dreamer320

I've started thinking about our trip to Italy in fall 2006. I was there with a group of women from my church several years ago, but my husband has never been. A big part of me wants to show him the places I went to and loved so he can share that, and to see them again myself. But another part of me wants to explore different areas. He doesn't have a strong opinion on it and says, "whatever you want to do, honey" (smart man!)

I would love the see the lakes region, La Marche - heck, I want to see it all! I went to Rome, Florence, Assisi, Spoleto and Deruta, over 8 days. The '06 trip will likely be 14 days minus air days. Rome is a definite for the return trip, but the rest is up in the air. What would you do? (And don't suggest Venice - neither of us have a strong desire to go there!)

FainaAgain

Dreamer, I'd do it 50/50 - take him to one of the places you loved, then go on to new areas, and finish with something familiar.

StuDudley

>>(And don't suggest Venice - neither of us have a strong desire to go there!)<<

I'm curious... Your husband has not been to Venice, but he does not have any desire to go there. Did you visit Venice on a prior trip?

Why do you not have a desire to go there - especially since you loved Florence & Rome - so it couldn't be the crowds? What is your opinion based on??

We spend 2-3 months vacationing in Europe every year. Venice is one of our favorite places - my wife says it's the most romantic city in Europe.

If you don't like Venice, I would find it hard to advise you on other places you might like.

Stu Dudley

Tiff

Hi dreamer,

I agree with the two of you seeing some of what your favorites were during your first trip and then after traveling to a place that is new to the both of you so that you may experience it together for the first time.

It will be fun for him to see "your" Italy at first, experiencing the places that spoke to you during your first trip. Equally important will be the two of you making your own memories in a place that neither of you has been before.

That is what my DH and I are doing. I have been to Rome and Florence, so for our first trip together we will be traveling to Florence and Venice next year.

It too surprises me that you have excluded Venice, but I am glad that you know yourselves that well and know what you would and would not like to see.

Happy journey, Tiff

rex

It may well be that the better question is: &quot;how to engage your husband in wanting to see Italy enough that <i>he</i> comes up with the list of places that he <i>thinks</i> would like to visit/see.

Without that, then your answers will all be simply about your own self-introspection.

Neither returning to places I have been before... nor new destinations explored for the first time... have ever disappointed me in Italy.

Best wishes,

Rex

ira

Hi D,

&gt;A big part of me wants to show him the places I went to and loved so he can share that, and to see them again myself.&lt;

Listen to the big part of you. Visiting a new plce is a lot easier with a guide.

&gt;..don't suggest Venice - neither of us have a strong desire to go there!&lt;

This sounds more like an aversion. Mind telling us why?

Wayne

Stu and ira--Not everyone likes Venice. I think you both probably understand that statement subliminally but are unwilling to believe it. I was a &quot;guide&quot; for some relatives that I took to Venice two years ago, and they absolutely hated it. I won't delve into their reasons, but they were real to them and not superficial.

To you, dreamer, I like the idea of going back to Rome and then taking off for new places you will both experience for the first time. Though you might be his guide in Rome, there is nothing like the mutual excitement of discovering a new place you are both seeing for the first time. And if he doesn't express any desire whatsover to see or go to any particular destination in Italy, you select the itinerary. He will enjoy it. Good luck.

bsm

If you have not seen Venice you have not seen Italy. Without a doubt the most sureal city on this earth!

LoveItaly

Well it is true, not everyone loves Venice (I am not on that list however).

Dreamer I don't know how long you were in Rome but I would imagine there are probably a lot of sites and sights in Rome you did not see during your fist visit.

What about going to Rome and showing your DH some of your favorite places and discovering new ones with him.

And than you could go to LaMarch, the lakes area or where ever you two decide.

Have you thought about picking up some travel books (coffetable style) during the coming months from your local library. Maybe your husband is not really familar with the beauty of Italy (not everyone is) and perhaps these books would give him some ideas of where he would like to go.

You do have time to plan, to discuss and to dream about this trip. That is part of the fun of travelling. Best wishes to you.

RufusTFirefly

Like Venice or not as a place to stay, it is certainly one of the world's most unique treasures.

I don't like the desert, but I still visited Mesa Verde, Grand Canyon, etc. And was awed. Would I choose to live in New Mexico or Arizona unless I absolutely had to? No. Will I return frequently for pleasure trips? No. Am I glad that I experienced Mesa Verde and the Grand Canyon? Yes.