This was my first time abroad. I stayed at the Ibis Alicante. I intentionally slept in on day one because my nerves had got to me and I thought I would not enjoy being on my own. When I exited the hotel and saw the view, I understood how wrong I was, those emotions ceased immediately.
This was the first place I visited in Vatican City, by virtue of it being Vatican City itself. The moment I arrived, the sheer historic grandeur of this sovereign city-state became immediately apparent. The weight of centuries seemed to hang in the very air.
The security checkpoint is just past the entrance. It was here that a most unfortunate incident occurred. A lady accused me of stealing her Android phone, she had placed it inside the tray and left the lanyard leaning over the edge, thus trapping it in the scanner. Instead of recognising her own error, she accused a random person (myself) of phone theft at the Vatican.
The absurdity was not lost on me. I spent the next hour imagining it as a really funny comedy sketch - the ridiculous accusation, the Vatican setting, the lanyard trap; all the makings of brilliant satire. This mental exercise actually elevated the experience rather than dampening it, and I continued onward with amusement rather than annoyance.
I bought some local produce and ate it sat on a bench, people-watching. I sat there basking in the glory of being in such a beautiful city and conquering the nerves of solo travelling.
Mirador del Castell - Balcó de la Mediterrània. Seeing this was pretty amazing. I couldn't be bothered walking down the steps. I see this decision as incorrect.
The interior of the primary basilica was absolutely stunning. The architecture, the artistry and the devotion carved into every surface combined to create an atmosphere of profound spiritual significance. This moment restored what the earlier unpleasantness had momentarily diminished.
Benidorm itself was a pleasant surprise. I'd visit again.
Vatican City, despite the minor travails, proved to be a deeply moving experience. It is a place where history, faith and artistry converge in ways few locations on Earth can match.
Travel Photography
Vatican
Vatican starboard view
Inside the Vatican
