Saw the Pope, got punched and then hit on at St. Peters

What a day! So, it started off with some confusion where to go at the Vatican to get into the Museum. I was with a brother and sister from New Zealand and we eventually found the 2 hour line-up to the Vatican Museum. As we were waiting the POPE HIMSELF drove by in a motorcade and there were all of these helicopters and tv crews. As we were standing in line, a German lady just punched me on the hip for no reason! I turned around and as sweet as can be said... 'please don't do that, it isn't very nice'...while I don't think she knew what I was saying, she could tell my tone of voice. Seriously, who punches someone in line to the VATICAN!

The museum was unbelievable. So much wealth and beauty, it is really breath taking. Following that, we decided the line for St. Peter's was too long so we went on a walking tour of the Jewish Ghetto and over to Trastevere. It was pretty remarkable to see the contrast of the riches of the Vatican to the most run down area in the city. Trastevere is very medieval and was really beautifully lit up for the holidays. We had dinner there then headed back to St. Peters.

We were so fortunate to see a Sunday mass! I snuck into the parisheners' area and watched part of the sermon. From there I asked the guards who the Cardinal was performing the sermon and proceded to get hit on at St. Peter's -- the most holy Church in the world. I think it is a good story for the books! The three of us then left to return to the hostel to rest our tired feet. What a great day -- the Pope, a crazy German woman and a guard at the Vatican....something to write home about!