OK, so maybe there are only two threads, and I'm just losing it.

I do remember that you changed your name to Bostob (or was it Botsob?).

when all of the plans are made, i will start yet another thread with the full story...

betsy---just ask the camel (elephant) what the plans are...

yes, it is the same residence inn (norwood/canton). i spoke to them today and they are sending me a contract... all rooms have been completely renovated (although they did not need it) as has the lounge..


karen and i did the friday night menu today and i think that you will like it, if not, mcdonalds is about 2 miles...
sadly new price too--$125. i think..

i forgot to say that i also send a personal e-mail to all past attendees with all the details..

I just want to thank Bob and Karen for doing all the work of planning this GTG, and considering the preferences (and budgets) of those coming from near and far. And they do it with grace, good humor, and competence.

Taconic... so happy to read that you are planning to be there again. Is the camel coming with? Is it a travelling trophy, somewhat like the Americas Cup? lol

CW I agree with your comments...especially the "good humor" one. The BOS GTG (where ever it is held) is always a fun/funny time! There is no place I'd rather be for Columbus Day weekend than with my fodors family.

The $125 that Bob has spoken about above in the Hotel price, not the cost of dinner at our house. The opportunity for each of us to share our travel experiences is what the GTG is all about. This can be done in or out of Boston. In an effort to make the weekend more affordable ( and we do recognize it is not cheap) we have moved to the burbs. It is not that far into Boston if people want to take advantage of the historical and cultural events.

Karen, is that $125 the group rate? I booked the other day and I think I am paying $139? I'll have to look. In any case, I'll call and ask for our group's rate to save a few bucks.

I am happy to be going back to Norwood! Driving in Boston is a little hairy - we've also driven in lots of large cities and the only more difficult one was London!

The main attraction to us - as first time attendees last year and the thing we are looking forward to the most is talking to and getting to know Fodorites - we'll save the sightseeing for another time.

I know this event takes a lot of time and energy to plan, so thank you to Bob and Karen for taking it on again!

Wish we could make it this year.....maybe next. Good luck and have a great time. We will miss you all!

Aloha!

i do not have the contract yet, but i believe the contract rate will be $125. for the hotel..

HI, you could come for the weekend, you don't have to be in japan until the 25th...

"Maybe next year..." I've heard that before!! (that's what the Chicago Cubs fans say every year)

Simpson: I believe it is only fitting that it be a "traveling" award, don't you?

And it should intrigue first-timers (who have not yet encountered the legendary Kimball hospitality) and give them that extra impetus to come.

Who wouldn't want to have a great weekend AND go home with a trophy?

I have to say it will be a sad and difficult moment to part with my prize.

Taconic... keep a stiff upper lip there.... At least you will be confident that it is going to a good home (for the next year). What a grand trophy it is!!! It'd make anyone proud to put on display.

<i>that's what the Chicago Cubs fans say every year</i>

Sigh....

Oops, hit submit too fast (we need an edit function!). I meant to add, it's tough being a Cubs fan.

I actually was searching airfares today for this GTG. It was more fun than working. Maybe I'll make an impulse purchase soon!

Oh, do make reservations soon, ms_go. it would be great to see you both again.

taconictraveler: it's good that you're driving and don't have to carry your trophy on the plane. Or not--it might prompt some interesting conversation. Great that you're returning.

mr_go I saw a fare of under $200 for ORD-MHT (that's Manchester NH, which I prefer over BOS) so I grabbed it! Hope you'll do the same. I rent my car and drive down to the Boston burbs.

Should have addressed that to MS_go, not mr....sorry!

You can also fly into Providence RI....much closer than Manchester NH.

I am pleased to confirm that we will be returning to the Olivadi Restaurant in Norwood, MA for our GTG luncheon. There was universal praise last year for our experience there and I was able to have them open the restaurant to us again (normally closed for sat. lunch).

so our line-up is the following:

Friday night informal dinner at Karen and Bob's, Needham, MA-- 6PM.
Official hotel: Marriott Residence Inn, Norwood/Canton, MA
Saturday GTG, Olivadi Restaurant, Norwood, MA-- 11AM
Saturday Dinner, Jasper White's Summer Shack, Dedham, MA--TBA

Shortly, I will send out an email to those for whom I have an address, and then in late May I will start a new "official" thread about the GTG and place it on all Fodor's sites.

Remember, this is the Premier of Fodor's GTGs---- we have the most fun and the best food--- my neighbors are still talking about the wine bottles they found in their bushes after last year's friday soiree...


the only thing left to do is selecting a talking topic for attendees---suggestions?? 2 min. or less!!!