Giorno Dodici // Day 12

Bright and early morning today! We were up at 7:30am to visit the Vatican Museum. No lines or anything because our tickets got us right in! We had most of the early museum rooms to ourselves, which was incredible. It was nice to enjoy the Raphael rooms without the chaos of large tourist groups snapping pictures of works that they probably know little to nothing about. Although I had been through this museum just three years prior, I had learned even more about new pieces and could take my time viewing them. The Sistine Chapel was more gorgeous than I last remembered. We spent nearly an hour and a half in here, admiring the artwork and drawing. There was a priest who announced that he would be available for blessings if so desired, so a few of us went up and it was such a powerful experience. I had tears in my eyes...I felt Christ around me. I am so blessed for this opportunity to study and be abroad in Italy. We could not take pictures because the works are very delicate. Every so often, Vatican guards were scream "Silenzio or No Foto or SHHHH." Today was the first day Suzanne let us stop for lunch...what a treat. After an 8 hour day, we really deserved food. After philosophy class, we stayed local for dinner. Many groups recommended an Italian place, Ristorante Il Chiodo Fisso. I got a pizza with fungi and prosciutto. Every meal I've had has been delicious thus far.