On our last day in Rome we decided to visit the Vatican City. I had mixed feelings about this place - reason being that they were charging 15 euros to get into the church and palace. For a holy place I had thought if they have to charge for the upkeep of the place 15 euros is rather hefty. I am aware that although it is officially recognised as a self governing city I am aware that the Vatican is very rich. So out of principal we did not want to pay the 15 euros to see how plush the Vatican palace is hence we stayed in the grounds. The guard also told us that the Pope is having his summer break in his summer palace not far from Pompeii. Upon hearing that I noticed a number of vagabonds outside the Vatican walls begging from tourists and passers-by. What a strange scene!!!! This made me angry - why did the Vatican not organise food distribution or 'soup kitchens' for these people or at least some kind of help one way or another. When I asked the guard about this... he just shrugged his shoulders!! Here is the leader of the Christian (Catholic World) and is enjoying himself at his summer palace whilst just outside his walls are people who are hungry and needy. Anyway after 1hr at the Vatican grounds I did not want to spend anymore time there and so we walked to a restaurant down the road and had our dinner but not without giving these 'vagabonds' some money first. I left the place feeling sad and angry at the same time.

Here's a great travel tip for a special bonus while visiting the Vatican. We had a very limited time in Rome as we were on a cruise, but our private train arrived just 750m from Vatican City on a Wednesday morning. The Pope entertains an audience of invited guests and the public almost every Wednesday morning and we arrived in time to get a prominent place to view the proceedings. (Note: During High Season you need to get tix in advance.) I thought I would be limited to viewing the ceremonies via the big screens set up in St. Peter's Square and had no idea that the Pope would visit deep into the audience in the "Pope-Mobile" and that was an added treat to snap some shots of Pope Benedict XVI just ten feet away! Regardless of your faith, the Pope is an icon and being blessed by the Pope is a big deal and I got a treat that few people in the world get to see.

Yeah, the biggest thing was the culture shock. It's not even like you step into a different place but a different time. This place leaves you in awe with some of the architecture and design that you really have to appreciate has been preserved. We had to trek mostly on foot, and there were so many more tourists than actual residents which added a lot to the feeling of discovering. Everything was an art exhibit and right outside of town were countless places to wine and dine. The smell of delicious food no matter where you went was intoxicating, haha. The "Eternal City" is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. You're always surrounded incredible antiquities, gorgeous piazzas, stunning fountains, great food, and an exhilarating ambiance. Lots of shopping and coffee bars too.

the art! the mystique! the history! awwwweeeeee man, the vatican cannot be missed. some have been negatively swayed by the massive amounts of tourism, often thought (culturally misunderstood) rude guards. but dont let it hurt the beauty of the sistine chapel. to the lover of art, art history, or just history, there is no grander sight. or if there is, ive yet to see it. its pure genius. pure heart. if there is such a thing as pure art, you must know the sistine chapel isnt it, given its history. nonetheless, if any art is pure, its the sistine chapel. i dont consider myself religious by conventional standards, but the sistine chapel was a religious experience, no doubt. 

The capital of Catholicism and host to one of the best museums in the and of course home to the pope! Don't miss the Sistine Chapel, painted by Michelangelo 'the man'. Great Egyptian artefacts, cool sculptures and an amazing hall of tapestries. Entry 13 Euro (8 Euro reduced). Open 10am - 3.30pm weekdays, 1000 - 1.30pm most Saturdays (sometimes opens 10am). Closed Sundays except for last Sunday of each month when entry is free!