Rome ::: Day 4 ::: St Peter's Basilica

On my last full day in Rome, I spent my morning at St Peter's Square and Basilica in the Vatican. Both were large and impressive. I'm happy that I went to see them. In a way, the Vatican kind of disappointed me, though. I was expecting it to be like a walled city within a city, moreso than just the square, basilica, and museum. And maybe there is more...but I didn't see it. For that matter, I didn't even see many priests and nuns. Just lots and lots of tourists pointing their cameras in the air. Like me.

Afterwards, I went to check out Castel Sant'Angelo, another of the Angels & Demons sites, not to mention a very famous site within Rome outside of pop-fiction. It was worth the 8 euro admission for the view of Rome, although I wouldn't say the castle itself was all that interesting.

I then walked along the river and found the most perfect spot for siesta by the Ara Pacis Augustae (Altar of Augustan Peace). Just behind a wall, shielded from the road, there is a shallow square pool with several jets of water, surrounded on 3 sides by stone slabs to hang out and sunbathe. It was so relaxing and sunny, that I spent probably an hour hanging out and listening to music.

I then made my way to Piazza del Popolo for some late lunch. Adjacent to the main shopping avenue there seemed to be a lot of good restaurants. I didn't feel dressed appropriately for any of them, especially considering the long line of shiny black BMWs, Mercedes, and Alfa Romeos along the street. All of them had drivers and rear tinted windows, making me wonder if this is where the mafia takes siesta. I chose a more touristy spot in the piazza to eat, watching the cars. The only interesting thing I have to report is that one Mercedes surrendered its choice spot to an Alfa Romeo, as if there were a kind of food chain dictated by the kind of car you drive. No mobsters that I could see, though.

I made a quick walk around the gardens adjacent to Piazza del Popolo after my late lunch. I was getting exhausted by this point, and all of the couples making out in the park made me want to barf. So I headed back to the hostel for laundry and packing.

Late that evening, I went out for an long walk to Campo del Fiori for a dinner of pasta with truffles, glass of wine, creme brulee, and a shot of limoncello...pretty much the most decadent way I could think to spend my last night in Europe.