Hi ! ! ! Renxkyoko Iglesias here !
.I posted that picture above because that’s what I feel right now. I just watched the presidential debate on foreign policy between Pres. Obama and Mitt Romney and I believe Pres. Obama did a great job of presenting his policies.
You know, I went with my sister to Reno, Nevada as members of Obama’s volunteer workers . Though I’m from California, ground game is not needed here anymore as California is in his pocket already, so we have to go to places where assistance is needed. At least Nevada is nearby… some volunteers went as far as Colorado , Wisconsin and Iowa. And by the way, we are volunteers… we spent our own money,wages we lost were not something to sneeze at, and we were not paid a single cent. Not to mention that we had to grin and bear it when yelled at. I used to be a wimp and easily get teary-eyed, but I learned fast. Politics is so cruel. I couldn’t afford to be onion-skinned. Not now, when so much are at stake. There are already so many whackos and nutheads in Congress, and Senate, as it is. Who would have thought that someone running for a Senate seat would have the gall and temerity to say that rape is God’s will, or another guy saying that there’s a legitimate rape and non- legitimate, that if a woman got pregnant, that is not legitimate, because, a woman who is legitimately being raped would have her system automatically shut down and have her eggs fight off the rapist’s sperm, implying that if she did get pregnant, she relaxed during the act, and maybe had actually liked it? WTH ! Not to mention, Romney’s VP candidate actually tried to legislate the definition of what rape is…. if no force is applied, then it’s not rape, even if there’s a gun pointed at the woman’s head. Yeah, they’re who Mitt Romney is endorsing for the Senate seat. I cringe at the thought of this kind of people wearing clown hats walking the august halls of Congress. Oh, while I’m at it, no contraception pills, if these guys would have their way. Sex is not for pleasure, only for procreation. So , ladies, just put aspirin between your knees, as suggested, even if he’s your husband. Rant over.
How ironic. This post is about The Vatican, the center of my religion. But I believe Catholicism is not about how loud a person proclaims his love for God…. it’s how he treats a fellow human being who has less in life, the poor, and the meek. I cannot vote for people who would give more and more tax cuts to the already rich, and take away funds from Medicaid, practically all social nets of the poor, to make up for the difference. Then they are the loudest in invoking the name of God. The hypocrisy is stunning. PS I don’t like to associate either with a political party that is embraced by groups whose emblem is the SWASTIKA and KKK. That’s the bottomline for me.
Enough of politics. Back to The Vatican and Rome. This is my third post on The Vatican and I promise, the last, so, please indulge me on this. Uhm, I say The Vatican, not Rome. Sorry. And please forgive my rant. T.T
Above is just one of the numerous statues lining the walls of St. Peter’s Basilica.
And below is a pinkish obelisk, right in the middle of St. Peter’s Square. It was built by an Egyptian Pharao around 2000 BC ( 4000 years ago), and was hauled out of Egypt in about 40 BC by Roman Emperor Caligula, and erected in his circus ( the circus was most probably some kind of amusement park near the area of St. Peter’s Square , where early Christians’ tortures were done as entertainment for Emperor Nero… yes, that Nero….. it was also the place where St. Peter was crucified ). It was moved to the center of St. Peter’s Square in 1600.
Main entrance flanked by 2 massive columns. Quite overwhelming…
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.The photo above is like the anteroom , outside the main church’s interior. Above that photo is the main door to the church. I don’t know why it’s closed. We must have entered through another door.
.Below is the main altar.
Someone has to correct me if I’m wrong, but I think the tomb of St. Peter , the Apostle is underneath that altar.
The one above is courtesy of Wikipedia. …. just to give you an idea how amazing the place is. Upon entering the basiliuca, the first thing people see is the Papal Altar with the canopy designed by Bernini. There is a wide aisle from the entrance , to the middle ending at the altar, and off the aisle are numerous smaller altars.
Eh. I look so stiff here. I wonder why. He he he. 
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.I don’t need to describe each photo . Every inch of the interior of the basilica is so richly decorated I’ve run out of words to describe each intricate detail.
.To be honest, I find that photo above a bit creepy, that’s the bronze statue of St. Peter, and together with the photo below, the embalmed body of Pope John Paul if I’m not mistaken,I’d be frightened to death if I’d suddenly find myself alone in the church, company of holy men, notwithstanding. The name engraved in the coffin is that of Pope Innocent, but it was replaced by the remains of Pope John Paul in 2005.
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Below is Michaelangelo’s Pieta. There’s a glass wall that protects the sculpture from the crowd. It’s located near the main entrance, on the left. It’s truly breathtaking. The first photo is from Wikepedia. The second one is mine. I want to show you the photo without that tiny bit of reflection.
.Do you see the balconies in the picture? The one in the middle is where the Pope stands on to bless the flock.
.The Swiss Guards.
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Oh, the sky is so blue ! !
A panoramic view of St. Peter’s Square, courtesy of Wikipedia.
So, that’s it. . What an amazing experience ! I hope you enjoyed looking at the photos. If you can, just once in your lifetime, I urge you to go and see The Vatican.
For some reason, I feel sad to post the last of my Vatican tour.
Well, good day to all , Valete, and Pax. Rome is next.
Am a Molecular Microbiology student, love to read books, and I play the violin. 
dreamsending
renxkyoko
renxkyoko's space 
Posted by JoJo Kelmer on October 26, 2012 at 6:36 am
Vatican seems a nice place, buildings are like “woah” , totally amazing and that’s just looking at the pictures you have here, what more if I see the real thing – jaw dropping ( I guess ) I probably wont be able to speak for like 30 seconds and just stare at it.
and yeah you started your blog about obama and romney, I totally agree with everything that you said…and the way they have defined or explained the “rape issue” it’s unbelievable, ridiculously unbelievable! I mean I cannot believe how these people came up with that kind of reasoning – oh well, discussion or debate about politics or religion will always seem to be endless ( I can’t think of a better term 🙂 )
anyway, have a great weekend!
Posted by renxkyoko on October 26, 2012 at 8:32 am
hey, come back ! I updated it. OMG. of all things to miss, PIETA ! !
I know right ? Maybe these guys don’t really believe that rape is heinous/ Sheeesh. Just to be touched by a strange guy , or someone we don’t like, or whatever, not a boyfriend’s…. , the arm, the hand, I cringe. ( well, not a friendly touch…. how can I explain it> aaaargh !
Posted by iamkaicee on October 26, 2012 at 7:14 am
I missed going there! The shots are great! Do you have photos of the Pieta? Visitors are not allowed to take photos of Sistine Chapel but my friend managed to slip his camera and take a photo hahaha naughty 🙂
Posted by renxkyoko on October 26, 2012 at 8:23 am
Whoa ! Believe it or not , I forgot ! But I have updated it now…. Come baaaack here and check it out !
Posted by iamkaicee on October 27, 2012 at 3:51 am
hahaha are you currently residing there in Rome? Almost all my folks are there. Yeah, I miss going there I’m saving up for my trip next year 🙂
Posted by renxkyoko on October 27, 2012 at 4:00 am
Oh, I’m here in california. Just went there on Euro tour this summer vacation. ( June to July, 27 days. We did stay in Italy for 6 days.
Posted by renxkyoko on October 27, 2012 at 4:01 am
Oh, I’m here in the US. I was there on Euro tour last summer, june to July. But we stayed in Italy for 6 days.
Posted by iamkaicee on October 27, 2012 at 4:02 am
Oh yeah you mentioned before 🙂 I’d love to go to US as well 🙂
Posted by renxkyoko on October 27, 2012 at 8:13 am
Ah, now that would be a problem, especially for a young woman like you, unless you go with your parents.
Posted by ResidentPatriot on October 26, 2012 at 10:34 pm
great pictures of awesome art 😀 and your well written opinion on US politics was a nice read
Posted by renxkyoko on October 26, 2012 at 10:44 pm
Thank you !
I did agonize whether to go ahead and post my “opinion” on US politics. Well, I closed my eyes and clicked Publish, nonetheless. I thought, well, that’s who I am, I really have to say something, especially now that we’re in the thick of political maelstrom.
Posted by ResidentPatriot on October 27, 2012 at 2:58 am
that’s exactly what i do when i write something about politics in my country too 😀
Posted by renxkyoko on October 27, 2012 at 4:03 am
A bit worrisome some people will get offended, huh. It can’t be helped, right? It’s better than having no opinion at all. I’m just trying to be a good citizen, and walking my talk.
Posted by ResidentPatriot on October 27, 2012 at 4:09 am
my thoughts, exactly 😉
Posted by Wendell A. Brown on October 27, 2012 at 2:18 am
I so enjoy your images and this post! Your shots are beautiful! I also wanted to let you since your visits always lift my spirit, i nominated your for the “You Make My Day Award” on October 24, 2012 on my site! Congratualtions and thanks for always blessing me with your visits and thanks for the love you show my poetry! You are a gem!
Posted by renxkyoko on October 27, 2012 at 4:08 am
Thank you. I think they are amatuerish though. I couldn only stop maybe a few seconds to take the shot, or else my tour group would leave me behind. That’s the problem with tour groups. They are so regimented. We just followed the tour guide.
Posted by Nitin Vaghela on October 27, 2012 at 3:43 am
A vacation is what you take when you can no longer take what you’ve been taking.
Posted by renxkyoko on October 27, 2012 at 4:09 am
I know right> I’ve actually forgotten reality while i was there, lol !
Posted by Nitin Vaghela on October 27, 2012 at 4:18 am
Don’t mind!! This is just a general comment… 😀
Posted by renxkyoko on October 27, 2012 at 8:12 am
^____^
Cheers !
Posted by Nitin Vaghela on October 29, 2012 at 5:10 am
Yeah!! (.?.)
Posted by topiclessbar on October 27, 2012 at 8:02 am
You do volunteer work for Obama? That’s pretty cool. I campaigned for Nader back in 2000 and that didn’t work out so well. Didn’t get the 5% of the vote and then got blamed for Al Gore losing. Whoops! Great rant, Ren. It’s astonishing that, from what I read yesterday, Romney and Obama basically have women split 50/50. You would think that NO women would be supporting Romney…go figure. Okay, I’ll stop now before I begin ranting.
One last thing: Pieta was really amazing but, I found, impossible to take a good picture of. I must’ve snapped 10 pics of that damn thing and they all look like crap. Between the one million people clustered in to look at it, the glass in front of it, and the lighting, I believe it is very unphotogenic.
That is all. I’m going to talk to you on my blog now. haha
Posted by renxkyoko on October 27, 2012 at 8:10 am
Ugh ! You voted for nader ? You played the game ! Do you know Gore lost a mere 547 votes to Bush in Florida , and nader got so many thousands ? You were one of those who changed history ! ! @__@
Posted by topiclessbar on October 28, 2012 at 8:17 am
Well, let me say this: The political discourse was really exciting in 2000 and it’s a shame that what happened completed killed what seemed like the growing idea that a third party candidate could succeed. In 2000, there was a lot of talk about Think Tanks and PACs and campaign finance reform, great discussions on how groups like the NRA and big tobacco were contributing large amounts of money to both political parties, and how all this money lead to policies that didn’t represent want the candidates proposed, but instead what their backers wanted. It was important and, I think, correct, and the support for Nader (Nader’s Raiders!) was supposed to be a call for a change in the system and a push towards getting real representation in government.
Unfortunately, yes, it did end up contributing to the election of George W. And he was so, so bad. We will probably not see anything close to a successful third party candidate again for years, and that sucks! : (
Posted by renxkyoko on October 28, 2012 at 10:38 pm
Ahahahaha ! I was in elementary school then, Oppa.
The other week, I answered this survey , some kind of compatability test with the candidates. Holy Mac ! I was only 84 % compatible with Pres. Obama !!!!!! Guess who I was compatible with ? A GREEN PARTY candidate named Jill Stein, with 96% compatibility ! ! ! I didn’t know there were actually 4 more candidates running for President. I was even more compatible with this Freedom and Justice Party guy from Utah than Obama. Heh ! What does it say about me? lol
Posted by ~REBECCA DAWN~ on October 27, 2012 at 1:18 pm
I loved your rant on politics!!! You said my point of view better than I could, that’s for sure!!!
I wonder if Romney’s wife actually supports his camp’s view on rape etc… I mean come on she is a woman! She should have been raising a stink about that!!!
Wow your pictures are so beautiful!!! Holy cow I don’t think I have seen the sky look so blue… And I live in a hick town, there arent any skyscrapers obstructing my view!!!!
Posted by renxkyoko on October 27, 2012 at 6:09 pm
I clicked PUBLISH with my eyes closed. I know some US readers will be offended. Politics here is soooooo contentious. So many hate Obama not because of his politics , but because of the color of his skin. It’s so sad.
Posted by sasaliwngawit on October 28, 2012 at 3:08 am
hello, Ren… panalo ang cartoon image na inilagay mo sa itaas, ahaha. and what an insightful view on America’s politics. ikaw na ang magandang mag-rant…
hey, you took great pictures- focused and clear. salamat for sharing… if i would take snapshots of those paintings and sculptures myself, nyah, mine wouldn’t be half as good… btw, makulit ka pa rin sa narration, walang kupas, haha. have a fun weekend. 😉
~ Ate San
Posted by renxkyoko on October 28, 2012 at 10:40 pm
I have a feeling I ranted coz I ran out of things to say about the photos, he he he. Comusta , Ate ?
Posted by simpleek on October 28, 2012 at 3:03 pm
My favorite thing to see was the Pieta. I studied it in an Intro to Art History class back in college, and fell in love with the piece. So beautiful and full of emotion. There’s also a lot of movement going on with the sculpture with the way the clothes are hanging.
Great post once again! 😀
Posted by renxkyoko on October 28, 2012 at 10:56 pm
Right, right. That’s how art teachers will describe this piece…. so much movement. I love that one the best too !
Posted by Cafe on October 28, 2012 at 4:43 pm
Hey, beautiful! 🙂
Looks like a lovely, majestic place. I really love that photo of the ceiling, so pretty!
And as for your rant, no need to apologize. WTF is up with that crazy shit? How do people still talk like their from the Stone Age??? I don’t understand….Great that you are doing that volunteer work. I’m not from the States, but I’m for Obama too 😉
Btw, thanks for your recent visit to my neck of the woods! Much appreciated. I hope you will leave a 10-word-or-less description of your blog on my new page here: http://yourdailydoseblog.com/2012/10/11/a-page-dedicated-to-my-readers-your-blogs-please-help-me-finish-it-by-describing-your-blog-in-10-words-or-less/
so ppl can know what your blog is about! Thanks, hun 🙂
Posted by renxkyoko on October 28, 2012 at 11:26 pm
Hey, beautiful ! ( LOL What’s this? Mutual Admiration Club? )
Whoa ! You aren’t here in the US ? For some reason I have this empression you’re from New York. lol
Okay, will visit soon.
Posted by Cafe on October 29, 2012 at 12:07 am
Haha! That’s okay, we can be mutually admirable .. admiring? =P
No, I’m from Toronto! Lol I wonder what about me said New York! 😀
Posted by renxkyoko on October 29, 2012 at 7:32 pm
Ahahah ! Search me. I wonder why New York. By the way, take that as a compliment. There’s something in you that is so grown – up and sophisticated.
Posted by Cafe on November 3, 2012 at 4:06 am
Aww thanks for the compliment! Well, I seem grown up ‘cuz I’m 30, haha! Sophisticated .. well, maybe that’s just all of the experience talking 😉
Posted by renxkyoko on November 3, 2012 at 5:44 am
No way ! You’re 30? You look like a college stude ! !
And what are the guys doing… well, you’re still single, right?
Posted by Cafe on November 3, 2012 at 10:46 pm
Haha! Thanks 😉
Nope, I’m happily taken 🙂
Posted by The Hook on October 28, 2012 at 5:14 pm
Incredible shots… And a beautiful model too!
Thank you for setting my imagination free, young lady…
Posted by renxkyoko on October 28, 2012 at 11:27 pm
Thanks, Mr. Hook ! I think I’m going to advertise your book on my next post.
Posted by sakthi5028 on October 29, 2012 at 12:57 pm
Soon can i expect your presence in U.S. politics 🙂 Vatican is always expressive place!!!
Posted by renxkyoko on October 29, 2012 at 7:33 pm
I hope this will be the last time…… really. It can get scary in some areas.
Posted by sakthi5028 on October 30, 2012 at 4:07 am
You mean between Obama and Romney right….
Posted by renxkyoko on October 30, 2012 at 4:37 am
Nope, the campaigning thing….. I hope the future opponent won’t be as scary, so I won’t be campaigning anymore. Obama’s opponent is …. aaaargh. People don’t really know what he stands for… will say anything to get elected, lies, changes positions at a drop of a hat…. unprincipled.
Posted by Arindam on October 29, 2012 at 3:33 pm
Another well presented post, Ren. This time I also enjoyed reading your take on US politics. Now to speak about these pictures and your description of Vatican awesome. Enjoyed this post a lot, Ren. 🙂
Posted by renxkyoko on October 29, 2012 at 7:38 pm
Thank you, Arindam ! Uhm, the politics. I kind of regret ranting like that….. NOT ! ! LOL !
It’s such a relief. There I am working my butt off helping in the campaign, and here I am, happily writing about beautiful stuff. Somehow, there’s a great disconnect.
Posted by Arindam on October 29, 2012 at 7:40 pm
Both the stuffs are equally important. One which you like to do for the country and the other which you like to do for yourself and most importantly I believe you enjoy doing both of these stuffs. Am I right! 🙂
Posted by renxkyoko on October 29, 2012 at 7:58 pm
I enjoyed travelling… but the other one, i wish it was smooth sailing… Ugh… who’d enjoy being yelled at by a scary 400 lb, guy with tatoos and driving an old humungous truck, like EFF YOU, Obama ! And gave us the middle finger ! Scary.
Posted by Arindam on October 29, 2012 at 8:17 pm
It’s scary for sure! 🙂
Posted by LAND OF FUN on October 29, 2012 at 7:18 pm
The post is no doubt a stunning attraction and a masterpiece – Pictures are awesome as ever before – and you look so graceful,cute,innocent and beauty of purity …Love your posts !
Posted by renxkyoko on October 29, 2012 at 7:39 pm
Waaaah ! Thank you very much, LAND OF FUN ! !
Posted by Ben on October 30, 2012 at 12:24 am
Such great pictures, so wonderful that you’ve had this awesome opportunity to see such historic and beautiful sites!!
Posted by renxkyoko on October 31, 2012 at 3:39 am
Thank you, Ben. Indeed. It’s wonderful that I’ve been given opportunity, by my mother, lol. Anyway, they are really beautiful.
Posted by gelaikuting on October 30, 2012 at 5:25 pm
Great shots sis! I’d love to go here someday… Thanks for sharing! I really love the pictures 🙂
Posted by renxkyoko on October 31, 2012 at 3:43 am
Thanks, sis ! I’m very sure you can go there , and soon. You’ve a traveller.
Cheers ! And save up, now !
Posted by HisMuse on October 31, 2012 at 2:32 am
You did a great job, I liked when you added which balcony the Pope stands on, I like little facts like that. I know they say Saint Peter is beneath the altar but they also say they can’t prove it. I was also told there is a bone fragment of a saint in every Catholic altar, but also they said they can’t prove it. 🙂 It’s still nice to think about though. -Off topic, I found your comment on my blog in the spam folder, which I was aghast about because I get so few comments. Thanks, it’s now in its rightful place!
Posted by renxkyoko on October 31, 2012 at 3:47 am
Thanks, HisMuse ! I really paid attention to the tour guide’s lecture. And yeah, she wasn’t sure about that , either.
Oh, I know. And you’re not the only one. I alert the others who have commented here, but those who haven’t have no way of knowing, unless they check out their Spam Folder.
Posted by bagotilyo on October 31, 2012 at 5:43 am
I feel I was in vatican too 🙂 (in a way)
Posted by renxkyoko on November 1, 2012 at 6:27 am
That;s good. My tour seems kinda blurry now, so , to be honest, it’s like I’m looking at the photos like I haven’t been there , either, ha ha ha. Know what I mean?
Posted by potsquared on October 31, 2012 at 11:58 am
and as i always say when i visit your post.. I AM SO ENVIOUS!! nice shots! will not comment about politics… ehehehehe…
Posted by renxkyoko on November 1, 2012 at 6:29 am
I’m envious, too, ha ha ha ! I’m like, did I really see that? Well, I have the photo, so I must have seen it. Yeah, like that.
Posted by Yatin on October 31, 2012 at 1:57 pm
Seems like a fun trip, and you captured it all in images. Thanks for giving a pictorial tour of Europe 🙂
Posted by renxkyoko on November 3, 2012 at 2:35 am
Thanks, Yatin. I hope you liked it and will like my future posts.
Cheers !
Posted by domtakis on October 31, 2012 at 9:57 pm
I couldn’t agree more with your rant, there’s nothing more upsetting than the thought of these control freaks getting into office and politicizing issues like rape and what the definition is? They would not be talking about God’s will if their daughters were the victims.
Posted by renxkyoko on November 1, 2012 at 6:31 am
I know , right. I was thinking of that, but decided not to write about it , lol. About the daughters, I mean.
Posted by ururu5 on November 1, 2012 at 3:42 am
uuh! u’re cute.. single? :p
i was about to compliment u on that last pic.. until i read “courtesy of wikipedia”.. lol
Posted by renxkyoko on November 1, 2012 at 6:34 am
Yep, single. lol
He he he that pic is really great. Mine is …. aaaagh. Well, I had to stop a few seconds , shoot, and catch up with the group. I couldn’t shoot properly, or else the group would leave me behind.
Posted by nepaliaustralian on November 1, 2012 at 10:01 pm
Same same again gal…Nice pics 🙂
Posted by renxkyoko on November 3, 2012 at 2:00 am
Ha ha ha ! Cosmos !
Posted by countingducks on November 2, 2012 at 2:02 pm
Ok, I’m going to leave two replies, because both are about different parts of your post. Needless to say I love love love the Vatican pictures and the lovely enthusiasm you show for the whole experience but firstly the politics. I’m in the UK, but even here we heard about some politicians saying about it was god’s will if you got pregnant and all the rest of it. I could harldy believe a man who has had the smallest amount of education could say such a thing, never mind an elected politician. You may have gritted your teeth to say it but believe me you were right to do so, because some of the opinions these people have expressed don’t belong outside the lunatic asylum. Good for you for having the courage to speak out. I always thought you were a special person and you’ve proved it again.
Posted by renxkyoko on November 3, 2012 at 2:33 am
Thank you, you are so kind.
The election here here is quite contentious. We’re not only dealing with religious fanaticism, policies on opposite poles, but outright hatred and racism. They even tried swift boating Pres. Obama. It worked on John Kerry, the Democrat’s presidential nominee, and a bemadelled Vietnam veteran, including a Purple Heart, and now they tried dissing Pres. Obama on his success to get Bin Ladin. It was almost evil.
So thank you again. I wanted to delete that part, but I thought it would be nice to read that later as part of my WP history, ha ha ha.
Cheers !
Posted by WordsFallFromMyEyes on October 4, 2013 at 11:02 am
Ah, so this was you last October 🙂
You are very beautiful in your photos, do you know? I had NO idea Peter the apostle’s tomb was under the altar. That’s an astonishing fact. Sort of eerie but sort of very grounding, realising age life & death.
Posted by renxkyoko on October 4, 2013 at 6:42 pm
Oh, wow ! Thanks ! ^_^” Yes, St. peter the apostles tomb is in there. Well, that’s what the tour manager said. Noeleen, I hope you can see it with Daniel. The place is amazing. Really, really amazing ! You’ll see the Coleseum, the Forum, all those ancient structures. They will really bring you back in time. the moment is so profound.
Posted by orples on November 1, 2014 at 5:52 pm
Phenomenal photographs; Phenomenal city. I have got to go to Italy someday. In the meantime, thanks so much for sharing your adventures!