On the train out of Nice we met such a sweet couple, Sara and Adria. They were celebrating their 2nd anniversary in Europe and they are from So. California too. They were getting off at Genoa and we were staying on to Milan. Such a cute couple. 

After 3 different trains, we made it to Rome . Caught a taxi to our B&B and had the ride of our lives...literally. These drivers in Rome are crazy, but I have to give them their kudos. They can maneuver around anything without slowing down. In those crazy 20 mins we saw so much history. I can't wait to go explore Rome and especially The Vatican.

Next morning we joined the masses to see Pope Francis in St. Peter's Square. We were able to get free tickets for An Audience with the Pope...which means we get to sit in chairs outside close to where he will be speaking. No one has had a private audience with a pope since Pope John Paul II died in 2005. 
 
After about an hour we start hearing all this cheering and people pointing their cameras in one direction. The Pope was here and riding around the crowds in his Popemobile. I finally spotted him and what a thrill, I'll never forget it. Every few feet he would stop and bless the crowd near him. Even though we weren't close enough to touch him, just being in his presence was such an honor to me . 

After he rode around the crowd, he went up to his platform to speak to everyone. He is such a soft spoken, loving reflection of God. What an honor to be able to witness and hear Pope Francis's display of love, caring and true devotion to His Lord. One can't leave here without feeling changed in some way..little or huge. What an amazing man!!

We decided to postpone seeing St. Peter's Basilica until the next day as the lines were crazy long. We took our own walking tour to some of the sights of Rome. Our 1st stop was the Spanish Steps...all 135 of them. We actually walked all the way up.  

Our next stop was one I really wanted to see....The Trevi Fountain. Very crowded but so cool to be there. Dave and I tossed a coin in the fountain. Every since seeing the movie "Three Coins in the Fountain" I've wanted to go there. 

Then on to The Colosseum. When I think about the horrors that happened here, I'm not thrilled to see this. 

The next day we went to St. Peter's Basilica. I've heard how impressive it is and it was that and more. Seeing the Tomb of Pope John Paul II brought back those days in April 2005 when the world knew he was in really bad health and the day we were all told he passed away. He was so beloved .  

We also saw the body of Pope John XXIII who was also one of my favorites...he was such a jovial, kind and loving man who passed away in 1963,  

The Tomb of St. Peter (who is the 1st Pope) was so amazing to see. His actual Tomb is downstairs under the floor...could only see the spot where he lays. No photos were allowed to be taken under the Basilica. 

In the photo of the picture of Peter being crucified, legend says that is the spot he was actually killed. The church is filled with mosaics that are copies of famous paintings such as this one. 
 
The Dome is directly over The Tomb of St. Peter. Whenever one sees the Dome outside, they know that St. Peter is buried directly below it.  

Michelangelo sculpted his Pieta when he was only 24 yrs. old. It represents Mary with the body of Christ taken down from the cross. 

Our visit to Rome is just about over. I have to say my favorites were seeing and hearing Pope Francis and seeing St. Peter's Basilica. As we walked the streets of Rome and listened to the Italians speaking, their language and enunciation was music to my ears. They speak with such emotion.  
 
Arrivederci Roma. Now on to Positano tomorrow.