First impressions

Here it is, my second week in Italy, and I haven't even posted to my blog! I've been so busy with registration, exploring and photography(of course) that I haven't taken the time to really settle down and blog.
After climbing the hill to the lookout point behind my apartment at Piazza della Rovere, it became apparent that Rome will take your breath away. Rome, for all its grittiness, is magnificently beautiful. No other city on earth will politely greet you, budge in line, steal quietly from your pocket and serve you chocolate gelato all in one go.
On my arrival in Rome, I hot footed it to the Vatican for my first site and I must say, the Vatican at night is an entirely different experience. Right now until February 3rd, there is a large Manger scene in St. Peter's Square, perhaps the largest Manger scene in the world. The scene, the size of a small house, surrounds the obelisk in the center of the Square by a 50 foot radius and includes a Manger on a ~7-10 stage, at least 50 foot tall Christmas tree and a full entourage of manikins, plastic animals and of course, Vatican police. Get your tickets now!
I wouldn't come to Rome especially for the Manger, but if you're in the area, it is worth seeing.
However, one event you should not miss is Mass at The Vatican, which I had the privilege of attending on Sunday. Absolutely amazing. I came early for 4 pm mass(16:00 Roman time), and had no problem getting through security(yes, you can bring a camera, backpack, and babies, but they scan everything). Once through and past the fountain by Carlo Maderno, the long promenade before the steps to St. Peters seems much longer than it appears, and to the right the Pope's window overlooks the long line to The Basilica.
Ask a guard "Scusa, parla inglese?" Excuse me, do you speak english?" and most will say yes. The first one I asked pointed inside and said "to the back of the Church you will find mass." I had to keep asking once I entered because I was so overwhelmed.
The Vatican isn't just the church, not just the Basilica, it's the center of all Catholicism. The focal point of 1.1 billion believers is most impressive.
Immediately to the right is the Pieta, as in Michelangelo's Pieta. One of the greatest works of art of all time. It's much smaller than I had imagined, maybe no more than 5 feet tall, and placed on a pedestal of marble.
Walking further in, I found Pope John XXIII's grave on the right aisle of the Church. It was one of the more popular sites for tourists, but not unobtainable.
Further down to the right, I was happy to find a place for confession, which is heard every day and I believe before each mass(you can find them online). Just ask the man at the gate and he'll let you through.
For mass, I again had to ask for directions and was bewildered when I realized 'the back of the church' meant the great stained glass window with the Holy Spirit in it, past St. Peter's grave. I told the guard I was there for Mass and he let me through(if you're not there for Mass, you stand in the back with the rest of the non-believers! Just kidding, you can get through and attend Mass even if you're not Catholic).
Mass was incredible, but all in Italian so I didn't understand a word of it. I plan on going there as much as possible, more to come!

ciao!

Rudz