Today was so exhausting. We went to Vatican City (our SIXTH country! Did you know?) Yes it is actually its own small country. I thought I'd die of heat, hunger and exhaustion at the Sistene Chapel.

There is a lot Europe could learn from us. (air conditioning, traffic laws, health codes...) And a lot we could learn from them. (smaller cars, mopeds, art appreciation, gelati)

I hung around Jake a lot. Talked a little.

I tried two new gelati flavors: caffe and straccio-something-or-other. Mmm. Jen and I went crazy because we had no lire left for more gelati.

I saw some graffiti that said "go home yankees." I was slightly disturbed but shrugged it off because I suppose I have more pride for the USA than I originally imagined.

I was thrilled at Robert's book of sketches. I love meeting other artists. I learned about Sarah's rocky life at dinner.

Orane told us her favorite things about New York. Sirens and bagels with cream cheese. She taught us how to count in French and taught us a few French proverbs that are oddly similar to American sayings.

We visited the Trevi Fountain and threw in coins as we wished to return to Rome again someday.

departure - arrival