Crushed in crowds

Enticed by the website that said that tickets booked online (an extra €4 each!) we booked entry for the Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapel and set off after a lazy morning for our 1pm booking. We think the Pope himself or someone very important was about as much of the forecourt was fenced off and way in the distance a white pope mobile-esque cart could be seen near the steps.

After a confusing walk to find the entrance, we arrive still having to line up for tickets, then proceed to be crushed by crowds through the various galleries and chambers leading to the Sistine Chapel. Amy was so frightened by the heaving crowds she sobbed through half of it, and I felt sick from the sheer volume of people and inability to exit even if you chose to avoid the 'main attraction'. By the time we got to the chapel we were ready to flee and the masterpiece of Michelangelo's work was lost on us. We missed the Varican museum as we were all too upset to brave further crowds. Shame on the Vatican for allowing such an incredible sight to become a circus!

We retreated to the soothing familiarity of Romes cobbled streets, friendly locals and delicious food. We even found a Hawaiian pizza for Jack ha ha!!

We have enjoyed Rome, but I think the crowd hysteria freaked us all a little today. Time to head home, I for one need some time in my 'hood, time with the ladies and the love of a smooth brown hound..... If she hasn't forgotten us!! See you soon!! Xxxx