I am leaving next Saturday for Rome. I can't believe its finally here. I wouldn't have been able to do this without all of your help. Thanks so much. My Mom's dream is finally coming true. Are there any last minute suggestions or things I need to know before I leave. THis is our first trip to Italy(or Europe)and I want to make sure it goes as smoothly as it can.
Has anyone been to the Papal blessing on Wed. mornings? What can we expect? And how early do we have to be there? We are staying in the Campo die Fiori/Navona area. How long of a walk is it to the Vatican? If there is anything else you can think of let me know. My Mom is so excited she isn't sleeping much!! It's all I think of as I am drifting off to sleep!
Ellen

From Campo dei Fiori to the Vatican the distance is about 2.5 km.

Ellen, I am sure you and your Mom will have a great trip. Just relax and enjoy it!

This message posted two days ago on the Web site of Santa Susanna, the American church in Rome, may interest you.

You might still try to reserve tickets through this page on the Santa Susanna Web site.

Hi Ellen,

I understand the excitement you are both feeling. I took my mother to Paris (her first time) last year for her 75th birthday. We had a great visit and Mom had more energy than I thought she'd have.

I highly recommend that you take a tea break every few hours to allow for recharging. It seemed to do the trick for us.

I've attended the Papal blessing only once- I happened upon it. It had already begun and there were still seats available, though back a bit. They had large TV screens set up, so you could sit anywhere and see the Pope.

The walk is probably 30 minutes from your start point.

Enjoy your trip!

Eloise, thanks I already reserved tickets for the papal blessing. I believe I have to pick them up the day before. Thanks
Ellen

Yes, tea/coffee breaks are a great idea. I highly recommend just getting on the Italian life cycle and following it, which allows for a lovely afternoon snooze if one needs it. Just take it slow and enjoy. Have a wonderful time........Ciao,
Cheryl

I second what others have said: take it easy. Rome can be exhausting, but they have perfected ways of relaxing wise to emulate. Frequent coffee/snack/wine breaks at a comfy caffe, a nap as needed. It is such a pbeautiful city, that one can just sit and look and relax, and still have the thrill of oh, boy, I am in Rome. But I am sorry, I don't know anything about the papal visits, except that St Peter's is jammed on Wednesdays.
Yrs, Robert

The best advice was given in a post quite some time ago and I don't remember by whom. But it goes...enjoy and remember to breathe!

Elly

If you take a taxi, when you get in, make sure the meter is showing Tarifa 1 not Tarfia 2. Also, there is a night surcharge and luggage surcharge. I took many cabs and found the cabbies mostly honest - only 1 ripped me off and another tried but didn't succeed If you can, try to visit the Borghese Gallery - the Bernini sculptures are sublime. A wonderful restaurant is Da Armando al Pantheon which you can see from the front of the Pantheon (via Salita de Crescenzi, 31)recommended by SlowFood. If you're there on a Sunday, the rooftop restaurant at the Hotel Forum has a wonderful brunch - the food is excellent) and a beautiful view over the Forum ruins. If you're visiting St Peter's on your own, go between 8:00 - 8:30 - NO lines. By 9:45 the buses start arriving and the lines really build fast. At 8:30, you have the Basilica practically to yourself. As you are going to see the Pope, I assume you're Catholic. If so, I believe you'd find San Giovanni Laterno very moving as this was the first Christian church and also houses the Scala Sancta (The Holy Stairs)believed to be the stairs that Jesus walked which were brought to Rome from Jeruselem by Saint Helena. Also Santa Maria Maggiore which is another of the major basilicas is stupendous and has some of the most beautiful mosaics you can imagine. Rome is quite hard on the legs and feet (and back!) so the advice to stop for tea, wine, gelato is a good idea. Have a wonderful time!

Thanks Margaretlb,
some wonderful suggestions. My mom loves tea. Do they serve hot tea there? She would love not to give up her tea breaks. Also what to Romans put in their coffee or cappucino? Should I bring my own equal or sweetner?
Yes we are catholics and cant wait to see all you mentioned. We have a morning tour of the necropolis and an 11:00am tour of the Vatican with 3millenia.
Thanks for everyones help I can't believe it is only 5 days away!!!
Ellen