The Vatican

MORE PICS TO BE POSTED LATER! Got to go explore more Rome!

This is a post for Wednesday because if you are a Catholic visiting Rome on a Wednesday what else would you do but go see the Pope speak! It was SO awesome seeing him in person. Just a preview for World Youth Day in Madrid this August. There were people from all over the world and he addressed them in like 7 different languages. Also, as each group was recognized, Pope Benedict was so quick to wave at each one. You could just feel how happy he was to see everyone!

Pope Benedict XVI wearing a festive hat!

St. Peter's Basilica

Reporting to headquarters

Getting up early to get good seats, we had been sitting in St. Peter's heat from 8am til noon, so we were ready to rest a bit in the shade. Luckily, Rome does a very good job of keeping us hydrated with these spickets around the city. We saw two girls faint in line waiting to see the Sistine Chapel, so we made sure to keep ourselves extra hydrated.

Rome has water spickets throughout the city with free, clean water!



Marissa and I were half-delerious when we refilled at this water spicket.

Our next stop was the Musei Vaticani which had SO MUCH artwork it was overwhelming! The crowd was unbelieveable and, to be honest, it made appreciating the art very difficult. I mean, from the 3D illusioned ceilings to the mosaic-filled floors, you can see some form of art. I would love to go back another day where it is not so crowded (if that exists!). Seeing the Sistine Chapel at the end of the art-filled maze was totally worth our sore feet and crowded hallways. That room was so beautiful and it was so amazing taking in that piece of history.

Musei Vaticani.



Courtyard before the crowds.

One of a bajillion statues.

Once we made it through the museum, we headed over to St. Peter's Basilica which was the most beautiful Church I have ever seen!! First, we say the PIETA which is definitely my favorite sculpture... by far. So seeing that made my whole trip! While we were wandering around there, we ran into Missionaries of Charity Sisters who were stationed in Rome. That was a nice sneak preview into our time in India. Finally, we found out that they have several opportunities for daily mass, so we will catch that tomorrow!

Pieta behind glass.

To end the day, we get some well-deserved gelato where I learned how to say "please" from the Italian men working there. Kiwi and mango flavored this time. Marissa and I then spent some quality time just soaking in Rome at a bridge near the River. I am absolutely smitten with the city. If I don't come home, you know where to find me.