Only 2 more days to go. My two daughters, hubby and I take off on Saturday for 3 weeks to London, Loire Valley, then Paris. Thank you to everyone (especially Elaine and St.Cirq) who helped answer my questions. I've become addicted to this forum in the process. Hopefully we'll survive the experience of driving in France. Keeping my fingers crossed for good weather.

At the moment we're enjoying sunshine so hopefully it'll last for the duration of your stay. Enjoy.

Ditto! (minus one week, the Loire Valley and the daughters) Are you so excited?!

HI monique and abc--have a wonderful time!! We had great weather last year at around this time in the Loire and Alsace--hope you have the same.

(nashing my teeth in jealousy and envy!)

Have a delightful, safe, worry-free journey!

Have a great trip, mind the gap and let us know how it went when you get back.

I also leave Saturday for one week in London with my parents - My 3rd time to London - their first time anywhere outside the US (or the Southeast US for that matter). They are so excited - it has been a 20-year dream for them to go to London. I'm glad to be their tour guide.

Looks like we'll get a little rain at the start of the week, but clearing later on in the week....changing by the hour!

You wouldn't happen to be leaving from Atlanta?

I just got back from London--I had a great time, but I wanted to "warn" anyone traveling there to watch for pickpockets. We were in London 3 hours when my sister got "dipped"--British term for someone stealing her wallet out of her purse. It was Sat. morning and we were on Portobello Rd in Knottinghill--not a policeman in sight anywhere. My sister suspects that one of the vendors she purchased some pictures from knew something because they were definitely uncomfortable and wouldn't make eye contact with her when we asked them for help. Anyway, we finally found the police station and found out that this was a pretty common occurrence--5 purses--minus the cash--had been found that morning alone. My sister wasn't so lucky--within 15 minutes, $1900 had been deducted from her debit account.

My nephew is there on a student internship and had just had his debit card number stolen--we couldn't understand how someone managed to get $1400 out of his account without his pin number and a bank teller told us they've had problems with people putting some kind of device in the atm machines that reads the information from your transaction--he said it's best to use the atm machines in the bank or to look to see if there is anything suspicious before using the atm.

I wish we'd had this information before we went--hope it helps someone else!

Yikes! Did your sister take money out near Portabello Road? She may have been followed after her pin number was seen! I frequent the markets and have never had any problems. It sounds silly, but you must keep your bag zipped! ANd the wallet near the bottom of your bag if possible. Or keep your credit card and debit cards in different places- one in the wallet the oter in a zipped compartment or in a pocket.
When I'm at te markets or other busy places will will keep cash in my pocket and my wallet deep in my bag. Losing cash is bad. Losing cards............!!

To: twodanes. We leave from San Diego and connect through New York. We'll probably cross paths at one time. I'll be the one with the grin on my face.

.

monique123,

Pleae don't forget to come back with a trip report (and photos) for us!

Keith

I got this song in my head reading your post: From the show Oliver!

ALL: So long, fare thee well.
Pip! Pip! Cheerio!
We'll be back soon.
FAGIN: Cheerio, but be back soon.
I dunno, somehow I'll miss you.
I love you, that's why I
Say, "Cheerio"
Not goodbye.

Don't be gone long
Be back soon.
Give me one long last look, bless you.
Remember our old tune: be back soon!

highledge--

My sister got her cash-400 pounds!--from an atm at the airport. We had taken our bags to our hotel and headed right over to the Portebello Rd. I'd been to Portebello Rd. about 5 yrs ago and used to frequent flea markets in France and Belgium--never had any problems then. Yes, we both learned a lesson from that incident.

Her bag wasn't zipped and she was concentrating on taking a picture...hopefully, others will be more careful. However, according to the police, pick-pocketing is a problem at Portebello--maybe they prey on tourists and not regulars to the markets?

monique123

From a fellow San Diegan best wishes for a great trip. Always one of my favorite things to say - I'm leaving for London. I have to wait until later this year. I've called friends in London twice this week. Can't wait to get back there. Enjoy your trip!

Monique123 - Have a Great Trip!

Cheers