haha, yeah I think going to iraq is pretty much as off the beaten track as you can get, Im really excited that it worked out. after syria ill be going to lebanon, jordan, israel and egypt.
rome is great though, my parents took us to italy when we were kids (I think I was about 8) and my brother and I loved it. I just remember thinking all the ruins and ancient castles were just really awesome forts to play in
(and if your kids like cats, keep an eye on them; I scared the crap out of my parents by running after all the mangy stray cats and trying to pick them up and pet them)