Day 15

        After getting a great amount of sleep, we woke up to find a large assortment of pastries, bread, yogurt and fruit for breakfast at the hotel. I can’t say that this was the best breakfast I have had in Italy, but I sure ate like it was. I am pretty sure my goal was to eat at least two of everything they had and I know I succeeded. Its something about the food being “free” that make me eat more, I guess. In the later morning, we had a reservation to tour the Vatican City. I had absolutely no idea what to expect here. Basically, all I knew of the Vatican City, is that the Pope lives there. Before entering the city, our tour guide informed us that on average 20,000 people visit the Vatican City daily. That blew my mind away! However, based on how long the line was, I guess I could have predicted that. Walking into the entrance, I personally have no connection to the Vatican and did not have too much of an interest in visiting it. After walking through the Vatican after I while, it is hard not to be amazed at all of the architecture and artwork put into this city. Just from an outsider’s perspective, I thought it was beautiful. I had never seen anything like it before. Every painting was painted with such precise detail and care. It seemed as if there were no flaws throughout it all. In the Sistin Chapel, it was incredible to think that Michael Angelo had painted something that stood right before my eyes. I feel like that is something you just hear about in the history books and is just a story from the past. In addition, St. Peter’s Cathedral was very impressive. I believe it is the biggest church in the world and it definitely shows. It was amazing that the entire church was built by hand; no machines or anything of that kind was used. Then it was out to sit in St. Peter’s square, while we waited for the rest of the group to gather. I have to admit, it was pretty cool standing right in the square and looking at the balcony of St. Peter’s church where you always see the Pope come to stand, on the news during big occasions!

        Unfortunately, today ended a lot like yesterday, with a nap after touring, then diner and then back to bed. Today I think I started to develop a cold so I really just wanted to rest. Me and the roommates that I stayed with in Rome, all went to a random restaurant, which was actually really good. I honestly, do not think that there is a bad restaurant in all of Italy.

St. Peter's Square