"If no one ever took risks, Michelangelo would have painted the Sistine floor."--Neil Simon
Day 5
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Rome and the Vatican |
After a great breakfast in our hotel's rooftop restaurant, which actually has a view of the Vatican, we gathered outside, met up with our amazing expert guide, Paulo, and headed across the street and into the madness that is the Vatican Museum. Paulo was not just an expert on the art and architecture. He was invaluable in navigating our way through the maze of ticket lines, security, endless escalators, and narrow passage ways. The Vatican Museum's mosh pit eventually dumped us outside in a pretty plaza where we gathered to hear Paulo's explanation of what we will be seeing inside. Because there was no talking allowed in the Sistine Chapel, Paulo, went into great detail explaining the history and significance of Michelangelo's artwork. We then went back inside to experience one of the greatest art collections in the world.
Did you know? The combined length of the galleries at the Vatican museum is over 9 miles long. It is said that if you spent only 1 minute admiring each painting or sculpture it would take you 4 years to complete the circuit.
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The Vatican Museum
"Trifles make perfection, and perfection is no trifle."--Michelangelo
St. Peter's Basilica

Along the Way:
Guess who David saw in the Sistine Chapel of all places? Jeremy Ronenick, retired Chicago Blackhawks All-star hockey player. While I was looking up at Michelangelo's masterpiece, David was staring at Jeremy. This was undoubtedly one of David's "Wow" moments.
Guess who David saw in the Sistine Chapel of all places? Jeremy Ronenick, retired Chicago Blackhawks All-star hockey player. While I was looking up at Michelangelo's masterpiece, David was staring at Jeremy. This was undoubtedly one of David's "Wow" moments.
On our own in Rome
Castel Sant'Angelo and the Tiber River
In Hindsight: I wish I had worked a little harder at overcoming my claustrophobia and climbed to the top of the dome of St. Peter's. Ironically I have no fear of heights, just the narrow closed in passageway through the dome.