Still in Roma

Hello everyone,

I feel like I have not been keeping up with the posts, so sorry for that! I have been so busy ever since I got into Roma. As I already mentioned, I spent the first three days walking all around Roma and I have definitely seen most of the sites.

Yesterday, I spent the day on the City Sightseeing bus. I bought the ticket before I left home and thought it would be a great introduction to the city. Well, it went everywhere I had already been but it was a nice break from walking. Plus, it took 4 hours and I saw the city from the top of a double decker bus. Traffic in Roma is insane - cars are battling with motorcycles and buses for position. It is mesmerizing. The rest of the day was a little bizarre - weird people doing crazy things (falling over bannisters and cracking head on marble, crazy guy filming Emmy and I, guy who made farting noices for no reason, crazy washing machine). There was a sad and upsetting thing that happened. Emmy and I passed by a man who we were sure was dead. The police and medics were there to take him away. I wasn't sure how to process what happened. It was just a crazy day.

But today was my favourite day of the whole trip. I woke up early and took the metro to the Vatican. I arrived early enough that there weren't that many people. I had time to slowly wander through St Peter's square and take some great pictures (I will post some pics when I have some time - soon!). Then I went into St Peter's Basilica and was awe-struck. It is such a stunning building and there is so much art, beauty, and history. The dome and papal altar were magnificent and the papal tombs were all so unique. I was able to go into the Grottoes (very sombre) and then I climbed the 551 steps to the top of the Cupola. The views over Roma were stunning! The city is so beautiful. I could have spent all day up there!

Then I descended and made my way to the Vatican Museum. I definitely timed my day well - I did not have to wait in lines for too long. The museum was so full of amazing pieces and I spent over 4 hours wandering. At the end of the route through the museum is the Sistine Chapel. It was such a highlight - stunning, a masterpiece and so peaceful. It would have been so cool to have been alone (not with hundreds of people).

So, I can't get enough of the Vatican. I will be returning on Sunday at noon to be blessed by Il Papa. I can't turn up an opportunity to be blessed and to be apart of something so incredible. So, I will keep you posted.

Oh, about the food. Gelato is oh so good - I think that is all I will eat the rest of my time in Italy! Well, after tonight. Emmy and I are going out for a traditional Italian dinner. I am looking forward to it. So, I have to go but I will post tomorrow or the next day. At least before I leave for Florence on Monday!

Ciao for now, Love, Lisa