Here is the start of trip report to Italy from plmn..."My Travels with Mom & Dad"
Nov 5th, 2004, 07:25 AM
#221
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At the risk of being flamed... guess what! That's what smokers smell like!
While this certainly might be called entertaining reading, I hope that people who want to travel to Italy and are reading this for tips are taking it with a grain of salt... it's really not this hard! I have found the uniformed station personnel to be very helpful (and my Italian's not that good).
While this certainly might be called entertaining reading, I hope that people who want to travel to Italy and are reading this for tips are taking it with a grain of salt... it's really not this hard! I have found the uniformed station personnel to be very helpful (and my Italian's not that good).
Nov 5th, 2004, 07:33 AM
#222
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One last thing before I go. (Hi grasshopper)
I know that is what MOST smokers smell like. This is why there is NO smoking in my house. Also, it was years before co-workers found out I smoked, (before clear bags)they were astounded because they said I never smell like smoke.
Not a defense to smoking, I wish I didn't smoke. Even tried to give it up a few times. And I want to give it up again...it IS a gross habit/addiction. I admire those that can do it cold turkey.
I feel like if I tell of all my difficulties, others will be prepared for the eventuality that these things might happen to them and what they can do.
I know that is what MOST smokers smell like. This is why there is NO smoking in my house. Also, it was years before co-workers found out I smoked, (before clear bags)they were astounded because they said I never smell like smoke.
Not a defense to smoking, I wish I didn't smoke. Even tried to give it up a few times. And I want to give it up again...it IS a gross habit/addiction. I admire those that can do it cold turkey.
I feel like if I tell of all my difficulties, others will be prepared for the eventuality that these things might happen to them and what they can do.
Nov 5th, 2004, 08:44 AM
#224
Grasshopper, you may be luckier than I am but I can really identify with PLMN's encounters because some of the same things happened to us on our trip to Italy in March. I certainly wouldn't want to discourage anyone from going because I would do it again in a hearbeat, but it does happen to some.
PLMN, I am enjoying your report!
PLMN, I am enjoying your report!
Nov 5th, 2004, 08:49 AM
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PLMN - I'm loving the report but at the same time, it makes me a little sad. Crazy as our parents can make us, they aren't around forever and that is something I've learned too well in the past year. Enjoy them, love them and make lots of memories!
Nov 5th, 2004, 03:11 PM
#226
I'm still reading and enjoying every word... Can't wait to get to Venice. Hopefully your report won't scare off any 1st-timers. I've never had quite the experiences you describe but then I never traveled with my parents to Europe either!
And I continue to choke back an "I told you so" each time your large luggage appears in the story (meant most kindly, you know). I think it's hilarious your folks both packed light like we encouraged you to do ~LOL.
And I continue to choke back an "I told you so" each time your large luggage appears in the story (meant most kindly, you know). I think it's hilarious your folks both packed light like we encouraged you to do ~LOL.
Nov 5th, 2004, 05:48 PM
#227
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I'm sort of chuckling at myself about the suitcase issue. I REALLY, REALLY tried to pack light and to tell you the truth, for me it WAS light. Next time I will use a bigger rolling bag and take one less backpack type thingy. I will still carry my purse of course.
The last 7 day cruise I was on I had a suitcase for my shoes, (5 or 6 pairs)a suitcase for my make up, a suitcase for my electronics and books and pens and pads and clothesline and over the door shoe holder for the assorted cosmetics, a suitcase for my pocket books and tote bags, a suitcase for my clothes, a back pack cooler and my main pocketbook. We also had a suitcase for my husband's stuff.
As for the realization that the wallet was missing, that will have to wait until tomorrow, so sorry, too tired.
Warm wishes to all and to all a good night.
The last 7 day cruise I was on I had a suitcase for my shoes, (5 or 6 pairs)a suitcase for my make up, a suitcase for my electronics and books and pens and pads and clothesline and over the door shoe holder for the assorted cosmetics, a suitcase for my pocket books and tote bags, a suitcase for my clothes, a back pack cooler and my main pocketbook. We also had a suitcase for my husband's stuff.
As for the realization that the wallet was missing, that will have to wait until tomorrow, so sorry, too tired.
Warm wishes to all and to all a good night.
Nov 5th, 2004, 07:25 PM
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Sleep? Oh no, you can't!!!!!! LOL Oh family, dear, sweet family. I miss my parents so often..my mom could be such a pain in the rear, but she was my best friend. I traveled with my brother to europe my first trip and my brother AND SIL my second. The "threesome" changed the dynamics a lot. We had a package and I took the single suppliment. I debated a lot because of the expense but I'll tell you, it was the best money I ever spent. We were together two weeks and when things got a bit tense I could go to my room, unwind, settle down, be by myself, and the next morning all was well. My brother and I are planning to go to London and surrounding area next fall, by ourselves, without my SIL. Now, bless her heart, how many wives would allow THAT? My brother and I just have a special connection and she knows that so it's OK. I have laughs with my brother like I have with no one else..the kind of laughs where you are just totally helpless, you can't breath, your sides ache..well, we're just silly I guess, but as we get older we know time is shortening so we need our fun times. It's the same with parents..PLMN..you deserve a medal, you really do, but this will make for great memories, and as time passes, I think a lot of laughs...I'm already laughing you poor dear, your narative is so funny, and you need to save this report for yourself and you can have it as a keepsake of this trip with your parents. My mom could frustrate me to tears..remember in Moonstruck when Cher slaps Nicholas Cage and yells "get a grip!!!!!!". I had visions of me doing that to my mother....just kidding people but I think some of you know what I mean. I finally figured it out, it's parents revenge for all the crap we laid on them when we were kids. PLMN..i'll be checking in tomorrow...don't disappoint me! LOL
Nov 6th, 2004, 03:14 AM
#229
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Hello.
Thank you cre. I just want to assure everyone that I stll love my parents and I feel like one of the luckiest people alive to have been presented with the opportunity to visit Italy with them. Warts and all.
Now, to finish up on the train business:
I just figured, golly, this is a stinky 1st class train car, and oh, well, I'M HEADED ROME TO VENICE, WHO CARES!! and we found our seats.
I am glad that we paid the extra for 1st class. The little bit of extra room was very nice. There was an Italian businessman seated facing my mother and I. Dad's ticket had him in a seat in our group of 4 seats, but the seat on the other side of the aisle was open and he decided he would sit there.
As the train was pulling out of the station dad started to settle in for our 4 1/2 hour ride. I glanced over at him standing by his seat patting first his front pocket, then his back pockets. Then he held up his black leather jacket and inspected the pockets inside and out. I didn't like the feel of this
As the train jerked and picked up speed, dad trying to keep his balance, turned to me and said "I can't find my wallet." DUNNNN DADA DUNNN (However you would write that ominous sound.)
Not sure I heard him correctly, I asked him to repeat himself. Ohhh, he looked gray. He just kept patting away and then it hit him, it REALLY was gone. I turned to my mother who had by this time come to the realization that something was wrong, and told her that dad couldn't find his wallet.
My mother was FURIOUS. I must give her credit for not making a HUGE scene. If we had been in private it would have been ugly. The "I told you so's" started to arrive. By now the Italian businessman that was quietly typing on his lap top computer, who had the misfortune of being assigned a seat anywhere near us, started to sneak peaks at us.
The cry went out, what do we do? How did this happen? What do we do? The business man suggested that the first two things we needed to do were to alert the train conductor and cancel our cards.
There was no conductor in our car yet, so I went to look in the next car. A highspeed train is not the best place to run up and down aisles let me tell you, especially when you are distraught and don't know Italian. I found the conductor collecting tickets and money and felt terrible about interrupting her. The poor dear looked so tired and her little uniform hat would not stay straight on her head.
Thank g-d for the cell phone. ADVICE: BE SURE TO HAVE A CELL PHONE ON YOUR TRIP. I DON'T CARE IF THERE ARE NAYSAYERS, HAVE A CELL PHONE! (I know, I know, but this IS NOT the old days people.)
Thank you cre. I just want to assure everyone that I stll love my parents and I feel like one of the luckiest people alive to have been presented with the opportunity to visit Italy with them. Warts and all.
Now, to finish up on the train business:
I just figured, golly, this is a stinky 1st class train car, and oh, well, I'M HEADED ROME TO VENICE, WHO CARES!! and we found our seats.
I am glad that we paid the extra for 1st class. The little bit of extra room was very nice. There was an Italian businessman seated facing my mother and I. Dad's ticket had him in a seat in our group of 4 seats, but the seat on the other side of the aisle was open and he decided he would sit there.
As the train was pulling out of the station dad started to settle in for our 4 1/2 hour ride. I glanced over at him standing by his seat patting first his front pocket, then his back pockets. Then he held up his black leather jacket and inspected the pockets inside and out. I didn't like the feel of this
As the train jerked and picked up speed, dad trying to keep his balance, turned to me and said "I can't find my wallet." DUNNNN DADA DUNNN (However you would write that ominous sound.)
Not sure I heard him correctly, I asked him to repeat himself. Ohhh, he looked gray. He just kept patting away and then it hit him, it REALLY was gone. I turned to my mother who had by this time come to the realization that something was wrong, and told her that dad couldn't find his wallet.
My mother was FURIOUS. I must give her credit for not making a HUGE scene. If we had been in private it would have been ugly. The "I told you so's" started to arrive. By now the Italian businessman that was quietly typing on his lap top computer, who had the misfortune of being assigned a seat anywhere near us, started to sneak peaks at us.
The cry went out, what do we do? How did this happen? What do we do? The business man suggested that the first two things we needed to do were to alert the train conductor and cancel our cards.
There was no conductor in our car yet, so I went to look in the next car. A highspeed train is not the best place to run up and down aisles let me tell you, especially when you are distraught and don't know Italian. I found the conductor collecting tickets and money and felt terrible about interrupting her. The poor dear looked so tired and her little uniform hat would not stay straight on her head.
Thank g-d for the cell phone. ADVICE: BE SURE TO HAVE A CELL PHONE ON YOUR TRIP. I DON'T CARE IF THERE ARE NAYSAYERS, HAVE A CELL PHONE! (I know, I know, but this IS NOT the old days people.)
Nov 6th, 2004, 03:21 AM
#230
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Hello.
Thank you cre. I just want to assure everyone that I stll love my parents and I feel like one of the luckiest people alive to have been presented with the opportunity to visit Italy with them. Warts and all.
Now, to finish up on the train business:
I just figured, golly, this is a stinky 1st class train car, and oh, well, I'M HEADED ROME TO VENICE, WHO CARES!! and we found our seats.
I am glad that we paid the extra for 1st class. The little bit of extra room was very nice. There was an Italian businessman seated facing my mother and I. Dad's ticket had him in a seat in our group of 4 seats, but the seat on the other side of the aisle was open and he decided he would sit there.
As the train was pulling out of the station dad started to settle in for our 4 1/2 hour ride. I glanced over at him standing by his seat patting first his front pocket, then his back pockets. Then he held up his black leather jacket and inspected the pockets inside and out. I didn't like the feel of this
As the train jerked and picked up speed, dad trying to keep his balance, turned to me and said "I can't find my wallet." DUNNNN DADA DUNNN (However you would write that ominous sound.)
Not sure I heard him correctly, I asked him to repeat himself. Ohhh, he looked gray. He just kept patting away and then it hit him, it REALLY was gone. I turned to my mother who had by this time come to the realization that something was wrong, and told her that dad couldn't find his wallet.
My mother was FURIOUS. I must give her credit for not making a HUGE scene. If we had been in private it would have been ugly. The "I told you so's" started to arrive. By now the Italian businessman that was quietly typing on his lap top computer, who had the misfortune of being assigned a seat anywhere near us, started to sneak peaks at us.
The cry went out, what do we do? How did this happen? What do we do? The business man suggested that the first two things we needed to do were to alert the train conductor and cancel our cards.
There was no conductor in our car yet, so I went to look in the next car. A highspeed train is not the best place to run up and down aisles let me tell you, especially when you are distraught and don't know Italian. I found the conductor collecting tickets and money and felt terrible about interrupting her. The poor dear looked so tired and her little uniform hat would not stay straight on her head.
Even though she did not fully understand what I was saying she could see I was upset. She led me to the private conductor area and had me tell her what was going on. She was wonderful. She got on her cell phone or walkie talkie or what ever it was and alerted the main train people back in Rome. Then I went back to my car and told my family that we needed to cancel the cards. Of course dad didn't have any of the details on him regarding what was in his wallet and SO THE NEXT CHAPTER BEGINS...
(Thank g-d for the cell phone. ADVICE: BE SURE TO HAVE A CELL PHONE ON YOUR TRIP. I DON'T CARE IF THERE ARE NAYSAYERS, HAVE A CELL PHONE! {I know, I know, but this IS NOT the old days people.})
Thank you cre. I just want to assure everyone that I stll love my parents and I feel like one of the luckiest people alive to have been presented with the opportunity to visit Italy with them. Warts and all.
Now, to finish up on the train business:
I just figured, golly, this is a stinky 1st class train car, and oh, well, I'M HEADED ROME TO VENICE, WHO CARES!! and we found our seats.
I am glad that we paid the extra for 1st class. The little bit of extra room was very nice. There was an Italian businessman seated facing my mother and I. Dad's ticket had him in a seat in our group of 4 seats, but the seat on the other side of the aisle was open and he decided he would sit there.
As the train was pulling out of the station dad started to settle in for our 4 1/2 hour ride. I glanced over at him standing by his seat patting first his front pocket, then his back pockets. Then he held up his black leather jacket and inspected the pockets inside and out. I didn't like the feel of this
As the train jerked and picked up speed, dad trying to keep his balance, turned to me and said "I can't find my wallet." DUNNNN DADA DUNNN (However you would write that ominous sound.)
Not sure I heard him correctly, I asked him to repeat himself. Ohhh, he looked gray. He just kept patting away and then it hit him, it REALLY was gone. I turned to my mother who had by this time come to the realization that something was wrong, and told her that dad couldn't find his wallet.
My mother was FURIOUS. I must give her credit for not making a HUGE scene. If we had been in private it would have been ugly. The "I told you so's" started to arrive. By now the Italian businessman that was quietly typing on his lap top computer, who had the misfortune of being assigned a seat anywhere near us, started to sneak peaks at us.
The cry went out, what do we do? How did this happen? What do we do? The business man suggested that the first two things we needed to do were to alert the train conductor and cancel our cards.
There was no conductor in our car yet, so I went to look in the next car. A highspeed train is not the best place to run up and down aisles let me tell you, especially when you are distraught and don't know Italian. I found the conductor collecting tickets and money and felt terrible about interrupting her. The poor dear looked so tired and her little uniform hat would not stay straight on her head.
Even though she did not fully understand what I was saying she could see I was upset. She led me to the private conductor area and had me tell her what was going on. She was wonderful. She got on her cell phone or walkie talkie or what ever it was and alerted the main train people back in Rome. Then I went back to my car and told my family that we needed to cancel the cards. Of course dad didn't have any of the details on him regarding what was in his wallet and SO THE NEXT CHAPTER BEGINS...
(Thank g-d for the cell phone. ADVICE: BE SURE TO HAVE A CELL PHONE ON YOUR TRIP. I DON'T CARE IF THERE ARE NAYSAYERS, HAVE A CELL PHONE! {I know, I know, but this IS NOT the old days people.})
Nov 6th, 2004, 05:45 AM
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It's the details in this trip report that make it such a hoot! Remarks like:
"I didn't like the feel of this."
(Oh, how I recognize that sinking feeling of impending disaster!)
"The poor dear looked so tired and her little uniform hat would not stay straight on her head."
(Can't you just see this conductor? Frazzled, perhaps a bit wild-eyed, but trying hard to hang on to her professional image?)
This is the sort of stuff that keeps us reading, Phoebe!
"I didn't like the feel of this."
(Oh, how I recognize that sinking feeling of impending disaster!)
"The poor dear looked so tired and her little uniform hat would not stay straight on her head."
(Can't you just see this conductor? Frazzled, perhaps a bit wild-eyed, but trying hard to hang on to her professional image?)
This is the sort of stuff that keeps us reading, Phoebe!
Nov 6th, 2004, 08:04 AM
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PLMN: I never doubted for a minute that you love your parents. I think a lot of us have gone through the same things you went through on this trip and that's what makes it so funny..at least for me. I kind of go "ah, yes" as the memories come to the surface. Can't wait to get more of the wallet story.
Nov 6th, 2004, 03:45 PM
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Continuation:
Dad said "call Anne" she'll have all the information. "but dad" I said, "it's only 6:00 in the morning, she's still in bed." (Anne is a pseudonym for my father's long suffering, {over 20 yrs} secretary/assistant. Anne had made me SWEAR I wouldn't let my father call her while he was on this trip. Not just because she needed a break, but she didn't want my father to worry about what was going on at the office...you know a VACATION.)
He figured she would need to get up anyway to get ready for work and besides it was an emergency. So I made the call. Woke her right up out of bed I did. She was at once incredulous, resigned, and annoyed. (I couldn't blame her.)
Of course she didn't have any of the information at home, it was all at the office. Dad wasn't EXACTLY sure what cards he had with him besides his American Express. He did have a couple of blank checks, driver license, social security card,(which your not supposed to carry with you anyway)and assorted pictures.
THANK GOODNES HIS PASSPORT WAS NOT IN THE WALLET!!! That, and his International Driver Permit. (I'm sure they would have been if they had fit.) I knew the IDP would be useless without his regular license. (Oooh, this was a mixed blessing...cloud with silver lining.)
I told Anne I would contact the Trip Insurance Company, (I TOLD YA'LL BEFORE I LEFT THAT I WOULDN'T TRAVEL WITHOUT IT!!)and have them start a case file. Since we were stuck on a train for the next few hours and couldn't immediately file the police report I felt the TIC agent would give us some help. Anne said as soon as she could get to the office she would start calling the various entities. I told her I would be working on my end with the TIC and we would speak to her again when we got to Venice.
In the meantime the passengers sitting in back of us were kind enough to offer me the use of their guidebook with credit card company contact info listed. This was very nice of them but I already had my Italy for Dummies book out with the page open to the section on what to do if your wallet gets lost or stolen. I just sort of gripped the book for comfort, there wasn't much info listed that I didn't already know. I also had my black loose leaf binder with all the different sections containing all the research and information for all aspects of our trip. I located the section titled "Trip Insurance" and pulled with a flourish from the plastic sheet protector the trip insurance policy.
As far as my parents were concerned, at this point I was in my don't mess with me or get in my way mode. I was up and down the aisle, cell phone to my ear, consulting with the Italian businessman, and wishing I could have a cig!!!
(I did at one point look at my dad and I felt very badly for him. I know he was embarrassed, he looked just sick about it and one of the worst parts about it was my mother. Just sitting quietly, flipping through a magazine and every now and then shooting "I told you so" looks and probably worse, towards my father as he slinked down in his seat.)
More to come...
Dad said "call Anne" she'll have all the information. "but dad" I said, "it's only 6:00 in the morning, she's still in bed." (Anne is a pseudonym for my father's long suffering, {over 20 yrs} secretary/assistant. Anne had made me SWEAR I wouldn't let my father call her while he was on this trip. Not just because she needed a break, but she didn't want my father to worry about what was going on at the office...you know a VACATION.)
He figured she would need to get up anyway to get ready for work and besides it was an emergency. So I made the call. Woke her right up out of bed I did. She was at once incredulous, resigned, and annoyed. (I couldn't blame her.)
Of course she didn't have any of the information at home, it was all at the office. Dad wasn't EXACTLY sure what cards he had with him besides his American Express. He did have a couple of blank checks, driver license, social security card,(which your not supposed to carry with you anyway)and assorted pictures.
THANK GOODNES HIS PASSPORT WAS NOT IN THE WALLET!!! That, and his International Driver Permit. (I'm sure they would have been if they had fit.) I knew the IDP would be useless without his regular license. (Oooh, this was a mixed blessing...cloud with silver lining.)
I told Anne I would contact the Trip Insurance Company, (I TOLD YA'LL BEFORE I LEFT THAT I WOULDN'T TRAVEL WITHOUT IT!!)and have them start a case file. Since we were stuck on a train for the next few hours and couldn't immediately file the police report I felt the TIC agent would give us some help. Anne said as soon as she could get to the office she would start calling the various entities. I told her I would be working on my end with the TIC and we would speak to her again when we got to Venice.
In the meantime the passengers sitting in back of us were kind enough to offer me the use of their guidebook with credit card company contact info listed. This was very nice of them but I already had my Italy for Dummies book out with the page open to the section on what to do if your wallet gets lost or stolen. I just sort of gripped the book for comfort, there wasn't much info listed that I didn't already know. I also had my black loose leaf binder with all the different sections containing all the research and information for all aspects of our trip. I located the section titled "Trip Insurance" and pulled with a flourish from the plastic sheet protector the trip insurance policy.
As far as my parents were concerned, at this point I was in my don't mess with me or get in my way mode. I was up and down the aisle, cell phone to my ear, consulting with the Italian businessman, and wishing I could have a cig!!!
(I did at one point look at my dad and I felt very badly for him. I know he was embarrassed, he looked just sick about it and one of the worst parts about it was my mother. Just sitting quietly, flipping through a magazine and every now and then shooting "I told you so" looks and probably worse, towards my father as he slinked down in his seat.)
More to come...
Nov 6th, 2004, 04:38 PM
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What a fun trip report. I'm busily copying it into Word so I can read it at my leisure, altho' I've been reading it as you type. I'll be in Rome next May so all you have to say is valuable. You're a delightful daughter to take your parents on this trip. I would have loved to travel with my folks.
And, as so many others have said, you really could turn this into a book.
And, as so many others have said, you really could turn this into a book.
Nov 6th, 2004, 04:59 PM
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Ohh, I am feeling so sorry for your dad. I like to think I am fairly organized and I just hate it when I've misplaced or forgotten something. Of course, I feel much worse if I have ignored someone's wise suggestions. I do hope this didn't cause major complications.
