Europe trip part 5

Now we are off to Rome! We took the train, of course. We followed the  host's instructions and arrived at our place without problems.  We had a bedroom and our own bath, very comfortable, and shared the kitchen and fridge with other visitors.  There was a large market a couple of blocks away.  We had set a pattern by now, buying food for breakfast and making sandwiches and eating one meal a day at a restaurant.  We ate at the restaurant next door. It was fascinating...I was the only female patron for a while and it seemed a bit odd.  Probably just cause businessmen were having lunch, but ....maybe they were Mafia bosses???  Yea, I watch too many TV shows.  I had a pizza with pumpkin puree as the sauce base.  It was different...pretty good.
Our highest priority in Rome was visiting the temple. One needs to reserve a seat for the session, so that is what we did our first afternoon.  We felt proud of ourselves for again negotiating a new transit system, finding the right busses, and stops and making it to the temple with time to spare for the visitors center. It is stunning!  The visitor's center is somewhat smaller than we expected.  I guess we are accustomed to Big here in the western US.

After the session the light was perfect. 

It was gorgeous! We went to wait at the bus stop but a sweet couple stopped and picked us up and took us to the main bus line...they felt we might not be safe. It was a fun visit too as the brother spoke French.
The next morning we went to the Vatican Museum. We were very glad we had bought our tickets ahead of time. I was surprised at the worship accorded the Popes.  It felt like the main focus of these museums was on the various popes and their success and acquisitions.

 The art was wonderful still.

This is the ceiling.

 The grounds are beautiful too!

They didn't permit photos of any sort in the Sistine Chapel.  It was very crowded and difficult to see, but imagining Michelangelo lying on his back to paint that...just wow! 

A book cover.

One display was of the transportation popes have used.

 

 

Lots of cool cars.

This spiral ramp was quite amazing.

 Afterwards we walked to St Peter's Basilica...Where the Pope speaks to people.

 Saint Peter's Square is awe inspiring,  truly monumental!  I was also impressed that there is a dress code enforced for entry into churches.  Those with short shorts and tank tops had to cover up.  This is all over Italy.

St Peter!

Michelangelo's Pieta ! Breathtakingly  Gorgeous!

They decorate ceilings so beautifully and it's oval!

Bernini's Altar

I was impressed with the guard's costume.  Glad it's not my job.  Security had to break up a fight between the beggar ladies while we were waiting to use the restroom. It wasn't the fancy costumed ones though.


 We went back to our place to rest and then went to the Coliseum.  We didn't have the stamina to wait and go in so we walked the grounds.  It is truly huge, but there are ancient ruins all over! 

Talk about a backdrop for your wedding photos!

I was intrigued by the 'grain' lines in the column.

Trajan's Column with a spiral bas relief recounting his war and victory.

Love a zoom lens!

This is a modern monument.  Still pretty impressive. 

Another street musician.

 The Pantheon which means many gods, but now is the Basilica Santa Maria. They kept trying to quiet the crowds.  Wasn't very successful.

 

Another fascinating ceiling!

 

 The Trevi Fountain...and there are many signs announcing jail time to anyone getting into the water...all the movies not withstanding.

Honestly, it was so packed with people that it wasn't particularly romantic.

We took our tired feet 'home' and got ready to go to Greece.