If you had a choice of staying one more nite in Venice instead of attending the canonization of a saint [Padre Pio in June 2002] in Rome which would you pick?

Dear Babs,<BR><BR>I think it would have a lot to do with your religion. If I assume correctly that you are Catholic, only you can make that choice.<BR><BR>Buon viaggio!

OMG! I love Padre Pio. He is a national treasure of Italy (when anything good or bad happens, many blame it on Padre Pio). My brother-in-law, who was born near Torino, has a statue of Padre Pio in his garden in Cambridge, MA.<BR><BR>With his abundant popularity in Italy, Im sure the Vatican will be mobbed!<BR><BR>Are you up for this?? Im sure it will be a madhouse.<BR><BR>Have fun, whatever you decide.

Are you a direct descendant of Padre Pio?<BR><BR>Sorry - - couldn't resist.<BR><BR>I guess that I would recommend an extra night in Venice.<BR><BR>Best wishes,<BR><BR>Rex<BR>

Rex, you are an ass.<BR><BR>Sorry, I couldn't resist.

I probably would not have this problem if I had been to Italy before, or if I had more nites in Venice than just two (if I skipped the canonization) or if I had been to a canonization before but I haven't. It's my first time in Italy, my first time in Venice and probably the only time I can get to attend a canonization of a popular person [I understand people get canonized almost everyday in Rome]. <BR>

Wow. I feel like I've been elevated to saintly status myself! Called an ass by John G. Makes me feel positively gorgeous!<BR>

Assuming you are Catholic and are at least somewhat devout, I would recommend the canonization. And, this is from someone who ranks Venice right at or near the top. My feeling is that the canonization is probably a once-in-a-lifetime experience, while Venice will still be there!

topping<BR>

Babs, no question about it. Stay in Rome for the canonization ceremony. Second on Howard's sentiments -- witnessing a canonization is likely a once-in-lifetime event, while Venice will still be there next year.<BR><BR>RE: the religion thing. You don't have to be one of the faithful to be moved by an important religious event. I am not Catholic. Yet I was thrilled to be in St. Peter's square during an beatification held in Oct-97. <BR><BR>

Rex: FatGorjus!

What a lovely trend we have in America. It's fine to throw slurs and epithets at someone based on their size or shape.<BR><BR>But don't dare use any negative tone when calling someone a queer, a raghead or a bitch.<BR>

Abc, your post says more about your character than about Rex or John.

Wa-hell! JohnG DID notice Rex's ass!! Whaddyou think???!!!<BR><BR>ROTFLMAO over this whole thing!!<BR><BR>Babs, I'm sorry your thread got highjacked.<BR><BR>I'd vote Canonization even though I'm not Catholic. That would be so very very cool.

referee you are quite right.<BR>actually i have nothing against rex or even against fat, i am fat too.<BR>i was trying to say they are as bad as each other with the digs but i regretted what i posted as soon as i did it.<BR>rex doesnt bug me as he does some people but he doesnt arouse sympathy either, his non travel info posts just invite ridicule.<BR>john g is just a pretentious wanna be but thats another story.<BR>but i do retract the rex comment and apologise for it.

I am attending the canonization, and know it is a chance of a lifetime. Yes there will be millions there, but never have we ever had such a devout and holy Saint! Do a little reading on him before you go, it will make it so worthwhile!

Mercy, abc! <BR><BR>First you call him fatgorjus, and now you just say he is fat and ridiculous.<BR><BR>And he doesn't bother you?<BR><BR>And John G is pretentious?!!<BR><BR>If these aren't your enemies, it sure must not be pleasant to be your friends.

Whatever...

Dearest Yoiks!<BR><BR>abc has loads of friends. And I am just one of the many!!<BR><BR>I personally thought that the FatGorjus moniker was more a dig at JohnG's pretentious e-mail name rather than any dig at Rex. I felt that Rex would find it hilarious, too.

sure looks to me like John G also known as jack jack rick rochelle rhonda is also abc<BR><BR>the fbi would like to know how many other aliases this individual has used<BR><BR>and when the confessions of other conscience-troubling actions will come forward<BR><BR>probably a lot more to want to apologise for than just words<BR>