Juya and Azwa Romancing Rome

I was up before the second ring, switched the phone alarm off before it too wake Thais up, and jumped off the bed onto the cold floor. Searched for the slippers in the dark, cringed when the creaking of the door seemed too loud in the silence of the dawn, I shivered when the freezing tap water touched my face.

Yesterday was an important day. True, I was excited at the prospect of getting my rice cooker because I have been eating porridge a lot lately. True, I was looking forward to more authentic Italian cooking with the guidance of the Italian cook book the Danes gave me. But more importantly, Azwa was coming to town and I get to play tourist for half a day!

Azwa and I came a long way - we went to TKC together. At 13, her bunk was 5 steps away from mine. At 15, I accompanied her to Subang airport from school in Seremban on her way back to her hometown when her mother passed away. At 17, we parted company after 5 year of living and learning together. And in between, we navigated the path and minefields to adulthood together. Yesterday, she transitted in Rome from Algeria on the way home. 3 hours to kill in Rome.

So, what would people do if they have 3 hours to kill in Rome?

Colosseum and Trevi, of course! And on the way, we saw the Arch of Tito, Foro di Cesare, monument of Vittorio Emmanuele II and palatino in the distance.

With my coursemates, i have had to play the resident. They are too cool to be tourists in Rome. With Azwa, I was a tourist, right from the continuous photo taking to the crazy poses. Yes, when in Rome, do as the Asian tourists do (minus the peace sign, PLEASE!)

The Arch of Constantine.

It was just Azwa's luck, the sun was out in full force at 8 am (amazing for end of October!), blue skies abound, no one around because it was a little too early. We got Colosseo to ourselves!

Excavation still in process.

Azwa taking pictures of naked men.

Trevi at first sight, nestled in the middle of the city, at a convergence of three streets (Tre = Three, Vie = street). The fountain felt like it was hemmed in by all the buildings around it, but oh, how i love the Trevi. Like the colosseo, I have been delaying the pleasure of seeing and photographing, reserving it for special occassion. Trevi is as romantic in real life as it was in the old films!

Azwa tunjuk apa tu, wa? :))

Azwa kat mana, wa? Korea ke Taiwan ke Jepun? I thought your Japan trip will be sometime next week? :P

The compulsory photo :D

There's a superstition that says if you throw a coin (or three, according to some) with your right hand over your left shoulder, you will either return to Rome or find true love (you pick which one floats your boat). And who loves superstitions more than Asians? This is me doing the compulsory coin toss. If you look closely, Azwa caught on film the 10 Malaysian sen coin as it was falling into the water.

When asked if she would like to toss one of her own, she said, "buat apa? buat tambah pening kepala." (whatever for? it's just going to add to my headache), refering to love as she is married and all. Apparently she already had a way of making sure she'll be back to Rome ;) Kan, Azwa?

To those who just thought "Suckers!", the money (estimated at EUR3k daily) is collected at night and used to subsidise a supermarket for the needy. What better cause, huh, true love and charity?

"You cannot come to Rome and not have pizza or Gelato," I said to Azwa. "Which one do you want for breakfast?" She replied, "Why not both?" I quickly agreed!

Tough decision, this. Which flavour to choose? There are about 30 here!

We settled on Cafe & Choc Chip, and Tiramisu & Nutella!

Azwa and 2 Italian mamats.

Fare thee well, friend. We'll meet again, soon :)

All photos published by The Treedweller. All Rights Reserved. If you want to use it, drop a line to thetreedweller@gmail.com.