Cruising the Med with Mickey and the Crew **Updated 11/25** COMPLETE About This Page:

[DrDolphin]

After everyone made it through security, we gathered at the entrance of St. Peter’s and Moon told us about the Jubilee doors – they are only opened on a Pope’s (??) Jubilee – I think that means every 25 years?? Maybe?? They are impressive though.


Looking back at the Square from the secure area

Jubilee Doors

Ceiling of the area near the Jubilee doors - gold inlay and ornate work surrounds you and pictures do not do it justice :

Detail inlay /Detailed marble work

The artwork in this place was overwhelming. Every nook, every cranky… art, gold, tile, statues… you name it. Just too much to take in. And then there was remembering that you are in the largest Catholic church in the world. They had some of the chapels (? – more like alcoves in my opinion) set aside for prayer – with monitors to tell you not to take photos in those areas. I did most of my photos without flash since I did not want to disrupt anyone… but there were SO many people with flashing cameras….


The main altar. The floor is blocked off - but on the floor it has markings measuring the length of other churches in the world - St. Patrick's in New York, Westminster Abbey in London, etc to show that they could all be placed in St. Peter's.






Looking up at the Dome of St. Peter's

I wish I had taken Latin in high school instead of French…. I would have found the text written on the walls and floors interesting – but since this chick took 4 years of high school French and 2 years of college French… Latin is not my strong suit. I can tell you the meanings of many Latin roots for English words (don’t believe me? Ask my students how many Latin word roots they know when they leave my class).

One thing I did do – I touched St. Peter’s foot. Now I don’t mean the real guy (although he is supposedly buried under this building…) the statue. This was he disciple that Jesus referred to as “the rock on which I build my church”. Supposedly it either brings good luck or your prayers are answered. His foot has been touched by SO many people – the details of the statue have been worn away.


People in line to touch St. Peter's left foot

We were all wearing ear pieces, so we could wander away from Moon, and still hear her commentary. One thing I saw and did not get a good photo of was La Pieta - carved by Michaelangelo - and the only piece of artwork he ever signed. It depicts Jesus laying in his mother's arms after the crucifixion. The statue is behind a protective barrier since someone tried to destroy this magnificent piece of art in 1972 - and is hard to get a photo of due to lighting and the barrier.


Seal of Pope John Paul II in front of the chapel of Mary (I learned that Mary was his favorite Saint..)

After about an hour – it was time to gather ourselves up and meet outside to walk to the bus, to catch the train, to meet the ship. Following me here?

Better photo of the Swiss Guards. Historically they were the Pope's mercenaries (since the 15th century) and now server as ceremonial guards.

We met in the entrance of the Cathedral and started to walk through St. Peter’s Square.


Me in front of St. Peter's

We came across some of the Disney photographers so I ran to them and had my photo taken – the standard “me on vacation” one – and then the photographer told me to jump???? What the?? “Jump!!!” He yells – so I jumped.


After thanking the photographer – I ran to catch up with the group. We hiked awhile, including an area under the city – like an underground walk area, to an underground garage – where I saw this poster. I had planned to see HP5 before I left for Spain – didn’t happen (still haven’t see it yet… hoping the DVD hurries up!).
After getting on the bus, we drove back to St. Peter’s station, said goodbye to Moon and headed for the little train back to the port. On the ride back – we had our own Gladiator instead of Peter Pan.


I really wish we had 2 days in Rome - maybe a hotel stay in there.... so that I could have seen the Sistine Chapel, the Vatican's museums, the Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps, Pantheon... so many things I did not get even a glimpse of - looks like I will be adding those to the "Italy 2010" trip plans.

Next - back to the ship and Dad and I do dinner, solo