Roma! and the pygmy beds

---

We returned the rental car back to the rental agency and Carla brought us back to the farm. We had arranged that one of her workers would drive us into Paola so we could take the train back to Rome. I had thought it would be fun to stay at a convent for our last days. It was supposed to be near the Vatican and that was our main focus this time through Rome.
When we arrived at the train station, we were stupid and didn't take a metered taxi to get to the convent. Cost us about 3-4 times what it should have! The convent is run by the Carmelite order and it was quite large. I was worried since it was so far out of the city core, but the fun was only beginning. When we entered our room, there were two of the narrowest, shortest twin beds I have ever seen. There was an attached bathroom, but I know that I had said that this was for my husband and myself when I had made the reservation. I went back down to the desk and said that there had been a small mistake with the room--that we needed what is called in Italy, the "matrimonial" bed (a double bed). I was told there were no beds like that in the entire convent.....and it was too late in the day to find another place to stay. Ted had come down with a cold 3 days before and I could feel my tonsils swelling and my throat was sore. Not a good way to start off the trip.....
We went back downstairs to see if we needed a taxi to get to the Vatican....oh, no very easy. There's a bus stop around the corner and it will take you within walking distance of the Vatican. Yep. About 6 long blocks. Didn't tell us which way to turn, nothing. Good thing there were tons of tourists, we just tagged along and walked to St. Peter's square. The pictures do not do it justice. It was simply amazing! We went into the Basilca and walked for about 2 hours, just looking at all the side altars and statuary. The tourists notwithstanding, this is still a church and they had a closed off room just for people wanting to pray. So we popped in for a quick prayer and back out again....
We were so tired and sick that we slept 12 hours in our little pygmy beds. My pillow was so flat that I folded it in half and it stayed that way!
The next day we toured the Vatican, beginning with the picture gallery. This contains fabulous art from the earliest of times, including Raphael, da Vinci, Rodin and others. It took us over 2 hours and we could still be there....
Then it was on to the Sistine Chapel. Nothing can prepare you for what you see. Even seeing photos of the ceiling can't do it--stunning that someone planned out so much space with so much thought and care--and skill. We had rented audioguides that told us of each painting, beginning in the picture gallery all the way through the Sistine chapel and it was full of details that we wouldn't have known about. The tour guides charge you a hefty price and then you can't move at your own pace and you're paying much more than 7E/headset!
Finally on our last day, we went to the Castle near Piazza Navona. Absolutely stunning! And from the top of the castle, you can see the Rome skyline--nothing but domes as far as the eye can see! The Piazza Navona has a church there whose facade was made by Barolini and a fountain made by Bernini--both sights we almost missed and that would've been a real mistake. After another nice lunch and wine, we went shopping for last minute gifts. We found shirts that fit Ted with far more selection than he can find over here. And on sale! But of course, then we had to get the proper ties to go with, and if we only bought one more, then we qualify for the VAT refund....so Tony and Ted lucked out!
Next, we leave for London......

---