The train went through beautiful Italian countriside, and pulled into Rome about 4:30. We walked to the hotel, and let our hair down a bit. Then, Chris said he wanted to try seeing the Vatican.
Neither of us had any hope of even entering the city. It was Saturday and 6:30pm. Sunday, the Vatican is closed to tourists (the museums and Sistine Chapel and such). Saturday night?
Well, thankfully, the gates we entered may never be shut -- I don't know. But we went in, refreshed ourselves at the Roman fountain just inside and to the left, then strolled out onto the Piazzai San Pietro! The square was fairly empty. Then we noticed the barricades forming lines... Wait! The Basilica is open until 7pm?!
Through the barricades we went. Past the guards of modesty and up the stairs. We took pictures on the portico. The entryway was fantastic, and THEN, we entered! Breathtaking. If that weren't enough, Michelangelo's La Pieta was just inside on the right.
We wandered home past the Opera House and rested for the next day which held:the Catacombs, the Colosseum and the Roman Forum. First, however, was the Ape.
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