A Day At The Vatican

Waiting For The Vatican

   Our second day in Rome we decided to return to the Vatican.  Although we had been there before we thought that we should go back and spend more time enjoying all that it has to offer.  After a good filling breakfast we took the metro and were there in a few minutes.  Our first stop was the museum!
    What they say is true - long lines and wait.  It took us about 90 minutes to get into the place and you could barely move for the people.  At 15 euros a pop the place must be a mint!  We refused to pay the 45 euros for the skip the line and guided tour that sellers offerd every 1.5 feet while we were in the 2 block line.  Next time we may try to book the per entry

time on the internet which I think is available.   In any case we had the opportunity to visit all the exhibits as we were there for about 5 hours in all.  We did see the ancient holding as well as the "usual" tour stops of the tapestry gally and the decorated apartments leading to the Sisteen chapel.  There must have been 1000 people in that area with one one person doorway to get out.  Still a very good visit.  Pizza and beer followed the visit.

     We then headed to the church itself when by that time in the afternoon the lines were very short.  We dicided to go to the top of the dome again but becasue of time took the elevator the first half the way.  It was still close to 300 steps to the top.  It was a beautiful sunny day and because it was late afternoon the sun was in the best position for shooting the plaza in front of the church.  We then followed that with our second visit to the church iteslf - always a jaw dropping experience - but were too late to visit the grottos below the altar where the popes are burried.  Finally a visit to the special exhibit for the JP beautification occasion - quite well done - ended the day.  By now it was getting close to 6 pm.  We decided (why I don't know) to walk back to the Termini -which if you know Rome is across town.  That includes wandering along tiny streets to get to our hotel.  On the way we stopped at the Piazza Navona for a rest and of course the Trevi Fountain. Had to do those 2 areas!  Finally afer a pasta and wine dinner we finally made it to the hotel tired but satisfied.