No shoes, no shirt (with sleeves), big problems....

Josh:  Well, its not everyday that you see the Pope, and today wasnt that day either.  ha.  (Hope i had you going...) Today was a trip to the Vatican City.  Vatican museum, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peters Basillica highlighted the trip.   No shoes, uncovered shoulders or knees, and you dont get in to see Saint Peters Basicalla.  Who does this guy think he is?  Oh yes, the leader of the Catholic church, and the man closest to God.... i guess we will abide by his rules.  

Needless to say Amy noted several women buying scarves from the vendors and making makeshift dresses and coverings for their shoulders... she got a good chuckle looking at these women on the inside as they tried to hold everything together.   No need to worry, we were prepared, and no scarfs were purchased.   (We did have a conversation about what street vendor you would be in Europe and Amy said that would be her choice.  I choose guy selling tours... more about that in a bit.)

St. Peters is absolutely HUGE and decorated beyond belief... no wonder that Luther fella had such big problems with the Church.  Pictures to be seen later... or wikipedia if you cant wait.

The day actually started with a trip to the Vatican museum which contians all the art and sculptures the church had acquired for the Popes.  (Egypt, Sumera, Greece, Roman, Sistine Chapel... list goe on.)  Clearly the lines were stretching for at least half a mile to get in.  Once again we got to cut the lines with the reservation tickets i set up.  I must say that it feels incrediable finally being able to cut the people here in Europe.   Amy and I quickly realized that Europeans and tourist in Europe have no quams about cutting people.  Want to get in on the next video or ride the next bus?  At the end of the line? No worries, just wonder towards the front and push your way in through the side, elementary style.  haha  (Side story: i was standing at the hotel lobby desk, key in hand, waiting to ask a question and turn in my key while someone else finished up.   I proceeded to get cut by not one, not two, but three different Italian men coming in for the day.   I was in total disbelief that it just happened and Amy the same.)   So we go by the old saying, "When in Rome...", in dealing with museums.  ("Tour guides" actually sell tickets to cut the line... there is even money being made off this habit.  Which would be my street vendor job becase clearly there is a lot of money to be made.)

On to serious stuff... Amy said the highlight of the day was the sistine chapel.   You truely cant believe he painted close to a football field sized church ceiling with such great art.   Visiting the Pantheon was also a cool specticle as it is the only Roman building that wasnt pillaged for its marble after the fall of Rome.  Closest look to what the buildings actually looked like in Roman time... no imagnation needed.  

Well thats it for me... more Roman Ruins tomorrow as we visit the old port city of Rome.

P.S. I apologize for the poor spelling and grammer... european keyboard with european spell check doesnt help much. ha.