October 24, 2018 - I think it is fair to say that by now we are experienced travelers. We have become adept at overcoming the various obstacles that hinder a good trip. We left today feeling confident and self assured, armed with Google for our daily excursion.
That is why we were surprised at how throughly the Vatican, of all places, kicked our ass. We had to pass through a phalanx of “touters” or hustlers trying to sell over priced tours. They were very deceptive often wearing ‘Vatican Staff’ uniforms, promising to be helpful, then they would hard sell you to not get in the correct line but go to a special office to get a deal. There were dozens of them.
Then we were told there was a real official Vatican ticket office called “UPT” (No one knew what the letters meant - urine pregnancy test?). But try as we might, we could never find it.
Then the lines. The Vatican is the Disneyland of attractions here and the line stretched all the way around the very large plaza. Despite our best efforts we were defeated by the crowds, couldn’t get in, and couldn’t purchase the tickets we wanted.
We retreated in defeat and left to eat Gelato.
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