For our last day in Rome our main goal was to see the Sistine chapel.
Now, in case you should ever visit just know that this place is HUGE and could take all day. Our goal was to just make our way to the Sistine chapel even though there is much much more to see.
Even with this as our only goal it took about an hour to wander down the ornate hallways that lead you there. The hallways are literally covered in images either painted; woven, or sculpted…it is amazing.
The hallways are large open and bright thus making the Sistine chapel feel a bit cramped. It is truly just a little chapel that happens to have every last bit of it painted.
The Vatican security is big on “respecting” this place and maintaining a freaky sort of “worshipful” attitude…i.e. no photographs and no talking.
So, as my friends and I milled around this room packed full of other tourist we would hear the two guards constantly say
“NO PHOTO”
“NO VIDEO”
“SALENCIO”
“SHHHHHH”
a few minutes would go by and again the guards would say
“NO PHOTO”
“NO VIDEO”
“SALENCIO”
“SHHHHHH”
Thank you Italian guards. I know your intentions were that of garnering respect and reverence but ya kinda did the opposite
With that said, the paintings that fill that room are truly amazing.
After milling around the room for a good while found the rests rooms and then attempted to make our way out..this was no easy feat. Who knew we would need a tour guide to point us to the exit.
Once out we made a few last pit stops at the
Treve Fountain
I threw in my coins thereby guaranteeing that I would one day return to Rome.
and the Spanish Steps
It was an amazing trip. There were times when I felt as though I was standing in the presence of greatness past. History became real in a way that a textbook could never do.
To top of this trip it was made great by my traveling companion. Thanks Cousin, I would have never done this trip had you not agreed to go with me! Thank you Amber and Camille for getting the ball rolling and allowing Beckie and I to tag along.
