It's everything I thought it would be....and more!

Well, we finally made it! I am glad to be on the ground and not sitting in an airplane. Our trip went smooth, all flights were on time and believe it or not, our baggage wasn't lost (as the flight attendant on the Paris-Rome leg told us it would be). Some things were a bit confusing...like when we had to go through customs in Paris...but when we got to Italy...they just let us in with no customs check. I guess it's because they are all part of the European Union or something..it was enough to make me freak out all night long until one of Jen's classmates assured us it was normal. Anyway, we found the train and took it to Roma Termini and from there we got screwed by a taxi driver (but being ignorant Americans we were too stupid to realize it)! So, what should have cost us $7 Euro's ended up costing us $35 - good thing the wine is cheaper here! We got in a short nap after being up for 26 hours and then met the group for dinner...on the menu: Course One: Ravioli with artichoke and mozarella, Course Two: chicken breast with potatoes, Course 3: Fruit. Oh yah...and a large bottle of white wine that Jen and I had no problem finishing off. After dinner we took a short walk and called it a night.

Today, we met the group for breakfast and then we jumped on the No. 19 train to the Vatican. It was so busy...but we got through everything. Let me first say the halls of the Vatican are amazing...paintings and sculptures everywhere. Once we made it through that, we visited the Sistine Chapel...it was unbelievable...words and photos can't do it justice. After that, we made it to St. Peters and just stood inside in awe. I have never been, and will probably never be again, in such a place. (I did tell Jen I want to come back for Christmas mass there but I am guessing that won't happen). Outside in St. Peters square they had all the chairs set up for mass tomorrow morning. The square is full of statues, water fountains, birds and people. After that, the group split up. Some came back to the hotel to nap and Jen, Lauren, Jason and I stayed for more. We toured the catacombs in the basement of the basilica...saw all the tombs of past popes. Pope John Paul's tomb had a ton of visitors, one lady even came in and dropped to her knees and started crying. A variety of emotions for a variety of people......

After that, we walked through some of the markets around the Vatican and then jumped back on the No. 19 for a short nap. Tonight we are heading for dinner down by Trevi Fountain and the Spanish steps......this place is more amazing then I thought it would be! We are having a great time!!

So, to sum it up, here is today's lesson learned: drink lots of wine so you are dehydrated....toilets are very hard to come by.

Until next time....ciao!