A busy day or two

The first two full days in Rome and have been exciting and busy.  Having had a good long sleep on Wednesday evening Thursday started full of anticipation.  Breakfast over the Sisters and I got on a bus and headed to the Vatican.  There was a slight delay in getting the guide but wow once he got there we had a sensual treat as we were guided throug the best of what this spectacular museum has to offer.

This is me in the Courtyard of the Pinecone in the Vatican a great modern structure of the complexity of the creative world behind me.
Having visited the tombs of the Popes we headed up to the huge and magnificant St Peter's Bascillica the one that you see in all the photos.  Thought of Ju's Nain as we looked in wonder at the Pieta which even amongst so many pieces of art is truely sensational.  I just felt for Mary and her son.
Official touring over Sian, I and another Josephite headed over the Tiber to go and do a good deed helping with some pligrimage stuff for other travellers.  The vague instructions didn't help and we weren't wanted!! So we explored St Ignatius including Francis Xavier's hand - really it is ring and all, the Pantheon - why doesn't the rain come in the hole?  and how come noone seems to know?  And avoid the sellers in the Piazza Novana.
Proudly I led the team on the first public bus journey without a hitch I might add which gave Sian time have practice for her item on Sunday and  to change to join Archbishop John for dinner in the city.  She had a great time but I wouldn't know because she left me behind!

Friday there was a real buzz as the sisters got ready for formal occassion.  Shirt, jacket and Sian wore a hat very smart.  Morning prayer for the sisters was in the Roman Methodist Church and was beautiful, very moving.  It was followed by the Australian Ambassador to the Holy See hosting morning tea. Lemingtons he had made himself were part of the food available.  There were also Aussie government big wigs although Kevin Rudd was in Brussels.

A lovely walk through Rome to the Vatican occured next.  The sisters looked so bright with thier attractive aqua scarfs worn various ways - Sian had hers on her hat and got lots of positve comments. Having admired the new fountain in the gardens that is dedicated to St Joseph we enjoyed a lovely lunch at the Vatican cafe before returning to the hotel to get ready for the concert and art display this evening.