TO ROME AND THE VATICAN

Never travel without checking the weather. Unless of course 100 degrees doesn't bother you. With my personality, I sometimes get excited and without thinking, I act. And so happened my first day in Rome. I walked for perhaps 20 minutes looking for a bank to get euros, and felt sick and a little weak. My first full day was mostly spent in my very comfortable room (with air conditioning). That is when I finished my France photos. (I also googled what to do in high temperatures, signs of heat stroke, etc.) 

Surprised and delighted, my body acclimated.

The hotel Relais de l'Opera, in the center of Rome. (Yes, it's a French name!) Convenient, quiet, and very comfortable. The building is 200 years old, and the elevator is gorgeous and operates beautifully. 

Delicious breakfast is included and the coffee is exquisite!

Friday I took a cab to the Vatican and a 3 hour walking tour. It w as crowded and our young Italian guide was quite an historian. You will recognize many. 

Some of the photos were taken while walking through the corridors, and you will notice beautiful gardens. They were taken from open windows and not accessible to the public. 

Sicily is where my paternal grand parents were born, and I hope to visit there with my friend Terri next year. And I believe I will meet cousins I have never met before!

The Sistine Chapel...in my excitement, I shot these 3 photos before the security guard came over and said, No photos signora! Many places at St. Peter's Basilica you may take photos. Well...I have my photos and wasn't asked to leave, or to delete them. I was happy, and very happy Juliano did not get in trouble. 

Fountains adorn Rome every where. With fresh, cold delicious water. Always save an empty bottle to refill.

Our guide, Juliano, walked out with me. I had enough of crowds and photos and heat. But I also was blessed with more important details. Notice the building set back on the right. On the top floor, second window from the right....Pope Francis' apartment! 

 

And of course The Pieta, St. Peter's Basilica.