Day 6

Today will be probably one of the less action-oriented days in my blog.  Woke up around 11:45 to an empty apartment.  Everyone was at class or out.  So took the opportunity to hike over to Vatican city.

Vatican City is of course where the Pope resides, and is just massive.  Because of long lines(and since I was wearing shorts--which are not allowed) I did not go in today.

Walking across this bridge however I did get to see several low-class street merchants being chased by the cops out.  Very funny.

This is behind the Vatican.  Very peaceful park where people can come and bring their pets and children and just relax.  I enjoyed just sitting and enjoying the atmosphere there.









After walking out of Vatican city, I could see a colossal figure in the distance, and had no idea what it was.  So I went to investigate.

  

This of course is the historic Sistine chapel.  Michelangelo painted 1100m of the ceiling with beautiful art in the late 1400's.  It was considered his crowning achievement.  I unfortunately did not get to go in and see because of a two hour line, but it was truly breathtaking just being outside.

The picture above does not give justice to how large the square of the Sistine Chapel really is.  The detail in every statue that sits on those walls is just amazing.  Cannot imagine the construction labor and materials that had to be used.


Worked my way back to the house just in time to turn around and go off with some classmates to the bookstore.  Purchased an Italian phrase book, which I will be making note cards of each night to try and get better at speaking Italian.  The Spanish steps were once again nearby the bookstore, and we walked to the into the French church at the top.  Unfortunately I did not have my camera because it was raining.

Then we visited what were perhaps my favorite arches of all.  No not anything Da Vinci or Michelangelo could craft.  I am of course talking about McDonalds!  It was actually the nicest McDonalds I have ever been to.  They had just about everything that America's menus have, with a few additions that I had never seen.  20 or so order-takers, and two massive parts.  The first part was just the restaurant and the second was the actual McCafe.  The McCafe was a dessert bar with everything ranging from any kind of coffee to cheescake and probably 25 other desserts.  It was actually unbelievable, as sad as that may sound.

Came back and took a nap after that, then the roommates and I went over to American girls apartment who cooked a great meal, while we brought the traditional Italian wine.  Had a great dinner and a fun time.  Still trying to plan a trip to Pisa this weekend, although we keep encountering difficulties with planning for 9 people.   Rather basic day by Rome standards, but a great day.  Still loving Rome.  Thank you all for reading and see you tomorrow!