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Five great restaurants in Milan

In a tucked-away workshop restricted from the crowds of Vatican City, highly skilled artisans painstakingly preserve and create traditional Italian artworks.

The massive art event happens every two years and draws visitors from all over the world. Here’s how to navigate the show—and what to know while you’re in town.

One of my most memorable stops in Rome was of course the Piazza San Pietro and with it, the Basilica, and Vatican City. This huge square was laid in 1657 and holds the 400,000 worshippers and visitors who crowd this vast area in times of celebration. There is a colonnade with columns and 140 statues of saints on each side of the piazza. They seem to frame the square. At the center and head of the square is the Basilica. St. Peter’s Basilica is an immense space that holds 60,000 people. It is open daily. This magnificent building holds many works of art in the church proper and in the treasury. Michelangelo’s “Pieta” is to the right of the entrance in the Basilica. Don’t miss a visit to the crypt underneath the church where you will see the simple tomb of Pope John Paul II. But most tourists will visit the tomb of St. Peter, the first Pope. You can take the elevator and walk around inside the dome. You’ll find a coffee shop on the roof. Visit Vatican City. It is the smallest state in the world. I went to the book shop and Vatican Post Office and mailed postcards from their own post office. Vatican City is the papal residence. The Sistine Chapel was a must-visit for me, as I wanted to see the ceiling in person. Michelangelo’s “Creation of Adam” was magnificent. I also went to a general papal audience, which was very rewarding as I had a seat about 8 rows up toward the front. Make sure you go with a guide or bring a guidebook, as you don’t want to miss anything.

If you happen to be meandering through Budapest, and have the urge to do a little sightseeing, St. Stephen’s Basilica is definitely a sight to see. The structure is named in honor of Stephen, the first king of Hungary. Apparently, his right hand is also housed here, but fortunately I did not come across it during my explorations. What I did come across, and what will greet you upon entering, is a dazzling array of multicolored marble columns that soar to the heavens. What is not carved in relief on the walls is gilded in gold on the ceilings. The intricacy of the floor and the meticulous attention to detail will almost make you forget to look up. Ah, but when you do, what a sight to behold! The dome of St. Stephen’s is probably one of the more awe-inspiring views in Budapest. Natural light spills in from the etched windows to illuminate the works of art that seem to float above you, all while being surrounded by an inordinate amount of gold leaf. The visual masterpiece almost makes you want to clap - it makes you want to give King Stephen a hand.

Fresh, local and organic as possible, that’s the order of the day at this pie-tastic food truck that offers traditional Aussie pies with a BC twist. All of their proteins are from local farms and they only use free-range eggs. I love their ‘Trifecta’ pie which comes loaded with free range BC minced beef with chunks of double-smoked BC bacon and layers of vintage cheddar in a tasty rich gravy, but there are meat-free options too and even a dessert pie made with apples, cinnamon and a creamy vanilla custard. Feeling extra hungry? You can add mashed potatoes, mushy peas and gravy for only an extra $2.