Today we got an early start with a great breakfast, we had big plans to see lots and needed to get on our way. We really don't search out hotels with great breakfasts when we look to book, we just seem to get lucky that way......or we aren't very picky.......but look at this....it looks amazing..right?
After breakfast we headed to the Colosseum. When you look at the structures that still stand....heck...when you look at those that have crumbled....it is so amazing that people could create these things over 2000 years ago. Just the scope of the engineering and architecture without all of today's conveniences .... well, humans are simply brilliant. Talented AND brilliant....and we have been forever!
We walked from the Colosseum to the Forum ruins.....
Past the ruins to the Altare della Patria and the Italian tomb of the Unknown soldier....
And we started seeing the first of what would be LOTS of naked men!
The morning was brisk but not cold....and clear. The people watching was at a premium. We walked between 3 and 4 miles and quite simply, had a great morning......and the naked men had nothing to do with our good moods.
After we finished with the "Caesar stuff", we moved on to the Catholic stuff. We were both excited about visiting Vatican City, but I think a little worried we might be disappointed because our expectations were so high. WE WERE NOT!!!
We decided to take a tour, since it might be our one shot at the Vatican, and moreso, because it enabled us to avoid the lines both there and at St Peter's Basilica. We were the last to join the tour and met up with the group at the Vatican Obelisk. We knew the story of St. Peter's execution, but had no idea that this was the exact spot where Nero had him cruicified upside down and personally lit the fire that burned him alive. And did so, along with 100s of other Christians, simply because they were Christians. Religious persecution is as old as humanity and is still just as horrific.
After this quick intro to Vatican City and some history about the area, we had a quick toilet break before we went into the buildings. I am sworn to secrecy and would be a bad daughter to rat Mom out for getting separated from the group and "lost" for a short time, so I won't mention it. BUT....in addtion to the 10+ miles we walked today, I ran several 100 yards around the outside of the Vatican yelling "MOM!" because I didn't know how I would explain to Dad that I had lost her. Lucky for me, she showed up...and we proceeded.
From our first steps into the Vatican, we knew we were in for one of those once in a lifetime sort of days. The artwork, the masterpieces, the architecture.....it is all just so breathtaking. At one time, in the early 1500s, MichaelAngelo, Leonardo da Vinci and Raphael all three were living at the Vatican and working on pieces for the Sistine Chapel and St Peter's Basilica.
And......we saw more naked men!
We were able to get photos of so many great things that it is hard to be disappointed that we couldn't photograph the actual Sistine Chapel.....but maybe it was for the best. We just sat and took it all in.......and I think neither of us will ever forget it. Maybe most amazing is that MichaelAngelo was only 23 when he was commissioned to paint the Sistine Chapel. And...he first said no...because he was a sculptor, not a painter. But when you look at the work in the chapel,....the detail, the creativity...even at times, the humor,...he put into the artistry, you can't help but understand just what a genius he was.
We were lucky, the crowds were relatively light today and though you usually have to make reservations 3 months in advance to see the tombs of the popes and of St. Peter that are under St. Peters....we got to go in. The Pope's crypts were so varied in style and extravagance...you could almost imagine the ego of each pope when you saw his tomb.
The most amazing crypt was that of St. Peter.....though there is some controversy about whether or not he is really interred there. The crypt room is walled off with glass, so you can only stand on the outside and look in. You aren't allowed to photograph there, but if you were, it might look something like this image my camera accidentally got while I was holding down by my hip......just saying.
As we came up from the tombs into St. Peter's......we were both speechless. We've seen some amazing churches...but this one....incredible. It is over 600 feet long, and adorned with priceless works of art from one end to the other. The Pope's altar is in the center of the room under a giant Arch.....supposedly right above where St. Peter's crypt is.
As we walked around, taking it all in, we noticed these two young men in "priest wear"...and then noticed they were speaking English. Of course, we had to talk to them. They were young sematarians from the States, who were studying at the International studies center of the Vatican. The redhead was Zack...he was new and happy to talk from people from home. He is assigned to duty in St. Peter's several days a week, helping out and answering questions from tourists. But last week he was assigned to serve the Pope.....he said it was the thrill of his life. We talked about the Pope, about the future of the church, and how he feels working in the Vatican. He was bright and funny and interesting. Made me think of my friend Pam...and the calling her son has to the priesthood. It also made me smile.
We have walked 1000s (actually 10s of 1000s) of steps today. We were tired and thirsty and hungry.......so we found ourselves a place to eat. We at light tonight.....shared a big salad and a grilled fish...both of which were great.
But we had a hidden motive for the light dinner! After dinner, on the way back to our hotel, we stopped for gelato. Sweet end to a perfect day.
Tomorrow...off to Napoli!!!!!
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