Vatican City

       Today has been a long an exhausting day, but very, very good. We started our first full day in Rome at the Vatican, something I was sooo looking forward to seeing. And let me tell you, St. Peters did not disappoint. When we finally got to St. Peters square in the morning, it took me a while to realize what I was looking at. I don’t know if it was the fact that it was early in the morning or that I didn't really have any expectations of what I was going to see. Amazingly, we got through security very quick (a reason for which we will later find out) and made our way into the church. Absolutely incredible. We tried to make our way up to the crossing of the church to look at some sculptures but come to find out, there was a special mass going on which forced us to stay back.

       After lunch, we went back to the Vatican museum, which is where basically everything else important is in Vatican City. We spent about 3 hours there, which wore us out, including Dr. Zuraw, which is a major feat. We actually saw her sit down! When we finally got to the Sistine Chapel at the end of our day, we were so exhausted that our (or at least my) priority when we got in was to find a seat. Once that happened, and I just couldn't help but stare in amazement, it was just beautiful!

       For dinner, Amy and I had the opportunity to meet up with a friend, which was so good! Aimee is studying abroad in Spain for 6 weeks and came to Rome with a couple friends for their long weekend. I was kind of unsure at first if it was going to be able to happen because our lack of communication methods (we have no wifi at our hotel, which basically means no form of internet for us for 4 days), but it worked out which was great! It was soo good to see a familiar face :). And she is just wonderful!