"Prego" and thanks all for the kind words. I enjoyed hearing that word...that and "pronto." Petty I know, but Italia will do that to you.

Wait till you guys see my official trip report, especially the parts covering Ravello and Capri. On second thought, it'll probably be too boring and personal for most readers.

I know most of you wise travellers advise slow travel over a whirlwind pace, but it's very hard to follow for a first-timer to Italy. Yet y'all still provide such wonderful advice so that someone like me could maximize my relatively short visit. As a result, I was able to relax during sunrise and sunset so that I could allow the man-made and natural beauty of Italy sink in.

Travelling through Rome, Naples, Pompei, Sorrento, Positano, Ravello and Capri was much easier than I ever anticipated thanks to all the wonderful info posted here. At least in May, public transportation along these routes was simple enough and not terribly uncomfortable. But I have to admit, especially if you're short on time, having a private driver is absolutely worth the cost. I was tremendously glad that we booked the much touted limoservice Rome upon arrival at the airport after an exhausting flight and that we hired Limousine Service Positano ( www.limocarservice.net) at 30 euro each hour for a 4-hour tour along the Amalfi Coast.

Also, the recommendations here for Scala Reale are well deserved since their guides' enthusiasm and knowledge left us much more appreciative of what we viewed than if we simply tried to see them on our own.

I could practically cry - our first trip to Europe was also to Rome (and Venice) and it was so wonderful. I have always said that I don't want to go back to a place I have already been - the world is too big. Italy will be the exception.

Welcome back Bluefan!!!!! What a GREAT report!!!!I am going to Rome the 18 of June.....Counting the Days....
Ciao,
kismet

Great briefing! You got us ranting and raving and ready to go again.

Though, there must be million of us, you are the first I have seen to confess to infantry disease - blisters. By accident, I ended up with a fantastic solution. I went to a pharmacy to get bandaids and found something totally new to me. Maybe they have these in the States now. They look somewhat like a standard large square bandaid but are made in 3 layers, instead of two. One layer peels off, just as with any bandaid. The second layer is the sticky part that get applied right over the bubble ( do not poke a hole in it). The last layer, which is now on the outside, looks like paper. This paper layer is warmed by the hand while smoothing out and pressing down the patch. In a minute or two the paper drops away leaving what looks like a layer of skin. It is almost hard to distinguish it from your own body, it fits so tight. In fact, it is a second skin. One never peels it off. It is left alone until it releases on its own, about ten days later. It is shower and bath proof. When it finally did come off, the blister was entirely healed. The blistered part had completely re-stuck itself as if it had never been.

great report, bluefan.

Bluefan, thank you, enormously, for this wonderful report.

Blackhorse: do you have any idea what those bandaids are called in Italian? I am off to Italy in August again. One of my duties is squiring a hiking trip for North American teens who often elect the silliest footware for this adventure ( Birkenstocks, basketball shoes and, no lie, once, ballet slippers!). Sounds like those things would be a great investment.

Hi Bluefan, Just wanted to add my thank you & accolades to your fine reports.

It was very evident you enjoyed your trip. Thanks again. Ken Lansing

One of my favorite's church in Rome is Santa Maria della Vittoria.. It is a small church but it has Bernini best work on it, the masterpiece sculpture of the Ecstacy of Santa Rita, all done in marble.It is hard to describe the saint ecstatic expression on her face, while she looks up, an angel is at her side, and they appear to floating on clouds, while golden rays of lights pour from the ceiling.
I always visit this church when ,I go back to Rome, and my feelings and emotions are always the same as the first time I saw such magnificent work.

hey kismet, I very much wanted to see Bernini's Ecstasy of St. Teresa at the Santa Maria della Vittoria. But on the Sunday we visited with Scala Reale, there was a mass at the time so I only got a distant glimpse from the back. We never found the time to go back during our short stay. We'll save it for our next visit to Rome, but I hope you can revisit and cherish the moment for me as well when you go later this month. Have a great trip kismetchimera!

Thanks bluefan...When i go back I will be thinking about you....I loved your post about Rome, and you are right!!!Every church , even the smallest is a work of art!!My son was impressed about them and he remarqued ,that you dont need to visit a museum while you are there..just visit the churches, the murals on the wall, the painting, mosaics etc..,all these are treasures and work of art.
Ciao,
kismet

Thank you for this great info! I am going with a choir (who will be singing at a Papal Mass no less!!!!) the first week of July, and although ALL of our time will NOT be our own, I do plan on sneaking away from the group and doing some of the things you suggested! Thanks again! I am so excited!!!!

dmkjat,
You are fortunate to be able to sing at a Papal Mass!!!! What a honour!!!
Enjoy Rome and have a safe, exciting trip..
Buon Viaggio,
kismet

Sorry that you missed Bernini's St Theresa
Here's a close up photo

http://www.boglewood.com/cornaro/xteresa.html