Just sharing guys, but in a couple of hours I am attending a small "potluck dinner" party in Chappaqua, welcoming the new neighbors. My husband is a local somebody which is why we're going (NOT because I'm a well-traveled Fodorite, I don't think). Any suggestions as to what to say re European travel? Or anything?

I would like to know which European <BR>city or museum has moved them the <BR>most and what era of art they each <BR>most like.

I'll try that. They both are so well-traveled. Beats "what do you think about the weather." Any other suggestions. I'm leaving in half an hour!

Maybe you might ask the President <BR>if he made any excursions into the <BR>English countryside during his time <BR>at Oxford and what he did.

Better leave out whether he inhaled. I'm so worried about saying something that can be construed in that vein. Oh well. I'm leaving. Will report.

Thanks and have a great time! Please <BR>let me know what it was like.

Ask her for some advice on the futures market, or if she knows of a good travel agent (I seem to recall she managed to get some hired a few years ago). Also ask her if she can do one of her neat disappearingreappearing paper tricks (you may need to bring the files). <BR> <BR>So many wodreful topics to discuss, wish I could be there. <BR> <BR>MarkJ

Just back. And this has nothing to do with European travel, but may be interesting to some of you anyway. Chelsea was there too. Lovely young lady, planning to go to medical school when she graduates next year. Her mother is announcing for the Senate tomorrow, so she is here to give support. I didn't get to ask about Europe, but I gotta say guys, Hillary is lovely in person. Impressed me more than expected. I can see how this couple can get people fired up one way or another--so much brainpower and charm. He was wearing a blue sweater and talked about everything and anything--jogging, Buddy, Milosovitch. Very relaxed. She was grilled more about NY, but was gracious and patient and alot like she was on the Letterman show, including offering some sweet comments. My husband took a photo of me and Clinton and couldn't get the camera to work, so The President of the United States went around and fixed the camera and then came back and took a picture with me. Very cute. Politics aside the man is astounding adept and glib and up close and personal sorta glowed.

Well anon, unless you're really yankin' our chain, I find your post to be one of the more interesting I've read on this forum!!!

Julias--No, all is true! Just wanted to share with the forum, since it was rather unusual. I was fascinated with the three of them--real brainpower and charm. One of those memorable moments that sometimes happen in life. Not all thrills come from traveling.

Anon, <BR> <BR>I must say that it must not take much to impress you New Yorkers. I would have declined the invitation for fear of needing a good bath in Lysol when I got home. Also, hope you didn't bring your daughter. <BR> <BR>However a "social climber" such as yourself shouldn't be concerned regarding a little lack of ethics and morals...can't let that stand in <BR>the way of your important husband. <BR> <BR>PS What exactly did all this have to do with travel in Europe?

Tom- You sound like a real fun guy. Thanks for your warm take. The adventure I had last evening has nothing much to do with travel in Europe, just thought it would be fun to report, as I do much constributing to this forum. I'm far from a social climber, just a person that for one evening, got to meet the President of the United States and his charming wife, the Senatorial candidate. <BR><BR>It was a great experience and I hope a few of you out there got a kick out of it. Now, back to my role as traveler.

Anon, I know that your story is absolute truth because I've known the Clintons for many years and your descriptions are right on the mark. I met Bill when we were in high school (different schools). They both are fascinating people, and I enjoyed reading your post. I'm glad you had a chance to see for yourself the personalities of these people. I understand the anger felt by many over the sordid events of the past years because I myself was sorely disappointed in him. That said, he still has my friendship, and I think that Hillary is one remarkable and brilliant woman who would make a great senator. O.K.,O.K. I didn't mean to make this a political post, and I'll never refer to it again! Sorry...

She might make a great Senator but not from the state of New York. She knows nothing about NY, and I feel it is inappropriate for her to be running from NY. She should have went back to Arkansas, and ran from there. I have nothing against her or her husband, I voted for him twice. But am very disappointed in many of the things they did during their tenure. Rudy may be a bit abrupt and to the point, but he has done amazing things for NY. While I don't agree with everyting he has done, I do agree with most. NY is a re-born city and much should be accredited to him. She will have a tough fight.

Basically, dear Anon, I think you were sweet for sharing the experience with us, although it had nothing whatsoever to do with travel, European or otherwise, I suppose. So, thanks. And I don't even mind if you regale us from time to time about what it's like to live near the soon-to-be-former President and his wife. I think it's fun to see big time news makers up close and personal (er, but not TOO personal). Personally, I wouldn't vote for any one of them but I can understand your going to the potluck dinner. I would've gone myself, and the only person of recent political memory that I would NOT have gone to share supper with was Nixon. But don't get me started on THAT tangent. Anyway, thanks.

Politics 101 - Of course they were gracious and hospitable. Hillary wants your vote.

Ilisa- I'm not that naive. Hillary already had my vote. I have met many, many politicians, and she is absolutely the most serene and classy of any of them--including the Prez, who was busy being charming and talking up a storm, just as I'd expected. No, there is a certain serenity and loveliness about H that belies some of the hateful things people say. You can see how she is able to get through things. I wish her well.

Darn, I saw this one too late. On the travel side, I would have asked "How do you fit in with the locals when you travel?" I doubt he has to worry much about pickpockets though. I also wonder what Bill thought of the end of last night's Simpsons episode.

<BR>Well, I say thanks for sharing too! No matter what one's politics or personal feelings are, to meet any president in one's lifetime would be a tremendous and memorable experience.

OK Dan, I missed the Simpsons last night. What did happen?