I see that Patrick Belton is in Rome, and blogging his visits to the Vatican.
TG and I went to Rome at the conclusion of a motorcycle trip a few years ago (and no, we didn't ride in Rome - do I look suicidal?).
We spent a day at the Vatican, which was amazing. But amazing as it was, the highlight was the tour we didn't get to take, and the verbal smacking I got when I tried to get us there.
The 'scavi' (excavations) beneath St. Peter's are supposedly amazing. I say supposedly because I didn't find out about them until we are in Rome, at the Vatican. When we found out about them, I went to the 'office of the scavi' and asked about getting onto a tour that day, in either French or English.
The priest laughed at me. I didn't think they were allowed to do that...
Here's an article in The Atlantic about some of the controversies and politics around the excavations. reading it makes me want to go more than ever.
Hmmmm.. well what did the Priest say? I suppose you have to get reservations way in advance?
We went last year and got to go down there and it was AWESOME!!! I just cannot describe to you the feeling of being a few feet away from St. Peter's bones. The guide was excellent and knew the history of it very well, and why they believed it was his bones. The walls and mausoleums were amazing and to think of the history of it!! I touched the walls with awe. There is so much I could say. Anyway, let me know if you want to know any more!
Merry Christmas!!!!!