From Rome to Assisi

Yesterday was our last full day in Rome and was well spent at Vatican City. Our first stop was the Vatican Museum, and one of our group leaders, Brother Mickey McGrath, an artist (www.beestill.com) gave us all a wonderful tour that ended in the Sistine Chapel. Our next stop was St. Peter's Basilica, the largest church in the world. Although it is incredibly huge, it is proportioned in a way that makes it seem almost normal on the inside, but it's not by far. After touring the inside of the Basilica, Steph, Angie, and I went to lunch and shopping with F.J. (Father John). F.J. was in search of new vestments and found some gorgeous ones right outside the walls of the Vatican. I never thought I'd go shopping with a priest. :) After shopping we made our way back to St. Peter's in order to climb to the top of the dome (which is longer than a football field on end). We had to wait in this incredibly long line packed with people in order to get back in St. Peter's and then made our way to the top, a three or four story elevator ride and then a three hundred and twenty two step climb to the top. It was exhausting but the view and fresh air was worth it. The last 15 steps or so are a tiny spiral staircase with only a long rope to hold on to.

After the Vatican we took a public bus back to the hotel and then had a full Italian meal consisting of antipasti (appetizer of thin ham, fresh mozzarella balls, and melon or cantelope). Next was the first course of lassagna and ravioli followed by the second course, pork and beef with potatoes, and then tiramissu for dessert. We ate in a restaurant frequented by the one and only Elizabeth Taylor. Richard Burton and Liz came there often and we ate in a room dedicated to them and filled with signed photos of the two with the owner, Mimo, as well as the turquoise sandals she wore in Cleopatra. Very cool.

The next morning (today) we left for Assisi, where I am currently. We have already seen the 8th largest church in the world, the Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels, which houses the Porziuncola, the little chapel St. Francis built a long time ago. The view here is wonderful and I know I'll love the Italian countryside!