🇻🇦 VATICAN CITY

Moments of Awe and Reflection

I never thought I’d one day be standing inside the smallest country in the world. Growing up, Vatican City was a place that existed mostly in history textbooks, TV broadcasts, and distant stories—a sacred enclave that felt far removed from my everyday reality. Yet, on the second day of our Christmas in Europe tour, I found myself walking right through its ancient gates.

Entering the Vatican felt less like a typical border crossing and more like navigating airport security, complete with scanners and metal detectors. Around us was a bustling crowd of tourists from every corner of the globe, all drawn to the same holy ground. But as soon as we stepped inside the Vatican Museums, the noise seemed to fade into the background. I was instantly captivated by the incredible detail of the marble sculptures lining the halls—it was mind-boggling to think that human hands had carved such life, emotion, and delicate drapery out of solid stone centuries ago.

From the museum corridors, we emerged into the vast expanse of St. Peter’s Square. Standing there, looking across the open plaza where thousands gather for papal masses and historic conclaves, felt surreal. I looked up at the famous Papal Balcony—the very window where the Pope appears to address the world. We didn't catch a glimpse of Pope Francis during our visit, but simply standing beneath that balcony carried its own quiet weight. Inside St. Peter’s Basilica, that feeling only deepened. As I walked past the solemn tombs of past popes and paused to read snippets of their histories, I found a quiet corner to pray. In that moment, I wasn't just admiring the grand architecture; I was simply thanking God for the incredible blessing of being able to witness such beauty in my lifetime.

Traveler’s Note: The ceiling of the Sistine Chapel was painted by Michelangelo between 1508 and 1512. Its most famous section, The Creation of Adam, sits alongside iconic frescoes depicting scenes from Genesis. Photography and videography are strictly prohibited inside to protect the delicate artwork.

The spiritual highlight of the tour was stepping into the Sistine Chapel, the solemn room where cardinals assemble to elect a new pope. Looking up at Michelangelo’s legendary painted ceiling was breathtaking. Photos and videos weren't allowed inside, forcing us to put our phones away and absorb the masterpiece with our own eyes—a rare, peaceful constraint in a world where we constantly record everything.

Adding a warm, personal layer to the day, my aunt met up with us to help guide our exploration. It was with her that I bought my very first souvenirs of the trip: a few refrigerator magnets for myself, and a collection of rosaries to bring back home for my colleagues and friends. We also paused for lunch, where I had my very first plate of authentic Italian spaghetti. It tasted completely different from the sweeter style I was used to back home—richer, simpler, and uniquely memorable. It was during this meal that my brother and I tried what turned out to be the most amazing coffee of my life. Served in a tiny cup, it was nothing like the usual coffee I drink—just a short, concentrated pour of pure, authentic espresso that delivered a bold, unforgettable flavor.

We didn’t spend the entire day in Vatican City, and a steady rain fell over us from morning until afternoon. But the wet cobblestones and grey skies couldn't dampen the experience. It was a brief visit, yet it left a lasting mark—a small country that gave me one of the grandest memories of my life.