We bought a bus pass and it got us to our tour starting point at Piazza del Risorgimento. Getting good at it đź’Ą
The skip the line was a good idea and it still took an hour to enter the Basilica. Our tour guide was very good and gave us the history of the Catholic Chinch while we waited.
How can the Vatican have two clocks that are not only not synced they’re not correct. Call the Swiss guards
Inside is overwhelming & awe inspiring with the size, the statues, the crypts the saints, the popes and the mosaics. There are no paintings in the Vatican
This special door of the Jubilee opened when Leo became Pope. It will open again in 2033 for Christs 2,000 anniversary of his death and every 50 years after.
It’s quite overwhelming and my thoughts kept going to…so much gold and decadence and why o why are there any poor people or just people hurting or in need in the world? Too much to ponder and it’s time to get away from all of the people. Way too peoply!!!
Outside we see the Swiss Guards, a specialized corps of Swiss soldiers tasked with the safety of the pope and the security of Vatican City. Contrary to the common misconception that they are the primary police force for the entire nation-state, they serve specifically as personal escorts to the pontiff and watchmen for the Vatican and the pontifical villa of Castle Gandalof; a separate force handles general security for the Vatican.
To join this elite unit, recruits must be unmarried Roman Catholic males with Swiss citizenship, aged 19 to 30, and meet specific physical and educational requirements. While famous for their colorful Renaissance-era uniforms—often incorrectly attributed to Michelangelo—the guards are highly trained in modern weaponry and counterterrorism.
The corps was established in 1506 and maintains a legacy of profound loyalty.
Before we leave we see this sculpture. The Canadian artist is the creator of this sculpture in St. Peter’s Square, “Angels Unawares,” which depicts migrants throughout history crammed on a boat together with the holy family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph. This should hit every heart of every human being
That’s what I think about religion. Christian values are supposed to be about being a good human being Taking care of each other. Respecting and helping whenever you can.
We are all migrants…why and how is this forgotten
After our Vatican morning we took a chill and then found our bus route to meet our sweet friends Marni & Maureen.
The restaurant DaEtta was a wine connoisseurs dream. Here’s the wine list (book):
Last time we connected after years and years was in Spain at the Solheim Cup. So now 🇮🇹, what’s next? What country???
Great evening catching up!
