I sure hope my husband isn't reading this. We leave for Rome in two weeks and even though I pack light, when we return my suitcase will sit on our bedroom floor for days and days because I hate to unpack. Hopefully he won't read the stinky cheese idea!

Dear Kopp and Postal, I did forget to mention that the suitcase, while empty, it still hasn't been put back in the attic. Tomorrow is another day!! I am so excited for you both to be going to Rome. I would return there in a flash.
If you decide to buy a bag, I would suggest using Fodorite advice and look at Furla. My daughter's bag cost 250 Euro, asked for the paperwork at the store (got the VAT back on the spot in the airport). She took her new Furla bag to the store in NYC and the salesperson told her there is a waiting list for her bag (a magazine style editor also wants it) and it retails for $500. By the way, it is called a Farrah bag, but not the model on the Furla cover. That one is huge, even for my daughter's standards, and she loves large bags. She got a more rectangular shape. Her cousin calls it a Mary Poppins bag becasue so many things can come out of it.

Also I wanted to mention, if I haven't already about a restaurant I had lunch in. It is called Hosteria Constanza. My hotel recommended it, but I also just found it mentioned in a Gourmet Magazine March 2003 issue today. You are literally dining in the ruins of the anxient Theater of Pompey. "It recalls the glory days of Rome. The restaurant hsa good food, too. The house antipasto and the farro soup with shellfish are superb." It is located at Piazza Paradiso 63-65. Check for closing day.

Also mentioned in Gourmet, but I never tried, but wanted to is Ditirambo. It says "it is the area's most popular restaurants. Ditirambo charms with a combination of casual convivial atmosphere and first rate food. The vegetarian selections are particularly good. Piazza della Cancelleria 74/75" It is also mentioned in many guidebooks. Can't wait to hear about everyone's experience. Lisa

Oh Lisa, the empty suitcase waiting to go up in the attic, yes I can relate to that too!!

BTW, thank you for asking about my grandson. It evidently was a virus and not something more serious medical wise as his Dad got it to and was in bed all weekend. The blood workup results had me so worried. Again, thanks for your concern and prayers. They are very appreciated.

And Kopp you must be so excited. I am still "working" on when I will go back to Italy. A friend there asked me the other day "when are you coming home to Italy", too sweet. Have a beautiful trip!

I have to ask this, but am i going crazy? I see special airfare for places and I am so tempted to make reservations. I just had two separate and wonderful trips to Italy, and I am going to the Carribean on a cruise in July. What is my problem? I don't even want to know what we spent in Italy, but I can imagine.(But don't care, after all when you die you can't take it with you)

About the Carribean cruise. I am kind of a reluctant, captive vacationer. The Carribean in the summer, yuck! Any advise to help me get in the mood? I am going with extended family, a cousin reunion, but it is the fact that my DH and two daughters will be with me, is the important fact. My daughters are not babies anymore and the clock is ticking regarding future travel with them. I know I should look at it as a time to be together.(But I'd rather be touring Europe!) Lisa

I am still cruising the Fodor's Forum, so I guess you could say I am addicted. Happily so. Of course the housework isn't getting done. Last night DH and I made pasta with one of the spices bought in the market at Campo Di Fiori. It was Arrabi something or other. You know, the spicy one. When my DH tasted it he was shocked it was so spicy. He said your dish that you loved so much wasn't spicy. I said I had the Bucatina Amatricana, which is with pancetta bacon. It is a completely different dish. So DH said, why did we buy this? I said "because you wanted to". Oh well...

Loveitaly, I hope your family is feeling better. I know how I get when something goes wrong. When my daugther was a little girl, around 2 years of age, she one day stopped walking and said she couldn't walk. I took her immediately to the pediatrician, who examined her and told me to take her to the emergency room of the hospital. He was concerned she might have a hip infection. She got blood work done, and everything came back normal. As soon as we got home from the hospital she started walking again, and she said "It's a miracle!". We laughed and we cried. Now she is 21!

My DH just called from work and told me he took over 4,000 digital pictures from our trip! He said he is tweaking them. I am sure they will be magnificent!