VATICAN

We took the “hop on hop off” tour bus to the Vatican. For 20 euros, it is a good deal for a mini tour of Rome. We planned, time permitting, to stop at one or two other sights.

Our first stop was at the road leading to the Vatican. Walking along the wide street is surreal. Everything is quiet and subdued, as if preparing you for the Vatican itself. I did not hear one person honking their car horn. Perhaps that is an order from the Vatican?

 

 

chairs on the left are for the Wednesday Mass when the Pope is there

The museum had closed so we joined the long line for the Vatican. It is free admission. We thought we would be in line for a while but the line moved quickly. The outside is impressive but once inside it literally astounded us. One word I heard uttered repeatedly was incredible. Even for non-Catholics, it was awe-inspiring. Words fail at this point so I hope the pictures will do it justice.

My friend, who is Catholic, was able to take mass. She was extremely happy at the opportunity. I was outside waiting for her when she came out. She told me it was awe-inspiring but she did not stay for the communion because she knew we had to get the tour bus at a scheduled time. I had made other plans while waiting for her and told her to go back in. she would never have another opportunity like this. She did and was the last person to have communion, including the priests. She has quite the story to tell now.

We decided we had time to see the Trevi Fountain. The sun had set and that is the best time to see the fountain with all the lights. The fountain was incredibly beautiful but very crowded with tourists. The vendors were also there plying their wares.

We found a lovely little restaurant off the Trevi Square. The food and wine were excellent. This seems to be an ongoing theme in my travels! We met some people at the restaurant including a mandolin player who serenaded us, for a fee of course and so ended our last night in Rome.