ROMA!
Rome wasn't built in a day, that's for sure. But we quickly learned to not let the maps fool us, as everything is capable of seeing on foot. The Mona Lisa Hostel where we are staying is great for the solo backpacker, looking to make friends in the tiny living/kitchen space. We were forwarned by Judith of our weird roommate, whom had already upon arrival to Rome, forgotten his luggage on the train! He's from Australia and loves to recite Monty Python and talk about music and sing until all hours of the night, and made for a very interesting stay.
Wednesday was our day at the Vatican. Molly had read in Lonely Planet that on Wednesday mornings when he's in town, the Pope gives Mass in St. Peter's Square. We arrived just in time to catch the end of Mass. It was truly amazing. Masses of people, crowded around sitting and standing, watching the 4 teleprompters all over the square, as the most powerful man in Christendom spoke. We were both moved to tears as the hymns were sung. Though neither of us are Catholic, we were struck by how moving it was watching and listening to the Pope, and I could imagine how awe inspiring it would be to be Roman Catholic and witness the same event.
After Mass, we walked around to stand in the 3 block line to get into the Vatican museum and see the Sistine Chapel.
We pushed through the crowds and meandered towards the Chapel, following signs and avoiding tour groups and the flags and umbrellas leading them. Once inside it was truly magnificent and what made it even more meaningful, was having seen the Pope speak earlier; it really made me appreciate what a truly remarkable feat the Chapel is and the museum as a whole. Our experience that day was very humbling, unforunately it was slightly ruined by the tour groups and the constant "Shhh-ing" by the guards every minute and the murmer of voices. We can only imagine what it would be like to stand in the Chapel, surrounded by the most magnificent work of all time in utter silence.
From the Vatican, we walked over through Piazza Nuova and stopped for a drink and some lunch, so exhausted from the crowds and walking all day. With our bellies full, we walked towards the Pantheon, a rather spectacular sight and much larger than either of us had anticipated. The walk back to the Mona Lisa was rather quiet as both of us were tired from the activities of the day and trying to realize the magnitude and splendor of the sights seen.
The events of our evening, really solidified our view of Roma- an ancient city ruined by the marvels of modern technology. After a short rest in the hostel, we headed to the closest internet cafe. I was stationed next to the last computer, furthest from the door, where an old odd man was sitting. Upon sitting down, the man quickly hovered over my shoulder, watching me open and read my emails. I tried closing all the windows, hoping he would stop and mind his own business. He stopped, but then quickly resumed his interest as soon as I started typing away again, staring at me, looking me up head to toe and then back at my computer screen. As the weird noises got louder and the moaning inceased, I let my eyes wander over to the old mans computer screen. Porn and lots of it filled the screen!! How lovely. I was disgusted and tried to keep a straight face and focus on my own emails. Molls was perplexed as to why I did not strike up conversation and tell him to back-off....she of course did not see his computer screen. There would be no conversation had! My night ended with a poke from the old man, as he had pulled his computer screen into view so that I too could get a good look at what he was enjoying. Scarred from all of this, we quickly ran out to get a Margherita pizza to go and headed to bed, totally perplexed by all the events of the day!