I visited a lot of churches on my own, and Alvise the guide took us into the gorgeous St Ignatius, where an orchestra was rehearsing for a concert. They were playing the Easter music from PARSIFAL, and it was so lovely I nearly fainted.
On Sunday, I wandered down to the Vatican with one of the group, who had a ticket for the special Mass. She was already very late, so I told her to hurry on, while I nosed around in shops, etc. Eventually I followed the crowds that were still about, to the front of St Peter's, where they were piping in music, and screens were up so that people could get a better view.
The Mass was over, but I could see Swiss Guard helmts bobbing along, and then(Whoa!) the actual Pope himself, waving from a little white chariot-thing. He was tiny, his face just a
wee pink blob, to me, but he waved in my direction, and I actually felt quite excited. Everyone was clapping and carrying on.
I liked Rome, except for the heat and humidity, but I think Venice was even better. Glad I went, and got home before I got so dreadfully ill. Imagine being 'like that' on a plane! Oy!
