Well, at least you can put that down to experience I guess and as you said, not that many people could say the same.  At this stage, I feel that I would like to go there but who knows how I would feel afterwards.  I have seen worse though.

As for the pope being able to vote for his successor, I feel confident in saying that he will no longer have the power to take part in the Conclave but as far as retaining his title as Cardinal, I am not certain but I think you may be right, he will not lose that title.