Oct 20, 2021
Today is our third wedding anniversary. We decided this would be a great day to go visit the Vatican to celebrate our vows. When we arrived in the Vatican Plaza much to our surprise we saw a big group of wedding couples having their photos taken. A lovely coincidence and reminder of our own special day. We wished them Tante Auguri and told them today was our wedding anniversary. They all in unison shot back a Happy Anniversary to us and Brenda then wished them all a happy marriage.
Inside the Vatican St. Peter’s Basilica we saw the famous Pietà statue by Michelangelo and the wonderful Bernini dove window and sculpture at the back of the church. The enormity of the place is awesome and inspiring. It is also thought provoking to think how powerful and rich the church is in comparison to the humble life of Jesus.
Later we walked over to Castle St. Angelo and walked around the fort and tomb of the emperor Hadrian. Climbing the many stairs to the top offered us spectacular views of the city. Reaching the summit many Tosca fans will recognize the location from the tragic ending where Tosca runs to the parapet. Crying “O Scarpia, avanti a Dio!” (“O Scarpia, we meet before God!”), she flings herself over the edge of the St. Angelo castle to her death.
