Gini,<BR><BR>Was the laundromat called "Splashnet"? I found in a travel book that it was one of the only internet cafe/laundromat's in Rome near the college - would you recommened this place to others? Was the etablishment clean or kinda dirty?

Hi, Brian - <BR>My bf, bless his heart, cannot bear to throw anything away. He takes his mostest-worn-out-but-not-holed socks with him when we travel, as they dry the fastest. Ditto T-shirts and undies. I, in an extreme effort to pack lighter, have taken to traveling with fewer clothes and doing laundry in the room as he does - I take lightweight cottons or polycottons that dry quickly. We have stayed at 4-to-5-star resorts and have never had a problem from them about hanging our laundry to dry INSIDE our rooms - their only concern seems to be with those guests who hang the drying on the balcony or out the windows.And no, even though we take older socks & undies with us, we would NEVER think of throwing them away while on vacation.<BR>ja

Ask at your hotel if there is a laundry service nearby. You can drop off a load or two, go have lunch, shop, and stop back to pick up your washing and folded clothes. We did this on Mykonos and found it very inexpensive. Our other option is washing in the sink. Only problem with that is when washing socks in a humid climate -- the socks seem to take two or three days to dry.<BR>

Gina,<BR>As a confirmed shower stomper of many years' standing, I'd like to ask you just how dirty you let your undies get before you wash them? Personally, I tend to shower and change mine twice a day and prefer not to do anything too strenuous whilst on holiday, so the shower method gets them perfectly fresh and clean, but I suppose if you are a little less fastidious it may not do the trick. (Meeeoooow!)

Topping for Mickey.

Anne: I can not remember the name of the laundry/internet cafe combo by the train station in Rome. However it was very clean, the people were friendly, and at the time I thought it was very innovative.<BR><BR> This issue of laundry availability is essential to our clan since we travel with our three boys who have to "experience" every inch of Italy. It is amazing what they look like at the end of the day. I am a little scared given what I just read about one Fodorite's experience in Florence. I guess less cotton this trip!

I knew I would do a little shopping while in Italy recently. I went to the local Good Will and shopped for some sweaters, t shirts, and jeans. I found some great designer stuff there. My goal was to find some things at bargains prices and still look good, and dispose of these items as I used them. Many hotels were left with very nice Liz or Calvin Klein sweaters. I had loads of room for my souvenirs! <BR>I did laundry midpoint, but brought very little clothing home with me. <BR>I always wrapped my undies in a plastic bag. Yuk! I wouldn't like to clean rooms and find some grungy undies someone left. <BR>So, Brian, did we solve your dilemma? :)

I like the idea of throwing dirty clothes away as you go. Bring the oldest stuff you got, go around looking like a vagabond in polyester, plaid pants, flowered shirts, and then BINGO throw them away (won't this drive those stylish posters who only wear black bananas).<BR><BR>Another idea: instead of stomping on your clothes in the shower, I wear my while I bathe in the tub. Then, as I scrub my feet, I also scrub my socks! Underwear is a little more difficult.&lt;;)

I have a serious question about what type of clothes to bring? I never dry my clothes at home in the dryer. They shrink! I am going in June and have no idea what to bring? Capri pants, cotton long pants, skirts? Can you get in churches with capri pants? What kind of material for pants works best so I won't be too hot? Do I really have to stay away from bright colors even in summer? Do I need some kind of sweater or jacket for evenings? Do you wear dresses at night to eat out?<BR>Are the museums and churches cold with airconditioning(Women please, men are never cold in my experience). Also I can't walk all day in sandals and I hear tennis shoes are out so what advice to you have that is not terribly ugly? Thanks ahead of time for all advice. Karen

Don't you have disposable underwear in the US. I always take a few pairs of cotton knickers with me and a pack or two of disposables. I don't think you'll find many European women wearing nylon underwear. No wonder you have to change twice a day, I'd want to change such unpleasant garments at least four times.

Karen: In my weeks of checking this site twice a day I found several (although not current) threads dealing with "What to Pack" which you may find helpful. I am not sure where or when you are going but I will assume now to early fall. I wore capris into several churches without a second look. I also wore long shorts into Churches in Venice without a second look but the girls in short-shorts and tank tops were not let in even after I offered them my sweater. It must be that tired old mom look that let me slide. I strongly suggest a sweater or a jacket for evenings, on days when the sun is behind a clouds, and when you want to get into a church with shorts and a tank top. I am very interested in suggestions on shoes. However, I am going to take my own advice and search this site for those shoe threads. I saw quite a few the other day suggesting Eccos. Now back to the laundry question. Have a great trip.

Brian,<BR>Last year my husband and I spent approximately the same amount of time in Italy as you are planning. We certainly did not stay at grand hotels offering laundry service but rather small B&B's using our saved money to enjoy all that Italy has to offer. While in Florence (our half way point) we found a great laundromat and while doing our laundry enjoyed the company of the local people as well as our fellow travellers who were able to provide us with a wealth of useful information for the rest of our vacation. Have a great trip.<BR>Maureen

Hi Karen,<BR><BR>Personally, I've found that air-conditioning in Europe (at least in London and Paris) is totally different than in the US! In the US, it's often frigid with the AC on; yet in the few places where AC is in Europe, it's usually not cool enough for me; very, very generally I've found that Europeans like it much warmer than we're used to experiencing. But that's just my opinion.<BR><BR>I want to thank those who posted about the "shower stomping" routine. I never thought of that!<BR><BR>Jennifer

Maurine, or anyone else who knows,<BR> Do you remember the name or location of the nice do-it-yourself Florence laundromat? Would greatly appreciate any input as this is where we will be needing to do laundry on our upcoming trip. Thanks<BR>Tara

One of the most useful suggestions I found on this website was to use the bidet for hand washing. Much easier than the sink.

Try this:Wash and Dry Lavarapido; via della Scalla, 52-54r; or La Serena Tintoria Lavanderia,via della Scala, 30r. Good Luck. I haven't been there yet but will need to do some laundry in Florence.

topping for troy

I find it beyond belief that you cannot carry 14 pairs of the required items. If I travel for just a week I'd pack enough for at least three changes per day, and sometimes (depending on time of year) sufficient clothes for four changes. How much room can 14 pairs of socks and undergarments take up? In just 2 large cases I can take 3 lounge suits, 2 dinner suits, around 30 pairs of underwear/socks, and the accompanying shirts, shoes, sport shoes, sportswear, etc. Perhaps you ought to learn to pack properly.

I am a wear them and throw them person. I view it as a opportunity to buy new underwear twice a year. Since we are never gone more then 12 nights it takes very little room for 12 underwear and socks. I in fact pitch my jeans(Oh God)and shirts.

another option is not to wear any underwear - just go the loose and free route....