Roma!

Today we explored the rest of Rome!  We started off with the Vatican, printing our tickets from our hotel's computer and getting to skip the line that wrapped around multiple sides of the building.  We went inside and explored multiple museums within, seeing famous paintings of biblical scenes, past pope mobiles, busts of previous popes, and then exploring the gardens as well.  After that, we headed towards the Sistene Chapel, which had many more rooms than I had realized and many lengthy hallways as well.  This part of the exploration was the coolest, as well as the most annoying considering the crowds.  There were points that I realized if something were to happen like a fire, none of us would get out!  We were very jammed into the hallways and rooms and with the sun beating down through the windows and everyone (well mostly) dressed appropriately in pants, long skirts, and shoulder-covering tops, it was quite hot.  However, the artwork along the way was amazing and incredibly intricate.  After grabbing lunch at the pizzeria inside, we grabbed some souvenirs and left.  We headed around more of Rome then, trying to hit as many landmarks as we could.  This included the capital building, Trevi Fountain, and Spanish Stairs to name a few.  Sadly, many of the structures seemed to be under construction, or cleaning.  Trevi Fountain was barely visible behind all the metal bars an structures built around it, and the fountain and major part of the Spanish Stairs were as well.  That was very disappointing, and considering tourist season is starting right about now,be don't quite understand why - there weren't even any workers at either of the fountains!  Either way, we got to see many other Rome sites and do a little bit of shopping on the side.  We ended the evening eating ravioli and watching the beginning of the Italy vs. Costa Rica World Cup game.  Now we've packed up and arranged for tomorrow's early start.  Once again we'll be up at the crack of dawn to catch a train to the airport and fly into Barcelona.  As our trip goes on, our flights are getting earlier and we've found trains don't run continuously!  Tomorrow we have a slightly shorter time to get through security, and when we fly out of London for home, it'll be even less.  Good thing we're getting the hang of this constant traveling let's hope it continues to go as smoothly!!