Got to the Vatican Museum early, beat the lines. Awestruck by the collection. I'd expected the renaissance and religious collections but was surprised by the ancient Egyptian, Greek and Roman pieces! There was so much, and it was extremely well presented. Made our way through, Raphael Rooms were particularly awesome. There was a decent modern collection too, including works by Dali, Matisse and Diego Rivera.

Then the Sistine Chapel. Wow. We sat and wandered for about 30 mins, listening to Rick Steve's audio guide which was once again fantastic. The roof and last judgement are so impressive, certainly making it clear Michelangelo was much more than just a sculptor….

Sistine Chapel was starting to fill up as we left, and the line for St Peters Basilica was about 15 mins long by the time we got there. Still, not bad. Winter traveling is well worth it.

St Peters was another jaw-drop moment. Massive. Again, Rick Steve providing lots of context and description. Mass was on so we couldn't visit everything, but we must have spent an hour in the church. Michelangelo's pieta another highlight. I'm officially a Michelangelo fan now. Go Mickey, its your birfday.

I'm conflicted by this counter-reformation spectacle. On one hand, impressed by the sheer scope and artistry. On the other, I'm aware of the historical context and church indulgences that fed its construction. Guess I've felt the same about so many things in Italy, including the ancient relics – lots of incredible artistic and architectural statements that fill you with awe, but were the products of tyranny, the exploitation of slaves and citizens, gargantuan egos or the abuse of faith. OK I'm rambling.

After a feed, Marthese and I decided on different adventures – she would get coffee and relax in the afternoon watching the TV show Rome, i would go to Cinecitta, home of italian cinema where you can see the actual set of Rome. This was a spur of the moment decision, the like of which I'm sure Marthese is sick of by now.

I hopped onto the crowded metro (thanks for the help, Tez) and looked up to see a TV that was advertising Cinecitta. As the ad showed more, I got more and more excited. Until the last slide which contained the words, in English, "closed Tuesday". Checked my watch. Tuesday. Double checked phone. Tuesday. Dang. Glad i saw the ad, but doubt I'll make it to Cinecitta this trip.

Hopped off at the next metro stop which thankfully wasn't too far from a renaissance exhibit i was keen to check out anyway. Exhibit was in Palazzo Sciarra and featured some awesome Rafael works, some Michelangelo sculpture work and a lot of other cool Renaissance works. A temporary exhibit, it actually complemented the Vatican visit quite well, even featuring a video with close ups of the Sistine chapel roof which was great – got to see the work up close. Sadly it was in 3D which wasn't well done, and I had to watch parts with one eye closed.

Anyhow. Awesome day. One more left in Rome. Sigh.

Marthese wants me to add something about the Jewish quarter last night. It was rad! We had a great dinner at Nonna Betta's including an amazing Jewish-style artichoke dish. Mmmmm,