BRR

Thanks again, I am getting very excited, and your information is both a comfort and adding to the excitement! I'm so glad I discovered the fodorites, although I'm probably spending a little too much time here!
I can't believe I ever planned a trip before without it, so much great information.

olive_oil

Tiff:

I used your idea to have a "secret pocket" sewn into the inside of my coat. Worked great! Thank you.

Olive Oil

LoveItaly

Secret pocket Tiff, I think I am going to have that done with a older but beautiful coat I own and if all goes well I will have that down with the new one I just purchased. Great idea!

Tiff

BRR ~ Nahhhhhh! There is no such thing as "too much time spent on Fodor's" trust me, I know that which I speak of, ha.

Olive Oil ~ You sweetheart! Thank you for letting me know that the secret pocket worked. I am delighted it suited your needs and truly appreciate you sharing that with me. I have received so many good ideas on this website, it makes you happy to know someone used one of your own wacko concepts, lol. All of our little private idiosyncrasies, it is fun to share them amongst friends, isn't it?

Dearest LoveItaly ~ Honey, I have turned to you so many times for advice and wisdom, if I could I would come out there and sew that little secret pocket in your coat myself to repay you!

Safe travels all.

LoveItaly

Oh Tiff, how I wish you could come out here! What fun that would be.

Question?? Did you have the pocket made big enough to hold your passport? And what type of material did you have used for the pocket? Thanks sweetie.

Tiff

My tailor used a silk material similar to the lining of my coat. She used a velcro piece to close it that is on the inside of the pocket and not able to be seen. It was quite easy to reach inside an grab whatever was needed. One word of caution though, make sure not to use too big of a piece of velcro, because if the lining is a delicate fabric, it might tear. I have had mine for a year now, and it is pulling a bit. DG's is fine because his lining was a sturdy cotton. Perhaps a button, or zipper would be better to use as a closure? Or just be careful when pulling pocket open, I should love the security of the velcro.

Yes, dear friend, good thinking, we actually had out passports in mind when choosing the size of the pocket and fitted them big enough to hold if we so desired.

Cin, cin!

Tiff

oops, that should be DH's not DG's (ha)

BRR

ok, I'm still lurking...I love the secret pocket idea!!! I am almost thinking of cutting up (!) my Rick Steve's silk moneybelt and sewing it inside my jacket. I have this ex-officio cardigan with a secret sleeve zipper, which was great for a mild weather trip, but won't be enough "cover" for a December/January trip.Rats, I just mailed my daughter her winter coat today, I should have sewn a secret pocket into it first!

Tiff

Hi BRR, since you are 'still lurking' (lol) I wanted to share a link to one of my favorite Fodor's threads. The entire thread provides a great check off list on what you need to do before you travel, etc:
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34648432

You won't forget a thing if you review that thread, ha!

Enjoy.

LoveItaly

Thanks Tiff! I appreciate your instructions and think an inside pocket is a great idea. I know my DH had some blazers with inside pockets, his Italian tailor in SF did this for him. Sadly he is retired so I will have to see who I can find here or in SF that could do this without ruining my coats. Hugs!!

Tiff

topping for ahammer

Tim_and_Liz

topping because it is my favorite trip report ever....

This is the second time I have read this, Tiff, and it is truly enchanting.

My favorite comment was from your time in the Duomo: "We step inside and my DH says out loud, “Wow.” His ‘wow’ actually echoes throughout her like a freight train and I have one of those private married giggles. His amazement is childlike and so very precious and I love him so much. "

My DH does similar things sometimes, and I have a 'private married giggle' to myself as well.

Thanks again for taking the time to write this report--almost a year ago!

Liz

Tiff

I am humbled, thank you very much Liz.

BRR

Tiff, Just in case you check this thread again soon, I just want to thank you for your advice and I will keep re-reading this trip report to re-live my visit ito Venice! We absolutely did love the Laconda Orseola in Venice, and your description of the family there is so "on target". They were wonderful. The packing tips thread you pointed me to was great, I never did get around to sewing a pocket inside of my coat, I still love that idea. I probably won't get around to a trip report; the reports here are so entertaining and detailed and I don't think I'll find the time. Maybe the NEXT time I visit Italy! Keep warm, and again, thanks for helping make our trip extra special. Bonnie

Tiff

Hi Bonnie

I am so happy that your trip to Italy was wonderful and that you enjoyed your stay in Venice at Locanda Orseolo. They are special people indeed.

Your sentiments about my trip report are so kind. Our journey was so enhanced due to trip reports from Fodor's.

One year ago today my DH and I were on a train from Florence to Venice (sigh!)

My best wishes to you, and if you ever get to type out a report, it doesn't have to be long. Restaurant highlights and hotel reviews are very valuable!

Take care, Tiff

starrsville

topping in celebration of Tiff's upcoming Italia trip

Tim_and_Liz

Tiff, you're heading back? I am so jealous! I can't wait to read your future trip report

Safe Travels!

Liz

P_M

Tiffy, I'm so glad this came to the top again. I don't know what in the heck I was doing in Feb '06 that caused me to miss this, surely it wasn't very important. But that's OK, I have enjoyed my virtual tour of Italy tonight. This makes me want to go back.

And how very sweet of you to remember our little chat about the mushroom heaters!! You promised a chocolate bar to the first person to answer your question about outdoor seating in January, so of course I jumped at the chance. I didn't get the chocolate bar yet, but I made a new friend who is even sweeter than chocolate.

I promise not to miss your next Italian trip report.

LoveItaly

Hi darlin' Tiff, I hope you still have that fabulous jacket!! I still still smiling regarding your fabulous news.

Tiff

My excitement is utterly ridiculous. Think little kid on Christmas morning... and yes, dear friend, I still have the jacket, hee.

Liz (our sweet P_M knows this story, ha) This will be a delayed celebration of my (gulp, 40th) birthday this July.

After much research of here, there and everywhere for July - - DH came up with the brilliant <b>(BRILLIANT)</b> idea of delaying and celebrating next January in Italy. (Did I mention how brilliant my DH is????)

So it looks like I will remain 39 throughout 2007 and bring in the Big 4-0 in Rome!