We had plans to be out of the room by 8. That didn't happen (I'm sure you're quite surprised). We all woke up with stomach issues. Did not make for an easy morning. When we finally made it up we met Giovanni, the owner of the b&b. She's wonderful; very personable. Her niece Julia made us a great breakfast. Then we were off. We made it to the Vatican without a problem, waited in the hot sun for about twenty minutes, made it up to the basilica, only to be turned away. Why was this? My collar bones were showing. I had on a dress, with sleeves, but not enough of my shoulder was covered. I actually had a wrap I could cover up with, but Mandy didn't have anything for her bare shoulders. Needless to say this did not give us a good first impression of the Vatican. While Mandy went off to buy a wrap, Matt and I made it into the basilica. We saw the tomb of the disciple Peter and made our way around the church. We can't help but wonder how much different it would've been if we were catholic. There were all the tombs of the popes and lots of statues of them, places to pray and maybe somewhere to do confession, but we just don't really get any of that. The place was beautiful, but I have no doubt I did not get as much out of it as someone who's catholic would have.
Mandy was able to find a wrap and make her way through the church. Once we caught up with her we were off to the sistine chapel. We were all impressed with this. It was difficult to stare too long at this as it caused some neck pain. But the paintings appeared to be jumping right off at you. Really quite beautiful.
The heat here has really gotten to us. Aside from the physical effects, sweating and such, it's made us a bit moodier. The crowds really got to us today as did the guards. (one guard had the job of telling everyone to be quiet and no photos in the sistine chapel-he had to repeat this roughly every two minutes. As much as it annoyed us I'm sure the job had to drive him crazy too) I'm glad to be leaving Rome tomorrow. Although Venice is apparently stifling hot as well. Maybe germany will bring is cooler weather.
Mandy leaves us tomorrow. We've had a great time with her and wish she could stay along for the rest of the journey. Aaron and Melissa arrived today. We'll meet up with them later and head to the Trevi fountain.
Will try to post pics soon-hopefully later today.
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Location:Rome may be out to get us!
i know i haven't commented much but i really enjoy keeping up with mandy & the durhams so keep those pictures and videos coming and send lots of pictures of melissa as you know she's my favorite love you dad
ReplyDeleteI was just updating Robbie on ya'll's conditions in Rome. (I do hope the AC came back on.)
ReplyDeleteRobbie said ya'll are probably already to come home. But I said, no, when ya'll move on to the Bavarian region, you'll be so happy. Salzburg has to be one of the most beautiful cities in the world and I think the weather will be, while still warm, much more relenting. I'm soooooo excited for you to go to Germany/Austria. You're going to love them. "Gruss Gott" is the key greeting phrase there, pronounced just as it sounds. AAAAA! I'm just so excited for you! (You are doing the Sound of Music tour, right? The weather will be wonderful in the mountains.)
Love ya'll!
Shana
I know exactly what you mean about the heat and crowds of Rome. I do think you'll be pleasantly surprised by the weather in Germany. I know that when we visited, it was actually too cold there for my flip flops. :)
ReplyDeleteLove reading your posts - can't wait to see pics. I'd love to see what you all were wearing when you were turned away from the Vatican.
Ridiculous.
Love,
w.