Last Day In Rome

Yesterday was a day our group will never forget. Will will likely never forget how many stairs they climed!

Over the course of just a few hours, the group went to the highest point a person can reach at St. Peter's down to the lowest.

We began our day by leaving the hotel at 7 am. All this was to ensure we could spend enough time in St. Peter's Basilica prior to our tour of the Scavi. A last minute decision resulted in our group choosing to go up to the cupola.

The experience was incredible. There were views from the interior and the exterior that took your breath away - if you had any left after the climb!

Once we began our journey down we made a few interesting discoveries - on the roof of St. Peter's you can find bathrooms, a gift shop, and even food!

Finally we made it back to solid ground and spent time in the basilica. Next up was the excursion to find the Scavi Office. Once we had gone through more security and gotten directions from a couple of Swiss Guards, we were set.

The Scavi tour was almost overwhelming. There was so much information to learn and so much to see. Plus everyone was in desperate need of the chance to sit and drink water. However, it was an incredible thing to see.

Finally we emerged back above ground and the group made a bee line across the square to find some shade and places to sit among the columns. We filled our bottles with the wonderful water you can find coming out of spigots all over the city. It comes in from the aqueducts.

Once we rested and rehydrated, we were suddenly aware that we were hungry. We went to a restaurant for a bite of lunch and then made plans for the day. A couple of pairs split off to do their own exploration. Most headed down the street from St. Peter's Square to San Angelo. From there we went to the Piazza Navona where we enjoyed some gelato and the work of many artists who sell their paintings and drawings in the square. At that point we headed to Piazza del Popolo and then on to the Metro. Yet again, we tired our group out!

Today we go to Assisi. I will try to post when we return as I doubt I will get the chance to post tomorrow morning. Our flight leaves at about 6 am so we head to the airport around 3:30 am. I doubt I will get up with the extra time to post tomorrow morning!