Dear friends,

You have all had such excellent advice for everyone that I thought I would ask you about this trip.

I would like to do a last minute visit to Italy and France this weekend. Actually I only have about 36 hours in Rome, but I would like to see the Pope (I have a present for him). What else can I do with my time in Rome.

I'm then planning on flying to Paris for Saturday. Will Mr Chirac be at the Elysee Palace? Will I be able to see him? Any hotel suggestions? Where should we eat?

On Sunday I would like to attend the D-Day ceremonies in Normandy. What is the best way to get there from Paris? Are tickets hard to get?

I've got my airline reservations.

Thanks for your help.

George W.

Laura:

We know this is really you. And it's just plain mean for you to poke fun like this.

Does Bar know you fool around on the internet like this?

Your disapproving father-in-law,

"39"

Gosh Rex,

You told Laura about this and now she wants to go, too.

I think you're trying to do too much. Pick one country and really enjoy everything it has to offer.

Don't take a suitcase--real travelers go light. Just take what you can stuff into your pockets and one freezer size ziplock bag. You'll thank me when you have to lift that ziplock bag into an overhead rack on the oxcart.