Holy water and a pope coin....what a great way to end the day! Mark and I had a plan for the day today. We were going to be up and out early, come back at the hottest part of the day, take a nap and then head out again. The plan was pretty good. I think it was much better than yesterday although Mark is lying on the bed moaning. He thinks I am out to get him. I am not!
So, we found out more about today's holiday. It is St. Peter and St. Paul's Day. It is Rome's day to celebrate Rome. All of the big sights were closed, but there was still a lot to go and see. We hit the Trevi fountain today. While we were walking there it looked like things were going to be quiet. What were we thinking? Every other tourist in Rome had the same idea. Haha. We got there and there was soooooo many people. It was just a sight to see all the people there taking pictures of each other throwing coins into the fountain. I may be a tourist, but I am not that touristy. We headed to the Spanish Steps once we had experienced the fountain. Now, let me tell you about the Spanish steps. There are tons of steps that you climb and climb and climb. Now, remember that everyone is sweating to death and roasting in the sun while climbing the stairs. I am glad I did it so I can say I did it, but really it is more of a tourist thing. The local Italians like to go and meet friends and hang out. It is right by a shopping area that has all kinds of shops. When I finished the climb I downed a Energade (There version of Gatorade) and a water. I knew I needed to get inside to cool off. Mark and I back tracked and found an inside mall. It wasn't very big, but it was nice and cool. We decided to order a cold coffee drink and sit for a bit. We then decided to have a little snack to give us some energy. Now, feeling human again we went to look around. Most of the stores are very high dollar stores. They did have a Lindt store....Yippieeeeeee. Of course, I did buy a little candy. Not a lot because I knew it could melt before we got back to the hotel. I was right. The chocolate was melting so we threw it in the refrigerator. Much better. Now we have a little sweet snack for later.
Then, it was nap time. We both took a little nap and cooled off. It was so nice to come into the hotel and have to room nice and cool and not as bright as the outside world.
At about 4:00 we figured there would be more shade and we could head out to see more sights. My goal was to see the Campo de Fiori and then St. Peter's Square. I knew that Vatican Museum and the Basilica wouldn't be open, but I figured I could scope it out for tomorrow. We found the Campo de Fiori and realized that all the market stalls were closing down. No harm there. I don't really want all the tourist knick knacks. We found a nice little place to eat. Today we opted to have a sandwich and a cold drink instead of a big meal. Too hot for hot food. I had a nice tomato, cheese and spinach sandwich. No, really...that is what it was. It was called the “Italiano”. I had never had mushy spinach on a sandwich. There is always a first time for everything. I do know that I would NEVER have it again.
We then headed for the Vatican area. Now, you must know that Mark is not a big church person and I have had him in many churches since we arrived in Italy. So, I was just happy he was going with me so we could see what we needed to do tomorrow when everything was open. It is just amazing to be there in person. If you are catholic or any other believer. It is so grand! We decided to go look by the basilica not knowing that it WAS open. Yes, really!!! We went through security and then went to see if we could get in. We were both wearing long shorts today since I didn't think anything was open. They said we could go in that we were covered enough. Woo hoo! We got to go through the basilica without a million people and hardly had to wait in line at all. If you ever get a chance to come to Rome you have to visit the Vatican. Now, once again I must tell you that Mark is fine with churches, but this one even blew him away. It is HUGE! Every place you look is some amazing sculpture, mosaic, fresco or something else so amazing to see. It was such a special place...you could feel it. I went to the little gist shop and bought a bottle to put holy water in. When you buy it you give it to a man who works in one area and he takes it and fills it with holy water. Now, that was very cool for me, but was even better was that when he gave me my change he gave me a pope coin. A really honest to goodness pope coin. In Rick Steve's travel book he says “ You're very unlikely to find one in your pocket, though, as they are snatched up by collectors before falling into actual circulation.” That is what the book states. I have one of those coins now. It is a new one and I am keeping it forever. Not only that but I have holy water from St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City.
We found the area we need to go to tomorrow in order to get in line to see the Vatican Museum. It won't be too bad. We are getting up early so we can be in line by 7:30 for the 9:00 opening. I figure we shouldn't have to stand in line for too much longer than 2-3 hours.
As we walked back to the hotel there were a lot of restaurants set up down by the river and all kinds of little market things set up. Tonight at 10:00 there will be fireworks on the river for the holiday. I will see if I am able to go across the street to see them. It will depend on how tired I am. After walking all day in the heat it really wears you out. Mark is exhausted right now.
I bought some postcards and I am going to have them mailed though the Vatican postal service. I am looking forward to that. I am sending one to myself so I will have one postmarked too.
I will post more tomorrow. Stay tuned for more of our journey.
Vatican Museum or bust!!!!!!!
