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Cripta dei Cappuccini (Crypt): Rome

This is a different and macabre way to display and see art -- human bones and skulls formed into intricate design patterns. 

“One of the most horrifying images in all of Christendom…” -Frommer's

There are bones and skulls everywhere - chandeliers, picture frames, wall art, etc.

http://www.cappucciniviaveneto.it/cappuccini_ing.html
http://www.roninrome.com/sites-and-attractions/cripta-dei-cappuccini

Perfumerie - Santa Maria Novella : Florence

Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella

This is a treasure of a find, it's so beautiful and oh so old world -- it is potions and lotions. This perfumerie is connected to Santa Maria Novella from the monastery side and very unassuming. This is the world's oldest pharmacy dating back from the 13th century of Giotto and Dante's time. Quite intimidating at first because it seems so fancy shmancy, but the staff are actually very helpful in letting you sample their products. Perfect place to get a gift (...er for yourself) to bring back home. Oh, and their honey are also divine.



I don't think they have a website, but here are  links for info about this very beautiful (and oh so girly) place:
http://www.italian.it/santamarianovella/smnuk.htm
http://www.smithsonianmag.com/arts-culture/heaven-scent.html#

Rome: Mass at the Vatican

I actually attended mass! Me! Seriously! It was on the main chapel (there are several) - felt quite privilege actually because the area was closed off to those not attending the mass). It was in Italian, but you could guess what they are saying. It wasn't the pope giving mass but when it ended, the big guy was actually on his pope window blessing the public and giving a speech multi-lingually. So... I've been blessed by the pope, plus I drank from a holy water fountain in St. Peter's Square.