Woke up to a dreary day in Rome and decided we would go to the Pantheon and the Vatican which should have filled in the day. We negotiated our way to the Pantheon for a start which wasn't so difficult. As a must see or must do in Rome there really isn't a lot to see. The crowd was fairly thin here and no trouble getting in and having a look around. It's in pretty good condition and has an unusual shape. From there we went to the Vatican and had lunch in a restaurant before doing the tour of the Vatican. The waiter was very suave and attentive. Walked into St Peters Square and the crowd was milling around along with a plethora of pigeons. We were besieged with offers of tours from itinerants but as we had time decided to wait in line. Took twenty minutes to get access to the Basilica and then had to go through security. The square didn't look so big from a distance but is really quite large. Had a thorough search for the chimney but alas couldn't see it. They must have a portable as it doesnt get used much. The square would be about 400 mts across and 300 mts deep but that a guess. The Basilica was impressive but for some reason I thought it would be bigger. Might have seen to many pictures depicting it that way. You could have a chat to a priest if you liked not sure if it cost or not but I thought he mightn't know much about Buddy Franklin so I gave it a miss. There was a line up though I must say.
Walked around the corner and stood in line for a look through the Vatican museum and the Sistine Chapel. Took about twenty minutes to get through for some sightseeing. Sightseeing more like a career!! Very similar to the Louvre in that paintings were endless and corridors everywhere. We went up then down and up again in this endless search for the Chapel. It went on and on and by the time we got there I was nearly over it. Inside the chapel was darker than anywhere is we had been and photos were banned although I and others managed to take a few. While it was impressive it was good to get out even though it took about another ten minutes to actually exit. Walked back to the apartment and sat down for awhile.
Going to Colosseo and Circo Massino tomorrow then off to the Cinque Terra. Anything you buy around here seems negotiable and you can get some good deals - might try it on clothes tomorrow.

Another thing to remember if going to the Vatican - no shorts and for women must have a dress below the knees and legs covered. Interestingly one mother had a dress on about three inches above the knee and was stopped!