Day 3: Cover Up!
The night before, Sarah reminded us about the Vatican dress code. We needed to dress modestly and cover our shoulders.
When we got to the Vatican Museum on Tuesday morning, there was chaos in the lobby because the credit card machines were down. Even though we had reservations, we were told to wait indefinitely. Sarah quickly went to talk to a manager, and we were soon on our way. However, when we got to the baggage check-in, the guard would not let us through.
Sarah responded back in some fiery Italian which none of us understood, and started waving and slapping our paperwork with the back of her hand. (This must be how Italians communicate, I thought.) They finally let us through and soon we were on our way again. What a woman and champion for our group!
Favorite Memories
The Vatican
In the Vatican Courtyard, we saw the “Sphere Within Sphere” sculpture by Pomodoro.
Inside, there was beautiful art everywhere, especially on the ceilings.
The Map Room contained 40 maps of the regions of Italy and of the Church's possessions that Gregory XIII had painted here. This place would be a topographer's dream!
Swiss Guards were the Swiss soldiers who served as bodyguards, ceremonial guards, and palace guards since the late 15th century. The Papal Swiss Guards in the Vatican are the only Swiss Guards that still exist today.
Art
“The School of Athens” painting was so interesting and one of my favorites. Raphael painted Plato and Aristotle in it but other philosophers in the picture could have doubled for many of his contemporaries. Many people are convinced that the man resting on the block is actually Michelangelo.
Sistine Chapel
Um.. no, I wasn't suppose to photograph the Sistine Chapel. However, everyone was doing it, and I was not about to be left in the cold. I tried to be discrete though since guards were everywhere and anti-photo warnings were being read every minute over the intercom. This photo shows one half of the ceiling.
And here is the other half of my illegal photo.
Vatican Grotto
Many of the Popes of the Catholic Church are buried here. The tomb of Pope John Paul II was the most popular. No photos were allowed, but visitors were able to give items to the guard for a blessing. The guard would squat down, place the items on the tomb for a few seconds, and then hand it back.
The Vatican Grotto also contained the tomb of St. Peter who was the first pope.
St. Peter's Basilica
This church can hold 60,000 people! Sarah told us that this place was designed to intimidate and make you feel small.
A major benefit to being on this tour was that it saved us from waiting in long lines. The hours that we saved each day were given back to us in free time. Just look at this line of people waiting to enter St. Peter's!
Good Times
Before each group dinner, we would usually relax on the terrace with wine.
At Perilli in Prati, we were packed in like sardines, but that's what made it cozy and fun!
