, much had already been said about this beautiful Greek island among tourists. There are places which failed to match up to expectations but this was one which not only exceeded expecatations but whose inherent beauty could not be expressed in words alone. A simple airport greeted me as I landed on a sleepy Sunday afternoon. (Time constraints had prohibited me from taking the ferry) My first impression of this island was how well it fit into the Aegean sea -- the cliffs, the sand, the waves and the clear blue skies. Even when the skies turned grey as the night sets in, it seemed to merge seamlessly with the coastal line. It was off peak season but there was no need for the mass partying that characterisd such beach resort islands to bring out its beauty.



Food was good at the island and it was a good introduction to the Greek cuisine that littered the place. I had opted for a small town called Perissa near one of the beaches as my base, hoping to relax by the beach before i re-enlist. The hostel owner was a good man, giving good recommendations to the various hotspots on the island. Santorini is different in the sense that most of the recommended places are not tourist attractions per se but instead are areas where good views of the Aegean Sea can be obtained. I rode in my 4-wheeler all across the island to the lighthouse which turned out to be just a simple building that was locked. But as i made my way around that place, imagine the surprise i got when i found myself atop a cliff overlooking the vast horizon. Lying on one of the rock, i closed my eyes and recalled on the beautiful events that had happened so far throughout my life. And unlike at some beaches, there was no hordes of people the moment i opened my eyes. Instead, it was all peace, calmness and serenity as i saw waves and waves hitting against the rocks below. It was just an indescribable feeling as i stared down at the skies and sea, my minds totally at ease with the place.

Fira was the main town where u have the typical restaurants lining up the cliffs overlooking the seas but Oir is another amazing town. Touristy it is without a doubt but its the promised sunset at this town which set the tongues wagging. I was unfortunate that it was too cloudy a day to be able to witness the scene that was always potrayed on paintings but even the mere sight of sitting by the old fort and admiring the backdrop where this was supposed to happen was breathtaking. Santorini was indeed a gem in every sense when views are concerned. The beaches are another wonder. Black beaches are found all over the island because of its volcanic origin. (in case, u hadn't known yet but Santorini was also the location of the fabled island of Atlantis which was supposedly sunk by a volcanic eruption). The sand was hot but yet soft, dark yet clean. Walking on it gave a soothing feeling and i would have loved to lie and laze in it if not for the time constraints. And yup, there was always the red beach, made primary from the stones that had been weathered. Scorching hot they were but it served to reinforce the cool refreshing feel of the waters which they neighboured. It was a bit far from my hostel so i did not wade too far out for i was not in my swimwear... The blue roofed white-walled houses were another celestial addition to the town to bring out its identity. It was hard work to have to paint the houses every week but i must let the people of Santorini that it's definitely worth their effort for it was precisely these houses that gave the island its identity and memories of their homes would immediately surfaced whenever we see images of these houses no matter where we are...

All in all, Santorini was a wonderful experience and it was the perfect introduction to my Greek journey. Rest and relax was my initial aim and Santorini fufilled it perfectly. Everything ranging from accomodation to food was perfect and i can jolly imagine myself spending a week there in the future, just chilling and doing nothing. And for the first time, i can truly say -- Believe in what u see on TV for it's that real and more :D

City rating : 5 stars