I did get to see Pope Benedict from a hundred yards or so - very impressive & charming - at least to look at :-)
I recall being offered Authentic Italian cuisine by our gracious hosts, however, I have come to realize that I am more fond of American Italian foods that are less greasy and salty than their "authentic" Italian counterparts. I hear it gets progressively salty and greasy as one heads South.
There's nothing more fun than serendipitously walking around the streets and discovering historical artifacts and sites in Rome.
