Last days in Italy

I've been thinking about my last post about Rome for the last few days, with a bad feeling in my stomach, thinking that I may have called it a dump.  I did go back and check and Rome, I owe you a huge apology. On the tail end of our trip we stayed near the Vatican and it was a completely different experience.  No beggars, no con artists, much less touristy, despite the Vatican being steps away.  It was just a really nice city, with great food and very nice people.  We did see a lady with so many plastic grocery bags around her feet she was 6 inches off the ground. I'm sorry I didn't snap a picture.

On a side note.  If you are one of those people that say they've had a bad experience in a foreign country and that the people were rude to you. YOU ARE DOING IT WRONG.  At least learn hello, goodbye, thank you, where is the pooper in the language of the country you are in.  Never assume someone knows English. Ask them in their native tongue.  That is why they treat you poorly.  And in my opinion?  You deserve it.  Another tip, if there is a language gap, screaming at the person you are trying to communicate with will not make them understand English.  I've seen many American tourists do this over the years and it drives me nuts.

So, back to the Vatican.  John and I got off the cruise and taxied to our next hotel to meet up with Amy and Neil.  We got there earlier than them so we wondering around a bit.  Had the most amazing pizza; I am so sorry we didn't go back again.  Once we met up with Amy and Neil they were hungry so we sat down for lunch.   We felt a bit like we were being held captive, but they kept brining out dessert, limenchello, so we were grateful and took what they gave us.  By the time we got to the Vatican it was too late to get a ticket to go inside, so we walked around Vatican City. From there we just kept wondering around the city and finally got to where the natives live, which is generally my favorite part of traveling.  We capped the evening off with gelato, went back to the hotel, cleaned up and went to bed.

We did spend a lot of time speculating on where inside Vatican City the Pope lives, but weren't able to figure it out.  Wikipedia says:

"Francis chose not to live in the official papal residence in the Apostolic Palace, but to remain in the Vatican guest house, in a suite in which he can receive visitors and hold meetings. He is the first pope since Pope Pius X to live outside the papal apartments."

The Pope of the people for sure.  And no we didn't see him.  Here are some pictures for you to enjoy!

 We got stuck in a rainstorm.  We decided to have flat Dawn join in the fun.

 The love locks from Paris have made their way to Rome.

 Some pics didn't come out great as it was dark.

 More locks.

 We noticed these wall fountains all over Rome. People actually drink out of them, or fill a water bottle.  None of us were will to take the risk, except for flat Dawn.

 The next few are at the Vatican.

 We don't know if these are saints or prior popes around the walls near the Vatican.

 John thinks the Pope lives where the 2 black curtained windows are.

 The Vatican is behind me in this picture.

 I know I've seen this grafitti sticker elsewhere in Europe, but I still can't find the origin of it.  It has a Shepard Fairey/OBEY vibe to it.  If anyone knows more about it, I'd love the info.  Here is a great essay by Shepard Fairey on sticker art.

 Ah Pupka, the nickname my Sister had since a kid that was shortened to Poop many years ago. Michele, you were representing in Rome.

The lovely welcome letter from my last hotel in Rome.

 The rest are pictures of the view from my hotel room.

What I will miss about Rome?  The bidets.  After watching a youtube video on how to use, I actually enjoyed them.  The weather. It was fantastic.  The gelato.  Strawberry was my jam and it never disappointed.  I missed the art scene there, so I hope to come back some day and do that.