We got to the vatican and there was a huge line outside, but it went really quick, because we got there right after it opened. We were amazed at the efficiency that they pumped tourists into the place. We were through the line in 10 minutes, then going through security, getting our tickets, getting our audioguides, and entering the museum, all that only took another 5.

The vatican museum was pretty cool, we saw a mummified mummy, that was pretty cool, and tonnes of cool statues, but architecture still takes the cake on being the most impressive. We were a little bit astounded at the amount of egyptian materials that the vatican posseses, especially those related to "idols and gods".

I was a little mad at myself, about 5 minutes into the vatican, our camera battery flashed "low", why in the world didnt i charge it? I realized after that i hadn't checked it at all in the last 5 days in Rome. So i couldnt take very many pictures.

The Sistine Chapel did live up to the hype, when we walked in, it just hits you like nothing else. I don't think Amber felt quite like that, but she did think it was cool. We loved how the paintings on the roof have so much dimension, and they just jump out at you, and how you can tell that the roof if curved, but cant determine its exact shape because of the paintings.

After the Vatican Museum, we went to check out St. Peter's Square and Basillica. Again the square was huge and alot to take in, very impressive. There was a long line to get into the Basillica, but they just pumped the people right through. The basillica was very impressive as well. Very orante, very beautiful. We loved the openness of it, especially around the alter, which is unusual.

There was 2 things that bothered me about the basillica.

1. Why was there not a single crucified Jesus anywhere on the alter? or anywhere in the church for that matter (that we could find)? Isn't that a requirement of all Catholic churches?
2. Why was there SO MANY statues of old dead Popes in the Basillica? It bothers me because it looks like the Popes are trying to "glorify themselves" by commisioning such extranvegant 20 foot tall statues.

After that we were so hot, it was 30+ in Rome again today. And we were hungry, we headed towards Castle St. Angelo and we stopped at one of the first places we saw. BAD idea! It was kinda overpriced, the pasta wasnt too bad, but i was kinda sick of that, so i got a hamburger. No big deal, except that it was 15 Euro and it was the biggest peice of crap of I've ever tasted. I was so grumpy after this, the waiter didnt help, he let our food sit on the counter, waiting for it to be brought to us, for 5 minutes, but what do i say? and its not like I cant tip him, tipping in Italy is automatically added to your bill, at a rate of 15%. So this jerk wad, got 5 euro from us, that he definalelty didnt deserve.

So i was uber grumpy when we left to go to Castle St. Angelo, we actually decided to check out this store that Amber wanted to go to first though. Amber was looking for a leather purse, but this place was way too overpriced, but right outside was just some guy selling guys shirts. And for the past 2 weeks, Ive been looking for a sleevless shirt, so that my arms and shoulders could actually get some sun. And this guy had some, and it was only 5 Euro, so i bought one! And then I went to rip the tag out because it was scratching me and I ripped the shirt! not too bad, we should be able to patch it up.

So finally we got to Castle St. Angelo and we toured around that. It was interesting, but dont do it on the same day as the Vatican, it will seem boring in comparison. But the one cool thing is that we got to go to the very top and look out over the city and see various things.

Next we headed to the Pantheon, because last time we were there, it was closed for a wedding (if Amber ever gets around to writing her blogs you would know that). It was pretty cool, the dome looked amazing, especially how the light traveled through it.

We were then in serious need of some Gellato. Amber looked up a place that was famous for it that was near by and we headed out. I got us lost, then Amber corrected our course, and then we ran into a protest. We think some people were on strike, but they we all kinda gathering and the police were there, but nothing was really happening. But we needed to go around a few blocks to get to this ice cream place.

We got there and I got an amazing 3 scoops, while amber settled for the double scoop. It was so delicious and messy (for me) because the ice cream was melting really fast and it got all over my hands, and i had to eat it quick, so i was sloppy and got it all over my face. Amber said i looked like a 5 year old and wanted to stand else where so she wouldnt been seen with me. I didnt care, my ice cream was delicious.

as we were getting ready to go, the protest started and we heard a lot of yelling, its a good thing we were going the other direction.

So we ended our day (our last day in Rome, and essentially traveling because we are staying with Ambers family in holland) with some shopping. we took an hour or so to go down this street which had a lot of stores. I got a pair of swin trunks (i couldnt try them on, and when i got the hostel and put them on, they are 1 size too big) and some bright blue underwear (i know you care) and Amber got a shirt and she bought a real Italian leather purse in a store, so she was really happy about that.

We headed back to the hostel, had our supper, packed our bags, showered. Then i wrote this blog, and I am going to bed.

written by  Trevor and Amber on June 16, 2009 from Rome, Italy
from the travel blog: Europe Trip
Send a Compliment

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Sounds like you two are having quite the time there. Here's to having you home safe & sound soon. Glad you have this opportunity together, it sounds so fun! :) Enjoy the last week or so & we'll see you shortly.

Shannon & Jeremy

written by  Shannon & Jeremy Murray on June 16, 2009

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I just love readin about our trip and your adventures....love you guys!

Dan

written by  Dan Doerksen on June 16, 2009

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