Blessing from the Pope

This morning started with mass at a Basilica designed by Michael Angelo then a ride on a public transit bus to Vatican City.  Words cannot describe the bus ride that will be forever etched in my memory and my nostrils.  Three very full buses passed the stop before Father Brock said "no matter what we're getting on the next one... use your elbows, push, do whatever it takes to get on the bus." We did push and shove our way on to a bus that already looked as though not another body would fit much less the 16 people that were in our group.  Let me just say that we were up close and personal with some interesting characters.  However, seeing the Pope and receiving a blessing was worth the bus ride from hell!  Tomorrow we travel to Venice by train.  I am so excited!!!
Beth