Okay, so I had to check the blog to figure out what I last wrote on. Rome was a great city to visit. The history is at the centre of the city and is right around you. The campground we stayed at is a little outside of the city, but there is a shuttle bus that bring the campers to the furthest most stop of the Rome train system connects to the subway line. For a pass that last three days and can be used for all trains only costs €11/person. We definitely made good use of the pass. The first day we went to the Vatican. The Museum there was spectacular. The tourist guide we bought suggested to go straight to the Sistine Chapel because if one follows the path of the Museum and send the appropriate amount of time marveling at the other masterpieces then all converge at the Sistine Chapel at the same time and there are often times when you must wait in line enter the room. So we knocked over people as we tore through the Museum and went directly to the Sistine Chapel. (TIP: we bought the personal audio guide (PAG) where you can listen to the history of the works at your own pace. The PAG at the Vatican is well worth the €6 it cost. The PAG at some museums are not as good but the one at the Vatican gets full marks.) The Sistine Chapel is remarkable and definitely lived up to the hype and perhaps exceeded it. The room itself is not that big but the art which surrounds you leaves one speechless.
It is surprising how many standard pieces of art are contained in the that room. One of the most striking things to me was the immense theological message that went into each piece. These were not just painting but we arguing for a way of understanding the Scriptures. (Another interesting feature of the PAG was that they gave what one may consider as an “altar call” at particular points in the tour.) Leona found the history of the rooms profound. One of the rooms we were in, which has the famous painting of Aristotle and Plato debating philosophy, is where the Pope would sign important documents. I could write much more about the Vatican, but I must press on.After the Vatican we went to St Peter’s Basilica. Another remarkable building.
There is dress code for entering the Basilica and it is strictly enforced. We think is partly to keep venders at the end of the street who sell scarves making money as many women need to run back and one to cover either there thighs or shoulders. The Basilica also had remarkable artwork and of course the bones of St. Peter. We were able to walk right pass where the inscription was found. Only held back by several layer of glass.Next: Old Rome
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