Vatican City....

As you approach the Vatican city..you're concious of one thing, there is a hang of a lot of money floating around here. Its quite interesting, if you can imagine a gigantic domed building with pillared walkways extending out to you on the left and right...then that's the impression you're supposed to get when you approach. Its supposed to show the church embracing its flock...but for me it was like a giant crab....though I didn't mention this at the time.
We stood in line for a long time for St Peter,s...it was OK I guess..I'm not one for churches to be frank...but the artwork was pretty impressive....their interior decorator wasn't into the subtle..
We waited and stood for ages to get into the Sistine chapel...so while we're standing there lets look at the scooters and smart cars going by...
Scooters and parking for the Italians are not a science - they are art form, what one italian, a scooter and a roadway can produce together. Someone should go around Rome and get some pictures for a coffee table book. Then the actual driving! I saw a chappie take off from the lights on his scooter, smoking a cheroot, texting on his mobile phone....while playing the acordian. Ok I'm lying about the cheroot....but the point is these guys wizz all over the place in amazing ways. Its lively - and I like it. This is NOT a Nanny state. Most pedestrian crossings have a pedestrian lights, but some don't...and Italian drivers don't stop, you just have the walk out and they slow for you - you hope. There were a couple of elderly british folk waiting on one side by the pantheon, they were still there 2 days later when I went back - still trying to get across.
You always stand out as a tourist here, cause you tend to hussle across the road....you'd need to hit an Italian with 40 million volts before they'd hurry from the bus bearning down on them.

If you want to visit the sistine chapel...remember this...you're in for a long walk, in fact its like pilgrims progress. The art is rich, full and like the italian food after a while its JUST TOO MUCH! That's the british in me coming out, anyway..the actual chapel is filled with people with the guards fruitlessly trying to shush people. Too crowded I'm afraid, but I can say I've seen it, which is the important part. TICK!

Bottom line: The swiss guard do not provide swiss rolls to hungry tourists. In fact they have some difficulty understanding that request...