We managed to get up early and headed for Vatican City. We were excited about seeing this place and it certainly didn't leave us disappointed. When we arrived, we were a little anxious about the very long line-up (we thought it was for tickets, but it was for security). Luckily it went fast (only 20 minutes). The layout of the Vatican Museum was very efficient and we flowed along, enjoying the art of Raphael, Bernini and, of course, Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel....

We tried to get started early this morning, but last night went late after we ended up visiting with three 19 year olds from Vancouver named Jordan, Stephen and Thomas. The boys reminded Margaret of school and its upcoming start up. Also joining us were two teachers from Gloucester. The Canadians had been mugged on the train while heading to Naples for a day trip earlier that day, so we were drawn into that story! Just crazy. Conversation ranged from everyone's ...

We headed to Rome around noon and made excellent time. That should be a hint of what happened next! Yes, we could not, for the life of us, find the Hotel Lodi, near Piazza Lodi, near Via L'Aquila and Via Gallarte!!! Ahhh!!! We drove around and around for over an hour, asking every Roman we saw. The true Romans spoke no English but knew exactly where we wanted to go, and hand gestured in a million ways possible. The people who spoke English were from other countri...