 |
| Ostia Antica ruins |
Today we are getting ready to return home and as usual it is hard to believe our trip is over. All good things must end!!
After Pompeii we spent Saturday sleeping in and then after getting organized we headed into Rome with Ann to do some last minute shopping. Well let me clarify that Betty and Kaelyn went to do some shopping and I walked around and watched them spend money ( much like I did in Venice). On Sunday Ann took us to Ostia which is a short 10 minute drive from here to the ruins of Ancient Ostia. It is much like Pompeii as far as size goes but is not as famous so the tourists are not as plentiful. Pompeii was wiped out by a Volcano and Ostia they think was abandoned due to Malaria. Not quite as exciting. In any event Ostia is well worth the visit as you can see as much there as in Pompeii and we had the bonus of having our own tour guide as Ann used to do tours there a few years ago and still had all her notes etc so we saw some stuff that wasn't on the tour. Also due to it being really close to Ann's we didn't have to drive for 2 1/2 hours one way to get to Pompeii.....................
 |
| Rome from the Dome |
Yesterday we went to the Vatican for our final sight seeing and visited the Vatican Museum and St Peter's Basilica and then climbed up to the top of the dome. 522 steps.
The museum is really something to see. The artifacts and statues in there are definitely worth seeing. It is really hard to fathom the wealth of the Catholic Church when you see the magnitude of the collections assembled here. I'm sure as well that there is far more riches hidden in the Vatican then the public even know exist. In some ways it is sad how opulently the Pope lives while there is so many people starving in the world. Wow that was profound don't you think!! The Sistine Chapel was also a big draw. You go into it after you go through the bulk of the museum. It is impressive but I found that other parts of the museum are more inspiring. It is definitely a must see if you ever come to Rome. I would suggest that you get advance tickets on line like we did as the line up was almost 2 KM long. That's right! More people then you can count. I figured that on any given day conservatively there are at least 50,000 people going through the museum. We walked right in with our reservations and away we went. Sweet!!!!
 |
| Inside St Peter's |
St Peters Basilica is the largest church in Rome. I have seen several impressive Cathedrals over the years but nothing like this! I can't even describe the detail and opulence when you enter. I've never seen anything like it. Again a must see. The line to get in was also long but we got through security in about 10 minutes. The church is free but if you want to go into the dome it is 7E P/P. That line we had to wait for about 45 minutes but well worth it as the views from the dome are breath taking. Another must while here. Give yourself a day for the Vatican as you will want to spend the time to see most of it. Make sure you wear clothes that cover the shoulders and knees or they won't let you into the church, the museum is no problem but the church no. Oh also if you get into St Peter's don't lay on the floor to take a picture of the ceiling as you will be unceremoniously ushered out. Happened to a tourist yesterday FYI wasn't me, Betty or Kaelyn.
 |
| Front of St Peter"s |
|
|
|
|
|
This has been a terrific experience and I would definitely come back to visit again. Knowing more about Italy now we already have some ideas for a future visit. Now the long flight home with a stop in Amsterdam, Montreal, and then Calgary and a drive home. Kept in touch with Kyle via skype and he managed to survive without his Mommy and is enjoying some time right now in Vancouver with his girl friends family. Till next trip................................................
No comments:
Post a Comment