Pray For Me... Off to see the Pope (or Vatican, I guess!)

Monday, August 13th:

So any visit to Rome would not be complete without going to the Vatican Museums, and today, being the good Jew that I am, I made sure I went!

The lines for the museums were incredibly long, but, I had booked my ticket ahead of time so I was set! THE HIGHLIGHT of any trip to the Vatican is seeing the Sistine Chapel, arguably Raphael Sanzio's finest and most famous work. My initial plan was to go directly there once I got into the Museum... Not too different from trying to see the Mona Lisa immediately upon getting to the Louvre. This idea backfired when I realized the cupola to the Chapel is at the tail end of a labyrinth of various gothic and Renaissance art. There were several rooms completely dedicated to the works of Raphael, statues of famous martyrs and saints, and even contemporary Christian art.. All before going to see the glory that is the ceiling of the Chapel.

Now, in order to fully believe the Sistine Chapel, you really need to see it in person, especially because you are not allowed to take photos (otherwise I would have posted them here!). It really seemed like it was the length and width of half a football field, a good 20 meters off the ground, and you literally just stare, wander at the various scenes, and TRY to absorb what you are observing! The detail, depth, and color are just unreal! It was if G-d himself made it, as it was THAT divine and perfect! I stood there for a good ten minutes just wandering from various sections of the floor and while taking mental snapshots!

After a good four hours in the Vatican, I knew I had to see more of Rome... Next post.