The Vatican, Italy

I wanted to Saint Peter’s Basilica early when the crowd would be smaller. When I arrived, there was no line for security (something that a few hours later was certainly not the case. Once through security, I headed directly for the Cathedral, then walked up to the top of St Peter’s Basilica dome. I chose to take the elevator up as far as it goes, which saved 320 steps, and hiked up the remaining 551 steps. As I hiked to the top, I couldn’t stop thinking about history and who else had made this trek. Once you make it to the top of the dome, you have a breathtaking views of Rome and if you’re afraid of heights (like me) it’s quite hard to be up there for more than a few minutes.

After the Basilica, I headed over to the Museum, passing the long line to get in given I had purchased a ticket in advance. Once into the Museum to see as much as I could see in three to four hours before ending at the Sistine Chapel.

Tapestry’s in the Vatican Museum