Wednesday, October 8, 2008

Day Three - September 20, 2008 - Rome, Italy

Very packed day! On the tour bus at 7am and headed over to the Vatican. Started in the Vatican Museum with halls of painted ceilings, telling many stories of Italy and religion. Then onto the Sistine Chapel, which was the craziest thing I've ever seen. Floor to ceiling paintings by Michelangelo telling stories of Jesus, Moses and judgment day. It's way too much to take in!
St. Peter's Basilica was last and it was huge! Saw a Michelangelo statue "Pieta" as well as the crypt of many popes (including the late John Paul II). The basilica was spectacular with many huge domes, magnificent statues and even a measurement of how smaller churches in the world compare. Our local guide, Daniella, was very informative and a pleasure!
Onto yet another pizza lunch in the Colosseum neighborhood before another quick tour of the Colosseum. Jeff and I then took the metro [scary!] to the Piazza di Spagna to have a look at the Spanish steps and grab some chocolate gelato. One theme that stands out today (and for our next stop) is CROWDED! I've never seen so many people in my whole life!
Onto the Trevi Fountain, just as amazing as I thought, though it's hard to enjoy anything with so many people around. Threw a United States quarter into the fountain for luck.
Dinner in Piazza Navona at a ristorante called "4 Fiumi" for their famous "tartufo" dessert. Basically rich chocolate ice cream with dark chocolate chunks on top. Very tasty! Veal again though much better tonight. [Bought a painting in the Piazza and then headed back to the hotel with Carl and Carly.]
Very exhausted as I've been up since 2am. Onto Sorrento tomorrow! [Rome is insane and I'm excited to head for the coast!]

M <3

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