Rome: Day 2

Rome: Day 2

For those of you viewing this on Facebook, the original post can be found at htttp://henrickatlarge.blogspot.com.

This post reflects events that took place on July 9th, 2009.

I woke up a bit late today. Didn't feel so hot either. Yesterday seemed to have taken a lot out of me. I must have walked around for fifteen hours or so. I also had this 'eye' thing going on. The connective tissue in my right eye was a bit inflamed and there was pressure. Kinda sucked. I had my sunglasses on the entire time, so I didn't look like some freak with a case of pink eye! Well, I grabbed a quick breakfast (consisting of a roll with Bruschette), washed it down with the usual four 'Americanos', and jumped a bus to the Vatican.

I arrived within a few minutes. I was originally planning on walking it, but my feet were screaming from yesterdays marathon. The panoramic view at St. Peters was incredible. The line to get in, was even more so. While waiting in what appeared to be a two hour line to get in to the Basilica, I heard some guy 'bird-dogging' a private tour to the people behind me. I asked him about, sounded good so I signed up. It was 40 Euro, but it got me out of the 2+ hour line I was in.

The tour guide was really great. An American (from Texas), she was super knowledgeable. She was probably one of those art/architecture students that didn't go into the academy, but never left Rome either. She filed us in on a lot of history and factual information regarding the Vatican and its' art that I never would have known (smart move with the tour). It's really interesting! I recommend anyone with half an interest to get a book on the early Christian movement and the grounding of the church. She also pointed out a few places where Dan Brown makes some real horrible mistakes in 'Angels and Demons'.

The Vatican museum was grand. The Sistine chapel, was stunning (smaller than I expected). The ceiling and the back wall (the judgment)was really impressive. When we went in to St Peters, I actually got to see the Pieta (Madonna of the Steps), which I have been in love with for quite some time, it was very moving.

After leaving the Vatican. I strolled along the Tiber to Castle St. Angelo (the ancient fortress), and walked across the bridge (the one with the statues of angels from Dan Brown fame), of the same name. I followed the ancient river north and then crossed over to Piazza del Popolo. From here I got into the Villa Borghese. The old home of a very famous religious figure and art enthusiast. his place had been converted into a huge public park. It was lovely, and slightly cooler than the rest of Rome. I especially liked the 'Gardens of Venus'. I relaxed the rest of the day in the park, and then had dinner. After dinner, I chilled at my local cafe (as well as a few drinks at 'Druids Rock'). Tomorrow is the day to tie-up any loose ends. I leave at 5 Pm.