This is going to hurt ...

Today, I have a ticket to climb the Dome of the Basilica at 9:30am. 
I still feel crappy but I'm determined to do it.
Had some breakfast, took my meds and headed of to the Basilica.  You can't climb the dome unless you have a specific time already booked.  The lineup for the people wanting to buy tickets and book a time for that day was HUGE ... it encircled the Basilica almost half way around.  My lineup (those who already had tickets and times) was about 25 people.
At 9:30 they let us start the climb.  The Dome climb is 463 steps, some in a square pattern with flat spots in between the flights and some circular that are very tight and seem never ending.  The last part of the climb is done between the Dome's inner and outer roofs ... it a weird staircase and very short in height.  To make things even more fun, all of the stairs are both directions ... there isn't another set for the way down, so lots of close contact as you try and squeeze your way past.
Finally at the top, the view was amazing !  Lots of Asian tourist taking selfies and glamour shots ... you had to push your way in to get to the railing.  Spent about 30 minutes up there and then headed down.
My ticket to the Dome also allowed access to other Basilica attractions.  So while I was there I also climbed the Bell Tower right next to the Basilica.  This tower is 414 steps at a much steeper angle but still as narrow and both directions.  They have 3 levels as you go up so can exit the staircase and rest before the next level climb. This one took me a bit longer to climb as I rested at each level for about 10-15 minutes.  The last push was the hardest and my legs were burning ... finally the top.  Just as nice a view, but this tower is caged in due to people throwing items off the tower onto the crowds below.  You can get a great view of the Basilica and the Dome from this tower.  No more climbing today ... heading down for some lunch ... I think I earned it
Headed back to the flat for a rest after lunch and got ready for an evening historical walk through the city with a guide.
The tour was really good, he pointed things out that I had already passed by and never noticed.  So many interesting things from history and the folk lore that goes with them.
Back at the flat for 9:00pm ... tomorrow is cooking school day !