A Statue at the Vatican Museum

A statue known as Barberini Juno or Barberini Hera

I took this picture while on a guided tour of the Vatican Museum with my friend Emilie. I love the way the light hits the statue in this picture, illuminating just the right parts. The statue is a Roman copy of the Greek original. Here Juno holds a scepter and a patera (shallow bowl for pouring libations).

For Rome travel tips, please my post titled Rome 101: Travel Guide to the Eternal City.

Hans Christian Andersen

I still can't forget the first time I saw Danny Kaye's face light up as he was singing "I'm Hans Christian Andersen" in the musical named after the beloved and revered Danish weaver of children's tales. I am intrigued by the position of this statue. HCA holds a book in one hand and a cane in the other, his head turned to the left and slightly raised, seemingly interrupted by something or someone. Perhaps he was tapped on the shoulder by a friend or an acquaintance who wanted to say hello. Or maybe he was interrupted by an idea for his next story, a story that would capture the hearts and minds of the young and young at heart.  

Quick travel tip: When my friend and I went to Copenhagen, we stayed at Wakeup Copenhagen. It is very close to Tivoli Park (within walking distance) and the city center. It is also near a mall with cinemas.

Golden Sphere at the Vatican

This sculpture is aptly named Sphere Within a Sphere by Italian sculptor Arnaldo Pomodoro. It can be found in the Courtyard of the Pinecone at the Vatican. I took this picture when I traveled to Italy in June 2012 with my best friend Emilie. Thinking about having your own Roman holiday? Well click here to read my tips about traveling to the Eternal City.

Sculpture outside the Hearst Castle

This Greco-Roman sculpture sits outside the Hearst Castle which is located in San Simeon, California. This National and California Historical Landmark was designed by Julia Morgan, and built between 1919 and 1945 for newspaper mogul William Randolph Hearst. It is very much representative of the opulence of Ancient Greece and Rome, whose influence is evident in all aspects of Morgan's design.