OK, I’ll bite. I would use a first class ticket to get me over the pond. Cattle class is beginning to stress me out.

I would start down in Rome and work my way up the Continent. I would stay in every convent I find in Italy, and maybe 3 start hotel everywhere else (as long as it is clean and safe, I don’t care). I would rent out a husband to accompany me to every restaurant that tickled my fancy and to carry all my packages when I go shopping. I can see lots of shoes, boots, pocketbooks and leather jackets in my future. I’d work my way through France until all the money is gone. I’d take my first class flight back and start a diet.

Uh, mah1980 - I know that's how the question was worded on the US board, but Heavens is a woman. Check out <b>her</b> post in this thread:

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34548599

if you don't believe me.

I assumed Heavens was a man based on the post. I guess I was wrong and assumed that mostly men comprised this message board (which I think is false b/c I think it's mostly women).

Now we know Heavens is a woman.

Oh...that's easy. I'd go back down to Naxos in September with my husband and enjoy those barren beaches at sunset. Nobody there except the beautiful blue sea, the lapping of the soft waves and the soft brown sand padding our barefeet.

I would use the $15,000 to fly economy class to Paris, where I would stay at the usual hotel for 7 nights.

$1000 would be spent on lunches.

$1000 would be spending money.

The remaining $10,500 would be spent on 7 dinners.

Grand Vefour
L’Ambroisie
Le Cinq
Ledoyen
Lucas Carton
Pierre Gagnaire
Taillevent

If I survive, I will write a trip report.

If we can make the budget 'money no object' then I've always wanted to take the Orient Express all the way from London to Istanbul.

Carnevale di Venezia. It's been at the top of my wish list for decades. We had all the plans set for 2006, but family issues involving $$$ arose.

Perhaps 2007.

ira... now you're talkin'

Phase I - 3 or 4 days in a posh hotel in New York; First Class to London in a reasonably sensible, hotel that people here recommend. Doesn't have to be a 5 star...just nice. Then I agree with Kate...the Orient Express. From Istanbul a quick jaunt back to France to drive around Provence and environs.
Since this would be my &quot;wedding present&quot;, Unkie Herb doubled it as my gift. I mean, what do you buy a woman in her 50's and two homes are combining.
(2 toasters, countless food processors, blenders, fondue sets, etc.)

Those dinners would be fabulous for $10,500. Probably worth every penny.

When my husband wants to buy me a present, I always say spend it instead by taking me out to a restaurant in our town, New Orleans.

I lose jewelry and forget about other gifts, but I never forget an excellent dining experience.

ttt