If you dream of traveling abroad,

European Cities: A Dream Destination

European cities often hold a special allure for travelers, captivating them with their natural beauty, rich history, and stunning architecture. These structures, standing as testaments to centuries of weathering, beckon us to experience and immerse ourselves in diverse cultures. It is this very desire that gave birth to the "European (sneaky) Trip."

By chance, our workplace announced an upcoming international conference in France. This serendipitous opportunity presented itself as a dream come true, a chance to explore the wonders of Europe.


However, due to the current political situation, including various terrorist incidents and robberies, tourists should be cautious about their safety and belongings to avoid any harm.


Upon informing my family and friends about my upcoming trip to Europe, I was met with a chorus of warnings about potential theft and pickpocketing. As a petite individual traveling solo, I recognized my vulnerability to such crimes. To mitigate these risks, I meticulously researched safety measures. I opted for a secure money pouch worn discreetly under my coat and kept copies of my passport readily accessible. Additionally, I saved the contact information for the Thai embassy in each destination country. To deter potential thieves, I adopted a personal technique: projecting an aura of intimidation. (This may sound humorous, but it has proven effective.)


Canon Thailand generously allowed me to bring my Canon G7x Mark II camera on the trip. It's important to note that I only made minor adjustments to the color tones of the photos in this post.


Our journey this time, in addition to fulfilling our official duties, we also created a special mission during our free time. That is, to fly to meet Pope Francis, the 266th Supreme Pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church, an important figure in the world, in Vatican City and Rome, Italy. The flight from France took only 2 hours.


Our unexpected journey began in mid-January 2017. After preparing and submitting our Schengen visa application through the TLScontact center, with France as our first intended destination, we were pleasantly surprised to be granted the visa without any questions from the officials.


Now that you know the origin of this trip, let's get started! But be warned, there will be a lot of pictures, both from our walk around Rome and from before we met Pope Francis. Since we arrived on a Tuesday, the Pope will meet the public on Wednesday. So, let's go for a walk first, shall we? Haha. Then we'll follow him and take you to meet Pope Francis, a historical figure of the world.



Go for it!



Our journey began at Suvarnabhumi International Airport in Thailand, where we boarded an Emirates flight bound for Dubai. After a brief layover, we continued our journey to Paris, France.


Watch a movie on the plane to pass the time.


Our primary objective for this trip was business in France, making Paris our first destination. We arrived in Paris in the morning, catching the first light of dawn from the plane. Upon landing, the temperature plummeted from over 30 degrees to a bone-chilling -4 degrees. We then braved the cold to enter passport control at Paris-Charles-de-Gaulle Airport, marking our first entry into Europe. To our surprise, the immigration officer greeted us with a warm "Hello" in Thai. 555


After completing our official mission in France, we prepared to check in for our flight to Italy. Due to the early morning departure, we had to stand by and check in early, starting at 3:00 or 4:00 AM. We took a taxi from our accommodation, Hotel Daval near Bastille, to Paris-Charles-de-Gaulle Airport.


The airport was quiet and sparsely populated, so I wandered around until I found the ESPACE BUSINESS zone near the gate. I was able to connect to Wi-Fi and charge my iPad, iPhone, and Canon G7x MARK II camera, getting ready for my trip. I spent some time relaxing there alone.


Amidst the biting cold, a glimmer of warmth emerged in the form of a vending machine dispensing steaming hot beverages. Tears welled up in my eyes as I, a lone traveler braving the elements, stumbled upon this oasis of comfort. With trembling hands, I reached for a cup of hot cocoa, its rich aroma filling the air. Each sip was a symphony of warmth, chasing away the chill that had permeated my being. The cost, a mere 1 or 2 euros, seemed insignificant compared to the solace it provided. In France, these vending machines are ubiquitous, offering a convenient and delightful way to quench one's thirst.


After fully charging my phone, I walked to the gate and waited for a while. The Alitalia staff, who were operating the flight on behalf of Air France, announced boarding and took us to Rome, Italy, at Leonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino Airport on the earliest morning flight. Taking off at 6:30 AM, it was still dark outside due to the winter season.


The file indicates that breakfast is included.


Amidst a bout of drowsiness while enjoying a meal, a glance out the window revealed a breathtaking sight: the snow-capped peaks of the Alps, straddling the border between France and Italy. The lingering drowsiness instantly transformed into wide-eyed wonder, prompting me to grab my trusty Canon G7x Mark II compact camera and capture the scene in a flurry of clicks before the plane soared past. This experience serves as a prelude to our journey from France to Italy. If you happen to fly the same route and the weather permits, don't miss this spectacular view. Remember to secure a window seat on the left side of the aircraft.


After landing, we continued our journey by taking the Trenitalia train in Italy to the city center. The ticket cost 8 euros. It is recommended to do your research on the journey beforehand to avoid any confusion, as you may need to change trains or platforms at certain points. It was a fun experience to use the language, even though we weren't very proficient. Our main goal was to survive. One thing we did was avoid showing our map to anyone to avoid being identified as tourists. Instead, we relied on observing signs or asking officials for simple directions. We tried to act confident and comfortable. Europe is not as scary as people think.


We disembarked at ROMA SAN PIETRO station and took a scenic stroll through the winding alleys, catching a glimpse of the Vatican along the way. We checked into our accommodation, The Wesley Rome, booked via booking.com. The location was ideal, close to the Vatican, the Tiber River, and Castel Sant'Angelo, also known as the Mausoleum of Hadrian. Inspired by the film Angels & Demons, we retraced the steps of Professor Robert Langdon. The price was reasonable, and during check-in, we were informed of a tourist tax of €3 per day, which we readily agreed to. After receiving our key, we freshened up in the shared bathroom, which was surprisingly clean and well-maintained. Dressed and ready, we embarked on an exploratory walk through the heart of Rome to whet our appetites.


To avoid getting lost in Italy like a typical Thai tourist, we secretly arranged to meet with a "Thai person in Rome." She is a kind older sister who volunteered to be our tour guide. We are very grateful for her help. After living in Europe for almost half a month, our kind older sister sent us a delicious and spicy papaya salad as a welcome meal. It instantly lifted our spirits after a tiring journey with barely any sleep. If you are visiting Rome and are interested in trying this delicious papaya salad, please send me a private message.


After a delicious and satisfying meal, we set off on foot to explore the city. Our accommodation was conveniently located near many of Rome's tourist attractions, allowing us to walk to most destinations. We occasionally used public buses for longer journeys, hopping on and off as needed. Personally, I enjoy walking as it provides a clearer view of the surroundings and allows me to easily capture the essence of different places. If someone invites me for a walk, I'm always up for it!


Our first stop was Piazza Navona, a square in Rome that was once an ancient Roman stadium. Usually, there are shops, restaurants, art, and musicians who come together to use the space as an open-air market. However, since it was a weekday when we visited, there was no market, making it spacious and comfortable to walk around. In addition, there are sculptures and fountains nearby, which are the works of famous artists.


After meandering through a labyrinth of narrow alleys, I emerged once again at the banks of the Tiber River. Across the water stood the imposing Palace of Justice, Rome, serving as the city's supreme court.


After walking in a circle, we decided to take the bus. Tickets can be purchased at convenience stores, grocery stores, or kiosks on the street. The ticket allows for unlimited travel within one hour of first use and costs 1.50 euros.


We arrived at the bustling heart of the city. Stepping out of the car, we headed towards Piazza del Campidoglio, one of Rome's magnificent squares. We ascended the steps leading to the square, feeling a slight fear of tumbling down. Exhausted from lack of sleep, I jokingly told my sister that we should move on before I took a tumble.


Next, we headed to Piazza Venezia, where the imposing monument to Victor Emmanuel II stands. This building, once the first grand palace of Rome during the Renaissance, now houses a museum showcasing a vast collection of significant artworks. We opted for a quick peek instead of a full tour.


Following our visit to the Roman Forum, we were transported back in time to the heart of ancient civilization. Once a bustling hub of commerce, religion, and politics, the forum now stands as a testament to the grandeur of a bygone era. Despite its present state of ruin, the remnants of its former glory remain visible, captivating visitors with their historical significance. Though a mere shadow of its past, the Roman Forum continues to hold its own as a captivating destination among Rome's many attractions.


Along the way near the Roman Forum, we encountered musicians serenading passersby, adding to the overall enjoyment of the experience.


To prevent various incidents in areas with tourists and crowds, we see military vehicles at various points in the city.


A painter on the way to the Colosseum


We arrived at the front of the Colosseum.


The construction of a nearby subway line has raised concerns about its potential impact on the structural integrity of the Colosseum.


We then took a bus to the Trevi Fountain, a famous landmark located at the intersection of three roads. The fountain was built on an ancient Roman aqueduct and is associated with a belief that throwing a coin into the water will ensure a return visit to Rome. Remarkably, around 3,000 euros, equivalent to over 100,000 Thai baht, are tossed into the Trevi Fountain daily. These funds are used for city development and to support those in need.


Don't miss out! The incredibly smooth and creamy gelato, priced at just over 2 euros, from the PLASTIC CERIA shop located near the Trevi Fountain. When in Italy, gelato is a must-try, even in the cold weather! 🥶


Let's continue our journey to the Spanish Steps, also known as the Scalinata di Trinità dei Monti.

This monumental staircase is considered the widest and longest in Europe, boasting 138 steps designed by the Italian architect Francesco de Sanctis. The base of the Spanish Steps features a prominent early Baroque fountain, shaped like an ancient ship, designed by the renowned sculptor Pietro Bernini.


I stopped by to try my favorite dessert, which I had previously attempted to make myself but had to throw away because it was inedible. 5555 It was a tiramisu, €4 a box, from POMPI, a famous pastry shop in Rome with branches all over the city. The soft ladyfingers soaked in coffee and the smooth mascarpone cheese layered together were a delight. It was a pleasure to taste this deliciousness from its country of origin. In Thailand, I used to eat at Saffron on Phra Athit Road. Today, I finally got to try the real thing, and it was delicious.


After walking until dusk, we decided to take a break at the Piazza del Popolo, or People's Square. This square, designed in the Neoclassical architectural style, was once a site for public executions. In the past, vehicles were allowed to enter the square, leading to traffic congestion. However, it is now reserved for pedestrians only, and security personnel are regularly present to ensure safety.


The first day came to an end with a bus ride back to the accommodation. After a quick stop at the supermarket for affordable groceries, it was time to head back to the room and rest. The next day would bring the exciting opportunity to follow the Pope's daily activities.


Day Two

The next morning, we had a mission to follow the Pope's life. We knew that every Wednesday, he would meet the public. So we woke up early and opened the window to the (very) cold wind. We saw the street, people, and Castel Sant'Angelo, which is also within the Vatican City. And on the far left, which we couldn't see yet, was the heart of Vatican City itself.


Stepping out of the accommodation's door, I looked left and right. It was remarkably empty. This must be the low season; there are very few tourists during this winter season.


The weather was pleasant in the late morning, perfect for a leisurely stroll. Crossing the Tiber River bridge, I marveled at the beauty of the European riverbank. During low tide, one can even walk along the riverbank, adding another dimension to the riverside experience.


I enjoyed taking a stroll through the heart of Vatican City. The pedestrian crossing signals, ubiquitous throughout the city, made walking a breeze. This feature is a welcome addition for those who, like myself, enjoy exploring on foot.


This is the Vatican, a city-state located in the heart of Rome, Italy. It is a small, landlocked country with a rich history and many secrets. It is also the home of the Pope. I have only seen it on TV and the internet before, but today I am finally here.


Around nine o'clock in the morning, the weather was pleasant at St. Peter's Square. It was not crowded, and there were not many people around. I was walking alone, so I asked a Chinese tourist to take a picture of me. Thank you! After a while, my sister called to tell me that the Pope would not be meeting the public at the Vatican that day. (I was like, what? I came all the way here for this?) But my sister continued, saying that the Pope would be holding a religious ceremony at the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls, which is located outside Vatican City. She told me to walk around for a while and that she would pick me up in the afternoon to attend the ceremony. I was so happy! I went for a walk and took some pictures while I waited.


Zooming in, we see St. Peter's Basilica, one of the four major basilicas in Rome, Vatican City (the other three being St. John Lateran, Santa Maria Maggiore, and St. Paul Outside the Walls). Today, we will visit St. Paul Outside the Walls, located outside Vatican City, to participate in a religious ceremony and meet the Pope.


While waiting for our kind tour guide, we took a stroll around the square and stumbled upon marble slabs on the ground, resembling elemental wind markers aligned with different directions, just like in the movie scene where Professor Robert Langdon was chasing clues to save the Cardinal from the villain in Angels & Demons.


Latin inscription on the base of the column in the center of the square. A scene from the movie where the professor meets the cardinal, branded as Illuminati.


Exiting the square from the west side, there were numerous officers present. It is understood that there had been bomb threats in various locations throughout Rome, and as a result, there was a heightened security presence, particularly in sensitive areas such as this.



Wandering along the Vatican walls, rubbing my face against them and leaning my back against them, not knowing when I'll be back again. Haha.


There is a faucet by the wall, but I can't read what it says. However, I saw people drinking from it, so it should be safe to drink.


Stroll around the city.


Before returning to the square, we encountered Swiss Guards, who are Swiss citizens renowned for their loyalty, devotion, and staunch Catholicism. These guards, armed with ancient halberds, serve as protectors of the Pope's safety. During the winter months, they wear black cloaks over their uniforms for warmth.


While I'm here, I might as well buy a couple of postcards to send back home. I heard that Vatican City has its own postal system, as well as other public utilities, just like a regular country. And the stamps even have Pope Francis on them.


The symbols on the walls of the buildings in the square are imbued with religious significance.


In the late morning, the square began to fill with people.


I saw a sign for the Vatican Museums, so I followed the crowd, but I didn't go in.


Along the path, we came across what appeared to be large doors adorned with national symbols and the royal seal.


Along the path, there is another public water tap for drinking. Continue walking until you reach the museum entrance.


Driven by an insatiable wanderlust, I embarked on an impromptu exploration, venturing further and further afield until I found myself delightfully lost. My iPad and iPhone batteries drained as I ambled along, oblivious to the passage of time. To my amusement, I discovered myself standing before the Vatican, a considerable distance from my starting point.


Lost my way and stumbled upon the subway. It's the meeting point with my sister. I saw an electric charging station by the roadside. It must be for charging cars.


After waiting for a while, a car arrived to pick us up. It turned out to be the family of my sister's boyfriend. I learned that my sister's grandfather had been an official who looked after the Pope before his retirement. Although he no longer holds the same position, he and his family still enjoy the same privileges as when he was an official of the Vatican in terms of participating in various ceremonies. What a coincidence!

In reality, I never expected to participate in a religious ceremony. I thought that simply seeing the Pope greet the public in St. Peter's Square would be a blessing. However, being able to participate in the ceremony itself made today's mission truly special.


The winding alleys of the city, on the way to the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls.


This is the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls, located a considerable distance from Vatican City, where we will participate in the ceremony and have the opportunity to meet Pope Francis, the head of the Roman Catholic Church.


We are grateful to our aunt's parents for making our religious pilgrimage possible. They provided us with special privileges, including an invitation card that would normally require purchase for the general public. They also treated us like family, showing exceptional kindness.


Priests, Catholic faithful, and members of the public gathered, waiting to enter the cathedral. The crowd was dense.


After waiting for a while, I decided to grab a bite nearby. I ended up at McDonald's, ROMA SAN PAOLO branch, which is located near the basilica. This is the view from the second floor, specifically the open-air sunbathing area of the restaurant.


Discreetly observe the security personnel patrolling the perimeter of the cathedral.


In the blink of an eye, the Popemobile arrived at the basilica, accompanied by a large contingent of Swiss Guards. We quickly rejoined the queue, as the gates were about to open.


Various media outlets are also present.


Is this a dog or a bear?


The exterior beauty of the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls, believed to be the burial place of Saint Paul.


At the entrance, security personnel scanned the belongings of attendees as a basic security measure.


Enter the door of the cathedral.


The grandfather turned and signaled for us to walk faster, saying he would take us to sit in the front. 5555


A statue of Saint Paul stands in the courtyard in front of the entrance to the cathedral.


Swiss Guard stood guard at the entrance, while walking during the Snapshot quickly Canon G7x MARK II can do really well.


The first group to enter the basilica, it was very spacious and we could choose any seat. Actually, the tickets we got were ordinary tickets, which allowed us to sit from the 15th row onwards, and that was the only right we had. However, when we arrived, the tickets were upgraded to special seats in the first four rows, close to the edge of the ceremony, next to the seats of the local executives. This was thanks to the kindness of your grandfather. I was about to cry. Thank you very much.

While we wait for the Pope, let's admire the beauty of the basilica and the handsome Swiss Guards.


The books, prayers, and songs were all in Italian, so I couldn't read them. If anyone wants them, please send me a private message. I brought back two copies.


A mural depicting the lineage of popes, from past to present, adorns the walls of the basilica.


The illuminating figure is the current one, Pope Francis, the 266th of the Roman Catholic Church, the one we will meet today.


As the ceremony approached, various officials conducted system tests and rehearsals, ensuring all preparations were in place before the commencement of the event.


People gradually filled the seats until they were almost all occupied.


The long-awaited moment arrived, and everyone stood together in anticipation of Pope Francis' arrival. Being rather short, I decided to stand close to the fence's edge for a better view.


Camera ready!


Everyone, selfie sticks, mobile phones, cameras ready!!!


As the procession entered the cathedral, we switched our Canon G7x Mark II from still image to video mode to capture the historic moment. We rarely have the opportunity to witness such prominent figures up close, let alone with the accompanying live ambiance. The compact camera's ability to record clear, unedited footage, including both visuals and audio, left us in awe. We hope to transport you to the heart of the cathedral through this immersive experience.

Watch the video


At 1:10, the Pope stood directly in front of us, without the need for camera zoom. (Image captured from video)


The procession included prominent figures from the church hierarchy, culminating with the Swiss Guards, who serve as protectors.


Shortly after, the ceremony commenced. The harmonious sounds of hymns, prayers, the Pope's pronouncements, and the alternating speeches from representatives of various groups (which were unintelligible) combined with the architectural splendor imbued with religious meaning and symbolism, evoked a sense of awe even in us, as Buddhists.


After nearly two hours, the ceremony concluded. The Pope greeted the attendees before exiting the basilica through the same entrance.


The faithful, with unwavering devotion to the Pope, periodically erupted in fervent praise of PAPA Francis.

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People emerged from the building, taking numerous selfies, expressing their joy at participating in this ceremony.


A heartfelt thank you to my grandparents and sister for their invaluable contributions to this extraordinary journey. Their unwavering support and presence made this mission a resounding success, filling my heart with immense joy and pride.


Many people may come to Italy or Vatican City to visit museums, but we came with the mission of meeting the Pope. It was a unique experience, even though we are Buddhists. Meeting a figure who is both a religious leader and a historical figure was quite impressive. Or perhaps we should add one more sentence... "Thank God."


Final morning

Our journey continues. This morning, I woke up and looked out to see the same view, but with the added knowledge that today is our last day of travel in Italy and the Vatican. This photo was taken from the kitchen of our accommodation before we checked out.


After checking out of our room, we were ready to grab our bags and head back towards Vatican City for one last taste of the atmosphere. We left our accommodation early at 7 am, while some of the city lights were still on. Before turning back, we took a photo of the entrance to our accommodation as a souvenir.


The tranquility of the early morning, coupled with the chill and the solitude of an empty city, transformed the once bustling metropolis of Rome into a captivating scene of cool, muted tones. Our accommodation, situated right on the street, was the cream-colored building on the far right.


Before crossing the Tiber River for the last time from the front of the accommodation.


And turning back to look at the accommodation, it was a farewell. I really didn't want to go back.


Return to St. Peter's Square once again.


At approximately 7:30 AM, the central square was unusually empty, with hardly anyone around. This could be attributed to the early hour.


We learned that St. Peter's Basilica was free to enter and open to the public. We thought we still had time, so we packed our bags and went in for a last look before leaving.


The interior of the cathedral is magnificent.


Some parts still have monks performing ceremonies, and tourists can still participate in the ceremonies.


The remarkable marble sculpture gives the impression of a flowing, thin fabric, effortlessly draped, despite the inherent rigidity of the stone.


Upon returning, I found no one around. I only saw a bird huddled with its neck tucked in. I tried to take a close-up photo, but it didn't fly away. It must be cold.

And Swiss soldiers who remained on duty despite the cold.


Dropped off the postcards I bought yesterday. Wrote, stamped, and sent them in the Vatican mailbox.


While exiting Vatican City, Swiss Guards were still stationed at various entry and exit points.


Walk under the road to the other side without crossing the street to board the train at the original station, ROME SAN PIETRO station.


Turning back to admire the dome of St. Peter's Basilica, the iconic cathedral of the Vatican City, designed by the renowned architect Michelangelo, a final farewell to its magnificence.


I came across this old and beautiful church on my way. After researching its history, I learned that it was built by a cardinal and contains murals inside. Unfortunately, due to time constraints, I was unable to visit it. I hurried back to catch my train and flight.


While navigating, we encountered a minor detour despite using GPS. We inquired with a local student passing by who offered to guide us, as they were also heading to the train station. We are incredibly grateful for their assistance. Contrary to the perception of Europe being intimidating, we found the locals to be exceptionally kind. The student's swift pace left us wondering if we were simply aging or if they were perhaps apprehensive of us. 5555


We have arrived at our starting station. Let's buy tickets from the staff for 8 euros, as usual, to return to the airport. However, make sure to stand on the correct platform, or we might end up going in the opposite direction. Don't take it lightly! 5555


Change trains at the original station, ROMA TRASTEVERE station. The total journey time is approximately 30 minutes.


After changing trains, I went upstairs to the second floor to relax, eat snacks, and enjoy the scenery along the way.


Upon arrival at FCO (Leonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino Airport)


And we prepared to travel back to France, our final destination being the city of Lyon. We traveled by Easyjet airlines.


On the flight back to France, snow could still be seen covering the ground from the window.


Before descending to Lyon (LYS), France, our journey through Vatican City and Rome, Italy, came to an end. This marked the first international travel experience for us, accompanied by our trusty Canon G7x Mark II camera. It served as a faithful companion, capturing memories with exceptional quality. Even in challenging angles, the camera's Powershot capabilities delivered stunning results, despite limited preparation time. With a quick turn-on and instant shooting, the G7x Mark II proved to be incredibly responsive and portable.


Today, we have proven that Italy is not as scary as we thought. This is due to a combination of factors, including the low season, the cold weather, the lack of crowds, our constant awareness during the trip, our efforts to blend in, our research on how to get around, our use of Google Street View in advance, and our constant vigilance. If anyone wants travel tips for any period, feel free to message me privately. We're all in this together.

In conclusion, we would like to express our gratitude to our workplace for making this trip possible. We would also like to thank Canon Thailand for providing us with the Canon G7x Mark II, a compact camera with professional-grade quality, which allowed us to capture stunning images during our travels to Europe. Additionally, we had the opportunity to follow the life of the Pope in Rome, Italy, and experience firsthand the momentous occasion.

Hooray! The review is complete. Thank you to everyone who followed along.

We apologize if any part of the review is incomplete or inaccurate. We welcome your feedback and suggestions for improvement.

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