Stato della Città del Vaticano

I have never denied nor hidden my deep love for churches. Whenever I go to a new city, I seem to find at least one or two that just leave me breathless. I feel humbled in churches. They make me feel close to my dad. They are just so brilliant. You can just picture the people who come to them searching for something- redemption, forgiveness, salvation, answers, love. They are full of hope.

Now put me in front of the Vatican.

The Vatican City is something that you must see. I don't care if you're not religious or not Catholic- it is just absolutely breathtaking.

Now, you should know that there are 2 main "sights": St. Peter's Basilica and the Vatican Museum (where you can see the Sistine Chapel).

We decided to get up early to try to skip some lines. It was a brilliant plan. We walked right in and there weren't very many people in St Peter's Basilica. Our timing was spot on!

As we entered St Peters basilica, I was humbled to be in such a place of religious significance, but I was also struck by the over whelming wealth of the Catholic church. All I could think about were the millions of people living in poverty around the world. These people are dying or living on meager funds and the church- an institution which should be helping them- spends their money on this grandiose building to show off their wealth. But that is a post all on it's own.

The Basilica- it was grand. And ornate. And extremely impressive. As I walked through the door, there was a small crowd of people to my right, but I decided to forge my own path and I went left. The nativity was still up. It was massive. And so well presented.

I didn't take any photos in the basilica. If you have traveled with me, you will know that I just don't feel right taking photos in churches. Instead, I take the time to pray and to reflect. So you'll just have to imagine the beauty (or make your way to your favourite search engine to get a visual :) )

Just picture it, though- gold, high ceilings, the graves of many popes past. It was perfect.

As I worked my way around, I came back to that area where a crowd had formed earlier. It was Michelangelo's "Pieta." For some reason, I didn't realize that the Pieta was in St. Peter's. It was a welcomed sight though.

As we finished in the Basilica, we decided to make the trek to the top of the cupola. Best. Decision. Ever.

Now, I will warn you that there are about 6 billion steps (I'm a bit dramatic ;) ) but it's well worth the climb. I will let the photos speak for themselves:

We headed to the Vatican museum next.

This place was absolute madness. We queued for about an hour or so- the whole time being solicited by tour companies with promises of jumping the queue. I made friends with some of them (my maritime kindness always gets the best of me). We FINALLY made it to the museum (after Lucia and I made a quick gelato trip- a necessity when in Italy!) and the madness was overwhelming.

That wealth which was so obvious in the Basilica? This museum takes it to another level. There are grand works of art everywhere that you look. But the thing is, you can't actually appreciate any of them because of the stifling amount of people. I felt like I was stuck in the middle of a herd of sheep- just shuffling along- not being able to really stop and take any of it in.

I could appreciate that it was beautiful, but I wish I had been able to just stand and stare at some of the art or tapestries or maps!

We shuffled all the way down to the main attraction- the Sistine chapel. Yup. WOW.

This is not the Sistine- just the sign letting us know that we were almost there. We weren't allowed to take photos once inside!

The herd of sheep was shushed and directed to move back. I saw this random empty space in the middle of the room and I was feeling a little cheeky. I knew that I wanted to just lay on my back and take it in- so I did :) it didn't last very long before a security guard was sternly yelling at me in Italian and motioning to get up. I didn't mind, though. I laid under the ceiling of the Sistine- just as Michelangelo had done to paint it. I will never forget how beautiful it looked.

Next, we backtracked to the Basilica and headed down to the Catacombs. Wow. There are so many graves of Popes past and even the remains of Saint Peter (who was famed for his upside down crucifixion) in there. It was strangely fascinating.

The Vatican City was a full day trip. If you want to go, I would suggest checking out the museum first. Skip that queue and hope to beat some of the crowd there. Then pop over to the Basilica. You may have to wait for a bit, but take a friend or a good book and the queue will pass quickly!

With just one day left in Roma, we called it an early night. We ended the day with some pasta and a stroll past the Colosseo. So Italian. Besides, we had to get ready to fight like Gladiators the next day!

Roma- Day Two

It was the first day of 2014 and I was feeling fresh and ready for a new year- what better way to start a year than the place where the great Roman Empire was built. Seems like a good place for new beginnings and great things.

I got up early and went for a stroll past the Colosseo, Arco di Costantino and the Roman Forum. Just sitting there, outside the Forum, I was able to reflect on 2013. A year of endings, beginnings, and the in-between. But I won't bore you with the highlights of my 2013.

Here are some of my favourite photos of the walk:

After a few hours in the apartment reading, writing, and just relaxing...

The boys invited me for a Cappuccino at the Colosseo. It was every bit as fabulous as it sounds. Just us and some caffeine sitting on some ancient stones, watching the tourists go by. Pure. Bliss.

It's odd to remember the history of the Colosseo- the gladiators, death and destruction. Now we visit this place and just relax there.

That is something that has really made me appreciate my travelling even more. I am able to visit these places. I am walking in streets that once saw so much bloodshed and violence. Wars have been fought here- Emperors have roamed. There has been love and loss. I have really been able to focus on the history in my travels. It's important to remember the history of the place- something that is often hard to do when you are surrounded by such beauty. We are so very lucky to live in the world that we do, but we cannot forget the history that got us to this point.

After a beautiful trattoria dinner with Lucia and Pablo, we decided to do Rome by night. We walked past the Colosseo, Vittorio Manuela Monument, down across the river, along the banks of the Tiber, up to the Vatican. It was a brilliant way to explore. Letting the moon guide us, we discovered a different side of Rome.

It was calm, cool, and stunning.

I will never forget the first time that I saw the Vatican. Wow.

The Christmas decor was still up- there weren't very many people around and the atmosphere was calm and reverent. I really felt amazed by the place. It was breathtaking.

It was beautiful and it was perfect.

I even said a little "Thank you" to the big guy upstairs for such an amazing night and prayed that it would be just as amazing in daylight when we made our way back the next day!

Buon anno!

I don't know that I have ever had a hugely wild New Years Eve.

Each year, you can find me one of two places: at my cousin's annual do or at home, eating takeaway with my Mom and Marlene.

While these are both great options, I am sure that you can understand that December 31st isn't usually the most lively of days for me.

December 31st, 2013 was different.

Not only did I spend the day running around Rome, taking in the biggest sites, but I spent the night with some new friends, pasta, 10L of wine, and the Colosseo!

Imagine thousands of people mulling outside the Colosseo, all ready to welcome in the New Year- the atmosphere was just AMAZING. Everyone yelling "Buon anno" to random people on the streets, celebrating together. I don't know that I could ever convey the AMAZINGNESS of the whole night. Instead, here is a collage of my New Year's Eve in Rome.

Buon anno!!

Next year: New York? ;)

Roma- Day One

Rome- the city that oversleeps.

I LOVED the history in Roma. I hated the amount of people.

If I had to choose one word to describe my time in Rome, it would be "whirlwind." We did and saw so much.

Our time in Rome was unforgettable. We had an apartment that was literally steps from the Coliseum. Unbelievable. I woke up to it, daily. THAT is pure bliss.

We saw an unbelievable amount of stuff in Rome. Let's recap the first full day, which was also the last day of 2013:

Spanish Steps

The Spanish Steps (Piazza di Spagna) is the widest staircase in the world. And perhaps the most crowded. The 136 steps were built in 1723-1725 with money from a French Diplomat. At the top of the stairs is the Trinità dei Monti church.

Villa di Medici

The Villa di Medici was founded by Ferdinando I de' Medici, the Grand Duke of Tuscany. Currently, the property belongs to the French and has hosted it the French Academy in Rome since 1803. It just up the Spanish steps and to the left.
We didn't get a chance to go into the building or to explore, but it looked beautiful and had a great view! I can see why so many artists find solace and inspiration there.

Trevi Fountain

Who could visit Rome without seeing the Fontana di Trevi?! The Trevi fountain is one of the most famous fountains in the world. Not only is it grand at 26.3 metres high and 49 metres wide, but it is so beautiful.
The amount of people that were crammed into the area was stifling. I can see how easily someone could be pick pocketed there. I was able to push myself to the front of the crowd and make a wish in the fountain!

The Pantheon

The Pantheon was commissioned by Marcus Agrippa as a temple to ancient Roman gods under the reign of Augustus (27 BC- 14 AD). The temple is known for its large granite columns and the open rotunda. It has been in use since it was built- known as the "St. Mary and the Martyrs" Roman Catholic church since the 7th century.
When we visited, there was a service happening. How amazing is it to think about the amount of people that have worshipped in that church?! Churches never cease to amaze me. So much beauty and history!

Christmas Market

We went for a little walk on our way home and ended up at a little Christmas Market. Perhaps the oddest Christmas Market I have been to, but it was fun. There was food, games, and so many street vendors.

Vittorio Emanuele Monument/ Piazza Venezia

The Piazza Venezia is the central hub for Rome and the busiest traffic area. The Vittorio Emanuelle monument, was built in honor of the first king of a unified Italy and was finished in 1925. It houses the tomb of the unknown soldier.

As you see, day one was full full full. And we came home, made dinner and then we went out for the New Year's celebrations! But, more on that tomorrow!

Ciao bello!

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