First Day in Rome


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November 3rd 2008
Published: November 3rd 2008
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Bus Ride to VaticanBus Ride to VaticanBus Ride to Vatican

Rested and ready for a day of touring.
What a difference a good night's sleep can make!
Linda and I rose to a warm and sunny Roman day ready for a great adventure. The hotel was nice and quiet and the morning breakfast was very nice.

Our modern bus arrived right on time along with Mauro our guide. By 9:00 A.m. we were onboard for a trip through downtown Rome at rush hour. Talk about a lot of smart cars and motorbikes, the bus seemed like an elephant surrounded by fleas. Passing by many antiquities we learned that of the many church's in Rome 35 are all dedicated to the Virgin Mary.

The line of folks waiting to get into the museum was enormous but Mauro already had our tickets to go in so we bypassed the throngs and went directly into the Vatican Museum. We had portable listening systems so we could hear Mauro's narrative even in he midst of the crowds in the museum. The art was dazzling and amazing and the history and legends were enthralling. The was the third time we'd seen the Sistine Chapel and Michelangelo's greatest work, and it was just as impressive as one of the greatest masterworks in history
Vittoriano Side ViewVittoriano Side ViewVittoriano Side View

The sites are amazing from the bus.
can be.

At the end of the morning tour of the Vatican museum, 14 of our group went on a special "Underground Tour" of the necropolis underneath St. Peter's Basilica. Our tour was led by a young seminarian student student from England who was here in Italy in his fiifth year of studying to be a priest. Liem was very knowledgable of the history of the early Christian church in Rome and for more than 90 minutes we learned about the history of early Christianity and how Peter was crucified upside down during Nero's persecution of the Christians. We actually went far beneath the current St. Peter's Basilica to see the necropolis from pre-Christian times and where Constantine build the first memorial to St Peter's remains. Everyone was fascinated by the stories about whether or not the bones taht were found were actually those of St. Peter. We do know for sure whether St. Peter's bones were the one's found in 1968 but for sure there were the bones of a mouse found with the human bones. This special tour was set up 10 months ago via the internet and worked like a charm. I even got to speak
Vittoriano Front ViewVittoriano Front ViewVittoriano Front View

They call this the wedding cake. You can see why.
with one of the colorful Swiss Guards to get our group onto the tour.

Stopping for a gelati outside of St. Peter's Plaza, about 10 of us decided to test Rome's Metro subway, and we rode from the Vatican back to the area close to our hotel known as the Vittoria Emmanuel station. While crowded it only cost 1 Euro per person and was a good deal for a speedy return to our hotel.

Tonight all 28 have arrived in Rome with the last two making it today. We are going out to a local Pizza and Pasta joint for dinner.
Tomorrow we head to Civitivecchia to board the Pacific Princess for our cruise. Check out some of the great pictures.




Additional photos below
Photos: 31, Displayed: 24


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Ruins amongst the modernRuins amongst the modern
Ruins amongst the modern

Every place you look you can see remnants of the past.
Bridge to Vatican AreaBridge to Vatican Area
Bridge to Vatican Area

Angels guard the crossing of the River Tiber
Vatican Welcome CenterVatican Welcome Center
Vatican Welcome Center

First stop gift shops and toillettes. Important things first
Guy TalkGuy Talk
Guy Talk

Guess what they are discussing? The great theology of who's worse this year Huskies or Coug's. No decision yet.
Almost time to start the tourAlmost time to start the tour
Almost time to start the tour

Doug's got a story to tell.
Mauro's TalkMauro's Talk
Mauro's Talk

Everyone intently listens to Mauro tell us about the Cistine Chapel.
Taking pictures accross the courtyardTaking pictures accross the courtyard
Taking pictures accross the courtyard

There will be many versions of the previous pictures. Cameras were clicking like mad.
Across the CourtyardAcross the Courtyard
Across the Courtyard

Beautiful view across the inner courtyard to St. Peter's Basilica. It is a gorgeous day.
Famous Pine ConeFamous Pine Cone
Famous Pine Cone

Everyone is enjoying the sun. But it is time to get moving.
Entry to one wing of museum.Entry to one wing of museum.
Entry to one wing of museum.

This is one of many flights of steps. This tour was 10,300 steps on Linda's pedometer.
Courtyard of Marble StatuesCourtyard of Marble Statues
Courtyard of Marble Statues

Mauro explains the origin of the many marble statues in this courtyard. How does he keep all that information in his head?
Mauro's talksMauro's talks
Mauro's talks

Mauro is good and we are attentive.
Beauty everywhereBeauty everywhere
Beauty everywhere

We can't stop taking pictures
Whoops!Whoops!
Whoops!

We didn't break it. I assure you. According to Mauro, Rodin was inspired by this sculpt to do the Thinker. Guess he just had to fix it.
Marble SarcophagusMarble Sarcophagus
Marble Sarcophagus

Carved in 500 AD. Dr. Vath is taking a good look at the workmanship. He's impressed.
Port of RomePort of Rome
Port of Rome

Rich is looking forward to the cruise. Here's ancient map of the port we leave from tomorrow.
Beautiful LibraryBeautiful Library
Beautiful Library

No Ikea shelves. Vatican libray has wardrobes colorfully painted to house their books and records.
Looking UpLooking Up
Looking Up

All are geting stiff necks looking up. The art on the ceiling is amazing indeed.


4th November 2008

Memories
I remember being awed by the juxtaposition of the modern and the ancient in Rome. It is amazing to stand there next to a stop light, watching buses, cars, motorcycles and looking at the ruins of the Colosseum.

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