Michaelangelo

Today didn't seem like it would turn out well but it did. I started the day out with meeting Marle' at the Colloseum to complete my tour with her. She was nice enough to show up early and walk me through the Colloseum. It is amazing when you think that for 400 or so years, thousands of animals and slaves or criminals were killed in this arena for entertertainment in this arena. Really tragic but with Christianity this started to end. There is actually a church still remaining in the Colloseum but there were many more built into the structure by the church. One thing I learned is how the catholic church owned these many Roman sites until unification of Italy made it possible for the the government to take responsibility of these sites. But despite what occurred here, it is an amazing structure.

Talk about being a little worried. I though my bank card was cut off after I made sure they made a note in my account that I would be on vacation. Well two Rome banks would not let me make a withdrawl. Luckily I found a german bank at the Vatican and was able to withdraw some money which I need for my cab on Thursday. I am so relieved.

Another wonderful day of nice weather here with blue skies. Today I went to the Scavi where they excavated under the basilica so that they could locate St. Peter's grave. In the process of doing so, they uncovered several family grave sites. It is impressive in what they have done to protect and preserve what they found. Just another example of how much is buried under all the main buildings above ground today. It was very moving to see his grave but it was also warm underground. I hate to know what summer is like down there.

Talk about trying to do to much. Because I missed breakfast today to meet with Marle and had to run to my Scavi tour, I was really running out of energy and I had a Vatican museum tour at 2pm. Luckily they have some good street stands that are really cheap to get a quick snack. Nothing like taking a break while in front of the Vatican. One of those places I love to just sit and relax in front of.

Ok, today I have to say that I was truly moved in a way I have never been in a long time while seeing a work of art in person. Before I talk about the Vatican museum, I have to say that I am glad that I never went to the Sistine Chapel before. They finished completely cleaning it in 2000. To see it cleaned was so moving that I can hardly express what I feel but to say I was completely awed what I stood before. To know that Michaelangelo, one of the great artists who has ever lived created a masterpiece that is just amazing to me. I have to say that I felt tears in my eyes to know how much dedication and love of God he put into painting this chapel when he was never paid fairly and all he ever wanted to do was sculpt. One would never think that painting was not equal to his sculpting. The colors and expressions of the figures he painted was just incredible. I must have spent an hour or so just taking in the entire ceiling. All I can say is that I was really moved by the fact that this one man created such an incredible masterpiece that no artist has ever come to be his equal in this. Just beautiful.

The Vatican really has an impressive collection. I even toured Raphael's rooms which he painted. Michaelangelo felt threatened by this young painter but in truth they were equaly great in their own style and way. Raphael's rooms were quite beautiful and I can see that many people must have enjoyed his paintings while meeting in these rooms.
Other than the paintings by Raphael and Michealangelo, there is quite a sculpture and painting collection. There is quite a bit that dates back from Roman times since the church owned many Roman sites and so they kept much that came from these sites. Of course they also took many things from Roman sites and incorporated them into their churches. Not sure that was good but perhaps these things might have been destroyed if they didn't.

After the Vatican, I did briefly walk through the Vatican itself. I hope to go tomorrow but I believe it isn't open in the morning so I will have to see. It is truly an impressive church. I have never seen it's size yet in other places of worship.

Of course I ended my evening with a nice dinner at a place that Isabella recommended. There are really some great restaurants and of course gelato stores here. A lot to choose from.

Well my feet are really tired today and I am hoping to get to bed early today. Have a good day and I will write tomorrow.