|
|
|
Our final day in Rome: Our tour director and local guide were primarily responsible for our itinerary on this day. First, on the schedule was a brief visit to the Vatican Museum where we viewed the map and tapestry collections before being shuffled liked cattle into Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel. Due to the enormous crowd within this museum (especially in the chapel), I had a difficult time hearing our guide on the provided headsets. Even though, I certainly applaud Micheangelo's efforts as far as the chapel ceiling was concerned, I don't think I fully comprehended its significance. It was too hard to when I couldn't hear about all the little details that made it so important. I was more impressed by the ceiling he had painted in one of the other hallways (either the Map or tapestry room) that appeared to be three-dimensional.
Our local guide then escorted us out into St. Peter's Square so that we could witness a brief excerpt from Pope Benedict XVI's weekly public blessing. We got to see the Pope ride around the square and greet his visitors but had to leave when he actually began his prayer blessing. The tour group director escorted us to a store that specialized in mosaics and then we boarded the bus to go and see The Roman Forum and Colosseum. Both sights were awe-inspiring. We didn't spend much time in the Forum because it was too hard to hear our guide. There was a group of loud, rude high school -aged students present (Which seemed to be a running theme for this trip!). Our visit to the Colosseum seemed much better. It is even larger than you imagine it to be and it's amazing to think about what the Roman's were able to do in this structure.
The chartered tour ended mid-afternoon and we once again had free time in Rome. After eating a much needed lunch at a restaurant near the hotel (This was my first taste of gelato- yummy!), we decided to go back to St. Peter's Basilica. We went downstairs to visit the area where the popes are interred. Eventually we made our way out towards the main entrance where we caught a glimpse ( a very distant view behind bulletproof glass) of Michelangelo's Pieta.
It was a beautiful night and the thought of going back to the hotel wouldn't do. The three of us decided to check out the nearby "Castle of the Angels." At one time the structure served as both a fortress and a private residence. It also has a secret passageway to the Vatican so that the Pope can use it to escape danger. Visiting this structure was one of the best ideas we had on our trip. It was a bit "rough around the edges" but the views from the roof were incredible!
We found another nice restaurant on our way back to the hotel, where we ate dinner and a local violinist played for us. As we were walking off our dinner we decided to stop in a gelato stand before retiring for the evening. Arrividerci Roma!
previous travel blog entry
Would you like to comment or ask a question?
Sign up for a free account, or sign in (if you're already a member).