Thanks, this report is so funny!

Love this! I've only read to Oct 27th 05 but will catch up later. :)

Thanks, ginnyjo, I DID need a laugh today...or rather a palate cleanser. On the other hand, I've realized that I made a lucky decision to weasel out of holiday dinners on an election year;) Europe solo for Christmas is looking so much brighter. I was feeling a little pre-trip homesickness. NOT ANYMORE.

Barb, if you're still checking in- I suspect part of the problem is that you went to a familiar, beloved place with the Divas. That aspect, at least in my case, makes it much harder to put up with nonsense. But I agree with whoever said it could have been worse- you did an admirable job of staying independent. Bravo!

I need a laugh today too.
The first two paragraphs of the trip report catch my attention already.

A never to be forgotten trip report.

TYFFT

My favorite!

thanks for topping this AJP - I'd heard about it but never read it. Another classic.

Now can someone please find the thread about the person who brings the food [coleslaw?] to the party only to have it returned to him when he goes home? And the one which starts "how do you know they aren't axe murderers?"

Another favorite of mine!

Ahhh, yes. Just as a wonderful as I'd remembered.

This classic report should stay on the home page so that anyone who starts a thread with "I have been asked to plan a trip for my extended family" or "I am in charge of planning a trip for a group of seven" can immediately be forewarned.

Barb, bless you for this gift that keeps giving, and AJPeabody, thanks for the New Year's present.

AZ

Did I miss the movie version?

I just reread this again (just Barb's parts, not all the comments.) A cautionary tale, to be certain. Now I am itching to return to Italy, but not with a group!

Thanks for posting this Barb, and for continuing to post even while some folks were hammering at you! I really enjoyed reading this (so sorry though that you had to go through it!). I'm also very happy that you posted the updates... very nice that all the friendships managed to survive.

Thanks for topping it, AJP!

s

Annhig,

Do you mean my trip report "How Do you Know They Are Not Killers?"

https://www.fodors.com/community/eur...rip-report.cfm

I'm bringing this up again....it's a great read!

Oh, fun to see this again! Unfortunately, Barb and I never did manage to meet up. She hasn't posted here in a long time.

Oh that's too bad because I remember how delightful this thread was!

So many names from times past; I miss them! I've been rereading Barb's account and it's as entertaining and informative as ever... a word to the wise. I hope she is well. Thank you, ekscrunchy!

Just re-read this after having read it years ago. It's as entertaining as ever! Thanks Barb and hope you are well and still traveling! ;^)

Somehow I got to this thread as I'm planning a trip to Rome. I had read a few installments before I realized it was 20 years old. What a great story! I wonder whatever happened to Barb? She stopped posting in 2017. I am ALWAYS the trip planner, but my husband and daughter are basically happy to go where I plan with no complaint. Barb's thread is a good reminder to be thankful that I have some willing and wonderful travel companions -- even though I do all the work of planning.