The Vatican

Today, we took a tour to the Vatican Museum.  We woke up at 6 AM to catch the 7 AM bus.  We were part of the Green Line Tour Group, so we had to make a few more stops at other hotels and check in at their agency before continuing to the museum.  We got to the Vatican around 8:30 and entered around 9:30. Our tour guide was very amusing, and knew so much; but, it was hard to hear him because we had to use those headsets which pick up other tours as well.  While it was all beautiful inside and out, I don't think I'd go back unless other people I was with were dying to do it.  It is really crowded inside, making it hotter and louder.  The Sistine Chapel was absolutely incredible, but people who don't follow directions annoy me haha.. So, part of the time I spent rolling my eyes at others who were talking SO loud, when we were told multiple times that there is no talking, a dress code is to be followed, etc.  If you ever go, and don't go with a tour group, I suggest going around 11 AM; that's about when we left the museum and there was a small line to enter.  Granted, it would already be crowded inside, but the line at 8-9 AM for non-tour people was huge! 

After we left the Vatican, we drove over to St. Peter's Basilica.  We chose not go in, because we were a little tired from walking around the marble Vatican floors all morning, but were able to see the grounds close up.  From there, the tour guide on the bus directed the driver to drop us near the Jewish ghetto, where one of mom's friends had recommended a place to eat.  Before we ate, we tried to go in the Jewish synagogue, but it cost money because they provide a guided tour.  We were too hungry to spend another hour touring; the outside of the museum/synagogue was gorgeous. On our way back to the restaurant, we walked down a path through the ruins of The Temple of Quintus Caecilus Metellus which was built in 147 B.C. and then restored in 32 B.C.  

We then ate lunch, which was delicious, per usual, and then headed back to the hotel.  We had to walk a ways to find the bus stop because we did not want to make the same mistake as yesterday, but finally made it back.  We all proceeded to take a long nap, mine lasted 4 hours.. I was extremely tired; I didn't sleep well the night before. After our naps, we all showered and got ready for dinner.  We ate at a place recommended by the hotel, which was fabulous.  We had homemade, fresh cannoli's for dessert.  They were SO good.  We didn't end up leaving dinner until around 10:30, as it was a classic Italian restaurant, providing us a long time in between courses.  We wanted to see the city lit up at night, but the buses stop running at a certain point and we weren't sure if the top part of "The Wedding Cake" would be open any later than 11, so we decided to go to the Hotel Savoy which has a rooftop bar and restaurant.  We ordered after dinner drinks and were able to see St. Peter's Basilica, the Vatican, the Wedding Cake, and a few other buildings.  Unfortunately, we couldn't see the Colosseum, so if I come back, that is something I definitely want to do! 

Tomorrow we leave for Pompeii/Naples in our rental car... this should really be an adventure.  We stay in Naples over night and leave the next morning for the island of Capri! We are going to go to the Blue Grotto, I really cannot wait for that.  Oh, and I'm pretty sure I'm getting a massage  :) SO excited! 

Ciao!