St Peter's Basilica brought tears to my eyes

          I was in awe all day long...at the paintings and sculptures of Michelangelo and the work of the Italian Renaissance painter Raphael.  The tour we took today was of the Vatican, the Sistine Chapel, and then the St Peter's Basilica.  No words can explain how all of this truly makes you feel as you experience such a journey.  As I entered the Basilica, I gasped as I have never seen such beauty nor felt such power and love.  It is a very emotional experience and brought tears to my eyes. 

          There are so many people doing this tour daily the place is packed and we often had to be careful not to lose our tour guide in the crowd.  Our guides name was Egore.  He was extremely knowledgeable.  The tour group gave us audio boxes and an ear piece so we could always hear our guide while he talked.  It was also easier for me to listen while having my hands free to take pictures all day. 

          Today was very difficult for Neil.  After yesterday's outing I think this was too much.  He was so tired that after our late lunch and, being serenaded with beautiful romantic Italian music by some live musicians at our table, we came back to the hotel and he has slept ever since.  I am glad we are taking it easy tomorrow and going at our own very slow pace.  We still want to see the Trevi Fountain.  I think we can walk to it from our hotel. 

          The best way I can allow you to experience even a little bit of our day is with a few pictures that I took.  Remember, we were not allowed to take any photo's in the Sistine Chapel, it is not permitted, so I have no photo's from there.