No self respecting Catholic can visit Rome without going to the Vatican. I would argue that no self respecting person could go to Rome without visiting the Vatican, but that is your own call. The Vatican is one of the most amazing places I have ever been, and every time I go I seem to find something new that I am in awe of.
This is a picture of the Dome at St. Peter's, and a new modern sculpture by some guy named Arnaldo Pomodoro (which means Arnold Tomato, something our lovely tour guide pointed out). Our tour guide was hilarious, it was by far one of the best tours I have ever been on. This is supposed to show a link between the past (the dome) and the present (the sphere).
This is one of the many Papal seals that adorn multiple rooms in the Vatican. Typically, if the following room was "remodeled" by a certain Pope, then his seal or some form of identification will be on the entrance to that room.
I particularly find the sculptures that have fig leaves where other objects should have been/used to be very entertaining.
This sculpture is funny for two reasons. 1) the fig leaf. 2) This is a perfect example of a horrible restoration. This is a woman's head on a man's body.
Another mixed sculpture. This one is particularly funny because it is a sleeping woman's head on a mans body. (Close up below)
Really??? You mean to tell us that there were NO other heads?? No other heads with eyes open that they could have used? A sleeping figure standing up fully engaged?? Very funny.
There is a map room in the Vatican. The maps are amazingly accurate, particularly because there was no way to see these things from above. So the artist created these by walking around. You can see Amelia, it is actually listed as Ameria. (It is sorta center top... a little to the left)
This is the hallway that the Popes walk to get to the Basilica.
The Basilica.
It is impossible to grasp the enormity or the beauty of this place with my camera. I suggest everyone get on a plane and come over and see it for yourselves. :-)
My sister, Mother and I in the Basilica.
The ceilings... so beautiful!
After the Vatican we had a wonderful dinner in Travestere the "restaurant" district of Rome. Our family friends Connie and Chrissy Wendlek were with us, but I can't find any group pictures!
After dinner we walked around a bit on our way back to the hotel. Here are some Roman scenes at night. This is the National Monument of Victor Emmanuel II. It is the most remarkable memorial I have ever seen, which got me wondering, who was Victor Emmanuel II? Well, Victor Emmanuel II was the first King of unified Italy. The monument was designed in 1895, inaugurated in 1911 and completed in 1935. The monument also holds Italy's Tomb of the Unknown Soldier with an eternal flame. (so there's some history for you)
Another one of those fantastic situations you stumble onto while in Italy. When walking around we saw this, Julius Caesar the play being performed at the ruins of Caesar's Forum.. so where the original murder actually occurred (I think). Very surreal.
The Colosseum at night.
Kelly's tongue and me in front of the Colosseum.
Quite the busy day. Incredibly hot, and tiring, but memorable and fantastic!
Ciao, ciao!
