Nywoman

Have been away from Fodor's too long, This debate is hilarious. Two Teachers love your story and the African Tale. I feel very fortunate in that I have never considered a commercial tour. However I can certainly sympathize and understand, "I'll take the tour and do stuff on my own, if my condition interferes with the tour"

I am 74 with a not too successful knee replacement. Nobody would ever accuse me of being skinny, as I climb the subway stairs in NYC, I curse the person who designed them, while I try to catch my breath.

Am off to Montenegro, Bulgaria and Romania in a couple of weeks by myself which is my way of traveling.

Two Teachers you sound as if you would make a good traveling companion as long as we don't do couch surfing.

rhkkmk

I have not read every word, but I find this all soooo bizarre...

as one who has some trouble getting around, I do understand the issues, but I also take suggestions from others and use of common sense... you I fear do not do this... if you walk with a cane, must take zillions of pictures and cannot keep up, what ever made you think you should participate in a fast moving tour---which they all are??

it also seems like your husband was the one to be talking to about this not strangers on a public website?? or your daughter??

I also did not see anyplace where you explained exactly what your issues are??

irishface

Twoteachers, Thanks for your August 12 update. I am glad that things worked out for you. Your memories sound so positive. I hope that you will share your reflection on Auschwitz. Any link to your pictures?

Cathinjoetown

Interesting post, rhkkmk. Your own travel tip is to "talk to people" which is what this forum is for.

Sometimes family are the last people you want to turn to.

twoteachers

Nyoman, I would love to travel with you, and i hope you have a wonderful time on your upcoming trip.
Rhkkmk,thanks for jumping in cold at this late point. I wasn't going to bother to answer because you seem to have already made up your mind. I have been maligned for not understanding about tours, and it is true I did not understand, although I'm not sure I deserve to be maligned for this. So I am on said tour and having a major tour-related issue. Neither my husband or daughter has ever been on a tour, so I did not see them as resources for how to handle a GCT situation. My husband thinks travel is stupid and my daughter has 3 babies and her father in law died while I was gone, so excuse me, for not choosing to worry her. You know what they say about assuming you know everything....
I was seeking "suggestions from others," and weighed them and followed some. I could not have followed all, since many were contradictory. I contend I would not have managed to finish the weeks on my own and also enjoy them without a healthy dose of common sense. Anyway, you're right, why would i listen to strangers?

latedaytraveler

TWOTEACHERS, just wondering - how is your knee/mobility since returning home? Better, I hope....

twoteachers

Latedaytraveler, Thanks for asking. I have not used either knee braces or cane since i have been home as i also did not before i left except very occasionally as the greatly increased walking exacerbated all my issues. I do think i am still stiffer since before i left but improving. I am already trying to figure out another trip, independent next time.

twoteachers

One more thing.... I posted a trip report about my Africa trip in 2006. I had not looked at it in a long time, but looked just this week because some of you were reading it, although no one posted there. Here at the end was a post from an Ethiopian in Dec 2013 saying he liked my report and inviting me to come back with two free tours and a place to stay. I was really touched at his interest and noted it was his one and only post ever on Fodors. I did google him, wrote and received a very nice reply. Some of my friends on Facebook where i mentioned it reacted the way I did, but one very cautious soul said it was just a scam and beware.... i did love Et and would love to return but it will not happen any time soon. What would you think of an offer like his?

Christina

I just read it and the person did sound sincere and as if they really read your report. I think it could be a scam but in various ways (ie, the person wants you for a contact to try to emigrate--I've been to Egypt and every guy and his brother wanted to get yoru name and address for that reason--there are some strings to the free excursions, just like those scam free vacations people win, that makes them cost more than just buying them would, etc.).

Since you aren't going back any time soon, what difference does it make? Personally, there isn't any way in the world I would stay in the home of a total stranger, anyway. So if I were going back, I might go and then meet up with this tour company and see if the free tours were legit, but no way in H would I stay with someone for 2 weeks I didn't know. I wouldn't really do either because I don't need to get free stuff that way and would rather plan stuff myself.

suze

<What would you think of an offer like his?>

I would ignore it.

NewbE

The Internet creates the illusion of intimacy. I would not trust a complete stranger, but there's no harm in being polite to the guy, as you have been, since you do not plan to take him up on his offer.

AlessandraZoe

"The Internet creates the illusion of intimacy"

I agree, NewbE. You nailed it. Nevertheless, TT, there are a bunch of us here who really mean it when we say we are part of your intimate fan club.
AZ

lauren_s_kahn

I just got back from Poland, Belarus, Istanbul and Stockholm and enjoyed catching up here.

Gretchen

at the end was a post from an Ethiopian in Dec 2013 saying he liked my report and inviting me to come back with two free tours and a place to stay. I was really touched at his interest and noted it was his one and only post ever on Fodors

Puhleeze. You HAVE had a Nigerian promising you a ton of money if you "only help me get to my bank" in an email haven't you.

janisj

>>What would you think of an offer like his?<<

Actually you only saw his post because the monitors don't see it first. If that had it almost certainly would have been deleted because his company name/screen name are the same.