Thursday - Rome

An early start this morning meant that we were on the road to the Vatican by 7.20am. By the time we managed to get into the Basilica it was almost 8am, the time we were due to celebrate Mass. As it happened being a few minutes late meant that we were able to be given a different altar to the one organised for us and it worked out much better.
We then caught up with our Vatican Guide, after walking round to the Museum and bypassing stacks of people who were there early to avoid the crowd - one of the advantages of being in a tour group. Our guide was a typical Italian - she spoke a million miles and hour with a strong accent - so different to the lovely guide we had later for the Scavi Excavations.
Her knowledge of the Vatican was extensive and the tour even though a bit breathless was brilliant. It was really special going into the Sistine Chapel because the last time I was there the restoration was just beginning - now it really looks brilliant.
After some lunch, almost a third of us at the same place, we headed off for a few different activities. Some went to Castel de Angelo, some went back into the Vatican, some went shopping and a few of us went down to the River Tiber and spent time relaxing and journaling.
Mid afternoon we headed off back to the Vatican - this time we went to the Scavi Office and, in three groups, toured the space below the Basilica - all three levels.
Each group came out blown away with the experience and the way our guides made the whole thing come alive. Each of them offered something really special to their presentation and so it was great for every one.
Back at the hotel and just finished dinner and now bed because tomorrow really is an early start. We are heading for the airport leaving here at 3.45am. Perhaps the only good thing about the morning is that we can say we have been to Brussells. There is a good thing happening in the morning and that will be meeting up with +Adrian in Toulouse before we continue onto Lourdes for the next two nights