Our day started early. We headed to Saint Peter's Basilica. We got there so early, there were no lines. No lines! No lines = happy Lindsey.
We did the dome first.
First: Brad is standing straight up. Second: even if you take the elevator, there are still a ton of stairs. Third: the builders did not think fat and/or tall people would ever go up the dome; it became way more narrow than what we see in the picture. I was too claustrophobic to take pictures then.
Inside the dome. From afar these images look like paintings, but they're really millions of tiles. Insane.
All tiled.
Super happy we got to fresh air. Super. Happy. Close to tears.
The view of the square from the dome.
Inside Saint Peter's basilica
This has probably been my favorite church this trip. No one is selling things. It's a reverent atmosphere. And church services are still being held.
It also helps that it is massive and beautiful. Beautiful.
There are tombs everywhere for previous popes.
We went to mass. This shot was right before it started.
We walked around underground to view more tombs. There was a no photo policy. With respect, I followed the rules. (Doesn't happen very often). I don't know...I figure if you're telling me not to take pictures simply because you want me to buy a picture from you, then I'm breaking the rules. However, if there is a no photo policy because you want to maintain a certain level of respect and peace, than okay. I try to play nice. 😜
Pope John Paul II
We then set out for the Colosseum and the Arch of Constantine.
Brad. And the Colosseum.
Inside.
From the other side.
Love this picture of him.
Arch of Constantine.
We finished everything pretty early and headed back to the room. I stayed in while Brad went in search of an iPhone case...he's dropped his phone one too many times.
Nice candlelight dinner.
See the man outside? Yeah...he's wearing a toga. Awesome.