Rome - Day #1 - Vatican City - St. Peters Basilica, Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel

Our first day, there was a forecast for rain, which didn't end up happening, so we decided to start out our trip at Vatican City, since we'd be inside most of the time.  It was so exciting just getting out into the city and seeing new sites.  We quickly realized that Rome is a very popular tourist destination, even during the "off" season.  I can't even imagine what it would be like during the "on" season.  It was exciting going to the Vatican.  I can't say I know a lot about the Catholic Church, but there is no denying that it is an important world site.  It was awesome seeing St. Peters Basilica, which is beautiful and majestic.  The Vatican museums were overwhelming with the amount of important artwork displayed.  I believe there are over 50 different galleries before you reach the pinnacle of the trip, the Sistine Chapel.  We were most excited to get there, especially the kids since we had talked about it beforehand.  I have to admit, that the Sistine Chapel was one of the most amazing things I've ever seen.  There are many churches with painted ceilings that I've seen, but this was just something different.  I get chills just thinking about it.  It was one of those experiences I'll never forget, just standing there, trying to take it all in.  It was beautiful.  Unfortunately, the constant yelling of the security guards telling people to be quiet and to not take pictures was kind of detracting.  And come on people, there are signs everywhere to not take pictures and they remind you about ever 10 seconds.  It was annoying how many people were ignoring those simple rules.  I can't imagine they would get a very good picture anyway.  Ok, that's the end of my complaint.  But, it was amazing!  Obviously, no pictures, but I couldn't keep my eyes off this image.  So beautiful!  Loved it!

It was a great first day.  We got our first taste of the crowded Metro, pushy street vendors, and amazing sites.  We finished off the day with a nice rest at the apartment and mediocre Italian pasta.  Great day!

 

St Peters Basilica - The lines getting in through security were very long, but went very quickly.  

 There are 3 deceased Popes on display in St. Peters Basilica.  A little weird.  But interesting.

 The Pieta by Michelangelo.

 Bronze Statue of St. Peter.

 The Vatican Museums

 All the kids brought along sketchbooks to draw things they saw during our trip.  See the resemblance to the above?

 Mosaic Flooring

 

The Belvedere Torso is a very highly admired art piece.  Michelangelo was once asked to complete the fragment, but he declined, claiming it was too beautiful.

 

Awesome Staircase at the end of the Vatican Museum.  Designed after the Bramante staircase that is alwa

A Little Tired after a Lot of Walking!

This was the elevator in our apartment.  About 1.5 feet in width, we were barely able to fit all of us in it.  Usually just 3 of us would ride in there and the other would walk to the 5th floor.  It was a pretty scary little elevator.