Where are you--this very second?

Interesting thread, Lola. I am at my computer (obviously) at work in a research tower surrounded by photos of my four most recent trips to Europe. Plus lately I dug through some old photos of Moscow (old=1989/90) when I was lucky enough to go to Russia four times while calling it *work.* Ah, those were the days, but I digress.
I am running out of display space for my European photos, so after the next two trips, I may have a real problem.
The photos I currently have around me are (besides Moscow) Prague (many), Berlin, Dresden, Potsdam, Bamberg, Heidelberg, Bad Wimpfen, Schwabish Hall, Bath, Salisbury, Oxford. Plus the lovely Tryon Palace from New Bern, NC, which fits in for its English Georgian style. These all make me feel closer to where I long to be.
I look out on the skyline of Houston, which includes thick, leafy oak trees and too much ozone and smog (as you have all probably read, lately).
Down the hall from me are scientists beavering away in their laboratories on various biomedical problems. It is a good work atmosphere. If one *has* to be at work, that is. I like the answer someone gave to the thread, top 3 reasons to go to Europe. It said something like this, Living, not working. Nicely put. And thanks for asking, Lola.

I too work from home and am in our home "office". From the window I can see our perennial garden which also needs weeding. Funny, Lola, but you're in New York and I'm in CA about 1 hour south of SF and we both need to get weeding and off the computer!

I live in Central Mass, about 70 miles south west of Boston. Technically, I work out of a home office. Only mine is in my mother-in-laws converted barn (thanks Vickie). I work on a laptop and my window looks over a field that should be gorgeous when the leaves turn. My radio is on constantly, usually with an Irish CD playing. I'm walking distance to my house (which means I can see the weeding that needs to be done when I go home for lunch). My walls are covered with snapshots of my friends and me in Heidelberg and all the Irish pubs I've visted, world-wide.

Sat at my desk and as it is 9.30 pm its too dark to see our back garden and all the weeding that needs to be done! At the moment the side table is piled high with books. leaflets print outs etc. for our forthcoming holiday to Colorado in a couple of weeks time. As for what I am listening to Youssou N'Dour's latest CD is flavour of the month at the moment.

My wife and I just got back home from an evening at the Anchor Bleu pub in the old village of Bosham, West Sussex, England. Bosham has been a village since the days of the Norman Invasion in 1066AD - an amazing amount of history for a small place. We often wonder about all the people who have lived there over the centuries.

It's a beautiful evening here on the South Downs and we are very lucky to live here.

Lola, I am using my computer at work since it is so much faster than the one at home. My office is inside the Sony plant in New Stanton, PA (about 30 miles from Pittsburgh. By the way Pittsburgh is really a great place to live. I am lucky to be in an office with a window since much of the plant does not have one. I look outside at some shrubs and then the parking lot which is under construction. I am planning a trip to Rome during the first week of November and then to Germany to visit my aunt..I found Fodors forum and now I am hooked and read it too much! I really should be working, but this is more interesting. Great thread, Lola. I'll keep reading this when I have time.

I'm in hot, dry Dallas. I am addicted to this forum, so always read it during conference calls at work. I always log on as soon as I get home and read it for hours. I'm currently planning my 2nd trip to Italy in a year and will be taking my 12 yr old. On Sundays, I work at an independent garden shop 2 blks away because I love it there. Nature just makes me happy. BTW, my perennial garden needs weeding also, but it's been too hot to do so lately.

To Sandi in hot, dry Dallas...I do that, too...read this forum during work conference calls. It's a neat little trick, isn't it?
Forgot to say I usually have a classical CD going, often Mozart or Bach. Fits in with the European travel thread, the photos, etc.
from kk in hot, dry Houston

Guess I'll get my two cents worth before all you folks who don't work at home get on this posting. Right now I'm in our computer room on the first floor of our house and when I look out the window can see backlit foliage, hydrangeas that are that lovely hue they turn as they go by, and ground cover of mrytle. There's a thread here - as I also have perennial gardens that are in need of weeding. OUr house is also in Central Ma - about 50 miles west of Boston. I'm a potter and have the luxury of being able to check our this forum at least three times a day (would you say I'm addicted?). I might say that there is an aura of clay dust around here. Since we're planning our next trip to London and Paris in Jan., I'm surrounded by guide books, folders of things I've copied. Also - the semblance of our "home office" and I use the term loosly.

Hello, All.

I'm at my home computer, which sits in my upstairs hall landing, in front of a window which overlooks my back garden. Beautiful view, love to watch the clouds roll over the field behind our house. Ahhhh, great to be here in North Yorkshire, England.

We have had strange weather here in the UK today...everything from mild squalls to extreme downpours, to giant bolts of lightening, to large hail, to hail so small that parts of England look as though 4 inches of snow have fallen, and finally, waterspouts and tornadoes!!!!!
Good to get to know other Fodorites better...GREAT THREAD!!!!

I am at home in our fitted study... I love this room. It used to be a spare bedroom but we had truly custom fitted furniture built, we decided to the millimetre where everything should go.

In some ways it is quite restful, the carpet is dark blue, the walls pure white and the "wood" is sweet pear (very very pale colour, paler than maple, and less yellow, beautiful).

One wall has a desk all along it with two leg holes, to my left is Pete and the window, to my right is the door (without a door in the frame as that would mean getting off the forum and doing something).

My PC is ancient and I am plotting a new one as we speak.

I wish I could surf at work but they have very strict access guidelines and I darent risk it after a few were sacked for email and internet abuse a few months back.

By the way home is in North Finchley, half way between Woodside Park and West Finchley on the Northern Line for you Tube afficionados, and a 25 min tube from work at Mornington Crescent in Camden...

Good question Lola, and the answers brought to mind a different question.

But first, to answer yours, I am at my desk at work (faster access). My office is in Pasadena, CA. I am probably on here about an hour or more a day. My work (an executive for a quasi-insurance related company) has become so boring after 25 years, that I spend most of my time thinking about travel.

My next trip is back to Italy for the second time this year. I spend a lot of non-work time reading books, watching movies and hanging out here, in preparation for the trip. Mostly wishing I was there already.

Which brings me to my follow-up question: If all of us, and there seem to be quite a few of us sharing this thought lately, wish we were somewhere else, why aren't we?

I mentioned a while back a back a book by Alan Epstein called "As the Romans Do". He decided after he and his new wife went to Italy on a honeymoon, that someday he would like to live in Rome. In 1995 they sold their business and picked up their stuff and two kids and moved. Eventually, when it worked out, they sold their home in Northern Cal and seem to be very happy there.

What is stopping all of you/us from acting out on the fantasy? Or is it just that, and the reality is, we are really happy enough where we are, as long as we get to travel once in a while and talk/read/think about it the rest of the time? Or are we wasting valuable time sitting here talking/ reading/ thinking about it and one day we will wake up too old to do anything about it?

Just my thought for the day.
Ciao.
Luigi

Third floor of our Colorado home, in the bedroom/office/ironing room/library/whatever else we need this room to be. House is like a cracker box sitting on end -- goes up instead of out -- built that way mainly to take advantage of mountain views. Am watching out the window as the neighbors build a new barn for their new horse and their kids jump on a trampoline. Fortunately they are several acres away so I can't hear any of it.

The thunderheads are rolling in, as they do every afternoon, so I'll have to turn off the computer soon so we don't risk a zap from the inevitable lightening.

Never surf at work, never have the TIME. If my boss caught me surfing he'd just dump more work on me than I already have, believing that I actually had down time or something.

Luigi - I would move tomorrow if my family would just try something other than our very small town! They won't even travel with me.

Hi Luigi

Well, for me I am not wishing I lived elsewhere.

To summarise my wishes (I think about these a lot, dont laugh, incase I find a magic genie one day, I want to know what to ask for, and also incase I win the lottery)

I wish I didnt have to work for monetary reasons

I wish I could sing, really sing like Cher, Celine, Shania etc.

I wish I could buy a huge plot of land, hold a design contest for architects to design the perfect house for me according to all my wishes, and then have this home built (and cleaned and maintained by someone else)

I wish I could afford to travel first class all the way, having seen it once or twice it would really make a difference to the whole jetlag/ travel exhaustion thing.

I wish I could study and perfect pottery.

I wish I could live as long as my closest friends and family. Not longer, not shorter. A good healthy life for all of us without the sorrow for the longest living of losing one at a time

I wish I could have the body I had when I was 21, actually I wish I could have that one with better hips. I wish that body would be impervious to disease, fat and illness and pain for the duration of my life, and I wish the same for my loved ones.

I would still live in the UK but I wish I could travel to warmer climes in winter, coming back just to visit with friends and have christmas in england...

so anyway, if anyone ever finds that small special lamp, you just pass it my way OK?

We Brits seem better represented than is usual. I too am at home, it being 11 at night- although that is not a given these days.

I was just about to check out Micki's original question so I can fill in all the stuff we missed in the first 12 days of her fortnight here.

Aberdeenshire had a normal sort of late August day; I always think you can tell the season change and ithappened here last Saturday. Friday was summer; Saturday early autumn. Still warm, but crisp now.

Plotting fortnight's tourism in October somwhere in the Southern Med. Thank goodness!

Although I am a frequent poster, I have chosen to rarely (almost never) disclose that I am physician. It is not all that relevant to my observations here, in the context of my travel experiences, and when I have wanted to post something medical, I have chosen not to identify myself.

But it is relevant to my telling you that I am in the "computer resources" room of the medical library room of the hospital where I am working tonight. I work at a variety of hospitals (I am semi-retired, and I only work as a "fill-in" or "locum tenens" doctor), and no matter where I go, it is usually easy to find the time and hardware to go online.

And this is one of only two or three places I (generally) go every day. Addiction to this site can strike anyone, in any profession.

And as they say (paraphrased) at the end of movie credits these days... "no patients were harmed in the posting of this message"... LOL!

In my office (love that speed!) in Costa Mesa, California. My desk is very messy (I was going to say exceptionally messy, but it's not the exception, it's the rule!!). It's been pretty here lately-- a little cooler than the recent heat wave, with very blue skies. I flip back and forth among "real" projects and Fodors-- right now my open windows are: my company's internal info system, a Word document that is a proposal to a client, a letter to another client, and some research. I work on all of them concurrently, including Fodors! When I'm doing serious travel planning I usually do it at home, but you guys are a wonderful diversion at work! Thanks!

Sitting in my office (work from home) staring out the window at the gorgeous day which I'm missing out on. Daydreaming about my upcoming trip to Toscana in about 20 days.....!

I am at work in Chicago ... using this forum to plan a week-long getaway to Florence for late October and thinking all of my friends and family will be happy to get Italian Christmas presents this year. (Last year they were given German and Austrian gifts and were pretty pleased!) Ciao!

Goodness but a lot of us are on this Forum at work, aren't we?? I too post regularly but do not want to give away my office identity -- you never know who is lurking out there! Let's just say it's a large educational institution in the west.

sitting at my desk doing alittle day dreaming thinking how wonderful it is travel. I leave in two weeks for my annual visit to France (my 10th trip). I'm checking other's experiences checking for additional information...this a hobby ...a compulsion...but a fun one. Travel like all of us ...stays on my mine...a continue to day dream when I have time.
I check the forum preparing me for this trip and my next.

Hi Anne...

Hi all, I am in Alpharetta,Ga(Atlanta suburb) sitting in the great room. CNBC is on , and I all I can think about is where I will be going next, thanks to you, my fellow travelers! I go to this site at least twice a day, and I dream...... British Fodorites, HI!And they(who?) say the sex sites are addictive,,,,this has it all over them any day!!!!!Boy, you can tell I am getting old!

Hi! I’m at home now. Saw this thread earlier from work but wasn’t in an inspired mood to reply. I’m from New Jersey and we’re finally having some good weather. It’s warm and dry, this morning was idyllically cool. What a relief after the rainy summer we’ve had. I’m in my den with my travel books at hand and a huge Shaker basket full of travel reading material. I’m alternately reading Fodor’s, working on my Italy trip report from April and planning next summer’s trip to Germany while gathering inspiration from a framed print, above my computer, of Claude Monet in his clown suit that I bought at the Musée de l’Orangerie. As I look around my home I sigh nostalgically as I see all the things that remind me of other trips. I don’t have a garden (unfortunately) so I don’t have to feel guilty about not weeding it but I have geraniums and non-stop begonias and herbs on my deck and the geraniums are reblooming after all the rain repeatedly wiped them out.

Best to all,

Adrienne

Adrienne, Sometimes a garden is a blessing and sometimes it's a curse! Right now, I'd trade mine for your begonias! There's a little cutie out there called Santa Barbara daisy that is about as invaisive as they get! Going to have to go after it soon, meanwhile I'm thinking about Ireland next month and Northern England the next year. This is a fun thread. I like picturing all of us in various locations. I often wonder what the average age of Fodor's posters is. The few I've come to know personally are mid 50s--just about where I am. Any thoughts?

Posting from home-office (wow, a lot of us work from home!), which is really cluttered. Son just spilled water on my mouse -- hope it still works. Office is terribly cluttered as I hate to file stuff. I cleaned it for the Millenium, but hey, it's August, and it needs another good overhaul. Perennial garden is also very weedy, but Suburban D.C. has been very wet and the mosquitos eat me alive whenever I go out. Tough summer!

Hi...I am sitting at my desk in Dover, Delaware...the capitol of the first state. It has been an absolutely glorius day with low humidity, low temperatures, and beautiful blue sky. I hope it is likewise for everyone wherever you are.

I am sitting at my desk in my office in Hollywood CA. Looking out at the fantastic stucco wall which blocks out any sunlight or what otherwise would be a stunning view of the Hollywood hills. I am calculating the number of working days, (30 as of this moment) and how many working hours (240, incase you are interested) until we leave on vacation to Greece. I have lots of travel photos stuck all over my cube, mostly of my good looking husband!

It's 60-mile visibility today out here at the ranch, with great cumulus clouds making like fists as they roll toward us, bringing the promise of needed rain.
We had a sizeable fire up on the mountain this past week, but lots of hard work by the fighters and a provident rain one evening helped put it out, leaving only the smell of pine smoke trailing into the valley. Going to have a gorgeous sunset this evening, judging by the clouds and the blue patches of sky.

I work self-employed at home (or is that I live at work) one day (and a few nights) a week, and in an office (for another, rather more tolerant, employer) the rest of the time. Today’s a home day, except a contractor is presently turning our old bathroom into something more fitting the 20th century (oops), so instead of productive, i.e., compensated, work, I’ve been schlepping off to the plumbing supply shop periodically to hear the newest excuse and listen to the most recent clever work-around solution to the missing (oh, it’s somewhere around here but just look at this mess) – flange extending-O ring riser reducer junction valve murgh biryani bit. With raita and some popadums please. But I digress.

The home office is in the “daylight basement” of our old house (with missing bathroom) in Seattle, about a mile north of the University of Washington. The room was a former “knotty pine” paneled “den” from the 1950s (the house is 90 years old), but I much prefer the former name of such spaces, “rumpus room.” Perhaps someone can enlighten me as to what a rumpus is.

We converted the room a few years ago to be our son’s world headquarters, but when he moved on to his own place (in LA) a couple of years ago I colonized it as my office; my wife’s home office (which she uses 6 days a week) is two flights up. Fortunately we’ve networked our computers to a cable modem so both of us have zippity connections out. I have a DSL line at my other office, so speed is not usually an issue, only time management. Oh, the guilt.

Today has been a lovely almost-end-of-summer day here, blue skies and Mt. Rainier looming above everything, looking positively volcanic, which fits. If it ever erupts (statistically a certainty) we’ll be glad we’re not in Tacoma, which is downstream of a couple of rivers fed by glaciers on Tahoma, the native name for the mountain.

My office is a mess because we just returned from a week in the Canadian Rockies (fortunately not fire-engulfed like Montana) and once again noted that the UN did the right thing in naming Banff, Jasper, Yoho, et al. National Parks as world heritage sites. Wanna feel small? No worries. Saw bears, elk, moose, deer, sheep, goats, eagles, and two friends we haven’t seen in years, who happened to be in the next cabin. Odds less than winning the pools AND being struck by lightning while being interviewed by Larry King. I know, this is the Europe forum, but it’s the end of the day and I’m actively avoiding the half-finished proposal residing on the window below this one.

And I’ve skived off another half hour composing this, refer to time management, above.

I'm sitting in my typically tiny Manhattan apartment, where my "home office" shares the room with the living room, dining room, and kitchen (sort of). It's after-hours now, but I also work at home. The view to my right from a 4'x 8', ninth-floor window, is of a large brick buildign covered with scaffolding, waiting for the no-longer-on-strike Bell Atlantic construction crew to return. It's not as bad as it sounds; there's a street between me and the building. And my bedroom window has a view that extends out to a slice of the East River. The weather is wonderful, cooler than usual and not humid. Sometimes I wish I had a garden, despite the weeding (mostly so I could grow tomatoes and herbs), but no; I do need to water the houseplants, though!

Hi, everyone! I am in our office/second bedroom. I can see out the back door to the small garden where this Iowa summer has made the tomato plants go beserk. Need a basketfull, anyone? I found this site when I was planning my first overseas trip to England/Wales, and I've checked in every day since! Have a good one, all!

At this very moment I am in my hotel room in Downers Grove, a "village" in the southwest suburbs of Chicago, Illinois. Not a bad place to be at this time of year; just hope to avoid the winter here. I have been working in this area for about 6 weeks. Tomorrow will be my last work day for 2 1/2 weeks. I will be flying home (northern Alabama). Then, my wife and I will be leaving Saturday for Manchester, England, whence we will drive northwest to the Highlands and Islands of Scotland for two weeks.

Lola-Here I am - in the Ozark Mountains, sitting at my computer desk-which is actually an old wooden postmasters desk from our local post office. Our home is mostly furnished with old family pieces so when my boys wanted a computer several years ago I just couldnt't see something ultra sleek fitting in. Found this piece at a local flea market and it has worked perfectly for years now. I just couldnt' resist responding to this thread - not only are so many of us enamored with travel but so many gardners on this post!!! I just finished my Master Gardener Training this spring and I am having a great time with volunteer hours. As for the music I am currently listening to - Something ??? that my 16 has chosen for tonights homework.

For the past 8 months I have researched England and watched this forum. For preparation for mine and my daughter's trip, leaving in 5 days. We are from the beautiful Pacific Northwest,Oregon,living in small communities. What a wealth of knowledge and fun this site has been. How anyone can go on a trip without reading and investigating is beyond me. I know this trip will be everything I have hoped for, during the past 30 yrs. And, I am not that old yet either, in my 50s. Thank you, to all of you who post here.

Hello:
I'm sitting at my pc and looking out a
french door to the perennial garden my
husband is presently weeding....or is
it the weed husbanding the garden....
in any case, he is, I'm not.
We've been back from Tuscany, Alsace,
and the Pfalz for a month now so the
Fodor Addiction is not quite as urgent;
however, we are formulating preliminary
plans for our next foray abroad - may be
to Basque country or the southwest of
France. In the meantime it's very nice
here in this calm green oasis that is
Vancouver, Canada!

Discussion board hell, apparently

I'm sitting in the study of our home in an apartment building in HongKong. The tack board on the wall has cards of some of the hotels/ B&Bs we loved in Europe - La Fenice, Pod Roza, Pensione Nonntal,Hotel Jolanda and some bits of wrapping paper from ceramics and other souviners. One has 'Vietri in Amalfi' written on it and another has a picutre of the castle in Hiedelberg...

Well, the view from the window comprises a few trees and the some other apartment buildings! But down the hall is the spectacular view of the HongKong harbour. I can hear my 3 month old daughter at the back who has just learnt to roll over. Quit my job about 4 months ago and am at home full time for the first time in a long, long time. Visitng this forum everyday really helps.

Hi everyone, I am at home in very rural south western Australia - it is 3 in the afternoon and I, too, have a garden very much in need of weeding!! We are in the midst of what has been a cold wet winter and there are snow clouds rolling in at present. I love this Forum and check it at least twice a day.

I'm at home in Long Beach Ca in my Living room. When I seperated and subsequently divioced my ex took the living room furnature and I don't need both a living room and a den so I moved my office to the living room where I can look out to the street and my weeds(oops I mean lawn), see my TV and fireplace. I am in the computer industry designing databases for internet sites and teach Oracle software on Saturdays. I'm getting ready for my trip to Portugal and Spain in 11 days. I'm taking my sister whos never been out of the country with me(it will be great to see her response to the different cultures old buildings, history etc. I get on the forum for a short whild when I arrive in my office early am and usually eat my lunch at my desk(got to save money for travel) while jumping on to the lounge. You people are great, I've picked up a lot of good information for my trips here. Don't have much of a garden but am planning to replant a bed of flowers this fall. Counting down the days now until my trip.

Where am I? In the bedroom where my computer is, on the west coast of Canada. I don't work at home and don't email from work.

Ahead of me are two lovely, simple watercolours, each of a sailboat. Around the room hang a Masai necklace, a large painting of lionesses, a calendar of watercolours and, above my printers, two small opera posters. Apart from items brought back from travels are a model ship, sextant, hourglass, hibiscus plant that was a gift and won't quit blooming, a huge basket which sits on my favourite mostly-dusky-green rug beneath a small desk, and a couple of wonderful old family photos. Travel books too of course. I have no radio on as I love silence. Normally I could see the ocean if I looked to my side out the window, but since it's dark I can only see twinkly lights across the water and the lights of a small cruise ship just leaving. Above is the Big Dipper.

Interesting to read where people are. Al's ranch, for instance, sounds great.

At this very moment i am sitting at computer no.4 in an Internet Cafe on Soi 10, Second Road, Pattaya, Thailand and local time is 15.34.

I'm sitting in the office I share with 2 Spanish girls and 2 German guys, in Erding, Germany (outside of Munich). Not a very exciting office, but we do have floor to ceiling windows that look into a tiny courtyard. German law says there have to be windows! The Germans are gone and the girls are yapping in espanol.

Lampedusa

I'm sitting at a 'hotdesk' in the office
of my 'Base' in the North of England.
I've been at my base for over four weeks
& am still waiting for someone to give
me something to do. I keep chasing the
guy responsible up but it's always 'I'll
see you next week/month/millenium'.
So I do nothing all day but surf the Net
for which I receive a handsome salary !

I am at my desk in my grey cube at work in suburban Louisville, KY. My professional looking framed certificates/diplomas are on my wall, and there is a gorgeous rose on my desk from my retired husband's garden (also needs weeding, but he is busy building me a portico over the back stoop). I'm called an "executive assistant" and am eleven months from retirement. We have a trip scheduled to Israel with a group from our church in February, and I am busy planning a month in Great Britain next September as a retirement gift to myself. I love this forum.

I am on the top of a mountain in southern New Hampshire; I work at a rehabilitation center for disabled children and young adults. The view is full-circle of the Wapack Range and others whose names I don't know. It's very green, with tinges of orange and yellow, and I'm wondering if peak foliage will be very early this year or not at all...

At the computer desk which was moved to our bedroom several years ago, when the "office" became a bedroom for visiting grandchildren. I envy all of you with mountain views, but today our Alabama backyard view is so pretty, thanks to my husband's persistent watering (we have had practically no rain in west Alabama this summer). The hummngbirds are having a fine time, chasing each other in and out of the flowers and about the feeders. We have photographs, too--our group of eight friends at the Eiffel Tower, the view of the Ligurian Sea from out terrace in Monterosso, Venice canals, and of course the grandchildren! We are in high excitement about our upcoming trip (same bunch of friends, plus a new couple) to Budapest, Vienna, Salzburg, and Munich in October, and I have printed so much Fodor's Forum advice that I had to replace my printer cartridge last week.

Enjoying this thread very much...

This is a GREAT thread

I'm sitting at my desk in my office in a western Chicago suburb listening to the crickets saw away as we head towards thunderstorms this afternoon. I can see tree tops, but fortunately not the weedy garden...

This "office" is also the guest bedroom soooooo... I'm enjoying my last few days here. On Thursday I pick up our Macedonian "son" at the airport. He will be living with us this year as he attends a nearby college. So I don't think of it as losing an office, but as gaining a son [And I need fast advice on how to keep a tall 18 year old FED.]
When we get the line in the livingroom I will be reporting in from a corner there No window... so the garden may never get weeded

I am sitting at my computer which is in the bedroom. I live in Central London in a block of flats just north of Swiss Cottage and about 1/4 mile from Hampstead Village for those who know London. I can see the rear garden which is always very colourful in summer. Today has been warm and sunny and as I have just retired from my job in local government I am making the most of the summer. Today I went to Somerset House to see the new Gilbert collection of mosaics and silver given to the nation by a philanthropist after whom the collection is named. It is truly magnificent and there was so much to take in I will pay another visit. As I write I am listening to the news on the radio. I am enjoying this thread enormously; it illustrates perfectly all our different lifestyles.

Anniel, I once lived in Hampstead Garden Suburb, so close to you (check out a close called Wild Hatch). And I recently visited the new Gilbert Collection also, and think, as I'm sure you do, that it should be included on a must-see list for London visitors. When I started this thread I knew it would take a life of its own. The connections and the differences among us are all so interesting, and we are, I think, a lovely group of travelers indeed. It gives texture to our postings to picture us sitting all over the world, sharing our thoughts in specific suroundings. Keep it coming....

Lola-
Right now it is a beautiful,sunny day here in coastal maine and I am at the computer emailing grad school professor before school starts. I have a lovely office in our home where I can hide and get on fodors without having to share a computer. We now have 5 networked computers in our house to shut everyone up.I am on my way out to do some weeding and daydream about my fantasy garden.This thread is a fun change of pace.

I'm in our office at home which is our spare bedroom, it looks like it'll storm any minute outside. Next to the computer are three guidebooks for our upcoming trip to France, Belgium, and Holland. I'm sitting on a hard dining room chair, while next to me on the nice office chair is my friend's cat "Winkelfritz" who is giving herself a bath. We've been taking care of her for the past 2 months. She is 16 so she needs to be pampered.

I'm at work at my office in Alabama. I'm tired and I'm going home. My teeth hurt from a rather brutal cleaning today. It's only Tuesday. I feel entitled to check this forum at this point in order to "escape" back to Europe if only for a few minutes. At home, I need to cook dinner and do some yard work for the sun sets. I work, work, work....so we can travel again soon, back to Paris, back to Grasmere, back to Bath, ........ Life is good.

lola,

Am posting from my home office in suburban Philadelphia. The deer have eaten my perennial garden so I'm not bothering to weed. As a Fodors addict, I will not use my real screen name.
I was truly amazed so many folks have home offices (should we have one holiday office party?). With windows opened, I am looking at our weeping willow from a 2nd floor room (which formerly was our daughter's study). I can hear our neighbor's little son, Henry, squealing with delight as his Dad pushes him on the new swings. I used to have piles of travel info on my desk, but found it too distracting. My husband and I will travel to Montreal and Quebec City next week (and pretend we are in France). I am very envious of folks who work in a cottage or loft not connected to their home. Our lawn is green for the first time I can recall in the month of August.
My fax is calling...this is a great thread!

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I am sitting in a gray cubicle at work (major telecom company) - a Dilbert world to be sure. But to brighten my tiny area, I have 2 small prints from Paris (view down the Champs D'Elsee of the Arc D'Triomphe and a view of the Seine showing Eiffel Tower). And of course, my montly calendar from Ireland - this month is an exquisite scene of Kerry County.

I'm in Dallas, Texas and it's damn hot outside.

Grey seems the "in" color for people in offices doesn't it? My office (12th floor of a builing in Saudi Arabia) is also "done out" in varying shades of grey, however, the entire right wall (around 25 ft x 17 ft) is glass which totally aleviates any "office" feeling. I look out over a stupendously beautiful mosque, the architecture, massive volume of stained glass incorporating gold and black calligraphy and the tall minaret coated in silver which gleams in the bright sunlight is truly a sight to behold. Beyond the mosque is a 2 miles belt of lush green trees (amazing when you consider the climate - 121 degrees yesterday and today, 7.23am, already 103 - thankfully, my office also has extremely good air conditioning!). Looking beyond the trees is the beige bleakness of the desert which eventually merges with the pale blue sky. However, today is Wednesday which means our weekend starts at 4pm this afternoon, therefore, next couple of days will find me, not in the office, but hopefully, sailing or scuba diving.

What an interesting topic! I've enjoyed reading this! I leave in 7 days for my first trip to France! Right now I am in my very quiet and peaceful upstairs office at home. I live in Seattle on a wooded hillside that has a 180 degree unobstructed view of the Puget Sound. I face west and enjoy the ferry boats & spectacular sunsets over the Olympic mountains every night. I love it here! (But can't wait to experience the beauty of France!)

I have already replied once, but had to check out this thread again...one of the best in a while!!

Right now I'm in my office at the Gym where I work (one of two jobs- I also work in a bank). It's about 6:35 am, and I can hear the sounds of people playing Walleyball in the racquetball court (like volleyball, only bouncing the ball off the walls counts). Various people are coming and going, signing out towels, looking at the bulletin boards on the wall where we have the latest softball, soccer, and baseball team results posted. Some of the regulars have already been in, some will show up within the next 30 minutes or so. My early-bird customers are so predictable!!
It's a gray day, may or may not get any sunshine. I suspect our Summer is over here in England - we are headed toward early Fall now. Leaves are already falling from the trees, and believe it or not, I have already seen geese flying overhead. Headed for warmer climes, perhaps?

Wishing you all a wonderful day - wherever you may be.

Hi Everyone.
I'm the one who posted the first question "where are you". I can't believe that post went for so long. You are a lot of amazing travellers.
I am at home and use the internet of a night or weekend. I have a small study at the back of the house and I am surrounded by many books on travel, history books - mainly Australian and American - as I am deep into genealogy with a Massachusetts greatgrandfather folks!
I don't have email access at my desk at work and just as well - I'm hooked. I live 18 kms west of Brisbane city near the Brisbane River. My study overlooks part of my back yard which is thickly treed and set out in a courtyard fashion.
But best of all, guess where I will be in 17 days folks. FRANCE!!!!
I have posted another question under Air France......I hope some of you can help me out with this. Happy travelling folks. Denise

Hi folks,
I'm in the home office - 2nd floor of our 230 year old house (truly a money pit) on the the north shore of Long Island, NY (~40 miles from NYC).

Looking out the west window is a view of the milldam pond and local harbor beyond. There are NO weeds in the gardens as my SO is fanatic about removing same.

Our next sourjorn is a combined 21 days in mid-January. 5 days of business in UK and DE, then 16 days of driving around FR, CH, DE, skiing and visiting SO's sister.

Enjoy your travels...have to get to work now as large cash infusions are needed to "feed" an old house and the travel bug.

Hi, oops think I lost the original message; if it shows up, forgive me..I am sitting at the computer in the dining room of a somewhat down at the heels Victorian in a leafy suburb of Boston (rather than travelling, should be putting the money into the house--not!) It's a plesant morning, though most of this summer here has been a washout---cooler than average and quite rainy. How I miss the heat, light and color of Italy!! I find I prefer warmth to cold, tank tops to sweaters and, alas, Rome to Boston....soon must return to my teaching, the kids will be going to school and I will be hurled once more into the routine of homework, dropoffs and pickups, my own work, house duties, etc. etc. My husband is an equal partner in the craziness of ordinary life, yet I yearn for dolce far niente--sweetly doing nothing! Actually, I am off soon for my last painting class at the MFA this summer--during the colder months will probably turn to my photos of Italy and try to recreate them on the canvas...I do feel lucky to live in an area where there are many cultural resources, and I am glad that I live on the coast--a direct flight away from my favorite continent of Europe.

At my desk at work in a century old mansion (hey, friends in Europe-that's OLD for us yanks), listening to classical music, waiting for the noon hour deadline when my husband and I will decide if we are going to make our 3rd trip to Provence for the year or not. When we returned a couple of weeks ago, for once I was SO glad to be home and not even thinking about the next trip, and then here came a wonderful offer and we may be leaving again in a few weeks! And to continue the garden thread, if we DO go, my husband will be weeding our friends' garden in Provence, which he loves to do!

Oop - forgot to include that this desk is located in northern Virginia, close to Washington DC.

I'm sitting on the 30th floor of my office in an investment firm in Philadelphia looking at the Schuylkill River and pretending the ten bridges that I see are actually on the Seine.

What a wonderful connection. Sitting in my loft/library in my Denver home, surrounded by photographs of family, a guash of 2 women sharing tea at the ocean, a growing stack of travel books and foreign dictionaries lining up to the right of me, a view out the window to an apple tree (in the winter, I have a glimpse of snow covered mountains)and the sweet aroma of coffee wafting up from downstairs. Like a true Fodors addict, I have not had my first cup yet. It's another day in paradise. In the course of my day, I carry around thoughts of "you people," and think of how wonderful, funny, generous with information, worldwise and willing to share not only what you know, but a whole range of feelings, thoughts perceptions, dreams and visions. Let those gardens grow!

I am in Paris at an internet cafe with very strange keyboards, where I just stopped on my way back to the hotel from a day trip to Lille. This little place looks out to a little street off St. Andre de Arts in the 6th, just a stone's throw from Place St. Michel. It is far too nice an afternoon (4:30 PM) to be spending much time here, but this topic was at the top of the list, so I couldn't resist posting.

Hey "Working Girl", I posted earlier but am also in Dallas and work for a large telecom company....might it be the same one?

Hello you all... Here from Brasil, I am in my 10 minutes break before going to lunch - trying to work but counting the days to my trip to Italy in middle October. Florence, Venice and Rome. I am writting from my office - Human Resources department of a pulp and paper company. People always in a hurry - and I keep looking at them asking myself why such worry when we have Venice to go! Travel for me means life, freedom and growing - and I am very glad I can do it with the help of all of you here in the forum. Thanks for all the good advices, and for such a beautiful group helping each other to make the dreams come true. Happy travels folks!

I am at work in a software company and I am counting the hours until I leave for Ireland, London & Paris (33 hours). Thanks to info I rec'd from the forum I am looking forward to a great trip! I have to reread the "travel stress" thread and take the advice to heart. I still have laundry to do, have not packed yet, and need to buy some toiletries. As well as watch the finale of Survivor. And I am trying to get everything caught up at work before I leave for 2 weeks! Reading the forum is my form of stress relief during the day.

I am at the office, not working, obviously. Things have been slow here the past few weeks, but I still won't give my company name because for all I know my boss could be reading this too. On my desk I have trinkets from travels to London and cross country, and a picture of me and my guy taken in Capri with the cliffs and blue, blue water in the background. My office is in midtown Manhattan. Outside my window I see "GE" over Rockefeller Center and the time and temperature on the New York magazine building. I hear jackhammers from all the construction, cars honking and the inevitable new-age-ish music from the South American Indian music groups playing on the street. I am about to get away from all this next week though when my fiance and I head back to his hometown on the Amalfi Coast. Can't wait.

It's another cold rainy day in upstate NY. I live on a lake about an hour northwest of Albany (state capitol) in the Adirondack mountains. It's a beautiful area.

I've been a Fodors addict for at least 2 years. I spent a week in Scotland in July, mostly visiting family, but also using some of the advice I was given here.

This is a great thread -- keep the replies coming!!

I'm sitting in the den-slash-office of my 1930s Washington, DC home, surrounded by writing I should be doing instead of posting to the forum. Behind me are windows looking out on my garden (desperately in need of weeding); I can see the fuchsia and lavender blossoms on the rose-of-sharon bushes if I turn my head. To my left on the desk is a mile-high stack of books on women's adventure sports and travel for a project I'm working on; to my right, on the bookshelf, is my travel book treasure trove: Access Paris, Access Budget Europe, Eyewitness Italy, Frommer's and Fodor's and Rick Steves and Let's Go, Bill Bryson and Thalia Zepatos and Susan Allen Toth.

And in front of me--the really important part--are desk cubbyholes holding tickets to Greece (leaving next week) and to London (first week in October).

Oh, and over on the glass-topped dining room table there's a white cat staring at me like he thinks he's supposed to be fed again.

Still here at work, but its kind of slow today. Paige, if German law requires windows, I want my company to be taken over by a German firm now and forced to conform to their rules. We have no windows to look out of and I think I might even be under ground, the building is into a hillside. I've heard it has been a rainy day, but I think a bomb could go off outside and we wouldn't know it until we punched out. I've been trying to plan a trip to London with a couple of friends next Spring, but their funds are somewhat limited. I've traveled a little, but am the most experienced at this and therefore am planning everything. (God help them) I may even ask some questions on this forum reminiscent of the "I was drunk..." thread. I have a couple of pictures from my trip to Southern Spain on my desk and a new picture of my dog, just to remind me of the important things.

Lynne, How did you train your weed to husband?? You could make money with that program! And, John, think a Rumpus is where the wild things are! This is a fun thread.

I'm sitting in our former living room, now a home office I commandeered from my wife when she gave up her consulting business to accept full time employment. Better to be here than in the blistering drought ridden heat of one of Atlanta's northern suburbs. Three bookcases filled with books on European travel, history and art line one wall. A three drawer file cabinet houses brochures and literature from national and regional tourist offices, my journals and travel notes, articles from the New York Times Travel section. Robert Shaw's CD of Berlioz' Requiem emanates from the sound system. One wall is covered with framed photos - a graceful suspension bridge over the Simplon pass; the beheaded statue of St. Denis from Notre Dame's north portal; a castle in Beersel, Belgium; the Baroque interior of the monastery church in Rottenbuch, Bavaria; the nineteen windmills of the Netherlands Kinderdijk; the lakeside of Hallstatt, Austria;
The lakeside of Lake Como in Cernobbio with Villa D'Este in the distance; the wrought iron shop signs of Innsbruck silhouetted against the sky; a little girl in Salzburg enraptured by a puppeteer whose puppet wields a violin accompanying a boom box.

Paddington, our four year old Clumber Spaniel, is sprawled at my feet snoring lustily.

Retired, but working part time as a consultant for my former employer, I check Fodor's on my return from work and periodically during the weekend. I've just critiqued a proposed Bavarian itinerary for an earlier poster to this thread. I'm now working on some recommendations and suggestions for two sets of travellers with diverse interests who will be travelling to Belgium. Three unopened Emails await me. I'm beginning to piece together our next trip - to Spain? northern Italy? Belgium and Luxembourg? Bavaria?

This is a lovely thread. It's been great reading through it. What some beautiful places people live in.

Here it is a quarter to midnight and I am sat in my lounge, laptop on my lap! watching "One foot in the grave" on the TV. I have just returned from a meal at a friends house and am checking my mail before bed.

I live in Germany (but am English). I have been in Germany for two years and have six months to go here. I live in a beautiful city, Muenster in Northern Germany. It is about one hour NE from Dusseldorf and 40mins from the Dutch border. The countryside here is very flat but we have a multitude of castles in the surrounding area, including many water castles , one of which is known as "Little Versailles" and is especially pretty.

I manage to meet many Americans over here which is great, and everyone has been very friendly. I am able to use the US Military bases , the PXs ect. It is wonderful also to be able to use the "Bookmark" book shops as I can stock up between visits to the UK!

I enjoy meeting the local people. Occasionally I go to a nearby German Baptist church, unfortunately though my German language skills are not all they should be!

Angela

ps : I forgot to say I am a nurse and work in a medical centre, which also doubles as a mini casualty dept.

Sitting, sweating (oh, that's right, women glow) beside the pool here on what's (affectionately??) known as the "Redneck Riviera" in the Florida panhandle, having long-ago given up on weeding -- it's a jungle down here in the summer -- watching the weather channel for the latest on Debbie, which we are all sure is heading right for us, and happily anticipating leaving for cool, placid central Europe in two weeks. Yay!

What fun reading! It seems no matterwhere we all are we all seem to have a garden to enjoy. Is there a strange link to gardening and computing?
I'm in my home study listeneing at top volume to Kenny Loggins greatest hits and working on my itinerary for my upcoming trip to Germany. As you all know, the details are endless. My husband does not want to anything, except when the flight is leaving--he trust me that much!!!!! Looking forward to some more good reads-good night!

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Sandi:

We might be on the same place! (If so, shhhhhhhhh, don't reveal my "multi-tasking" while listening to on a conference call.) However since several of the biggies have a presence in Dallas, I could be from the competition. "As I See It", we're kindred spirits.

I'm sitting here in the family room, with my dog laying to my left, and the cat laying to my right. Just trying to feed my fodors addiction (after getting my Survivor show fix)- we live about one hour from Vancouver, B.C., it has been a beautifully warm day today ( and yes my garden does need weeding too).Dreaming about when I will see Venice again......hopefully not to long into the future.

I am writing you under the covers as I have hidden my laptop (don't tell or they will make me leave!). The room is very basic and I share it with Jamie, Cassandra, and my bed, more and more, with Josh. Our garden doesn't need weeding, as that's about all we do except sit around and talk about sex. Oh I look forward at least twice a day to reading about your travels to Europe--my world looks like an Ikea showroom with windows and cameras everywhere. And the people here are so boring! We could use some villains like Rich, that big $$$maker and FatNakedF--, as he puts it. I even miss Meta and Jordan, and that pissy-fit phony Karen. I'd even trade George for Rudy, now that he's available. At least he can cook. I can't imagine months more of this! Thank you Fodor's for making me travel vicariously. When I get out of here I'm heading straight for Rome (with a money pouch of course) and losing my virginity by the Trevi Fountain. Keep up the great work, and know that I am with you in spirit--but please don't tell the media!

Fun question--I work from home and my office is also my dressing room--we call it Olive's World. I have no window but a lovely little fountain, tv, computer, and three cats who are the best companions. I live in a hell-hole called Indiana but not for long.

I'm afraid I can't regale anyone with descriptions of my classy digs. I'm sitting in the computer nook of our family room in a small city halfway between Seattle and Portland. On the wall in front of me is a water damaged Matisse print and three guitars hanging securely on hooks. If one of the electric ones is down, you can bet there is quite a bit of noise in the house! Right now it's quiet and my English beagle is resting in the corner. I've learned a lot on this site and want to thank everyone for sharing.

Where I'm supposed to be: finishing dinner in Milan and going back to our room in the lovely Antica Locanda dei Mercanti, packing for our train trip tomorrow to Sorrento.

Where I am: sitting at my computer in my study/sunroom in North Carolina, with cat sprawled across papers on my desk. It's sultry but not nearly as hot as NC can get in late August; thunderstorms due later tonight. Am I'm still cruising Fodors.com as if I were a legit traveller this year.

MYH had to have surgery pronto to catch some cancer, so our trip-of-a-lifetime to Italy had to be canceled. We are very grateful they caught it all and I am very sorry he's had to go through all he's gone through, very bravely 98% of the time -- and we're obviously very wistful about our lost trip. We may try again in the future, but this was a special deal because his ticket and half of our accommodations were paid for; and for once we both were able to carve out the 2 weeks to do it right.

Wasn't meant to be. Sigh.......

Make that MDH (not MYH -- don't know what that would be -- My Yardbird Husband?).

Sitting in my office (yea but i don't work anymore) ) in the Mtn's of
western north carolina. thinking about
a months trip to europe in october.

Cassandra- Just so we make another forum connection, my husband also had successful cancer surgery this year and we had to cancel a trip to Barcelona and Bilbao. But boy was it was worth it. My strong, strong advice: get a colonoscopy if you're around 50 as a preventative screening, so you can keep traveling the byways of Europe for years and years--it saved my husband's life!!

Lola, you are so right! My husband (age 51) had a colonoscopy two months ago and they found (and took out) lots of polyps. He was so shocked. Now he is eating like a saint and has lost 25 pounds, which in turn has led me to lose 8. So, when we return to Europe next May, we can really tromp those cobblestones with nimble aplomb!

Well, this posting took an unexpected turn, but Lola, since you began the posting, I think you're entitled... and I want you to know that nothing on this forum is as important as the advice you just gave. I was found to have colon cancer after a "routine" screening colonoscopy. I was in England to spend a month only five weeks after the subsequent surgery and it was the best medicine I could have had. However, I am grateful every day to have missed the earlier trip I'd planned to go in and have that test done, even in the absence of symptoms or family history. Fifty? Just do it.

I am here in lovely Austin Texas where it's been so hot and dry even our perennial gardens have long withered, but at least the crepe myrtles withstand and flourish. I work at home (as many readers do I gather) and I'm escaping for a while to learn more about Paris where I hope to go early next spring.

Love the responses!

I'm at work, staring at a desk full of work and realizing that I need my daily "fix" of Fodors! I'm in the Loop - the Chicago Loop that is. My window looks out over a parking garage and the "El" tracks at the intersection of the Green and Brown lines, Lake Street and Wells. If I push my nose up against the glass (or just walk down to the end of the floor) I can gaze at the Merchandise Mart and the always green Chicago River. I work for a mutual fund tracking company and I love my job! It allows me time to visit with my Fodors friends any time I can squeeze it in between meetings! I too have a overgrown perennial garden at home that is in desperate need of weeding, but I just can't seem to find the time. Hard to do when you get home from work at 8:00 most nights. Anybody else from Chicago reading? Lets hear from it!

Sitting at the computer of course in my home in Durham, North Carolina, surrounded by photo negatives that I have been scanning onto the travel photography Web site that I am creating. On one wall, over top of shelves of collectibles from Europe is a framed poster of Napoleon picked up at the giftshop near his tomb. Other book cases are loaded with histories, classic novels, travel guides, photo books,a small collection of military medals, and a few GI Joes (I hate militarism, but I have always been interested in military history). On another wall are small pictures of Robert E. Lee and Ulysses Grant. My daughter's swing is in the middle of the floor. Nearby is a framed poster of an impressionist version of Notre-Dame and the Quais along the Left Bank. On my desk sits a small light table for viewing slides. I am going to spend a few minutes on the Web site before going to bed.

This is so incredible--I feel as though I've made 100 new friends over the past few days reading this thread!
I live in N.J. (ugh), but fortunately have a lovely home and 15 acres of unspoiled beauty only 1 1/2 hours away in upstate NY. Right now, I'm in my study patiently waiting and counting the minutes until my husband returns from Colorado(business trip). Hopefully, the weather will remain as it is now(70 degrees and sunny)for the weekend, so that we may get away to our bliss in the mountains.Great weekend to all!

What a great thread, Lola. I'm at home, Oak Creek, Wisconsin, in a room with no name, which is in dire need of organizing. It contains the computer desk, overstuffed book cases the contents of which are now piling on the floor, floor to ceiling family pictures and kid’s art projects (they are all on their own now, love the empty nest syndrome), a large wall hanging from our wedding lots of years ago, travel memorabilia (my husband traveled the world on active duty Air Force, which, he claims, is his reason for not enjoying travel now) and the "never used dreaded" tread mill. My home is in dire need of cleaning but alas I have better things to do. Ah, the wisdom of the years. One of my cats is plopped in my lap while the other cat is walking around on the keyboard, in front of the monitor, etc. and the latest edition is talking up a storm so the food dishes must need refilling. I'm listening to a CD by Lunasa probably because I just returned from Ireland and miss being there. Also, am feeling blue because one of my dear friends was just admitted into hospice home care. Have the Ireland map with our route highlighted, photos, etc. ready to go into the albums. I can't see my back yard garden (which was beat up badly from a few storms this year) from here which is why I should probably move the computer into the sunroom. Which reminds me I better get out to the back 40 and take a look at the vegetable garden. I still haven't figured out how to grow just enough for two people! My husband takes bags full of produce to work. I'm still in my pj's so I should get off the computer and get moving. I must do something constructive today like reading the brochure I picked up on pilgrimages to Israel. I am extremely fortunate I was given the opportunity to retire earlier than I expected and am enjoying every second of my new found freedom!

Debbie, why do you say ugh! for New Jersey? NJ is a beautiful state with much to offer.

Just a quick reply because I should be going home... Its 6.30pm Friday and its a bank holiday here. I work in Milton Keynes UK for BP Oil - on the whole a great team of people to work with - but everyone needs a break and I'm dreaming of Italy: Roma, Siena, Florence, Perugia and Urbino.
Although I've often read stuff on the web, this is the first time I've ever launched my voice so well done Lola for enticing me.
P.S. Does anyone know the distance from Perugia to Urbino please? Fodor's guide seems to have got the distance wrong.
All the best from a fellow traveller who always reads Fodor's guides.
P.P.S. For once it is a summer day in MK.

I'm in the desert in Washington state (yes, all of Washington isn't green!) However, here in the Columbia Basin it is "artificially" green since we live near the Columbia and Snake rivers. I'm working in my home office - I'm an instructor getting ready to return to college classes soon. I've been visiting Fodors.com as we get ready for our 40th Anniversary present to ourselves - a trip to Australia.

Im in a beach town in Long Island, New York. I dragged my computer to the livingroom where I have a partial view of the beach and the beautiful Atlantic Ocean (nice waves today). I have a giant Grat Dane sleeping on my feet, and I am trying to figure out which of the Greek Islands I want to visit next summer by sailboat. There are so many choices!

I thought I would wait to weigh in on this one until I was someplace interesting. I am in the computer resources room of the library at the University of Southern California, where we have just spent the last two days helping our middle daughter get moved as a freshman (school of Cinema/Television - - proud papa crowing).

So I am not just a travel junkie, I am a procreator of kids who aren't afraid to get on a plane either!

Best wishes,

Rex

I am in a water pocket on board the Russian submarine KURSK at the bottom of the Barents Sea.

I haven't seen anyone from St. Louis so I thought I'd better represent my nice little city. I'm sitting at my desk in a 130-year-old building in downtown St.Lou, I can see Union Station from my window. I always read this forum at work (my company designs websites, so the internet access here is way faster than home). My boss is my brother, so he looks the other way when I surf.

My briefcase is full of guide books and print-outs from the web to help me plan my first trip overseas (England in November). I don't think I could have done it without this forum. More important than the information is the support I have received here. I am far more confident now that I can do this. I've even started planning my next trip ("by all means...Rome"). Gotta go, finish my work and get home before the Cards game starts! Thanks all!

I am sitting in a recliner with my trusty mac in my lap. I am in the beautiful north Georgia mountains, 100 miles north of Atlanta.

What a great thread and thank you...the world as they say is now a village and your all my neighbors... Sitting here on a warm evening for a change 45 minutes outside of Boston..in my computer/bird room.. Parrot Pop is regaling me with with items he just found on his computer... I'm looking at my collection of Minnie Mouse..the woman behind the man.. and behind me is S'allie, my juvenile deliquent Hahn's Mini-Macaw, who needs time to be out of his cage..but I have to be careful he doen't jump on his nemisis, Parrot Pop...the music is playing...and after reading all the answers thinking how small the world is getting....Planning on a trip to Bermuda on the 10th..and waiting for the papers which didn't arrive today..

I am in my study at my home in San Jose, California enjoying the great California weather and planning another trip to Europe......this time a boat ride on the Danube River.....

In Kona, HI with the fans going and enjoying the Friday night. Sitting at my desk with a pile of papers that need to be graded for my lovely 7-8 graders!(No view since it is dark, but get to see many beautiful sunsets over the ocean usually)

I planned my honeymoon this summer to the Canadian Rockies with lots of help from the forum so now I like to help answer questions for people who are looking for information about Kona.

BTW-NOT FUNNY vladimir

Its 10.37am U.K. time. We live about 50 miles north of London, in the county of Buckinghamshire. I'm sitting upstairs in our playroom (no kids, just my husband and I). Outside its raining, typical as its a Bank Holiday weekend. I'm thinking I really should have my breakfast soon so we can get on with some decorating, which we put off weekend after weekend.

I'm sitting in my front parlour/office in my 130 year old money-pit just outside a small village 35 miles south of Ottawa Ontario, planning our winter vacation to Cuba.

I'm watching the sunrise on my freshly mown 5 acre lawn (which needs mowing again - we've had rain, rain and more rain this summer) and my perennial gardens and late roses (weeding needed here too). My dog is lying beside me asleep with her head in her food dish (Hey, when you're the equivalent of 98 human years old, you don't want to go too far for a snack!).


My horse is calling to me from the paddock because she wants to be turned out to pasture. She's also lonely because her equine companion of 14 years died this week at the ripe old age of 41. We may have to get her a donkey.

The room is cluttered (so's the rest of the house) but the clutter helps divert attention from all the yet to be done repairs and renovations (and we thaught we were going to have this place ship-shape in 6 months when we purchased it 14 years ago!).

I'm afraid that my daughter will probably have to finish the renovations on the house when she eventually inherits. We've been bitten by the travel bug and that's where the money goes.

Wonderful thread.

Linda

I have to respond, to let Linda know she's not the only one with a permanently unfinished house. I'm in the family room of our big old farmhouse in Pennsylvania, which we made even bigger 10 years ago by adding this wing. Now I can't imagine why! I look out onto a "lawn" which actually consists of dandelion and chicory, because I begrudge every dollar that has to go to the house instead of travelling. I pretty much vote against any expenditures that don't directly involve plumbing, heating, or electrical service. My view also includes part of our woods, which are always beautiful without any help from us. This room, like all the 10 or so others, is full of clutter, reading material of all kinds, and old family heirloom furniture mixed with public sale cheapos. Sadly missing from the picture is our ancient chocolate lab, who died last month and is buried up by the chestnut trees behind the house. Who knows where the cat is. My older son is back to college, the younger (high school) one and my husband are still upstairs in bed, and I'm drinking my morning coffee at the computer, as always, planning our trip to Italy next June.

Boy, do I feel left out!!! Don't work at home (wish I did)...and don't have "outside" e-mail at work...so-o-o-o, check this board out every night from my computer in the basement....no window....can't see the garden (but know it needs to be weeded and don't care)!! But, I too am addicted to this forum....I will be taking my first trip to Europe next May on a Danube River cruise and then to Prague for (2) nights and have immensely enjoyed reading all of the incredible help and information on Europe. I love to travel and really should be working at a travel agency, instead of being the Engineering Secretary that I am, in a small suburb of Chicago.

Hi.......pouring rain here in North Bay, Ontario, Canada......situated on
a huge fresh water lake called Nipissing. About 225 miles (370 Km) north of Toronto. I`m sitting in front of my converted English Oak Wardrobe which contains my computer....in fact, if I look on the back wall I can see the sticker from where the wardrobe came from......it`s Brantiques, Peps
Packing Station, Blackpool Old Road, Poulton, Tel #(0253) 894358. I`m
surprised it still sticks after all those years.

Anyway, I have a huge garden which is visible out both windows and my pond is now flooding into the onions and tomatoes from all the rain. I am off to Russia next Thursday (NO TOUR) and
have made 90% of my arrangements all on the net. Have rented an apartment in St.Petersburg for two weeks and intend to walk the city......after sitting on the Trans Siberian Express for 5 days, I will surely need to walk.

I`ll tell you, no one is as ugly as their Russian Visa pictures......I swear the photographers do this on purpose. Anyway, will post my journey
in the Russian section upon my return.
Love this Fodors!!!!

Hi Lola,
Ok I read quite a few responces and no one yet is looking at what I am! I am looking at the Atlantic Ocean. My husband and I own a small motel here in southeast NC. We are planning a trip to London, Paris and Germany in November. I went to Germany 2 years ago and enjoyed it very much, so this time he's coming along! I was born in Nueremburg but that's only because I am a army brat. Thank you all for the very useful information that you have given me. Bette
P.S. I also work at (home) and I don't even have a garden, its too darn hot!

Well

Right now I'm sitting at the pc watching the willow tree swaying in the cool but nevertheless pleasant breeze here in Victoria, Vancouver Island.

Of course this isn't my house,I'm staying at aunt Betty's as I was forced to use up all the generous leave entitelment offered by Falkirk Council before the end of September.

This is certainly not like home (Edinburgh) however I'm very, very glad of that. Mother confirmed via cellphone (Neal, it works over here!)that it's raining steadily back home.

Tony

hi all. ..just got in from golf and am waiting for my wife to get off the phone to our daughter in Sask, so that we can walk to the beach and enjoy an afternoon cocktail.we live on the east coast of Vancouver Island ,at least we do for now. we just returned from a 3 week trip to France , Germany and Finland , and have decided that we want to sell everything here , and spend a year ot two in europe.If anyone wants to offer advice on extended stays ,I 'd appreciate it, cheers, Al

I am writing from home from what used to be the living room of an in-law apartment. It is now my computer room and study. I am semi-retired, still teaching 2 classes per week. I found the replies fascinating. I live on the South Shore of MA. about 20 miles south of Boston. I arranged our trips to Greece, Turkey, Hungary, Austria, Czech Republic and Germany on the internet. I an now researching info about a trip to Israel and Jordan next year. I was the recipient of help from natives of all the above countries before we travelled. We did use travel agents that I met through the web.

I am in my husband's home office here in LA which can only be described as classic Oscar Madison. He's outside tending to the garden which ranges from cacti to orchids. In about an hour we'll have some wine and cheese and look out over the yard and the mountains and , oh, yes, the gaffiti on the beautiful 1920's bridge. Such is life in the big city.
Normally I post at work; a big, clean, beautifully appointed library.
Love this topic..lots of fun to read...
Thinking about Egypt in April...
Michele

Since I travel for work, and since I live alone, I gave up my rental. Therefore, when in town, I live in motels--I guess that means I live ONLY in motels (or in airline terminals, but that's another topic). Anyway, since I'm "home," I'm at this moment in a franchise of Extended Stay America located in the wondrous hamlet of San Dimas, California. Except for my computer and my clothes, all of my belongings are tightly stuffed into storage rentals (I miss my VCR). The computer, and Fodor's, have become part of my nightly entertainment. Thus it is up to the rest of you to keep me from going insane. Keep up the good work.

Saw 2 Aussie postings, one from W.A and one from Brisbane, so thought I would chime in with a Melbourne posting. I am sitting in what was once our 19 year old son's bedroom, who was so tired of me constantly glued to the computer in "his room" that he moved to the spare room and built himself a new computer. Oh well, you gotta do what ya gotta do.? It's 9.30 at night here on a Sunday evening. Winter is coming to an end and it was quite a nice day...even got some gardening done. For the previous posters who also suffered the addiction of Survivors (A bit of a worry hey....get off the computer to watch the TV)the next one is in the Aussie Outback. Give me a tropical island to survive anyday. I think they'll earn their Million Bucks. I hope this thread keeps running, Ive really enjoyed it. Happy Travels!

I'm at home in Sao Paulo / Brazil trying to finish my Sales Plan that my boss keeps asking me. This is a sunny Sunday and the local time in Brazil is 12:30PM.

So glad to hear I'm not the ONLY one who sits among clutter that should be attended to...or flowerbeds whose beg for attention goes unheeded 'cause the Fodors call always rings with far greater urgency. The "grey cubicle" was also my daytime domicile (w/NO i'net access) up to four and a half years ago, when we happily waved 'bye' to Chicago and set up permanent housekeeping in a c.1913 farmhouse in rural NE Wisconsin. After a grey and muggy start, the day seems to be turning sunny and fresh. Our leaf change is just barely beginning, a slower start than some years. I'm in our 'office' sitting at a Mac that I routinely swear at for its gross slowness, but which is needed by the graphic artist spouse for the free-lance work that still occurs. The view out the east-facing windows just over my shoulder is pretty well taken up right now by the spread of a senior citizen sugar maple, but come late fall, I'll be able to again take in an expanse of field and always- changing sky. Like an earlier poster, I can check the date on an Ireland calendar hanging nearby. (August's pic is a street scene in Cork, but a view of harbor, ocean and mountain in Kerry is coming up in a few days.) We're presently planning a fall trek to Gettysburg/NYC/where-else, but at the same time wondering whether we should forego it to make a return to France/Ireland/where-else next Spring more feasible. Also wondering just how changed Ireland is from the time we last visited in 1985 and were so totally charmed/captured. It's been fascinating to meet such far-flung and interesting Fodorites!

Hi, Lola and all the other Fodor posters! I am sitting in our hallway at 1725 GMT in West Sussex, England. The weather today has been "iffy" with sunshine and showers but not to bad although the temperatures are freshening now and the horse chestnut trees are beginning to look autumnal (like in the fall??) so summer could be trying to sneak back out now!!

My dearest dog, a black lab cross german shepherd, has just curled up by the door with a huge sigh (yes Mummy is on that computer again!) and the kids are watching Sabrina on Sky TV - husband is down at the club playing darts.

The garden does need weeding, but I'm not going to do it - they'll all die soon anyway and then we can start again for next season.

Keep going with the thread, it's lovely to picture you all in your far flung, lovely places and think that to some people I'm also in a foreign, and maybe more exciting place!!

Esme

Wonder if anyone has started a push-pin map of all the responders' locations yet?

Think I'll start one myself, just to see a physical representation of where all you wonderful people are located!!

Keep this great thread going!

Right now I'm hiding in the Presidential suite of a Ritz Carlton in an undisclosed place after surviving 39 days on an island in the far east. My room service table is next to me. Only the bones remain of a couple of steaks (I left all the the rice) and a hot fudge sundae is still awaiting, so I may have a snack later. I am planning a deluxe trip to Europe for several reasons. Seems I've come into a million- dollar windfall (before taxes, folks--it's only about $600K and change). I also hear that Kelly is out to get me and has bribed Sue to have a change of heart and run over me with a truck. And Rudy keeps sending me "anonymous" hate mail. So I think I'll take an extended vacation somewhere in Europe. I've been reading the forum and have learned a lot. I won't carry my money around, that's for sure. And I appreciate all the posts about nude beaches. Back to that sundae.

Very funny, Rich. If you need someone to hold your (money) bags.... Anyway, I'm just north of SoBe, South Beach to you guys, in Miami Beach Florida. I live about 20 blocks from the Eurotrash and model scene, in an art moderne house with a tile roof, built in 1936. The floor is white Carrara marble, perhaps the same kind Michelangelo used. From my "Florida room" is see my little pool landscaped in bougainvilla. I hate the heat and mosquitoes and threats of hurricanes but love the lifestyle, except in the summer, when I dream of Italian lakes. Here the weeds are considered flowers. Later I will be going to Lincoln Road to stroll around when it gets cooler. The cafes there and the fountains and the language in the air reminds me of resorts along the Spanish Med coast. I love this thread!

This is a very interesting thread. Just found it. I, too, am sitting at my pc in our home office. We both are now retired and have a small home business. We love to travel. Live in a small college community in Southern New Jersey...not to far from Philadelphia,PA. We will be heading to Mexico this winter for a few weeks as we love it there. Planning on Spain for the Spring. Spent this May and June RVing in the southwest and western states. Fortunately, did all of this before any of the major fires. Met many people from Europe who had flown over and had rental RV's waiting for them. Very interesting conversing with people from other countries and how they see us!! Hope this thread continues.

I'm at my desk in my bedroom in northern New Jersey, busy sending out resumes to various organizations in southern Florida. It's in the 80's and sunny. If I'm lucky I'll be in FL before the winter...

Hi, gang. I was the first one to post after lola asked her question, but after reading so many great posts, I now have to say that I LOVE to know so many of us not only need to weed (and aren't) but so many others need to clean up the clutter (and aren't). Makes me feel so so much better. I too love this thread.

Hi everyone, got about half way through all the messages and didn't see any from Australia. I am sitting at my computer at work (law firm where I am a secretary) I am planning my leaving party as in two weeks my friend and I are going on a 12 month working holiday all over the world from LA to Athens. Should be great. Anyway where I am this minute is in Tamworth, Country Music Capital of Australia. Nothing really happens here but it is not too bad a place to live. Can't wait for my year of travelling though. If anyone has had interesting experiences working and travelling send me a message. I'll keep reading. See ya

I'm at home in Chorley, Lancashire, UK. Today is a"Bank" holiday ( public holiday for us here in semi sunny England. Notwithstanding I'm "supposed" to be working on a business report, but get distracted onto Web sites ! I'm in the kitchen with the old PC, listening to the BBC's Radio 2 (sad I know, but it's lighthearted fun & easy listening). The dog (Toto - Great Dane) is asleep in her basket as is my husband (not in his basket - in bed !) a night shift worker as a milk man. Ho hum, back to the business report on "IT Outsourcing".

Great Web Site.

Luv

MMS

I am in the first-class lounge of Singapore Airlines in Singapore. Headed for Frankfurt, and have a five hour lay-over, and was looking for some info on places to stay near French/German border. Happened to see this question. Planning 2-3 weeks in France.

9:00 am in Boston in my cube at work. Looking at my Paris calendar and a picture of my husband and I in Provence on my desk!

I am sitting at my desk in my home office. I am a self employed computer consultant so I normally work from home. My office is in the front of the house overlooking our front yard and the street. I am located in a small city 35 miles SE from San Francisco.

Getting on Fodors and talking travel etc. is a form of relaxation to get a break from my work and give my brain a rest.

Even though I have been a regular on Fodors for a long time, this is my first venture into the Europe forum. I got here from the hot listing on the menu page.

I just want to say one thing. It is so refreshing and enjoyable to be able to read a thread this long that is not full of rude and offensive messages. It is a tribute to you fine people to see some civilty on Fodors.

Funny you should mention that, Cal.

I don't know where you usually spend your time, but I have recently been exploring the US and Caribbean forums, and was surprised to find that the tone of the exchange is quite a bit different. We get our "nasties" over here, but they are not tolerated or encouraged!

I'm in Helsinki, Finland. It's been a gorgeous, warm and sunny day. Have just finished work & now head for the beach to do some sea kayaking off the coast. It is pectacular to see the sun set and have the islets and rocks around the coast here glowing in the red light. In Finland we find it difficult to keep to work on days like this, with all those outdoor sports possibilities nearby.

Another aussie here... "Prue", if you're still out there, I'm in Bunbury, so you must be pretty close by! We live in the south west of Australia, a very pretty little 'city' with the 'soul' of a town (so the advertising goes, anyway!!) My husband and I will be making our first trip to Italy this Autumn, and it's great to see so many others looking forward to Italian Autumn trips... I'm in my hubbys office, it's past midnight and he keeps asking where I am and what I'm doing STILL on the computer... He doesn't 'get' the addiction thing... I suppose I'd better get back to the real world... Thanks so much for all your help in our planning... Will report our trip when we return, we leave in just under 7 weeks now...Bye...

Dear Kim of Kona, Hawaii,
Sorry you didn't like my sense of humor. But, since half of America and probably a majority of Fodor's posters supports the death-by-vacuuming of live baby fetuses, I'm not going to let your criticism get me too far down. 116 men died recently at the bottom of the Barents Sea and that is tragic. In "civilized" America, home of the free, home of the brave, 4000 fetuses are butchered in an ordinary day. THAT is shameful.

Nice one Vlad! There's nothing like spoiling an enjoyable, intelligent, ADULT thread, is there?

Hi all--let's not let rotten apples spoil this excellent barrel of information. I'm in Cancun Mexico, on vacation with my laptop by my side. My room has a glass wall overlooking the turquoise water, and a balcony-- upon which I am sitting in the sun this very second, with my Discman on my head. I'm listening to The Goldberg variations by Bach. I bring my laptop to stay wired, and enjoy this forum enough to pay the phone fee. My real home is in Syracuse New York, so it is nice to see the sun for a change. I plan on going to Italy this fall--my 3rd trip. Love the thread, and keep it going so I can read about the world through you.

I'm in the middle of the North Sea on a drilling platform; in the K-7 block to be specific.
I was reading this thread and had to stop because I got a phone call from the drilling floor that the explosives we ran down into the well (to cut through a piece of tmetal tubing) to a depth of 3600 meters below seabed FELL OFF. So now I have ammunition in a gas well approximately 60 meters away from me.

I need a vacation.

Craig, until someone writes from Antarctica or the Mir, you win.

I unfortunately don't have anything unique to add, but perhaps that's half the fun.

I am currently wasting time afterhours in my office in Northern Va (~25 miles from DC). The sunset is at the window, a fresh bouquet of flowers on my desk, a recent family photo from my sister's wedding.

When not here, I'm in all-too-hot Dallas at home, with this same laptop in my pseudo-office/spare room. I started reading this forum when in Melbourne earlier in the year, to plan my trip to Greece.

And to CMR in New Stanton PA -- I had to read all the postings once I saw your note. I grew up in Scottdale, and can tell you that the Sony plant you inhabit had been Volkswagen of America, and a Chevy plant before that. You are as 'close to home' as I've found -- including one of the Millionaire contestants this week from Connellsville!

happy to be part of this...
Kathy

I'm still here, for those of you who asked.
We are just going to fill the well up with cement and leave it all for some unsuspecting alien Xeno-Archeologist to discover in a few million years. What a surprise that'll be.

On a travel note. I think I may be moving to The Sakhalin Islands, Russia in eastern Siberia come next year. This was where they sent the really naughty criminals to die.

I think I'll save up that vacation time, thank you.

===
Craig -

Hope they pay you the big bucks to work in such far flung ( & COLD !) outposts.
And I thought that Siberia was already pretty far east, but you're going to "east Siberia" - You're making us pull out the atlas to see where the heck you are (and will be).

.

WOW Lola! You've really started something here! I got about half way though all the responses to your question before my eyes started to cross. I am at my office in Portland Oregon, I am an office manager for a home inspection company. I am curently plotting my very first trip out of the country (to Ireland). I work in a dark, cool cement building with a view of a residential street from my window. Today, as is true most days, it is overcast and looks like it might rain at any moment. The cat from the house next door is on my window ledge begging for treats (which I keep in my desk drawer) again. I'm pretty sure that her owners have stopped feeding her...There are towering pine trees in almost every yard and old classic cars in almost every driveway. They don't salt the roads out here (like they do in NY - where I am from originally I might add) so, older cars last longer. I am able to sneak onto the internet and surf about an hour each day and am newly addicted to this web site. Everyone here seems to have traveled quite a bit. Hope to add myself to those ranks one day but can only afford a real vacation once in a great while...Take care everyone!

I'm in central nj, in a 1910 farmhouse we are renovating, getting ready to go to Austria and leaving the painting to my partner!

Elephant Island, just off the coast of Antarctica. Tomorrow, Creen, Worsley, McNeish, McCarthy, Vincent and I take the CAIRD to St.George's Island to effect a rescue of the whole party. It is very cold outside. Blackboro's leg is so bad Macklin may have to take it off. The seal hoosh was especially dreadful last night. I dreamt last night of a nice helping of roast beef and mashed potatoes with rich, thick black gravy. Washed down with a Bass Ale, of course. God save the King!!!!!!

Well if anyone makes it all the way down here...I'm at home, in Torrance California, I just got home from work and I should be getting ready to meet friends for a dinner cruise. It's a beautiful day not at all humid and the evening should be perfect, except for the nylons. I should be excited to be going but instead here I sit doing research for ideas for my upcoming trip to London and France. I'm so addicted to this site.

Back home in Honolulu from Alaska, and logging on from work on a near-perfect weather day. I'm distracted by this forum and by the day outside. Just returned from a short walk to Bishop Square where a group was playing Hawaiian music. The trades are blowing and the flame trees below my window are in full bloom. Hi to Kim in Kona and especially to Auca in Finland...I was born in Helsinki. A lovely weekend to you all!
Aloha,
k

Where am I? I've spent the last hour looking at different websites for places to stay in Ireland (hopefully, my next trip!) Like so many of you, I am daydreaming about my next travel adventure, so for today....my heart and mind are in Ireland. I am an attorney in Alabama and have spent a hard week and long hours at the office. But one of my favorite pastimes is spending time on the computer planning my next getaway. These wonderful trips sure make all of that hard work worthwhile! And I enjoy hearing about all of your travels, too, for those times that I can't leave.

Great thread! Anyone notice that most folks seem to be in pleasant surroundings in despite the ubiquitous weeds. I am in my daughter's messy bedroom in a slightly dirty saltbox reproduction house on a very pretty property with lovely views in a charming town. I also have another home in NYC also in need of cleaning but in a nice location. Maybe I am just "projecting" or being narcissitic but it seems that many of the visitors to this
"lounge" are not interested in traveling to "get away" but because we are "places" people who are very interested in new surroundings (more for a change). Maybe I am not expressing myself well or being trivial---sorry if so---but I thought it was interesting. Perhaps those in ugly places just dont want to chat!

i am at my moms in Alabama but live in NC. right now i am on a laptop in the family room with the big scene tv on while i type, which i am not watching. this is the 2nd time i have used this web site and really enjoy. have gotten some great info from people already! just got married last monday!! and will be moving to the uk in october! so if you have tips for newcomers, please write!

Oh, you'll like this! I'm in the ICU of a large hospital north of Detroit. OK, so I'm at work. Planning a trip to Germany in November and ran across this....interesting and neat thread. Have a great Labor Day people!

I thought Ernie Shackleton was dead.

I'm sittin in the loo, on the throne,
dropping a very large turd.

Dear Snidely,
When you say that you dropped a turd, did it fall from your hands or from your rectum?

Dear lonesome Tom, actually the turd was dropped out of your mouth.

Mydaughter told me it's time I jointed the computer age and logged me onto her laptop, internet and Fodors. I've lost you 3 times already and think itstrange the e-mail is named after the c at, although he's avery fine cat indeed.

I'm at my daughter's a Georgian town house in the centre of Chjester, a city in the NW of England. It has 3 floors, a bit tiring for my old legs. From the back window there are glimpses of the roman wall that surrounds chester. parts are original and were built by the 21st Roman legion. Past htat is the Roodee , Chesters horse racing course which was once a waterway where Roman galley's used to tie up. It's possible that the flat bottom boats built by the Romans to invade Anglesey were built in the garden here. From the front windwo I can see the roof and spires of Chester cathedral and am no more than a minute from the Rows. The area the house is built on was in medieval times the place where apprentices of the various guilds used to live and work. A wall was built around the area, I like to think to stop them ladding iton the town. The householders here still maintain the wall. In front ius a lovely little Elizabethan style black and white house, built in 1600 something - I'll jave to look now I've thought about it. Later on I may walk down to the River Dee and have a pint. For those who didn't sound happy yesterday I wish uyo could come along, it would cheer you up. Thank you. Jack

Thank you Jack, for bringing this superb thread back into adulthood. It is fascinating to sit down for a few minutes and picture everyone around the world, all of us connected by our love of European travel. I hope to go to Tuscany later this fall and right now have bunches of guidebooks on my desk. I am sitting in a minimally decorated room--mainly my desk, some shelves and a big chair and ottoman where I read. The room is focused on a glass wall facing the water--today there are boats galore, even early in the morning. I live in a town on the South Shore of Long island, about a half hour from the skyscrapers of New York. What a week it has been here, with 150 leaders of the free world, the MTV video awards and the Us Open (I'll be watching Sampras this afternoon. Loved Todd Martin, the sportsman who lost, alas.) I'm looking at the dripping grass that slopes down a bit to the dock and my pots of mums which I have just bought to liven the dying garden. The bronzes and yellows are making my remember the colors of Tuscany. I'll have a cup of coffee now and read my guidebooks and dream of Italy. I've enjoyed reading about all of you around the world.

Thank you both, Jack and Michele, for adding your lovely commentaries. Jack, you will be glad to know that people who live in houses with stairs live longer on average than those who live in one story homes. Keep lovin' those stairs. Chester and your place in it sound very inviting, in the center of all that history. Lucky you, and you made it vivid for us.
And, Michele, your autumnal home near Manhattan sounds nice, too. I can see why it has you dreaming of Tuscany.
Here in Houston our heat has finally gone down 20 degrees F. Thank heavens! Real fall still seems a very long way off, alas!

I'm in Providence RI. It has been a lovely late summer to make up for the cold, wet rest of summer. My house is very old by US standards, dating from the early 1800s. The garden is very small, but right now is doing well with asters and goldenrods in a border. I am near the Brown campus in an area of colonial homes. The house is small but furnished in period style, with many antiques, including the desk I am using. I have my computer on in front of the TV, watching the Emmies award show right now. I usually turn on tv while I work-that is the way I do best--several things--listening, watching, reading whatever while I scan this forum. I love hearing about people in Singapore, Brazil, Australia, Finland and everywhere else. Thank you folks, for sharing.

very nice, Jack...I'm sitting in one of the nicest places in the world,in my modest home on the eats coast of Vancouver Island, Canada.from my window ,I look out into our garden , very green and very quiet. we're just acroos the road from a waterfront park that has a nice beach where we can watch the sunset.......but we just returned from our first trip to Europe,and we are longing to return as soon as we can. Your post just reinforces our desire, for as beautiful as it is here, we fell in love with the incredible history that Europe offers.We are planning to return to spend a year or two ,and I hope we can see some of what you are able to see on a daily basis....cheers, and good health to you, Al

Greetings world! I love reading about all of you sitting at your computers in old English villages and ICU units and Saudi Arabian offices. I am in an office now--I'm a receptionist in a medical group in Cleveland and I'm on a much-needed break, thinking of things European. I can see before me dozens of people sitting anxiously reading magazines or looking at their watches. The doctors are running late, as usual. I sometimes feel so guilty telling people that they have to wait "a few more minutes." Anyway, this thread has helped me keep my cool. Keep it coming, please.

I'm in Atlanta, in one of the leafy northern suburbs that look their best in the early spring, when the dogwoods and azaleas are sensational. My house is red brick, like so many others around here, and one-story. The lawn is brown. My computer is set up in a paneled family room off a deck. I look out at the back yard. It has been a hot dry summer and I cannot wait to take a long-awaited trip to the Swiss alps in a week. The thought of it has kept us going. So has this thread, which I've followed since its inception. Thank you posters.

Just found this thread and was reading it for an hour. I'm in Vermont, in a small town with the requisite steepled church and village commons. I love it--dropped out of the New York scene five years ago, and never looked back. I am an artist and paint my landscapes from the woods and mountains surrounding me. The seasons have changed, and I'm sitting in the peak of fall, with a huge sugar maple with yellow, orange and scarlet leaves now looking silver in the moonlight. The leaves are falling, and in the day, my glass doors overlook the scene. I get away every March in mud season, for a ramble through Europe. This coming year will be Spain. Adios.

Sunny Los Angeles, California!

I am at my desk in Helsinki Finland. I love my city in the summer, with the marketplaces by the harbor and the long bright days. The days are shorter now, and I do not look forward to the cold winter ahead. The room I sit in is very stark, with birch furniture and trim, and simple lines, as you might expect. I am writing a book, and no longer travel around Europe as much as I used to. I often visit fodors forum to see what travelers have to say about a destination so that I may use some bit perhaps in future writings. I write short stories mainly, but am working on a novel. Thank you all for your input. Come visit my city.

Bonjour,

I am at home in Cleveland, Ohio. Should be doing trillions of task, as I am getting married in 16 days at the Shaker Heights Courthouse. We are leaving the next day for our honeymoon in France (paris apartment) for one month.
Found our apartment at Regency International Apts, but it is also listed with Just France. It is owned by Guest Services. I looked for one year for this apartment, so I can tell you a lot about the Paris apartment services.

And the best part is we have a $345.00 round trip ticket to France which we bought through Best Fares.com.

Wouldn't want to be wherever you guys are that post from work. You should be working.

Au revoir



Au Revoir

This message is for you Rex. I remember
you because you are the first person that responded to my first thread. This message is so far down the list that I doubt that any one will see it. I am a graduate of U S.C., but my husband doesn't like me to talk about it as he is a Cal Berkeley graduate. I hope your daughter will enjoy her experience at S.C. I am fascinated that people are writing form all over the world. I am less fascinated by the comments of their "weeds, clutter, travel posters etc". After about 50 of these messages it is not so interesting. But I will keep reading. Marilyn

Hi, Finlandia. I too am writing a novel, only I have to do it plus work for a living. I was in your lovely country 35 years ago when I was in college, spending the summer there studying Russian. My friends who've come back from Helsinki recently show me their photos that bring back lovely memories. I stayed in Jarvenpaa. I bet it's not as small as it was then.
When I drink some milk tomorrow morning for breakfast, I will use the blue glass that's the last one surviving of 8 I bought at Stockmann's in Helsinki in 1965 and think of you in your lovely city and country.
Good luck on your writing.

I am sitting here in a hemodialysis clinic in Southgate, Michigan. On break and using the clinics computer to research my trip to Spain in a couple of weeks. I didn't get to read every reply, but this is an interesting thread

I am sitting here in my house alone. Kids are off at the beach, movie, fair and DH is at work. At here amazed at how life just marches on. Mentally getting prepared for a tough week down at the medical center with my DH. The sun is shining and I can see the ocean from my window.

Good heavens! How did you run across THIS thread?

I'm in the family room with the drapes drawn to keep out the 105° day, about 5 miles north of Scottsdale airport.

Hope the medical situation turns out well.

Hi Robes, the thread just popped up while doing a search for medical tourism. Thought it was a nice one for a slow Saturday afternoon. Stay cool and thanks for the well wishes.

Oh wow! This thread originated almost five years ago! I did a very quick glance (in reverse order) to see who's still around. Here's a partial list, starting from the bottom: Kavey, Sheila, rxxxxxx, Art (Hussey), harzer, s.fowler, Wes Fowler (poignant moment), Marilyn (is that you, MF?), Tony Hughes, Dan Woodlief (Hi Dan). Can't find my own response, but then it may have been under a pseudonym that I can no longer recall

Nope, Betsy, that wasn't me. But it is interesting to read the names. Of course, we don't know who was posting under all those fun names pre-reg, do we?

I'm sitting at my desk in my office working on a Sunday as I have to deliver 4 reports to clients next week but procrastinating on the Fodors Forum

Sitting at my computer at home, feeling quilty that I should be doing laundry, dishes, etc. but I'm not. I would rather be doing this.

Sitting in front of my computers, listening to the air conditioning run, and wondering why my desktop machine has crashed six times in the last 24 hours.

At my computer... putting off my weekend chores!

Currently in Beijing, China at Tsinghua University, about 30 minutes north-east of Tian'an Men Square at my desk in a new dormitory building infront of my laptop. The air condtioning is on its max and someone is knocking on my door.

In Switzerland, wearing shorts and a tank top because the weather is so hot! I hear the train whistles and the cowbells in the background.

Oh, say it isn't so, Schuler. How hot do you mean? Must I assume that every June will be uncomfortably warm in my beloved Switzerland from now on? On my last visit in '02, I couldn't sleep because of the heatwave in Zurich. Can you give me some hope that we'll return to the days of yesteryear when I used to pack a wool sweater for my summer trips?

To participate in the thread topic, I'm recovering from surgery and trying out T-Mobile air card wireless and a new laptop. I'm only able to catch a wave (so to speak) about 50 percent of the time. Any thoughts or advice? Thanks all, J.

Hot! 30 degrees celcius. It's supposed to cool down to 25 C midweek. It's been a cold spring and now we have a heatwave. I love it!

I'm sitting at my home computer in Charleston, WV looking out at the ivy on my hill and the blue sky above. It is clear and very hot and I am dreaming about my second trip to Rome coming up in November.

Thirty degrees is hot? HAH!

Here in Phoenix, it was 45 a few days ago, and in 1990, it got to FIFTY.

I'd go to where you are to get cool!

In Phoenix, everything is air-conditioned, and humidity tends to be low (which helps with air conditioning).

In Europe, air conditioning is scarce and underpowered, and humidity is high. So when temperatures are high in Europe, you're much more exposed to them than you are in Phoenix. In Phoenix, as long as you can avoid going outside, you can stay cool (usually); but in Europe, there is no place to stay cool, anywhere.

And yes, it will be like this from now on, thanks to global warming.

Today I had clients finish the day early because the heat outside (probably in excess of 100° F on the street) exhausted them too much to continue. That's a first, but I'm sure it won't be the last time.

We are in Florence, at the near terminus of a 2.5 week vacation in N. Italy. Ira- we hunted down Il Ritrovo, but, darn!, it's Monday and all we saw was the much venerated closed door. Rats!

Yes, there is a heat wave of sorts here right now; we are to escape tomorrow to spend our last day meandering in Chianti. Then it is back to our home in southern Orange County CA.

But we have seen so much this trip, and soooo much was positively influenced by the insight, memory, suggestions etc. from this board! We saw Nabucco in the arena in Verona, sunned in Lerici, sought out Saint Antimo for the Gregorian chants, took in the cypresses and sunset in the Crete south of Sienna, climbed a tower in San G., and saw the eel nets drying in the Po Delta. Thanks for the information we gleaned from the Fodorites!

Caio
Jane

I am on my 90 acre farm in Pennsylania.
In my tv room listening to my husband's tractors chopping hay and filling up the silo.

Taking a break from doing the wash and the ironing. It is so hot and humid here today, not terrible but we have on the air conditioner in the bed room running to keep upstairs from becoming uncomfortable.

My dog, Kiaya, is laying down next to me napping. She will want to go for her 3rd walk of the day as soon as I make one move off this chair.

We have walked down to check if the black raspberries are ripe yet (nope). And down the driveway to smell the pretty, fragrant trees that line it.

Maybe nest we will walk up the hill into the top field to see how high the corn has gotten.

I love lazy days off, and living out in
the country.

I'm home, in NYC on a beautiful sunny 4th of July looking last minute for how to get from MXP to Milan since I cannot find where I wrote it when I first found it back in May. After the fireworks tonight, I will be dreaming of my trip. But first, I must get through writing all the proposals for work for the many different programs for which I need to raise money. Getting the info together is like herding cats!

I'm in my "den" in beautiful, warm, sunny, breezy, Benicia, CA. From my kitchen window I can see the "ghost fleet" Navy ships in the Suisun Bay and as far as the Antioch Bridge.

This a.m. at Jazzercise I was fantasizing I was doing Jazzercise in Cannes where I was 3 weeks ago at this time. Don't know if they even have Jazzercise in Cannes - LOL!

Happy 4th Everybody - time to get ready to go to my friends' BBQ.

Just finished ironing..getting clothes together for short trip down to the Bay Area next weekend. I want to see my neice before she heads to Copenhagen for a year..she leaves next month. My brother will pick me up in Oakland Friday morning and then we are going to check out the Ferry Builing market and shops on the Embarcadero on our way back up to Sonoma County. The weather is perfect, my significant other has just picked a huge amount of ripe cherries off our tree. Wish I had more time to do something with them besides just eat them. Jelly would be nice and perfect for Christmas gifts..that pretty red color...not happening, but a nice thought. Going to grill some burgers and just hang out the rest of the day..take the dog of a walk later..more for me than the dog. Happy 4th everyone.

I'm in my little loft condo in Chicago, a flash thunderstorm warning blowing in. Will it end our summer drought? I leave for Italy in a week...after the BBQ, I think I will practice pack and do the 'take half as much' drill. Happy 4th!

Sitting in a mountain house with labs spilled out all around me, 76 degrees, nice and cool with breezes flowing through open windows and doors. My lunch guests just left and it was time to get back to storage unit work, but a nice rain started falling - so, it's French Onion dip time watching one of the best movies ever, Jeremiah Johnson. If the rain holds up then it's fireworks tonight in the valley. If not, then maybe Batman or Bewitched. But, right now I'm enjoying where I am and thinking I need to plan another trip out to the Rockies - maybe Utah - maybe Sundance.

Happy and safe 4th to all!

I'm in a boat on a river surrounded by
tangerine trees and marmalade skies. It's really quite nice. All around are cellophane flowers of yellow and green
towering over my head. I'm looking at a girl with the sun in her eyes. No, wait,
she's gone. We've just drifted by a bridge by a fountain. Interesting -- there are rocking horse people eating marshmallow pies there. How nice of everyone to smile as you drift past! Beautiful -- the flowers grow so incredibly high along here!

Unfortunately we have to start thinking about heading home to the city now, but as luck would have it I see a rank of newspaper taxis up ahead on the quay. Such a great day it has been -- my head's really in the clouds, and I can hardly wait to climb in the back of one and melt. The train would be cheaper, and we do so enjoy the plasticine porters with looking glass ties, but we'll splurge.

Now where did I put my sunglasses? God, it feels like I have kaleidoscope eyes!

Have a nice day.

Sitting in the den in our cottage in Maidenhead, getting over jet lag as my overnight flight from Orlando to London got in this morning at 6:30 am.
There are fireworks going off in the green nearby. Hmmm, are there other Americans in the neighborhood?

Speaking of fireworks, I was happy that my flight yesterday afternoon managed to take off from Orlando in a brief quiet period between some very active thunderstorms.

Sitting in front of my laptop wishing I didn't have to go to the grocery store as it is so hot here in Vacaville! Wish I was in cooler and breezy Benicia right now!

To mcnyc, I saw your comment on MXP and getting into Milan. There is a shuttle bus from the Milpensa airport (think it runs every 30 minutes or so) that will take you to the Central Train station in Milan. Is that what you were thinking of? That is the easiest way to get into Milan IMO. Have a fun time in Italy.

And crefloors, you have a fun time with your brother in SF and Sonoma! Wish I could have some of those cherries, they sound wonderful. A neighbor gave me some peaches from a friend's tree the other day. So much better than the supermarket ones.

Happy 4th of July everyone.

I am having breakfast in front of my computer in rainy Perth, Western Australia - Australia !!

At home in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.

My *kid* brother (aet. 47), his wife and 2 daughters -- up for the weekend from Washington DC -- have just left after an earlyish dinner served on the deck in humid heat. They head to DC, I to eastern Canada tomorrow.

My trip: Prince Edward Island for a four day business trip, after which I leave for 2 weeks at our wonderful, nowhere-like-it cottage up the Ottawa Valley near Eganville....

No European travel in view until the autumn, as NOTHING would make me leave Canada in the summer.

LoveItaly, just hang out in the frozen food section when you go to the store. That's what I do when it's really hot. The cooler where they keep the cold drinks is always good too. I know, it gets horribly hot in Vacaville and those brown hills makes it seem even hotter. You'll put new meaning to the words: "chill out"

I just came back from the fireworks at Annapolis, MD, 6 miles down the river. Right now everything is dwindling down but I look across the Severn River and I see different communities with their fireworks. Very hometown America. I wonder what my son is doing right now in West Kirby, England.

Loveitaly, I used to have an Aunt who lived in Vacaville, she would ask "when are you coming up to Cow Town?"

Right now I am sitting on my veranda sipping wine and watching the neighborhood go up in fireworks. It looks like a war zone and smells of gun powder and sulphur. I have Nick and Jessica Spec. on the tv and I have my laptop on the table and I'm still trying to find decent airfare for the Fall. I think I will just buy one and forget about the budget.

Hi crefloors, your post made me laugh as I did get to the supermarket and dear one when I reached in the frozen food cabinet to get some orange juice I almost climbed in it, LOL! And although I did not need anything else in that aisle I must have pushed the cart back and forth a half of dozen times, LOL!! And then when I walked outside, oh sigh, it was sooo hot again. But tonight it suddenly cooled down and so neighbors/friends and I watch the fireworks and it was a lovely evening. Maybe signs we will have lower temps tomorrow? I say with fingers crossed. I envy you going to SF and Sonoma.

And SeaUrchin, first of all hello!! Gunpowder and sulpher, sounds like my neighborhood tonight which is usually very peaceful. Think someone called the PD because about 5 minutes ago peace reigns again.

SearUrchin, I will tell you a funny story about Vacaville. Its nick is "CowTown" however the reason it is named VacaVille is due to the fact that a Manuel Vaca had a Spanish homestead here. He donated one square mile to start a town if the town was named VacaVille after him. Done deal, and thus the city's name.

Now, a quick story you might enjoy. Think you know my daughter & SIL went to Rome the first part of June due to serious medical emergencies regarding my SIL's father and mother in Rome. Not a fun month for them but of course at the worse of times there is always sweet times. A cousin of my SIL gave my dauther a present right before they were flying back to SFO. It is a big fat heavy ceramic cow, white with black dots with the silliest looking face you have ever seen. The cousin explained that first of all she had seen the "Happy California Cow" commercial on some program in Italy. And since my daughter and SIL live in Vacaville which meant "cowtown" when she saw this ceramic cow in some gift shop in Rome she purchased it for them. Silliest cow you ever saw, but it is so precious.

About airfare and budget, I have come to the same conclusion too SeaUrchin. I never seem to get a "bargain" as so many others do and I am tired of driving myself crazy about it. I am at the point that the best flight for my schedule, what is convenient for me etc. is paramount. BTW, what part of Italy are you going to in fall? Did I read somewhere you will be in N Italy, or am I wrong? Take care.

Swithering whether to go to Starbucks as I sit at my cube in downtown Cincinnati, Ohio.

LoveItaly, so you're in Vacaville? Someone I know told me they moved there a few years ago and I was never really sure if it was a real place (with a name like that)or if they were kidding. But you have convinced me.

I'm in my 200 year old stone cottage on the north Pembrokeshire coast in Wales, with views out over a very angry sea and misty headlands.....and it's pouring with rain too! Wouldn't think that you'd need a sweater in July!

I'm in my study in beautiful Sydney. It is the middle of winter here, but hey guess what? As per usual the weather is fab, high teens (in centigrade), we haven't really had a winter yet, English Pippin, you should come on down! Leave your sweater behind.

Sitting at my desk in Dublin Ireland, trying to inspire myself to come up with a 'dynamic and fun' design for the web site I'm working on. But all the time looking out the window at the reason why "Ireland is so green"!!!! For after 3 days of warm, pleasant weather, the heavens have opened and the rain is pounding off the flat metal roof over head. Just three hours to go until I head home out of Dublin to beautiful County Kildare, where (if I pick up the theme of the very first few posts on this thread), I'll find that with all the rain we've had today, that the weeds at the end of the garden are surely now banging on the patio door to get in!!!

Enjoy where ever you all are!

Pasty

EnglishPippin
I was in West Wales (Tregaron) this time last year and had to borrow sweaters and anoraks because the weather was so cold and misty. Good to hear some things never change. We managed to include Llandewi Brefi on our itinerary.

Hi Gertie - the sun has just come out as we speak, and it makes me realise all over again why I chose to live in this beautiful place (I've just been brave and discarded said sweater!) Glad you enjoyed the 'wild west' of Wales!

It's so interesting to read what Fodorites all over the world are doing!

Loveitaly, thanks for the info on Vacaville. I always thought it was named for the cow citizens of the area. My aunt sold her home there in the 1960's, bought a little strawberry ranch right in Napa Valley and when she passed, her relatives sold it to a major winery for mucho dinero as you can imagine. Vacaville and other little towns in No. Cal. hold special places in my heart, but they are like convection ovens in the summer!

Glad your daughter and husband had a little brightness in that trying time too.

I am in my office in Tampa, Florida. I am about 20 stories up and I am looking out on blue sky and the blue waves on the bay. A cruise ship is just now leaving port bound for the Caribbean..But I have photos of my trip to South Africa on the wall and photos of standing on top of the Aiguille du Midi in Chamonix. Ever so much more exciting and I am mulling over a trip to Florence or Venice next year.

Hi SeaUrchin, oh yes, I can imagine that your aunts relatives sold your aunt's property for a lot of money, Napa has changed so much.

And SeaUrchin, you will probably be shocked but Vacaville now has almost a population of 100,000 residents. When your aunt lived here it was such a small community. Remember the onion factory and the odors, LOL. Take care.

San Francisco... went to lunch at 1 pm hoping to sit on a bench and read. Came back to warm up 10 minutes later! It's freezing here! Somebody please tell me it's July not January!

So now I am at my desk, looking at the Swiss pictures, daydreaming

I'm sitting at my desk in WEHO and eating oreos which are giving me a headache but I keep noshing.

We just met an actor who is trying to revive his career by kissing up to my boss. It is a cloudy and morose day.

I am sitting at my computer in Salvador da Bahia, Brazil, enjoying myself reading the discussions carried out by fodorites all over the world, but feeling guilty because I should be finishing a paper which should be done for publication ages ago! I am new to this site, but already becoming hooked.

Well, until the heavens opened up a few minutes ago, I was sitting on our deck on Peas Porridge Pond in the Mount Washington Valley in NH, after having returned from a kayak ride to see the nesting loons. Pinching myself and thinking that I could be living those old ads of the guy (now it would be me, a woman) sitting on the deck working with a computer on his (her) lap; and turning to someone off camera (think DH) and saying, "While you're up, could you get me a Dewars?" I skip the Dewars, but love the image, and I love living it while keeping up my new Fodors' addiction.

Here in Seattle regaling in the fact that I am FINALLY in the double didgit(99, not that I am counting,LOL), number of days left until my first of, hopefuly many, trips to Italy!!!

Now I must go to bed, seeing how they have once again have put me on the dreaded "graveyard" shift!!

Tom

Hi there... well I am sitting at my desk in Adelaide, South Australia. Adelaide is a small very pretty city, about 1 million people. Great place to visit, many tourists tell us when they shop here.
I am surrounded by paperwork for the end of our financial year.. this is the best time for me as I just love bookwork and balancing everything out. I work in an Opal and South Sea Pearl Jewellery store so many beautiful things are in my sight each day, needless to say I am tempted every so often!
It is early winter here, cool for us about 16 degrees C today, fine and little wind. We very very rarely get any snow.. only just a sprinkling in the hills maybe once a year which quickly melts.
I love to sit and read through other posters while I have my morning coffee and start to plan another overseas trip in my mind... We have been on a few great trips using the wonderful advise from fellow travellers on Fodors.
OK coffee finished, back to work... enjoy your day!

I'm at work (it's my lunch hour) and as such i am sitting in my office, surrounded by some rather over excited fellow Londoners celebrating London getting the olympics (we watched the result on the telly about half an hour ago).

I'm rather more pleased that the wonderful Tottenham Hotspur have just got a brand new stadium for nothing (stick that in your pipe and smoke it Arsenal!)

Another bonus is it will miff the French - and that's NEVER a bad thing.

From my office window I can see the south side of Southwark Cathedral about 50 yards away (Southwark's not one of London's greatest cathedrals - or even it's greatest churches - but it's nice enough to look at.)

Oh well....back to work....

I am in my home which is in Ohope and about 50 meters from the most beautiful beaches in New Zealand. Everyday, when I am at home I look out my windows and take in the ever changing views of the ocean. Today it was wild, frothing, with huge waves, there was a sea spray billowing from the waves and rolling onto the land and up into our beautiful pohutukawa trees which cover the hills behind. I walked on the beach and came in with salt on my face and through my hair, Wonderful!! I too work from home and although I love to travel I never tire of comming back to this most beautiful place.

Sitting at my Pier 1 desk (not nearly as cool as a 19th century drafting table)in my sunroom in Charleston, SC and it is around 7:45 p.m. on Sunday. I'm looking out onto my backyard with a nectarine tree, pear tree and a few pines and entertained by the squirrels running along the fence. In the background, I'm monitoring the progress of hurricane Dennis as he makes is way inland. Here's hoping all in his path are safe.

Just back from Alaska yesterday, sitting at the computer terminal in our library, surrounded by the books and photos collected over the 25 years of marriage to DH. A globe at my left hand, lesson plans spread out all over the room, planning next year's 8th grade for my homeschooled youngest child who is away in N.C. at summer camp. Ignoring the five still-packed suitcases in our bedroom, hoping they will somehow empty themselves in the few weeks before we're off to Seattle again. (Faina, it was freezing there, too, just yesterday---at least to us.) DH is on the computer in his study, trying to avoid getting out in this messy Dennis-y weather to go see War of the Worlds in our tiny little town's historic movie theater.

Sitting at a cluttered, cherry coloured, corner desk in our small "den". It's about 7am and I ought to be getting ready for work. I live in Kamloops, BC, Canada. Kinda got lost surfing through the threads looking for replies to what I posted yesterday.

I'm in Santa Monica, overlooking the sunset on the Pacific, with my cat determined to edit this post, thinking that I have a great life, but nevertheless missing my beloved Paris where I'm from, thinking of my friends enjoying the French Summer recess and festivals, wishing I could email myself back and forth...

I like this idea alot. There is something melancholy about the replies. I think we may all share the desire to be someplace other than where we are.
I am sitting in a closet/computer room in N. California. It will be 103 tomorrow so we will escape to our house at Lake Tahoe. I will finish the 12 half finished paintings that I started in France(during the month I just spent there)
I noticed that when this thread started a couple of years ago lots of people mentioned gardens that needed weeding. After 2 years mine still isn't weeded!

Right now I'm in my basement office (in a former life it was the office of Civil Defense) of our local municipal building, located in a small city between Syracuse and Utica, NY. It's 95 degrees out, no breeze, humidity at 90%. Behind me is the elevator sump pit, to the side is the a/c units. I listen to the lovely sounds of the sump pump, a/c hum, elevator hydrolic pump and toilets flushing down the hall. Ahhh, this is living! I, too, have pictures of my travels- on a mule in Bryce Canyon, UT,; waterfalls on the Salmon River, NY and Yellowstone River; Zion NP canyon; Sedona, AZ. There's an empty spot for the next trip to Budapest.

Interesting timing - an on-line study came out late last week that states the average worker "wastes" 2 hours per day on the job - much of it surfing the web. Well, since I'm in northern CA and it's lunch time, I hope my company's computer police will cut me some slack...
I also work from my home (Sonoma County, CA), I have a view of redwoods and vineyards from my window. I'm at my desk, and have pictures of my recent trips (Isola Pescatore, IT; Munich, Piedmonte vineyards, IT) as well as my family on my desk. Life is good... planning my next trip in four weeks.
It's heating up (over 100 expected today), my tomatos will be happy, now time for a sandwich and back to the stuff that pays for the trips...

Wonderful idea. I am sitting in my living room in my apartment on the Upper West Side of Manhattan surrounded by photos of the places my husband and I have visited and of the people we love. I am playing on my computer while my 1 year old daughter naps in her room. I am daydreaming about the trip my husband and I are planning for this winter - we have yet to decide if our little girl will be coming with us or staying with her grandparents and getting spoiled while we get some time to ourselves. That decision will determine what we actually do.

I'm sitting in my home office looking past my front garden and out onto my street. Behind me a stack of papers have grown across my desk like fungi.
Once I finish this cup of tea, I'll file the papers and tidy up my office. It won't be difficult once the papers are filed (at least that what I'm telling myself now.) I'll make a couple of quick calls, call it a day and go water the garden.
It's a lovely day here in San Diego, as always.

Sitting in my study in Surbiton (South London) feeling sad that one of the victims of the bombings was from my neighbourhood.

Its hot 33C.

in HOT and HUMID new york city.. eating a slice of pizza..

Just came back home after wandering around my city with a friend trying to do a bit of shopping. We finally gave up as found nothing we wanted. And the stores were so hot and stuffy.

But we are excited, the temp. today was only 104 degrees, LOL. Someday, somehow, this heat spell will break. But at least we don't have real high humidity.

Just back from eight weeks in Europe, and in my study in Ocean Grove, in the state of Victoria, Australia. Ocean Grove is situated at the Melbourne end of the Great Ocean Road. It's winter, but today was a mild, sunny day, just right for a walk up the beach which at Ocean Grove is about 8k in length. The surf was very regular, and I had a coffee at a cafe with a splendid sea view. I think I'll stay here for a while.

Right now I am sitting in my apartment in Minneapolis Minnesota planning my next trip. At the moment I have a plane ticket and a rough idea where I will be going. I will be arriving in Prague September 13th and departing from Athens on October 18th. Now I will spend the next few months working all I can and nailing down what I will be doing between Prague and Athens.

Sitting in my computer room in my home in a very hot, humid, Williamsburg, Virginia after having been out with neighbors at a Japanese restaurant all evening.

Sitting in the den of my home on the banks of the Mississippi River in central Minnesota with my mutley dog at my feet, my old gray cat occasionally walking on the keyboard and my husband upstairs in bed.

But really where I am, right this second, is too far away from my last trip and too far away from my next trip.

Sitting at the computer which I share with my daughter who lives with me, and, needless to say, enjoying a very rare hour to myself at the keyboard.

We are in Australia, specifically in the suburb of the city of Adelaide in South Australia called Glenelg, and it is approaching the witching hour of 'teatime' when I expect a fabulous three-course meal to be served, courtesy of my ex-wife who is currently holidaying from the UK with us.

It is six pm and in two hours from now, that 'tea' well and truly behind us, we will all be ensconced, a gin and tonic or a champagne at our elbow, in front of the TV watching the magnificent game of (Australian) football between the teams of Geelong and St Kilda - carn Geelong

Harzer

Enjoying a nightcap in a beautiful homein Park City, Utah, after a cool, breezy day, an evening gallery walk and fabulous dinner at Grappa's!

Taking a break from research on "Northern Lazio's Irish Roots" in my studio-library , the coolest place in the palazzo (see photo on header www.elegantetruria.com ) . Its quiet here in Vetralla, since most of the population is at the seaside (Tarquinia) or lakes.

Good Day. It is Monday morning and I'm in my partner's Steve, home office with classical music playing in the background, and our Labrador dog Brandy, sleeping behind me. We are located in Kitchener/Waterloo, 1 hour more or less west of Toronto, Ontario, Canada. I moved here 5 years ago from Toronto. The weather this summer continues to be oppressively hot and humid, and we expect more of the same this week. We travel to Europe every May/June, but my husband had surgery in May (glaucoma) and as a result, he could not fly anywhere for 6 weeks, so this spring we decided to replace our deck, and landscape our back lawn, which has now cost the equivalent of 3 trips to Europe. We hope to take a vacation in the autumn. I took early retirement (54) from the insurance industry, and I have never been busier in my life.
3 hours ago I heard that Peter Jenning's passed away, very sad. He was born in Toronto, and for anyone who is not familar with his name, he was one of the top 3 U.S. News anchors.
Kind Regards to All, Francine

Hi from Tarpon Springs, FL..I am in my home office (a spare bedroom converted) I am working on my upcoming trip to Greece. Out of one window I can see the pool and a lot of our very pretty property out of the other window I see my dogs and they seemed to be engrossed with something, probably a lizard. I breed and show cocker spaniels so there are 6 dogs out back one at my feet and one out to show in North Carolina for the upcoming weekend shows. Total of 8 cocker spaniels.

I have become addicted to this site and spend far too many hours here reading and posting. After reading this thread I am relieved to see that I am not the only one afflicted with this addiction. Even a physcian..is addicted. My husband, an attorney, finds this addiction to be totally ridiculous and can't see how I spend so much time here.

I'm sure there are weeds out there that need tending to but I am oblivious to them and I think I should just live and let live....

Areala, we lived just south of you in Palm Harbor. Love your area of Florida, and we don't miss the Epiphany celebrations in TS if we can help it. A friend's son dove last year for the first time, and it's even more exciting when you know the boys involved. You're so lucky to live there--

. . . and I am currently in the library of Pacific Lutheran University, here in the Seattle-Tacoma area for a Go Congress (Asian board game) that my 14-year-old son is attending. Filling my days with reading, yoga, and spa treatments at a nearby Korean women's spa. ...

In my study in Auvillar, France (hour away from Toulouse). I am the writer-in-residence here until November and will be back next April for 8 more lucious months!

My vervain plant sends its love.

I am in what we rather unimaginatively call our "computer room," which used to be strictly an office/den, and which has recently become my bedroom. We set up a twin bed in here (after removing a second computer desk when my husband was very ill, as then he did not have to climb stairs, and was right next to a bathroom and our kitchen. After he died last spring, I never went back upstairs to our bedroom, but stayed down here, where I spend far too much time on this forum, and not enough reading my huge collection of books. I am currently recovering from jet lag following our fabulous trip to London and Edinburgh (where we saw the famous Military Tattoo).
When I look out of the big window beside my bed, it is onto a park-like lawn with trees. We own 14 acres, only 2 of which are cleared. It is peaceful and serene, and I should be looking at that lovely view right now, but, no, I am addicted to Fodor's!

It's a steamy Thursday early evening and I am in my tiny third floor office overlooking Annapolis harbor. I am thinking about walking outside, across the Spa Creek Bridge, to the yacht club and having a drink with my hubbie. I said it is hot here but nothing compares to the heat we experienced hiking Masada in Israel last month. Exhilarating...but really hot!

My next trip? Hmmm, probably Charleston, South Carolina.

fist let me say it is amazing that after 5 years this post was brought back...the gap from 2000-2005 is amazing...

i am in cambridge, ma in the "office" of my condo...although i do not work from home i am a teacher and have the summer off...the view out the window is other other buildings in my neighbordhood and my small but fairly kept back yard...i find myself addicted to this board, i read about everyones travels and and i can't wait to get out there and see these places for myself.

for now i enjoy the crazy new england weather/humidity...ahh but i do wait all 10 months of winter for this...

I am sitting at my hotel room desk in the Kempinski Hotel in Moscow contemplating how much coffee I need to kick start this day.....missing my little family back home in Los Angeles.

Home again, home again, jiggety jog.

I am worn out from traveling. The past 12 months has been way too hectic, we've been to Orlando, Watercolor, and Tarpon Springs in Florida; Europe, Costa Rica, Alaska, Utah, and Seattle (2x). I refused DH's request to plan something for this weekend, because I am going to spend my 49th birthday in quiet bliss at the lake house, which we have seen far too little of this year.

Probably not the smartest thing to say on a travel forum--but true: I am temporarily off traveling!

good thread.

sitting on my back deck talking with you wonderful folks and drinking keoki pale ale. hubby is bbqing oysters and smoked salmon bellies while our son is building his first model car, 240z, next to me. he’s doing a pretty good job. also enjoying the view of mt.waialeale, it’s rare to see it uncovered by clouds…a beautiful site. life a good. take care everyone.

Enjoying a large glass of Kim Crawford Savignon Blanc and hopefully getting a response to post to horseback riding in Tuscany. We live in Scottsdale Arizona the weather was wonderful today just came from the jacuzzi and jumped on fodors to check our trip progressing info. God I love to travel! Iam so ahhhh for our trip!!!! I look so forward to the moments of the crazy lasts seconds I tell my wife we are not going to make our flight if you don't pack the rest of your suitcase now! now! now! We come so close to missing flights it's unbelievable. Italy here we come!

kswl...HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!
Sometimes staying home is the best time of all. Enjoy every moment at your lake house, and again HAPPY BIRTHDAY .

And Kauia, oysters and salmon in Hawaii, lucky lucky you! I am envious. It sounds like paradise.

Scottstig, horseback riding in Tuscany, that sounds wonderful! I haven't been on a horse in ages (would probably fall off now) and never went horseback riding in Tuscany but I can imagine how delightful that will be. You tell your wife to hurry up and finish packing...you don't want to miss your flight, LOL.

Wishing everyone a happy forthcoming week.

dearest loveitaly,

mi casa es su casa.

Oakland,CA in a "destination neighborhood" where the houses capture 800K for tiny 3/2s and your car can be stolen in a minute!! I am sitting at the computer unwinding from an evening in the Newborn ICU of a large medical center. I tried to fluff the garden this am before leaving for work. It's been referred to as "an English garden with a twist". Our house is a 1912 house which we are restoring brick by brick(or cedar shingle by cedar shingle). We are across the street from an enormous Julia Morgan house. We are a "wannabe" but I am still hoping to dig up some more info at the public library. We live in 978 sq feet but increasingly more beautiful sq feet. For all you folks outside of the SF Bay area you don't want to know what we paid 5 years ago. It has doubled. We could buy something with acreage elsewhere but then we would have to live without the threat of earthquakes!

Oh Kauai_aka, I am honored!!! If and when I am able to visit the jewel of the United States I will let you know. I love your Kauai, it is a garden paradise. It has been to long since I have visited your beautiful island. Thank you for your message. And in return, if you come to the mainland, to the San Francisco area please let me know. Aloha!

Next trip:NYC,Hudson River Valley and the Berkshires in October

loveitaly

looking forward to it

thank you

At home in Mnachester after bumking off work early, happy days!!!!

Lola - if you are still around - thanks for thinking of this idea! Like the rest of you I love to travel and just to read about the diverse locations of where the replies are coming from is exiting. Ok back to the link topic: I am in writing from my cubicle suite at work (slightly bigger than the average) at a Pharmaceutical firm 1 hour north of NYCity. Stamford, CT is a growing city, on the Atlantlic coast, with an expanding Business Area, nightly entertainment, great restaurants and nice beaches. The view outside my window on the 10th floor is of the Long Island sound, on a clear beautiful day, oulined with the other high rise buildings surrounded by a constant traffic of cars and people going about their day.

Wow. What a terrific neighbouring. It really is one small planet.

Right now I'm sitting on my deck in Sacramento, California, surrounded by my living room and dining room furniture. (I've just had my hardwood floors refinished and will be living "comando" for a few days while the finish dries). Fortunately I have French doors from both bedroom and bathroom, leading to the deck, which will allow me to bath and dress, and which boast of a fine view of my California garden. Also, desparately in need of weeding. The tuberose opened today and a wonderful scent prevails...

PamSF, I relocated to Sacramento from the Oakland hills a couple of years ago due to the cost of living in the San Francisco Bay Area. Housing prices are UNREAL.

Planning a very busy trip to London, Brussels, Berlin, Prague and Krakow. It will be a busy two weeks. We're taking trains, including an over-nighter from Prague to Krakow. (I'm just intrigued by the romance of that idea).

Delta breezes blowing, 78 degrees. Lovely evening.

I am sitting in my office posting 5 years after my father, Wes Fowler. Planning a honeymoon trip to Tuscany. DAD, WHERE ARE YOUR ITINERARIES!!!

Just back from a run with a group of friends here in houston where FINALLY the weather has become bearable. not just bearable but mozzieless and really lovely.
Getting ready to go out with our dalmatian for a cycle (he is not on a bike though!)

Right now, I'm sitting in my office in a building on Market Street in Philadelphia. My office is on the 3rd floor, and my window faces out onto Market Street. The view isn't very spectacular, but it's nice to have an abundance of natural light.

At other times, I post from home which is about 15 blocks from where I work.

im at work, 48th and 3rd avenue in Manhattan, eating swedish meatballs for lunch from this scandinavian restaurant nearby. since it's friday im hoping my boss will leave early so i can sneak out a little early too! my wisdom tooth is growing in and is killing me and i just want to take a percoset and go to bed!!

at work.

still at work

continue to be at work

sitting at my computer desk in south western Ireland, looking out at the shannon river and the clare hills, oh yeah and a small castle in the distance. not bad eh!

Sitting in my apt on the 12th floor overlooking La Jolla, California, planning a safari to Africa and freaking out over which operator to choose and which travel insurance to buy.

In the dining room of a London vicarage, stewing prunes, planning my holiday to California and getting worried about tipping and ID.

San Jose, California. Just got back from Burma. Heading to Pacific Grove, California on the Monterey Peninsula for the weekend. Life is good.

I'm sitting in our factory eating the Halloween candy by the handfulls. I am supposed to be working but my feet are on the desk and I am bored with working.

>>>>
where the houses capture 800K for tiny 3/2s

For all you folks outside of the SF Bay area you don't want to know what we paid 5 years ago. It has doubled.
>>>>


you're right, we don't want to know. you already told us far too much about your finances and assets.

In my bedroom high on a hill in St. Thomas. To my immediate right is a sliding door to the deck which overlooks the Caribbean but it's dark now so the peepers are peeping. My dog is sitting on my bare feet & I'm drinking minty iced tea. Ain't the internet wonderful?

wonderful carribean, Clarice in IRELAND

OK, I'll give this a shot, but it's going to be difficult to sound as glamorous as some of you folks. I'm winding down after my week of commuting. Late this afternoon I drove from the school where I teach in New Iberia (Do you read James Lee Burke?) through the cane fields, then across the Atchafalaya Basin to Baton Rouge. I'm eating hummus and drinking a dos Equis Amber. Well there you have it. J.

Sitting at my antique desk in my cottage in Griffin, GA, about 40 miles south of Atlanta, listening to Barry White on Rhapsody as I type this. Just got home from having dinner with good friends and taking a walk in the crisp fall air. The high school football stadium is about 2 miles away and the music from the bands is drifting thru the air and taking me back years and years. Feeling thankful for my blessings...and enjoying the fact that we (fodors) are a community that spans many countries and ...this thread at least...several years of time.

Oh my, a bittersweet read here. My old pal Art posting as well as Wes Fowler..I don't remember reading this before.
Jason, I hope your find your dads itineraries!
I love this thread

At this second, I am sitting in the corner of our little loft apartment in Portland Oregon..our home of 3 months. I can see the city twinkling below, as I sit here in front of walls of windows, trying to decide on where and what my husband and I will do on our 100th anniversary, this Nov 6th

I wish I could look out my window and comment the garden needs weeding, however if truth be told, it needs heavy earth moving equipment.

We also have been refinishing the floorboards. However we needed access to all points so we decided to do it in stripes. This almosts works except when you come to the second row of stripes, after the first coast hard to see where you have and haven't applied the oil! So we have socks as markers on the finished sections of boards so we know where to walk. I really pray no-one comes to visit next few days.

All this is in a suburb of Sydney called Como named by Italian immigrants. The house is on a slope with bushland setting that threatens our sanity every fire season.

Anyways off to hopscotch down to the bathroom

Where am I? Sitting at home planning a trip to Spain and Italy to see our daughter in Dec whose on an Italian exchange program..can"t wait.. but the household chores will have to !! This is such a lovely timewaster!

Forgot to mention I"m in Melbourne Australia

I'm at home, in the Chicago suburbs, wishing I could be in Paris.

liz

In my living room overlooking Hong Kong airport (Chek Lap Kok); just returned from 2 weeks in my residence secondaire just outside Beynac, Dordogne, and wishing I was still there!!

Hello! I am at my house, in Sardegna Italy. My husband is stationed here and I am exploring to discover cool things to do for New Years!

Ciao Branbal:

Lucky dog!

I'd love to go with my husband and children (7 & 10) to Sardegna: My dream would be to stay in a family friendly hotel that offers halfboard and that's located on a beautiful beach. I'd love to rent a car for 1-2 days and explore parts of the island.

Any suggestions? Thanks!

My goodness what an exotic bunch of places you are all in! I feel quite boring in comparison. But here goes anyway!
I am in my study, where during the week I work as a self employed accountant. At the moment it is 6.15 pm and the last day before daylight saving comes in so i ve made the most of the evening light to look out on our garden where yeaterday i finally pulled out the last of the summer bedding plants and planted winter flowering pansies, so at midnight tonight it is officially winter here in my small village in Shropshire England. We have been enjoying an 'indian summer' here lately and it has been much milder than usual for the time of year so Ive been able to get out and enjoy the countryside, especially as weve been dog sitting for a friend and have taken the opportuniy to explore some of the many footpaths in the area. I'm just begining to realise how having a dog changes your perspective of where you live. This last week we've discovered places nearby that we never realised existed. He goes home tonight so I've decided that if the weather stays good this winter I will try to explore more of my surrounding countryside.
Meanwhile I'll dream of warmer days as we have six weeks to go until we fly off to Tenerife in the Canary Islands for a dose of sun and fun for Christmas and New Year. counting the days.
By the way Scarlett nice to see youre settling in to your new home.Hope pup and the Yankee are well.
Thanks for the thread lola.
CM

...I'm up the road a bit from Scarlett
in Vancouver BC, and like her I'm planning my November 6 anniversary!
We're on Year 200 - time flys when.....

Dear llamalady
congrats on your forthcoming anniversary.
I bet you know all about the winter chill in BC!
Keep smiling and knitting the thermal vests!
lots of 'bat and owl' activity tonight must be because its nearly halloween! Eerie!
BBFN
CM
CM

Hi llamalady. I am in Vancouver too, getting ready to go out to rake leaves. And no, countrymouse, it is not really cold here at the moment. Vancouver has a very temperate climate. We are getting ready to go to Edinburgh next Friday and we hope the weather be ok there too.

Dear Teabag thanks for that info
Hope you have a great time in Edinburgh, but I'd invest in some 'thermals' if I were you as Scotland can be a might chilly at this time of year.
Regards CM

What a kick this thread is. Are we all telling the truth? Countrymouse, Shropshire sounds plenty exotic to me. Where do they say "None so queer as folk"? I suppose that's the grass is always greener syndrome. Good grief, I don't even know where Sardegna is! In the old fogey department, I'm really looking forward to an extra hour of sleep tonight. Check you later. J.

llamalady, 200 years! my oh my , ain't love grand

Happy days ,Mouse!!

Hi jmw44 (or may I just call you J?)
Your not alone in your ignorance, I dont know here Sardegna is either! Well I guess we cant be gorgeous and brainy too!
I recall my old Yorkshire grandma saying 'theres nowt as queer as folk!
Which she always said when puzzled by peoples actions. could that be it?
I didnt catch where you were by the way.
I never thought of it that way, I suppose it is rather exotic here! Oo I'm an exotic shropshireite ,cool!
Yoohoo Scarlett, missing your e-mails ducks!
Bye Bye
CM
Ooer the owls are at it again, must be a fox on the prowl.

Sardegna is what the Italians call Sardinia. As for me ... still at home in Canberra. Which is an unfortunately long way from Sardegna.

It is about 1:30am on October 30th, a Sunday, in Los Angeles, CA, USA.

I'm staying with my sister at her boyfriend's house in LA. I'm still wide awake because we get an extra hour tonight, after turning our clocks back an hour again. We had dinner together and then saw the movie "Shopgirl" at Century City. It was a somewhat sad night for me, because I'm wishing my husband would see me again. I miss him and I love him so much. I would do anything to have him back in my life... forever.

Having my usual silent rant about "daylight savings" time change. I hate it! It takes some of us more than 6 months to truly adjust to the time change---and then it changes again.

Sitting in the library, watching the sun come up over the woods behind our house, surrounded by hundreds of books that must be packed if we are to move Nov. 15! I am in complete denial as I sit here and sip coffee, hoping that I will wake up on Thanksgiving Day in the new house, fully moved and decorated, ready for 40 relatives from three states. (I believe this is what they call A Cry for Help. But, no help is in sight. My mother, who has the temerity to be going to Acapulco for a wedding that week, cannot help; 2/3 of kidhelp at college up to the last moment ("sorry Mom, I have a test just before break" as if that ever stopped them from re-arranging a test if the beach was the destination); and husband who has pre-arranged and impossible to change off call time after Thanksgiving. Feeling rather sorry for myself. Sniff.

At my second floor office desk overlooking nearly all of the small city of San Miguel de Allende, the Presa Allende and the Guanajuato Mountains to the west.
The fireworks began about 05:45 CST so I'm now wide awake listening to the church bells.
M

i am in sunny praha in the shopping area of namesti republiky surrounded by lovely czech women and not so lovely czech men with dodgy moustaches.

I am in River Ridge, Lousiana, about 20 minutes from the French Quarter. It is Sunday morning, 10:15 a.m.
We are going to walk around the French Quarter today for the first time since Katrina and have some beignets and Coffee made with Chicory. We are truly blessed that all we had at home was wind damage.

marilynr - is Cafe du Monde ok?

I am at my desk in Sugar Land, Texas looking for information about my upcoming trip to Rome and Sorrento in November. There is a cool breeze coming through the open window as I look out onto into my back yard. Sugar Land is about 20 min. south of downtown Houston.
I love this web site because it has given me so much information about where to stay. Now that I have booked my room, I am in search of what to do in Rome for three days and Sorrento in 5 days. Any ideas would be wonderful.

What an interesting question...

I'm visiting Copenhagen with my husband and am right now in the lobby of the Scandic Hotel. I came to use the computer to check out the wonderful Fodor's website to get any last-minutes tidbits of info on places we should visit in the next two days. So far the info is the same as in my book, though these threads always have the best info!

hi
i am in my spare bedroom ,where the computer is,looking at fordors website planning my NZ trip which starts in 28 days
outside it's wet & cold and is now getting dark (it is england)and the leaves are blowing off the trees
but the weather does not bother me today
my family is arriving tonight for a short visit from italy.they are staying 3 days
so we will have plenty of laughter even if it rains the next 3 days it will not matter

Sitting in front of my PC obviously! its in attic conversion in my home, its raining outside and dark, but not too cold, i'm looking a flight prices for a surprise trip to either Amsterdam or Italy for my hubbys birthday next March.

A stately cubicle in a midtown New York City high rise....

enjoying a day off reflecting on our recent trip to England and Paris just last week! Fodor's travel talk has been our guide for the past two years for our trips to Europe. Couldn't have done it half as well without all of you, out there. It's cloudy and cool in Manitoba but memories and photos bring back lovely warm and fuzzy feelings.

I am a travel junkie at home in Cleveland, Ohio typing away on a desk that is actually a DOOR on top of two filing cabinets that my husband salvaged from who-knows-where doing my favorite thing--dreaming about my next big trip. He wants to buy furniture, but I told him we should never do that when we could be spending our money on exotic trips to far off lands. I'm currently fascinated with a driving trip in Ireland. Any ideas?

Doha, Qatar

Thinking about the peki-peki chicken from Nando's I had for dinner.

Right now, at my computer, at work in New York City on Park Ave. Can't wait for my trip to skiing in Austria in a few months.

Sitting at my computer in lovely Central New York in one of Syracuse's suburbs. The days are getting shorter and the leaves are really falling now. Winter can't be far off, but today was nice enough to pretend that it is spring.

My husband is in Romania, of all places, and I am at home with the pooch.

I am sitting at work looking at the first snow of the season on top of the local "mountain" (actually a very large foothill of the Rocky Mountains), contemplating how much I have to do before leaving for Seattle on Thursday. I've only recently discovered this site and am so happy to have found this community of travellers!

Rauma, Finland...although I'm from Mass. USA and only living here temporarily. Off to my yoga class with an instructor who doesn't speak English! I'm slowly learning Finnish though...

Currently typing from the Air France lounge at Paris CDG...heading to Amsterdam shortly and then on to Cairo. US citizen traveling abroad on business.

Experienced no riots on this trip.

my bedroom in New Jersey USA

i'm at work, the final minutes of the workday. i'm in my office, looking at the heaps of documents i have to classify now that a nine year long building project has come to an end... it is already dark outside, first day of foggy cold weather over here. winter is coming nearer. i feel it in my bones...

I am at my desk at work in Austin, Texas (High of 85 today - what??!). I found this site because I am planning a 2 week backpacking trip to Europe in January, my first trip out of the US! I am thrilled to see all the helpful posters here - I know their advice will save me oodles of trouble.

I am also at my desk in Austin Texas.
Marzipan I hope you're not my boss in the next office!

I am at home in lovely Cold Spring, New York across from Westpoint. Usually, I post from work in NYC but we were all told to get off the internet - YIKES!! But at least there is a nice glass of vino involved here.

I am in my living room in rainy Reston, Virginia. It will start getting cold tomorrow. I went to Paris in May 2005 and am planning another trip. I read the guidebooks and surf the travel sites all the time. I read the guidebooks on the subway to and from work.

I am in my closet. Well more specifically I am in my ex-husband's old closet. But since he is persona non grada around here (to say the least) - I have turned it into a mini-office. On the wall is a puzzle of beach scenes from the 1000 Places to See Before You Die series. To my right are all my travel books. Below my feet are the bills I should be paying. To the left of me are the resumes I should be sending out so I might get a job to pay the bills below so that I could travel to the places on the right. But instead I'm wandering on the computer in front of me.

In my office across the street from the state capitol in Madison Wisconsin. It's about 10 degrees out there and there's snow on the ground; the trees are bare. Less than 2 weeks ago I was at a wedding in Seville drinking wine in the sunshine; the trees were laden with oranges. But in Spain there's no ice fishing...

My perennial garden at home is under 2 inches of snow cover--I dug up my calla lily bulbs right after we returned from spain... just in time!

Right now checking out all the trolls on this thread.

lol, tondalaya!
I liked your answer on the Where do you live thread

In the bathroom Los Banos, California
actually at work in Los Banos.

SAN JOSE, CALIFORNIA....it almost hit 80 degrees today on November 17. Gonna be another great California winter!

I'm in front of my lovely apple in chilly Brussels

I'm in cold and wet Hartford, Connecticut USA, dreading going in to work in the morning...........

I'm at the local Honda Service while my '86 hatchback (42 mpg, I'll keep it till it won't go anymore) gets its quarterly check-up. Usually, I bring a stack of teacher stuff to work through, but ah-ha, now I have a laptop with T-mobile wireless, so au revoir, productivity. This is super. So what if I return to school Monday farther behind than I left. J.

In the lovely and warm "deep South" USA. Just about ready to leave work and start the corn bread dressing for the "Bird". Happy Thanksgiving to all in the USA!

In the bitterly cold (-1 C) Derby, England - Breadsall Priory Hotel & Country Club.

Happy (American) Thanksgiving! I'm in Wichita with family.