Tuesday Nov 10

This is going to be one of those vacations that you need a vacation at the end. There is so much to do and see in this town I can't imagine how you can get it all in. We both commented several times that we're so glad that we came this time of year- would hate to think of coming during hot summer months when it is so busy. Today we visited the Vatican Museums & the Sistine Chapel with a 2-hour tour, then to St Peter's Basilica. We then walked over to Castel Sant'Angelo and went to the top. Then ambled along Cola di Rienzo shopping area- bought some provisions for apartment, took the Metro back and had a nice Happy Hour buffet dinner at Pepys, one block from our apartment.


The Vatican Museum ceiling and wall murals take your breath away. Saw several teenagers today wearing masks (H1N1?). We used our Purell several times today....just in case.


Just one of many wall paintings. We took over 400 pictures today but these few will have to suffice.

Pope John XXIII- they took him out of his coffin and put him on display. Looks good for being dead for 46 years. I think they did this as a first step toward his Beatification.

Interior shot of St Peter's Basilica

The altar above the tomb of St Peter.

Inside the Vatican

Front of St Peter's. Chairs set up for the Pope's mass tomorrow.

In the forecourt of the Vatican

From the rooftop of Castel Sant'Angelo looking towards the Vatican

Looking down over the Tiber River

Gazing at the Vatican

Dinner at Pepy's . They offer an inexpensive Happy Hour of a drink and appetizer buffet of really good antipasti- just right.

Short video inside St Peters