We woke up our first morning in Rome and were off early to get to the Vatican. We had to leave early in order to get there with enough time to get our bearings and pick up our tickets for the Vatican Garden and Sistine Chapel tour. Today is going to be a long day as we have to stay around Vatican City until at least 2pm to pick up our tickets for the audience with the Pope for tomorrow. Ronnie is just so excited for that!
We picked up the taxi right by the Pantheon and we were off. People had warned that taxi's were expensive, but this was less than 15 euro for the ride and tip. We started with the free breakfast from our hotel. We had our cappuccino and a croissant.
Arriving in Vatican City!
The beautiful Vatican Gardens.
Videos from the Vatican Gardens
After walking the amazing grounds, walking through the museum to the Sistine Chapel. We were allowed to just walk around. We ended up in an area that was dedicated to versions of the old Pope Mobiles and Swiss Guard Uniforms.
We were then hungry and ventured just outside of Vatican City to find somewhere to eat. It was just noon at this point so still early and not a lot of places were open. We also had to kill some time until 2pm when we could pick up our tickets for the main event the next day. I had a pizza and Ronnie chose a lasagna. The meal was ok and was not in an overly tourist area, it seemed to be more of a business area.
We then walked around the area outside the Basilica. Ronnie was in shock that he could get a beer. We sat and people watched for a bit as well. The amount of people who just come from all over to what is our most Holy Land, is amazing. You really do just find yourself standing in awe at times. 
The bronze door where you pick up the tickets, the second photo has the Swiss Guards who hand you the tickets. ! To get back there you have to go through security. We because you are basically cutting the line to get in the Basilica, they only let one person in your party go back. The Bronze doors are past security. What is quite amazing to me is the amount of people who try to get into the Basilica wearing shorts or bare shoulders or shirt skirts. Everything you read is very clear of what is allowed for both men and woman. And then people wait in line only to get turned away by what they have on and get angry. It is not like it is a secret what you are allowed to wear.
After we got back from Vatican city we stopped for a little Appertivo at our favorite little spot by the Pantheon. Ronnie has his ridiculously large beer, I had a prosecco and we split the prosciutto and melon. it was delicious!
We then went back to the hotel and took a little rest. We had our tickets in hand, I had stopped to purchase rosaries to take the next day to get blessed by the Pope. I had not yet shown Ronnie one more thing in Rome that I really wanted to show him....The Trevi Fountain. I knew it was right down the street from our hotel- hence the name of our hotel. But I wanted it to be a shock for him as we walked upon it. As expected, it was packed with people. But I think he got at least some of the shock value as we turned the corner it there it was...the Trevi fountain.
Funny story, our picture looks like there is no one else around. Most people sit around and watch it and socialize, but are respectful around the basin and allow people in to take pictures and then move out of the way. Well right next to us was a girl who wanted to be "insta-famous" I guess. She was lounging on the ledge trying to take her pictures, not really letting anyone else get in and getting annoyed if someone was in her "shot". We were cracking up about it. It was ridiculous! But hey to each their own. We got a great shot, we threw our coins and we will be back for sure! 
There was a church right there so of course, we had to stop in.
We then decided to just walk that side of Rome and see what we could find for dinner. We walked up and down all the side streets. At some point ended up back near the unknown solider tomb. We ended up in the fancy part of Rome with all the high end stores. The only restaurant that seemed to have a decent outdoor spot was Tartuffo and friends. We decided to try. For an expensive meal it was ok. And we were really not that hungry after our day of eating, we wanted something lighter.
I had a steak tartare with hazelnut cream and truffle chips. Ronnie tried filet with foie gras. It was interesting. And of course a caprese salad.
We then returned to see the Trevi fountain at night an have a nice gelato to cap off our evening. Wednesday is going to be another long long day. But I know it is the day Ronnie has been waiting for.
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