Top of St. Peter's

Earlier this week I had to do a scavenger hunt through The Vatican for my religion class. I just had to answer questions about certain monuments, it's not like I actually did this intense hunt for anything. But I'd say it wasn't bad for my first homework assignment.

It was my first time actually going inside St. Peter's Basilica, and of course it was gorgeous!! I will never get over all of these churches, and this one is THE church of all churches! You have to go through metal detectors before going in, which kind of took a while. Don't worry I got through, I have no weapons I swear.

Basilica Entrance

After finding all of the items on my scavenger hunt, it was time for an adventure to the top of the basilica. For 7 euro you can climb to the cupola (dome) of St. Peter's. Well you can take an elevator halfway up and then climb 320 steps. For 5 euro you can climb the whole 551 steps without an elevator. It's definitely worth the extra 2 euro.

The climb goes to the top of that little dome. 

At first you're like bam! Let's do this! After the first few flights of stairs, you're like "are we there yet?" No, you're not. The stairways get skinnier and skinnier. The hallways are getting more narrow, and the walls are slanting inwards. And then you get to a lovely spiral staircase. And then you're thinking, "I love spiral staircases , we should almost be there." No again. This spiral staircase never ends. Then there's a break! Only to lead to another spiral staircase. And there's a lovely rope in the middle for everyone to hold on to since you're in such a confined space. I'm not usually claustrophobic, but this definitely gave me those vibes.

One of the hallways.

And then finally, you get to the top!! And the view is breathtaking! Literally, because I have no breath from climbing those stairs.

Bird's eye view of St. Peter's Square

It was incredible to be up there! You can see the whole city, and it was definitely worth the climb. "Life's a climb, but the view is great!" Yet another movie reference, but I won't publicly say what movie that's from because of sheer embarrassment. So if you know the reference, then we're cool I guess. But really, the view was great! More than great!

I was excited to reach the top.

And if you've kept up with the news lately, you probably have seen that the Pope has decided to resign. This is the first time this has happened in 600 years! Since the Pope never usually resigns, everyone is going crazy over here. Luckily I'll be here to see it all happen! In the midst of history being made! Crazy! Since I live pretty close to The Vatican, I'm sure it'll be packed everywhere. If only I could see the smoke from my window.

I just watched Angels and Demons for the first time, and I'm glad I waited until I was in Rome, because it was cool to see the places I know, and since it involves the Papal election. I just learned about the details of the election process in my religion class, and I feel so educated. And yes, I am still going to school if you were wondering, because it may not seem that way. It's awesome to learn all of these things while experiencing this city. I guess this is what studying abroad is for!