Down Under

We've just returned from the Scavi tour. We got to the Vatican early, because if you are late, they don't wait. We found the correct Swiss guards, went through an actual security check, waited for our group to be called, registered and met our guide, Marie, who is a very smart person from Alaska.

There were 15 in our group, the maximum size, 13 of us from the US and two Brits. Marie began by giving us some history, then we entered. We were surprised to learn that we were not actually underground - we were under St. Peter's. It sure felt underground, though. Very narrow passages, stone and brick walls lined with mausoleums. It is kept very dim to preserve the artifacts, and it is extremely humid - to the point you can get dripped on. A giant drip hit Griff and splashed off onto Connor, to give you an idea.

Most of the crypts are Pagan, with a smattering of Christians, who can be identified by markings and by mixing Pagan/Christian symbols. Jesus as Apollo, for example. The colors are preserved remarkably well. The largest mausoleum held 120 people, and had a patio built on the upper level so the families could picnic. The floor in the scavi is original - the dirt has packed into sedimentary rock.

We wound our way through, and finally came to the part where St Peter is buried. His head is on one side of a wall and the rest of him on the other - to make up for this indignity he has a section where there is a trophy of Gaiia and columns - hard to describe - there were graphics on the wall that Marie used to keep us oriented as to where we were. It was very confusing even with them, but she did a decent job of keeping us focused.

Finally, we went into a crypt where part of the wall was excavated and you could see into the marble-lined area, and you could see St Peter's actual bones. None of us expected that; we thought we would just see the crypt. You could not see a lot of the bones, just a few. And Dad, you are correct, part of the identification was that there were no feet bones, as he was crucified upside down and they cut him down at the ankles. We also saw the actual spot where the crucifixtion took place.

Then we had silence, where you could pray or meditate. It was very holy.

We exited into the Grotto of the Basilica, where many of the Popes are buried. The crypts here are quite elaborate; many of them have life size marble sculptures of the occupants on top. We did not see John Paul.

Caught a taxi back to the Spanish Steps, where we saw our first pedestrian/taxi accident. Can't believe it doesn't happen more often, as crazy as the traffic is. Now we are back at the apartment, having a little rest. It's our last day, and the afternoon is free. Maybe shopping, maybe Borghese Gardens...I know there is a going away party planned for C & G at some point...