May 19

On the way to Rome we enjoy another wonderful meal together. This one is buffet style and the food was incredible and varied.

The ceiling of the Vatican Museum		Reid gives us a preparatory talk before entering St. Peter's Basilica.
We entered the Sistine Chapel and see firsthand the work of Michaelangelo. The Chapel is much smaller than we imagined it would be. The hum of voices would rise and rise until someone would shout "Silencio" and the hum would get softer and begin to swell again until the next "Silencio" was shouted. St. Peter's Basilica La Pieta by Michaelangelo St. Peter's Basilica was absolutely huge inside in addition to being very ornate and beautiful. For those Protestants who might take offense at the unbelievable wealth it took to build, just think of it as one of the reasons for the Reformation. Without the need to gather funds for this, the indulgences, of Luther's day may not have happened, postponing the Reformation. Wonderful dinner out with group.
The magnificent Trevi Fountain.		The Spanish Steps

We threw our coins in the Trevi Fountain. Always with our right hand over our left shoulder with our backs to the Fountain. The fountain was gorgeous regardless of what time of day we visited it. We kept going back to see it.

We climbed the Spanish Steps in honor of Juan our bus driver as he headed back home to get ready for another Rick Steves group.

May 20

Rome was one of the highlights for Mike. There is just so much to see there. The history is incredible. We started off in the morning by going to see Michelangelo's Moses in The Peter in Chains Church. Peter's chains in the San Pietro in Vincoli Church.

Michaelangelo's angry Moses in the San Pietro in Vincoli (Saint Peter in Chains) Church.

We left the church and headed over to the Coliseum. I always wanted to see the Coliseum, and it was especially grand. I wanted to spend a lot more time there but there was so much more to see. After the Coliseum we went across the street and through the Roman Forum. Again there was so much to see. Buildings from pre-Christian Rome that were too big to tear down that had been converted into Cathedrals. The ruins were incredible.

The one and only Coliseum. What an exciting thing to see in person.

Notice the rope marks on the columns of this building in the Roman Forum.

Next up was the Pantheon. It looks big from the outside, but was truly awe inspiring from inside. There were still rope marks on the outside of the columns where the Early Catholic Church tried to pull down the columns, but were unsuccessful. We saw this on other buildings as well.

We were quite tired at the end of the day, but Mike had to stop by the Trevi Fountain. Traffic in Rome was crazy, but we received the following advice from Reid, watch for a break in the traffic when you want to cross, and head out confidently, look the drivers of oncoming cars and scooters in the eyes to get them to stop. If you are too timid for this find a priest, or better yet a nun and cross with them.

Last night with our tour group. Dinner at Hostaria Romana followed by drinks at the Hotel Nardizzi and a time of reminiscing about our two weeks together.

May 21

To airport via cab with Moonyne and Dale unaware of the detour we would be taking to Ostia.