Tuesday

Well, we are on the downhill slide here in Rome. As nice as it has been to have someone cook every meal, I am about ready to be home!

This morning we went to St. Peters for the official tour. We were able to tour the Sistine Chapel and see Michaelangelo's famous work. Guess what - no picture taking allowed again. We also saw where there is a piece of wood from the cross, the spear that was used to pierce the side of Jesus, and the head of St. Andrew. All of them are relics in the basilica.

This is a picture of the Swiss guard. They are the Pope's own army. Whenever a priest walks by, they salute!

After lunch, we took off by bus to see the Colliseum and some Roman ruins. Unfortunately, we did not have time to tour them, just to get out and look. We left there and went to the catacombs for Mass. It is a good thing that I am only a little claustrophobic! We were way underground, and it was a tight squeeze. But it was amazing to celebrate Mass and reflect on the persecution the first of Christs followers endured so that we can freely practice our faith today.

On the way back to the hotel, we stopped at St. Peter in Chains, a basilica that houses the chains that held Peter, and an angel set him free. Everywhere we go, there is such history that its hard to take it all in.

On a lighter note, we are teaching our bus driver English. He is not very trusting of us! He seems to think we might teach him something bad!
We are leaving for dinner soon. All we seem to do in Italy is eat!!!!