Gosh Susan, sounds like I irritated you. Sorry if I did as that certainly was not my intention. Best wishes.

LoveItaly, No, you didn't irritate me! Sorry if it came across that way! I guess in the back of my mind, I was thinking that I wished you knew you didn't have to take the trouble to tell the story again, as that would have saved you the bother. Of course, you didn't know I was thinking that! I appreciate your warning, though, that's something to be aware of, always ask the price of something being offered.

Found your HM trip report to be extremely insightful. I particularly found your digital photo paragraph to be an invaluable nugget of information. Was searching the market for a decent storage device for the numereous pix I intend to take. Didn't realize the iPod can store pix as well; more reason to buy one after all.
Since my wife would like to spend a couple nights in Amalfi area on the way to Rome, your report is quite handy in that regard as well. Is parking an issue in Positano? (ie, long trek to the hotels?)

Thanks again.
ALPS

First rate report, H.

Thanx for sharing.

((I))

Wonderful report hlocke1. Thank you. I'm in the planning stages for a summer '06 trip w/ our 2 daughters ( ages 10 & 15 ). I have booked a room at Albergo California. I've wondered if I should consider staying down closer to the beach w/ the girls. They are good natured kids who like to explore but I'm just wondering if they will get frustrated w/ the stairs. We'll be there (4) nights. Any thoughts would be appreciated.

Hi Alps -- Since I wrote this, Apple has gotten rid of all non-photo ipods and lowered the price a bit. Beside storing the photos during the trip, being able to show a slideshow via our TV once we came home was really nice, as well. Just to note, we did have to buy an AV cable to do so. Plus, I forgot to mention the best part - you can sync the slideshow to music. =) As far as parking in Positano goes, I can't comment. We took the buses and ferries. Maybe someone else can help? Enjoy your trip!

Liyoung - I think your daughters will be fine. The steps aren't too bad and you get to walk along a lovely path covered with flowers and lined with adorable shops the entire way. And, gelato is waiting at the bottom of the steps. ;) Also, I wouldn't trade the view from the California for anything. Have a lovely trip!

Ira - Your advice was very helpful while we were planning, so thank you!

Parking in Positano:

Our experience goes back to 1998, when we arrived by car and stayed at the Villa Franca. We were able to drop off our bags at the front door, and then they offered valet parking for an additional 25,000 Lire per day, which at the time was $14. As I recall, when we took the car out, we usually didn't use the valet service. It was easier to just walk to the lot, a few minutes walk, to pick up the car. Of course, this was seven years ago, so the price of the parking may have changed, or even the location of the lots.

When you inquire of the hotels you are considering, ask them each about the parking situation and cost.

- Larry

Just when you thought it was over...

<b>TRAVEL INSURANCE</b>

I didn't fully comment on our delayed luggage situation because I wanted to see the final outcome. We secured travel insurance through CSA (www.csatravelprotection.com) before leaving since we were travelling with 2 cameras and an iPod (see &quot;Digital Photography&quot; above). Although none of these items needed the coverage in the end and returned home fine, we were quite glad to have the plan. When one of our bags was delayed in Naples (see &quot;Flights&quot; above), my DH was left w/o a change of clothes in expensive Positano. Luckily, our plan covered baggage loss and baggage delay. While the bag was missing for 3 days, we were able to buy two shirts, pants, and a belt, knowing that we would be reimbursed for these &quot;emergency&quot; items. We kept the receipts and charged what we could for proof of purchase. When we returned home, we filled out the appropriate paperwork and received a check for the full amount today - less than a month later. Needless to say, we are pleased with the outcome b/c there were no questions asked and no hassles. We spent around $50 for this coverage and ending up reimbursed for over $200 in items.

Hope this helps anyone contemplating the value of travel insurance... -- h.

Heather - Your report is outstanding. I can't get over your pictures; you are a wonderful photographer and really captured Italy - what great memories! I would love to put some online with my Trip Report also, but am not sure I could make a webpage that looks so great!

Thanks for the travel insurance post. We just got our tickets for Greece this coming spring and I am definitely going to look into it. Appreciate the link :-)

I've only half-finished your report and only viewed your Venice photos so far, but I have to echo everyone's words here-- your report is wonderful and your photos are OUTSTANDING! DH and I are both photographers, and I would be proud to have taken the shots that you've taken. They are beautifully composed and your use of ambient light is far more creative than the usual tourist shots. I look forward to viewing the rest.
Paule

tra6 and progol - Thank you so much for the kind words about the photos. I really appreciate it... but, it's hard to take a bad pic in such a beautiful setting! =)

TexasAggie -- How exciting about Greece! I hope I can keep up with you and get back overseas again next year. I'd better start researching. ;)

Heather, loved your photos! We'll be in Positano Sept 28-Oct 2 and then Rome, Tuscany, Florence, Rome (17 nites total)and appreciated your trip report, and will no doubt follow in your footsteps! A question: What kind of bag is your DH carrying? Did you carry one as well? I usually do all the huffing of day packs but my DH will do his part on this trip! We both have cameras (his is digital, mine regular) and he is a real good photg. I'll still use a regular backpack (with money belt tho for safety)for clothing, maps, water, etc. Your input will be very helpful. Congrats on #1 anniv! We'll toast you when we're at La Tagliata

Hi katerbug --

Thank you for the nice post! =) It sounds like you have a great trip planned. Can't wait to hear all about it. We went to Tuscany last year, but are hoping to delve deeper into that area in the near future.

Anyhow, my DH usually carries our day bag. I only handle the camera (and maybe some bottled water) b/c I have minor issues with one of my shoulders. We have an over-the-shoulder, unisex bag from Fossil called the &quot;Tribe Top zip bag&quot;. It's been very reliable for several years now, has secure pockets, and seems to be waterproof. It's not huge, but can fit my digital SLR, an extra lens, a book or two, maps, etc. Very stretchy! Here is a link (but you can also find it by typing &quot;shoulder bag&quot; in Fossil's search engine):

http://www.fossil.com/shopping/produ...d=shoulder+bag

I hope that helps. Again, enjoy your trip! It sounds amazing... please post pics when you return! -- Heather.

Hlocke1-I found your bag within 30 seconds of reading your post! THX! It is priced great and looks great too. My DH is concerned about having anything over-the-shoulder for fear of thief slicing the strap to steal it and slice up his/my body in the process. He read a horror story to that effect online recently. I however still feel that we'll be relatively safe if we're just keen on our surroundings and try to be organized with all our stuff-or carry less! But I think I'll get one. Did you order online or find it at the mall, Macys' or? Thanks so much! Katy

While it may seem like jumping on a (long since departed) bandwagon, I have to add belatedly that I don't there has ever been a trip report that is on par with this one. Even if for no other reason than its &quot;skimmability&quot;, it ought to be nominated for best trip reprt EVER, bar none.

If you are auditioning for a position as a contributor to Fodors (in print) and they elect not to talk with you further... then that settles it, there is no hope for any of the rest of us to ever work for them!

Best wishes,

Rex

p.s. and a hug thank you to worldinabag for putting this thread back into the spotlight (on another thread).

hlocke1-Duh katy! There is a Fossil store at South Coast Plaza here in Orange County! And they have it in stock!

Hi again, katerbug -- Glad to hear you've had luck finding it. As far as slashing the strap goes, the strap is so thick that I think a robber would have to be wielding a pretty major weapon to cut through it. Your DH will be fine. When you see how the pockets are laid out, you'll see it's a pretty thief-proof bag overall. Good luck! - h.

Rex - wow! What a nice compliment. Especially enjoying the props for &quot;skimmability&quot;. ;) Thanks! - h.

ttt--for inspiration

One of the best trip reports.