LoveItaly

Well my family has always had friends and relatives all over the world going back decades and decades so guess we are not the typical family. Not uncommon at all to have people visit us that we have never met face to face before or to visit them.

But imagine it would seem strange to some people, just like travellers get comments because they plan their own trips or travel by themselves.

To each their own, right?

amwosu

LI- You get an A+ for a fab report. I'm so happy the two of you were able to get together and clicked so well. Hmmmm.....girls who shop and eat... what a perfect trip.

I met someone via the AOL travel message board and the two of us and our teenage sons toured Paris together last summer. We hope to hit NYC for a girls only trip in the fall.

My son DID think I was nuts to want to get together with people we didn't know. I kept saying, "But I DO know her. We just haven't met yet."

Scarlett

Love, we got to meet a long - time epal of mine when my husband and I were in Portland this past September and I have gotten to meet Marilyn and a couple of other Fodorites.
Whenever I get to Ca, I will no doubt, meet you so I think this is great!
So many Fodorites are really friends too, I have told neighbors about Fodors so I know they are reading these posts too (hi!)
We are all crazy

LoveItaly

Hi Scarlett, heaven help you if you come to SF and we don't see each other ! In fact when I was in Charleston I thought of you a lot, and sure do want you to visit there too.

Amwosu, thank you for your very nice compliment. I was rather tired the night I wrote the report and thus my typing was terrible but it was fun thinking of all the fun and relaxation I had that week.

I think a lot of us (common interest?) get very close here on Fodors even before we meet in person.

And excluding the Troll's I so enjoy the various threads and everyone's postings.

I had a couple of people I know (not close friends) comment on "are you on the computor again?" But never mind that they have their TV on every waking hour. Too funny IMHO.

jetset1

LoveItaly~ loved your report and I am thrilled that you made a new pal much in the same way as a dear friend of mine. I "started writing on a message board and one gal there was like my soul sister. We started corresponding for three years, getting to know each other, comparing family notes, etc. Much like a pen pal, cyber style.
Funny thing because she is so. Cal. and at the time, I was Miss Village out in the wilds of the Aleutian islands. Her traveling tales and lifestyle in general got me through many blizzards and wine glasses,lol.
Finally, I got brave and asked her if she wanted to meet in Vegas. After we decided we each weren't serial killers and the husbands gave their approval, we did make the trip. She came with a backup friend just in case, whom I also liked. We spent three fun filled days playing, sunning and marveling at our chance meeting online.
The following summer, my busabnd and I met her family at another location. Along with a few of their friends, we rented a large houseboat for a weekend. The hubbies all hit it off, the girls got along swell. So I'm tickled to read about your friendship with OWJ, and wish you many more years of friendship~!

jetset1

h-u-s-b-a-n-d-s.
the Conundrum kicked in early,lol.

Maggi

LoveItaly, it's greating meeting other Fodorites, isn't it? Had the same lovely experience in Hawaii with Joan from Florida. Coincidentally, we are traveling to Georgia for a wedding in September. The wedding and our accomodations are at the Sheraton Buckhead. We intend to go to Charleston after the wedding. Thanks for your detailed report. It will prove invaluable for our trip.
Maggi

LoveItaly

Hi Jetset1 and Maggie, I was surprised to see my thread pop up again!

I so enjoyed both of your posts. Thank you for sharing.

First question, an ignorant one I am sure.
Jetset1, you lived in the Aluetian Islands? My favorite uncle was stationed there (US Army) during WWII. I remember so many stories. The freezing cold, the barren land etc. If you have the time I would love to hear about your experiences there. They must be so interesting.

And when you met in Las Vegas, no ax murders! LOL! Isn't it true that most women, according to stastics get injured and murdered by spouses, boyfriends and family members.

And then there are the rest of us. We become acquainted with the most wonderful people and make such special friends.

And let me explain, for sure getting hurt or put in any kind of danger by anyone is not the least bit funny. Not at all. But it is interesting that stastically, from all I have read, women are in more danger from known people then from "strangers" I am so glad that your meeting your cyberfriend in LasVegas turned out to be a continued friendship. BTW, I love boats, of any kind.

And Maggie, your story is great too. And you will love Buckhead Atlanta. OWJ got me the room at the Sheraton and it was wonderful. Buckhead is fabulous. And Charleston is truly the most beautiful city (shhh, don't tell my friends in SF, LOL). Hope you can file a trip report, I would be interested in it as I am sure many others will be too.

Best wishes to both of you. And thank you so much for sharing your experiences. Take good care.

Marilyn

Aw, you guys, what a great fodoriffic story! That so cool that you went to visit, LoveItaly, and that you had such a good time and such a natural connection.

I've met quite a few fodorites by now, and it has always been a delightful experience.

OWJ, if you come out to SF we will have to arrange a little GTG. Give us PLENTY of advance notice, please! The Wine-O's would love to meet you. And maybe LI and I would finally have a chance to meet (we've been talking about it).

LoveItaly

Hi Marilyn, wouldn't that be fun, to have OJW and OJW2 (her wonderful husband) and some of us get together in SF. And they will be out here, when time allows. Will talk to you tomorrow! Take good care.

OneWanderingJew

Marilyn--We were hoping to go out your way in July but not sure now. We just got a contract on our condo (yipee!) and have to find a house by the end of May when we close. I'm sure I'll be ready for a vacation and day with the wineos after all that, but haven't had time to do anything but work and househunt. Doesn't it stink how real life gets in the way of travel?

OWJ (and OWJ2)

jetset1

Yes, I do have seventeen years worth of "Bush" stories to tell. Someday, there will be a book called "Alaskan Diva" out. Right now, I need to change names to protect the guilty.
There used to be an saying in the village. The difference between a whale and a local woman is 20 lbs. and a tavern jacket.
It was a unique way of life. My two kids spent their first years out there, and still have good memories of the bears, berry picking, tsunami drills, volcanoes spewing lava chunks in the distance(Pavlov).
Anytime you want more, I'll be happy to share. J.

GoTravel

How did I miss this fantastic trip report?

LoveItaly, isn't Charleston the most beautiful city? Glad my restaurant recommendations helped out. I love SNOB and they have fantastic crispy fish (whole pan fried baby flounder).

Did y'all get to the rooftop of the Market Pavillion? We go there every single time now for a drink. I bet I've been ten times since February

I think we should have a Fodors GTG in Charleston. It would give a bunch of you already in the southeast just the excuse to get to Charleston you've been looking for.

LoveItaly

Hi GoTravel, yes Charleston took my breath away!

GoTravel, our 3 day/2 night visit there was so successful thanks to your report. You truly gave all the information we needed to feel like we "knew" Charleston before we arrived. I am sure a lot of other Fodorites join me in thanking you for taking the time to give us such a good overview of Charleston.

seetheworld

LoveItaly, I loved reading your report. It sounds like you had a wonderful time! I didn't know you were meeting OWJ How terrific for you both. My DH is fortunate enough to travel to Charleston for business and I hope to tag along the next time he goes. Both yours and GoT's information will come in handy.

LoveItaly

Hi seetheworld, for sure go to Charleston the next day time your husband goes there. Just tell him you will be shopping while he tends to business. Oh gads, the shops are fabulous. I must say that OWJ and I were good though, LOL. We kept our credit cards in our wallets.

Seetheworld, it was a very special week with a very special couple. And I loved Atlanta too. The Buckhead area is fantastic.

First visit to either city. Wish I was still there.

Let us know when you go to Charleston, I would love to hear about your impressions and adventures. Best wishes.

Marilyn

LoveItaly, we had a delicious dinner at SNOB when we were in Charleston a few years ago.

LoveItaly

Hi Marilyn, and you and I must have a wonderful meal in SF soon - maybe Scala's? Take care.

mermaid_

LoveItaly, what a wonderful report. We lived for ten years in Atlanta and my brother is still there with his family. I am crazy about Charleston! We try to get there as often as we can (yes, I like SNOB too). I had to laugh about you and OWJ and the sidewalks--when my husband and I go walking, I hold his hand (all the time). Everyone says "oh so romantic" which makes us laugh. All my husband is really doing is hanging on to me because otherwise I'd be tripping all over the place. I'm too busy looking UP to notice where my feet are going! I'm happy you and OWJ had such a nice time together on your vacation. Aren't Fodorites the best?

ncgrrl

I like the tag-team approach to the trip report. I'm glad you had a good trip.