Italia

Kay and Dieter sending us off.
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On Sunday we took the train to Stuttgart to catch the flight to Rome. Kay and Dieter accompanied us which was much appreciated. A good flight with a good view of the alps. Found the hostel and settled in. Hostel ok but both together in a mixed room of 6. Easy to get to everything though. On Monday we started with the ubiquitous hop on hop off bus tour seeing the sights. Stopped off at the Coloseum which is truely amazing. A feat of engineering. It has helped that the weather has also been great, fine with about 18 degrees. Wandered around the Forum then back on the bus to stop at the Trevi Fountain. Another incredible piece of art with heaps of people around. Lots of tourists here even though it is not the peak season. In between all this just wandering the streets. Visited a Basilica designed by Michaelangelo which was surprisingly plain on the outside but very ornate inside. Up early on Tuesday to get to the Vatican before the crowds. Bit of a queue but not too bad. Spent a few hours going through the museum and Sistine Chapel. That Michaelangelo sure could paint. Inside the chapel the guards kept telling people to shhh. Rather amusing in a way. No photos either Quite breathtaking really. Then over to St Peters Basillica which was just as awe inspiring. The sheer size is hard to comprehend sometimes. Lou reckons that she has seen more nuns and priests in the last 2 days than in the previous 20 years at home. [Why are all the priests so good looking over here????????] Headed of to the Spanish Steps and sat a while. Watched policemen whistling at people eating and telling them not to on the steps. A bit officious. Wandered through the streets again then back to Trevi for photos and funnily enough some shoe buying! Lou also had a hair cut which was a little hair raising considering he used clippers for the whole thing. Off to Riomaggiore tomorrow. Ciao for now.