In search of the Truth

With only 1.5 days in Rome and this being our first trip in Rome, we felt a little strapped for time and we tried to squeeze all the sights into one full day.  I guess the fastest and easiest way to do it was to get on the ‘Hop-on-Hop-off’ tour buses that dropped us off most of the city’s major sights.

After stopping past a souvenir shop and seeing a replica of the ‘Mouth of Truth’, we went in search of the real thing.

The La Bocca della Verità – “the Mouth of Truth” is an image, carved from Pavonazzetto marble, of a man-like face, located in the portico of the church of Santa Maria in Cosmedin in Rome, Italy.  This sculpture was supposed to be part of a 1st century ancient Roman fountain, or perhaps a manhole cover, portraying probably Oceanus – one of the pagan Gods.

Legend has it that the most famous characteristic of the Mouth, however, is its role as a lie detector.  It was believed that if one told a lie with one’s hand when placed in the mouth of the sculpture, it would be bitten off.  We went in search of this famed piece in the Santa Maria Church which is also home to the supposed relic of Saint Valentine.

We arrived at the church to a long queue of students also waiting to put their hands into the Mouth of Truth.  In order to prevent over-crowding at the Mouth of Truth,  we’re only allowed one photo per person.  Instead of a solo pic, I decided to take mine with my fave gal.  Do note that there is a small admission fee of Eur 0.50 in order for you to have your hand placed into the La Bocca della Verità.

Every day in Rome,

we have our daily fix of gelato at Il Gelato di San Crispino.  It was but a stone’s throw away from our hotel and we couldn’t resist stopping by for sugar fix.

If you’re wondering why the name may sound familiar, that’s because Il Gelato di San Crispino was also mentioned in the book ‘Eat, Pray, Love’.  The Style Princess had her daily fix of Stracciatella while I attempted to try different flavours everyday – Mandarin Sorbet, Lemon Sorbet, Grapefruit Sorbet and Honey Ice-cream.  They all tasted so good especially the Honey one.

Prices for the gelato starts from EUR 3.20 and above.  If you are wondering if they serve the gelato in cones?  The answer is no for the flavour of the waffle cone will change the original flavour of the gelato.  Whoever knew huh? 

Related articles

• 24 Things to Know About Gelato (italylogue.com)
• Mmm.. Grom Gelato (www.j0annesim.wordpress.com)

On a Roman Holiday

It was a short trip to Rome with my fave girls – E and the little Style Princess.  So on our list, we wanted to visit the Colosseum and the Vatican City.  I booked our tours way in advance on Viator and was really excited to be doing the half-day tour at the Colosseum.   But it was not meant to be for I received an email from the operator informing me that the tour will be cancelled as the Colosseum is closed because of the poor weather.  Damn!

Nevertheless, we still made a trip to the grounds of the Colosseum for the customary photo-taking.  I couldn’t miss viewing this magnificent amphitheater, the largest ever built in the Roman Empire even it’s from the outside.

Sigh!  I would have love to go inside the Colosseum and revel in this historic site where the grand amphitheater was used for gladiatorial contests and public spectacles such as animal hunts, executions and re-enactments of famous battles, etc. The Colosseum is undeniably one of the most recognised icons of Rome and is also depicted on the Italian version of the five-cent euro coin.  What’s also interstesting is that the Colosseum still has connections with the Roman Catholic Church as each Good Friday, the Pope will lead a torch-lit “Way of the Cross” procession that starts in the area around the Colosseum.

Oh well, if I ever do come back to Rome again, I would definitely make it a point to visit the Colosseum.  Until then, memories of this short visit to the historical site with the Style Princess will do for now.

Related articles

• C-C-Colosseum under snow as harsh winter weather puts crumbling ancient monument under further strain (dailymail.co.uk)

Trevi Fountain

Our first night in Rome was spent exploring our neighbourhood.  We didn’t get very far for it simply was too cold to be out for long.  Thankfully, the hotel was close to the Trevi Fountain.  I’ve only seen the Trevi Fountain in pictures and it wasn’t one of the sights that had been on the top of my list, but boy was I wrong for I was treated to a magnificent sight the moment we spotted the fountain from afar.  It simply was beautiful!

The fountain seemed to come alive with all the lighted statues.  I stood in awe and merrily started to snap pictures of the fountain.

Legend has it that if visitors throw a coin in the fountain, they are ensured a return to Rome.  Well, we didn’t exactly follow the tradition for we thought it was a wishing fountain.  But we did throw a coin in so I hope we do get to return to Rome one day.

The next day, we happened to pass by the fountain again and I couldn’t resist taking another shot but I think the best shots that I managed to capture were at night.  Somehow the day shots don’t do the fountain any justice.  To me, it looked like just another fountain.

What do you think?  Do you prefer the shots of the Trevi Fountain in the day or night?