Now if I were Faith (the real person) and all these people were making fun of me and my family I'd retreat and never show my "face" here again at Fodors. Yet, Faith continues to add fuel to the fire.

I'm not saying I'm ready for this to end, just that you're losing your credibility and your "believers." :)

I wonder if Faith has a poodle or a mother who enjoys the odd drink.

Jocelyn, I know what you mean, but I am not taking this seriously. I have been treating you all as friends I just met and since you don't know me it is perfectly safe to do so, until someone I know reads this.
It is kind of like, you haven't heard nothing yet! style of talking and if amuses you I could go on and on with humorous incidents, like all of you could if you see the funny side of things that happen in your family.

We have all kept that family as the eccentric side and laugh at and with them all the time in good nature.
It is sort of like she wasn't born that way so it isn't organic type of thinking and she laughs at what she does too. Her phobias don't overlap each other and neither do mine.

I have been using this site to gain information for the trip and when I run across my name I get curious of course.

I think it is kind of fun to keep you updated with the trip and the ins and outs, if it loses its fun, I'll stop, or I'll stop now if you want, no biggie as they say.

Tell your uncle no for the bodyguard, Ira offered first.

Phobias are easy to help get over with therapy. Don't know the family's viewpoint on therapy, but it would help.

I've known people who were too sheltered (one is a current neighbor). Not too fun, huh?

I'm glad you have relatives in Italy, you won't be force with the cousin 24/7.

I don't know, easytraveler, I may be changing my mind about this troll thing. Faith, if you are not a troll, you certainly are good-natured!

Marilyn: It was the bodyguard element of the story that finally did it, wasn't it?

Boy, this is one Trip Report I am going to hold my breath for! When did you say you are going again, Faith?

Yes, cmt, I could swallow "Bambi" but not the bodyguard. Actually, a handsome well-built bodyguard might be just the thing for my next solo trip.

I think a well-built handsome young boddyguard to sweep Bambi off her feet would be just the right therapy for all her ailments :-)

OK - What's done it for me is Faith & Bambi just HAPPEN to have relatives in both Rome and the Amalfi coast who will open their homes to them, that she forgot to mention before???? Oh please!

Let's see...a first class trip all paid for, relatives with homes in attractive places, a bodyguard (so handy for carrying the luggage, if nothing else)...how can I get adopted into this family, faith?

Marilyn~ you are my secret long-lost sister who just recovered from amnesia! I'm sure of it!!

suze...suze...is that you? Oh my God!!

Wait a minute ... unless your family offers the same benefits package as faith's, I'm not interested in being reunited.

Marilyn~ you awake at last! Well my name is Palermo, but my ancestors seem to have come over on a very different boat than Faith & Bambi's. Sorry, from the poor side of town.

But do they have a house we can use IN Palermo? I've never been there because in my childhood I almost choked on a piece of pizza and have a dread of them ever since. Especially with anchovies.

Marilyn: you can't give up! Not now! I trust your JUDGMENT! :)

easy, I'm glad YOU trust my judgment, because I sure don't! I have a very sceptical side that has served me well throughout my life, but I usually take people at their word until I know otherwise. So as I said on the other thread, time will tell.

Oh, this is too funny!!! I'm telling you Bambi is going to run off with some Italian stud and never fear water again, because you see...the fear of water really symbolized her fear of sex, but once she gets romanced by some Italian macho...her fears will be gone...of course, maybe it will actually be the "male assistant" who will convert Bambi.

Faith...please continue to write...eh..I mean write a novel about your family...or better yet a movie script, the Fairley (sp?) brothers would snatch it up....

I believe this is just a Funny Troll..

Thanks for the laughs...

I think this gets more realistic not less. Have you never known any rich people? They don't live where we live. It completely makes sense to me that the personal asst/bodyguard will be making the trip. This is how it happens for the rich. Family friends in Italy to visit and stay with makes sense to me. The rich always have a friend in a place that you want to stay. I have a friend in the neighborhood down the street. It is a weird rule of the world that the people who have all of the money also have all of the advantages/know all of the right people/get all of the best freebies.

With that I think that Faith should get paid or get a trip to the destination of her choice at a later date without Bambi. And remember that Bambi was the frail naive deer who had to grow up fast with the help of friends. It could happen.