trip of a lifetime

Old Dec 7th, 2001, 05:04 AM
  #1  
Liam
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trip of a lifetime

OK, here's the situation: my wife was diagnosed with cancer this past spring, and we decided that when her treatments were finished and she was cured, we would take a long weekend trip to Europe (likely Paris). We live in Boston, so a 3-5 day trip to Europe is "do-able" for us.

Sept. 11 curbed our enthusiasm for overseas travel, and we have also recently learned that my wife will have to undergo several more months of treatments (she will not be finished until late Feb). She will need a month or two to regain her energy, and will likely have a very compromised immune system for a while afterward.

I was trying to figure out what to get my wife for Christmas, and the thought our previosuly planned and canceled trip to Europe has resurfaced in my mind. The thought of going away is probably the last thing she is thinking of, so it might be a great surprise for her. We're young, 34 & 33, have 2 kids under age 4 (who we will likely leave back home with the grandparents), and I want to go someplace that will not overtax my wife's energy, but will give as much of the European city experience as possible. I would like to travel in the late Spring, before the traditional high tourist season starts.

Your thoughts on which of the following would be the best place in either April of early May:
London
Paris
Venice
anyplace else you would suggest?

Sorry for the novel, but I think our personal situation is a factor in my decision making. Your thoughts?
 
Old Dec 7th, 2001, 05:22 AM
  #2  
Patrick
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First of all best wishes to you and to your wife. These things are always hard to face and it is wonderful to see you facing the future bravely.
It is hard for me to picture being in Europe without tons of walking, steps, and lots of physical exercise, but I know it can be done. I think my suggestion is Venice. It is so beautiful and "foreign", and late spring is the best time to go. Certainly a gondola ride doesn't tax one energywise. And if your hotel is located right at a vaporetto stop (as many are) you can travel pretty easily there to the major spots. In fact, getting a pass and riding the boats can be almost like a major tour without really doing any walking. You can even take the boats to Murano and Burano which are relatively compact and won't require a whole lot of walking. And just sitting in St. Marks at night listening to the music and having a drink or a dessert has to be one of the most memorable events in Europe. Paris, London, Rome and so many other cities just require so much walking and even a lot of steps and long "tunnels" taking metro or tube, etc.
Whatever you decide, good luck.
 
Old Dec 7th, 2001, 05:22 AM
  #3  
cdf
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Aaah, Liam, I hope her treatments go easily and that she is feeling just like her old self in the spring~ I have a friend who did something similar,she waited until about 3 months after the last treatment to go to Florence, Italy-(actually,it was at the same time of year,early summer)I think part of that decision was that it is a "doable" city,small enough to walk around,the weather should be mild enough,but I think Venice and Florence are a long airplane ride,which might cut into the time you would like to spend in Europe.I-personally-would choose Paris.You could choose a section and concentrate on that,seeing the museums,churches,and eating well.Paris is so easy to get around and about 6-7 hour flight from the NE.You two could make new memories of the beginning her "new life" and this can be the first trip in many~London-on my first trip to London, it all felt so familiar.I had always wanted to go there,had read so many books taking place there,when I walked around and saw the street signs (Curzon St, Baker St)- it felt like "home"..the people are warm and kind,the city is clean and beautiful,the museums are wonderful,the food is good (bad English food is an old fable now)..the hotels are comfortable and very nice.You can ,again, get around London very easily,the first day we were there,we got to the top of a double decker bus and rode around town, just sightseeing,getting off and on at will.The theaters are great..SO--those are my choices and why.(See Thrilled to have gone to London-somewhere on this site-she tells about a lot of good stuff for a first time trip I hope you and your family have a wonderful Holiday season and that this New Year brings you all nothing but good news and a bright future.Candice
 
Old Dec 7th, 2001, 06:55 AM
  #4  
wes fowler
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Liam,
I assume this will be your first trip to Europe? On that assumption, be warned. There's a natural and very human tendency to want to see everything there is to see in the places one visits. Paris, London and even Venice can overwhelm the first time traveler with the myriad delights they offer.

There is more to the recovery process from cancer treatment than the physical; there's also the psychological recovery process as well (I know from personal experience). Rightly or wrongly, there's a tendency to want to catch up on all the things one has "missed out on" in life. Exposing your wife to a Paris or a London may also expose her to unwanted exhaustion since either city is so overwhelmingly tempting in the delights it offers, and frustration at the inability to experience all of those delights in a three to five day time frame.

Consider instead the charming and small city of Bruges, Belgium. Unchanged since the 16th century, the old city is small and its delights concentrated in a compact area. It has superb restaurants and many, many charming small hotels. All of its attractions, from a lovely Madonna and Child of Michelangelo to its many sidewalk cafes, fine museums, stunning medieval architecture and charming canals can be enjoyed with minimum exertion.

With only three to five days, presumably including travel days, Bruges is an ideal spot to visit. Flight time from Boston is minimal compared to Venice. The city can be thoroughly explored at liesure in three days (three days in London or Paris would only whet one's appetite and leave one frustrated to think of what had been missed).

Drop me an Email if you'd like more information on Bruges and its delights.
 
Old Dec 7th, 2001, 07:10 AM
  #5  
Katherine
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Liam, first of all.. all fingers and toes crossed for you and your wife. Second, I have to say that I walked more in Venice than anywhere. You really have no choice but to walk if you want to see all the little alleys and nooks and cranneys. Alternatively, you can find other modes of transportation in Paris. The metro is pretty easy and you can always take a taxi. From any of the river cruises (ie Bateaux Mouches) you see so much. And it's tres romantic! Every woman wants to go to Paris with the man she loves. And you sound like the very best!
 
Old Dec 7th, 2001, 07:14 AM
  #6  
elaine
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Hi Liam
You've suggested three of my favorite cities; here are my thoughts. As Wes mentioned, London and Paris, esp. London are large, and a long weekend
will only whet your appetite for more.
On the other hand, that's a good thing--you can start planning your next trip as soon as you return.
In both London and Paris there are great subway/bus systems. Buses will be easier for your wife because the Tube/Metro require a lot of walking up and down stairs and long corridors--unlike the T in Boston, stations are all underground. If you can spare the cash, you might want to take some taxis to save on fatigue; these will be slow, and relatively expensive, but not horribly so.
Of all my own favorites for a visit, Venice comes first. It can require a lot of walking, because even though you take water buses or even water taxis from one place to another, you still have to get out and walk when the boat stops unless
your destination is right at a water stop. On the other hand, Venice imo
has less "mandatory" sightseeing
because the city itself is the greatest
delight. Having a leisurely coffee or gelato, strolling around San Marco, and whatever else you're up for, need not be too strenuous. In any of your cities I recommend a hotel in a central location to be easily able to pop back to the hotel for a rest.
Late spring is iffy for weather in any of your 3 cities. Paris is well-known for drizzle, and I've encountered temps only in the 50sF even in late May. It's important to remember that its latitude is about equal with Newfoundland.
Drizzle aside, London and Venice might be warmer. You can check some websites for historical temperatures for the month you are interested in.
I have long files for Venice, Paris, and London; if you'd like to see them, email me.
Best wishes to you both for the new year.
 
Old Dec 7th, 2001, 09:11 AM
  #7  
zoya
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Best wishes to you and to your wife.
Want to recommend traveling to Barcelona (not as crowded as Paris, nicer weather and $$$ chose then London) and beautiful. Florence and Paris also among my top chooses.
Good luck.
 
Old Dec 7th, 2001, 09:21 AM
  #8  
Vita
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My travel experiences have not been as extensive as others on this forum, but I loved Florence. It's a pretty small city so you could walk around and see almost everything at a pretty relaxed pace. It's also a great place to sit at a piazza and people watch. Then, of course, there are all the museums and great food. You could also do an easy day trip to Tuscany or Fiesole from there. Good luck and best wishes to you both.
 
Old Dec 7th, 2001, 09:27 AM
  #9  
Paule
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I love all those cities, though I lean toward Paris as one of the most dreamed-about place in the world. But a question for you: rather than making it a surprise, why dont you suggest it to your wife as something to look forward to? I think her input on what she most wants to see would be important, and her sense of how much energy she would have might also be invaluable.

You can't go wrong with any of the cities that you chose; they're each wonderful for different reasons. My own favorite is Paris, but either of the others are wonderful for a long weekend. But this is why I think you might want to include your wife in the decision; maybe hearing HER dream visit might make it easier to decide. And though you take away an element of surprise, you might give her something exciting to look forward to and plan for.
 
Old Dec 7th, 2001, 09:43 AM
  #10  
Book Chick
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Liam,
I'm sorry to hear of your wife's illness. Your understanding of what she needs (physically and in terms of the emotional "lift" of a trip)is touching, and also essential for her recovery.

I concur with several of our veteran posters that Venice may be the ideal locale you seek. The pace of life seems just a bit slower, and anyway whose ever tried to negotiate the streets, or calles there can tell you that they easily lend themselves to meandering. It is so nice to just enjoy a sunset there, because of the way the light plays off the surface of the water. Of course there are many great works of art to enjoy, but I have found there's always something special about having a refreshment in Piazza San Marco (cafe Florian isn't inexpensive, but it is worth it)and drinking in the atmosphere.

Best wishes & happy travels to you & your wife,
BC
 
Old Dec 7th, 2001, 09:53 AM
  #11  
Leslie
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I think that any city that you choose to vacation in will be wonderful. But, I agree that it might be a very good idea to let your wife in on planning the trip. It might help her during those long periods to be able to look at brochures, etc. Let the destination be her decision. But, might I suggest how to present it as a Christmas gift. Contact the Department of Tourism for all the cities that you're interested in and ask them to mail you travel brochures and maps. Most of them are in NYC, and you can call them or their websites to order brochures. Also get the annual subscriptions to Conde Nast's "Traveler" and "Frommer's Magazine". While you're waiting for the subscriptions to start, by a copy of each of the latest issues. Put all of these things in a box -- but add to it -- something from each country that you have travel brochures from -- Chianti and pasta for Italy, Twinings Tea for the UK, a bottle of French perfume for Paris, and a gift certificate from Borders Bookstore so she can buy the travel books of her choice. Then when your wife opens the box she will surprised, but also have a little piece of each country to enjoy while planning your wonderful trip.

I think I know a little of what you're going through Liam. My very good friend is a cancer survivor, and during her recuperation (chemotherapy and radiation treatments), she planned her trip to Paris. As soon as she was given the go ahead from her doctor she was on the next flight to Paris for a week. My friend said that looking forward to a great vacation was one of the bright spots during her illness.

Good luck.
 
Old Dec 7th, 2001, 10:22 AM
  #12  
Joe
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Liam: Make it Paris. There is nothing wrong with whetting the appetite for more. Spring is delightful in Paris. It is the most beautiful City in the World (this from a San Franciscan). No, you won't see all of Paris in 3-5 days. But, you can take it as easy as you choose. People watching from a sidewalk cafe, an easy stroll along the Seine in the Pont des Arts area (grab a bench when you need a rest), a bus ride to Sacre-Coeur for the views (sit on the steps and watch the people and the artists, the general hubub), bus lines 24, 63 and 69 for general sightseeing, a bench in the Luxembourg Gardens, especially in an afternoon when a concert is in session (these are very informal and provide a real opportunity to see Parisians young and old as they live), an easy evening stroll in the Latin Quarter stopping as needed at any of the many sidewalk cafes, Paris has so much to offer. Go to Notre-Dame and sit in the plaza area in front of the Cathedral and take in the street entertainers while you marvel at the structure. Of course, go up into the Tower Eiffel; idealy once during the day and once during the evening for the different views. There is much more of course. But, do what you can, comfortably. Picnic fixings are available everywhere. Spring in Paris is what poets write about. Yes, Paris is for walking. But, Paris is also ideal for sitting and absorbing the beauty that is everywhere.
 
Old Dec 7th, 2001, 10:23 AM
  #13  
Mia
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A word of caution re: surprises..A friend of ours wanted to go to Paris so badly, for his wifes birthday,he surprised her with tickets for a 4 day trip=she said no! For various reasons, which,lucky for him, were overcome-but because of this-maybe telling your wife would be the best surprise,with books,brochures,maps,and do the rest of the planning together...I,personally, think that one of the best gifts she already has-such a good husband! M
 
Old Dec 7th, 2001, 10:31 AM
  #14  
Ann
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Everyone has given you pros and cons for the three cities you asked about, so I'll just chime in with a suggestion.

What about going to Greece? Spend a week on one of the islands. That way you can just rest and relax on or near the beach, but wander through nearby villages and towns when your wife's feeling up to it.

Good luck.
 
Old Dec 7th, 2001, 10:39 AM
  #15  
Liam
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Wow - what nice responses. Thanks for your encouragement and kind thoughts. We've decided that we just need to soldier on, regardless of what comes our way and that (dammit) we're just going to live our lives.

Wes, no, this not our first trip to Europe, although it will be our first together. Bruges is one of my wife's favorite places, so that's an idea. I've never been to Belgium.

We have close friends in both Paris and London, so that's a consideration as well. I am possibly leaning toward Paris since that was our original plan, plus "Amelie" has made us want to go back even more. Wherever we go, it will be a low key / watching people from the sidewalk cafe kind of trip (no racing around to see everything - there will be time for that on future vacations).

I think I'll follow several peoples' advice and buy a few travel guides and wrap them under the tree so we can plan together. Thanks again for your advice.
 
Old Dec 7th, 2001, 10:42 AM
  #16  
mia
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Wishing you a most Happy Christmas and that this New Year will be the first of many spent planning your trips together~
 
Old Dec 7th, 2001, 10:50 AM
  #17  
Heather
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Liam, my best thoughts are with you and your wife.

What a wonderful idea to bring back your vacation idea. I agree that a large city can be exhausting, so would second (third?) Florence or maybe even Salzburg. Both are wonderful cities with a lot of sights in compact city centers. As Mr. Fowler mentioned, Bruges also is very "doable" in a short trip and very lovely. There are many options for city tours (vans, on foot, etc.) as well as horse-drawn carriage rides and canal cruises. Also, many people I met there took interesting trips into the countryside with Quasimodo tours (http://www.quasimodo.be/bustrips.htm).

I hope that you have a very wonderful trip and wish your wife the best.
 
Old Dec 7th, 2001, 01:04 PM
  #18  
nancy
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Liam,
Good luck to your wife and to the rest of you!
A trip is a great idea.
You have received some great locale suggestions.
I think including your wife in final destination would be a good choice.
I know I had a blast planning and anticipationg a trip we did last summer!
Leslie's idea of getting material /brochures, etc. will give you both something to look at a dream.

I have not been to Belgium.
BUT,
I posted something last yr that I read in a Smithsonian magazine about Brussels

About 150 yrs ago, the king built extensive greenhouses at his country home, ourside of Brussels.
These greenhouses are an architectural wonder,
and they cover over 4 acres.
For a two week period
the end of April- Beggining of May,
they are opened to the public.

The dislpay is said to rival the Dutch bulb show,
and the English Chelsea Garden Show.

If your wife enjoys flowers, this would be a lovely event to try and take in!

Again,
Buona Fortuna to all of you in the year 2002
 
Old Dec 7th, 2001, 01:16 PM
  #19  
Shanna
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Liam, if I may speak from a woman's perspective. Your wife may rather be with her kids under the circumstances. But, also from a woman's perspective, she might enjoy something like the "Forever April" (oh, I think that was the name of the movie) circumstance. A lovely, quiet villa, imbued with Tuscan flavor, where one would absorb the sense of a place rather than rushing about to see many different things, where she could re-connect with her husband, herself, her thoughts, hopes and fears, and just take a long, deep breath. When my husband was recovering from surgery and chemo, I needed a vacation like that, with little demands. He needed to reassert himself as a man who wasn't weak and sick, and wanted adventure. Try to determine what will best restore your wife's spirit. Surprises are nice, but giving her what she needs is the best gift. My very best wishes for your family.
 
Old Dec 7th, 2001, 01:19 PM
  #20  
Julie
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Actually "Enchanted April" was the name of the film...and what an enchanting idea. You certainly have a ton of ideas to consider...what a fabulous dilema to be in! Whatever you decide to do will be wonderful. Keep us posted.
 

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