Travel has always been part of our family story. My parents were avid travelers long before we were old enough to join them, exploring different countries. Eventually, they decided to share that blessing with us and traveling together as a family became something we all looked forward to.

Over the years, we were fortunate to visit many places mostly around Southeast Asia (click here to check out other travel blogs) and the Middle East, creating memories that we still talk about today. But when I entered medical school, things changed. The demanding schedule, hospital duties, and endless exams made it difficult for me to travel. While my family continued their trips, I often had to stay behind which meant missing many family adventures and even the group photos.

The last international trip I managed to squeeze in was to South Korea, just a few days before my final exams during junior clerkship. Lol. Looking back, it felt a little crazy not preparing for the final exams haha but it reminded me how much I truly loved traveling. So when the opportunity finally came to visit Europe, it felt surreal like a dream destination that once felt so far away was suddenly becoming real.

Our journey to Europe was a long one, taking nearly 18 hours of travel from Manila to Rome with a layover in the UAE. The first flight from Manila to the UAE took around eight to nine hours, followed by a short layover before continuing the journey to Rome for another six to seven hours. Long flights can be exhausting but knowing we were heading toward one of the most beautiful and historic continents in the world made every hour feel worth it.

The food on the plane turned out to be surprisingly good. Our tray came with main meals, drinks and a dessert. It may seem like a simple airline meal, but enjoying it while flying thousands of feet above the clouds somehow made the journey feel even more exciting.

Day 1: Discovering the capital city of Italy

Upon arriving in Rome, we immediately began our city tour. Thankfully, we were part of a bus tour, which made everything much easier after such a long journey. Instead of figuring out transportation on our own, we were able to sit back, relax, and simply take in the sights of the city as we drove through its historic streets.

Before the tour started, our guide also reminded us several times to be very mindful of our belongings. We were advised not to entertain strangers approaching us as some people may try to scam tourists or distract them while others attempt to steal. Rome, like many major tourist cities, is known for pickpockets, so we were told repeatedly to keep our bags close and stay alert at all times. They also warned us that not all pickpockets look suspicious. Some may appear well-dressed carrying designer bags or wearing expensive-looking clothes making it easy for travelers to let their guard down.

Rome is a place where history truly comes alive. This was once the heart of the powerful Roman Empire, the land of gladiators, emperors, and ancient structures that have stood for thousands of years. At the same time, it is also home to Vatican City, the seat of the Catholic Church, giving the city an even deeper historical and spiritual significance.

Inside the Vatican Museums

The Vatican Museums are not just ordinary museums. They hold centuries of art, sculptures, and history collected by the Catholic Church. Every hallway we walked through felt like a masterpiece. Before entering, we were each given a small communication device with earphones. This allowed us to clearly hear our tour guide while walking through the museum, even when we were spread out or surrounded by other tour groups.

It turned out to be extremely helpful because the museum was huge with countless rooms and corridors filled with artwork. With the audio device, we didn’t have to crowd around the guide just to hear the explanations. We could take our time looking at the sculptures, paintings, and ceilings while still listening to the stories behind them.

The classical sculptures were beautifully preserved and displayed. Seeing these statues up close felt like stepping into the time of the Roman Empire where art and mythology played a huge role.

The Beautiful Ceilings and Galleries

As we continued through the museum, I found myself constantly looking upward. The ceilings were just as breathtaking as the artworks themselves. I was almost lost because I kept looking at the art ceilings. Lol.

Every corridor was decorated with intricate paintings, gold details, and elaborate designs that made it feel like we were walking inside a palace. It was almost overwhelming trying to take everything in knowing that each painting and decoration had its own story and history.

One of the most unforgettable moments of our visit to the Vatican was stepping inside the Sistine Chapel. As soon as we entered, the room suddenly became quieter, almost as if everyone instinctively understood that they were standing in a very special place. Slowly, people began looking upward and that’s when I saw it. The breathtaking ceiling painted by Michelangelo filled with intricate scenes from the Book of Genesis.

The colors and the details were overwhelming in the best way possible. This photo doesn’t do it justice. For a moment, I simply stood there looking up, trying to take it all in.

Vatican Gardens and Art

Outside the museum, we were able to see beautiful parts of the Vatican Gardens where art and nature blend together. One sculpture that stood out was a large bronze sphere that appears cracked open. They say it symbolizes the fragile state of the modern world.

Walking through the gardens gave us a moment to slow down and appreciate the peaceful atmosphere inside the Vatican.

St. Peter’s Square

Eventually, we arrived at the famous St. Peter’s Square, one of the most recognizable places in the world. Standing there and seeing St. Peter’s Basilica in front of us was truly breathtaking. The square was wide and open, surrounded by grand columns and statues of saints watching over the plaza.

In the center stands the tall Egyptian obelisk. Looking around at the thousands of visitors gathered, I felt a mix of awe and gratitude. It was hard to believe that I was finally standing in the heart of the Catholic Church.

For someone who had spent years focused on medical school and hospital duties, traveling had felt like a distant dream for a while. But in that moment, standing in Vatican City, the dream felt very real. And this was only the first day of our European adventure.

As the afternoon slowly turned into evening, the golden light began to fall over St. Peter’s Square. The crowds had started to thin, and the once busy plaza felt calmer and more peaceful. Standing there and looking at the magnificent St. Peter’s Basilica, it was hard not to pause for a moment and reflect.

Day 2: Walking Through Ancient Rome

Our second day in Rome started with a simple but satisfying breakfast at the hotel. There was something comforting about beginning the day with warm bread, yogurt, cereals, fruits, and coffee while everyone at the table shared their excitement for the day ahead. With full stomachs and cameras ready, we set off for another adventure in the Eternal City.

One of the highlights of the day was finally seeing the legendary Colosseum. Standing in front of it felt surreal. This massive amphitheater, built nearly 2,000 years ago, was once the stage for gladiator battles and dramatic spectacles that entertained thousands of Romans. Seeing it up close made it easier to imagine the roar of the crowd and the intense history that once unfolded inside its walls.

Just beside it stands the impressive Arch of Constantine, a triumphal arch built to commemorate Emperor Constantine’s victory in the 4th century. The detailed carvings and sculptures on the monument are remarkable reminders of Rome’s powerful past.

As we explored the area, we spent time walking around, taking photos, and simply appreciating the ancient structures that have stood for centuries. It’s amazing how Rome blends everyday life with history- tourists taking pictures, locals walking by, and ancient ruins standing quietly in the background.

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