Rome 101

We began our three days in Rome on a hop on hop off bus tour. I figured this would give us a lay of the land and the kids could grasp what this city is about. We rode around on top of the bus, with views of the Colosseum and the Forum, the Capotoline Hill, both grand and quaint piazzas, fountains and statues. We hopped off at the Vatican and spent the rest of our day in this tiny city state that is so full of grander and wonder. It turned out that this was the perfect first day experience. We had watched a History Channel documentary about this small county, so the kids knew to look for the Swiss guards, they remembered that hundreds of thousands fill St. Peter's Square and wait for the white smoke to puff out of a small chimney, indicating that a new pope has been chosen, they were aware that the apostle Peter had been crucified in the spot of the obelisk and was buried under the palpal alter which is covered by Bernini's Baroque Canopy and they couldn't wait to see the Sistine Chapel, where the pope is chosen and where Michelangelo spent only four years painting, but that resulted in his beard growing upside down because he was on his back for so long!

The highlight of our day was climbing the 500 plus steps up the dome on St Peter's Basilica. Being the largest church in Christendom added to the thrill. Once on top, we were able to see a panoramic view of the city. We loved the red tiled roof tops that surrounded so many impressive sites. We all agreed that the view was well worth the climb.

With tired feet and sleepy eyes, we left the Vatican in search of warm pasta and the closest metro station to take us back to our apartment.