Plans shifted a bit today. We were notified that there was a major happening at St. Peter's Basilica so it would be closed to visitors in the afternoon. The chaperones decided to leave early in the morning to make sure we got to visit before it closed. All the travelers were invited to join us. Holly and Lucas B. took advantage. We were very fortunate. The Pope passed about 10 feet in front of us as we visited! The rest of the group stayed with Francois and left later to walk a bit around Rome and visit the Trevi Fountain. Then they were turned loose for some free time.
We met up in the afternoon for a visit to the Vatican Museum. Vatican City is the richest 'nation' in the world because of all the precious works of art housed here. Our guide was very good - knowledgeable, upbeat personality, very light accent. We made it through the museum in good time and had plenty of time to appreciate the Sistine Chapel at the end.
Then we went to another St. Peter's. San Pietro in Vincoli (St. Peter in chains) is a little gem of a church. No architecture of note and not much there but what they do have is impressive. There is an alter displaying what are said to be the chains that were used on the apostle Peter while he was imprisoned in Rome. The main attraction however is the sculpture of Moses by Michelangelo. The kids were challenged to find the self portrait he carved while creating this masterpiece.
Free time in Piazza Navona (the early morning crew trekked to the Trevi), a pizza dinner and then back to the hotel to pack for Madrid.
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