| After late night clubbing, we had to wake up the next morning to prepare for our travel to Rome, Italy. That morning, some of my fellow Contiki-ers showed me pictures of some of the embarrassing things I did at the club. After purchasing souvenirs, we got ready and made our way to Rome, another 3 hour bus ride. Upon arriving, we were served dinner at this restaurant that doubles as an auditorium for musical performances. It was an interesting ambiance. We were told that we were going to be staying at a different hotel: The Shangri La Corsetti Hotel. Once again, being the only trio in our tour group, we had the biggest room: 
That night, Claudia, Emmett and I hung out with Shamsy and Mel in their room, played cards, and got buzzed off wine, to wake up early the next morning. After meeting briefly with our tour guide, and getting our train tickets, the three of us once again split from the group and took a guided tour of Vatican. Our fee for the tour included out entrance into the Vatican Museum, and bypassing the long line that wrapped around the entire block . 
The Vatican contained so many items of interest, but the three of us were too sleepy to actually appreciate it. I was quite fascinated (I'm easily impressed) by this: 
While they make look like sculptures in the ceiling, they are actually paintings. The use of shadow gave them a three-dimensional feel. 
We got to see the Sistine Chapel, one of Michelangelo's greatest achievement, and seeing it in person was a surreal experience. One has to see it in person to actually be able to feel the impact of the years the artist invested in this materpiece. (Besides, cameras are not allowed inside, so I apologize for not being able to take pictures). Finally, we entered St. Peter's Basilica, probably the most well known church in the entire world, where the Pope conducts Masses FOR the masses. This, too, was quiet an experience, one in which any Catholic, other Christian, or anyone interested in religious history should experience. 
It is here where I saw Michelangelo's masterpiece(Was there nothing this man DIDN'T do?) The Pieta, the sculpture that depicts Jesus and his mother Mary, as he lay dying in her arms. It was difficult to take pictures of the damned thing, since it was behind glass, but I tried my best: 
Upon leaving the Vatican, Claudia, Emmett and I ran amuck in Rome, exploring the historical city in its entirety, including the old Roman ruins, the Colosseum and the Spanish steps. In doing so, we also witnessed a bust on imitation good peddlers, rode city buses without paying, and ate some really good pizza. Overall, a good day's worth of sightseeing, wouldn't you agree? 
   
That evening, we met up with a few of the Contiki partiers, and had our final dinner with the group:   
Later that night, we had our last drinks with our good pals from Australia, and bid everyone "Ciao!" And we're off to Paris! |
