The Vatican

Since Ryan is a Rock Star, he was able to arrange for us to go in the back way and get into the Vatican in a painfree manner. It was an amazing thing to be given a private tour of the Popes gardens. Tourists are not allowed in the private gardens and it was amazing to be inside this quiet, peaceful area in the middle of the hustle and bustle of Rome.

The gardens are amazing with beautiful sculptures, fountains and every kind of flora and fauna known to man. They even have parrots in the gardens. It was gorgeous. We saw the helicopter pad and also the place that all the visiting presidents and heads of state stay.

Of course, St. Peters Basillica was mind boggling and beautiful. Ryan had much of the history for us and got us in the back door so we walked out into the middle of a roped off area, much to the surprise of everyone standing behind the ropes!

There are some special artifacts, like part of the holy cross (which came from Ryans monestary) and official letters and the like, that are hidden up in the basilica. No one has seen them in many many years and they are behind multiple locks, keys and safes. Ryan had to accompany a very very very VIP up to see them. Even the Vatican Historian had never seen them so he accompanied Ryan and the VIP up through a labyrinth of locks, tiny stairs and dank hallways to see the relics of ancient church history. It sounded very daggers and intrigue to hear Ryan describe it.

Perhaps the most interesting and strange part of the entire Vatican visit was the Vatican PX, for lack of a better term. They have ALL the designer clothes in there for cheap, cheap, cheap. Kelly and I thought we had died and gone to heaven (ha ha). She immediately bought a Burberry poncho for $1000 off and I tried on a Dolce and Gabbana dress (which fit but looked hideous!). We are going back today to all go shopping crazy. Chris is very happy that I am bringing my own credit card with me.

We spent that night at the Spanish steps, window shopping and eating. It was a magical evening, except for all the touristas and their trash and cigs!