This is Why I Will Always Travel Solo From Now: Trip Report -Rome and Sorrento
Nov 3rd, 2005, 07:13 AM
#582
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I'm amazed and in awe to see this thread is still traveling on!
I think Barb finished her tale sometime yesterday?
I think NYCF/TS is way overestimating her own relevance in this story, after all, she did used some pretty heavy-handed language,
trying to sound clever, which probably entertained the rest of us somewhat, but may have offended the recipient, which is understandable, and to be expected.
All she got was a normal reaction, albeit without nearly the rancor she herself exhibited. I don't think it needed all of 15 paragraphs to repond, and dare I say it-maybe she DOES need some of Barb's Ambien!
NYCF/TS: You know, It's a gorgeous day out here on the streets of NY-lots of sunshine. If I wasn't stuck at the office, I'd be out walking in the park- maybe a a little time in the sun will sweeten you up... or do I need to duck before you start throwing things at me too?
I also noticed that Barb thought she (NYCF/TS) would make a good travel partner. Now there would be a sequel!
11op:
" And the sentence, "because I say the truth" beckons the question, "Who's truth?"beckons the question, "Who's truth?"
That's very well said! I live and work in a place with a crowds of tourists, but i know the ratio is much higher in Sorrento, and they probably have their own view of us and the way we act when we're on a vacation there. That seems only fair.
I have some friends who live there, and I think if I were a local woman there, I might not have the most friendly view of the women trying to find a romantic fling on vacation, and I have to admit, I think they do have a strong point, whether we like it or not. Jealousy? Probably, but I think they have a perfect right to this opinion without us putting them down and attacking them for it. I happen to love that area, and visit often, so that probably makes me a little more in sympathy with them than NYCF/TS
seems to be.
Funny, but I remember the scene in "Under the Tuscan Sun" when Diane Lane tries to go to Positano to find her "boyfriend" again, and finds him living with a local girl.....I think Frances Mayes ended up with an American guy, didn't she? Maybe there is some truth in "to each his/her own", after all.
As for truth, this was an absorbing read on alot of levels, including the banter-even if I didn't 100% believe all the things Barb claims, but hey-a little embellishment and a few misspellings never hurt when you're spinning a tale, right?
I think Barb finished her tale sometime yesterday?
I think NYCF/TS is way overestimating her own relevance in this story, after all, she did used some pretty heavy-handed language,
trying to sound clever, which probably entertained the rest of us somewhat, but may have offended the recipient, which is understandable, and to be expected.
All she got was a normal reaction, albeit without nearly the rancor she herself exhibited. I don't think it needed all of 15 paragraphs to repond, and dare I say it-maybe she DOES need some of Barb's Ambien!
NYCF/TS: You know, It's a gorgeous day out here on the streets of NY-lots of sunshine. If I wasn't stuck at the office, I'd be out walking in the park- maybe a a little time in the sun will sweeten you up... or do I need to duck before you start throwing things at me too?
I also noticed that Barb thought she (NYCF/TS) would make a good travel partner. Now there would be a sequel!
11op:
" And the sentence, "because I say the truth" beckons the question, "Who's truth?"beckons the question, "Who's truth?"
That's very well said! I live and work in a place with a crowds of tourists, but i know the ratio is much higher in Sorrento, and they probably have their own view of us and the way we act when we're on a vacation there. That seems only fair.
I have some friends who live there, and I think if I were a local woman there, I might not have the most friendly view of the women trying to find a romantic fling on vacation, and I have to admit, I think they do have a strong point, whether we like it or not. Jealousy? Probably, but I think they have a perfect right to this opinion without us putting them down and attacking them for it. I happen to love that area, and visit often, so that probably makes me a little more in sympathy with them than NYCF/TS
seems to be.
Funny, but I remember the scene in "Under the Tuscan Sun" when Diane Lane tries to go to Positano to find her "boyfriend" again, and finds him living with a local girl.....I think Frances Mayes ended up with an American guy, didn't she? Maybe there is some truth in "to each his/her own", after all.
As for truth, this was an absorbing read on alot of levels, including the banter-even if I didn't 100% believe all the things Barb claims, but hey-a little embellishment and a few misspellings never hurt when you're spinning a tale, right?
Nov 3rd, 2005, 07:29 AM
#584
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re: the NHF and "women of a certian age"
I'm guessing that since this forum seems to be mostly women (I'm one of the male fans), many of you are familiar with the (great) film "Summertime", in which Kate Hepburn is a 48-yr old American tourist who is courted by the 39-yr old Rosanno Brazzi. On arriving in Venice, Kate tells the beautiful owner of the Pensione Fioricci about "this girl" on the boat coming over (actually talking about herself). She says "In America, any woman under 50 is still a girl". "And after?" signora Fioricci asks. "After, who cares?" says Kate.
Later, the signora says "In Italy, age is an asset!" Kate wryly says, "Then I must be loaded!"
That's one of the attractions of Italy, as far as I'm concerned. Italians of all ages are absolutely mad for babies and little children. Even teenagers will stop to fuss over a cute kid. Likewise, there seems to be a genuine interest in people of all ages - not that there is no "hanging out" with friends of one's own age, but there is generally less defensiveness about age than we are used to.
BTW, I think all the good actresses will be fighting to be D - she would be the tough role. And I'd make Keaton Eiffel Tower, so she could stretch those muscles a bit (or Streep). Add Mary Kay Place in any role ...
I'm guessing that since this forum seems to be mostly women (I'm one of the male fans), many of you are familiar with the (great) film "Summertime", in which Kate Hepburn is a 48-yr old American tourist who is courted by the 39-yr old Rosanno Brazzi. On arriving in Venice, Kate tells the beautiful owner of the Pensione Fioricci about "this girl" on the boat coming over (actually talking about herself). She says "In America, any woman under 50 is still a girl". "And after?" signora Fioricci asks. "After, who cares?" says Kate.
Later, the signora says "In Italy, age is an asset!" Kate wryly says, "Then I must be loaded!"
That's one of the attractions of Italy, as far as I'm concerned. Italians of all ages are absolutely mad for babies and little children. Even teenagers will stop to fuss over a cute kid. Likewise, there seems to be a genuine interest in people of all ages - not that there is no "hanging out" with friends of one's own age, but there is generally less defensiveness about age than we are used to.
BTW, I think all the good actresses will be fighting to be D - she would be the tough role. And I'd make Keaton Eiffel Tower, so she could stretch those muscles a bit (or Streep). Add Mary Kay Place in any role ...
Nov 3rd, 2005, 07:34 AM
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As much as I would love to say the irony was intentional, all I can do is admit I'm far from perfect. Considering how fast I think, write, and type, I'm surprised more unintended irony doesn't appear in my posts. Thank you for making my intention clearer.
<i>"A response of well over fifteen paragraphs is hardly "soigné," in my opinion.</i>
Soigné does not mean diffuse, even though I'm flattered that some dunderhead took the time to count my paragraphs in a failed attempt at soigné criticism. That's OK. "Judging" his movie title offerings, he's not much of a comedian either. Don't quit your day job, dear.
You see, delldee, here on Fodor's you're often damned if you do and damned if you don't. After all, I could have combined all my paragraphs into one, which would have brought other critics into the mix. When you choose to contribute here on Travel Talk, you must be prepared to swim with all types of man-eating fish and not just those few from your little town of Sorrento.
<i>"A response of well over fifteen paragraphs is hardly "soigné," in my opinion.</i>
Soigné does not mean diffuse, even though I'm flattered that some dunderhead took the time to count my paragraphs in a failed attempt at soigné criticism. That's OK. "Judging" his movie title offerings, he's not much of a comedian either. Don't quit your day job, dear.
You see, delldee, here on Fodor's you're often damned if you do and damned if you don't. After all, I could have combined all my paragraphs into one, which would have brought other critics into the mix. When you choose to contribute here on Travel Talk, you must be prepared to swim with all types of man-eating fish and not just those few from your little town of Sorrento.
Nov 3rd, 2005, 07:40 AM
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satnitcboy-
yes! I agree! i kind of find D interesting too, and suspect that there is maybe much more than meets the eye going on there.
And a great film reference with "Summertime"!
Good comments!
yes! I agree! i kind of find D interesting too, and suspect that there is maybe much more than meets the eye going on there.
And a great film reference with "Summertime"!
Good comments!
Nov 3rd, 2005, 07:51 AM
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bellastar, for what it's worth, I found your post fair, funny, charming and very well written. Sunny or not, today is a work day and that means the blinds are down to control the monitor's ELF/VLF E-field radiation.
Thank you all who read my posts, especially the ones with 15 paragraphs.
Thank you all who read my posts, especially the ones with 15 paragraphs.
Nov 3rd, 2005, 08:03 AM
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Another flick I'm reminded of is "Shirley Valentine", with the great Pauline Collins as a Brit housewife who takes a dream vacation to Greece to excape her dreary husband. Shirley's girlfriend turns out to be a poor match for her while on the trip, but they do end up have fun, each in her own way. If you all have never seen it, do - it's fun, if a bit fairy-tale for some.
While I'm at it, since we've all appreciated Barb's writing, I should say that "Shirley Valentine" is by Willy Russell, from his own play. "Summertime" screenplay is by David Lean (who directs this gorgeous film) and H. E. Bates, from the play "Time of the Cuckoo" by Arthur Laurents. Let's keep giving writer's credit!
While I'm at it, since we've all appreciated Barb's writing, I should say that "Shirley Valentine" is by Willy Russell, from his own play. "Summertime" screenplay is by David Lean (who directs this gorgeous film) and H. E. Bates, from the play "Time of the Cuckoo" by Arthur Laurents. Let's keep giving writer's credit!
Nov 3rd, 2005, 08:31 AM
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Barb - thank you for a really great story and for not quitting on the Diva's or on posting your story, in spite of Delldee, and her ilk. And NYC Travel Snob, why do you have to go on and on and on, this wasn't your story!
Nov 3rd, 2005, 08:43 AM
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satnitcboy-
well, you have won my heart with your insights and your clear respect for film and the writer's craft!
From a fellow lover of film
NYCF/TS:
I work many hours per day on large screen computers, and one must take sunlight breaks every hour to keep ones brain from frying to a crisp.
well, you have won my heart with your insights and your clear respect for film and the writer's craft!
From a fellow lover of film
NYCF/TS:
I work many hours per day on large screen computers, and one must take sunlight breaks every hour to keep ones brain from frying to a crisp.
Nov 3rd, 2005, 09:11 AM
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Budman: By the time I got to that point in the report, I was really starting to run out of steam and I thought it was just time to end it on a rather happy note. I will say, I was very happy that I had a seat across the aisle from the Divas though.
Nov 3rd, 2005, 09:29 AM
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<i>"And NYC Travel Snob, why do you have to go on and on and on, this wasn't your story!"</i>
Of course, this was my story! And I'll bet it belongs to others as well. Barb was kind, generous, and patient enough to be the one to write it. And that's why it's received such overwhelming response.
But, don't fret, Sharon. I'm done here.
Of course, this was my story! And I'll bet it belongs to others as well. Barb was kind, generous, and patient enough to be the one to write it. And that's why it's received such overwhelming response.
But, don't fret, Sharon. I'm done here.
Nov 3rd, 2005, 09:48 AM
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Just thought I'd mention, for those who care, there is an article in this month's AARP magazine about older women/younger men. Hey, AARP is giving it the thumbs up! So, delldee and the women of Sorrento - you'd better lock up your men, because this 50+ woman has AARP's approval and there's no stopping me now!!
Nov 3rd, 2005, 09:55 AM
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The point I think most of the dissenters miss is that Barb was not a hired guide. She was looking forward to a trip with what she thought were other adults capable of taking care of themselves. She wound up being a baby- sitter. Until she went off by herself, her dream trip was a nightmare. If she found some time to enjoy herself I say WAY TO GO BARB!!
Nov 3rd, 2005, 10:26 AM
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According to Elsimar Coutinho, a Brazilian doctor that has been doing an extensive research about human sexuality, yourger males are more sexually compatible with older females, whereas younger females are sexually more compatible with older males than with with those of their age.
The reason is that while older women get sexually aroused easily and quickly, younger males have the urge to get to the climax, hence both get satisfied with the sexual act. OTO, young females need a longer period of time to get aroused, as do older men. Given to their hormon levels, human beings instinctively recognise and are driven towards their compatible pair.
This is not a romantic explanation, I know, but it does make a lot of sense to me. Forgive me, Barb, for coming with such a raw, scientific argument, but the fact is that I do believe it's true. Of course, personal assets play a huge role here. It's not that ANY older female would atract a younger ( and HANDSOME!) male like NHF, it had to be Barb to cacth his eye.
The reason is that while older women get sexually aroused easily and quickly, younger males have the urge to get to the climax, hence both get satisfied with the sexual act. OTO, young females need a longer period of time to get aroused, as do older men. Given to their hormon levels, human beings instinctively recognise and are driven towards their compatible pair.
This is not a romantic explanation, I know, but it does make a lot of sense to me. Forgive me, Barb, for coming with such a raw, scientific argument, but the fact is that I do believe it's true. Of course, personal assets play a huge role here. It's not that ANY older female would atract a younger ( and HANDSOME!) male like NHF, it had to be Barb to cacth his eye.
Nov 3rd, 2005, 10:49 AM
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and now that I've "got the groove back" .....OMG... you GO GIRL!!!
I had been reading your story for a couple of days, but work got the best of me until COCOINDIJON reminded me of it. Well, I was back in a flash. So much had happened and SO many responses...it was amazing. What a great read, Barb. Thank you for telling all. The movie suggestion is spot on.
Thanks again, Barb. And Happy Solo Travels.
I had been reading your story for a couple of days, but work got the best of me until COCOINDIJON reminded me of it. Well, I was back in a flash. So much had happened and SO many responses...it was amazing. What a great read, Barb. Thank you for telling all. The movie suggestion is spot on.
Thanks again, Barb. And Happy Solo Travels.
