Day 38: Farewell

Today started with a planned visit to the Vatican grottos (tombs of the Popes), but when I got there, the line was huge, zig-zagging around the entire square, which was quite unbelievable. So, I gave that a miss and would try again in the afternoon.

I then thought I'd go for a walk around the perimeter of the Vatican, which is only a few square kilometers, and took all of about 30 mins to walk! Was good to get out and see some of the back streets.

I then went back to the apartment to pack which took a while to sort out breakables and goods to declare etc in hand luggage. I was please that the suitcase only weighed just over 18kgs which was a relief!

I then went into the city to the Spanish steps which has always been on the 'to do' list. Not terribly spectacular, but another thing ticked off. There was a slight drizzle at the time which had everyone ducking for cover.

I returned to the Vatican, but the lines were still huge, so gave up on visiting the grottos. I did have to take a photo of 'Rocky' outside the Apostolic Palace (Pope's house). Rocky is a beautifully colored one-eyed rock that Ella made for me, and I took him on the trip with me.
I also took a photo of the spot where JPII's assassination attempt was made in 1981. The guard wouldn't allow me (just because he could) to walk 2 meters past the barrier to take a photo, so apologies for the angled zoom in!

I then went back to the hotel, and I noticed an airport shuttle stop right outside. For only €6 it would go straight to the airport. Much cheaper than the €14 train ticket which meant a 1km walk (with all my luggage) and two train changes.

Once at the airport, I had to line up in the huge line for check in, despite the fact I had already checked in online 24 hours beforehand. I elected to have the boarding pass on my mobile device, however this facility wasn't working. The upside was I was able to request and be granted an exit row for the flight from Rome to Dubai. And away we went!