Rome, Italy: Day Three.

St. Peter's Basillica.
see all photos »

Jeff and I got up very early today - we were out the door before 7am! We were pleased to see that it was a beautiful clear day. We took the Metro to the station closest to Vatican City. It was sunny today - thank god! We got to St. Peter's Square very early and took pics. It was basically deserted except for a few early birds.

St. Peter's Square.
see all photos »

In order to get into the Basilica we had to get past security. This was easy due to a very short line up. They checked my purse and made sure we both were wearing dress code and let us in. We had to walk through quite a few hallways to get to the main part. We saw John Paul II's Tomb. There were lots of Nuns and 'Brothers' at the site praying.

We went into the Raphael Room before making it to the Sistine Chapel.

We were in shock as we entered the Basilica - just woah! What a huge, beautiful, Cathedral! There were many smaller 'chapels' within the church. Virtually every surface of the building was covered in art or decorations. The ceiling was absolutely beautiful! You could definately see how it's considered one of the richest buildings in the world. (BTW Jeff and I aren't 'religous' people but that doesn't mean that the Vatican wasn't a must-see on our list).

Inside the Cathedral.
see all photos »

We got some Vatican Stamps from the post office then walked down the street. We were both hungry so we stopped at a little cafe and grabbed some pasteries for breakfast. From here we walked around the corner to go to the Vatican Museums

The long line-up to get into the Vatican Museums.
see all photos »

and discovered that the line had already begun - 3 blocks away from the entrance! We eventually got in and once again went through tight security.

It was quite a museum with lots of paintings. In the hallway there were ancient maps hanging - very interesting. We went to the Raphael Room before making it to the Sistine Chapel. (The most sought after 'exhibit' at the Museums featuring Michelangelo's famous Frescoes).

The famous stair case.
see all photos »

The Chapel was PACKED and was much smaller than I expected. No pictures allowed - sorry! People kept sneaking in pictures but the guards would escort them out. Lots of security in this room.

From here we walked around some more then hit the Pizzaria. I got two slices of cheese. Mmmmmm! This was the best pizza I ever had in my life! (With Chicago's Deep Dish Pizza coming in at a close second). Jeff decided to go up to the cafeteria to get a sandwhich instead of having pizza. His loss, hehe! I got a Nestea! I couldn't believe they had sweetened Nestea here! Whenever Jeff and I go on vacation we can't find it. I was very impressed.

Castel Sant'Angelo.
see all photos »

The famous staircase.

We walked over to Castel Sant'Angelo next. It wasn't really what I expected. It was weird looking. The building was basically in shambles which is understandable since it's been around since around 139 AD. The Castel has a pathway connecting to St. Peter's Basilica. Popes used to use this pathway in emergencies. There was a great view of the Basilica from the top.

From the Castle we walked along the river for a bit then along a side street. We thought we got lost but we figured out that we were on the right street - the main shopping street in Rome. This is where all the big Italian names were: Armani, Dolce and Gabbana, Gucci and many more. The street was packed with people walking down the middle of the street and cars trying to get by. The Spanish Steps

Me infront of St.Peter's.
see all photos »

or Scalinata di Piazza di Spagna weren't as nice as we thought they would be. There were no flowers like we seen in pictures. The church at the top was undergoing restoration and had scaffholding all over it - not a pretty picture. The fountain at the bottom was also being repaired so that wasn't the greatest either. It was still nice to see them though. It was a very busy attraction. Lots of people to see. We took a few pictures of the view down the famous street.

From here we jumped on the Metro and got off one stop later which was where Piazza del Popolo was. We saw the twin churches Santa Maria di Montesamto and Santa Maria dei Miracoli are, as well as and Egyptian obelisk The churches are very similar but the one is slightly smaller than the other.

The Spanish Steps.
see all photos »

We walked up a huge hill and ended up in the Villa Borghese Park.

The first thing we saw was a Carousel. We walked down a bit further and there was a very nice view of the Square bellow. We had some ice cream from one of the trucks. I had a chocolate cone and Jeff had strawberry. We decided to continue walking through the park and ended up at the Zoo.

The Twin Churches.
see all photos »

We thought it was free at first but then realized that we had missed the ticket booth! The girl at the gate was laughing at us. It was a pretty good Zoo especially compared to Paris'. We liked the monkey and the cat exhibits the most.

By this point my feet were killing me! We headed home for a bit to change shoes and charge the camera's batteries. I was so tired - amazingly Jeff was too but we were also very hungry. We heard that there was a Planet Hollywood Rome so we looked it up in the Yellow Pages and got back on the Metro.

see all photos »

We couldn't find the restaurant at first then realized that it must have been closed down. Just our luck! We walked around looking for a place to eat and ended up back at the Spanish Steps! We walked down them and down a street. We came across a Pub called the Black Court and ate there.

I ordered a Bacardi and Coke but instread, got something disgusting that didn't even remotely taste like rum!! I didn't even bother complaining. Jeff ordered a Heiniken - can't go wrong there. I had Lasagna Bolognese and Jeff ordered Pizza with Sausage. I liked mine but he didn't like his.

Some blooming flowers.
see all photos »

We took the Metro back to Termini. Got some more ice cream at McDonald's, then went back to the hotel and headed to bed. By this time we were completely exhausted. I We had a very eventful day. We left early in the morning and got home after 9 pm.

~Good Night~