Tossing a Coin at Fontana di Trevi! Why not?

The Fontana di Trevi or Trevi Fountain is the most famous and arguably the most beautiful fountain in all of Rome. This impressive monument dominates the small Trevi square located in the Quirinale district, and it seams to attract millions of persons each day. I was impressed with the amount of tourist in such a small square, but even so, still so beautiful. The Trevi fountain is at the ending part of the Aqua Virgo, an aqueduct constructed in 19 BC. It brings water all the way from the Salone Springs (approx 20km from Rome) and supplies the fountains in the historic center of Rome with water. In 1732, Pope Clement XII commissioned Nicola Salvi to create a large fountain at the Trevi Square. A previous undertaking to build the fountain after a design by Bernini was halted a century earlier after the death of Pope Urban VIII. Salvi based his theatrical masterpiece on this design. Construction of the monumental baroque fountain was finally completed in 1762. The central figure of the fountain, in front of a large niche, is Neptune, god of the sea. He is riding a chariot in the shape of a shell, pulled by two sea horses. Each sea horse is guided by a Triton. One of the horses is calm and obedient, the other one restive. They symbolize the fluctuating moods of the sea. On the left hand side of Neptune is a statue representing Abundance, the statue on the right represents Salubrity. Above the sculptures are bas-reliefs, one of them shows Agrippa, the general who built the aqueduct that carries water to the fountain. Tossing a Coin? Why not? The water at the bottom of the fountain represents the sea. Legend has it you will return to Rome if you throw a coin into the water. You should toss it over your shoulder with your back to the fountain. If you toss two you can even find a girlfriend or a boyfriend in Rome. Toss tree, maybe you married him/her.

Malaca, Malaysia. From the Old Portuguese times to the colorful trishaws

At the time of the Portuguese arrival in the Asian seas, Malacca, thanks to its strategic position on the strait bearing the same name, was a remarkable trading center for the trade and shunting of spices. At that time, Malacca was ruled by a Muslim Sultanate. The town extended its influence over a vast territory, which included the whole Malaya Peninsula. Today, Malacca – listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008 – is one of Malaysia’s hottest tourist destinations. Blending modern action with its surrounding Dutch, Peranakan and Portuguese architecture, Malacca has – over the years – developed at a mind-boggling rate. Home to the oldest functioning mosque, Catholic Church and Buddhist temple in the country, the city is uber-friendly and is best represented by its Chinatown artists, cuisine and creative trishaws. I was impressed by the colorful trishaws. Actually, they are almost houses, with music and other facilities.