Revitalize Your Journey with the Free Showers at Hong Kong International Airport

Easy to Find, Rejuvenating Free Showers at Hong Kong International Airport

Traveling can be an exhilarating yet draining adventure, especially when long layovers are involved. On a recent journey from Chicago to Osaka on Cathay Pacific through Hong Kong International Airport, I discovered one of the most refreshing perks of this bustling hub—its free shower facilities. An experience that transformed my layover into a moment of pure rejuvenation.

Whether for frequent flyers or occasional flyers, airports can often feel like a whirlwind of check-ins, security queues, and endless crowds. Finding a quiet respite amid this chaos can seem impossible. However, Hong Kong International Airport offers a thoughtful gift to all passengers: complimentary showers. Unlike the exclusive amenities in first-class lounges, these showers are accessible to everyone and require no codes or vouchers.

Free Gender-Segregated Showers at Hong Kong International Airport On my outbound journey, I visited the showers near Gates 12, and on my inbound journey, I found the ones near Gate 43 on the Arrivals Level (L5,) both of which were surprisingly easy to locate. These facilities are positioned before security checks, making them perfect for freshening up during layovers or while transitioning between flights. Whether you’re pressed for time or indulging in a leisurely layover, these showers are a godsend.

Free Showers at Hong Kong International Airport - Easy to Find The sensation of stepping into the shower after hours of travel is indescribably soothing. The warm water cascaded over me, washing away the stiffness of airplane seats and the weariness of the journey. I was surprised by how uncrowded the showers were, even during peak hours. Arriving late at night on my outbound, I found the space serene and practically empty.

The shower areas are segregated by gender. The shower cubicles come equipped with basic toiletries such as body wash, shampoo, and a hair dryer. While I didn’t need them, additional items like towels, toothbrushes, and razors are conveniently available for purchase from vending machines just outside the shower area.

Locating Free Showers at Hong Kong International Airport

The showers operate on a timed push-button system, with water running for about 15 seconds per press. While I appreciated the eco-conscious design, pressing the button repeatedly for a longer shower did interrupt the flow of relaxation ever so briefly. There was also a brief moment of cold water as the pipes drained, but it was a minor inconvenience. Another slight drawback was the lack of toilet facilities within the shower stalls themselves. However, there were plenty of restrooms nearby, so it wasn’t a major issue.

Free Showers at Hong Kong Airport: Basic Toiletries and Timed System The free showers at Hong Kong International Airport turned what could have been a routine layover into a moment of personal renewal. Beyond just cleaning up, the experience recharged me mentally and physically, preparing me to embrace the next leg of my journey. If you find yourself at this airport, I highly recommend taking advantage of this thoughtful amenity. It’s a simple yet transformative way to elevate your travel experience.

Inside Hong Kong Airport Showers: Toiletries and Timed Convenience

After my refreshing shower, I explored the rest areas on the Departures Level near Gates 21, 34, 31, and 61. These zones feature comfortable recliners perfect for stretching out and relaxing before boarding. Pairing a shower with some quiet rest time elevated my travel experience to a new level of comfort and relaxation.

Sky Bridge: 200-Meter-Long Paradise at Hong Kong International Airport with Jaw-Dropping Views

Experience Plane Spotting at Hong Kong International Airport's 28-Meter-High Sky Bridge

Sky Bridge at Hong Kong International Airport: 200 Meters of Stunning Views and Planes

Beyond the Showers: Sky Bridge, A Plane Spotter’s Ultimate Paradise

One of the coolest features of Hong Kong International Airport is the Sky Bridge—hands down the best observation deck I’ve ever seen at any airport. Opened in late 2022, this game-changing bridge connects Terminal 1 (T1) with the Terminal 1 Satellite Concourse (T1S.) Before this, getting between terminals meant taking a bus, which was a hassle. Now, you can simply stroll across this stunning 200-meter-long bridge, 28 meters above the ground, with planes taxiing right underneath you, including the massive Airbus A380!

What makes it even more special for aviation enthusiasts like me is the thoughtful design. Floor-to-ceiling windows provide jaw-dropping views, and there’s even a partially glass floor so you can look straight down at the planes below. When an A350 taxied beneath me, I was so awestruck I almost forgot to snap a picture. At the end of the bridge, you’ll find the Sky Deck, a little haven complete with seating, binoculars, info panels, and even a model of the airport. It’s not just a walkway; it’s an experience that transforms a layover into a memorable highlight. If you’re passing through Hong Kong, make sure to check it out—you won’t regret it!

The Mesmerizing Beauty of the Mahadwara (Grand Entrance) of Gaurishvara Temple in Yalandur, Chamarajanagar District, Karnataka

Gaurishvara Temple in Yalandur, Chamarajanagar District

Yalandur, once the capital of the province of Hadināḍu under the Mysore Wadeyars, was a thriving town during the Vijayanagara era. This area was later gifted to Dewan Poornaiah by Krishnaraja Wadeyar III and is now part of Chamarajanagar district. An inscription at the Gaurīśvara Temple reveals that it was built in 1450 CE by the Hadināḍu chief Siṅgideva Devabhūpāla. The temple’s architecture and sculptures reflect the grandeur of the Vijayanagara style.

Gaurishvara Temple Yalandur Walls Reliefs Depicting Durga slaying Mahishasura Over time, the temple fell into disrepair. However, it was reconstructed using pillars and sculptures sourced from the Mūlasthāneśvara Temple, located five kilometers away. While this restoration saved the structure, it also resulted in the loss of much of the temple’s original character.

Layout and Design

The Gaurīśvara Temple has a simple yet elegant layout. It comprises a sanctum (garbhagṛha,) a closed hall (maṇṭapa,) an open hall supported by granite pillars, and a unique mahādvāra (grand entrance) that lacks the typical tower (gopura) above it. This style of entrance is known as a bale maṇṭapa (literally, “bangle hall”) in contemporary parlance.

Bale Mandapa Bangle Hall Entrance to Gaurishvara Temple Yalandur The mahādvāra serves as a symbolic gateway to the divine realm, marking the transition from the material to the spiritual. Intricately adorned with carvings of deities, mythological figures, and spiritual motifs, it is a marvel of symmetry and artistic embellishments. Standing over twelve feet tall, the entrance features bass-relief sculptures on various themes. The eastern door jamb displays images of musicians, dancers, gods, and goddesses. The lintel above bears an image of Umā-Maheśvara (Śiva and Pārvatī.)

The outer walls of the temple are richly decorated with horizontal moldings and three projected friezes that enhance their elegance. A series of pillars and turrets frame tall and slender sculptures of gods and goddesses. Highlights include:

  • Bhairava: Found on the southeast corner.
  • Śiva: Depicted with sages and Nandikeśvara under a Dravidian turret supported by pilasters.
  • Other Deities: Sculptures of Vīrabhadra, Ardhanārīśvara with Rati and Manmatha, Veṇugopāla attended by Gopikās, Śiva with a dancing Gaṇeśa, and scenes such as Gopivastrāpaharaṇa.
  • Rāma and Sītā: Positioned in a group at the northeast corner.

The Eave Running Around the Entrance Showing Dancing Gods Gaurishvara Temple Yalandur The eave running around the mahādvāra is adorned with dancing gods under kīrtimukhas. Notably, there are four stone chain rings (bale,) each intricately carved from a single block of stone.

Inner Sanctum and Deities

The Sanctum of the Gaurishvara Temple in Yalandur The sanctum (garbhagṛha) of the Gaurīśvara Temple houses the liṅga, the sacred symbol representing Lord Śiva. The closed hall (maṇṭapa) features images of several Hindu deities, including:

  • Viṣṇu: The preserver in the Hindu pantheon.
  • Ṣaṇmukha (Kārttikeya): The god of war and wisdom.
  • Pārvatī: Śiva’s consort and the goddess of fertility and love.
  • Mahiṣāsuramardini: A fierce form of Durgā slaying the buffalo demon.
  • Bhairava: A fearsome aspect of Śiva symbolizing destruction.
  • Vīrabhadra: A warrior form of Śiva.
  • Gaṇapati (Gaṇeśa): The remover of obstacles.

Gaurishvara Temple Yalandur Walls Reliefs Depicting Puranas and Epics The walls of the temple entrance are intricately decorated with reliefs illustrating scenes from purāṇic tales and epics, bringing to life stories from Hindu mythology.

A Day of Temple Exploration

If you enjoy exploring historical and cultural sites, Chamarajanagar district offers a treasure trove of temples. Apart from the Gaurīśvara Temple in Yalandur, you can visit:

  • The Arakeśvara Temple in Hole Alur, approximately 25 kilometers from Yalandur, was built in the 10th century by Butuga II of the Ganga dynasty. This temple commemorates his victory over the Cholas in the Battle of Takkolam and showcases a unique fusion of Ganga and Hoysala architectural styles.
  • The Rāmeśvara Temple in Narasamangala, around 15 kilometers from Yalandur, was constructed in the 9th century by the Western Ganga Dynasty. The temple blends Dravidian elements with intricate carvings, while its distinctive brick and stucco superstructure adds to its unique appeal. This site offers valuable historical insights into the cultural and architectural practices of the Ganga dynasty.
  • The Vijayanārāyaṇa Temple in Gundlupet, roughly 35 kilometers from Yalandur, was also built in the 10th century by the Western Ganga Dynasty. The temple features a blend of Ganga and Hoysala architectural styles and houses a main shrine dedicated to Lord Vishnu, along with smaller shrines.

Each of these sites is a testimony to the region’s rich heritage and architectural splendor of Karnataka.

My Favorite Taco Seasoning Recipe: Flavor at Warp Speed!

Quick Taco Seasoning Recipe: A Flavor at Warp Speed

Taco seasoning—oh, that magical blend that can transform any ordinary dish into a vibrant fiesta of flavors! It’s like a kitchen magician, waving its wand of savory, smoky, and slightly spicy goodness, turning the mundane into the magnificent.

Similar to the versatile garam masala, taco seasoning brings together a fusion of flavors that can adapt to a range of cuisines, showcasing its incredible flexibility in the culinary realm. Typically, this enchanting blend features chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and sometimes a dash of cayenne pepper, all harmonizing beautifully to create its distinct profile.

Next time you’re craving a flavor adventure, why not whip up your own batch of this homemade blend? It’s super simple and yields about 1/4 cup of seasoning. Here’s what you’ll need:

Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons chili powder—adds deep, smoky warmth with earthy, sweet undertones, vibrant red color, and a bold, hearty foundation.
  • 1.5 teaspoons chipotle powder—infuses smoky, spicy heat with hints of dried fruitiness, rich aroma, and added complexity.
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt—balances and amplifies flavors, enhances savory depth, and adds a subtle crunch.
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder—brings mild, sweet-savory notes, warm umami flavor, and a smooth, cohesive texture.
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin—offers nutty, earthy warmth, savory aroma, and rustic texture that complements the chili powders.
  • 3/4 teaspoon garlic powder—adds savory depth, mild sweetness, rich aroma, and smooth, cohesive texture.
  • 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano—introduces herbal, citrusy brightness, subtle bitterness, and a natural appearance.

Alternatively, you can try this variation:

  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

To make the blend, simply combine all the spices in a small bowl, mix well until evenly combined, and adjust the seasoning to your taste. Feel free to add more chili powder for an extra kick or adjust the salt levels according to your preference. You can use the taco seasoning immediately, or store it in an airtight container for future culinary escapades!

Of course, tacos are the natural habitat for taco seasoning, but don’t let that confine your creativity! This versatile blend can jazz up a plethora of vegetarian dishes beyond Tex-Mex cuisine. Try sprinkling it over roasted vegetables for flavorful sides or taco fillings. Mix it into cooked quinoa or rice for hearty bowls topped with beans, corn, and avocado. Use it to add zest to stuffed bell peppers or vegetarian chili brimming with beans and tomatoes.

Experiment by sautéing crumbled tofu or lentils with taco seasoning for delicious taco fillings or sloppy joes. And why stop there? Sprinkle it on roasted potatoes, mix it into soups or stews, or toss it with popcorn for a unique movie night treat. Feeling adventurous? Spread refried beans on tortillas, sprinkle with taco seasoning, layer with cheese and veggies, and voila—quick and tasty quesadillas!

Let your imagination run wild as you explore the endless possibilities of taco seasoning, infusing zesty flavor into your favorite vegetarian meals.

Comparing British and American Sitcoms: Humor, Characters, and Style

Comparing British and American Sitcoms: Humor, Characters, and Style English actor, comedian, writer, and director Stephen Fry in an interview with with Sameena Ali-Khan on ITV News:

The average sitcom in America is based on real jokes—real, terrific one-liners and fast-talking wit. In contrast, great British sitcoms are centered around characters, usually portraying a failure. The great comic heroes of Britain share a common theme—they all try to be grand in a world that lets them down. Whether it’s Captain Mainwaring in Dad’s Army, Harold Steptoe in the long-running sitcom Steptoe and Son, Tony Hancock, or Leonard Rossiter in Rising Damp, the same holds true for Basil Fawlty with his ties and blazers, and Alan Partridge and David Brent of “The Office.” they are all failures, hopeless characters who believe they are great but struggle to comprehend the modern world and fail to interact with it properly. In contrast, an American would never have a failure as a comic hero. The American hero is faster, sharper, and cleverer.

British and American sitcoms differ significantly in their tone, humor, and portrayal of characters. Notable distinctions are evident: British humor is marked by subtlety, wit, and dry humor, frequently employing wordplay, irony, and clever dialogue. British sitcoms tend to adopt a more understated and nuanced comedic approach. In my opinion, this subtlety often contrasts sharply with the overt nature of American humor, which highlights punchlines, physical comedy, and situational humor, characterized by a broader and more explicit comedic style.

In terms of characters, British sitcoms often depict individuals who are more flawed, socially awkward, and prone to failure. There’s a tendency to explore the ordinary aspects of life, finding humor in everyday situations. The focus lies on characters’ reactions to their circumstances, deriving humor from their consistent quirks and flaws. Conversely, American sitcoms frequently incorporate character development and growth into their storytelling.

Yes Minister Christmas Special Sketch: “Christmas at the Ministry”

Yes Minister Christmas Special Sketch: Christmas at the Ministry

A two-minute Christmas-themed television sketch, featuring Paul Eddington as the Rt Hon. Jim Hacker, Nigel Hawthorne as Sir Humphrey Appleby, and Derek Fowlds as Bernard Woolley, was broadcasted on BBC One as part of a Christmas special named The Funny Side of Christmas.

Sir Humphrey has a special end-of-year message for the Minister, delivered in what is even by his standards an especially circumlocutory style. His message is transcribed here:

Jim Hacker: Are there more, Bernard?

Bernard Woolley: Before you go home for the holiday, Minister, Sir Humphrey has something to say to you.

'Yes Minister The Complete Collection' by Paul Eddington Nigel Hawthorne (ISBN B00008DP4B) Sir Humphrey: Oh thank you, Bernard. Minister, just one thing. I wonder if I might crave your momentary indulgence in order to discharge a by no means disagreeable obligation which has, over the years, become more or less established practice within government circles as we approach the terminal period of the year, calendar, of course, not financial, in fact, not to put too fine a point on it, Week Fifty-One, and submit to you, with all appropriate deference, for your consideration at a convenient juncture, a sincere and sanguine expectation, indeed confidence, indeed one might go so far as to say hope, that the aforementioned period may be, at the end of the day, when all relevant factors have been taken into consideration, susceptible of being deemed to be such as to merit a final verdict of having been by no means unsatisfactory in its overall outcome and, in the final analysis, to give grounds for being judged, on mature reflection, to have been conducive to generating a degree of gratification which will be seen in retrospect to have been significantly higher than the general average.

Jim Hacker: What’s he talking about?

Bernard Woolley: Well, Minister, I think Sir Humphrey just wanted to crave your momentary indulgence in order to discharge a by no means disagreeable obligation…

'The Complete Yes Minister' by Jonathan Lynn,? Antony Jay (ISBN 0563206659) Jim Hacker: Alright, alright, Bernard! Hum…but Humphrey…

Sir Humphrey: At the end of the day, Minister, all due things being considered…

Jim Hacker: Hum…don’t, don’t, just forget the…

Sir Humphrey: Yes, Minister?

Jim Hacker: Are you saying “Happy Christmas”?

Sir Humphrey: Yes, Minister!

25 Great Quotes On Thinking New Ideas

  • If at first the idea is not absurd, then there is no hope for it.
    Albert Einstein (1879–1955), German-born Physicist & Philosopher, Author of Out of My Later Years
  • Every time you meet somebody, you’re looking for a better and newer and bigger idea. You are open to ideas from anywhere.
    –Jack Welch (b. 1935), American Business Executive & Author of Jack: Straight From The Gut and Winning
  • 'Stop Playing Safe' by Margie Warrell (ISBN 1118505581) The man with a new idea is a crank until the idea succeeds.
    –Mark Twain (1835–1910), American Author & Humorist, Author of Adventures of Huckleberry Finn
  • The rewards in business go to the man who does something with an idea.
    –William Benton (1900–73), American Publisher, Businessman, Politician
  • Try this for a week: Each morning, spring out of bed at the first hint of light and focus first on the new and wondrous things that are just waiting to reveal themselves that day. Let curiosity well up inside of you. Let your mind open up to new ideas. Forget that you already know everything.
    –Donna Kinni (b. 1961), American Author
  • The creative person wants to be a know-it-all. He wants to know about all kinds of things: ancient history, nineteenth-century mathematics, current manufacturing techniques, flower arranging, and hog futures. Because he never knows when these ideas might come together to form a new idea. It may happen six minutes later or six months or six years down the road. But he has faith that it will happen.
    –Carl Ally (1924–99), American Advertising Executive
  • When it comes to organizational imagination, everyone is a point of light, inwardly afire with excellent ideas for making our companies work smarter, faster, leaner, and better. But as business leaders, we too seldom tap into our most valuable resource—the brain trust of our employees—to discover new pathways of progress and profits.
    –Charles Decker (1961–2012), American Publisher
  • Inventors and men of genius have almost always been regarded as fools at the beginning (and very often at the end) of their careers.
    –Feodor Dostoyevsky (1821–81), Russian novelist, Author of Crime and Punishment
  • Ideas are like rabbits. You get a couple and learn how to handle them, and pretty soon you have a dozen.
    –John Steinbeck (1902–68), American Novelist and author of Of Mice and Men
  • 'Crossing the Chasm' by Geoffrey A. Moore (ISBN 0062292986) Keep on the lookout for novel ideas that others have used successfully. Your idea has to be original only in its adaptation to the problem you’re working on.
    –Thomas Edison (1847–1931), American Inventor
  • No idea is so antiquated that it was not once modern. No idea is so modern that it will not someday be antiquated.
    –Ellen Glasgow (1873–1945), American Novelist, Author of In This Our Life
  • To stay ahead, you must have your next idea waiting in the wings.
    –Rosabeth Moss Kanter (b. 1942), American Academic, Author of Challenge of Organizational Change
  • Brainpower is now the greatest commodity we can contribute to the world. Democracy was never intended to be a breeding place for mediocrity. We must engage in the business of stimulating brainpower lest we fail in producing leaders of consequence. In a period of speed, space and hemispheric spasms we dare not treat new thoughts as if they were unwelcome relatives.
    –Dean F. Berkley (1925–2009), American Academic
  • If you do not express your own original ideas, if you do not listen to your own being, you will have betrayed yourself. Also, you will have betrayed your community in failing to make your contribution.
    –Rollo May (1909–94), American Psychologist
  • New ideas come from differences. They come from having different perspectives and juxtaposing different theories.
    –Nicholas Negroponte (b. 1943), Greek-American Architect
  • Invention is the process by which a new idea is discovered or created. In contrast, innovation occurs when a new idea is adopted.
    –Everett Rogers (1931–2004), American Sociologist
  • The best way to have a good idea is to have a lot of ideas.
    –Linus Pauling (1901–94), American Scientist
  • Ideas are a capital that bears interest only in the hands of talent.
    –Antoine de Rivarol (1753–1801), French Journalist
  • The power of an idea can be measured by the degree of resistance it attracts.
    –David Yoho (b. 1946), American Business Consultant
  • An idea is salvation by imagination.
    –Frank Lloyd Wright (1869–1959), American Architect and author of The Natural House
  • '13 Things Mentally Strong People Don't Do' by Amy Morin (ISBN 0062358308) Daring ideas are like chessmen moved forward. They may be beaten, but they may start a winning game.
    –Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (1749–1832), German Poet & Statesman, Author of Maxims and Reflections
  • If you can dream it, you can do it.
    –Walt Disney (1901–66), American Entrepreneur & Entertainer
  • There is no prosperity, trade, art, city, or great material wealth of any kind, but if you trace it home, you will find it rooted in a thought of some individual man.
    –Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803–82), American Philosopher and Essayist, Author of Self-Reliance
  • A great idea is usually original to more than one discoverer. Great ideas come when the world needs them. Great ideas surround the world’s ignorance and press for admission.
    –Elizabeth Stuart Phelps (1844-1911), American Author of A Singular Life and other books
  • I’d climb into the car as it went down the assembly line and introduce myself. Then I’d ask for ideas.
    –John Risk, American Automotive Engineer

The Fantastic Ornate Building of Saint Philomena’s Church, Mysore

Fantastic Ornate Building of Saint Philomena's Church, Mysore

Though Mysore has been a stronghold of traditional Hinduism from time immemorial, it has been famous for the harmonious coexistence of other religions also. This is testified to by many churches and mosques, which have been serving the cause of religion of their followers without any hindrance. Saint Philomena’s Church on the Ashoka Road (and practically at the entrance of Mysore coming from Bangalore) is a testimony for the religious tolerance of the people of Mysore.

Attractive colonnades of Saint Philomena's Church, Mysore There was a church known as Saint Joseph’s church built in 1840 and it was reconstructed and was renamed as Saint Joseph and Saint Philomena’s cathedral. It is said that Sri Thamboo Chetty, the then Dewan of Mysore in one of his visits had brought a piece of bone and drapery of the famous religious savant from Magnano in France from Peter Pisani, Apostolic Delegate of the East Indies and he wanted to consecrate them in a suitable church for this purpose.

The cathedral was designed by French architects and its foundation was laid by the then Maharaja Krishnaraja Wadeyar II in 1933. This church is modelled on Saint Patrick’s Cathedral in New York and the Gothic Church at Cologne in Germany.

Unique Architectural Style with Some Greek Features

The most attractive part of this edifice is the two tall imposing pointed towers at the facade itself. The two towers rise to a height of 165 ft. The elegance of this structure is enhanced by miniature pointed towers at different points, adding further height to the cathedral.

The vertically fashioned tall windows at regular intervals add a great charm. The pointed triangular gothic motifs at different places is another attraction.

Crypt with statue of Saint Philomena in Mysore

The church has a crypt in which is a statue of Saint Philomena in a catacomb-like cell. A piece of her bone is preserved at the center of a beautiful shield. There is also a piece of her drapery. Hence, this is important to Roman Catholics.

The interior of the cathedral is decorated with attractive colonnades and glass paintings made in France. Particularly noteworthy are the paintings of crucification of Christ and John baptizing Christ. The annual Saint Philomena’s feast is held in this cathedral. Large numbers of Roman Catholic devotees visit this sacred cathedral.

Unique Architectural Style with Some Greek Features of Saint Philomena's Church, Mysore

Hundreds of tourists of all religions to Mysore visit this cathedral daily to see the lofty and beautiful, tall and imposing towers and the architecture of a rare type not generally seen in many areas of this country.

The Romantic Rome at Nighttime

The Romantic Rome at Nighttime

During the day, Rome is a very busy modern city of two and a half million people and people are going about their business—they are crowding onto the buses, they are trying to hail a taxi, there speeding like heck through traffic—and it really can be very exhausting.

When the sun goes down, the entire character changes and it’s not just for tourists but for the people there and this is what they live for in Rome. To be able to come out and socialize and everything becomes more relaxed and people’s attitude changes. For them, the and evening is not “I’m going to rush here to this concert” and “I’m going to rush there to get dinner” and “I’m going to grab something to go” the way many Americans would do—instead it’s settling down into this easy rhythm of life and seeing what’s going to happen next.

Think about to the traditional Roman siesta. People will take their large meal in the afternoon and maybe even sit down and take a little nap or watch a little TV for 20 minutes or something—all in order to recharge their batteries so that they can come out at night and that’s when they really live and that’s what tourist should also do. Take a little break from your sightseeing in the heat of the mid-afternoon, take your little siesta, and gear up for the wonder of Roman nighttime.

Archaeologist Rome Romantic Rome by Night

Archaeologist’s Rome by Day and the Romantic Rome by Night

Get ready for the transformation of Roman grandiosity to Italian intimacy. What makes an intimate Rome easier is the way the city is lit at night. It was a deliberate choice on the part of the city administration not to have this neon glare that sort of flattens everything and makes everything look the same, but to have these very soft orange lights that are supposed to imitate the light of a torches in the past. So when you stroll through the city at night you can’t see everything together from afar. You have to discover it closely as you get to it. All this affords a gradual intimate look that you’ll really love and also makes you imagine the city in the evening.

There is an interesting distinction—there’s the grand Rome and then there’s the intimate Rome. By day it really is the grand Rome with icons such as the great Roman monuments, the Coliseum, and Pantheon. But really that the night-time Rome is the small, medieval lanes the people walk through. By day it’s the archaeologist’s Rome and by night is the romantic Rome.

The Aperitivo Culture - Romantic Rome at Nighttime

The Aperitivo Culture

Even if you’re not a type of person that likes a cocktail before dinner, have a drink on a piece of expensive real estate, enjoy the little munchies surrounded by local people doing exactly that. If you’re in the mood to splurge, join in a rooftop bar at a hotel downtown, or just have an aperitivo on one of the squares. Then have dinner, skip dessert, take an after-dinner stroll with gelato.

A wonderful Roman night is all about the pace of things. Romans don’t try to fit in like dinner and a show … it just kind of dinner. You linger over each course because the meal becomes the evening’s entertainment itself and the Romans love to dress up to go out to meet their friends, sit at a little cafe or restaurant with rickety tables and traffic roaring past them. It’s that little slice of intimacy where they can then get into that pace of life and that rhythm of life where each course becomes a new magical thing. Don’t be a traveler who wants to keep it moving.

Charming Medieval Roman Neighborhood Trastevere

Trastevere—a Charming Medieval Roman Neighborhood with an Intense Character

You got that that local pride; there was a time when they would never cross the river on the other side of the Tiber River. In fact, literally Trastevere means “the other side of the river”—the district’s name derives from the Latin words “Trans Tiberim” beyond the Tiber River.

This is that other side of Rome—the intimate side of Rome—the Rome of the narrow lanes of the red pastel colors, buildings with green ivy hanging down with the people’s laundry hanging overhead, lanes pop into tiny little squares that feature little cafes, restaurants, pizzerias where you can sit down and enjoy your meal. The food is great, the aperitifs are great, but it really is presenting you the theater of the people. Don’t let that pass by. Hang out in these squares and you’re paying your cover charge for a great celebration of life.

Nighttime Romantic Walks - Romantic Rome at Nighttime

Nighttime Romantic Walks in Roman

For a great walk, start from St Peter’s Square because in the evening is lit up splendidly and I would just walk towards the river where the Castel Sant’Angelo, a Fortress where the Popes used to escape to in the past. It’s also a little beautifully lit monument cross the river Tiber, where you can cross the bridge of the Angels which is decorated with his beautiful Bernini statues. Walk along the Via dei Coronari and it does give us that back street village that is very romantic and end up at the beautiful square Piazza Navona.

Castel Sant’Angelo was originally a tomb for Emperor Hadrian. That was the original structure and then it took on other uses as time went on and in the medieval times because it was so tall and so monumental, it was used as a castle and as a prison. This tomb for Emperor Hadrian is across from the river Tiber because Ancient Roman laws established that the dead had to be buried outside the city.

it’s a wonderful place to go up at sunset. A great way to kick off your evening you go up there and you look across and you have this incredible view of Michelangelo’s Dome and all of the other domes of the city. You watch the sun turn orange and you watch the pigeons as they start flying by and this is where you begin to see night descend on the Eternal City.

What’s great about Rome at night is that on the one hand you’re walking down a little alley way or a little narrow street and then torch lit or seemingly torch lit with this new lighting and on all of a sudden you pop out and there’s a floodlit monument … there’s the pantheon … and all that then surprise element and you’re getting that mix of this very romantic and dark that this then punctuated with a blaze of light and glory from ancient monument and you can have a kind of a quiet street and suddenly you step into a floodlit square with three grand fountains and artists and street musicians and outdoor cafes in the evening.

Via del Corso Spanish Steps - Romantic Rome at Nighttime

Via del Corso, the Fountains, and the Spanish Steps in Rome

The main drag, the Via del Corso is shutdown, with police on horses monitoring the activities. It says a lot about the way in which an urban setting can be experienced … the Romans hate crowds as much as anybody else but they also don’t like deserted places. The passeggiata can feel that you’re part of a community … part of something bigger than just yourself.

Go to the Spanish Steps because that’s where all of Rome will be descending for nightfall and you will see the things that are typical of Rome at night. Witness the flood lights, see Bernini’s fountain down at the base, with people sitting on the on the steps, and if you wanted to you could climb up to the top where you can get a great view out over all of Rome so you can really feel like you are in one place but you’re taking part of the entire city.

Fall in Love with Nighttime Rome

During the day it can be an overwhelming city by day where everyone’s in a hurry and traffic generally competes with some of the greatest city views anywhere, but after dark that’s when Rome becomes a true spectacle.

Saints Augustine and Saint Thomas Aquinas Vilified Women in Their Writings

You can find other disparaging remarks about women throughout the history of philosophy. Consider what seminal Catholic thinkers like Saint Augustine and Saint Thomas Aquinas had to say about women:

  • “Woman is defective and misbegotten, for the active force in the male seed tends to the production of a perfect likeness in the masculine sex; while the production of woman comes from defect in the active force or from some material indisposition…”
    Source: St. Thomas Aquinas, Summa Theologica, q. 92 a. 1
  • “Good order would have been wanting in the human family if some were not governed by others wiser than themselves. So by such a kind of subjection woman is naturally subject to man, because in man the discretion of reason predominates.”
    Source: St. Thomas Aquinas, Summa Theologica, q.92 a.1 reply 2
  • “I don’t see what sort of help woman was created to provide man with, if one excludes the purpose of procreation. If woman was not given to man for help in bearing children, for what help could she be? To till the earth together? If help were needed for that, man would have been a better help for man. The same goes for comfort in solitude. How much more pleasure is it for life and conversation when two friends live together than when a man and a woman cohabitate?”
    Source: St. Augustine, Genesi Ad Litteram, 9, 5-9

Warren Buffett on Time Management: “All You Need Is … Time”

Warren Buffett on Time Management: Warren Buffett once said on time management, “The rich invest in time; the poor invest in money.”

Buffett is currently the fourth richest men in the world. He can buy practically anything he wants to, and more than nearly everyone else could ever dream of.

Nevertheless there’s one thing that even Warren Buffett cannot buy, and that is time.

Here’s a brief transcript from a Charlie Rose interview:

Warren Buffett: I mean I can buy anything I want basically, but I can’t buy time.

Charlie Rose: And so to have time is the most precious thing you can have?

Warren Buffett: Yes, I better be careful with it. There is no way I will be able to buy more time.

Warren Buffett's Interview with Charlie Rose (Time Management) Charlie Rose: And living in Omaha makes that easy?

Warren Buffett: That makes it a lot easier. I, for 50 whatever, well for 54 years I spent five minutes going each way now. Just imagine that was a half an hour each way. You know. I know the words to a lot more songs and that’s about it.

Charlie Rose: It adds up. Doesn’t it?

Warren Buffett: It really adds up. Now if you’re doing an hour a day difference coming and going that’s two and a half percent of the person’s work week. That means 40 years you’re talking about a year.

An undisciplined mind will find every reason to do what should not be done and every excuse not to do what should be done. Warren Buffett once said, “The difference between successful people and very successful people is that very successful people say ‘no’ to almost everything.”

Ira Glass Time Management Technique

This American Life‘s Ira Glass talks with Lifehacker about how he works. When asked what his best time-saving shortcut or life hack was, he responded:

I’ve got nothing. Reading other people’s answers to this question on your website today made me realize I live my life like an ape. I eat the same breakfast and lunch everyday, both at my desk. I employ no time-saving tricks at all.

Though come to think of it, I guess my biggest life hack—and this is the very first time I’ve attempted to use the phrase “life hack” in a sentence—is that my wife and I decided to live just a few blocks from where I work. We did this because of our dog. Since I spend at least an hour every night walking the dog, I didn’t want to spend another 60 or 90 minutes a day commuting. I don’t have the time. Like lots of people, I work long hours.