I don’t think we are being “frivolous” because we read and answer lighthearted posts like this one at this heartrending time in our lives. We have all watched and cried with the victims, we have given blood, we have written checks to the Red Cross, we have prayed -- in short – we have done, and will continue to do, all that we can. However, your heart becomes saturated with sorrow, and you have to turn away for just a little while. <BR> <BR>I am 63, I love to travel, and God willing, I plan on going to Wales next summer. <BR>

Dallas, my mention of "frivolous" was in response to the nasty thread by "who cares" (2nd post below) who criticized Steve (1st post below)for mentioning his travels "at a time like this." "Who cares" just sounded absurdly hypocritical to me. <BR> <BR>:Author: Steve (Steve@Great Britain.co.uk) <BR>Date: 9/13/2001, 2:39 pm ET <BR> <BR>Message: I was 51 last week and have holidays booked in Mexico, Cuba, and Kenya in the next 12 months. <BR> <BR> <BR>-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- <BR> <BR> <BR>Author: who ([email protected]) <BR>Date: 9/13/2001, 3:15 pm ET <BR> <BR>Message: Steve: Do you really think anyone cares about your 3 planned holidays at a time like this? Steve was that 51 or 15 ? <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR>

I'm 46, the boyfriend (who is with us in spirit but not on-line) is 45. We'd love to spend our birthdays in exotic locales, but his is in July, and he has a yard & garden to tend; mine is Dec. 25, and, as we both have careers in "essential services", we end up working during the holidays.(Christmas day falls on Dec. 28 for us this year!)

I'm 45. Will be 46 next month. Live in Littleton, Colorado with my wonderful hubby, who's 71. <BR> <BR>Both LOVE travelling; athough going to wait until next year before doing international. Just want the FAA to get their security stuff in line. Not afraid right now to fly; just too sad. <BR> <BR>

I'm 30 but my knees feel at least double that.

I am 51. Spent my 45th birthday in Brussels on my first European trip(17 day tour). Went to the top of the Eiffel Tower for my 50th birthday (raining and cloudy--couldn't see a thing--did not care). I will be home 1 day on my Birthday this year from a 12 night cruise from Istanbul to Barcelona. <BR>Had to be home this year--my birthday is Nov. 22 Thanksgiving. My son is coming home to visit from Maui. I became addicted to travel quickly. This year I have been to Paris/Provence in Feb., Maui in April, Alaska in July and my 6 country cruise in Nov. I am not wealthy at all, just decided travel is a priority. WILL NOT LET TERRORIST SPOIL THIS FOR ME!!! The only thing I will change this year is not buying all my Christmas presents in Europe. I want to spend my money for the US economy. I will try to always fly American carriers if possible and support them. I love this website but never had the nerve to post on it before due to not understanding the snapping and biting at each other.

I'm 18 and looking forward to my junior year when I can study in Salamanca...and thank GOODNESS my financial aid transfers!

Eva, you just beat me! I turned 21 in August, which is when I first discovered the Fodor's MBs, planning my first trip to New Orleans. Now I'm planning my first trip to Europe and I feel much more at home here than on the Lonely Planet boards with people "my own age." You all have so much wisdom to offer, regardless of age. I'm well experienced but not yet well traveled. Thanks all!

I'm 29, husband's 43, dogs 8 months and five years, stepkids 10, 14, 17...Austin, Texas...leaving for Italy in 3 DAYS!

I'm 48, husband's 57 and we just got back from Italy October 13th.......and had a great time!!!

I'm 37 and am planning on celebrating my 38th in Paris in May. It will be my first visit there. We were all set to go on September 13....decided to postpone.

I suspect the number of birthdays I've had is a bit more than the number of plastic surgeries Michael Jackson has had and a bit less than the number of guns Ted Nugent owns.

I think I missed the where are you from thread too. I turned 43 on August 28th! I'm a single woman who lives in metro Atlanta and I'm planning my first trip to Paris in mid-May 2002. Glad to be a relatively new Fodorite and I appreciate all of the insider tips that you guys provide us newbies.

I beat St. Cirq, another Scorpio, by 10 years, but I will be spending my birthday in Paris (Hotel & Casino), preferring to save the real thing for more temperate months. (Besides, we--LV--can use the business) <BR> <BR>In response to the nasty posters, I lost my dear husband and traveling companion in June and couldn’t bear to return to the forum. Then there was September 11, and somehow I thought it would be comforting to see what was up with Fodor’s. Thanks for all the continuing information and anecdotes--I’m gearing up for my next trip. <BR> <BR>

Just turned 42 2 weeks ago, spent it in Bermuda with my husband. I do not feel it and can still dance any 20 year old under the table (if there is such a thing?!).

I am 150 years old, but everyone tells me that I don't look my age.

I'm 49, celebrated my birthday in Oxford in Britain in August, travelling to Germany soon (Dusseldorf and later to Berlin/Ruegen island).

Sue, sorry to hear about your husband. Where are planning on traveling to next? <BR>

THIS THREAD IS NOT RELATED TO TRAVEL; NOT EVEN TANGENTIALLY.

Well, actually I'm going to Reno tomorrow, San Diego in November (with my kids and grandkids), Acapulco in December (with my sister-in-law) and Paris in the spring (that's the one I'm really gearing up for). Thanks.