Our second day in Rome has been a gigantic one! Full from start to finish, we have spent time in ancient places today and walked where giants of our history once Roamed....get it? Romed!
We visited the Vatican City for Sunday Mass which we watched in St. Peter's square. Though we missed entry into the Basilica for the service we could easily watch and hear from the many screens and speakers. The Pope himself was overseeing the service and thousands gathered in the city to get a glimpse. Papa Francis appeared at noon in a window of the apartments and gave a blessing and a wave. We then were able to access the Basilica and see the glory of it all. It is a massive church and full of incredible details of gold mosaics, ornate fixtures and luxurious pulpits. No expense spared! We wandered into the grotto where the tombs of former popes lay, and especially excited to see the tomb of St. Peter himself. We will return to the Sistine Chapel and Vatican museums at the end of the trip.
We zipped over to the Colosseum for a crowded and hot visit to the ancient landmark. Combined with a wander thru the forum, the old columns are rising above us and worn marble points to the centuries behind us. To ease the tired feet and quench our tastebuds we enjoyed a triple flavour gelato cone...The best part!
We have eaten well with the amazing options available and are enjoying the culture of food, wine and relaxing. We had an incredible dinner to end this day in the winding cobblestone streets of Trastevere with fried artichokes, risotto
And ravioli. We venture off to Tuscany tomorrow where I am sure we will eat our way thru the whole countryside!