Thanks all! Maybe it was just because I had been fearful/dreading the trip with my parents to take care of so much that I was pleasantly surprised, but it was a really amazing trip. Trip summary:
Fri - left early to get to Stansted for early morning (ie: cheap) flight on Ryan Air. No problems despite concerns (mostly mine) about being overweight luggage or carrying some banned articles. Dad is diabetic and carries masses of medicine/syringes so of course that always takes time. Arrived in Rome, took bus to Termini station, walked to hotel easily. Spent remainder of day resting and walking around the area.
Sat - walked around all of Termini station area, saw Saint Maria Maggiore and Basilica angeli something something. And the crypt of the Cappuchin monks which was decorated with bones of 4,000 monks! Amazing sight.
Sun - it had to be the Vatican, of course. My dad's big promise to my mom was to take her to the Vatican someday. Went to mass there, saw the Pope (only on cctv as he was at his residence at Castle Gandolfo). My parents' parish priest is at seminary in the Vatican right now so he met them and showed them all around. Pretty cool! DH and I took off and walked and walked.
Mon - went to Colosseum, Forum, Palatine. Basically did old Rome. Got caught in huge downpour without umbrella so had to go back and change once. Then bringing umbrella ensured it would not rain for rest of day.
Tues - went back to Vatican to do Sistine Chapel and the Museum (closed Sunday). Also did lots more walking and saw numerous other churches, monuments along the way. DH got to go to a magic shop, the highlight of his trip. Went to Trevi Fountain, of course! And the Pantheon and Piazza Navona.
Wed - left for Naples, took the Eurostar there which was brilliant. My parents had never been on one before so they were thrilled. Met our driver at Naples train station, and he took us to the hotel in Sorrento, which was fabulous. Spent afternoon walking around Sorrento.
Thurs - went to Capri for the day, went to Blue Grotto which my dad had last seen in 1962. He said that on that trip, he promised himself that if he ever got married, he would bring his bride there. 44 years later, he did!
Fri - last day, went to Pompeii which was as everyone said, fascinating but HOT. Wore ourselves out there for the morning, then took bus back to Naples to catch plane which was delayed forever. Finally got back last night at 2AM!
Will try to post pics soon in the gallery!
