Rome, Day 2 - Part 1 of 3 ~ 4/3/14

We packed so much into this day that it had to be divided into three postings. First on the agenda was a tour of the Vatican. We met our tour guide down these stairs and made our way to the entrance, by-passing a line that circled the Vatican wall for at least two blocks. Yes, paying for a tour is so worth it.

Inside, it was packed, but our tour guide deftly got us through the screenings and ticket takers and we were off. After visiting the Post Office (get a stamped postcard if you wish), she led us outside where she would describe in detail what we would see in the Sistine Chapel.

Our able guide also advised us that this was the best viewpoint for photos of St. Peter's Basilica. Never doubt the word of your tour guide.

The Vatican Museums are incredible with their storehouses of priceless art and I'm posting just a few pictures here.

Before we made our way to the goal of everyone touring the Vatican, we viewed these unassuming views of the Sistine Chapel walls from an adjacent building. And then finally, we were there.

It's a large room with benches along the side and standing people packed wall to wall. Guards are everywhere looking for flashing cameras and requiring people to delete their photos, and continually announcing "Silencio!" There were people surreptitiously taking pictures, and with the dense crowd many were getting away with it. I didn't attempt any photos but our tour guide told us when we left that there were many high definition photos available on the internet and that the Vatican's attempt to protect its copyrighted artwork was futile. So in that spirit, here are two photos I found that at least give you an idea of the magnificence of this art. I expected God's Creation of Adam to be much bigger than it was. It's just a small piece of this great work created by Michelangelo.

And on a side note - there are no toilet seats in the women's bathrooms - learn to squat. Next up - St. Peter's Basilica, and Prince Philip of England.

Hong Kong Island Day Tour, Part 2 - Aberdeen & Jumbo Restaurant - 4/3/12

After the lovely trip to the Peak, we were treated to a boat ride in Arberdeen Harbour with a view of the many families living on their fishing boats (Jackie Chan's boat and house was also pointed out and no, I didn't get photos :).

Our boat dropped us off at the famous floating restaurant, The Jumbo. Featured in many Hong Kong-made movies, the restaurant is more known for its setting than for its food, but it was a lovely lunch all the same.

 Two more stops on this tour, and on our last day in Hong Kong.

Hong Kong Island Day Tour, Part 1 - Temple To Many Gods & The Peak - 4/3/12

This was an all-day tour that nicely ended up being just six people, a man from Australia, a couple from Boston and from Wales, and me. Our first stop was the Temple To Many Gods.

One of the benefits of taking a tour is that you get to go the head of the line for the tram ride up to the Peak. Just that alone was worth the price today after seeing the line.

Short Video of the steep ride up to the Peak 

The Peak is obviously a very popular place and it was fun to watch all the activity. We were then on our way down and headed to Aberdeen & Jumbo Restaurant.