DAY 29 - Rome (Italy) - "Shhh! No Photos!"

OFF TO LONDON TO SEE THE QUEEN. Actually off to the Vatican to see the Pope... or at least his humble abode! Took a very delayed "Christiana Roma" open bus through Rome to the Vatican (a good way to get your bearings and see a few of the sights - just don't do it with Christiana Roma, stick with Hop On Hop Off). Then took a tour through the Vatican - you can't skip the queues, even with a tour, but pick your day and the queues aren't too bad. The Vatican museums are quite interesting but you can only see so many fig leafed statues and throw rugs on the wall. Everyone is basically hanging out for... drum roll.... The Sistine Chapel! A Japanese TV station kindly renovated/cleaned the Sistine Chapel... they also have the copyright to all images of it now... so "Shhhh! No Photos!" (but as per the blurry photo below, everyone sneaks a shot in - just turn off the flash and keep the camera steadier than I did!). It is very impressive and I'm suprised that Michelangelo (or whomever painted it... as you can tell I paid attention) wasn't turned into a pretzel painting it on his back! Off course after that you have to check out St Pauls Cathedral and the courtyard.... HUGE! We couldn't be bothered lining up to climb to the top (but I'm sure you'd have a great view) but we did send some postcards through the Vatican Postal Service ;-)
LESSON FOR THE DAY: Always check what time the subway closes so that you aren't stranded on the other side of Rome after a lovely dinner!