19 Days of Freedom: Day 10 - St. Peter's for our Last day in Rome

Time flies when you are having fun and we are having a blast!

We topped off our Rome trip with a visit back to the Vatican city bright and early so we can get into St. Peter's Basilica and climb the dome sans line up.

The climb up to the top of the dome was a sweaty, claustrophobic, narrow and steep 325 steps. And that is AFTER you take an elevator up first.

We were rewarded by a spectacular view of the city. Now I know why Rome is called "The Eternal City."

We climbed down the steps, much much easier than going up of course. Went into the Basilica.

Another OMG moment, no pun intended.

This church is massive and filled with so much history, treasury, beauty and I think also tombs of previous popes. St. Peter is buried underneath the Basilica. Last time we tried to go to Rome and couldn't (no thanks to British Airways / Heathrow shut-down drama), we booked a toor of the Scavi (excavations) which would have allowed us to go explore the underbelly of St. Peter's.

I didn't book the tour on this trip, though I wish I had.

I also wanted to go into the Vatican Archives (this is one of my dream moments) but I have to be a Researcher or Academic or Archeologist or something and petition for entry for years and years.

Greggy told me to just enjoy what we are seeing. Ok.

We went into the St. Peter's treasury museo. It was okay, not really as interesting as the Vatican Museum but interesting enough.

There was a moment on our way to the souvenir shop when Greg and I were separated for a bit. I am not sure how this Vatican security dude saw me but he said "this way" and proceeded to escort me to one of the displays.

I totally thought I was going to be in trouble and brought into security (I wasn't taking illegal pictures this time, I swear!)  Little did I know he was going to try and pick me up.

"Inglese or Italiano?"

"Inglese."

"Where are you from?"

"Canada."

"Where are you originally from?"

"Guess."

"You are Filipino."

"Yes, you're right."

"Ang ganda mo."

WHAT???

That translates to "You are pretty."

I laughed and said thanks. He walked away, but not before Greggy spotted that he was chatting me up. He must have figured that the big, scary, wrestler looking guy was with me because he didn't bother me for the rest of the time we were there.

I didn't think they were allowed to be all crazy like that? Aren't they supposed to be all religified and shit?

He must be a Vatican pig.

Tomorrow:  Back to Toronto.

Sigh.

I do look forward to seeing Peppy and T.