15 May-Rome

We are up early and not too ready for that, seems like our heads just hit the pillow.  However, we have an early entry at the Sistine Chapel and we must be on our way.  There is also the threat of a Metro strike so we at least hope to make it to the Vatican City before this happens.  We depart for the Metro at 7:45am and make it before the strike time.  We visit the Vatican Museums and then the the Sistine Chapel.  All of this is very amazing and I have no words to describe the beauty of the Sistine Chapel.  The entire ceiling tells a story of the Old Testament, or I should say the creation up to and including Noah.  It is lovely, breathtaking.  It is quite surprising that we are allowed to take photographs of all the various things in the Vatican Museum and the Sistine Chapel.  One is not supposed to talk in the Sistine Chapel but there is a constant roar of noise with guard shhhing people constantly.  A gorgeous view at every turn, majestic statues, mosaic floors, painted ceilings, tapestry maps, something marvelous any direction one turns, it is overwhelming!  Our organized tour ends after the Sistine Chapel and we have the rest of the day for free time.  Since we are here John and I went into St. Peter's Basilica and did the Rick Steves audio tour of that.  This too was amazing with the grand finale of Michelangelo's Pieta.  I have at least 100 photographs this morning because truly a picture does say 1000 words.  This is an unforgettable place to visit and we think at least a week in Rome to slowly savor each magnificent place would be best. Now I mailed a few postcards from the Vatican Post Office and we headed off to find a quick lunch, then back to the hotel to rest.  Sure enough the Metro is not running so the taxi was E$18. back to the hotel.  This was a long distance across the Tiber River so it was worth the cost.  We could be reimbursed but we forgot to ask for a receipt.  I typed the blogs and John slept, then I slept and he went to find an ATM to replenish our supply of cash.  I did plan to do a little laundry, but that didn't happen. I had to force myself to get up and not just sleep until morning.  One thing I really wanted to see and climb are the Spanish Steps so we walked there in the evening then found a delightful restaurant from the Rick Steves book to eat our dinner.  We had a little trouble finding the restaurant but I asked a nice couple passing by, they spoke some English and he pulled out his GPS and located it for us, they almost wanted to take us to it but we were sure to find it.  They were so nice and said it was a pleasure to help us.  He had  been to San Francisco and loved it and I told him I was raised in Napa Valley and he said "Oh yes some good wine."  People are so friendly!  As we ate our meal at Ristorante il Gabriello a young couple from LA came in as they were also using the same book!  Just as stated in the book Claudio was serving along with other waiters and the food was "e bella."  We had a fantastic veal scalloppini and roasted vegetables, and of course dessert.  The red table wine they serve in all the restaurants so far is really good.  It is so mellow and flavorful without being overbearing.  I have no idea what it really is, but it is a good value and delicious.  Our carafe tonight was only E$6. while the roasted vegetables were $10.  We were fortunate to be seated as it was so busy and usually a reservation is required.  Another lovely day.  We leave for the "vacation from our vacation" to the Cinque Terra tomorrow morning.