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Published: June 25th 2008
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Well, we made it to Rome.. The train ride this time was MUCH easier and more comfortable, and the Rome Termini Station much nicer. Having read up on all the pickpocket activity in Rome, we are on higher guard (back to money belt and safes). We were able to negotiate a cab ride to the hotel for $28 euro (the first guy wanted about $40 and Charlene told him to kiss off). The hotel is very nice, and it is right across the street from the North entrance to the Vatican (I mean RIGHT across the street - see the pic). Weather here is every bit at hot as Florence (over 100 when we got here).
We got checked in, and Rhiannon was flat out beat, so she just wanted to watch TV and veg. Charlene and I wanted to see about getting into Saint Peters Basilica, so we inquired at the front desk and determined it was a short walk away (near the East Entrance to the Vatican), so we started our walk in that direction. The walk was about 30 minutes, and when we arrived at St. Peters square it was bustling with people. We didn't immediately understand
North Entrance to the Vatican
from outside our hotel's front door. how to get inside, and the square is massive. We entered from the walkway on the left (which of course is the wrong way), and were told to go to the right side. When we got to the right side, we realized that the huge line of people (300 yards or more long), which we thought were waiting to get into the Vatican, were actually waiting to get into St. Peters. The line was fully exposed in the late afternoon sun, and we weren't about to die of heat exhaustion to get in there. We decided we would try to enter another time, and headed back toward the hotel (not much else to see around here, and the heat was getting to us).
On the way back to the hotel, we picked up a piece of luggage to replace Charlene's bag that has started to come apart and won't make the trip home intact. She also picked up a nice leather purse.
We got back to the hotel, and Rhiannon was just dying for some American Food. I researched the location of the nearest McDonalds, and determined that it was a little over a 1/2 mile away. I
did a little walking, and while I wasn't able to get her exact order (their menu is different over here), she approved of the McRoyal deluxe.
Charlene and I later ventured out for dinner, and we found a local spot that was just ok. We both agreed that the food in Italy has been very inconsistent. We picked up more food and gelato for Rhiannon on the trip back, and crashed early watching movies in the room.
We slept in a little this morning (we're all pretty tired and ready to go home). We do want to try to see a few sights today, so we hope to get into Saint Peters around noon, and head over to the Collusium this afternoon and do a short walking tour. We've also signed up for a night van tour which stops at 5 key locations and gives us the opportunity to get some nice night pictures too...
OK, off to the see the town now. More pictures tonight.
Ciao...
Doug
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Joan
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I love the pictures of the cathedrals. Considering the age of them, it is amazing that they could have been constructed so well and so massive. It must have been exciting to be so close to the Vatican. I am not Catholic but I respect their beliefs and the Pope. I hope you get into St. Peters before you leave. I also enjoyed the pics of your time in Florence and meeting up with Brandee, Bruce, and Alex. Hope all is going well with them and they are finding their way around as well as you have managed. Love, Joan