ROMA 3

Our last full day in Italy was spent mostly at the Vatican - technically, we actually stepped out of the country for a few hours. We took the metro out and went to the museum first. Thankfully we bought a pass online and got to skip the long, winding line that began outside the Vatican walls - thanks Rick Steves for that excellent tip. (BTW if you ever travel to Europe, especially Italy, Risk Steves' books are a life saver.) The museum was huge, filled with statues, paintings, maps, Egyptian works, and a famous chapel...

Unfortunately, this day my camera battery decided not to charge, so we used the hubby's iPhone - hence the grainy pictures. I also stole borrowed some pictures from my sister's FB since she had some better and clearer ones. :)

 Sistine Chapel!

 God making man in the middle

The Sistine Chapel was of course the hype of the whole museum visit and was jam packed with people sneaking in pictures and trying to whisper while the guards/security guys screamed "No Photo! Be quiet!". It was actually a bit of a disappointment as it is a lot smaller than we expected it to be and not so much like a chapel. I guess we just had a different picture in our minds. However, it is still something that everyone should try to see at some point in their life - still very exciting.

Next, we had to go outside the Vatican walls and around to St. Peter's square and basilica. After going through security (again), we got in line to climb the dome. This was an experience I tell ya. Stairs galore, bending walls (meaning you had to bend too in order to continue climbing), winding stairs with tiny steps, feeling claustrophobic with the heat and people crammed together, and a breath taking sight at the top. The Vatican dome is the tallest building in Rome (it's the law actually) so needless to say there were great views all around.

When we came back down (and kissed the ground) we went inside the famous church. I don't know how to describe it other than it is huge and absolutely gorgeous. The dome inside is beautiful and in the center is a great altar with St. Peter's tomb below it. His tomb has actually been there since the 100s and the church was built around it.

Next, we walked out through the main area of St. Peter's square, passing the Swiss guards along the way. 

By this time we were trying to stay in the game and relish in the sights but our feet and legs were making this a difficult task. Another long siesta was in order before we headed out for our last meal in Italy. 

That evening we headed out to Piazza Popolo to wander around and find dinner. We ate at a little restaurant where we could watch them make the pizzas and sipped on some beer and wine while also eating our favorite appetizer/salad caprese.

After dinner we walked over to the Tiber river before heading back to our hotel. Rome threw us one last test as the metro stop we took over was closed. After a few minutes of panic that we were going to have to walk back to our hotel (which would be a looonnngg walk) and a helpful Italish (like Spanglish) conversation with a kind policeman, we found the nearest bus stop and were on our way back to the hotel to pack. Leaving was both bitter and sweet as we dearly missed our pups and bed but didn't want to leave such a beautiful country that gave us a glorious vacation.

 Taking the Leonardo Express train to the airport :) :(

But have no fear, the story has only begun. I still have to share our adventures in Venice , Verona, and the Cinque Terre, so check back later for more on our Italia experience.