Vatican City

Today was all about the Vatican.
First, after some thorough security checks, we went into St. Peter’s Cathedral. Lots of people there because a mass was going on.
Although we’re not Catholics, we all were impressed by the size of things, the paintings and the statues. I’ve been here several times before and I am very interested in these things, the history, the rituals and so on. I could tell and explain several things to Bas and Daan who also were impressed by it all.
At 12 o’clock we were outside again, amongst thousands of people. The pope appeared at the window of his office and prayed and gave his blessings to the people of Rome. Again, very impressive to be part of that.
It’s the second pope Annemarie and I saw in real life. We also saw Pope John Paul II, some 22 years ago.

Around 12:30 we strolled towards Castel Sant Angelo, but because of the crowds decided to go in a different direction, leading us into the old historical centre again where we enjoyed a nice lunch.
Later we arrived at the piazza del Popolo.

After dinner, when it was dark we went back to St. Peter’s Square to see it all illuminated. Hardly any people there, no security checks. A beautiful sight!