MVSEI VATICANO.

Saving the best for last, today we visited the Vatican, Sistine Chapel, St. Peter's Basilica (actually the third St. Peter's), and St. Peter's square. These are places that we hear about in the news all the time, or learn about in history classes growing up; and yet the importance of finally be able to experience them first hand is (I must admit) sometimes lost on me. Often, it doesn't feel like I am actually inside the very room where cardinals have for centuries held conclave electing the next pope - and yet there I was! Or to stand before the tomb of Pope John Paul II and know his body is right there, buried right in front of me -- well, I think sometimes it's just too overwhelming to fully grasp the gravity of the environment you are in at the time. Only afterwards, after I have a chance to reflect on the day's events, can I be like wow -- that is truly incredible! Sometimes I wish I could have that thought process while experiencing something, but I think more often than not I'm just caught up in the moment and am not able to appreciate these things until afterwards. Moreover, I think often I am just in shock that I'm actually finally seeing something (like the Colosseum) that I have read and heard so much about, and seen depicted in so many movies, and this shock overwhelms me. Does anyone else feel this way?

It has been so nice traveling with my parents and all the generosity that comes along with it. I must say, we have been eating at the nicest restaurants and enjoying some mighty fine and delicious Italian cusine with fabulous wines and flavors, and for that I am very grateful. Thanks for the great Christmas present Mom and Pops :).

To finish our last night in Rome we enjoyed a nice bottle of Chianti with bread and cheese while watching the sunset over the Colosseum. Tomorrow we head by train for Cinque Terre, or "The Five Villages" along the coast on the western side of the country of which I have heard great things and can't wait to see.

CM