disappointed

I have always always always wanted to go to the Vatican. Despite their beliefs of an *incorrect* faith, I had major respect for catholicism and their religion. That’s what it is. It is a religion. It is works based and no set guarantee of salvation. A religion is an organized system of beliefs, ceremonies, and rules in order to worship. Faith is a belief or trust. My faith gets me to heaven; not my religion.

Nevertheless, I’ve always held the Vatican to a high esteem. I’m not sure whether it was the formality or the structure that truly astounded me but.. well, at least in the museum, there was a surplus of art. It was ridiculous; sculptures were lined up on the floor, like books in a library. There was a portion of a hall where there were sculptures still in bubble wrap. That’s when it hit me. I’ve always known but it truly, truly hit me that the Catholic church is the most lucrative establishment harnessing the art of spiritual and traditional manipulation. The Vatican has over 8.8 billion in assets. Can’t spread the love and give to the needy as liberally as you should? Over 1.1 billion is off the balance sheets. The freaking Sistine is like a rental: give enough money and the rights are yours i.e. Porsche, Nippon Television(Japan), etc

ps no pics allowed except took some and guess what- they’re sharp.

I guess the courtyard was nice. The exit stairwell is pretty fantastic save for the fact that it’s quite steep. Anyone in floor length apparel wouldn’t be able to survive that without face planting. Obviously, my sister- nuns have a separate entrance. Speaking of nuns, I saw none(HAHAHAHAHAHAH AHHAHAHAH HAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHA) inside the Vatican area. Ironically enough, on our way home from the SM Novella train station, we saw about 60 nuns in front of the Duomo. TFTI?!

Honestly, I did go in with an open mind. As aforementioned, I wanted this to be a place that I loved. I was just disappointed- it’s human. But unlike catholicism, I’m thankful that I put my faith in a God that never fails.

Breakfast was solid. I had a marmalade croissant. If they’re this good here, I can’t imagine what Parisian croissants will be like.

We got the audio tour. We lasted about a 45 minutes out of our 3-4 hour stay.

Restoration kits are legit

Before the BBQ

Do you dig it?

Courtyard haven ft construction #offseason

fam, meet new fam 🙂

Yay art

Seeing the fountain felt like a breath of fresh air amongst all the sculptures.

I miss Mango

MOMMY I WANT THIS BATHTUB AND I WANT IT NOW

Speaking of horses, there’s a Spanish riding school in Vienna. I’m thinking about getting Reba lessons as an early birthday gift.

I think her smile might be too enthusiastic.

Reba vs Snake: Sounds like Genesis, no?

I wanted to play outside.

Bubble bubble wrap bubble bubble bubble wrap bubble bubble wrap

Thought the shadows were cool…

Ceiling booji enough? #intricatelattice

“Let’s pile art side by side and give no true descriptions!”

Perhaps I was just overwhelmed by the Vatican, in all it’s opulent glory.

^when you’re so done that you can’t even

SO CUTE LAH

Yours truly *truly happy to be outta there*

ft locals waving

cute cute

Randy, this one’s for you!

Let there be light, finally

BFFLZ

dusk O P

Afterwards, we walked around for about 2 and a half hours because the place that Uncle Arnold recommended for dinner did not open until 7:30. We barged in, an hour early, too see what was happening. A food tour had closed out the restaurant. When we got back, a crowd of 30-40 people hovered over the full reservation list. There was an annoying group from UCLA trying to cop our #1 spot(#1 on the no reservations list). Fortunately, the owner remembered Reba and me opening the door and making a dramatic entrance the hour before. Hallelujah! We were seated in 30 minutes and the others were sent away. So sad, too bad.