European Adventure Part X: Day 8

Vatican Day! It’s also the last day in Rome…

RISE AND SHINE

This trip seems to have a lot of early mornings…usually it really affects me, but I think because I’m watching my diet even while on vacation and working really hard to get good sleep, it’s not bothering me the way it usually does.

Anyway, I was up at 6:00am so that we could get to Vatican City for the early tour. One of my friends booked this and I didn’t really understand the benefits of going early until later in the morning. If you’re going to Rome and want to go to Vatican City - the early ticket, before the rest of the museum opens with the “American” breakfast is worth every single penny, and getting up early. Vatican City was the third new country I’d been to on the trip!

We were the second tour out the door, and this tour was way better than the walking tour of Rome. It was about 20 people, and the museum was basically empty. Every now and then, we’d catch up to a tour, or a tour would catch up to us, but that was maybe another 20 person group.

We got to go through all of the museum galleries, and then the Sistine Chapel. Unfortunately, they strictly forbid photos in the Chapel, or else I’d have been all over that. The tour included an American breakfast. That’s literally what it’s called. It was greasy bacon, runny eggs, pancakes, and lots of pastries. I don’t know why I feel like they call it “American” to set people’s expectations in the right place. I wouldn’t do the tour for the breakfast, but it was nice to have something to eat after getting up so early and spending about 2 hours on the tour. The breakfast was only open for the early tour groups, so we weren’t fighting for a seat.

ABSOLUTELY CHAOS & HUMANITY

After breakfast, we decided to St. Peter’s Basilica. In order to do that, you to travel down the same path as we’d taken for the tour. Except, the museum was open to the public, and it seemed like every tourist in Rome was now in Vatican City. The crowds were so dense, I got anxious and put my mask on. I’m just still not used to being in massive crowds like that. You almost couldn’t move, and if there had been some kind of emergency, it would have been terrible. I don’t understand how that many people are allowed inside. I will say that, that there’s a courtyard where we had breakfast, and there were people roaming around that until there was a light rain shower and EVERYONE came inside.

However, my friends and I pushed through, and around tourist groups to move through the museum. I don’t even understand how people were able to see anything. You couldn’t seen any of the sculptures unless they were very high, and even the paintings on the walls were hard to see fully. You couldn’t stop to stare that the ceiling, and the ceilings are some of the most interesting spots in the museum, in my opinion.

It was worth it to get to St. Peter’s Basilica, though. It’s so beautiful inside. I couldn’t stop taking pictures. St. Peter’s Square is also pretty cool. The sky had those big fluffy clouds that I love.

LUNCH & TEA

We were all kind of wiped out after that whole experience, and ate a restaurant close to Vatican City, but out of the chaos. I got pizza! My first pizza in Italy. It was Roman pizza, so it was a rectangular. It was pretty tasty.

After lunch, we went our separate ways until dinner. For me, this mean roaming around and doing some light shopping. I did stumble across this adorable tea shop, and had to go in to pick up a new black tea. It smelled spicy and delicious. I can’t wait to try it when I get home. I also got this super cute tote bag. Tote bags seem to be a big theme this year.

A LAST DINNER

After shopping, I went back to the flat to throw open the windows and enjoy a last afternoon with the terrace. Rome has Indian Ringnecks, parrots that do not usually live in Europe. My neighborhood in particular has a bunch of them that love the palm trees. I was listening to them be rowdy, (reminded me of my own two parrots at home) and then someone was playing a piano. It almost felt like the beginning of Rear Window. It was so peaceful, and I’m glad that I took the time to soak in that last afternoon.

I was soon making my way to aperitvo and dinner. My friends chose a traditional Roman restaurant for our last night and it was so tasty.  I got my first pasta (ricotta and spinach tortellini), and oh man, was it delicious. We also shared grilled lamb and chicken which were both also so good. We took the moment to appreciate what an awesome week we’d had together, with all of our adventures. With one last gelato together, we had our hugs and headed back to our flats.

A FINAL WALK THROUGH ROME

I decided to walk through Travestere back to my flat. I love last walks back to the flat/hotel the evening before I leave. My last walk in Lisbon was equally delightful. By this point, I’m familiar enough with the neighborhood that I’m not glued to my phone making sure I’m going the right direction, instead I’m able to look up and soak in the city one last time.

Travestere was alive, with people spilling out of restaurants and cafes. There was live music. I had really enjoyed my time in Rome. To say it’s a city with history doesn’t quiet capture the idea. Honestly, what I think I loved most about the city was my flat. What an oasis. I could go and wander around, and then come back to that peaceful and beautiful space. I also love the views and vistas of the city. I definitely want to explore more of Italy, what a neat place.

UP NEXT: L.O.N.D.O.N. I’m headed to a few favorite spots to do some shopping, and then I’m going to see a show!