Sep.

23

In Rome: The Vatican

vatican-domeEditor’s Note: In honor of POPE FRANCIS’ visit to the U.S. this week, I’m re-publishing this August 2010 post about our experience at the Vatican.

ROME was not built in a day and it would take weeks to explore ROME in all of its monumental glory, but we found that hanging with the locals as much as possible gives you a great snapshot into everyday ROMAN life. Language barriers be damned, we ventured forth and met some of the nicest people in ROME. In addition to must-see attractions like the Colosseum, Pantheon, Palatine Hill, we enjoyed some truly Roman experiences and one of my favorites was a private tour of the VATICAN.

We are not Catholic, but even I felt incredibly blessed standing underneath the Pope’s apartment window and found myself yearning for a wave of his hand or a flash of his robe.

vatican-sculpture

Catching a glimpse of the headless, armless, leg-less statue known as BUSTO DE BELVEDERE 200 BC was priceless.

vatican-st.-peter's-square

ST PETER’S SQUARE was exciting eventhough they were setting up for an outdoor service. However, nothing NOTHING tops the experience of standing in the SISTINE CHAPEL and gazing up at Michelangelo’s masterpiece which he created in his 80s was awe-inspiring!

vatican-courtyard

Then there were the great histories as told in the COURT OF PIGNA and lest I forget the inspiring sight of watching the faithful touch the feet of ST PETER’S bronze statue in the Basilica named for him. What a day!

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