Vatican

 We took a morning tour of the Vatican our first morning in Rome. Such  huge museum! I would have loved to spend more time exploring that place--but it was too vast to actually get through.

 And good grief there were statues everywhere you turned! Almost became overkill.

 But then we found a Bronze Hercules....and you can't be disappointed with that!

 And the Sistine Chapel and saying Hi to Peter. Crazy ornate church and sculptures.

 Just a couple Mormons visiting the Vatican. It honestly felt a little like we were undercover trying to find the Catholic secrets :)

 Loved the bridge of angels and medieval castle. We wanted to go in there too--but there are only so many museums you can see in one day before your brain shuts down!

 And more fountains in Piazza Navona

To ROME

 Somewhat melancholy, we packed up and headed to the Venice train station. We got situated on our train like professionals, and headed to Rome. Once in Rome we walked to our hotel and checked in (we learned later that we should have taken the subway--so cheap and easy!). The traffic is crazy over there! Venice was def easier to explore at your own pace--in Rome you would get hit by a motorcycle if you take too long to look at something! We then headed to the Spanish Steps to get our feet wet in Rome.

 We walked down and then up those steps--just to make sure we owned that tourist must see, not because we got lost.

 And I started collecting fountains. Probably one of my favorite things about Rome were all the fountains you stumble on.

 We then decided last minute to head out to Aqueduct park. I'm SO glad we did! It was perfect. Just locals there walking their dogs or out for an evening jog. So pretty, and cool to see all the old aqueducts just crossing the park. Makes you remember how small and insignificant you are when you walk quietly amidst such history!

 Can you see it? We spelled ROME

Last day in Venice

 Jon and I started the morning early cause I wanted to see Piazza San Marco without tons of people. It was cool! We went up the belltower and LOVED the views of the city. Found my favorite clock that is rung by moving giants...and it rang while we were up top to see it! Super cool.

 And I must admit I have one regret in Venice, I found out on our last day that you can go to the island I'm pointing to in this picture where they quarantined plague victims! How did I not know about this place until it was too late?! If I ever get to go back I will head there first!

 But the piazza was splendid. We took a guided tour of the Doge's palace. Talk about elaborate decorations....sheesh!

 And that bridge of sighs from the inside.

 And I loved the graffiti left by prisoners.

 And then onto Saint Marks basilica. Probably my favorite church interior, but once again no pictures, so believe me, gold mosaics are pretty, ok?

 We then explored a bit-- and Jon and I stumbled on my favorite doorway leading to a canal in Venice. Then we took a guided walking tour and learned a few more things about Venice we hadn't learned before.

 And took a group gondola ride on this gondola named Luca (River of Time fan in me was HAPPY). Not entirely romantic to share a gondola with 2 other couples....but it was still a ride!

Then that evening we went to a fancy dinner, and then to an opera. Lots of fun to be sitting in Venice listening to an opera! I felt so out of time-- naughty that I didn't have on a proper corset and ankle covering skirts. Totally fun! Venice really was my favorite.

Canal Ride at sunset

 We went on a canal ride in a boat at sunset....the lighting was perfect, but the air was cold! But you see Ca' Rezz from the outside, Andrea and I soaking it all in, me and my fav church again, and the bridge of sighs!

 Oh and then our group, the Rialto and our hotel. I loved that hotel--so peaceful.