There are certain people before whom we stand up a bit straighter, speak more thoughtfully, behave more considerately. Along with informed advice and gentle inspiration, Mr. Haines, you enrich us at Fodors by example.

Welcome back, sir! May your legs soon heal, your toes cool, and your spirit prevail.

Your message was wecomed indeed. So many nice people assist in this forum but you have gone above and beyond so many times to get specific information for people; and you have traveled so extensively that you can help just about everyone. Know that we all wish you the best and look forward to hearing of your new adventures.

Ben Haines, best wishes for a complete recovery.

I have done more reading than posting on this forum, but I always look forward to your informed posts.

Mr. Haines,
Welcome back and best wishes!

Welcome back :D
May you have many travels to come!

My dear Mr. Haines!

I am so happy to see that you are recovering, able to use your bicycle (somewhat!) and that you have returned to us safe & sound.

I will never forget your grand kindness in helping me with my first trip to London (actually, my very first trip anywhere outside of the U.S.) and our lovely e-mail exchanges.

I would still love to meet up with you for afternoon tea my next trip to London (tentatively around Christmas).

In greatest admiration,
Mary Connolly

Mr. Haines. As soon as I saw your name in the headline I thought a good read was in store. So sory to learn of your health and connectivity problems. Delighted that the latter is resolved. I've enjoyed reading you over the years, and have saved your London advice for my coming trip. Thank you.

Ben:

Hope you are up and about soon.

Thank you for your generous and sound advice -- our London expert!

Perhaps you need the warm weather in Hawaii to recuperate!

Aloha!

It IS great to have you once more on line, Ben ... kudos to Fodors for whatever they did to make it happen. This site needs YOUR ideas, regardless of whether YOU travel. Stay well!!!

Mr. Haines, I am sorry you have been ill, but I am glad to hear you are recovering. I enjoy reading all of your posts, and your advice and perspective are invaluable.

Mr. Haines, wanted to thank you for your advice on James & Cartref House. I was sitting in my hotel room in Munich two weeks ago Friday with a 15:00 flight to London and no idea of where to stay. Read your post, called them up, reserved a room, owners were very laid back (I'm from San Francisco so we use that term a lot). Got a great room and loved the neighborhood. Thanks again.

Hello Ben and welcome back!
I work as a health care professional in Kent, and about 70% of my patient contacts are with people with leg ulcers and associated problems with their circulation; (it can be very debilitating and painful, 'icthecat', not a minor problem!). I can fully sympathise with your situation. Once you feel a bit better, working those pedals will do wonders for your circulation!
Get well soon!

Boy this thread has lead to emotional shifts. So sorry abouth your illness and inability to log on this site (the horror) and then to read you are in recovery (wonderful).

Your posts are always full of insight and knowledge -- something we should all aspire to.

Best wishes and a speedy recovery.

Mr. Haines,

I wish you a speedy recovery and happy travels again soon! I always enjoy reading your posts. Your information is always on the spot! I picture you in my mind as the "perfect British gentleman!

One more belated word of cheers to Mr. Haines.
I first remember reading your posts on another board in 1999 before we took a trip to London.
Your advice and comments were very important to me and I did make copious notes about the tube connections, train connections, pubs close to our hotel.
I remember that I had asked about the steps at the Earls Court tube and the next email that I received from you, you had gone there and checked out the whole neighborhood. Not only did you tell me about the steps at the tube station, you told me the location of the ATM machines and where to buy sandwiches and biscuits.
I was amazed at the time that you would take the time to do this for a stranger and then to report with such detail.
I also want to apologize to you because I did take offense at something that you said and wrote back abruptly ending our corresondence. That was childish of me and I am sorry.
Then when I saw you on Fodor's, I asked more questions and you very graciously answered them again.
You have provided invaluable help and assistance so graciously for a number of years to so many of us.
Thank you, Mr. Haines and please continue to improve your health - as you provide a unique contribution.