Bob

My question on clothes: Go to any mall in the US. Look at all the bags of clothes being purchased and then look at the people carrying the bags. Where are all these new clothes going? Surely not with the mall people carrying them. Those people look like pigs. Don't they know that good clothes can be worn in public? What are they saving the "good" stuff for? Do they purposely buy ugly clothes that look bad? I am amazed at this debate. The bottom line is that you can be quite comfortable in Europe in nice clothing and it is not mandatory to wear ugly jeans, old back packs and sloppy tennis shoes because you are "saving" the good stuff. It all goes out of style anyway. Surprise yourself! Dress nice and you will be treated better. Dress bad and they will treat you like a poor college student. Why does everyone assume looking good and wearing clothes that actually match is uncomfortable? Amazing!

Sylvie

i was in italy for the month of september with only a small pack and managed to pack the right things (solid, mix 'n match pieces); however, i was sick of my clothes by the end of the trip! i'm currently planning a six month stay beginning in april and i don't want to increase my luggage (does that word come from the verb "lug"?) weight too much. i'm concerned because i'll have to bring some warm, bulky items on this trip and would also like to have some "comfort" clothes (favorite items) and personal belongings for that long a period as i'll be staying in one place the entire time. any suggestions? i thought about shipping some things to italy, but shipping them back home is soooo costly! <BR> <BR>

pam

Principessa! <BR>Since you'll have a base of operations for your 6 months, why not check (grr) a large suitcase? I'd guess the clothes you'll need in April are about the same as you'll need in October. You can always buy new things there to cut the wardrobe boredom and lighten your load. <BR> <BR>So, tell us, Principessa, what are you doing that blesses you so with all this time in Italy?

Principessa

dear pam, <BR>i'm hoping to teach conversational english while learning italian (probably at the university in siena) during my stay. checking a large piece of luggage is certainly an option, but i'm still concerned with the issue of trains/buses. i'm also planning to bring my dog, which makes it all even more interesting..... i guess it would only mean two hell days though (one arriving/one departing). <BR>

elvira

Being in somewhat the same boat (dinghy compared to your cruise ship), I too will be hauling a lot more to Paris than I usually do. I figure check one or two monster bags and carry on a rolling bag (that I can use for day trips) for my six-week stay. An advocate of the RER from airport to the city, I am changing this time and HIRING A CAR AND DRIVER. The thought of trying to drag all that around is making me cry, so a few extra dollars to not sob on the curb outside terminal 2 is worth it. <BR> <BR>Principessa, consider saving up a few extra lira and having a van and driver meet you at the airport to take you, your luggage and Rin Tin Tin to your home in Italy. I would imagine sobbing on the curb at any airport is no way to start an adventure.

pam

Alternately, I could carry your bags for you.... Just a thought. Elvira, the offer is good for you, too.

Estelle

I would have to agree with the woman who didn't want to stick out like a tourist and become a target. When I traveled to London in the past I wore basically black and grey; leggings/stirrups and long sweaters, the last time I did bring two pairs of jeans, but no sneakers. When my friend and I were on the tube platform I could easily pick out the Americans. The English tend to dress very well, even the young people. I liked blending in with them and on a few occassions was asked if I was English (which I thought was a compliment). Rule of thumb, do not dress flashy (unless you're going to a club), I myself prefer to dress conservatively.

Principessa

elvira, <BR>what's your trip story? are you staying the entire six weeks in paris at one residence (w/day trips, of course)? i'm planning on doing day trips too since everything in italy is just a short train ride away. <BR>Sylvie <BR>

elvira

Except for 10 days when the Traveling Loons hit the waterways in a barge, I will be in Paris for 6 weeks. I plan to do day trips, take some cooking courses, and loll. For the first time, I won't be under time constraints and can just enjoy the city. I'll rent an apartment and wake up every morning knowing I have lots of days ahead. <BR>With any luck, an old doddering baron will marry me and I'll be known as the RECENTLY widowed Baroness Elvira of Paris.... <BR>"The Surete is still investigating the unusual circumstances of the <BR>Baron's death..."

martha python

Getting a litle hoity-toity, aren't we, Elvira? What's wrong with "the Widder X" or, if you must, "la Veuve X"? <BR>I keep thnking of that guy in the film version of "Teh Secret Life of Walter Mitty:" "I know a way to kill a man and leave no trace."

elvira

I'm looking for a style in which I wish to grow accustomed; this workin' for a livin' is NOT what it's cracked up to be. Figure a baron will have enough money and houses to make the rest of my life the reward for the first part, as long as old Jean-Claude or whatever ain't around to bother me... <BR>Too bad those front steps of the chateau were so slippery....

Sylvie

dear "recently widowed etc., etc.", <BR>i have a few more questions for you, if you please. when do you depart on your adventure? how many times have you been to france and what other european countries have you visited? do you have everything set up already? i have so many issues that i need to square away before i can leave and it looks like this board might be a good place to do that, so you'll be seeing me around for a short while. you can e-mail me for further discussion, if you'd rather do that than post. <BR>principessa <BR>

Gaylord

Elvira, if the baron has a funny brother, I get first dibs. If not, might you be needing a personal assistant?

pam

Soon-to-be Baroness Elvira, <BR>Let me be the first to offer my condolences on your soon-to-be tragic loss.

s.fowler

Dear Baroness Elvira, <BR>You will certainly be requiring the services of a private secretary and I would like to submit my application for the job. I am well educated and travelled. I can tell a Manet from a Monet [usually - the labels help!] and I am willing to assist you in the selection of appropriate hotels and restaurants [trying them first to make sure they would meet your high standards.]. I would do the same with any car you are considering purchasing - a 2-3 month test drive of at least a Rolls, a Jaguar and a Mercedes should it be necessary. <BR>I will also be willing to test the young men you would attract after the sad death of the Baron. [Drawing a veil over that requirement!] <BR>I can be reached through the doorman at the Ritz. He's my brother. <BR>Sincerely yours, <BR>s.fowler - soon-to-be-personal-secretary-to-the-recently-widowed-Baroness Elivira

Curious

Dear Soon-To-Be Baroness Elvira, <BR> <BR>I was just wondering, if and when you invite us Fodorites to the chateau, will we need to bring our own washcloths? <BR> <BR>(Planning to go to the back door in order to avoid those tricky front steps!)