Rainin' in Roma

We had joined the 12 day Tour, seemed like a fun and good group, but our Tour Guide - Stephanie was about to be tested on her very first day.

In no order of importance, it had started to rain, we were due to visit St. Peter's, and the Vatican Museums on the day prior to Pope John Paul 11's Beatification. According to Stephanie, our visit had been booked months ago, definitely prior to the announcement of the Beatification - the fastest in modern times!. Would we be able to enter any of these places - of course a worry for both Stephanie, and Paulo (our Roman guide).

We had a seriously early start, we were first in line at the Vatican , so a very quick entrance, and then Paulo raised that little "flag" of his, and we were off!!.

On a drab wet day, the Dome of St. Peter's (designed by Michelangelo) still looked striking. First - the Vatican Museums How incredible is The artwork on the ceilings and the walls - superb. Huge ancient tapestries really stand out

as do the tiled floors

And there were loads of scantily dressed Statues

Everything was so quiet

We seemed to be ahead of every one on our way to the Sistine Chapel

The arch near the Sistine

Inside the Sistine Chapel

- these are not my photos - no photography was allowed at any stage.

With many centuries of candles burning, the colours of the paintings had become very dirty - over the last few years the Chapel's paintings have been slowly cleaned, and apparently they look brilliant now, in comparison to 20 years ago.

We stayed quietly in the Sistine for about 1 hour - so many paintings to look at including Michelangelo's of course.

We then went into to St. Peters Basilica

Noting the Pope's Balcony above

The arrangements for Pope John Paul 11's Beatification were well under way.

they were expecting people from all over the world the next day - they were already here carrying the flags of their different countries.

Beatification is the last major milestone before being declared a Saint, I was told.

We spent about another hour or so in St. Peter's Basilica, took so many photos, but decided not to blog them, there are enough photos on here anyway - however, it was also outstanding and most opulent.

During our time in the Basilica - the Pope's Balcony had been set up. The Swiss Guards were on duty. There were Nun's everywhere, and if you don't mind - the men in green uniforms below were from the Department of Forestry - we never did clear up their reason for being there.

And those handsome "Carabinieri" below, were struttin' their stuff as well.

Our next stop was the Colosseum - inside this time!

A bride and groom - wedding photos at the Colosseum Some more "photography" Roman "guards"!! Absolutely an amazing structure very gruesome history though! A pleasant thought -

the stage above would've been where El Divo, and that wonderful lone Piper performed "Amazing Grace".

Looking thru the Colosseum's arches to the Forum

And at the Arch of Constantine

- a different bride and groom!

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The weather really brightened up and we headed from our hotel to Piazza Navona for dinner.

Had some great Pizzas at Caffe Domiziano - enjoyed the company of Sherry and Cindy - California.

*****

All of us were thrilled with how Stephanie and Paulo had worked wonders around the Pope and all his helpers today, and to make it that much better, there were very few people inside the Vatican City. How lucky were we??.

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Then back to the hotel to pack for our trip north to TUSCANY.