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  • To Rome, To Roam

    To Rome, To Roam

    We departed Florence the next morning and head towards the final leg of our trip – Rome. Perhaps one of the most visited cities for its long ancient history and rich cultural experience. Since the Roman Kingdom to the Roman Republic and finally to Roman Empire, the Eternal City has an incredible legacy that lasted centuries before its collapse. Rome’s brilliant warfare tactics, architectural techniques, engineering feats, organizational structures, politics are still applicable in the modern world today. Just like the well-constructed roads that are still in use today…amazing! Walking along the street kinda makes me a time traveller. With no modern buildings and a certain ‘ruins-like’ surroundings, the city seems like holding time to ransom.

    Every corner streets to each individual stone tell a story dated back for god knows how long. It’s probably this unique atmosphere or aura that makes Rome, Rome. And the most iconic places to visit in Rome are none other than the magnificent trio – Colosseum, Palatine Hill and Roman Forum.

    The Monument to Victor Emmanuel II

    After visiting the trio, the Monument to Victor Emmanuel II is next, also commonly known as Altar of the Nation. The impressive white marble monument was built to honour Victor Emmanuel II who was the first King to unified Italy.

    Monument to Victor Emmanuel II

    The huge horseman statue of Victor Emmanuel II.

    Victor Emmanuel II Statue

    Right below the king’s statue is a Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, a symbol dedicated to all unknown fallen soldiers of Italy. In addition, the tomb is flank by two guards and there’s a ceremonial changing of the guards throughout the day.

    Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

    Change of Guards at Victor Emmanuel II

    Statues

    The Trevi Fountain

    This is another prominent landmark and perhaps the most well-known baroque fountain in Rome. Located at the junction of three roads, which is how Trevi Fountain derived its name (tre & vie). Photo taking around the small surrounding area of the beautiful fountain can be frustrating since there are people literally everywhere at all times.

    Trevi Fountain in Rome

    There’s a saying that you’ll be sure to return to Rome if you throw a coin over your shoulder and into the water of Trevi Fountain. Well, I didn’t do that and yet still somehow find myself back here 3 years later…

    Beautiful Trevi

    The Spanish Steps

    Not far from Trevi Fountain is Spanish Steps is the small but beautiful Barcaccia Fountain. The stairs itself is packed with people lazing around or taking a break. And I guess most people may be here for the shopping since Rome’s most famous shopping street. Since Via Condotti is just directly in front of the steps. Here’s where the boutiques of the world’s most luxurious brands congregate.

    Barcaccia Fountain

    Spanish Steps in Rome

    STAY: Hotel Giorgi Rome review

    Hotel Giorgi is situated near to Roma Termini Station and is a plus since we will be taking Leonardo Express to the airport two days later. The reasonable price comes with free Wifi and breakfast. The decent sized room is cosy and comfortable which is nice. Probably not so nice is getting to our room on the 3rd level using the small and not-so-dependable-looking cage lift. And seems like it might break down anytime…

    Hotel Giorgi

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    What are your thoughts about Rome? Leave a comment and share it with me.

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  • Prada Paradise, Space Outlet in Florence

    Prada Paradise, Space Outlet in Florence

    The close proximity to luxury brands factory outlets like Prada Space Outlet is another reason why people come to Florence. There’s a saying that Space Outlet gets more visitors than Uffizzi Gallery, wow! The Prada Mecca is located at Montevarchi which’s just a 30 min drive from Florence. But since we didn’t have a rental car, we opted to board a regional train (around 5 Euros one way). Follow by a taxi ride instead of hiring a taxi from Florence for around 120-150 Euros.

    Upon reaching Montevarchi-Terranuova station, there will be taxi drivers outside shouting ‘Prada, Prada’. From what my driver told me, there are only 4 taxis operating in town. So just hop on to any by paying 3 Euros to share the cab with others or 12 Euros for the whole taxi to yourself.

    Taxi to Space Outlet

    The Space Outlet building is so unassuming that we thought the driver brought us to the wrong place. Don’t be fool by the appearance – here’s the worst kept secret to indulging in Prada’s Italian fashion at fraction of its street prices. A little less guilt while filling up the shopping bags with more stuff…heh…

    Prada Outlet Florence

    Space Outlet in Florence

    We were among the first few to arrive, collect our queue numbers from a ticket dispenser and waited. People started streaming in when it’s near the opening hour.

    Outlet Queue Numbers

    Outlet Opening Hours

    Once the door opens, ladies storm the store like commandos, wanting to grab hold of every Prada handbags or Miu Miu ones in sight. Designer handbags are one big magnet for women LOL. We overheard one Asian lady getting 10 handbags of the same design at one go – WOW. As told, the store’s inventory is limited to an unknown quantity per day (or per hour?), which perhaps intensify the competition.

    While wifey prowls the battle zone, I move over to the quieter (perhaps more sane LOL) men’s section.

    Inside the Outlet

    I grabbed a few belts and a pair of shoes, informed the Salesperson my queue ticket numbers and he placed them behind the cashier counters. The belts cost around 80-120 Euros each but I see them retailing at over 220 Euros in Rome’s store. That’s not a bad deal especially after factoring in the 10-12% VAT refund.

    Wifey’s a much happier camper and her shopping cart is obviously more filled up than mine. The wait at the cashier took a while before we paid for our items, showed our passports and filled up the VAT refund forms.

    Prada Space Outlet Shopping

    Shopping at The Mall Firenze outlets

    We proceeded to The Mall outlets next for more bargain hunting. So it’s Modus Operandi – regional train (3 Euros one way) from Montevarchi-Terranuova to Rignano Sull’Arno and then taxi. Unlike Montevarchi, this is a very quiet station with no taxi in sight, so we called a taxi’s numbers we found on the notice board. And reaching The Mall after a 5 min ride. There’s a direct bus if you’re coming straight from Florence.

    The Mall outlets

    Map of the outlets

    The Mall carries brands like Salvatore Ferragamo, Bottega Veneta, Prada (yes, again), Armani, Tods, Gucci etc.

    The outlets directory

    Around the outlets

    I got a comfortable pair of Ferragamo shoes for around 200 Euros and a Bottega Veneta wallet. The wallet is at least S$200 cheaper compared to buying in Singapore. The Prada has got quite a big selection here as well but we didn’t find anything we fancy. There’s even a Global Blue VAT refund office here, meaning we got our VAT savings on the spot – Nice!

    After a long day of outlets shopping, we took the 1-hour SITA bus ride back to Florence for our dinner.

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    What are your thoughts about Space Outlet and The Mall? Leave a comment and share it with me.

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