Rome

Two weekends ago (sorry for the delay), we headed to Rome for the weekend with Tammy (Ang's co-worker). We got there early on Saturday morning, got checked in to our hotel, then hit the bus to downtown. We were dropped off near the Colesseum and the "ruins" of Rome. We walked through the Circo Massimo, where they used to hold chariot races. We walked through the Palatine and Roman Forum, which are more of the ancient ruins. Then, on to the infamous Colesseum. (side note: don't bring knives here. They are not allowed. Gene had bought a nice one at Christmas and now it belongs to someone else who picked it up from where he had to leave it.) Gene really wanted to be able to run out into the middle and yell "Are you not entertained?" from Gladiator. He just slightly yelled it loud enough for me and Tammy to hear. A storm came through while we were at the Colesseum and were out in the middle in the wide open. It POURED!! We ran for cover and didn't get too wet, but it got really humid (not as bad as IL in August). From here, we walked to the Monument Vittorio Emanuele, where we could go to the top and see the entire city. There were some great panoramic views! Then, we were off to the Trevi Fountain. Gene was really excited to go here. It was a place his dad had visited and threw coins in years ago when he was here during his time in the Army. Gene threw the same amount of coins in that his dad had. This is a gorgeous fountain, but VERY VERY VERY crowded. Then, we walked to the Piazza di Spagna (the Spanish Steps). This is a beautiful plaza that has flower covered steps. Again, VERY VERY VERY crowded. We ended the evening at the Hard Rock Cafe (our usual stop, if there is one in the city)!

The next morning, we decided to head to St. Peter's Square and Basillica. We got there at a perfect time. The bells were ringing and there were not many people in the square. We decided to head into the Basillica. As we are walking in, we realize that mass is getting ready to start. Then, we realize that Pope Benedict is actually saying mass (10 AM). The Basillica is amazingly beautiful! And, on top of it, to be able to hear the Pope say mass (whether you are Catholic or not) in this historic church is just beyond words. We stayed about 30-45 minutes into the mass. We really couldn't see much, as there were no seats left...only standing room at the back. Gene was able to get some great pictures. And, we realized that this mass must have been a celebration or some kind of special mass. It was going to last more than 2 hours, as they were singing all parts of the mass (the Pope sang the gospel) and they were doing the longest mass possible, per the mass book they were going to be doing the Litany of the Saints, and many other parts of the mass that are only for special occasions. So, we decided that we were going to see the Sistine Chapel and then come back to be there for the blessing the Pope would give everyone in St. Peter's Square. We left the church and about 2,000 more people were in the Square. We walked to the Sistine Chapel and then found out it is closed on Sunday's, so we walked back. There was now about 5,000 more people there. Then, we tried to find a fire station for Gene...no luck, so we walked back. There was now about 7,500 more people there. We decided we should just stay put or we would not see the Pope again!! At about 12:20 mass was finished. At about 12:45 the Pope finally came into a window (way up at the top of the building overlooking the square) and gave a blessing and spoke to all people in multiple languages! I think this morning was the highlight of our weekend!! We walked around the Vatican City for a while, then had to make our way back to the hotel and then to the airport to head home.