On an overcast & rainy Saturday afternoon 20 Fodorites and spouses gathered once again at “Paula at Rigoletto”, a cozy storefront restaurant in Weehawken, NJ. The table was beautifully set and a special menu was prepared for our group.

Fodors even sent us some goodies; luggage tags and pins to share and Ellenem prepared special magnets for our “Shipwrecked” GTG. Everyone shared their favorite wines as well as Budman’s own, which were delicious and enjoyed by all.

Our event began as everyone gathered and mingled nibbling on appetizers and getting to know each other in person. Trish toasted the group with Prosecco and then we sat down to a fabulous lunch with lots of decadent choices. Great conversation continued throughout the meal. Desserts, coffee & Limoncello brought the event to a close with everyone feeling satisfied and happy spending the afternoon with friends.

Our one formal order of business was to select a date for next spring’s GTG. Saturday June 3rd has been chosen. Same time, same location. Mark your calendars and plan your trips now! We’ll see you in June!

Photos of the GTG can be viewed at: www.pbase.com/tpatricco/fodors_njny_gtg_102205

Thanks for posting the pics! They look great. I had such a blast meeting fellow travel lovers and eating and drinking such yummy stuff.

Also, many thanks to Trish and Budman for putting it together!

seetheworld, you DO look like Catherine Zeta Jones, only your hair is a little shorter. I knew you were telling the truth about that, I KNEW IT!!

Great pics, thanks for posting these.

I had so much fun! (Too much fun technically as I am still feeling it today.) Glad I made to this - had such a great time meeting everyone. Looking forward to June!

Sally

Love the magnets, Budman's pants, Mrs. B's curlers, Carol's shirt and all the special Shipwrecked details. Glad y'all had a great time together!

Hi all, the photographs are fantastic! And obviously you all had a wonderful time. And you certainly had enough food and wine, LOL! It is so nice to see photos of those we "talk" to here on Fodors. Thanks for sharing your beautiful GTG.

Hey, no fair having fun without me.

So sorry I missed everyone and I will mark my calendar for June.

Rhea, what did you do to your arm, you poor thing? Hope you're healing quickly.

Budman...those legs...what can I say?

(Trish, I am anxiously awaiting my package in the mail. I can tell as usual, you and the Budmeister put together a great day.)

See you at the next GTG.

Jersey & Mr Jersey

Lordy, lordy, lordy! PM, you are my BESTEST friend, lol

It's the day after and I am still feeling a little "shipwrecked" 8-)

We had a great time (despite the fact that I nearly paddled Mr. Seetheworld for getting us lost).

The favors were fabulous. Thanks Ellenem for the magnets. My DH loves the luggage tags and the fact that you won't find them on EVERYONE'S luggage (like those dreaded ribbons).

You missed a great time Jersey - hope to see you in June!!

Great legs, Budman, great legs

Great report Trish!!! Actually, we only drank just a little bit of wine. Did I behave myself?

fun4all4 came all the way from Winchester, VA, to attend -- we also had representation from CT, NY, and NJ. Did I miss anybody?

Great food, great wine, and great people make a fun event !!

jersey, we missed you. See ya in June!

fun4all, how did your event go last night? Hope your trip back home was a good one

Great pictures, Trish – thanks for posting them. The bad news: the cold I was fighting for a week found me. Sniff-sniff. The good news: who cares? We had a wonderful time yesterday and was great meeting everybody else. Can’t wait for June!

Trish...what, no pictures of the decor? (wink, wink)

Nice job on the report and photos

Nice pics. I love how Mike was able to balance that pumpkin on his head.

seetheworld says,

"We had a great time (despite the fact that I nearly paddled Mr. Seetheworld for getting us lost)"

TMI, stw, TMI!! (Too Much Information) You're making me blush. Do you think he got you lost on purpose?? ;-)

OK, I'll get my brain out of the gutter and try to restore my usual pure thoughts.

PM, he (DH) was a good sport about going. I even made him carry an oar through the streets of Weehawken. Regarding the paddle...A girl has gotta have fun however she can, LOL

Yes, and I didn't even realize they HAD pumpkins on tropical islands....? Must have been one INTERESTING palm tree!

Looks like somebody went to alot of trouble, and it looks like it paid off! Wish I could've been there!

Glad you guys enjoyed yourselves!

Belle

I think they were "pumpkinuts"

Great photos of a great party...thanks for sharing. Wish we could have been there! Maybe next time!

i'2

I was thinking the same thing, iceeu2. Maybe I will make the next NY/NJ GTG, depending on how things go over the next several months. I NY, and it's been way too long since my last trip up there.