My husband, son, and I just returned from our 2-week trip to Paris, Brugge, and various stops in Austria. As usual, we packed in too much, but had a great time. Enjoyed a small Fodorite meet in Paris with Elvira and Melissa. Used a Rail/Drive pass and lots of public transportation, and even with the pickpocket incidents (yes, more than 1, but they got nothing) we didn't feel unsafe. I'm a poor typist, but if you have questions, I'll do my best to answer them.

I know this could be considered morbid fascination, but what happened with the pickpocket?<BR>Does your mini Fodorite meeting whet your appetite for one near your home town?

The pickpocket was sticking his hand into the pocket of the man in front of me at a turnstile. I had "noticed" him just a second earlier. I guess I was offended that he would do this right in front of me, and slapped his hand out of the guy's pocket!<BR><BR>Caught up with the "victim" a few steps later, and asked if he noticed. He looked at me blankly and said nothing... Maybe he thought I was trying to scam him. Then I realized what I had done and started shaking.<BR><BR>Running joke rest of trip, when entering the Metro: Liz (Mom), got your slapping hand ready?<BR><BR>My husband thought meeting "internet" people was nuts, but we all had a good time sharing stories. I would do it again.

Forgot to mention:<BR><BR>After I slapped him, the pickpocket turned to me with a big "innocent" look and showed me his palms.

Good for you Liz! I'll try not to let the "side" down this next week in Paris

Whenever I meet with internet people (well the Fodorites I have met), my family thought I was nuts too. Thought I might show up (or not) cut in little pieces!!! Now it is a standing "oh, you know Mom. She is meeting with her cult!. Then we all have a good laugh as I have met some great people from here.

Liz, it was fun to meet you and your family! You, your husband and your son are all nice people and I can see that you have fun together, often. Some people were amazed that I was meeting "strangers from the internet" but it was pretty obvious that you guys are normal (with and without cider in you). I'm glad you foiled the pickpocket. You GO, grrrrl!<BR><BR>If anyone is in Hawaii in October, there will be another Fodorites GTG with Monica.<BR><BR>And Liz, I hope to run into you again one day. Maybe when my niece graduates from college?????

And are there pictures of this meet for the "fodorite" page?<BR><BR>I've met many internet friends over the years, sometimes to the same kinds of comments you're getting, but what I have discovered is that if your virtual connection has a focus, such as travel, you have the basis for connecting -- at least for a glass of wine at a Paris caf&eacute;

Melissa, Thanks for the nice comments! I've got your address and will get that pin in the mail shortly. As Joe and I walked back to our hotel after the meeting, we agreed that it had been a really enjoyable way to spend an evening. Looking forward to doing it again sometime.<BR><BR>Sally, There were a few pictures taken. I'll have to scan one and send it to you.

Liz<BR>Wish I had been there (sulking),but glad that you can remember the "foiled pickpocketing" rather than the usual "I got robbed!"<BR>I would love to meet some of our fellow Fodorites, and I am sure that once we met, the second meeting would be for more than a glass of wine at a cafe!<BR>Liz,what else did you do in Paris? Where did you stay? How did your son like it,first trip? <BR>

Scarlett,<BR>We did pretty much just the usual basics in Paris. We stayed at Hotel Castex (a Fodors and Rick Steves choice) because we wanted 2 rooms, and we wanted cheap. I have mixed feelings: clean room, good location, friendly staff, good bread, croissants, and coffee for breakfast (extra 5 euro). 4 flights of stairs after a day of walking, to a room devoid of charm were the only negatives. I think they may be about to redecorate, if I overheard correctly.<BR><BR>Have been to Europe (mainly Austria) often, but not recently before last year. Main purpose of trip was to give son a taste so he would be encougaged to go it alone. Not to worry: after biting into yet another pastry that tasted as good as it looked, he said, "that does it, I'm moving to Europe!"

Where in Hawaii is the October GTG?

Hi Mary, check the USA board (search for Monica) as we get closer to the date. I think it will be around Oct. 19 or 20 and we are tossing around possible, desireable locations in Honolulu--maybe the Willows or the Halekulani.

Melissa, Liz & Elvira-Very sorry we missed the GTG. We just did not make it back to Paris in time from our day trip. Glad you all had a nice time.

Nancy, sorry you didn't make it, but glad it was nothing more serious than a delayed day-trip.

Oh, there you are Nancy!! I have been meaning to email you and Sandra. I waited for you at the Metro across BHV for about 20 minutes, then met the rest at Montebello. I was worried that you might not have gotten the message to meet at Montebello. Oh, well, next time!

It was a lot of fun meeting Liz et al (not Al; Joe and Tyler) and Melissa in Paris. It's really terrific to meet people I wouldn't otherwise, and to find them so enjoyable! Trying to explain this whole concept to non-Fodorites is really difficult "oh so you're meeting PEOPLE you only know through the INTERNET?" Waaay too complicated...<BR><BR>The story about the pickpocket is priceless. Liz, you are one for the books.<BR><BR>Rats, Nancy, I thought you'd been swept off your feet by some duke and were yachting around the Mediterranean. What say we try again another time?

Yeah, next time let's meet on St. Andre des arts near the miniature alcohol emporium!! Just kidding. OK, well, maybe not....hahaha