20240923 – Vatican: Left here at 8:00 for 8:30 entrance to Vatican and its museum. Even with large numbers of tours, we all moved inside quickly. Alfredo took us in and around any clumps of people. Many times, we were between tour groups in our own space. He led us into and through many of the galleries explaining all the way. We saw things that I have never seen in previous visit two years ago. So, it was not a direct route to the Sistine Chapel. Rather it was a leisurely walk through many galleries, rooms, courtyards, etc. Thus, it was a few hours before we got to the Sistine Chapel.
No hurry in the chapel. Even with large crowd, we found our own space to look and talk. No pictures allowed. Moved to different places in the chapel to see things from different perspectives.
It was Noon before we were done and went into St. Peter’s Basilica. Much of the important stuff inside is shrouded due to renovation for the Jubilee Year starting on 12/24/24. Since I had been here two years ago, I had seen most of this before. But was different not being able to see things we expected to.
After walking and taking images, we all met in St. Peters Square at 1:00. Spent some time there especially around the immigrant sculpture. Then a walk for a few blocks for food and drink. I was dragging by then and glad to have a chance to rest and eat. Took Uber back to hotel.
6:30 we met in lobby and walked downhill to a nice place for supper, Bacco in Trastevere. Good wine and food followed by our first gelato in Rome. Dizzled a bit. Walked back uphill to hotel. Took some final group pictures.
This was a great trip reuniting with friends with whom I have travelled before and gaining new friends as well. It was a good group in all respects.
Now it’s back to the real world!
