hdm: Is there some way we can contact each other so that I can provide details of my France trip? It was so wonderful that we're considering spending some of our retirement years there.
Judith

I'm late getting on this bandwagon, but I'd wondered about the smells & skeeters after ponying up for a canal view room (2 full windows!) in the Dorsoduro neighborhood near San Trovaso last May. The funny part about those worries was that we'd flown directly from several days in New Orleans, which had the opposite problem from the norm after Katrina - smelly smells outside the French Quarter & unseasonably neutral odors within, even on Bourbon Street! And we got eaten alive by mosquitos every night in Vernazza, but I couldn't bring myself to close the windows completely.

The only time we got a "whiff" was when we encountered some major excavation to repair sewer/water pipes on a walk to the Guggenheim, and I knew that smell immediately: Hundreds-of-years-old mud! Not a great smell, but memorable in the same way cuttlefish in its own ink is. Having said that, I'd try to walk on a room located directly above such a construction area. Wheeeee-oooouuuh!

I didn't smell anything. Per my wife, occasionally I use too much cologne. ;)

Hi muskoka,
I'd love your information -- I'm just not too crazy about putting my email address on here. Did you write a trip report?

By the way, do you live in Muskoka, Ontario?

hdm: There must be some way to privately exchange e-mail addresses. I do have some very good info on France for you. Perhaps, someone on this board knows how to do it.
No, I live in Toronto but had a cottage in Muskoka some years ago. I sold it because it just became too busy and very upscale. I have since bought property near Ottawa and have built my cottage there.
Judith

I live in Toronto too! Let's meet for coffee -- I'll lend you my Italy stuff if you lend me your France stuff.

I live around Yonge and Eg and work at UofT. Are either of those convenient for you? If not, I can travel.

Talk about a small world! I live at Bayview and Sheppard (I graduated from UofT - University College).
I'll gather up my France stuff and look for a time and day next week to meet you for coffee. What's good for you?

(Sorry, everyone for hijacking this post, but we'll be gone soon!)

How's this Saturday, the 13th? I could meet you at the Sheppard Centre at one of the coffee places. If you can make it, I could be there about 12:30.

Or give me a call at the office. It's 416 978-3906 and it's Harriet. I'd love to meet!

I was there in 1776 and it did smell - everywhere and a lot! It was snowing (the first time in many years), all the sidewalks were slimy and slippery, and there was an impending train strike. I couldn't get out of there fast enough.

But much more importantly, my son and I were there in July 3 years ago and not a trace of an odor anywhere. It was beautiful and I have no hesitation to recommend the trip even for those with sensitive noses. No need for noseplugs!!!

Wow to have a young son at your age!

kwren! And yet you look so young!

note to self: #-o :">

lol

yes, I'm feelin' pretty good these days, SeaUrchin!

hdm - I'll write anything for a compliment!

Any to anyone wondering when the heck it did smell over there, just make that 1976. Seems like so long ago... (and feeling longer after this oops!)

Yes, there is a discernible smell in some spots of Venice. Out of politeness I couldn’t ask the tour guide of the boat ride what is the cause of smell in some places. Having searched a bit on the Internet I reckon it is due to poor sewage disposal infrastructure that includes the canals. The City authorities and utility companies are taking measures to update sewerage infrastructure and improve the environment. I am more than happy to vouch that Venice is a romantic enthralling place. The smell is just a peculiar intrusion. I don’t think any tourist will be offended by it, except curious.

Especially those tourists who enquired on 2007.

AnandLeo: welcome to fodors. What on earth did you google to dig up this old/moldy/smelly thread >)

Janisj! I searched to find out what is the cause of smell in some places. Among other useful sites this site also came up, and I am happy it did.