Rex

Jessyca,<BR><BR>Pick any dates you would like in October or November, and we will do this, for sure. I know other people who want to go to Italy this fall.<BR><BR>Whoever makes the earliest commitment(s) to going on the trip will get first dibs on making itinerary choices. I have ideas, but will subjugate them to the desires of any one who wants to be "lead dog". All financial matters will be totally and openly spelled out on this board. No one gets compensated in any way for planning or any other participation; no one gets free travel or any other financial advantage for participating. This is hobby travel with "friends" ("e-acquaintances"?) putting their ideas together, and paying collectively, only when to the mutual financial benefit of all.<BR><BR>For greatest savings (to each and every participant, equally) a group trans-atlatnic air trael would proabbly be best. domestic segments to a gateway city can be different (but must be on the same carrier as the trans-atlantic segment). Ten travelers must fly trans-atlantic (outbound) together on the same flight on the same date. Return transatlantic flights can be different.<BR><BR>This is totally putting my money where my mouth is.<BR><BR>Rex Bickers<BR>Westerville, Ohio<BR>

Jessycat

okay Gerry.. Then I did see you. Great. I wonder if we really did cross paths. Do you know where the Anglo Americano hotel is? There was a great Cafe' at the corner called something like Pape's American cafe? Did you go there? <BR><BR>Hmm... Now how did you know I'm pretty?? Just a guess or did Rex tell you? Hee hee. (PS. I was in a silver mercedes) It was a lovely way to see Rome really! <BR><BR>Did you notice that Mercedes in Rome seemed to be all the Rage? I'm sorry about your ordeal in the train station. I didn't have any problems. Just with Taxi drivers.<BR><BR>REX...<BR><BR>Travel in October.. Well speaking of stocks.. I own At&amp;t stocks.. Did you all watch with awe as they plumeted to an all time low? Advertising is also down with the economy. S0.. in otherwords, I don't know that I can commit to October at this point.<BR>Besides... I just might have a man friend that I may visit in Rome. (PS. he owns a silver car)..<BR><BR>Jessy "meow" cat<BR><BR>

Ursula

Jessycat hi!<BR><BR>I am just putting this to the top for you!<BR><BR>What about your jet lag by now? I do hope things are fine again for you in Eugene, Oregon, right? <BR><BR>Now, just tell us more about this man with the silver Mercedes please. I'm really starting wondering!<BR>If you do not want everybody to read it, just use my above mail. I won't let know anybody else, promised!<BR> <BR>Have a nice weekend, bye! <BR>

Jessycat

Ursula Good morning from the not so Sunny Oregon. It's dark and cloudy this morning. Thanks for putting this at the top for me. Should we start another tread? I love this one because it has my special friends on it.<BR><BR>Okay.. I will email you about my personal adventures. <BR><BR>I hope you have a nice weekend as well.<BR><BR>Ursula, Gerry , Rex... Have you ever done a home trade for travel. I think it's an interesting thought. <BR><BR>Kisses... Jessyca

Gerry

Sorry guys. Had to work, sleep and am having lots of problems logging onto site.<BR><BR>Jessycat,<BR>Its raining here in SF bay area and cold. I think it came from Oregon.<BR>How could I not know you're pretty? It's written all over your posts.<BR>Seems most Rome problems revolve around transportation. So, I suggest you be very careful of handsome Italian men driving silver Mercedes. <BR>There was a bar/cafe on corner of Quattro Fontane and Piazza Barberini that was good. But they raised thier prices at night! Never noticed the name. A couple of doors down from me was the Hostaria Romana recommended by Rick Steeves. It was always crowded with American tourists. Why would I want to eat there when so many good places were around? <BR>Did you go in the "gourmet" store on Quattro Fontane just your side of Via Nazionale? The one with all of the yummy bulk candy and crowded with Italians. They had just about anything a misplaced tourist might want--peanut butter, instant coffee, Nutella, Old El Paso salsa. Unbelievable! We only bought the candy though. <BR>I haven't tried a home trade. My house location does not make it a prime candidate(transportation etc.) But my dentist(ouch!) does it all of the time and thinks it's the absolute greatest. Says he has friends in several countries where he has an open invitation to come stay because the feel they "owe" him favors.<BR><BR>Yes, I think we need a new thread. This one is getting too long.<BR><BR>Ciao Ursula. How's the weather there?

Jessycat

Gerry,<BR><BR>That is such a sweet email. Thankyou for saying that I sound pretty. Very nice. I was very safe in Rome. I didn't jump in autos with strange men. A friend recommended I call her friend in Rome -Gian Carlo. So that's how I hooked up with him. <BR><BR>I think I may also try a home trade. It sounds like alot of fun. My home is not ideal either but, someone on this site told me that it would be great for a European travel that is making a second or 3rd visit to the US. (White water rafting , skiing, Pacific Ocean, etc.)<BR>I would think anywhere in San Fran would be a prime location. I tell you what.... You can come stay in my house and at the same time ...I'll come stay at yours. Tee hee.. But of course, both locations sound cloudy and cold. Let's just go to Europe. Jcat.<BR><BR>So- Rex is missing again today or he can't reach the bottom of this tread. Should I start a new one (and think of something clever) or should you? <BR><BR>Jcat

Gerry

Jessycat,<BR><BR>Rex is rightfully lying low. Too much heat.<BR>If you can think of something "clever" to post, I'll be sure to answer it. I'll tell you how my dentist does home trades. I love Oregon. Was up there last spring. I'm sure lots of Europeans would want to come there if you can explain to them what you've got. Maybe even Ursula. And then we can talk more about Rome and maybe answer some peoples questions.<BR>Have to log off for awhile though. Work calls.

Rex

I am not missing in action.<BR><BR>Just got home.<BR><BR>And a homeswap? No, I don't think it ever really crossed my mind.<BR><BR>More later...<BR>

Gerry

Jessycat,<BR><BR>Don't forget to put your name in the post.

RK-xxx

Jessycat:<BR><BR>Understand your yearning --- I'm an Italia-phile as well. Have been to a few other European cities (London, Paris, Budapest), but nothing is quite like Rome, or any of the wonderful cities throughout Italy.<BR><BR>Should you want to make that fantasy a reality (study/live in Italy), I came across this on the Frommer's website.<BR> ---------<BR>http://www.frommers.com/tipoftheday/<BR><BR> "I’ve recommended that he buy the just published third edition of a book called Work Abroad: The Complete Guide to Finding a Job Overseas. What I like best about this volume—as distinct from other how to travel free or cheap tomes—is that in place of the vague, commonsensical advice of most such books, here you get a wealth of solid service information: addresses, telephone numbers, Web sites, contact names. A young person who wants to work abroad for a short time can buy a copy for $19.95 by calling 800/293-0373."<BR> ==============<BR><BR>REX:<BR><BR>$899 for business class to Rome? oooooooooooo --- a deal.<BR>Any success in corraling a group of 10 for a trip to Italia? <BR><BR>

Surlok

To Rex:<BR><BR>I read, on a post above, that ypu're thinking of Hotel Plaza in Rome. I'd advise you to read what is said about it on Rants&amp; Raves here on Fodor's. It's absolutely true!<BR><BR>Although the building is magnificent, mostly the lounges, the hotel isn't clean or fresh, and seems not to have been refurbished or painted for years (many).

Rex

RK,<BR><BR>I don't know if you received my reply to your e-mail to me or not. I hope it did not seem discourteous. I will answer you better by personal e-mail tomorrow, along with a few other people who have expressed an interest.<BR><BR>Best...<BR><BR>R<BR><BR>

sue

Gerry, were you wearing jeans when you were pickpocketed or regular trousers? My husband swears that front pockets of Levis are safe (western pockets?) because you have to come in from the top rather than the side.<BR><BR>(Sorry this doesn't apply much to this thread.)

Jessyca

You've been missed! <BR>

claudia

You guys seem to know so much and be so friendly that I cannot resist asking the experts rather than just posting a question. Do you have web addresses for hotels in Rome that I should look at for a family of 4 (young teens). Am I right that booking directly gets the best rate? I'm guessing we would have to pay $200+ but want to save some money for the rest of our trip. Not interested in a lot of night life as I think kids will wear us out during the day. Thanks so much - appreciate the info.

Gerry

Claudia: <BR> <BR>Thanks for the nice comment. I don't really know about Rome with teens. This would make a good post and you should post it to get some better replys. I can tell you that when I was in Rome in March there were thousands of teens there from all over Europe and US.(All having fun!) They obviously were all staying somewhere. <BR>You don't have to pay $200+ if you are willing to stay just a little out of the way and not require "luxury" accomodations. There are lots of pensione type places that cater to small tours and budget travelers. Two that come to mind are hotel Alimandi and Forti's Guest House (not to be confused with Hotel Forti). These are both near the Vatican. Forti's is run by an American. No web site,so you must phone. Try a search for phone numbers and reviews of Alimandi. <BR>Venere.com is the best site to find hotels and links to their web-sites. You are correct that you can often get better prices by contacting the hotels directly eg. on their own web site, in stead of going through a broker. Unfortunately many hotels do not have their own web sites. If you get a hotel name, enter the name and Rome in your search engine. Often their web site will come up. I had good luck with Yahoo. Be advised that some of these web addresses may no longer be active. You may wait several days to get a reply to an e-mail and you may never get a reply. But if you do get through, you can spell out all the details of your requirements and get a written confirmation of everything. <BR> <BR>Good luck on your trip. <BR> <BR>Gerry

claudia

Gerry - thank you. I think traveling with teens will not be that much different except for the energy level (up or down)so my questions are more for 4 people that are not the young, sinlge crowd (been there). Sometimes posting that type of question gets way off track in the types of answers (well meaning, just not helpful). I want to stay close to things since we will only be there 3 days but do not need fancy hotel. Would like a bathroom, clean and safe. I will take your suggestions and begin my search, much appriciated. <BR>claudia

Art

Jessycat, If you come to our next SoCal Fodorites GTG in Los Angeles, I'll escort you around in a silver Mercedes. <BR>

Diane

Art: <BR>What's this about "the next SoCal gathering in LA??" Any plans? Will we hear??

Ursula

Art: I am sure she will love to be escorted around in a silver Mercedes! <BR>But don't you think the Italian guy was as important as the car? ;-) <BR> <BR>BTW: WHERE is Jessycat?