The Vatican and Colleseum

Part of the ceiling in the Vatican Museum
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Oh boy, a very early start to the day to beat the crowds at the Vatican. We were standing in line by 7:15am and it was a good thing we arrived when we did. Within 10 mins the tour groups were lined up down the street and around the corner. There was one line for individuals and one for groups. For individuals the Vatican Museum opens at 9am, but for tour groups its 8am. If your tour group does not get in the gate by 9am - you have to go to the end of the individual line - which by that time, we are told is a couple of hours wait.

Vatican Square
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We meet our local guide, Francesco - who is very informative. We get in very quickly and are walked through the first part of the museum, gazing in awe at the artwork and tapestries on display. We then move into the Sistine chapel where the guide gives us a detailed explanation of the Last Judgement artwork, and the Genesis story paintings on the ceiling. A 14 year restoration project has only recently finished and we get to see the ceiling in their original vibrant colours. Before this project was complete the ceiling was very dark and it was reported that Michealangeo was a "dark" painter, but this was not the case. The restoration team left a small area in the top corners un-restored so people could see the difference from what it was to what it is now. It was almost like the top singed area of a gas lamp - where it goes all sooty - the colours almost indistinguishable - then transformed/uncovered into the most bright vibrant colours imaginable. Totally amazing. We had a hard time getting out of the Sistine chapel, as by now it was sardine city.

Them some old ruins and fancy churches!!

The Colleseum
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We finally squeezed our way out and moved through to St Peter's basillica - the biggist christian cathederal in the world. This too was an amazing place. I took many, many photos, astonished at the sculpted ceilings and paintings. We then exited into the Vatican square where you see all the people gather when the Pope says mass. Luckily this day we seem to be beating the crowds and there were, comparitively, not that many people around. The tour group was then taken into one of the Vatican shops, where we were shown a mind blowing array of souveniers and rosery beads that could be purchased. We were given about 45 mins free time for our shopping and to pick up something to eat and drink.

The tour group then walked back to the bus and made our way over to the Colleseum. This was a spectacular place to view, and Fransesco who had remained with us was once again very very informative. He showed us pictures of what the colluseum would have looked like originally, and also talked about the different types of gladiators and animals that would have fought there. Finally the group walked up to look at the ruins of the Roman Forum. It was hard to imagine that this place was once a shopping mecca, then was derilict and almost buried and had cows grazing on it, then rediscovered and uncovered again. It was now about 2pm and most of the tour group were looking pretty tired from our early morning start and from standing up or walking since 7am. The bus headed back to the hotel where Joe, Paula and I all decided to take an afternoon kip.

Some of the tour group decided to get together for a final dinner (as the optional one arranged by the tour company had been cancelled due to low numbers). Two of the ladies on the tour found a restaurant and made arrangements for a set menu for dinner for 43 euros each. We thought this a good idea for the last night of the tour so tagged along. The food here was just fantastic with wine, appetisers, pasta, main meal with salad, dessert and then coffee. We rolled back into the hotel about 11pm. Here we found the rest of the tour group who didn't go to dinner sitting having drinks in the bar. We said our goodbyes to the people leaving early in the morning. Joe, Paula and myself were planning on a nice late sleep-in tomorrow - the first one since starting the tour 10 days ago. To wake up after the sun comes up would be a novelty and much appreciated!