Swompdonkey

Yesterday was about unfinished business. Specifically, the Vatican museums and St. Peter's Basillica. Should you visit Rome and leave without seeing the Sistine Chapel and the view from the top of the Dome of San Pietro? Sure, but you would miss two of the biggest highlights... of course, you can't possibly hope to see everything this city has to offer. With this in mind, I jumped on a tour with Emily, another Aussie that I met two days ago. The Vatican museums are so huge, it would take several lifetimes to explore each of them in detail. With a tour, you have the advantage of a guide, you puts everything in context and shows you the highlights. The Sistine Chapel is every bit as exquisite as people say it is. But whereas most people focus on the ceiling, I was captivated by Michelangelo's depiction of the Last judgment on the wall, with St Bartholemew, a martyr who was skinned alive, holding his own skin, within which is concealed a portrait of the artist!!!

After leaving the tour we went to the top of the Dome of St Peter's and hung out for a while, taking in the panoramic view. Later, we walked down some sidestreets, looking for family that Emily had it town... we couldnt find them, but spent an enjoyable afternoon cruising Rome's less touristy streets. Towards the end of the day, we happened upon a church containing the mortal remains of St Ignatius, the founder of the jesuits and patron of my high school! I was pretty blown away.... Last night was the usual amazing supper (just like the night before... kinda getting routine), followed by drinks by the Trevi fountain, and another late night... not sure I can --or should-- keep this pace up!

Ah, I can rest tomorrow!