After the training, my colleague and I went out to wondering around a bit in separate ways before meeting up for dinner.
As the time was limited and already after sunset, I rushed to the Pantheon which is the best-preserved ancient Roman building in Rome back in 125 A.D.
The building block outside somehow looked a bit unsymmetrical, however once I step inside, I was impressed with the openness of the hall area and the magnificent dome. Apparently, it was the biggest unreinforced concrete dome in the entire world.
My heart was very touched to see the famous Renaissance painter, Raphael buried inside.
Spimar | Gelateria Della Palma
I then rushed to a local shop called Spimar Cappelli Sciarpe e Accessori Moda. I bought a very classy look blue hat. I spotted the item the night before but couldn’t make up my mind till the second night after wondered around a few shops. I then looked for a pair of leather gloves and small coin bags for souvenir and tried the gelateria at Gelateria Della Palma
La Botte Antica
After shopping, my colleague and I met up and we walked to Hotel Hassler Roma. We were thinking to go for a drink there but can feel the hotel was very upper end and did not welcome us for drinks only. Then we wondered to a church called Trinità dei Monti. As it was nearly Christmas time, there were a children’s choir singing beautiful Christmas chorus. The church located at a the hill with nice view.
we finished the evening with dining at a local restaurant called  La Botte Antica for dinner. It was recommend by the hotel staff. I tried the lobster spaghetti. The restaurant was very cosy.

The first time I visited Rome was back to my research days almost 20 years ago. I went to Venice to present my book chapter in a conference and stayed over in Rome for a few days. I remembered the city was dirty, food for tourist such as pizza was cold and hard, and loads of people tried to sell us worthless souvenir outside colosseum.
However, when I had the opportunity to revise the city with my colleagues for training during lDecember 2019 , my impression of the city had changed a lot!
Trevi Collection Hotel
​We jetted off to Rome on 16th Dec and arrived in the afternoon and checked in at a budget hotel called Hotel Trevi.
The staff were overwhelmingly welcoming and kept telling us what to do around the area but all we want was some food to fill in our stomach. So straight away we went to wonder around the Spanish steps.

I was craving for my espresso and cheese cake for afternoon retreat while my colleagues were craving for wine and pizza.
Ristorante Atelier Canova Tadolini
After a short stop to a small cafe, we moved on and visited another small cafe right next to the church. We were surrounded by sculptures and  I felt a bit guilty to drink wine in an environment like this.  The glass of wine came with load of breads and made me wonder how I am going to feed more food for dinner.