Day 7

Well we're getting better at this public transportation thing. We smoothly caught a bus then a train to arrive at the Vatican. It was awesome to walk out into Saint Peter's Square. We had tickets to enter the museum at 11:00 so we headed that direction but halfway there we decided to join a tour in order to skip the huge line for the basilica.

Because we did this we were also able to skip the huge line to enter the museum as well. Bonus! The tour was super interesting. There was so much to take in. The con of taking a tour is that we were rushed through every room and it was difficult to soak everything up.

But this was also a plus, as we probably would still be there. There is just so much that it's hard to see everything in one day. We got out by 3:30 and we were pretty hungry. I don't think the kids would have been able to handle it if we strolled a little longer in each room or tried to look at all the artifacts.

The actual museum was loaded. So many intricate, detailed, time-consuming pieces of art. From frescoes to statues to pottery - it was overwhelming. Every square inch was utilized to display art. The Sistine Chapel was amazing and it was disappointing that we could only stay in there for 10 minutes. I guess we'll have to go back one day. The tour guide did a great job at explaining some of the scenes painted by Michelangelo, before we entered the Chapel.

After our tour of the museum, we decided to go to the top of the basilica. We took the elevator because Jen's leg was still bothering

her but we still had to climb 330 steps. It was worth it. The views of both inside the basilica and outside of Rome were breathtaking.

After our descent, we headed inside the basilica. We could of easily spent a lot of time in here but we were running out of steam, since we hadn't eaten since breakfast. Once again the artistry was fantastic, pretty over the top for a church, but hey it is the Vatican.

After a vary late lunch, which was probably our best meal yet (gnocchi and tortellini), we headed for home. We came back and just chilled for a few hours before heading out for dinner and gelato.