By The Johnsons (Winnipeg, MB)

The Vatican is many things - overwhelming, majestic, crowded - but thanks to Sylvia, our visit felt calm, intimate, and unforgettable.

We met her early in the morning, and from the start, she was warm and welcoming, gently preparing us for what we’d see. She navigated the complex entry process with ease and immediately created a sense of calm amid the bustle. Inside the museums, she helped us focus on the essence, pointing out hidden meanings in the artwork and letting us stand quietly in front of pieces that moved us. In the Raphael Rooms, she spoke with such insight and appreciation that we found ourselves seeing details we never would have noticed.
And before we entered the Sistine Chapel, she gave us the story of its creation in such a way that when we finally walked in, it took our breath away. Not because it was big or famous - but because now we understood it. Special thanks for the opportunity to skip the line, which helped us spend more time in the cathedral. She saved time for St. Peter’s at the end, where she shared a quiet reflection about faith and power, love and legacy. It stayed with us. We left the Vatican deeply moved, not just by what we saw, but by the way Sylvia helped us experience it - with eyes wide open, and hearts even wider.

Grazie mille, Sylvia - until next time!