Rome: Day 5

Our last day in Rome was spent in Vatican City. We started the day bright and early because we had to pick up our tickets to the Pope's Wednesday General Audience, which was definitely a highlight of the trip and was totally worth the 6am wake up call! :-) It was so neat to be in the same room as Pope Benedict XVI and get to hear him speak and receive his blessings (in like 6 different languages!) Then we spent some time in Saint Peter's Basilica and the Vatican Museum. We ate an awesome authentic Italian lunch at this little "Mom and Pop" restaurant. The owner spoke no English and had no menus; our options were red or white wine, still or sparkling water, and spaghetti bolognese or carbonara. We got one of each, and it was magnifico! After lunch Serge decided he wanted to get a haircut and a barbershop shave, which is something he's always wanted to do, so I grabbed a book and sat outside a cafe in the Piazza Navona drinking cappuccinos and waiting for my well-groomed... groom. :-) We ate a small dinner since we were so stuffed at lunch, got a good night's sleep, and the next afternoon we headed back to Germany. It was a great ending to an amazing trip, and we hope you enjoy our pictures!

Outside the Church of Santa Susanna, super excited to have our tickets to see the Pope!

We thought we were supposed to pick them up in Saint Peter's Square, but at breakfast that morning we realized Santa Susanna was a pretty good hike in the opposite direction, so we literally ran to the church to make sure we got there by 8:00! 

Hotel Cecil! :-)

It was nice walking back through the town so early because there was no one out yet.

Spanish Steps

Before all the vendors and tourists take over.

Fontana della Barcaccia

We made it to Vatican City!

Basilica di San Pietro

Making our way inside

Inside St. Peter's Basilica

So pretty!

Walking around the church

In the chapel, waiting for the Pope. 

It was standing room only by the time we got there.

He's getting out of the car!

Whoa! Pope Benedict XVI is coming!

There he is!

Lots of excitement in the crowd!

He would wave at each church group after they were announced.

In the words of Serge, "He's a sweetheart!" :-)

Musei Vaticani

St. Peter's Basilica in the background

One of the many rooms inside the Vatican Museum

And another - You could totally get lost in this place!

Sistine Chapel

Point to home, Sergie!

Exit

Arrivederci, Vaticano! 

cool dude.

Enjoying an amazing lunch!

This place gets Tater's seal of approval.

One more smooch in the Piazza Navona, on our last morning in Rome.

The barbershop where Serge got his haircut and shave.

Our last cappuccino before we headed to the airport.

(This time we took a taxi!)

Savor that sip, Sergio!

Headed back to Deutschland.

Rome: Day 4

Day 4 we got our fill of Ancient Roman ruins at the Colosseum and the Roman Forum. Enjoy!

Piazza del Campidoglio

On our way to the Colosseum, we snuck a peek at the Forum. 

There it is!

Il Colosseo

Sergio, listening intently to the interesting facts about the Colosseum...

And me, not listening so intently, and therefore requiring a synopsis from Serge.

Couple of gladiators, ready to duke it out

Arco di Costantino

Checking out the view of the Arch from the Colosseum

This is my attentive listener pose. 

And this is my intimidating gladiator pose. (Obviously.)

Serge said it reminded him of Williams-Brice :-)

On to the next historical landmark!

Half of the Arch of Constantine and half of the Colosseum - nice photog work.

Arco di Constantino

History makes Serge hungry! 

He was very glad he grabbed that apple from the breakfast buffet. :-)

Nice view of the Colosseum

Palatine Stadium

Orange Trees

Hadn't seen one of those since October!

Palm Trees

Also hadn't seen one of those since October!

Made us miss FL & SC!

Walking around Palatine Hill

Another nice view of the Colosseum

Arco di Tito

Palatino

Walking to the Forum

Foro Romano

Checking out all the ruins

Sergio, looking adorable, walking down Via dei Fori Imperiali

Monumento Nazionale a Vittorio Emanuele II

Campo de Fiori for lunch

How Italian does this guy look?! :-)

Mimì e Cocò for dinner

Santa Maria della Pace