Heading to Copenhagen and Stockholm 28th December. I was really disappointed because Tivoli is not open in the winter, but found out they are open through the Christmas season, so will go on the 29th, nice stop for our first day. They close again on the 31st Dec. so my timing is perfect.

I'm off to Ecuador and the Galapagos in 2 weeks. Can't wait. First time into South America.

Off to Chicago in November so my son can interview at Univ. of Illinois at Chicago.

Curt

(my DH is Kurt) I have never been to Arizona before, but Kurt was there for 5 years in the Air Force. The race track is nowhere near Scottsdale, so you should be ok (as opposed to us). The track is south/southwest in the Phoenix suburbs, as far as I can see.

We have these plans, but not exactly sure of when we'll do what during our 4 nights in Phoenix:

Heard Museum
Desert Botanical Garden
Apache Trail drive
Taliesen West

and hopefully we will visit Scottsdale and see some galleries and maybe the Ranch Market, which is supposed to be an authentic Mexican-American experience. I am looking for cheap but good southwestern food.

Then we go to the Grand Canyon for two nights and Sedona for three. While in Sedona, we want to visit Montezuma's Castle, Jerome, do a little hiking and resting, too.

What are your plans?

Forgot to add that we are staying in a motel. Our DD got married on October 15 and the discretionary spending budget is down to nothing! Our motel is the Best Western Papago Inn and it gets very good reviews. About $86 per night. All our rooms have coffee makers, but none offers breakfast. DH only wants coffee in the morning, but I am planning on buying some sort of pastries because I like to eat in the morning.

Mathieu--thanks! I haven't been able to see much of Toronto in the past..flew up there a few times but it was always for brief work related things. I'm glad I'll have more time to spend there this month!

Just found out yesterday that we are moving back to Germany (Wiesbaden more specifically) in January. Wahoo! Have been home in Seattle for almost two years and miss Europe terribly. We are aiming to be there at least five years!

I am leaving for Betty Ford next week. The car will be here for me at 11:00 AM on Wednesday. It had better have a mini-bar.

Thin, I will come visit and bring you chocolates with gin in them

Thin..is that for real? I guess you won't be able to post will you. I wish you the best and if all fails you can eat Scarlett's chocolates.

Sigh... no where very exciting... Dallas next weekend to be a matron of honor in the wedding of a friend-turned-bridezilla who has dictated that all the bridemaids must be the same shade of tan, have hair, make-up, nails, and toenails professionally done, and wear no jewelry (even wedding bands). I wish I was headed to Rome...
Statia, I hope you are having a fabulous time in Venice right now!!!

Mathieu: You still have fall colours in Toronto? Here in Ottawa all is sere and bleak. Never known such a lousy October.

Just back from Uzes and the Lot, via Toulouse, 10 days ago. Seems like an eternity, due to 10- to 15-hour workdays thereafter.

Then this evening my dear spouse said " I MAY have a business trip coming up: How about South Africa for Christmas?"

Yippee, if it happens (I'm not holding my breath)

PS: During our France trip, a small but beautiful new cottage sprouted on our lakeside property. I first saw it last weekend. So hours stolen from work are spent choosing tiles, refining kitchen design etc.

As good as any holiday -- and as stressful as any translatlantic journey!

Florence (and Rome) next week and thanks for all the restaurant comments everyone. I'l try to keep a good journal on them.

kakalena

Taking off for Washington DC tomorrow morning and returning home on Monday; then leaving for a long weekend in Paris on Wednesday, where I will be showing some first-time visitors around a little to get them oriented. I know they will have a wonderful time basing from Rue Jacob and I'm looking forward to seeing their eyes light up!

We got back from Paris and Prague a few days ago, and in Paris had a near-Fodorite-encounter.

Guide Michael Osmond asked how I heard about his guide services, and I, of course, answered "Fodors." When he asked who in particular had recommended him, the only "real name" I could remember was Sally Fowler.

"Well, Sally will be here next week," he said.

What fun it would have been to have met sfowler in person, since I have enjoyed her postings for years , since about 1998, I think.

And, yes, Michael was as knowledgeable and delightful as the gazillion posts about him here report!

Byrd

Oops! How in the world did I misspell Michael's name? It's "Osman," of course!

Sorry, Michael.

Byrd

Like crefloors, I will be headed to Copenhagen on 12/28. And, I will be headed to the Tivoli on the 29th. That is, assuming that I, too, won't end up in Betty Ford with ThinGorjus by then considering all the post-World Series celebrating I've partaken in.

aschie30: where are you flying from? I'm out of SFO and connection at Heathrow to Copenhagen. It's killing me to be in London and not be able to stay. Not enough time or money. Flying British Air.

Yes, Tedgale, the Fall colours are at their peak right now, but probably not for much longer- another week if we're lucky. I was in Tremblant at the end of September and the colours had already begun there, while we were still green, so I'm not surprised that you're done in Ottawa.

Scarlett no enabling and abetting! :0
Now pass me a chocolate.

Bon voyage everyone, keep posting to those who will also be away or doing something exciting at home.