Vatican City

We had another busy, eventful day today. We met our guide John at the Vatican Museum for a tour of the museum, the Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter's Basilica. Thank goodness we had a guide these past two days because the lines have been gargantuan! An average of 30,000 people a day visit the Colisseum alone and, believe me, there had to be more than 30,000 yesterday! Anyway, with a guide and a pre-planned trip, we were able to bypass the horrendous lines because we already had tickets.
Although I have been to Vatican City before, I never had an in-depth tour of the Vatican Museum. It houses much valuable art collected by the popes over the centuries and has four rooms devoted to Raphael and was very impressive. The Sistine Chapel, whose massive ceiling and one wall was done by Michelangelo is a magnificent wonder! After the museum and chapel, we visited the equally magnificent St. Peter's Basilica whose size alone is astounding! The important work of art within the basilica is Michelangelo's sculpture, La Pieta. When I first viewed it back in '68, I was able to stand right next to it. Now it is well behind glass because some nut defaced it in the 90's. It was restored and placed behind glass. It is still a marvel to see.

   After our visit, we h.ad lunch at the lovely Caffe Ciappini at the top of the famous Spanish Steps. We walked the steps and then returned to our hotel. Tonight we dine in La Mirabelle, a Michelin rated restaurant in our hotel