Nice things
 

I am tired and cranky today, and the recent spate of nasty posts here is doing nothing to alleviate my aggravation! <BR> <BR>So. Let's have a pleasant posting for once. <BR> <BR>I want everybody who wishes to participate to say one NICE thing about another poster. If you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all. Really. And no dittos. <BR> <BR>To start: <BR> <BR>I find Capo's posts interesting and informed, and I am happy when I see he's posted because I know that I'll soon be reading something good.

What a brilliant idea! <BR> <BR>I second the comment on Capo and I would add the I think Elvira gives the very best advice.

I enjoy the witty posts; Judy spoof on visiting a new countrie made me laugh out loud.

Elvira cracks me up!! I have gotten sssooooo much valuable information on Fodors that I don't think our trips would have been so enjoyable. So thanks to many, many, many posters!!

Hoping that the flamers will stick to Grumble's rules, I'm going to risk saying that I enjoyed Rex's first post to the woman with bathtub fears. It was informative and intelligent and instructive without being condescending.

I've had the great good fortune to meet many of the posters - Sheila, Carol, Patrick, Art, to name just a few - and I've been nothing but overjoyed to meet such delightful people. <BR> <BR>I have semi-regular emailing with several others - Beth and Kavey, as well as folks I've met like Diane and Sheila and Stellarossa - and enjoy their humor and funny stories. <BR> <BR>Through several posters like Sheila, I've met OTHER wonderful people, and enjoyed the kindness of strangers (to coin a phrase). <BR> <BR>It is fun to arrange a lunch date in Paris or cocktails in Venice with a personality...and then get a face to go with that personality. <BR> <BR>I have gotten totally arcane information from Beth and Sheila and Paolo. <BR> <BR>Now, if I can just arrange a tryst with that hunk-o-rama, Capo...

Well said, Elvira!

I think Kavey is a wonderful artist. <BR> <BR>I look forward to postings by Lisa2. She brings a well-reasoned point of view to the conversations. I have also enjoyed reading her travel reports. <BR> <BR>I love the book recommendations from all. The quote of too many books, not enough time became my motto. I'm barely into the a really good, long book list from Europe forum and there is now a list going on the U.S. forum about tales of the west.

I thought some of the postings on the thread started by The Jones who are going to Scandanavia were very witty and sly. Light hearted and fun.

I look forward to any and all new questions that leave me wanting to know the answer just as much as the person who asked it. <BR> <BR>I still don't feel like I understand how people find their way here - - and (usually) take enough time to absorb the general rules of "etiquette" so that they can ask a question for which they have not been able to find an answer on their own. It's almost like some kind of magic that a continuous stream of people show up here with great questions. I am perpetually intrigued by "how did you know to come here to ask that?" <BR> <BR>But I am glad that it happens the way it does. <BR> <BR>Best wishes, <BR> <BR>Rex <BR>

I'm cheating as I can think of two: <BR> <BR>Stacey for sharing info and experiences on Germany and Wes Fowler for his insight and endless assistance to everyone. <BR> <BR>I was going to mention Elvira, but someone already did!

I can't believe no one has yet mentioned Ben Haines or Bookchick, 2 of my favorites. Ben is a veritable fount of knowledge about most of London and BC 's post are not only inforamtive but fun. <BR> <BR>My buddy, Linda , always has good info , too .

When I first came to this board, I was helped by a Les or Wes, is it Fowler? <BR>What a gentleman.

Thank you, JOdy. As for saying something nice about somebody else, there are just TOO MANY. JOdy, Rex, Elvira, Kavey, Ben, Steve, Ger, Capo, Sheila, Art, Nancy, Wes, and on, and on, and on . . . . So many, many people, so willing to give freely of their time and knowledge to make my trips just that much better. Or to give me the daily chuckle that makes my life just that much brighter. I don't know what I'd do if they took Fodor's off the web. So many friends out there--so little time to meet them all. <BR> <BR>And Grumble, this post was overdue. Thank you for the thought!

I don't want to single anyone out -- except, of course, for Grumble, Katherine...and, especially, that trysty Elvira (although are you sure you didn't mean <I>Fabio</I>, Elvira? :~) -- so I'll just say that I really appreciate reading posts by anyone which are informative, intelligent, thought-provoking, humorous, creative, or otherwise well-written...and that includes a LOT of people here. <BR> <BR>Overall, I find mean-spirited posts to be very few and far between. If anyone sees a lot of them, I think it's a matter or whether or not one sees the glass of Châteauneuf-du-Pape as half-full or half-empty. <BR> <BR>

I really enjoy the people here. I don't always play by the rules but on this I'll play by Grumbles rules and limit myself to both the "no dittos rule" and the "1 nice thing about 1 poster rule". <BR> <BR>Ger is very funny. She gave us a great answer on the "funniest tourist" thread when she told her story of the Lourdes pilgrims first encounter with the Dublin airport. My favorite was the countrywoman who plopped herself down on the baggage conveyor belt, believing she needed to be "processed" along with the luggage! <BR> <BR> <BR>

Many have helped me in my travels - thanks to all who have contributed. <BR> <BR>There is one I would like to single out - Maribel, who provided me with so much great advice on Madrid & Barcelona. So, for fun, I composed the following poem (hope this does not embarrass her too much!): <BR> <BR> <BR>ODE TO MARIBEL <BR> <BR>My very favorite must be Maribel <BR>Forsooth, she helped me very well <BR>In Barcelona & Madrid <BR>All fears of mugging she did rid <BR> <BR>"Shop", she and that I did <BR>And ignored my normal spending lid <BR>Hubby says that Maribel <BR>Will limit retirement fund growth swell <BR> <BR>"Eat" she said and I took my seat <BR>At restaurants that might meet <BR>Her superior palate and culinary taste: <BR>Trust me, there was no waste! <BR> <BR>"Drink", she said and I discovered <BR>Wines that North Americans have yet to uncover <BR>The Spanish are such a complex race <BR>The depth of their wines easily keep pace <BR> <BR>"Talk" she said, and I do much, <BR>And yet was strangely touched <BR>By the silent kindness shown by most <BR>That other cultures may have lost <BR> <BR>Let's raise a glass and toast the one <BR>That helped me have so much fun <BR>And while we do so, with all disclaimers, <BR>Toast to the demise of the bloody flamers! <BR> <BR> <BR>Regards …Ger <BR>

I've got lots of nice things to say about other posters. Monica - who invited me to the DC gatherings, Book Chick, who kind of gauged my pulse one night when we were all posting as if in a chat, Beth Anderson, who just seems like a good person, Elvira, whose postsIwish I could emulate; Capo, whom I'd like to be my second husband - I need to turn the veranda into a fifth bedroom - so we knock down a few beams and put up a few walls, eh? Cmt the lover of Italy who shares my passion for good language and other eccentricities, PBProvence because I know her and we have vacationed together à la Loons (we plan to have a t

ger - that is a delightful little verse! It would be too obvious for me to mention the DC Fodorites one by one, but it has been super making friends with people I otherwise would not have met, but as Monica was the catalyst for it all I have to name her, and oh, what the heck: there's also Dawn, June, Beth, Michelle, Anne, Dianne, Martha, Gina, and the non-posting spouses of some of us! Sally Fowler, Elaine, Paulo and Bob have been SO HELPFUL so many times.

I love reading Capo's posts for their subtlety and poetry, Escritora amazes me because she sees the same things we do by an unsuspected angle and approach, I like Ger delicacy, and the sense of measure: never too little, never too much information, and Rex by the practical advise and techical info he is able to provide. <BR> <BR>Thank you all, <BR> <BR>Surlok

Good one Grumble <BR> <BR>I would like to say first that I enjoy the vast majority of posts from the vast majority of posters... <BR> <BR>I have much respect and admiration for everyone already mentioned... <BR> <BR>But since Grumble is asking for one poster only... <BR> <BR>I am going to go with my feeling right here right now and pick Linda (keelx2) who really hit the nail right on the head for me with her Analysis Paralysis post, it _totally_ summed up the way I so often feel... that feeling always passes and I get into the planning but its also a feeling I am really familiar with. <BR> <BR>I also would be absolutely gutted if the Forum went off line, though we could probably set up a forum of our own on somewhere like EZBoard or some other free hosted bulletin board company... <BR> <BR>But really, I have just picked one person, but I love posts by so many many posters... <BR> <BR>/&lt;avey <BR> <BR>PS Who showed me this Rose? <BR>Was it Sally? <BR> <BR>--&lt;--&lt;--@ <BR> <BR>(ncgrrl sadly I cant take credit for this one)

Kavey, hello from Switzerland! <BR> <BR>That rose was from me responding to your cute animal (sorry, but I cannot remember what exactly it was, sort of zebra or donkey, I guess?)! <BR> <BR>@--&gt;--&gt;--&gt;--&gt;---------------- <BR> <BR>Thanks to all of you, because you help me not to forget all about my English. <BR>

PS: ... the longer the rose, the more expensive.. ;-) <BR> <BR>Have all a great day. Here, it's some 30°C and soo hard to work!

Let's keep this going! <BR> <BR>I like Topper for always finding the gems. With the search function as it is, Topper is priceless!

Good thread ! I am always amazed with the depth of knowledge shared by so many of the regulars on this forum. I would like to recognize some of posters that you may not see here as often but whose contributions are so valuable. I always try to read anything I see from these Fodorites: <BR>Steve James, Cathy Lynch, Maribel, and my hero Paulo. It is the depth of their commentary that strikes me.

Although I'm a complete newbie to this post and European travel, Ben Haines was nice enough to Email me and engage in a bit of historical philosophy, plus give me some good suggestions what someone with my interests might enjoy on a trip to London. The hundreds of tips I've gleaned, from reading this board voraciously, have answered most of the questions I had about the several countries I'll travel in. Thanks!

My favorite post is Richard (Valleyankee)'s 1999 description of a trip to Italy. I tried to find it just now, and my search timed out. But I still remember it for it's freshness, good humor and sense of wonder about a new country. He combined all of this with good advice on specifics(I visited one of the restaurant's last year)and general things (e.g., eat gelato at every opportunity). In my mind it represents the best of a style of messages that this site is rich in.

Most everyone has been mentioned that I would also mention. I would like to thank Amy for her 100 best things in Iceland post. I traveled there last month and loved it. Let's all keep up the good work.

Gold star to Sheila - a great ambassador for Scotland, does not hesitate to say when somewhere is bad (eg Dundee "armpit of the world" or words to that effect) but also highlights the good and the beautiful of which there is much in Scotland! <BR> <BR>Fantastic!

Oh no StCirq! Keep your hands off, I saw Capo first! He's kind, amusing, liberal. No, I'm sorry, men like this don't exist. He's probably called Carol or something in real life.. <BR> <BR>and Sheila - obviously, rightly, adores her country without being arrogant (hmmm, madonna post springs to mind)

What a delightful thread! <BR>Who kept the hooded attackers at bay? <BR>Nice things were said about nice people who have given me many reasons to smile. <BR>Thank you Rex, you're always on target. <BR>Thank you PBprovence, your postings are always filled the warmth of that beautiful region. <BR>Thank you Capo for making me laugh out loud! <BR>Sorry, I guess I was only supposed to choose one. Please forgive me. I'll go back to being a quiet observer. <BR> <BR>Larry

I love this thread! Being a Fodor.com ADDICT, I think I have read every message 2 times. It is refreshing to hear such positive comments! I planned a trip to Italy last year and one for France and Italy this October. I could not have done it without everyone! What did one do before Fodors.com? Rex, the way I discovered this site, I was researching for one of my previous trips and wondered if Fodors had a web site and Viola! Thank you to all mentioned above and not mentioned (but giving good advice)! I would also like to give a vote to Surlok. I always take her suggestions seriously. They are well written very informative and to the point. Merci and Grazie!

*LOL* Kate! Actually, I believe Sally saw me first...and I understand she's pretty tenacious so watch out! :~) <BR> <BR>And, of all the names you could've picked for a woman's name, you made a serendipitous choice, since Carol is the name of my younger sister. If you ever visit Sun Valley, Idaho, go the the Chamber of Commerce, and ask for the executive director; that would be her (I'm extremely proud of her!) <BR> <BR> <BR>Seeing Ger's name on here reminded me of how much I loved her "Bridget Jones" posts from one of my favorite European cities, Barcelona; very inspired, creative, informative and funny! <BR> <BR>And here's a toast to Fodor :~), for providing this forum in the first place (I assume, but I don't know...was there a person named Fodor who started Fodors?)

I would like to thank Pedro from Sevilla. He has helped me tremendously with my itinerary, etc. for Spain and has been most gracious and informative. Also, a big thank you to St.Cirq for her extremely informative info for the Paris part of my vacation. We will be leaving Sept. 5th & I couldn't have done it without all you Fodorites.

Here is the lost paragraph in GENESIS.... <BR>So God asked Adam, "What is wrong with you?" <BR>Adam said he didn't have anyone to talk to. <BR>God said that he was going to make Adam a companion and that it would be a woman. <BR>God said, "This person will gather food for you, and when you discover clothing she'll wash it for you. She will always agree with every decision you make. She will bear your children and never ask you to get up in the middle of the night to take care of them. She will not nag you and will always be the first to admit she was wrong when you've had a disagreement. She will never have a headache and will freely give you love and passion when ever you need it." <BR>Adam asked God, "What will a woman like this cost?" <BR>God replied, "An arm and a leg." <BR>Then Adam asked, "What can I get for a rib?" <BR>And the rest is history. <BR>

Thank you Capo:) <BR> So girls --- back off! You'll get your chance if I can't keep him happy:) <BR> <BR>As for ONE fodorite to say something nice about -- that's imposssible. All of the above mentioned would have to be included. The generousity of fodorites is incredible. So just let me say something nice about ALL fodorites -- yes even Inky:)

Thought it was time to up this "upper", so here's one of my heroes: Pedro, for lovely detailed information and always a civilized tone. Of course, as so many others have said, just one is not enough! Thanks to all of you who have taken time to help, inform, inspire, or just be silly.

We should have a Capo treasure hunt -- whoever finds him gets first dibs ;-) (-; <BR> <BR>Here's some info on the original Fodor: <BR> <BR>"Let's start with the pronunciation: it rhymes with "motor" and it's the surname of our founder Eugene Fodor, who pioneered the concept of the modern guidebook. Fodor thought the travel guides of his day were uninspiring collections of facts and figures. To correct this obsolete approach to the diverse world of travel, he wrote 1936... On the Continent -- The Entertaining Travel Annual, a guide to Europe. <BR> <BR>The first Fodor's guidebook, which debuted in 1936, made three important innovations. First, it went beyond reporting about the sights and included information about Europe's culture and people. (As Fodor noted in the introduction, "Rome contains not only magnificent monuments, but also Italians.") Second, Fodor included practical information for the modern traveler. Readers didn't find dull, irrelevant facts, like the square footage of an ancient monument, but they did find information about what size tip to leave at a Viennese caf?. Third, On the Continent was an annual guide. No more showing up at a hotel only to find that it had closed three years before. Fodor's readers would have the most current information."

Thanks for the info about Fodor, ALW. <BR> <BR>Re: '(As Fodor noted in the introduction, "Rome contains not only magnificent monuments, but also Italians.")' <BR> <BR>*LOL*, sounds like Eugene had a pretty droll sense of humor...my kind of guy! <BR> <BR>I just found this quote on Fodors website: <BR> <BR>"The joy of travel should not be derived solely from seeing the sights, but from mingling with peoples whose customs, habits, and general outlook are different from your own." -- Eugene Fodor, 1936 <BR> <BR>You also made me curious about the origin of the word "dibs", so I looked it up. Interesting, never heard of "dibstones" before, and I wonder exactly what "jacks" means in this context? <BR> <BR>Etymology: short for dibstones (jacks), from obsolete dib (to dab) <BR>Date: 1812 <BR>1. slang: money especially in small amounts 2. Claim, Rights &lt;I have dibs on that piece of cake&gt;

Great stuff about Fodors. <BR> <BR>And it's "dibs" as in I have dibs on Capo:)