Days 78-80 - The End of Rome and One Day in Venice

After crossing The Colosseum (and other sights) off of the list it was time to check out the Vatican.   The Basillica of St. Peter was the first stop and after a brief wait we made our way inside.

As you might expect it was extremely crowded inside so a bit of the church mystique was lost.  A portion of it was closed for a special ceremony but the parts that were open were impressive.  I actually caught a glimpse of the ceremony.

In the back a woman was dressed in funeral attire and was accompanied by two men.  I can only assume that this was part of a funeral and she was the grieving widow of an important person.

With the tour of the church complete the time came to wander about the Vatican Museum.  I did not know much about the museum, only that other travelers had told me it is worth the money.

Room after room was full of paintings and every ceiling was immaculately decorated.  The Louvre is more impressive for its individual paintings but the Vatican Museum takes the cake for the building itself. 

Painted by Van Gogh

The Sistine Chapel is actually part of the Vatican Museum.  There are no pictures allowed in the masterpiece of Michelangelo so use google images if you are curious.

The last day in Rome was a bit more laid-back.  It was relaxing to just walk around the city and see what Rome has to offer.  I found out that Duff Beer (from the Simpsons) is real and made in Germany.

Day 80

Unfortunately the one day spent in Venice was full of rain.  It still looked like a cool city although visiting here appears to be more about the novelty of the canals.

My Hostel

One of the famous canals

As you probably know I only have a week left of my trip.  I am heading to Zurich today and then making my way to London by the 29th.

One last important thing:

FEAR THE BEARD.  2010 NL CHAMPION SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS. 

Al Bello/Getty Images

 The best song ever made.



Scott