nancy

To RobK <BR>Don't worry, I always use sunscreen. <BR>I remember the days before there was sunscreen, and being fair skinned, it resulted in many childhood sunburns! <BR>To Sandi Hanson <BR>I realize going nude would result in more attention. <BR>It would also cause my children to hyperventilate. <BR>That is not what I am after. <BR>I am looking to be comfortable and have a good time. <BR>And to remain sunburn-free. <BR>Thanks <BR>Nancy

Jonathan

You can go to a tanning salon to cure the entire problem of burning and the pink and white headlights. It works wonders and will get the big boys ready for action!

nancy

Jonathon, <BR>Don't go to tanning salons. <BR>Too much sun no good regardless of where it comes from. <BR>As to "get the big boys ready for action" <BR>????????? <BR>Don't have any big boys here. <BR>Nancy

John

Nancy...(is this the SAME Nancy concerned about speaking Italian???). I sense that you are terrible concerned about what people, AND your children, might think. I suggest that if you're THAT concerned, wear a tankini, as somwone suggested. I am reminded of a Japanese girl, traveling alone in Mykonos, who went nude to a beach and was so worried about what everyone thought that, not paying attnetion, she fell off a rather large rock and was quite shaken up. Prior to that, no one payed any attention to her.

Al

Nancy, <BR>It really is all about how you feel about others seeing you as you are- wrinkles, sags, curves, and all... <BR> <BR>Esme- interesting post. You would support Nancy's freedom to hang it out, but you chide Jonathan for exposing his 'wobbly bits' (so clinical). Hmmm, I may not like seeing saggy, wrinkly yabos. I think I'll get back to my Playboy. <BR> <BR>ciao.

Kristin

Just returned from France. On beaches on the Riviera I saw all kind of suits on women of all ages. Most were not topless, but some were. Saw no one nude. Don't think it is allowed. The closest was a very rare thong-only type bottom. The interesting thing was that no one seemed to pay any attention to anyone else, no gawking, etc. The toplessness was fairly discreet. Most who were topless lying on the beach, put on their tops to go in the water. Not all, but most. It seemed to be a very individual decision, because you might see four twenty-somethings together and maybe two would be topless and two not. All appearing to be completely comfortable with their decisions. Seemed pretty healthy to me (conservative, midwestern, pushing-60 woman!). <BR> <BR>

Esme

Thanks for your reply Nancy - hope you reach your decision with much mirth yet to come! <BR> <BR>Sorry, guys if the "wobbly" reference disgruntled you at all - just my opinion, a nice bum in tight jeans, hmmm, gorgeous, long, tanned legs, mmmm, but then I'm getting off the travel subject!! <BR> <BR>Nancy, checkout about the beaches in the Naples area, I went to Sorrento and that area quite a few years ago and the beaches weren't overly recommended, but they may have changed. The scenery, however, was something else - somewhere I definitely plan to return to. <BR> <BR>Esme

Wilma

My headlights were on bright the whole time and got burned badly. I was turned on big time. It's ashamed we can't just show it all off over here like the Europeans do. I love to go over there and just let it all hang out like the locals. By the way-I sure did notice the men looking at me. What do you mean no one was gawking-that depends on who it is with them hanging out.

nancy

John, Esme, Wilma: <BR>John, yes ,one and the same. <BR>Maybe I do seem as if I care what people/children think. <BR>It really is more of a matter of not presenting myself as an obnoxious out-of -countryer(I live in Vermont,have for many decades, and nothing we hate here more than obnoxious out-of -staters) <BR>As far as bathing suit issue, I equate that to maybe walking around a Muslim country or an Orthodox Jewish neighborhood in hot pants and a tube top (not that I even own something like that) <BR>I am not at too self-conscious even these days in my late 40's. <BR>After all I swam until my mid 30's without any bathing suit at all . <BR>My children have seen me with and without clothes on ever since they were born, and it is starting to bothere my teen-age son,so I try to be aware of his feelings now. <BR>Plus what children ,pre-teen and teen aren't embarrassed by their parents?! <BR>Esme, <BR>Thanks for the beach tips, but we are actually thinking of the area north of there, I have great leads on a few beaches that are supposed to be lovely, and mainly places that Germans and Italians vacation at. <BR>I just can't decide on which town/beach/hotel.But I do not view it as a dilemna at all.In fact this planning is great fun! <BR>Wilma, <BR>I hope your parts recovered without too much pain! <BR>Thanks all. <BR>Nancy <BR>

Sally

I just got back from the french riviera and Wow-they know how to hang it out there! It was great. I got lots of looks too since I still look pretty good for my age of 42. I wore nothing but a skimpy gold thong the whole time on the beach and felt very comfy. No body I saw put on any tops to go into the water. They let it all hang out and even strip down naked on the beach to put on their swimsuits in front of everyone. They could care less over there. I saw some 65+ year olds going topless. Don't worry about it and if you don't mind your kids seeing you and all the others out there-go for it if it feels good!

nancy

Thanks Sally for the support, and the latest topless news. <BR>I am fairly confident at this point that I will definately not offend anyone by wearing a two piece!! <BR>And if I so feel inclined, off will come the top,and on will go the sunscreen. <BR>Nancy