Country #4: Vatican City

The day started with me trying to find St. Clement's church. It apparently has three levels into the ground and you can see how it was built upon through the centuries. But I got lost. And it closes from 12-3. Boo. So I found another church instead and it was big and lovely and I never wanted to see that other one anyway! Just kidding. Eventually I found where I was, which wasn't even close to St. Clement's. I think I was close at one point....all well. From there I took the train to the Vatican.

Not only did I want to go to the Vatican because of its art and history and stuff, but I wanted to add another country to my trip. And considering my timeline, this worked perfectly! I had heard that on Wednesday mornings the Pope makes his address to crowds in St. Peters Square, and so lines for the Vatican museums weren't as long. Well I didn't realize that the Pope is in South America right now, so that wasn't going to work. I also heard that afternoons are better than mornings when waiting in ridiculously long lines, because people start to give up. So that's what I decided to do. I'm strong. I won't give up. I would stand in that line until I literally baked on the sidewalk.

I got off the train and headed towards the Vatican. I must've had at least 5 people ask if I wanted to join their tour group. I finally stopped to listen to one guy and found out that it costs €50 to take the tour. 'Yeah right!' I thought. Considering the normal price is €16. Once I got close a guy standing close to the queue asked if I got my tickets yet. He said you had to buy them across the street. I didn't know where to buy them so I thought he was just being helpful. I should've known, when he started talking about how this way is much better cause then I wouldn't have to wait in line, which will take at least 2 hours. And I wouldn't be able to see St. Peters basilica at all because I'd run out of time waiting in lines. Then I asked if he was selling me a tour, and he said yes. But he would be kind and give me a discount. Curious, I asked how much of a discount it would be. €4 off! What a bargain! Ha. I then told him I would take my chances and wait in line. Good choice on my part. To all those tour-selling-nay-sayers, I say poo poo! I practically walked right into the Vatican. The security line took me maybe 5 minutes! And then I was in. I'll admit there were tons of people in the first part of the museum. I reckon it was kind of like  being in a really fancy cattle drive, assuming the people are the cows. It kind of smelled like it...but there was a whole lot of fancy art to distract from the cow-like herding. And the further in I got, the more people spread out. I think I was the only person there without an audio guide or a human guide. But I liked being able to read and enjoy the pieces I wanted to. I took my time. There are some exquisite pieces in those museums! I'll post a picture of one of my favorites, mostly because I think its funny. It might have deeper meaning, but I just chuckle when I see it.

At the Vatican all museums lead to the Sistine Chapel. The highlight, by far! Here I thought I was going to have to wait in line, but once again I just walked right in. I don't think I have a four leaf clover stuck to my back, but the way things keep working out isn't convincing me! The Sistine Chapel really is amazing. Absolutely breathtaking. If you haven't been, put it on your bucket list. I had an audio guide from Rick Steves for the chapel, and was very glad. There were so many little tidbits of info that I found fascinating. He even squashed some rumors that I heard people saying right there in the chapel. Like for example, it is rumored that Michaelangelo painted the while ceiling on his back. But according to Rick, and his Italian co-author he actually painted it standing up. I feel more inclined to believe him, since everything else I've heard from him seems to check out. I also heard some varying stories from tour guides in the Colosseum. Perhaps I should just be a tour guide, I'll just listen to Ricks guide right before and then I'll be good to go! Anyways, back to the Sistine. There are tons of people in there and every five minutes a guy gets on a loud speaker and says "SILENZIO!!". But I was able to block that all and focus on the amazing work of art. I'd like to meet Michaelangelo one day and just chat with him. I imagine we'd be able to have a good chat. I would like to know if he had a chiropractor. Did they even have those back in 1508? Regardless, the work really was astonishing. I spent nearly an hour in there alone. Well, not alone. You know what I mean.

After I left the chapel there were a couple exhibits before the exit. Hardly anyone was in there. It was a lovely visit! I was then ready to head to St. Peters basilica. That line took all of 7 minutes. Oh those tour-seller-nay-sayers. I proved all of you wrong! And kept my moneys. When you first walk into the basilica, the sheer size of it literally takes your breath away. It is incredible. Absolutely blows my mind. I have no idea how they were able to build something that grand. I also had an audio guide for this. I didn't really like the deceased Popes that were displayed. But I thought Michaelangelo's sculpture of Mary holding a crucified Christ was so incredible. He captured so much emotion. I like how he said that he didn't just see a block of marble, but saw what the sculpture was supposed to be and freed it. Okay he said it much more eloquently. Maybe if I remember I will Google it before I post this. Still amazes me. 

Having avoided the intense afternoon heat by being inside, I had much more energy than the previous day. I literally sat down for a total of 5 minutes that day, from leaving in the morning to coming home at 10:00pm. I walked on over to the Pantheon. And saw where Raphael is buried. I also had yet another audio guide from my friend Rick Steves. Seriously, he should pay me for all this advertising I'm doing for him. Since my new favorite gelato place is right by the pantheon, I HAD to get some. Dipped cone, with gelato flavors white chocolate cherry and black forest. This time however I stayed in the air conditioned store to eat it. As opposed to madly trying to eat the whole thing before it melted, my minute to win it game. Think the show would pay me for that idea? Is it even still on?

Next I headed to the iconic Trevi fountain. Where everyone goes to make their wishes come true and ensure their visit back to Rome. I got there and......it was empty and covered in scaffolding. I actually laughed out loud. There was a big protection window surrounding it so you couldn't get too close. But people were still throwing coins in, so I thought 'what the heck!' And dug out a penny. My only stipulation to the coming back to Rome part, was that it be a little cooler next time. :) It was funny to hear other peoples reactions when they got to the fountain.

One guy to his wife "Well hun. This is romantic isn't it?". Said very sarcastically.

A little girl to her mom:
Girl-"Mom, where's the fountain?"
Mom-"Its right here sweety. That's why people are throwing coins in."
Girl-"Where's the water? Don't fountains have water?"
Mom-"Yes usually. But this one doesn't."
Girl-"hmmm...."

Haha that's the truth. I hear you little girl. I headed from the 'fountain' and started to make my way back. Shopping and such on the way. I got a giant cone of French fries, I realize they're not Italian. But they looked soooo good! And they're an Amsterdam company, so still foreign. I was originally going to get a medium, then I saw the size of a small and changed my mind. It was huge! I couldn't even finish it. I got back to my hostel and visited with my hostel mates. I like making friends. And its so neat being able to connect with people all over the world. This travelling thing is addicting! I need to do this all the time!!! Maybe I'll become a nomad and instead of travelling for 3 weeks at a time, I'll come home for 3 weeks at a time. Once or twice a year perhaps. I just need to figure out how to fund this....