rome continued

the vatican museum was very impressive...so glad that i sprung the extra 4 euro for teh guide who took us to the frontof the line...still 30 minute process...but much better than standing for hours in the line around the vatican wall in the sun no less

had pizza for lunch...lesson learned...sold by the weight...in kilograms...not by the slice

siesta time...trying to do this to recharge batteries eachday

then onto the castel st. angelo which was used as a castle, prison and place of refuge for the pope in case of an invasion during the middle ages...thenthe borghese gallery, colosseum and first metro ride. tried to getto the catacoms a priscilla...but they're closed a random month of the year...nothing on the website about closure...but they closed on the 27th...guess the nuns went to the beach without updating the website

Thursday, 7/29

started day at st peters...got there...recall it is only block away...at 630 for 7 am opening....was amongst first in the basilica...really felt like i had it to myself....the first in line for the trip to the top of the dome...with kyle...guy from california...here with 3 kids, wife and parents...he'd spent time growing up in kinston...dad was w/ dupont....he beat me to the top as he'd participated in a 50 story skyscraper race in philly...worth the effort but was drenched w sweat at end...then...firstin line for tomb tour....saw lots of dead popes graves including john pauls where 2 guards keep you moving

kept momentum upfortheday...toured forum and palintine hill, trevini fountain, parthenon, spance spteps, victor emmanuel monument...and went in lots of churches along the way

met great family from clemson...they gave me tips on the forum and p hill...i shared strategy for doing st peters without the waits i encountered

love the fountains throughout rome for drinking water...have saved tons of cash by not buying water all the time...lunch yesterday was a fruit cup at the camp fiorni market...saved cup for water in fountains as i had left my water bottle in the room

decided not to do the national museum...have seen enough statues and paintings for this portion of the journey

lessons learned>
.don't wear rainbows to the forum
.shampoo makes a great laundry detergent
.when the shower and toilet are in the same room, put the lid down before taking a shower to ensure a dry seat when you need it
.the vatican has its own post office, great for sending postcards
.climbing to one high point per city is sufficient...no need to do for example...st peters, victor emmanual and another i can't even remember
.learn public transporation on the front end...saves time and money
.don't unpack even if you're there for 3 days...still must repack

i've now worn everything in the backpack...maintaining good hygene...shaving daily...on vacation...shaving daily and not buying anything...where is rann