Rome has been so much fun so far! We got in kind of late so we didnt think we would have much time to see anything before it was sundown. However, there were quite a few things that were close together for us to see before it got dark. We went to the Panteon, the Spanish Steps and the Trevi fountain. We met up with a friend of Lisas who has been studying in Rome since August at the Trevi fountain and went to get some good pizza at a pizzaria. It was the best pizza I have had in Italy so far! We also went to an amazing gelato place that was right next door. They actually dipped the gelato into that hardening chocolate. It was amazing!
The next day we woke up early to go to the Vatican. When we got there, there was a ton of chairs set up. We had no idea what was going on but people were sitting down so we sat with them. We realized that the pope was going to be comeing out to talk that day. We waited for about an hour and a half before he showed up on his little pope-mobile. We listened to his speech in Latin and then did the Our Father in Latin which none of us knew. It was an amazing experiencce! In the afternoon we went to the Colliseum and the Roman Forum. It was really really amazing to see. the buildings were so huge for their time! We went when it was raining which meant that less tourists were there. It was nice not to fight the crowds for a bit.
Yesterday we headed to the Vatican again to actually see St. Peters and the Museums. We went to where they bury all the popes first. It was very eerie and very sad. When we got to Pope St. Paul II's grave there were people there praying and crying. It was a moving experience. I was ready to leave there though because it was starting to creep me out a little. From there we decided to head to the museums to see the Sistine Chappel before it got too crowded. We spent a ton of time there and still didnt see everything! The Chapel was beautiful! I cant believe that someone had enough patience to do all of those paintings. There is no way I would have the drive to finish them after laying on my back next to a ceiling for days.
When we were done there we went to got back to St. Peters but it was closed for mass, so we decided to walk arond the city instead. We went to a couple different Piazzas and just really took in the city. For supper we all got dressed up and went out to eat pasta since it was my last night of travel with the Tennesee group. After eating we went out and had some drinks before going home.
This morning I went to go rent a Vespa to drive around for the day. It turns out that you cant rent a vespa if you havent driven them before. I was dissapointed but at least I tried. From there I went to St. Peters. It was incredible and huge! I dont even know if I can look at another cathedral the same now that I have seen it. I spent a few hours there and then just wandered Rome for the afternoon. I went to a couple Piazzas we hadnt seen yet and when to a small church that was known in its area.
I have one more day here before flying to Paris. I think I will see a couple churches here tomorrow and then head to the airport! YAY for seeing Mom and Mel!