Roma senza piedi

Ok, we now have no feet! Only little stubs where our feet used to be. I haven't blogged for a few days, but it has been busy! Friday was our Vatican day. The Pope would have been proud! A group went to Campo di Fiori and a group had a late breakfast (9 is not late in my book!) and set out to join up. Jan and Pete arrived! It was nice to see that they made it safely and were raring to go.

Jan, Pete, Dan, Janet, Ron and I headed out toward Campo di Fiori or Castel San Angelo. We wanted to meet the rest at Campo di Fiori, but got a little sidetracked....aka lost. Never follow Tammy! But I was able to talk to a nice older Italian man eating an ice cream cone. I said in my best Italian "Pua dirmi dove Via Vittorio Emmanuelle?" Can you tell me where Via VE is? He actually understood me and instead of tell me, he walked us there. It was so kind to do. When we found the street and went a few blocks, we stopped to see where we were on the map and found we were 2 blocks from Castel San Angelo. LOTS further than Campo di Fiori. We headed over to Vatican City, Piazza San Pietro and got in line for the Basilica. Blessings abound! Less than 5 minutes after we got in line, Scott and the other half of the group walked up and met us. We had an amazing time viewing the cathedral. We had a chance to pray and gawk and all the statues, mosiacs, tombs, so much! Dan, Janet and I rubbed St Peter's toe for a blessing and Dan watched as we received blessing after blessing! The Swans and Witcoskys went up to the coppula and climbed the 320 steps to the top. Couldn't help thinking of Kyle running up those same steps years ago! I was able to buy souvenirs at the top of St Peter's. I couldn't decide between the rosary and the shot glasses with a photo of the basilica. I went for the shot glasses and a bottle opener with a picture of Pope John Paul.

After the Basilica, Swans and Witcoskys rushed over to the Vatican Museum. By then we had long lost the rest of the group. As we made our way through the museum, we caught up with everyone! Another blessing. We headed home after a full day at the Vatican!

Saturday was a beautiful day! The Googins and the Witcoskys caught a train and headed to Assisi. The rest of the group headed back to Castel San Angelo and other highlights. The train ride was wonderful - all sitting! We had one transfer and we were in Assisi. What a beautiful country! The town was quiet, warm and friendly. We saw the Castle - Rocca Maggiore. You could see the New World from up there! The patchwork of countryside, olive groves, corn fields, sunflowers, made the view magnificent. The buildings were bright and beige with tile roofs, none of the soot black of Rome. We saw the church where St Francis was baptised and the Cathedral at the monastary for the Franciscan Order. It was a wonderful relaxing day, the perfect contrast to the hustle and bustle of Rome.

Today is Sunday, the day to explore the Appian Way. Via Appia Antica, the old road into Rome, where St Peter saw his vision of Christ, where Paul walked into the city. We were able to see the catacombs at San Sebastian. Jan, Pete, Dan and Janet took a little more of a rest Sunday morning, but we were again blessed when we were eating lunch at a wonderful restaurant, we looked up to see Jan walking in to ask directions! We are amazed at every turn at how well everything comes together! Shopping and resting were great ways to spend the late afternoon and tonight we will spend our last day in Rome before the cruise. We will miss the sights and sounds of Roma, but will enjoy a relaxing day at sea tomorrow with Tuesday having no agenda except perhaps a massage!

A piu tardi!