Day 6 The Vatican & Rome & going home

We started day 2 in Rome a bit tired already, but we were going to a new country, THE VATICAN so Jackson couldn't wait.

Getting inside the Vatican museums was quite the run around, but we were able to get in 2 hours before the tickets we had bought and still skipped a bunch of the line, so we were happy.  Unfortunately, we are not art appreciators, so after a few rooms of art we were ready to move on, but you have to walk through the entire museum to get to the crowning jewel of the Sistine chapel.  It was SO crowded that we literally were shuffling toe to toe through each room.  Jackson was so short he could barely see things.  Luckily, he was entertained trying to take pictures.  

We finally made it to the Sistene Chapel to see the ceiling painted by Michelangelo and told Jackson he couldn't take pics AND it was so crowded he couldn't see much.  He was so disappointed and annoyed that it had taken so long to go through the museum.  I enjoyed looking, but my neck hurt from looking up.  Wish I had followed advice and brought a mirror (although there was no room to use it anyway). 

After the chapel we were begging Jackson to have the energy to climb the stairs to the top of St. Peters Bascilica. I wondered aloud how many steps the climb had and Jackson started counting...900+steps later we reached the top of the dome and had a spectacular sight of the city of Rome with the many domes and churches.  Jackson was a bit scared to be that high so we didn't stay long, but it was gorgeous.  I also loved looking up into the dome on the walk way at the bottom of the dome.  Counting steps was Jackson's highlight.

 We ate another home-packed meal from Tiffany on the Vatican steps while Jackson gave some change to the beggars.  We then made our way to the Castle Sant Angelo. 

We had to check the scooter at the beginning so Jackson was antsy to leave to get back on the scooter.  I loved learning the history of the castle and the different periods of time and what it was used for.

We climbed to the top and got another great view.  It was interesting to imagine defending the city from here. 

Our final stop was at Piazza Navona.  We sat by the fountain and people watched for a long time as we ate our final gelato.  We got a few souvenirs and then headed back to the Covingtons to get ready to go home.  The final walk to the metro was pretty tiring for Dave and I, but Jackson and that scooter were going strong.  So glad I didn't have to listen to any whining about hurting feet (except my own).

We ended the night with another amazing meal at the Covingtons.  We tried to take them out, but they insisted on feeding us again.  We weren't intending for them to do so much for us as hosts, but they always serve with SO much love and energy.  They make every person they come in contact with feel like they are the most important person they could be with at the moment.  I love being inspired to be better from this family.  The food was delicious and the company better.  We had a final down-the-street gelato and said good night to this amazing country.

We almost missed our very important train the next morning, but luckily we ran (literally) on, just in time.  (Thanks Nikki for buying our tickets early!!)  We made it through the airport bought some final food in Italy and headed back to the states.  Leaving so early in the morning means that you aren't tired until you land, so we watched many, many movies.  Good thing each seat is equipt with a TV screen for games and videos.  Once in Charlotte we had a 4 hour layover to get to SLC.  We were so exhausted and Jackson was begging to sleep (first time ever?!?) but we had to stay up to try to adjust to US time.  Finally, on the plane Jackson fell asleep and we were excited to be headed to see our girls.
We are so thankful for my parents and Dave's parents for watching our girls while we enjoyed this adventure.  We are thankful to the Covingtons for being the impetus for this trip and being the greatest hosts.  Italy was always my dream vacation and now I've done it.  I guess I need to dream a new dream.


      Getting there  Day 1 Venice   Day 2 Italian Alps Day 3 Cinque Terre  Day 4 Florence  Day 5 Rome  Day 6 Vatican