We made the two hour drive down, and found a place on the street to park (we thought for free, ended up with a 39 Euro "bill"). We walked over to Vatican City. Uncle Mark split off to buy Vatican Museum tickets, while the rest of the platoon wandered into St. Peters Square. The line to enter St. Peters went half way around the square, something Sage and I did not expeience 12 years earlier. There are metal detectors and screeners like the airport to get in. Most people reverse their backpacks into "frontpacks" while standing in line, due to the sticky fingers of some of the locals.
Aunt Josie stood in line, while Jack inspected every fountain in the square. Uncle Mark rejoined the group, we all got in line and entered St. Peters. Nana, Uncle Mark and Aunt Josie got in another line to walk the stairs to the top of the Cupola, a phenomenal view, while we went right into St. Peters. It truly is overwhelming. Uncle Mark paid for an audio tour, and while they were up in the Cupola, I attempted to listen to as much as I could. It would take 2.5 hours to listen to just what's inside St. Peter's.
By the time we re-grouped, the kids had seen enough of the church, so we went to get a cold beverage and some snacks while Nana, Uncle Mark and Aunt Josie toured St. Peter's. The Vatican Museum was next, with the culmination being the Sistine Chapel. It was not the same atmosphere Sage and I remembered, it seemed there was a lot more noise allowed. Nobody reminding the crowd, "Silence, Silencio, Quiet Please!" like last time. We enjoyed a nice dinner and then made the trip back to the Villa.
I cannot, nor can the picture do this sculpture by Michelangelo justice. The Pietra is Mary holding the crucified body of Jesus. It is breathtaking and the first thing to the right as you enter the Cathedral.
This is inside the courtyard at the Vatican Museum. The sphere spins, with another sphere spinning inside. I cannot imagine the number of things we didn't stop and look at that were probably priceless. It was overwhelming to say the least, but certainly worthwhile.
A view from the back of St. Peter's towards the altar. Unfortunately, they were preparing for St. Peter's birthday, so the altar area was roped off as well as the tombs beneath. I remember that part being very interesting the last time.
Molly and Jack hanging out inside of St. Peter's.
It looks almost surreal, but a shot inside the Vatican Museum, a hall of sculptures.
This is the World's Largest Caesar Salad Bowl!
Another must-take picture, the Vatican City royal guards.
And yes, Uncle Mark and I found a reputable establishment and performed the ritual, which is, as the kids will attest (maybe not Sage), "Never not funny!"
I had once started a beers-of-the world photo collection ... but never got a shot like this.
ReplyDeleteObviously, I lack Mike's, um, creativity, no ... originality, no that's not it either ... uniqueness -- yes, that's it.
This is clearly a classic.