Vatican and Villa Borghese

For those of you that know me, you know that I am not a religious person. At least I do not prescribe to organized religion. However, I must admit the experience at the Vatican today was amazing in all aspects of the word. Out of respect for the arts alone, the Vatican was worth every second spent roaming the halls. We climbed the dome of St. Peter's Basilica, and although the view was obscured by smog, just knowing that Michelangelo designed the dome was enough to make anyone want to see. The picture with this post is taken from the top of the dome.

Now, I know many of you may have already been to the Vatican....but for a first timer I have to just spill how much I enjoyed the tour. I would recommend taking either a private or semi-private tour if you are planning on coming to Rome. We skipped all of the lines, went straight in, and had a guide educated in Christian Science. Tim, gave us more information than we could absorb, but tied in all of the great stories we have all heard (i.e., the "fig" leaf Pope, etc.). As we walked through the Vatican we walked on the floors from the Roman baths we visited just a couple days ago. No matter one's religious preference and thoughts about the way in which the Vatican Museum acquired art....there is one thing that remains true....the Catholic church has provided the means to securing and preserving great art.

I could go on and on about, but let me say...Raphael's rooms and of course the Sistine Chapel were the crème de la crème of the visit. All I kept thinking about was reading about these great works of art and artist in school. Now Steven and I were able to experience them together.

Okay....I will stop now. Ouch, one more thing Villa Borghese is a must see. The Bernini sculptures were beyond belief.

So guess what we had for dinner tonight....wait.....wait for it....you know the answer....come on you got it....SPAGHETTI.....We loved it again.

Story of the day: So Steven and I went out last night for a night cap and to have a couple of drinks. We just wanted to see the local life. So after a couple of drinks we headed to the hotel. It was rather late at night, but as we approached our hotel...which is on one of the "nicest" streets of Rome...we were asked by an older guy if he could show us the "local life" and i quote "show us the women." He kept saying "show you the women, show you the women." Steven and I simply looked at each other, feeling butch that obviously this guy could not tell the obvious.....When we walked in the hotel, I looked at Steven and stated "he can show us the women, but all we know how to do is dress them up and make them pretty." Pfffftt...then we did not feel so butch.

I mean just two days ago Steven and I were walking down the streets of Rome and I hear "oh my god honey." Of course, I jumped and turned to Steven because he said it very loud and I thought he was hurt, or someone was trying to steal his manpurse. Come to find out, he spotted a women wearing a white dress that she did not put a slip under....he was taken back that he could see all of her glory. Like I said, we can tell them how to dress.

Now I know some of you are laughing at this one...

We are off to Florence tomorrow. Pictures taken so far 850+. I know, I know....if I see a pile of dirt I am taking pictures thinking Ceasar walked on that dirt.