Found out yesterday that the hotel is actually in Vatican City so we're staying there and not Rome !

Today was a big day, we went to the Vatican Museum and the Sistine Chapel. We booked through the Roman Christiana group and avoided the crowds queuing to get, it was ok getting in but we still had to wait to get an audio guide, still you're usually only here once.

But first the Pope and his Wednesday audience. Didn't realise it was on and today was the only day I didn't have Chris' long lens with me and that was one reason I brought it. Still this is the photo I got..... he's the one in the middle in white (what shall I wear today, I think the white......)

the girls and St Peter's Square my party follow me... the partially guided tour to avoid the queue

happy tour members with blue badge...

queue for audio sets.... the Popes love the Egyptian artifacts

mummy ! sorry could not resist - real mummified young girl 3000 years old, happy birthday to.. stop it now !

2 hours down and 1 gallery done - time for cuppa

Augustus Caesar a bronzed Hercules ..... after a night clubbing

Sistine Chapel, a very, very naughty sneaky picture.. no photos allowed and they tell you to be silent!!

mosaic floor

The pictures of course do not in any way do the place justice, every thing is bigger and really is beyond belief that these things exist. To stand in front of a statue commissioned by Caligua of his wife/sister, and know that he stood where you stand and his eyes saw what you see is an awesome experience.......

Back to the Hotel Columbus, Peter at S. Peters Square