Patras to Rome - Oct 8 thru 10

Leaving Greece was nothing short of miraculous; the Athens metro system as well as the statewide train network went on strike almost without warning. By sheer luck I was able to purchase a Eurail pass and make my out to the port of Patras. Below you see the night ferry loading up its heavier cargo. Some drivers are pro and get it the first time, others go back and forth, back and forth.
Looking back at Patras; the bridge connects Peloponesse with the mainland.

More Islands, and another sunset. For this leg of the journey I travelled with two Americans... from San Diego in fact. One had recently returned from an army tour in Afghanistan, the other is a general contractor. Nice guys, and I enjoyed the company of Americans.
Unloading in Bari, Italy
Above, a view of Southern Italy's wine country, as seen from the afternoon train to Rome. Finding lodging in Rome that night was a bit of a desperate search... its never fun being lost in a new city after dark! But the next day more than made up for the hardship...

St Peter's Square, The Vatican. Yes, it'll take your breath away!
The Basilica



The Altar above the tomb of St Peter
The basilica was designed in 1503 by Bramante. Michaelangelo assumed control of the project in 1547 (at age 72) and was responsible for the design of the grand dome, below. He died before the basilica was finally completed in 1590.
Below, works from the stunning Vatican Museum...
Yep, a real Roman chariot
The Galleria delle Carte Geographiche -Map Gallery. One of my favorite rooms.


Its funny, but sometimes it isn't the most famous work that hits you the hardest. I saw frescoes by Raphael, and Michaelangelo's greats in the Sistine Chapel. It was the painting below, however, that I could not tear myself away from... I can't say why, nor can I tell you who the artist was... but for some reason, this image just wouldn't let go.
After the Vatican, a mad dash across Rome. Below, the Parthenon
And finally, the Colosseum.