Sarah's 2nd Afternoon in Rome: The Sistine Chapel
Rome is very, very crowded this week. Easter Week, Spring Break in many countries, families with small children, school groups, locals, tourists from every country in the world. I knew the lines at the Sistine Chapel would be long and were advised to go around lunch time. We did, but still....
The line stretched for blocks, creeping towards the one and only Vatican entrance unless you pay for a tour. Tour groups enter differently and free-lance tour guides stationed themselves along the line offering tours (expensive tours). We crept slowly onward until we reached security. Everything goes through the x-ray machines, you step through the sensors and once through, you must check backpacks. Then, buy expensive tickets and enter.
There is only one way to get to the Sistine Chapel and every room we walked through was filled with hundreds of people, moving at a snail's pace and taking digital photos of every detail...in every room...of every painting...every ceiling...every fireplace. They'd walk two steps...stop...take photo...walk two more steps...stop...take photo. I almost had a nervous breakdown trying to get around the crowds. You don't think a 13-year old is really interested in all that, do you? I don't know if Sarah would even voluntarily say..."Oh Grandma, I simply have to see the Sistine Chapel..." She had no choice. The Sistine was another "musts" she had to see...like it or not.
Finally, into the chapel itself. One of my smarter moves was to bring small binoculars to get a really good look at the ceiling. (Sarah was most impressed with the cracks in the ceiling!) Thanks to that and the heavy guidebook I carried around in Rome, I learned a little more about the sights and was able to pick out some interesting details and facts to relate to her. One was:
- Michelangelo started painting at one end, took two years before he was half finished, came down to see his work and decided the figures were too small. He painted the other half bigger. Without binoculars, it wouldn't have been as impressive.
Sarah and I then took a shortcut that led out in front of St. Peter's while Grandpa had to backtrack all the way back to the entrance to pick up the backpack. We met in front of St. Peter's and had planned to enter. After all, how can you come to Rome and not see St. Peter's? Well...we didn't. You should have seen that line! We figured a minimum of 1+ hours for that. Instead, lunch at Hostaria dei Bastioni near the Vatican for pasta, vino, veal and chicken. A very hospitable owner and it was good to sit down.
Should we take the metro back to the Spanish Steps or walk? Sarah's choice: walk. Across the bridge spanning the Tiber with backward glances at Castel Sant'Angelo ...
....after asking directions quite a few times, past the Trevi Fountain again. There must have been six rows deep of people around it, throwing coins in. A complete mob scene. Tomorrow, we'll come early in the morning so Sarah can throw her coins in. A leisurely walk with time to point out chestnut sellers...View image...a span between two old buildings...
...and Sarah even wanted to go into one of the many churches in the Pantheon area...
A little more shopping for brother, Josh, and back to All 'Obelisco around 5:00 pm for a little rest before dinner since most restaurants don't start serving until 7:30pm. And time to Instant Message Mom and Dad with a report on today's sights.
I picked Otello alla Concordia for dinner. Again, a few blocks from the Spanish Steps on Via Della Croce, 81, and a restaurant that held great memories. ex-Marine (Grandpa) and I ate dinner there in 1978 when we took our five children to Europe for one-month. Thirty years ago. Imagine that. By 8:00 pm, the restaurant was completely filled, the food was still good (Sarah ate Fettucine in a cream sauce) and more wine for us. By the way, Sarah had her parents permission to drink small amounts of wine with us in Rome and her favorite was the Frascati....View image...
Dinner over, across the street for some Gelato. Out of the multitude of flavors, she picked one scoop Chocolate and one scoop Mint. Sarah, Sarah, Sarah....sigh...
A beautiful night. The Spanish steps filled with people, ...View image... others window-shopping like us and back in the room for bed by 10:30pm in preparation for one last day in Rome. Tonight, we both used ear plugs...
