Monday, February 26th.  We walked to St. Peter's Square in the snow.  There were plenty of people out and about.  The attractions were closed due to the weather, but we got to mill around the square and get our bearings.

The Morgans arrive in St Peter's Square.  Clare is, as always, photo ready, and Aaron is making a survey of the area.

St. Peter's Basilica

St. Peter with snow.  Very rare.  Last snow was 5-6 years ago.

A closer shot of St. Peter's

Two members of the Swiss Guard on duty. The Pontifical Swiss Guard (also Papal Swiss Guard, or just Swiss Guard) is a small force maintained by the Holy See that is responsible for the safety of the Pope, including the security of the Apostolic Palace.  The Swiss Guard serves as the de facto military of Vatican City.  Established in 1506 under Pope Julius II, the Pontifical Swiss Guard is among the oldest military units in continuous operation.

The dress uniform is of blue, red, orange and yellow with a distinctly Renaissance appearance. Their capes are covering it due to the cold temperatures.  The modern guard has the role of bodyguard of the Pope.  The Swiss Guard is equipped with traditional weapons, such as the halberd, as well as with modern firearms.  Since the assassination attempt on Pope John Paul II in 1981, a much stronger emphasis has been placed on the guard’s non-ceremonial roles, and has seen enhanced training in unarmed combat and small arms.

Recruits to the guards must be unmarried Swiss Catholic males between 19 and 30 year of age who have completed basic training with the Swiss Armed Forces.

The apartments of the pope.  Top floor, corner window is his bedroom, second window to the left, his study.  On Sundays, he gives a blessing out of it to those gathered below.  We are going to be there at some point in the trip.

My Gucci Girl looking fab!  No, we didn't buy them.