Ain't that a kick in the head

I feel like I have learned so much these past few days! On Saturday we went to St. Peter's Basilica which is so pretty! It is massive and again decorated completely from top to bottom. And this Basilica is dedicated to the apostle Peter because the Catholic church believes he was buried under this church. The Pope also goes there to conduct mass on Easter and Christmas. Michelangelo was also commissioned to help build the dome. His Pieta is also in here. I did a report on it fall semester so it was really cool to see in person.

One of the Cardinals

We also took a tour of the Acropolis that is underneath the church. Back in the first century AD it used to be this city for the dead that was above ground. It's set up like a little city with different rooms that look like little shops but that are for different families to be buried in. It is also rumored that the apostle Paul had a grave here that was heavily decorated. Then Constantine came and filled this whole city with dirt so he could build a church on top of Peter's grave. He kept it well preserved and made sure people could still come and visit his grave from the church. Then a while later that church was torn down and St. Peter's basilica was built on it which now stands today. So they discovered this acropolis and now you can take a tour of it. It is the coolest thing I have seen this trip so far! If you have a chance to see it, take the tour! So much history is down there. It blew my mind. Everything is so well preserved because of all the dirt that was packed in there by Constantine. And they now have major temperature and climate controls down there, so unfortunately I was not able to take pictures. 

With the Swiss Guards before entering the Acropolis.

On Sunday we went to church! I loved it. It's nice to know no matter where you are in the world the church is the same and the spirit is just as strong and just as present. The ward is pretty small, we added a lot of bodies to this little ward. The missionaries serving there translated the whole meeting for us which was a different experience, but I was grateful for them. And I loved singing hymns in Italian! We sang Be Still My Soul in Relief Society, which is my favorite hymn, and even though I couldn't follow the words of the hymn, I could feel the same spirit that I feel when I sing that song anywhere. I just love church so much. All the lessons we had were the basics, which are my favorite lessons. We learned about the Plan of Salvation, not judging others and keeping the Sabbath Day holy. It was a very great experience and I can't wait to get to know our ward in Siena.

These girls are my homies. I have been having a blast with them.

Today we headed back to Vatican City to go to the Vatican museum where the Sistine Chapel is. This museum is so big. There are so many different rooms and exhibits you go through before you actually get to the Sistine Chapel but everything we saw was amazing. So many beautiful statues and painted ceilings and frescoes. And the Sistine Chapel is breathtaking. It wasn't what I expected but to think that Michelangelo was in the same room I was painting that ceiling is mind blowing. There is absolutely no picture taking allowed in that room but I snuck one in :) you can't really see the ceiling above me, but it is proof I was there!!

Robby this is Egyptian! Thought you would love this :)

Laocoon

Secret picture of the Sistine Chapel ceiling and me :)

I am discovering more about the way of life here little by little each day. Like Italians really do take long lunch breaks. Most stores not food related and churches close to take lunch, which I love because why not just enjoy eating and being with people you love?? Dinner does not start until about 8:30 at night and even that is pretty early. People even eat dinner close to midnight. Italians really enjoy eating and eating with people they love. Meals are not rushed, they are enjoyed. I love it! Also people walk a lot and spend time outside a lot. People of all different ages are walking around all the time. No wonder Italians are so tan and no extremely fat from all the pasta, fat and sugar they eat! Even if they aren't going anywhere in particular they just spend time outside. Italians are also very kind. I haven't met a mean Italian yet. I am trying my hardest to communicate with them but they are patient with me. I am very grateful for that. People also dress so nicely here! Everyone. Not a flip flop or dirty looking tee shirt in sight. And yes the men will let you know if they think you are pretty. I love that unless they are creepy about it, but usually it's just cute :)

I am getting anxious to get to Siena. I am loving Rome but I need some home cooked meals and fresher air. Between all the museums and subway rides you being to feel very claustrophobic and dirty all the time. I come home feeling disgusting everyday. But I am learning so much, which feels good! I am learning so much more being here and being able to actually see what I am learning about. I still feel at home here and am loving every second. I sometimes feel like I am stuck in this amazing dream.