Tue June 26th–Rome

 

We were picked up at 8:00am by Lucca, our driver/guide for the tour of Rome.   There were eight of us on the tour.   After the hour drive to Rome, our first stop was to see this wonderful Basilica, with an elephant in front of it.   In Rome, this church is not even a major tourist site, but in most other cities, it would be a major site.

We then went to the Pantheon, which was the first massive free standing dome ever mad.  There is a hole in the center of the dome, with a wonderful ray of light showing against the wall.

The next pictures show Lucca telling us about Rome, the “wedding cake” monument, and Nancy and Katie at the Trevie fountain after making wishes.

We saw the site of the forum, the Spanish steps, and then went to this great local pizza place, where they have 15 to 20 long slices of pizza, you tell them how much you want, they cut it off and you pay by the weight.   Yummmy!!!

We then went to the coliseum, which is incredible.  It would rival a major stadium today.   It had a wooden floor, with three stories below it for animals, changing areas, supplies.  The seats went up probably eight stories all around the sides.

We then went to the Vatican.  The Vatican is a separate state, with its own police,money, and stamps.  We were met by our guide Massimo  We first toured some of the museum, which is the largest in the world.  We took pictures of the great celling in one of the corridors, and then this wonderful circular staircase, one loop is up, and one down.

 

This picture show Massimo telling us all about the Sistine Chapel before we go in.   He spoke perfect English, and is an works in art restoration, so he was the perfect guide.

We then went to Saint Peter’s, the largest Catholic Cathedral in the world.

We saw this sculpture by Michelangelo and where the Pope stands to bless the crowds.

It was one of the best days touring ever.  Incredible guides who were able to slip us in and out of places fast.  We saw in one day what would take most people three days.  

Katie continues to spend time with her friends on the ship.   They spend the evenings chilling….