Julie

Nancy, No matter what your situation is, I would absolutely understand your wanting/need to plan another trip. It’s what keeps me going…shoot, it’s what probably keeps most of us on this board going. And bravo to you and for anyone who is planning a solo trip. I’ve been doing it since my first trip to Europe in 1989 (for my 30th) and although I have traveled with friends on a couple of occasions it was the solo trips that were more enlightening and rewarding in their own way. That said…there are 2 schools of thought on where you should go: <BR> <BR> <BR>1) I like Diane’s suggestions of Venice, Lake Como and Verona. I started going to Italy in the first place because I fell in love with the movie “A Month By The Lake” which was filmed in Lake Como…still haven’t made it yet, but plan on it. I’m sorry, I haven’t been to Bologna or Parma, but from what I’ve heard they would be wonderful locations and hopefully someone will be able to give you feedback on them. Allow me to put a vote in for Florence and Siena, they were terrific. <BR> <BR>2) I could agree with a previous poster that some locations might make you a little melancholy if they attract couples in romantic/idyllic locations. But it’s your comfort level. I’ve done it both ways and have never been disappointed even when the “single blues” would hit…it was usually short-lived. <BR> <BR>Hope you get scads of info and keep us posted on your decision…who knows…maybe it will give me some ideas as well! <BR> <BR>

Philip

Novice and I want an answer What does "don't flame me" mean? <BR>Fascinating you "Fodorites", you never any of you, actually answer questions - just check through - you all make comments but, in respect of the topic raised, 'answer came there none'! So Novice and I keep walking 'close at hand' down the briney beach.....mind you, the oysters weren't bad! !

katlyn

In 14 months, you might not want to be alone.

lisa

In response to Philip & Novice: <BR> <BR>Let's say someone posts a question saying, "I want to go to Italy for 7-10 days; where should I go?" And the response is "Get a guidebook! Geez, how should we know?" That's flaming. I would also consider OhNo's response a flame.

Julius

IMHO, a Flamer is someone with an attitude that would be considered by many gentle people to be less than friendly or helpful in their response to your post. That's pretty wordy.

Sue

Philip, actually I think Nancy got lots of answers to her posting; it was only Novice who was ignored. I guess they joined the dance (the oysters). <BR> <BR>Nancy, good to hear from you--glad you are making plans; I think that's a positive thing to do.

jw

Hi. I know I'm way off the subject, but I'd love to hear more (Dona?)about Stresa and other Italian lake towns at the bottom of Lago Maggiore. I've visited the Swiss portion twice, and I absolutely love it. Stayed in Gerra-Gambarogno and would like to go again and again. Used a Swiss Pass, however, so didn't get to the Italian portion. Maybe next time. <BR> <BR>I'd also like to know a bit more about the movie "A Month by the Lake" (Lake Como); is it very old? Rentable? foreign language? And has anyone heard of a movie called "The Invitation" -- set in Switzerland? <BR>I do apologize for trespassing on Nancy's territory. But the terrace of the small two-star Albergo Panorama in Gerra is quiet and the view is tlc for the eyes and spirit. I do recommend it for recovering from any of life's stressful moments (or months or years).

E. Nuff

This is not a flame but if you don't have self pity why do you always mention your ex and that HIS lifeplan doesnt include you? You are still identifying yourself through him and his plans. When you stop that you will be ready to get on with your own life, <BR>and travel alone wont do it, your baggage goes with you. <BR>

Macno

Oh, come on E. Nuff. Nancy just had her husband dump his "male menopause" crap on her 4 months ago - after 17 years of marriage. Of course she is still licking her wounds. <BR> <BR>Nancy - I know you don't need me to defend you but I couldn't help it. Good for you for planning your next trip during all this emotional turmoil. I've never been to Italy so I can't give you any good scoop. There's LOTS of good advice on this board, though, once you wade through the personal attacks.

ger

Nancy: <BR> <BR>You don;t mention if you want to drive or not (think you were REALLY brave driving on your last trip and thanks, I really enjoyed the reports). if not, you moght consider a few days in Florence (just got back a couple of weeks ago) which will allow you to do day trips to Sienna, St. Giathhingy (seen in "Tea with Mussolini), Lucca, Pisa & Bologna among other places whcih are all within 1-2 hour train ride. I asked for advice on day trips here and got some great recommendations. <BR> <BR>Personally, I would then follow it up with a few days in Venice (I was supposed to be there now, but the business trip fell through - might try again in September). <BR> <BR>Travelling on your own can be lots of fun and you get the opportunity to meet people that you wouldn't if you were in a group or a part of a familiy. <BR> <BR>Best of luck and have fun planning! <BR> <BR>Regards .... Ger

Dear Abbey:

If I write my marriage woes on a travel site often enough, will I get dissed?

Mr. Go

Some thoughts... <BR>1. Verona is the best-kept secret in Italy, a delightful city loaded with history, good restaurants, plenty of local color, and easy daytrip distance to Venice or Lake Garda. <BR> <BR>2. Bergamo is great for a day or two, but only if you stay in the old part of town (the citta alta). I recommend the Agnelo D'oro hotel as a classic, inexpensive place to stay. You can explore the lake country easily from there. <BR> <BR>3. There is definitely something to be said about staying in Venice. Yes, it's crowded. But it's manageable when the daytrippers leave for the night. <BR> <BR>4. I don't care about your personal life. But remember this: having a blast is the greatest revenge!

nancy

Dona, <BR>Have started an e- travelogue to send to you and a few others. <BR>Some day... I don't want to beat Beth's record for longest lapsed time between trip and post! <BR>Lake info would be appreciated. <BR>They seem beautiful. <BR> <BR>JW- I am being lazy now, and not looking it up, but where is <BR>Gerra-Gambarogno? <BR> <BR>Escritora, <BR>I have found your posts interesting to read. <BR>You have great ideas, suggestions. <BR>I am NOT shy when striking up conversations with people. <BR>I find it very interesting and fun. <BR>That is how I met our new friends, Bruna and Lelo, who live in formia. <BR>In fact a source of parental embarrassment to my preteen/teen children, was the frequency I would partake in a conversation, with a "stranger" <BR>It *really* made them twist in their seats, when I conversed in italian! <BR> <BR>Anon, thank you for sharing your story. <BR>A good friend of mine, became a widow 6 months ago, when her husband of 25 yrs <BR>died. <BR>she is 45. <BR>The words Widow and Young just do not go together!! <BR>the mind balks at such a phrase, the reality of it. <BR>I am doing all that you mentioned for myself, and we both are working very hard together, for the childrens' benefit and wellbeing. <BR>Divorce, is just the death of a dream. <BR>So, one must create new dreams. <BR> <BR>I have gotten some interesting ideas, exactly what I am looking for. <BR>I would love to drive again in Italy, just not rome or the amalfi coast <BR>I think I probably like to just "hang out" a bit more than some other travelers. <BR>Seeing more than one **big and major** <BR>site per day can get a bit overwhelming. <BR>I may end up seeing less of a specific county than others and <BR> cover "less distance", but I end up seeing more of the little details that give me pleasure. <BR> <BR>And lastly , I want to thank those who posted kind thoughts and observations. <BR>I may not need "standing up for" <BR>but I would never turn it down ;-) <BR> <BR>

traveler

In jan I loved Hotel D'ingheliterre. <BR>Go to the Spanish steps at nite nad get the best hot chestnuts in the world. Buy some versace plates at verscase at a great rate. <BR> <BR>Buy stationery--superb quality

Iamchanging

As someone also named Nancy, I have been getting the "flames" from your post on my personal email.To all concerned, if I were having marriage, child raising, etc. difficulties, I would not air them to strangers on a travel board. If [email protected] wants to air hers,then please respond to her at the email address she lists, not to my AOL address. My husband is getting a complex...

Sorry

I clicked onto this topic hoping to glean some info...have to agree with ohno, guess we have 2 more years of this poor pitiful me (maybe we should start a thread of "Oh woe is me"). At least now I know to bypass this thread. Yes, you have had a life disturbing event,Nancy, and that is sad. But so have a lot of other people, every day.

Rex

I am aboslutely astonished at the experience reported by "Iamchanging", and it makes me think this is a mini-troll within this thread. <BR> <BR>For all the controversies that have ever been connected with my participation on this forum, I have never received even one single "flame-mail" message from any one, referring to this forum, or any other thing. <BR> <BR>Truly amazed, <BR> <BR>Rex <BR>

Julie

jw, I guess we are getting a bit off the subject, but since you asked about the film "A Month By The Lake" (and because it does have something to do with Lake Como), allow me to fill you in). <BR> <BR>It is a 1995 English speaking film that stars, Vanessa Redgrave, Edward Fox and Uma Thurman. The synopsis is: For the past 16 years the Vanessa Redgrave character (Miss Bentley) has been spending April at an elegant hillside villa on Lake Como. It takes place right before the outbreak of World War II and after her London society artist father has recently died. A love interest arrives (Edward Fox as Major Wilshaw) as does the new nanny for an Italian family that is also staying at the villa (Uma Thurman as Miss Beaumont). It's a very gentle romantic comedy and although it might not have been considered a critical success (by some)anyone who has an interest in Lake Como will certainly find themselves falling in love with the cinematography and location shots. If you'll allow me to gush...it's dreamy. Just one person's opinion.

nancy

I agree with Rex, mini-troll, has invaded my post. <BR>IAMCHANGING, <BR>I am truly sorry IF you are getting flamed via E-mail. <BR> <BR>I have always used my real address here, and have received MANY responses to my posts and also requests for information. <BR>None of them negative. <BR>I find it very unusual that you would be receiving unpleasant posts, directed to me. <BR>But, if this is truly so, Accept my apologies. <BR>

Wondering, since you brought it up it

So Nancy, why do you think advice is flaming you. You are the one who identifies yourself "as the woman my husband has no plans with". It seems to me that the women that tell you to travel with a small group or a friend are also just trying to help you, also the one who assumes you are not ready to travel alone. So, if they don't cry with you, they are flaming you? They are trying to make you stronger. <BR>Gee, I feel like a mini Dr. Phil.