Day 4 of our trip to Rome

This morning my sore throat is getting worse. Unlike 1996 (ended up with double ear infections, strep throat, and mono) I have decongestants, cough syrups, and throat losenges. It appears though that I have forgotten my aleve which would have been helpful with any aches and pains. Side note: We found the aleve in another bag on day 6 of our trip lol!

Today we walked through Prati for some shopping. I found some scarves, a pair of pants, and a dress. We then walked on to the Vatican. We were early for our assigned time of entry to the Vatican Museums so we visited St. Peter's Square first. The line for the Basilica was incredibly long so we decided to take our chances for an early visit to the Museums. In the end we worried for nothing, we were handed our tickets and walked right in.

Being surrounded by history, art, and sculptures from different time periods is an undescribable feeling. I'm not sure if it was the enormous crowd or the hype but when I compare the museums and St. Peter's Basillica to the Sistine Chapel I was a bit disappointed. I feel like the grandeur of the other buildings affected me more for some reason.

My husbands fabulous idea (sarcasm) was up next. Taking all the large, small, curved, and claustrophobic stairs to the Cupola. The Vatican charges 5 euros for walking and 7 euros for the elevator and stairs, the cost didn't play into Greg's decision he thought it would be an adventure to walk. The first part of the stairs are normal, rather large concrete steps. This opens up to a roof top with some views. The second part is a bit tougher. The steps get smaller, the walls slant inward, and eventually you get to a tiny spiral staircase with only a rope to hold onto. The view from the top of the Cupola is amazing. You are able to see all of Rome and thensome. However you are on a balcony with rows and rows of tourists. To exit you have to go down the same tiny spiral staircase, then onto a roof top where there is a souvenir shop, finally an elevator which takes you down into St. Peter's Basillica. The Basillica is my favorite part of Vatican City and has been since my first visit 16 years ago. The Church is awe inspiring and welcoming if a bit formally. That's how I describe it anyways.

Here's a kind request to all tourists visiting sights. Take your time, leave your pushiness at home, respect the guidelines provided to you. Everyone will get a chance to see everything and everyone will be happier for it.

We completely underestimated the time we would spend at the Vatican. We probably spent 4 hours at the Vatican Museum, an hour for lunch, and probably an hour and a half walking to and from. Needless to say we decided to go back to the hotel for some R&R.

After resting and cleaning up a bit. We walked down to the Jewish Ghetto for dinner. We enjoyed some roasted chestnuts along the way and stopped for pictures of the Vittoriano at night. Just in time and we only got lost once we made it to Nonna Betta's. We dined on artichokes in the jewish style and marinated anchovies for appetizers. Our entrees were gnocchi with pesto and semolina gnocchi with eggs and cheese. The staff were very friendly, the atmosphere was great (we actually had the restaurant to ourselves), and the food was incredible!

Considering it was a 2 mile walk to the Jewish Ghetto we decided to take a taxi back to our hotel.....or not. No taxi's at the first location, or the 2nd, or the 3rd. Okay how about a gelato and a long walk back to our hotel lol.