Vatican City & Roman Chic Night Out

It was extremely difficult to get out of bed the next morning (we didn't fall asleep until 3AM).  My friend was determined to not let us waste a second in Rome.  She politely ushered us out into the bustle of Roman life again.  Before we got to Vatican City (VC) we stopped in a random Italian cafe to order a REAL cappuccino with a buttery croissant.  We then skipped the super long VC line and went straight to the front Italian style (yup, my friend had the Italian connection).  I was relieved, as my head was still recovering from the 10 hour flight, beer and ZZZZZ's baby.  VC is unbelievable!  It's one thing to see VC from your living room tv set, it's another to be able to be there in person.  We checked out the beautiful sculptures, tapestries, murals, and of course the Sistine Chapel ceiling by Michaelangelo.  That was just as chaotic as the Mona Lisa in the Louvre.  Throughout our tour of VC I was trying to recall the book, "Angels & Demons", which I heard they're making into a movie. The only thing that I was disappointed in missing out on were the Swiss Guards.  I only caught a 2 second glimpse of one far away, but not enough time to snap a "pictah".  Oh well, I'm sure we'll return since we were able to throw several coins into the Trevi Fountain!  Later that night, we connected with other Italian peeps for a night out in town.  We got away from the sloppy crowd and slipped into the chic, underground nightlife where only the Italians know to find.  We started out the night at the Cassa Morturo Cafe (Death House Cafe) where I expected to eat in a cemetary or funeral house.  Fortunately, the restaurant was just a normal place to eat.  Whew! The food was great.  We had fried zucchini, homemade potato chips (the highlight of my night), calamari, lasagna, steaks, and hot chocolate cake- all accompanied with good, strong Italian red wine.  After dinner, we strolled down the street and came across several bars and clubs.  We finally popped in this place called, "Food and Style" where we harrassed (not us but our group)the poor Dutch waiter for his accent.  He had a good sense of humor, as most servers should have.  My husband ordered, "Ceres", a strong ale imported from Denmark.  We both loved this beer.  I ordered some fruity drink that I don't remember.  We then headed back to get refreshed for yet another Roman excursion.

My friend was determined to not let us waste a second in Rome.