The Vatican

Day before yesterday we went to the Vatican and St Peters Basilica. Despite the crowds we actually had quite a line free experience. We first went to St. Peter’s basilica and experienced the splendor and extravagance of one of the most famous churches in the world. Thanks to Rick Steves, who wrote the guide book to Italy, we learned a fair amount of history along with it, especially a out Michaelangelos Pieta that is on display. We also climbed up the stairs in the dome to get a great view of Rome.

We then walked through the Vatican museums which was good, but I have to say rather overwhelming with how many statues, paintings, and tapestries that are on display. Then came the highlight of they day…the Sistine Chapel!! This was just amazing. To think that Michelangelo painted this entire ceiling singlehandedly while craning his neck and I couldn’t even stand up and look at it for more than 30 seconds at a time is astonishing. Alas we were not able to take pictures because of the load authoritative voice over the speakers telling the tourists to be quiet and not take pictures (though I have to say he was creating much more noise with his announcements than we were creating without them).