<BR> <BR>Since I travel for work, and since I live alone, I gave up my rental. Therefore, when in town, I live in motels--I guess that means I live ONLY in motels (or in airline terminals, but that's another topic). Anyway, since I'm "home," I'm at this moment in a franchise of Extended Stay America located in the wondrous hamlet of San Dimas, California. Except for my computer and my clothes, all of my belongings are tightly stuffed into storage rentals (I miss my VCR). The computer, and Fodor's, have become part of my nightly entertainment. Thus it is up to the rest of you to keep me from going insane. Keep up the good work.

Saw 2 Aussie postings, one from W.A and one from Brisbane, so thought I would chime in with a Melbourne posting. I am sitting in what was once our 19 year old son's bedroom, who was so tired of me constantly glued to the computer in "his room" that he moved to the spare room and built himself a new computer. Oh well, you gotta do what ya gotta do.? It's 9.30 at night here on a Sunday evening. Winter is coming to an end and it was quite a nice day...even got some gardening done. For the previous posters who also suffered the addiction of Survivors (A bit of a worry hey....get off the computer to watch the TV)the next one is in the Aussie Outback. Give me a tropical island to survive anyday. I think they'll earn their Million Bucks. I hope this thread keeps running, Ive really enjoyed it. Happy Travels!

I'm at home in Sao Paulo / Brazil trying to finish my Sales Plan that my boss keeps asking me. This is a sunny Sunday and the local time in Brazil is 12:30PM.

So glad to hear I'm not the ONLY one who sits among clutter that should be attended to...or flowerbeds whose beg for attention goes unheeded 'cause the Fodors call always rings with far greater urgency. The "grey cubicle" was also my daytime domicile (w/NO i'net access) up to four and a half years ago, when we happily waved 'bye' to Chicago and set up permanent housekeeping in a c.1913 farmhouse in rural NE Wisconsin. After a grey and muggy start, the day seems to be turning sunny and fresh. Our leaf change is just barely beginning, a slower start than some years. I'm in our 'office' sitting at a Mac that I routinely swear at for its gross slowness, but which is needed by the graphic artist spouse for the free-lance work that still occurs. The view out the east-facing windows just over my shoulder is pretty well taken up right now by the spread of a senior citizen sugar maple, but come late fall, I'll be able to again take in an expanse of field and always- changing sky. Like an earlier poster, I can check the date on an Ireland calendar hanging nearby. (August's pic is a street scene in Cork, but a view of harbor, ocean and mountain in Kerry is coming up in a few days.) We're presently planning a fall trek to Gettysburg/NYC/where-else, but at the same time wondering whether we should forego it to make a return to France/Ireland/where-else next Spring more feasible. Also wondering just how changed Ireland is from the time we last visited in 1985 and were so totally charmed/captured. It's been fascinating to meet such far-flung and interesting Fodorites!

Hi, Lola and all the other Fodor posters! I am sitting in our hallway at 1725 GMT in West Sussex, England. The weather today has been "iffy" with sunshine and showers but not to bad although the temperatures are freshening now and the horse chestnut trees are beginning to look autumnal (like in the fall??) so summer could be trying to sneak back out now!! <BR> <BR>My dearest dog, a black lab cross german shepherd, has just curled up by the door with a huge sigh (yes Mummy is on that computer again!) and the kids are watching Sabrina on Sky TV - husband is down at the club playing darts. <BR> <BR>The garden does need weeding, but I'm not going to do it - they'll all die soon anyway and then we can start again for next season. <BR> <BR>Keep going with the thread, it's lovely to picture you all in your far flung, lovely places and think that to some people I'm also in a foreign, and maybe more exciting place!! <BR> <BR>Esme

Wonder if anyone has started a push-pin map of all the responders' locations yet? <BR> <BR>Think I'll start one myself, just to see a physical representation of where all you wonderful people are located!! <BR> <BR>Keep this great thread going!

Right now I'm hiding in the Presidential suite of a Ritz Carlton in an undisclosed place after surviving 39 days on an island in the far east. My room service table is next to me. Only the bones remain of a couple of steaks (I left all the the rice) and a hot fudge sundae is still awaiting, so I may have a snack later. I am planning a deluxe trip to Europe for several reasons. Seems I've come into a million- dollar windfall (before taxes, folks--it's only about $600K and change). I also hear that Kelly is out to get me and has bribed Sue to have a change of heart and run over me with a truck. And Rudy keeps sending me "anonymous" hate mail. So I think I'll take an extended vacation somewhere in Europe. I've been reading the forum and have learned a lot. I won't carry my money around, that's for sure. And I appreciate all the posts about nude beaches. Back to that sundae.

Very funny, Rich. If you need someone to hold your (money) bags.... Anyway, I'm just north of SoBe, South Beach to you guys, in Miami Beach Florida. I live about 20 blocks from the Eurotrash and model scene, in an art moderne house with a tile roof, built in 1936. The floor is white Carrara marble, perhaps the same kind Michelangelo used. From my "Florida room" is see my little pool landscaped in bougainvilla. I hate the heat and mosquitoes and threats of hurricanes but love the lifestyle, except in the summer, when I dream of Italian lakes. Here the weeds are considered flowers. Later I will be going to Lincoln Road to stroll around when it gets cooler. The cafes there and the fountains and the language in the air reminds me of resorts along the Spanish Med coast. I love this thread!

This is a very interesting thread. Just found it. I, too, am sitting at my pc in our home office. We both are now retired and have a small home business. We love to travel. Live in a small college community in Southern New Jersey...not to far from Philadelphia,PA. We will be heading to Mexico this winter for a few weeks as we love it there. Planning on Spain for the Spring. Spent this May and June RVing in the southwest and western states. Fortunately, did all of this before any of the major fires. Met many people from Europe who had flown over and had rental RV's waiting for them. Very interesting conversing with people from other countries and how they see us!! Hope this thread continues.

I'm at my desk in my bedroom in northern New Jersey, busy sending out resumes to various organizations in southern Florida. It's in the 80's and sunny. If I'm lucky I'll be in FL before the winter...

Hi, gang. I was the first one to post after lola asked her question, but after reading so many great posts, I now have to say that I LOVE to know so many of us not only need to weed (and aren't) but so many others need to clean up the clutter (and aren't). Makes me feel so so much better. I too love this thread.

Hi everyone, got about half way through all the messages and didn't see any from Australia. I am sitting at my computer at work (law firm where I am a secretary) I am planning my leaving party as in two weeks my friend and I are going on a 12 month working holiday all over the world from LA to Athens. Should be great. Anyway where I am this minute is in Tamworth, Country Music Capital of Australia. Nothing really happens here but it is not too bad a place to live. Can't wait for my year of travelling though. If anyone has had interesting experiences working and travelling send me a message. I'll keep reading. See ya

I'm at home in Chorley, Lancashire, UK. Today is a"Bank" holiday ( public holiday for us here in semi sunny England. Notwithstanding I'm "supposed" to be working on a business report, but get distracted onto Web sites ! I'm in the kitchen with the old PC, listening to the BBC's Radio 2 (sad I know, but it's lighthearted fun & easy listening). The dog (Toto - Great Dane) is asleep in her basket as is my husband (not in his basket - in bed !) a night shift worker as a milk man. Ho hum, back to the business report on "IT Outsourcing". <BR> <BR>Great Web Site. <BR> <BR>Luv <BR> <BR>MMS

I am in the first-class lounge of Singapore Airlines in Singapore. Headed for Frankfurt, and have a five hour lay-over, and was looking for some info on places to stay near French/German border. Happened to see this question. Planning 2-3 weeks in France.

9:00 am in Boston in my cube at work. Looking at my Paris calendar and a picture of my husband and I in Provence on my desk!

I am sitting at my desk in my home office. I am a self employed computer consultant so I normally work from home. My office is in the front of the house overlooking our front yard and the street. I am located in a small city 35 miles SE from San Francisco. <BR> <BR>Getting on Fodors and talking travel etc. is a form of relaxation to get a break from my work and give my brain a rest.

Even though I have been a regular on Fodors for a long time, this is my first venture into the Europe forum. I got here from the hot listing on the menu page. <BR> <BR>I just want to say one thing. It is so refreshing and enjoyable to be able to read a thread this long that is not full of rude and offensive messages. It is a tribute to you fine people to see some civilty on Fodors.

Funny you should mention that, Cal. <BR> <BR>I don't know where you usually spend your time, but I have recently been exploring the US and Caribbean forums, and was surprised to find that the tone of the exchange is quite a bit different. We get our "nasties" over here, but they are not tolerated or encouraged!

I'm in Helsinki, Finland. It's been a gorgeous, warm and sunny day. Have just finished work & now head for the beach to do some sea kayaking off the coast. It is pectacular to see the sun set and have the islets and rocks around the coast here glowing in the red light. In Finland we find it difficult to keep to work on days like this, with all those outdoor sports possibilities nearby. <BR>

Another aussie here... "Prue", if you're still out there, I'm in Bunbury, so you must be pretty close by! We live in the south west of Australia, a very pretty little 'city' with the 'soul' of a town (so the advertising goes, anyway!!) My husband and I will be making our first trip to Italy this Autumn, and it's great to see so many others looking forward to Italian Autumn trips... I'm in my hubbys office, it's past midnight and he keeps asking where I am and what I'm doing STILL on the computer... He doesn't 'get' the addiction thing... I suppose I'd better get back to the real world... Thanks so much for all your help in our planning... Will report our trip when we return, we leave in just under 7 weeks now...Bye...

Dear Kim of Kona, Hawaii, <BR> Sorry you didn't like my sense of humor. But, since half of America and probably a majority of Fodor's posters supports the death-by-vacuuming of live baby fetuses, I'm not going to let your criticism get me too far down. 116 men died recently at the bottom of the Barents Sea and that is tragic. In "civilized" America, home of the free, home of the brave, 4000 fetuses are butchered in an ordinary day. THAT is shameful.

Nice one Vlad! There's nothing like spoiling an enjoyable, intelligent, ADULT thread, is there?

Hi all--let's not let rotten apples spoil this excellent barrel of information. I'm in Cancun Mexico, on vacation with my laptop by my side. My room has a glass wall overlooking the turquoise water, and a balcony-- upon which I am sitting in the sun this very second, with my Discman on my head. I'm listening to The Goldberg variations by Bach. I bring my laptop to stay wired, and enjoy this forum enough to pay the phone fee. My real home is in Syracuse New York, so it is nice to see the sun for a change. I plan on going to Italy this fall--my 3rd trip. Love the thread, and keep it going so I can read about the world through you.

I'm in the middle of the North Sea on a drilling platform; in the K-7 block to be specific. <BR>I was reading this thread and had to stop because I got a phone call from the drilling floor that the explosives we ran down into the well (to cut through a piece of tmetal tubing) to a depth of 3600 meters below seabed FELL OFF. So now I have ammunition in a gas well approximately 60 meters away from me. <BR> <BR>I need a vacation.

Craig, until someone writes from Antarctica or the Mir, you win.

I unfortunately don't have anything unique to add, but perhaps that's half the fun. <BR> <BR>I am currently wasting time afterhours in my office in Northern Va (~25 miles from DC). The sunset is at the window, a fresh bouquet of flowers on my desk, a recent family photo from my sister's wedding. <BR> <BR>When not here, I'm in all-too-hot Dallas at home, with this same laptop in my pseudo-office/spare room. I started reading this forum when in Melbourne earlier in the year, to plan my trip to Greece. <BR> <BR>And to CMR in New Stanton PA -- I had to read all the postings once I saw your note. I grew up in Scottdale, and can tell you that the Sony plant you inhabit had been Volkswagen of America, and a Chevy plant before that. You are as 'close to home' as I've found -- including one of the Millionaire contestants this week from Connellsville! <BR> <BR>happy to be part of this... <BR>Kathy <BR>

I'm still here, for those of you who asked. <BR>We are just going to fill the well up with cement and leave it all for some unsuspecting alien Xeno-Archeologist to discover in a few million years. What a surprise that'll be. <BR> <BR>On a travel note. I think I may be moving to The Sakhalin Islands, Russia in eastern Siberia come next year. This was where they sent the really naughty criminals to die. <BR> <BR>I think I'll save up that vacation time, thank you. <BR>

=== <BR>Craig - <BR> <BR>Hope they pay you the big bucks to work in such far flung ( & COLD !) outposts. <BR>And I thought that Siberia was already pretty far east, but you're going to "east Siberia" - You're making us pull out the atlas to see where the heck you are (and will be). <BR>

.

WOW Lola! You've really started something here! I got about half way though all the responses to your question before my eyes started to cross. I am at my office in Portland Oregon, I am an office manager for a home inspection company. I am curently plotting my very first trip out of the country (to Ireland). I work in a dark, cool cement building with a view of a residential street from my window. Today, as is true most days, it is overcast and looks like it might rain at any moment. The cat from the house next door is on my window ledge begging for treats (which I keep in my desk drawer) again. I'm pretty sure that her owners have stopped feeding her...There are towering pine trees in almost every yard and old classic cars in almost every driveway. They don't salt the roads out here (like they do in NY - where I am from originally I might add) so, older cars last longer. I am able to sneak onto the internet and surf about an hour each day and am newly addicted to this web site. Everyone here seems to have traveled quite a bit. Hope to add myself to those ranks one day but can only afford a real vacation once in a great while...Take care everyone!

I'm in central nj, in a 1910 farmhouse we are renovating, getting ready to go to Austria and leaving the painting to my partner!

Elephant Island, just off the coast of Antarctica. Tomorrow, Creen, Worsley, McNeish, McCarthy, Vincent and I take the CAIRD to St.George's Island to effect a rescue of the whole party. It is very cold outside. Blackboro's leg is so bad Macklin may have to take it off. The seal hoosh was especially dreadful last night. I dreamt last night of a nice helping of roast beef and mashed potatoes with rich, thick black gravy. Washed down with a Bass Ale, of course. God save the King!!!!!!

Well if anyone makes it all the way down here...I'm at home, in Torrance California, I just got home from work and I should be getting ready to meet friends for a dinner cruise. It's a beautiful day not at all humid and the evening should be perfect, except for the nylons. I should be excited to be going but instead here I sit doing research for ideas for my upcoming trip to London and France. I'm so addicted to this site.

Back home in Honolulu from Alaska, and logging on from work on a near-perfect weather day. I'm distracted by this forum and by the day outside. Just returned from a short walk to Bishop Square where a group was playing Hawaiian music. The trades are blowing and the flame trees below my window are in full bloom. Hi to Kim in Kona and especially to Auca in Finland...I was born in Helsinki. A lovely weekend to you all! <BR>Aloha, <BR>k

Where am I? I've spent the last hour looking at different websites for places to stay in Ireland (hopefully, my next trip!) Like so many of you, I am daydreaming about my next travel adventure, so for today....my heart and mind are in Ireland. I am an attorney in Alabama and have spent a hard week and long hours at the office. But one of my favorite pastimes is spending time on the computer planning my next getaway. These wonderful trips sure make all of that hard work worthwhile! And I enjoy hearing about all of your travels, too, for those times that I can't leave.

Great thread! Anyone notice that most folks seem to be in pleasant surroundings in despite the ubiquitous weeds. I am in my daughter's messy bedroom in a slightly dirty saltbox reproduction house on a very pretty property with lovely views in a charming town. I also have another home in NYC also in need of cleaning but in a nice location. Maybe I am just "projecting" or being narcissitic but it seems that many of the visitors to this <BR>"lounge" are not interested in traveling to "get away" but because we are "places" people who are very interested in new surroundings (more for a change). Maybe I am not expressing myself well or being trivial---sorry if so---but I thought it was interesting. Perhaps those in ugly places just dont want to chat!

i am at my moms in Alabama but live in NC. right now i am on a laptop in the family room with the big scene tv on while i type, which i am not watching. this is the 2nd time i have used this web site and really enjoy. have gotten some great info from people already! just got married last monday!! and will be moving to the uk in october! so if you have tips for newcomers, please write!

Oh, you'll like this! I'm in the ICU of a large hospital north of Detroit. OK, so I'm at work. Planning a trip to Germany in November and ran across this....interesting and neat thread. Have a great Labor Day people!

I thought Ernie Shackleton was dead.

I'm sittin in the loo, on the throne, <BR>dropping a very large turd.