Taking off for the Vatican Museum seemed to be the most logical first stop, considering the weather forecast predicted a day of rain. However, getting there proved that the decision was not the best either for the Museum or the Cathedral, with both the Pope's special mass (thereby closing St Peter's Cathedral) as well as arriving without pre-reserved tickets (and thus requiring at least a 2 hour wait).
St. Peter's Square was beautiful, despite the weather and the millions of tourists.
A detour to the Castel Sant' Angelo was a better choice - and it was well worth it, with fabulous views, an interesting walk through an ancient castle, artwork, weapons, and round meeting rooms.
The views from the top of the castle were just impossible to ignore and I probably took a million pictures.
The views of the Tiber River were also spectacular, not to mention the lovely old bridges that cross it.
The early 16th C Piazza Del Popolo, with its gorgeous church, Santa Maria del Popolo - containing art and architecture of Caravaggio, Raphael, Pinturicchio, and others - its 3,200 year old obelisk as well as its Egyptian lions in the fountain was a special treat.
Yes, this is the famous Trevi Fountain! The shots from the Spanish Steps were not so clear, and I will blame the poor light for that, but the throngs of people between these two tourist favorites were huge - and it is mid/late November!
Needed a change from Italian food, so had Thai tonight, which was quite good. Hopefully tomorrow will not be as rainy as they predict, and the old Roman ruins might not be a wash-out after all.
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