Did you see us on TV?

Easter Morning!
We were up and at 'em bright and early, packed a lunch and off we went in search of the train station. Of course, we got lost, but by the grace of God we made it to the station and got on the train with few minutes to spare.

The ride was about an hour and the train started to fill up the closer we got to Rome. It stopped at "San Pietro" station and we followed the crowds straight to Vatican City. There were police and Swiss Guards, metal detectors, baggage searches and piles and piles of people. We got through in no time and were seated only one section back from St. Peter's Bascilica. There were beautiful flowers decorating the steps, choirs performing, it was cloudy and seemed to be threatening rain. We had over an hour to wait, but the time passed quickly. The huge television screens displayed scenes of the crowds and performing choirs.
Then we heard a band approaching and the camera was fixed on the approaching performers followed by the Pope riding in the Pope-mobile! After quite a bit of pomp, the Mass began. The sun came out and it warmed up, the music was beautiful, amplified by the priest with the lovely voice next to me. Only one small section of the mass was in English (a reading of Colossians 3: 1-4), but it was easy to follow along with the crowd. We snuck out as they began to serve communion (instructions were that non-Catholics could not partake in communion) and beat the crowds by about 30 minutes.

And we headed out into Rome! We found the Colosseum, Circus Maximus, the Arch of Constantine and saw parts of the Forum along with a few other sights along the way. We enjoyed our picnic lunch, treated ourselves to some Easter ice cream and people watched for a while. Then we headed back to Canale Monterano. Since I hadn't determined exactly HOW to get back to our house in the morning's rush, it seemed like a good time to see if we could!
We got on the Metro and found our way back to the commuter train that would bring us back to our village. We were relaxing on the train, planning the rest of our visit, when the train stops at a station. No big deal, we figured we would get going after awhile. When suddenly everything shuts down! We realized we were alone on the train and when we tried to open the doors they won't open! At this point, Daisy started crying, Elijah wanted to open the door using the "Emergency Exit" switch and Bryanna was franticly trying to get the attention of the passing conductor! Well, we did get off the train...sheesh! How embarassing!
Apparently, the next train to our village wasn't for another hour and a half (and it was the last one of the day!), but an older fellow directed us to the town center, where they were having a festival. What a great way to pass the time! We wandered the streets of Bracciano, found the castle and checked out the stalls of the various vendors. A wonderful discovery, despite how we discovered it!
Anyway, we did make it back to the car and found our way back to the house. Monday is also a holiday around here, so we spent today wandering around and exploring. I always feel better when I know where the laundramat and grocery store are located!
Tomorrow we are off to Rome again. Depending on the weather, we will either be heading to the Vatican again to see St. Peter's, the Sistine Chapel and the Vatican Museum, or back to the Colloseum and other ruins for the tours.
Until next time, Ciao!