Do you know Elvira?
 

Is she as funny in person as she is on the Fodors board.<BR><BR>We love you Elvira!!!!

Actually, and I do so hate to burst your bubble, but the name Elvira is an alias for Bubba, a fat, greasy haired recluse that has never, ever, ever traveled outside his home state of Alabama. Sad but true.

She doesn't look at all like the image some people seem to have of her appearance.

No, she doesn't; but I have met her, hee in Scotland and she is a lovely funny witty peson. thanks for asking

Did she smoke when with you? I'd be afraid to meet her because she seems to be a militant smoker and it might be awkward to be indoors someplace with her so I would avoid a GTG with her. But maybe I'm wrong..

Elvira isn't her real name. It's Thelma Aucoin and she was born in France to a French father and an American mother who was a dancer at a club in Paris. The had a stormy relationship and when Elvira was 4 her mother left France and brought her to New York City. She auditioned for and became a Rockette and little Thelma was placed in the care of French nannies. They had a strong influence on her, primarily introducing her to unfiltered European cigarettes ( Sieta ) at the age of 12. She has to this day been unable to stop smoking these. Her sense of humor was developed by the exposure to the comedians who performed at Rockefeller center. She would entertain them backstage with her amateur magic tricks and they loved the little girl with pigtails and the Sieta unfiltered hanging from her lips. <BR><BR>To be continued.....

Her name is not Thelma.It is Francoise and she was stolen from her parents by a nanny and the family chauffer.They were on the run for years, trying to keep ahead of the gendarmes, the parents never giving up,hoping to get their little Francoise back again.But sadly,her parents died and the nanny and the chauffer were so poor from running and hiding that they had to leave her with strangers at a hotel in NYC. These people were very kind and loved the beautiful little girl.Sending her to the best schools, telling her that she was so smart,that she could do anything she wanted to and when they died they left money to her in a trust fund.Francoise had always had this longing for France and all things French.<BR>So as soon as she was out of college, off she went.She lived in a small flat in Paris, walked all over the city each day,learning the neighborhoods, practicing her French,until it seemed that she had never left.<BR>Sadly,she never knew that she was in the city of her birth.<BR>When she came back to the US after a tragic love affair, she decided to go to work and do something for others, and travel as much as she could.<BR>To be continued:

Her real name is Cosette and she was born to a poor but beautiful mother in a small village in southwestern France. Her mother died at an early age and Cosette had to live with some really nasty people named Th&eacute;nardier. They weren't very nice to her but a kind and gentle man, who had befriended her mother, came to take her away from the misery of the Th&eacute;nardiers. His name was Jean Val Jean. He was a wealthy man and he gave young Cosette all the advantages including an education in Paris. There was something always mysterious about him though. <BR><BR>To be continued.....

Doesn't she wear a tiara?

Elvira attended 2 of my So Cal GTG's and yes she is very witty.<BR>

I met Elvira in Quebec City last summer and she was not only lovely but yes, very funny in person. <BR><BR>

Do you mean "know" in the Biblical sense??? If so, shame on you!!!

Didn't the Oak Ridge Boys do a song about her?<BR><BR>US

<BR>So our young Francoise is working hard during the days,taking care of her home and her cat.She has friends and they all love her.She travels whenever she can and loves to go to out of the way places, not the usual tourist fare.She decides that with all the traveling that she does,that she should share her knowledge and experiences with others with similar interests.But there is no where for her to do this.<BR>The years go by, Francoise grows a little older, a little wiser, but remains beautiful in the ways that all women would like to be beautiful.She has a kind heart, a sense of humor and is always willing to help someone,she is smart also.And forgiving.<BR>Then one day, planning another trip, she is looking at travel sites on her computer when she finds Fodors.They have some pretty decent travel guides,so she decides to browse,see if there is something new for her.And she discovers Travel Talk! Bonanza!! She can exchange information with other like minded travelers.She writes witty trip reports, and not only helps people by giving good information but she is amusing.<BR>Of course as in all aspects of life, there is always someone that doesn't like this.So annoying and unpleasant things are said.But , to many people reading at this site, it is a relief to see that Francoise,now Elvira,continues to travel and to share her travel stories with us.<BR>The End.<BR>although not really because she is still travelling and will hopefully still write about it.<BR>

I knew Elvira. Elvira was a friend of mine... and you're no Elvira! :o)

I met Elvira and yes, the Oak Ridge Boys were so taken with her that they had to write that song. It's all true!!

Years later, the nanny (now a housekeeper) and chauffeur found positions with a charming baron in poor health. Elvira was just his type, and he was staying in Paris while she was doing her cooking course. Because the former kidnappers were afraid she'd recognize them, however, they took pains to see that the baron and Elvira never met.<BR>So Elvira, that's why that plan didn't work out. It was a conspiracy.

Elvira must have touched one or two hearts, for she seems to be moulded in the form some perceive for themselves. Since the real Elvira is accorded such value, perhaps we should take time to learn more about the actual person. Are you there, Elvira, or on one of your great trips? Sign in, please.

A little over a year ago, Elvira (real name Marna) emailed me and said since she was going to be visiting her "parental unit" in Ft. Lauderdale, perhaps we could meet for lunch. We did so. Her mother was astounded that she would set up a meeting with someone she had met over the internet but when Elvira told her we were meeting at Mark's Las Olas -- a very classy place -- her mother decided it must be OK. We met for lunch, shared a lot of travel experiences, had a few glasses of wine, and the next thing we knew the restaurant was chasing us out to set up for dinner. She is indeed a classy and witty person, with great travel ideas and experiences. I still marvel at her stories about the group of "loons" renting the boat and living on it in Venice!!!<BR>We were also delighted to meet up with her again when we attended an LA Fodorite picnic at Art Hussey's, last summer. Marna flew in for the day from Phoenix.

Elvira -<BR><BR>I have seen some of your postings and found them to be insightful, informative and very funny. So Elvira I thank you for amusing me as you have these past months. <BR><BR>Do you think some of these posters are making up those stories about your past?? lol!! <BR><BR>We would all love a response from "THE REAL ELVIRA."<BR><BR>