The Many Sides of Rome

Two days in and we've already conquered Rome!  Yesterday was dedicated to the Vatican since our hotel is near there.  We went to the museum in the morning and had such a good time that we ate there and some of the group stayed to see more.  I loved getting to see School of Athens up close, one of my favorite paintings and one that I use to teach the Renaissance.  I was in heaven!  We went to the Basillica afterward and stayed until closing.  It was beautiful, very different than I remembered, I think because of the light and the time of day.

Today was ancient Rome.  In the blazing heat we trekked the Circus Maximus, climbed the Palatine Hill, strolled through the Forum, and quickly toured the Colosseum.  It was grand, though so very hot!  I found my FAVORITE restaurant in the world for lunch.  Yes, I found it!  It wasn't QUITE as good as I remembered, but still delicious, and I even got a street painting of the street.

We went to St. Peter in Chains after lunch to see Michaelangelo's Moses, a very cool piece from Julius II's unfinished tomb, and then rode the Metro to miscellaneous Rome.  Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, Temples, Pantheon, and then to St Mary Minerva which held the body of St Catherine of Sienna and another Michelangelo, Christ holding the cross.  It also had the grave of Fra Angelico AND I MISSED IT!!!  Must go back.

We went to Piazza Navonna in the evening to see the 4 Rivers Fountain and then had a delicious dinner in a little piazza.  Anne and I finished the night walking to Castel St Angelo and then back to the hotel.  So busy, and now to pack, for it's off to Sorrento Tomorrow.