We arrived in Rome and took the subway to Vatican City. Dodging rain drops, crowds and the slippery cobblestone sidewalks we made the 5 block walk to the gates of Vatican City. Our timing was perfect and we cleared the security and headed for the Bronze Door to pick up our reserved tickets for our public audience with John Paul. There was no waiting or ques. The Pope mobile entered St Peters Square passing by us 20ft maybe. Our seats were very close to the stage and we were outside even though it was raining thus it was not too crowded. They announced us, “we welcome the pilgrims from Canada and Quebec” and everyone clapped, we giggled.

The Museum tour was spectacular and well worth it. The treasures and opulence are unbelievable. We were very impressed with the Sistine Chapel. The St Peter’s Basilica was a highlight and I was awestruck standing in front of the Pieta. We did manage to walk around the Ancient Collusium and take a few pictures before we had to dash back to the train station to return to Florence. It was the perfect day and it didn’t matter that we did not get to the other sites.