Hi Mina<BR><BR>I haven't been on as much and the indexing is down - what is going on with your plans, how exciting!! Have you decided when and where, how is the job sitch? <BR><BR>keep us posted! I will try your email address sometime soon, whether I hear back from you here or not...<BR><BR>

Hi flygirl...<BR><BR>The job sitch is that I'm pretty sure I'm quitting. I will stay if they triple my salary. (currently when I cash my check, the teller throws change at me. OK, it's not that bad...I make good money, but there comes a time when you just need to lickety split.)<BR><BR>Thanks for inquiring...I've been traveling a lot this summer for work (currently writing from Boston). A few more weeks, and it's off to Ireland for me. Somewhere between now and then, I have to secure an apartment in...<BR><BR>Barcelona and Florence!<BR><BR>That's what I have decided. A month in each, maybe more. Who knows. I'm going to fly by the seat of my pants. "Architecture on acid" (how my friend puts it) and naked statues of men call to me...and I must oblige!

Flygirl,<BR><BR>I forgot to mention last night that your description of Venice on the off season was great...it's exactly how I want to see Venice. I will check into your book recommendation as well.<BR><BR>Thanks to you and everyone else who helped me decide (on the other threads I posted).

wonderful! you will love World of Venice.<BR><BR>I would aso recommend Iberia by James Michener, for your trip to Barcelona.<BR><BR>Florence, let me think on it re: book recommendations. Just be primed to come home with LOTS of leather! I went nuts there, several pairs of shoes, luggage and purses for me & my family, coats, you name it! amazing...<BR><BR>Ireland sounds mighty fine too. Where are you off to?<BR><BR>just sent you an email as well, and I wanna say you GO girl!!

Mina,<BR><BR>I think you will be happy with your choices of destinations. I'm happy I was able to help you narrow it down. Email me if you have any other questions as the time approaches. I assume you still have my address.<BR><BR>russ

flygirl:<BR><BR>If you sent me an email today, can you resend? I didn't get it, but I deleted a slew of spam today. This isn't my primary address, but one I set up for internet stuff. I hope I didn't delete your email!<BR><BR>Thanks for all your book recommendations! I admit, I was a bit surprised to find my "name" as a fodors post heading (I generally like to fly under the radar) but I know how it is to get excited about helping people with their trips and being curious on the status of them. I'm delighted that you were interested in helping me out more.<BR><BR>I am doing the Southwest of Ireland. It should be very interesting...I'm hoping I come out of it without running over an innocent farm animal...<BR><BR>Russ...thanks for all your help. You were so nice that I'm convinced I should go to the So Cal GTG (if it ever happens) to meet you in person! I do have your email address, and I will certainly email if I have questions. I was so "beat" after doing research on WHERE to go, that I stopped researching where to stay. I have to get my butt in gear and find an apartment soon. If you have any good ideas, let me know. I still definitely have my heart set on visiting Lucca...your first suggestion.<BR><BR>Cheers,<BR>Mina

Mina - done - check your email again...