Question:

We are investigating taking a Uniworld River Cruise in Russia or Italy. Does anyone have any experience with them, good, bad, or indifferent? — squeezie51 squeezie51’s Profile: http://travelforums.org/forums/member.php?userid=419 View this thread: http://travelforums.org/forums/showthread.php?t=61737 This post was submitted via http://www.TravelForums.org

Response:

We’ve done a couple Uniworld cruises and loved them both.  Christmas Markets in Germany, and the French Wine cruise. It’s not a luxury main stream ocean cruise to be sure, but we would book with them again in a minute.  We had no problems what so ever, and the one in France was one of our best vacations ever. .

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> We are investigating taking a Uniworld River Cruise in Russia or Italy. > Does anyone have any experience with them, good, bad, or indifferent? > — > squeezie51 > squeezie51’s Profile: http://travelforums.org/forums/member.php?userid=419 > View this thread: http://travelforums.org/forums/showthread.php?t=61737 > This post was submitted via http://www.TravelForums.org

Response:

 A friend took one & was not happy !   Food choice was very limited, almost every day it was fish or fish or local fish & i don’t like fish!  Also there is no pool , no casino , no hot tubs , no shows  no safe in cabins ,All provided at a very high price!   My wife wanted to go ,till we checked it out !   Don’t forget the dollar isn’t worth zilch in Europe now!   BILL

Response:

Good Morning:  We have no personal experience with Uniworld so cannot speak about their product. We have been on Viking River Cruises, Rhone River in France, and loved every aspect of it. We went in mid October and had great weather. Ship was clean and neat, food was limited in choice but excellent preparation and service. Best part of it was that there was no pool, no casino, no big gaudy floor shows, nothing to detract from the relaxing River Cruise Experience. We would repeat that trip in a minute and hope to do so in the near future. If you do need the distractions however, and are easily amused by bright shiny objects, then you should reconsider. Stay with Caribbean Cruises or trips to Vegas. Cal Ford Lido Deck Cruises – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->We are investigating taking a Uniworld River Cruise in Russia or Italy. >Does anyone have any experience with them, good, bad, or indifferent?

Response:

>We are investigating taking a Uniworld River >Cruise in Russia or Italy. Does anyone have >any experience with them, good, bad, or >indifferent?

We booked a Uniworld cruise in Holland and Belgium for between Christmas 2003 and just after New Years’ 2004. They took our deposit and final payment, and then they sold out the ship to some group leaving us high and dry. We had to hassle them to get our credit card credited. We did eventually take a land trip to Amsterdam in that period, but we would not consider another Uniworld cruise even if they gave it to us for free.

Response:

> We are investigating taking a Uniworld River Cruise in Russia or Italy. > Does anyone have any experience with them, good, bad, or indifferent?

We "sort of" took a Uniworld River Cruise in Russia last summer. The "sort of" means that we traveled with a group that had booked space on a Uniworld ship, the M.S. Litvinov. There were aspects of our cruise that were provided by Uniworld — food and shipboard accommodations — and aspects of our trip that were provided by our tour company — guides and transportation at each destination. The Litvinov’s cabins are adquately-sized with limited but efficient storage space. The bathroom is quite spartan, with the shower being a plastic curtain marking off an area within the bathroom. The beds are adequate, but beds are a hot item in the ocean-going cruise/hotel industry so the Litvinov’s beds don’t approach the "Perfect Bed" or "Comfort Bed" or whatever trade name each company is touting. The food is surprisingly good and there is a serious attempt made to accommodate special diets. The area where I perceived Uniworld to be weak is in the area of guides. They sent their shipboard personnel — social hostesses, etc. — along with guests to destinations. Something makes me think that these shipboard workers were the only guides. In contrast, our group picked up specialists at each of our destinations. I would check out this aspect of the cruise. Over all, we found our trip to Russia fascinating and had no regrets about the experience. Karen Selwyn

Response:

We are investigating taking a Uniworld River Cruise in Russia or Italy. Does anyone have any experience with them, good, bad, or indifferent? — squeezie51 squeezie51’s Profile: http://travelforums.org/forums/member.php?userid=419 View this thread: http://travelforums.org/forums/showthread.php?t=61737 This post was submitted via http://www.TravelForums.org

Response:

> We are investigating taking a Uniworld River Cruise in Russia or Italy. > Does anyone have any experience with them, good, bad, or indifferent?

We "sort of" took a Uniworld River Cruise in Russia last summer. The "sort of" means that we traveled with a group that had booked space on a Uniworld ship, the M.S. Litvinov. There were aspects of our cruise that were provided by Uniworld — food and shipboard accommodations — and aspects of our trip that were provided by our tour company — guides and transportation at each destination. The Litvinov’s cabins are adquately-sized with limited but efficient storage space. The bathroom is quite spartan, with the shower being a plastic curtain marking off an area within the bathroom. The beds are adequate, but beds are a hot item in the ocean-going cruise/hotel industry so the Litvinov’s beds don’t approach the "Perfect Bed" or "Comfort Bed" or whatever trade name each company is touting. The food is surprisingly good and there is a serious attempt made to accommodate special diets. The area where I perceived Uniworld to be weak is in the area of guides. They sent their shipboard personnel — social hostesses, etc. — along with guests to destinations. Something makes me think that these shipboard workers were the only guides. In contrast, our group picked up specialists at each of our destinations. I would check out this aspect of the cruise. Over all, we found our trip to Russia fascinating and had no regrets about the experience. Karen Selwyn

Response:

>We are investigating taking a Uniworld River >Cruise in Russia or Italy. Does anyone have >any experience with them, good, bad, or >indifferent?

We booked a Uniworld cruise in Holland and Belgium for between Christmas 2003 and just after New Years’ 2004. They took our deposit and final payment, and then they sold out the ship to some group leaving us high and dry. We had to hassle them to get our credit card credited. We did eventually take a land trip to Amsterdam in that period, but we would not consider another Uniworld cruise even if they gave it to us for free.

Response:

We’ve done a couple Uniworld cruises and loved them both.  Christmas Markets in Germany, and the French Wine cruise. It’s not a luxury main stream ocean cruise to be sure, but we would book with them again in a minute.  We had no problems what so ever, and the one in France was one of our best vacations ever. .

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> We are investigating taking a Uniworld River Cruise in Russia or Italy. > Does anyone have any experience with them, good, bad, or indifferent? > — > squeezie51 > squeezie51’s Profile: http://travelforums.org/forums/member.php?userid=419 > View this thread: http://travelforums.org/forums/showthread.php?t=61737 > This post was submitted via http://www.TravelForums.org

Response:

 A friend took one & was not happy !   Food choice was very limited, almost every day it was fish or fish or local fish & i don’t like fish!  Also there is no pool , no casino , no hot tubs , no shows  no safe in cabins ,All provided at a very high price!   My wife wanted to go ,till we checked it out !   Don’t forget the dollar isn’t worth zilch in Europe now!   BILL

Response:

Good Morning:  We have no personal experience with Uniworld so cannot speak about their product. We have been on Viking River Cruises, Rhone River in France, and loved every aspect of it. We went in mid October and had great weather. Ship was clean and neat, food was limited in choice but excellent preparation and service. Best part of it was that there was no pool, no casino, no big gaudy floor shows, nothing to detract from the relaxing River Cruise Experience. We would repeat that trip in a minute and hope to do so in the near future. If you do need the distractions however, and are easily amused by bright shiny objects, then you should reconsider. Stay with Caribbean Cruises or trips to Vegas. Cal Ford Lido Deck Cruises – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->We are investigating taking a Uniworld River Cruise in Russia or Italy. >Does anyone have any experience with them, good, bad, or indifferent?

Response:

Question:

You should be fine if Delta enters Chapter 11 bankruptcy.  Chapter 11 allows them to reorganize & keep operating while being protected from creditors.  US Air has entered Chapter 11 twice in the last few years, and they are still flying.  However, there are rumors that US Air may be forced into Chapter 7 bankruptcy.  Chapter 7 is the one to worry about.  Chapter 7 means the company will cease to exist. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – >X-No-Archive: yes >There is rumour that Delta Airlines will go for Chapter 11 in a short time. >I am planning a journey from Europe to Chile, flying both ways with >Delta via Atlanta. The choice is between a IATA tariff ticket and a >(cheaper) consolidator ticket. >What happens to these tickets if Delta grounds their fleet for >bancruptcy/Chapter 11? Will the tickets be void? >Will a IATA tariff ticket be "honoured" by other IATA carriers? >Thanks for your input. >Carl Heinrich Apel >from Switzerland

Response:

First of all, I don’t believe that if Delta files for Chapter 11, they will cease flying.  That being said, purchase your tickets from the airline, all else being comparable, and use a credit card. If Delta files for Chapter 11, they estimate they’ll still have $1.5 billion for operating capital, which should see them through the process. Jeff – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> X-No-Archive: yes > There is rumour that Delta Airlines will go for Chapter 11 in a short time. > I am planning a journey from Europe to Chile, flying both ways with > Delta via Atlanta. The choice is between a IATA tariff ticket and a > (cheaper) consolidator ticket. > What happens to these tickets if Delta grounds their fleet for > bancruptcy/Chapter 11? Will the tickets be void? > Will a IATA tariff ticket be "honoured" by other IATA carriers? > Thanks for your input. > Carl Heinrich Apel > from Switzerland

Response:

> What happens to these tickets if Delta grounds their fleet for > bancruptcy/Chapter 11? Will the tickets be void?

Chapter 11 in the USA is designed to prevent a corporation from ceasing to exist. It protects a corporation from one creditor seizing assets when other creditors are willing to work things out. It also allows the corporation, through the judge that overseas the process, to void existing contracts without having to pay contract breakup fees. This allows the corporation to renegotiate aircraft leases, return aircraft to the lessors, and in the case of US airlines, especially renegotiate existing contracts with unionised employees. Delta is in no way shape or form any close to stopping operations. For what it is worth, United will have been in bankrupcy protection for 2 years and is still operating. To the passengers, the possible impacts are change in schedules (but ticketed passengers are protected on other flights), employee attitudes, and reduced quality of service.

Response:

> be forced into Chapter 7 bankruptcy.  Chapter 7 is the one to worry > about.  Chapter 7 means the company will cease to exist.

Shouldn’t the liquidation happen in a chapter that comes after chapter 11 ? Sounds like some story where the timeline goes backwards as you read through the book.

Response:

>What happens to these tickets if Delta grounds their fleet for >bancruptcy/Chapter 11? Will the tickets be void?

It is *very highly* unlikely that DL would cease all operations after an initial Chapter 11 filing.  IMO, you have nothing whatsoever to worry about; at the very worst, DL could land up canceling some flights or routes and you’d be rescheduled onto another DL flight or perhaps another airline, just like if DL canceled flights for most any other reason. >Will a IATA tariff ticket be "honoured" by other IATA carriers?

I don’t think so (since there’d be no way for another airline to collect back on it, like they do when pax from one airline are accommodated on another airline, such as when UA put me on an AA flight once), but I may be wrong.  Major airlines ceasing operations (not US domestic low-fare operations, which aside from stalwart WN seem to come and go a lot) are relatively rare… -SC — Stanley Cline — sc1 at roamer1 dot org — http://www.roamer1.org/ … "Never put off until tomorrow what you can do today.  There might be a law against it by that time."  -/usr/games/fortune

Response:

>Eastern. >Pan Am. >TWA. >Braniff.

  Eastern tickets were honored by Continental.  Pan Am tickets were   honored by Delta.  TWA tickets were honored by American.  Don’t remember   what happened to Braniff, but I am pretty sure someone picked up   their passengers. >Dump those US Air tickets if you can.

  Chances are very good that some other airline will honor US Air tickets   even even US Air ceases operations.

Response:

> >Eastern. >Pan Am. >TWA. >Braniff. >   Eastern tickets were honored by Continental.  Pan Am tickets were >   honored by Delta.  TWA tickets were honored by American.  Don’t remember >   what happened to Braniff, but I am pretty sure someone picked up >   their passengers.

    As someone stuck with Braniff tickets….     Other airlines will often "honor" the tickest on some stand by basis. Some will only credit the amount of the ticket towards a relatively full fare purchase on their airline (if it is "last minute").  But on or around the time that all the tickets turn to pumpkins, there are alot of folks looking to fill seats on those other airlines.  One can "stand by" for a long time, especially if it was to a hub city of the dominatant carrier. >Dump those US Air tickets if you can. >   Chances are very good that some other airline will honor US Air tickets >   even even US Air ceases operations.

   Hopefully one has purchased them with some sort of credit card and the card company will assume the loss.  Amex did for me with the Braniff tickets.  But even if Delta does go into some form of bankruptcy, they are a long way from folding.  I’d hold the tickets unless I could get out for virtually no loss.

Response:

>    As someone stuck with Braniff tickets…. >    Other airlines will often "honor" the tickest on some stand by basis. >Some will only credit the amount of the ticket towards a relatively full >fare purchase on their airline (if it is "last minute").  

  I could have sworn that United and maybe Continental waived all   advance-purchase restrictions for Braniff ticket holders.

Response:

>   I could have sworn that United and maybe Continental waived all >   advance-purchase restrictions for Braniff ticket holders.

This means that United would allow you to PURCHASE a low fare ticket beyond res/ticketing deadlines upon presentation of a dead airline’s ticket. Not quite the "we will honour your tickets at no cost to you".

Response:

>>   I could have sworn that United and maybe Continental waived all >   advance-purchase restrictions for Braniff ticket holders. >This means that United would allow you to PURCHASE a low fare ticket beyond >res/ticketing deadlines upon presentation of a dead airline’s ticket. Not >quite the "we will honour your tickets at no cost to you".

  Indeed.  But I also seem to remember that some airlines (America West?)   honored Braniff tickets on a standby basis for a nominal fee.  Eastern,   Pan Am and TWA had their tickets honored, too.   It’s a hassle to convert a bankrupt airline’s ticket into a ticket on   another carrier, no question about it.  But if past experience is any   guide, it’s very unlikely that US Air tickets will turn into useless   paper the moment US Air ceases operations.

Response:

>   It’s a hassle to convert a bankrupt airline’s ticket into a ticket on >   another carrier, no question about it.  But if past experience is any >   guide, it’s very unlikely that US Air tickets will turn into useless >   paper the moment US Air ceases operations.

However, given the *risk* of US Air going belly up, say in November, you’d be much better off avoiding the potential hassles and booking and buying tickets on an airline whose risk of chapter 7 is next to nill. It isn’t just the hassles of converting a "dead" ticket, but also finding a seat on an aircraft which will be next to impossible, especially if you must travel on stand-by. Unless US Air provides substantially cheaper tickets, I would stay away from them for any long term travel plans (long terms being more than 2 months). But for short term travel (1 or 2 weeks), I woudln’t have problems flying on US Air.

Response:

> X-No-Archive: yes > There is rumour that Delta Airlines will go for Chapter 11 in a short time. > I am planning a journey from Europe to Chile, flying both ways with > Delta via Atlanta. The choice is between a IATA tariff ticket and a > (cheaper) consolidator ticket. > What happens to these tickets if Delta grounds their fleet for > bancruptcy/Chapter 11? Will the tickets be void?

Nothing. Chapter 11 is simply a re-organization of debt. Its Chapter 13 where a business goes belly up.

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> X-No-Archive: yes > There is rumour that Delta Airlines will go for Chapter 11 in a short time. > I am planning a journey from Europe to Chile, flying both ways with > Delta via Atlanta. The choice is between a IATA tariff ticket and a > (cheaper) consolidator ticket. > What happens to these tickets if Delta grounds their fleet for > bancruptcy/Chapter 11? Will the tickets be void? > Nothing. Chapter 11 is simply a re-organization of debt. > Its Chapter 13 where a business goes belly up.

Check your "facts" before you post about something you don’t understand. Disinformation is worse than no information.

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->X-No-Archive: yes >There is rumour that Delta Airlines will go for Chapter 11 in a short time. >I am planning a journey from Europe to Chile, flying both ways with >Delta via Atlanta. The choice is between a IATA tariff ticket and a >(cheaper) consolidator ticket. >What happens to these tickets if Delta grounds their fleet for >bancruptcy/Chapter 11? Will the tickets be void? > Nothing. Chapter 11 is simply a re-organization of debt. > Its Chapter 13 where a business goes belly up.

Chapter 13 is "ADJUSTMENT OF DEBTS OF AN INDIVIDUAL WITH REGULAR INCOME"

Response:

Question:

Hi I will be travelling to Italy next year and i was wondering if anyone has any suggestions for safe and  relatively affordable places to stay (in Rome, Florence, Como, etc).  I have heard that there are convents that rent out small rooms and provide you with meals… is this true? Obviously I am not looking for a party just somewhere safe!  I have been to other parts of Europe before, but have mostly stayed with family members that live over there so I am in need of some advice. Thanks. Tanja

Response:

> Hi > I will be travelling to Italy next year and i was wondering if anyone > has any suggestions for safe and  relatively affordable places to stay > (in Rome, Florence, Como, etc).  I have heard that there are convents > that rent out small rooms and provide you with meals… is this true? > Obviously I am not looking for a party just somewhere safe!  I have > been to other parts of Europe before, but have mostly stayed with > family members that live over there so I am in need of some advice.

There are a number of guidebooks that cover budget lodgings pretty well. I would sugggest Let’s Go, Italy (American); Lonely Planet (Australian); or the Guide Routard (French). There are lots of convents that rent rooms in Italy, but I don’t know of any that also provide meals. Some of the convents are really run like small hotels; others have more restrictions, such as curfews. Rome, Florence and Como are all pretty safe places. The biggest risk is pickpocketing, but with a little caution and common sense, you can avoid it. I live in Italy and have visited both Rome and Florence many times and have never had any sort of problem. Barbara Barbara

Response:

> Hi > I will be travelling to Italy next year and i was wondering if anyone > has any suggestions for safe and  relatively affordable places to stay > (in Rome, Florence, Como, etc).  I have heard that there are convents > that rent out small rooms and provide you with meals… is this true? > Obviously I am not looking for a party just somewhere safe!  I have > been to other parts of Europe before, but have mostly stayed with > family members that live over there so I am in need of some advice. > Thanks. > Tanja

Safe from what? Its a little difficult to advise unles we know what it is you fear – SARS, traffic, axe-murderers, choking on spaghetti In a convent, I’d be most afraid of boredom

Response:

Hi I will be travelling to Italy next year and i was wondering if anyone has any suggestions for safe and  relatively affordable places to stay (in Rome, Florence, Como, etc).  I have heard that there are convents that rent out small rooms and provide you with meals… is this true? Obviously I am not looking for a party just somewhere safe!  I have been to other parts of Europe before, but have mostly stayed with family members that live over there so I am in need of some advice. Thanks. Tanja

Response:

> Hi > I will be travelling to Italy next year and i was wondering if anyone > has any suggestions for safe and  relatively affordable places to stay > (in Rome, Florence, Como, etc).  I have heard that there are convents > that rent out small rooms and provide you with meals… is this true? > Obviously I am not looking for a party just somewhere safe!  I have > been to other parts of Europe before, but have mostly stayed with > family members that live over there so I am in need of some advice.

There are a number of guidebooks that cover budget lodgings pretty well. I would sugggest Let’s Go, Italy (American); Lonely Planet (Australian); or the Guide Routard (French). There are lots of convents that rent rooms in Italy, but I don’t know of any that also provide meals. Some of the convents are really run like small hotels; others have more restrictions, such as curfews. Rome, Florence and Como are all pretty safe places. The biggest risk is pickpocketing, but with a little caution and common sense, you can avoid it. I live in Italy and have visited both Rome and Florence many times and have never had any sort of problem. Barbara Barbara

Response:

> Hi > I will be travelling to Italy next year and i was wondering if anyone > has any suggestions for safe and  relatively affordable places to stay > (in Rome, Florence, Como, etc).  I have heard that there are convents > that rent out small rooms and provide you with meals… is this true? > Obviously I am not looking for a party just somewhere safe!  I have > been to other parts of Europe before, but have mostly stayed with > family members that live over there so I am in need of some advice. > Thanks. > Tanja

Safe from what? Its a little difficult to advise unles we know what it is you fear – SARS, traffic, axe-murderers, choking on spaghetti In a convent, I’d be most afraid of boredom

Response:

Question:

I’ll be in Bamako on 14 december. Any suggestion about a clean hotel that cai even take us in the airport? Bettere with an e-mail address. stefano

Response:

>I’ll be in Bamako on 14 december. Any suggestion about a clean hotel that >cai even take us in the airport? Bettere with an e-mail address. >stefano

hi, the Mande hotel has all the trimmings and great location over the river Niger and an extremely clean pool . It’s one of the most expensive in town but they take credit cards …… hth Pete — Peter King

Response:

I’ll be in Bamako on November 14th and I’ve just placed a reservation for a double room at the  Hotel Djenne The Hotel is described as a ‘ really great place. The rooms are spotless, cool, and decorated with local art. They surround a pleasant shaded courtyard that is a nice place to escape the noise and heat of reply to my request about them in the Lonely planet thorn tree. The hotel Djenne has also a very good review in the french Guide de Routard 2002. I’ll be back in Italy on Dec 2nd, so feel free to contact me if you need any first-hand information. Angelo — Posted via http://britishexpats.com

Response:

Thank you very much Angelo. You are italian like me! Aren’t you? I’ll write you after you’re back from Mali. We’ll be there 15 days, and you? Wich places are you going to see? Did you take a car to reach Djenn

Question:

During our round-trip through Namibia in August we (2 Germans) were surprised that there were so many italian tour groups at all points of touristic interest. My feeling is that more than 50% of all Namibia tourists were Italians, followed by Germans and South Africans. It is known that Germans can be found everywhere on the globe, and I found them myself almost everywhere, but I never met more than one or two Italians in such distant and remote countries. There were also other people wondering why just Italians are so common to see in this season, but nobody could explain this phenomenon. So, is there anyone (maybe somebody from Italy?), who can answer this question? Kind regards Thomas

Response:

Hallo Thomas, I am a safari operator and very fond of the Caprivi. If you think you have many Italians in the rest of the country, come to the Caprivi. I have been wondering about this also. Must be a good travel agent or something like that doing a proper job. See ya Koos

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> During our round-trip through Namibia in August we (2 Germans) were > surprised that there were so many italian tour groups at all points of > touristic interest. My feeling is that more than 50% of all Namibia tourists > were Italians, followed by Germans and South Africans. > It is known that Germans can be found everywhere on the globe, and I found > them myself almost everywhere, but I never met more than one or two Italians > in such distant and remote countries. > There were also other people wondering why just Italians are so common to > see in this season, but nobody could explain this phenomenon. > So, is there anyone (maybe somebody from Italy?), who can answer this > question? > Kind regards > Thomas

Response:

Hi I am italian and I was also wondering about the same things you mention here: there are many italians going to Namibia, and myself was thinking about getting there in last June, though I decided then to go to Tanzania. I do not know why, I don’t think it’s related to the good job of some operators, I think it’s more an issue related to the "tam-tam" made by some people who have been there and have reported the trip. There are not so many travel solutions for Namibia suggested by TOs (of course there are, but not more than other african countries), but in fact I noticed that in Italian Travel Magazines Namibia is mentioned many times. And, of course, it is a marvellous country (what is your opinion?). So, I do not have a complete explanation, but I do not think it’s only an issue related to TOs (like it has been, for example, for Sharm, in Egypt, which has become an Italian colony by now). Ciao Maurizio

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->Hi >I am italian and I was also wondering about the same things you mention >here: there are many italians going to Namibia, and myself was thinking >about getting there in last June, though I decided then to go to Tanzania. >I do not know why, I don’t think it’s related to the good job of some >operators, I think it’s more an issue related to the "tam-tam" made by some >people who have been there and have reported the trip. >There are not so many travel solutions for Namibia suggested by TOs (of >course there are, but not more than other african countries), but in fact I >noticed that in Italian Travel Magazines Namibia is mentioned many times. >And, of course, it is a marvellous country (what is your opinion?). >So, I do not have a complete explanation, but I do not think it’s only an >issue related to TOs (like it has been, for example, for Sharm, in Egypt, >which has become an Italian colony by now). >Ciao >Maurizio

Maurizio, If you go to Malindi on the Kenya coast  you will find many Italians living there. They have been there for several years. The local children have even learnt  some words in Italian. There are Italian businesses also. Pat. — Pat Anderson

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > Hi > I am italian and I was also wondering about the same things you mention > here: there are many italians going to Namibia, and myself was thinking > about getting there in last June, though I decided then to go to Tanzania. > I do not know why, I don’t think it’s related to the good job of some > operators, I think it’s more an issue related to the "tam-tam" made by some > people who have been there and have reported the trip. > There are not so many travel solutions for Namibia suggested by TOs (of > course there are, but not more than other african countries), but in fact I > noticed that in Italian Travel Magazines Namibia is mentioned many times. > And, of course, it is a marvellous country (what is your opinion?). > So, I do not have a complete explanation, but I do not think it’s only an > issue related to TOs (like it has been, for example, for Sharm, in Egypt, > which has become an Italian colony by now). > Ciao > Maurizio

Even Mario Cipollini (among a few other Italian pro cyclists) trains in Namibia in the off-season! Perhaps Super Mario has inspired interest in Namibia? Ciao Gianni

Response:

This thread made me laugh…I just returned from 3 weeks in Namibia. At Etosha  perhaps 80% of the other guests were from Italy.  (The others a mix of French, German, British…I was the only one from the US at a good-sized lodge.)  On the Skeleton Coast, I was the only non-Italian! (The joke was that lessons in Italian were included at no extra charge.)  In Windhoek at my hotel, perhaps half the other guests were Italian. So I asked everyone why they chose Namibia– and inevitably it was because friends had recommended it so highly.  And they were ALL going to recommend it to their friends. One thing that distinguishes travellers in Namibia from virtually every other tourist in Africa was that they were travelling with large families– parents, kids, grandparents, siblings… Or big groups of friends travel together– 6 or 8 people. (Travellers of other nationalities tend to go in groups of about….two! Even long-time guides commented on this family-holiday orientation, which they have not seen in any other nationality.)  So this added to the large number of Italians in Namibia. And since they travel in large groups they may tend to book their trips early– thus squeezing out the non-Italian travelling population. (I got into both Etosha & Skeleton Coast with a last minute cancellation.) Also, they told me that they strongly favor family vacations like this in August…during other months you might not see so many in Namibia. And another interesting thing…most were on their first trip to Africa, or at least sub-saharan Africa. It’s an interesting first choice…people from other countries tend to go to Namibia AFTER they have had multiple experiences with traditional safari countries. Several of the groups I met were planning to visit other countries on future trips, and were asking about Botswana, Zimbabwe and Zambia.  So maybe in a few years it will be difficult to get reservations in August in those countries…and those trips will come with Italian lessons included at no charge, too!

Response:

What you say is absolutely TRUE!!! I have so many friends here that, for their first visit to Africa, decided to go to Namibia… I really cannot explain why, they prefer Namibia than other "easier" countries like Kenya or Tanzania. Personally, I will choose this destination later, after I’ve visited other countries like Tanzania, Madagascar, South Africa, or Uganda, but many friends of mine, in fact, suggested to me to go to Namibia… Anyway, this is quite better than the fact that 99% of the italian travellers usually go to Sharm or Malindi, I think that Namibia is quite wilder and beautiful… Ciao Maurizio – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> This thread made me laugh…I just returned from 3 weeks in Namibia. > At Etosha  perhaps 80% of the other guests were from Italy.  (The > others a mix of French, German, British…I was the only one from the > US at a good-sized lodge.)  On the Skeleton Coast, I was the only > non-Italian! (The joke was that lessons in Italian were included at no > extra charge.)  In Windhoek at my hotel, perhaps half the other guests > were Italian. > So I asked everyone why they chose Namibia– and inevitably it was > because friends had recommended it so highly.  And they were ALL going > to recommend it to their friends. > One thing that distinguishes travellers in Namibia from virtually > every other tourist in Africa was that they were travelling with large > families– parents, kids, grandparents, siblings… Or big groups of > friends travel together– 6 or 8 people. (Travellers of other > nationalities tend to go in groups of about….two! Even long-time > guides commented on this family-holiday orientation, which they have > not seen in any other nationality.)  So this added to the large number > of Italians in Namibia. And since they travel in large groups they may > tend to book their trips early– thus squeezing out the non-Italian > travelling population. (I got into both Etosha & Skeleton Coast with a > last minute cancellation.) > Also, they told me that they strongly favor family vacations like this > in August…during other months you might not see so many in Namibia. > And another interesting thing…most were on their first trip to > Africa, or at least sub-saharan Africa. It’s an interesting first > choice…people from other countries tend to go to Namibia AFTER they > have had multiple experiences with traditional safari countries. > Several of the groups I met were planning to visit other countries on > future trips, and were asking about Botswana, Zimbabwe and Zambia.  So > maybe in a few years it will be difficult to get reservations in > August in those countries…and those trips will come with Italian > lessons included at no charge, too!

Response:

>What you say is absolutely TRUE!!! >I have so many friends here that, for their first visit to Africa, decided >to go to Namibia… >I really cannot explain why, they prefer Namibia than other "easier" >countries like Kenya or Tanzania.

Why do you say Kenya and Tanzania are easier?  Namibia is essentially first world.  You can drink the water all that jazz.  Less crime than South Africa.  Sounds like a good place to bring the family. —

Response:

You are right, my english is so bad I meant "more famous", more experienced by people, more "touristic". – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Why do you say Kenya and Tanzania are easier?  Namibia is essentially > first world.  You can drink the water all that jazz.  Less crime than > South Africa.  Sounds like a good place to bring the family.

Response:

>Maurizio, >If you go to Malindi on the Kenya coast  you will find many Italians >living there. They have been there for several years. The local children >have even learnt  some words in Italian. There are Italian businesses >also. >Pat.

Dear Pat, You cannot even imagine how many italians I know go to Malindi… That’s why I will probably never go there… And you can’t imagine how many people here organize their trip to Sharm El Sheikh or Hurgada, thinking they feel so "exotic" and "wild" in big, cheap villages, eating italian food and spending their time on the beach, as if they were in RIMINI (the italian biggest beach). People in Italy normally tend to be very comfortable during their journeys (not everyone of course… fortunately). Consider that when I was back from Tanzania 3 weeks ago everyone stared at me like if I was back from the wildest adventure in the world… Personally, I’m more interested in other kinds of destination, but I believe that people choosing to go to Namibia are closer to my kind of trip. Namibia is anyway easier than Tanzania or similar countries, but in fact it’s really wilder and a bit less touristic. Ciao!

Response:

Hello Er Pricipe, thanks for your comments, it was quite interessting to follow the discussion. Obviously we were not the only people with this feeling. > And, of course, it is a marvellous country (what is your opinion?).

Yes – the country is great, and we will visit it again for sure, even if then there were still more Italian groups Ciao, Thomas

Response:

> Yes – the country is great, and we will visit it again for sure, even if > then there were still more Italian groups

Did they bother you that much??? )) Ciao

Response:

Question:

> > [...] Vancouver >is the only place I’ve ever lived where deposits were charged for grocery >carts. > Ever see an Aldi supermarket?  It’s a German chain that has been expanding > in the USA the past few years.

Yes, there’s been an Aldi in my hometown in Iowa for at least the past 15 years or so.  But that’s small-town Iowa; I wouldn’t think that they’d charge for a shopping cart there. Tim.

Response:

> Yes, I remember it being a loonie at the Superstores in Vancouver.  Vancouver > is the only place I’ve ever lived where deposits were charged for grocery > carts.  Now I’m in the DC area, and most grocery stores do not allow you > to take the cart into the parking lot at all.

A deposit on supermarket grocery carts is pretty standard all over Europe. Last Spring when I was in Austria, it was 2 Euros per cart. They also charge for bags, but that’s a whole different story. That doesn’t work here in the US becasue 25cents is the largest denomination widely used in coins, and that’s just not enough to get people to walk back. Also, it costs virtually nothing to hire someone to do that job.      - Manuel.

Response:

> tshoppa They also > charge for bags, but that’s a whole different story. That doesn’t work > here in the US becasue 25cents is the largest denomination widely used > in coins, and that’s just not enough to get people to walk back. Also, > it costs virtually nothing to hire someone to do that job.

I think the US should dump the paper dollar and add a $2 coin to go with the lightly used $1 coin.

Response:

>> tshoppa They also > charge for bags, but that’s a whole different story. That doesn’t work > here in the US becasue 25cents is the largest denomination widely used > in coins, and that’s just not enough to get people to walk back. Also, > it costs virtually nothing to hire someone to do that job. > I think the US should dump the paper dollar and add a $2 coin to go with > the lightly used $1 coin.

Me too. In fact, I’m going to go to the bank and trade in a couple 20s for $1 coins and see if I can’t seed a few more of them into circulation. I don’t think I’ve ever received one in change except from machines at the post office and the NYC subway. miguel — Hit The Road! Photos and tales from around the world: http://travel.u.nu New mini photo-feature: Life in DC: http://travel.u.nu/dc/

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->> tshoppa They also >> charge for bags, but that’s a whole different story. That doesn’t work >> here in the US becasue 25cents is the largest denomination widely used >> in coins, and that’s just not enough to get people to walk back. Also, >> it costs virtually nothing to hire someone to do that job. > I think the US should dump the paper dollar and add a $2 coin to go > with the lightly used $1 coin. > Me too. In fact, I’m going to go to the bank and trade in a couple 20s > for $1 coins and see if I can’t seed a few more of them into > circulation. I don’t think I’ve ever received one in change except from > machines at the post office and the NYC subway. > miguel

I’ve done this as well. The problem is the coins never really circulate much. When you spend one it will sit in the odd coin slot of the register all day. That night when the store closes it gets deposited back to the bank until people like us pick them up again. No cashiers return them to other customers as change. If anything it just adds to the hassle of shopping, as half the cashiers don’t even know what they are. The government needs to stop trying to "introduce" a dollar coin hoping that it will catch on. As long as the dollar bill is still around no one will make the switch. Just get rid of the dollar bill already. Sure some people will complain, but who cares? It will be more convenient and will save millions of dollars per year in printing costs.

Response:

> [...] Vancouver >is the only place I’ve ever lived where deposits were charged for grocery >carts.  

Ever see an Aldi supermarket?  It’s a German chain that has been expanding in the USA the past few years.  There are quite a few of them in the southeast (including a few miles down the road from here in Laurens SC), and I’ve seen them in Chicago; don’t know about the DC area.  They make you pay a 25-cent deposit for a shopping cart. My wife loves that place because it’s cheap and it reminds her of when she was studying in Germany. — Dept. of Physics and Computer Science        Clinton, South Carolina USA

Response:

> Ever see an Aldi supermarket?  It’s a German chain that has been expanding > in the USA the past few years.  There are quite a few of them in the > southeast (including a few miles down the road from here in Laurens SC), > and I’ve seen them in Chicago; don’t know about the DC area.  They make > you pay a 25-cent deposit for a shopping cart.

There’s an ALDI in Maryland just over the DC border. I don’t remember exactly where, but I saw it while driving my moving truck from the Beltway towards New Hampshire Ave in 1999. miguel — Hit The Road! Photos and tales from around the world: http://travel.u.nu New mini photo-feature: Life in DC: http://travel.u.nu/dc/

Response:

Also on Vancouver Island up in Comox/Courtney area…a Safeway had this setup requiring a quarter to free the cart. When I saw that, I thought "What the f***. Do you want me to shop here or what?" Glad I didn’t blurt that out–who knows why they have that procedure in place, maybe losing lots of carts or it’s a Canadian thing. Anyway, had to ask a cashier for a quarter (she was very nice about it), which I returned afterward. Dave – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > Yes, I remember it being a loonie at the Superstores in Vancouver.  Vancouver > is the only place I’ve ever lived where deposits were charged for grocery > carts.  Now I’m in the DC area, and most grocery stores do not allow you > to take the cart into the parking lot at all. > Tim.

Response:

> Does anybody else indulge in this hobby while waiting for a plane? > No but when the kids come to take my trolley back for me I always charge > them at least 50% of my deposit ! > P.S. Where do you rent a cart for a quarter ?

They’re free at TPE. — Andy P. Jung Metairie, Louisiana  U.S.A. http://www.JungWorld.com/ http://www.alilimbali.com/ (Afghan Rush Limbaugh) To reply via e-mail, please visit my web site or delete both "REMOVECAPS", replace "home" with "cox" and "INVALID" with "net"

Response:

> Carts are free at YVR

I thought they were free only in the international terminal, and they required a deposit in the Canadian side (for a completely different cart, so you cannot take the free ones over the paying side to make money!) > parking lots, so at times none are available.  At the local grocery stores > in Vancouver you need either a quarter or a loonie for a cart which is > returned when you return the cart.

Yes, I remember it being a loonie at the Superstores in Vancouver.  Vancouver is the only place I’ve ever lived where deposits were charged for grocery carts.  Now I’m in the DC area, and most grocery stores do not allow you to take the cart into the parking lot at all. Tim.

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Carts are free at YVR > I thought they were free only in the international terminal, and they > required a deposit in the Canadian side (for a completely different cart, so > you cannot take the free ones over the paying side to make money!) > parking lots, so at times none are available.  At the local grocery stores > in Vancouver you need either a quarter or a loonie for a cart which is > returned when you return the cart. > Yes, I remember it being a loonie at the Superstores in Vancouver. Vancouver > is the only place I’ve ever lived where deposits were charged for grocery > carts.  Now I’m in the DC area, and most grocery stores do not allow you > to take the cart into the parking lot at all. > Tim.

Probably because a few people would consider the purchase of a shopping cart for 25 cents to be a bargain.  :)

Response:

> They charge for the use of their carts (Usually US$1.50 to $2.00) and then, in > some airports, give you a Quarter (US$0.25) back when you return them.  This > allows them to hire staff to make sure that all the racks are stocked and that > carts in the Parking Structure are returned.

But shouldn’t these costs be covered by the passenger and landing fees the airline pays to the airport ? > A NOTEABLE EVCEPTION TO THIS IS THE MINNEAPOLIS-ST. PAUL AIRPORT. THERE THE > MORONS WHO RUN THE AIRPORT STATION A SMARTCARTE EMPLOYEE IN THE CUSTOMS BAGGAGE > CLAIM AREA (WHICH IS A BLATENT SECURITY RISK) TO "SELL" CARTS. THIS PERSON DOES > NOT ACCEPT FOREIGN CURRENCY, SO GOOD LUCK IF ALL YOU ARRIVE WITH IS EUROS.

Toronto T3 was/is like that. Also a bunch of morons who ruined what would have otherwise have been a nice terminal.

Response:

And when will the US get carts that can be taken up and down escalators like the ones in Zurich, Frankfurt and elsewhere in the real world?

Response:

> (Milan Linate airport, managed by the same SEA >company, does not use deposit). >But it looks like that SEA subcontracted this (to an american company) >and cannot recede from the contract until expiry !

That’s SEA the operating company.  Now SEA the airport (Seattle-Tacoma) the SmartCarte bastards are intrenched as they are in most U.S. Airports. They charge for the use of their carts (Usually US$1.50 to $2.00) and then, in some airports, give you a Quarter (US$0.25) back when you return them.  This allows them to hire staff to make sure that all the racks are stocked and that carts in the Parking Structure are returned. In Seattle, there was an attraction of the "homeless" who were aggresively collecting carts and taking them back for the 25 cents each.  Thus SmartCarte instituted a token system whereby the cart rack spat out a "SmartCarte Seattle-Tacoma International Airport" token that was worth 25 cents at any airport concessionaire. Fortunately the good folks at the Port Authority have done away with charging for carts and now have free carts available for use at EWR. Also, most airports have free carts in the U.S. Customs area for arriving travellers who (duh!) might not have $1.50 in exact change. A NOTEABLE EVCEPTION TO THIS IS THE MINNEAPOLIS-ST. PAUL AIRPORT. THERE THE MORONS WHO RUN THE AIRPORT STATION A SMARTCARTE EMPLOYEE IN THE CUSTOMS BAGGAGE CLAIM AREA (WHICH IS A BLATENT SECURITY RISK) TO "SELL" CARTS. THIS PERSON DOES NOT ACCEPT FOREIGN CURRENCY, SO GOOD LUCK IF ALL YOU ARRIVE WITH IS EUROS. AVOID MSP IF YOU CAN. -Erik

Response:

Hi

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> I’ve never seen airport carts that had a deposit on them, but a supermarket > in our area tried it (and failed miserably).  When ever it was a rainy day I > Usage of coins to "free" trolleys in supermarket is quite common in > Italy to prevent people taking the trolleys outside of the premises or > leaving them around in the parking lot. This is however a plain > mechanical device. Each trolley is "chained" to the next by a chain with > a locker bar. You insert a coin in a slot on your trolley, and this > releases the locker. To get it back you just stick in the bar of another > trolley when you’ve finished. > These uses to be operated with 500 lire coins. I do not know what are > they using now (1 euro ?). I must confess I’ve never frequented a > supermarket since Jan 2002 (I prefer old-style shops). > Concerning airports, I first saw usage of a deposit in Toronto. > The deposit was 1 canadian dollar. Our guide informed us about this, and > warned us to have the coin ready, but the (complex, electromechanical) > device releasing trolleys was not accepting the coin … it worked > instead with a credit card ! And you got it back a coin returning the > trolley. I thought it was antieconomical to manage international credit > card payment for such a tiny amount, but after a few months I got > charged. > A colleague of mine said that her son used to collect coins from trolley > laying around while waiting in Toronto airport. > The same deposit mechanism. with similar devices, is in use in Milan > Malpensa 2000 (it used 1000 lire coins [which were quite rare] and now > uses 1 euro, i.e. double value). There were lot of complaints about this > (seasoned travellers carry 1 euro with them for this purpose, but the > thing is regarded as unfriendly for foreing incoming travellers), also > because it is unusual (Milan Linate airport, managed by the same SEA > company, does not use deposit). > But it looks like that SEA subcontracted this (to an american company) > and cannot recede from the contract until expiry !

Carts are free at YVR, but the hassle is that they end up all over the parking lots, so at times none are available.  At the local grocery stores in Vancouver you need either a quarter or a loonie for a cart which is returned when you return the cart.  40 years ago, when I was a young lad, I worked for a grocery store and spent my Sundays driving around the neighbourhoods picking up the carts people had taken home.  Used to pick up 75/100 carts a day. PMM

Response:

> I’ve never seen airport carts that had a deposit on them, but a supermarket > in our area tried it (and failed miserably).  When ever it was a rainy day I

Usage of coins to "free" trolleys in supermarket is quite common in Italy to prevent people taking the trolleys outside of the premises or leaving them around in the parking lot. This is however a plain mechanical device. Each trolley is "chained" to the next by a chain with a locker bar. You insert a coin in a slot on your trolley, and this releases the locker. To get it back you just stick in the bar of another trolley when you’ve finished. These uses to be operated with 500 lire coins. I do not know what are they using now (1 euro ?). I must confess I’ve never frequented a supermarket since Jan 2002 (I prefer old-style shops). Concerning airports, I first saw usage of a deposit in Toronto. The deposit was 1 canadian dollar. Our guide informed us about this, and warned us to have the coin ready, but the (complex, electromechanical) device releasing trolleys was not accepting the coin … it worked instead with a credit card ! And you got it back a coin returning the trolley. I thought it was antieconomical to manage international credit card payment for such a tiny amount, but after a few months I got charged. A colleague of mine said that her son used to collect coins from trolley laying around while waiting in Toronto airport. The same deposit mechanism. with similar devices, is in use in Milan Malpensa 2000 (it used 1000 lire coins [which were quite rare] and now uses 1 euro, i.e. double value). There were lot of complaints about this (seasoned travellers carry 1 euro with them for this purpose, but the thing is regarded as unfriendly for foreing incoming travellers), also because it is unusual (Milan Linate airport, managed by the same SEA company, does not use deposit). But it looks like that SEA subcontracted this (to an american company) and cannot recede from the contract until expiry !

Response:

Does anybody else indulge in this hobby while waiting for a plane?

Response:

I used to work at O’hare (ramp). There is nothing wrong with what you are doing but from my experience you are depriving many of tne low paid airport employees (and there are alot of them) of a few extra bucks a day. For them those quarters mean a lot. dan hake

Response:

> Does anybody else indulge in this hobby while waiting for a plane?

No but when the kids come to take my trolley back for me I always charge them at least 50% of my deposit ! P.S. Where do you rent a cart for a quarter ?

Response:

I’ve never seen airport carts that had a deposit on them, but a supermarket in our area tried it (and failed miserably).  When ever it was a rainy day I would stop by and spend an hour or two returning carts for the quarters to do my laundry.  Sunny days everybody returned them, very little money, rainy days, nobody did.  $50 or so in a couple hours on rainy Saturday mornings.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Does anybody else indulge in this hobby while waiting for a plane?

Response:

> I’ve never seen airport carts that had a deposit on them, but a supermarket > in our area tried it (and failed miserably).  When ever it was a rainy day I > would stop by and spend an hour or two returning carts for the quarters to > do my laundry.  Sunny days everybody returned them, very little money, rainy > days, nobody did.  $50 or so in a couple hours on rainy Saturday mornings.

You can buy a share or two of WorldCom stock with every cart you return!

Response:

> I’ve never seen airport carts that had a deposit on them

DTW does. I watched some kids gleefully returning carts the other day. miguel — Hit The Road! Photos and tales from around the world: http://travel.u.nu New mini photo-feature: Life in DC: http://travel.u.nu/dc/

Response:

> > Does anybody else indulge in this hobby while waiting for a plane? > No but when the kids come to take my trolley back for me I always charge > them at least 50% of my deposit ! > P.S. Where do you rent a cart for a quarter ?

You don’t rent them for a quarter, that is how much you could get for returning them. Although, in Europe, some carts take 50 EuroCents to unlock from the chain, and you get the money back when you chain it up. The one time I needed one, there were two carts chain together and someone paid for the other one. So, mine was free. The money is kept inside the cart, so no refund was forthcoming.

Response:

> I’ve never seen airport carts that had a deposit on them, but a supermarket > in our area tried it (and failed miserably).  When ever it was a rainy day I > would stop by and spend an hour or two returning carts for the quarters to > do my laundry.  Sunny days everybody returned them, very little money, rainy > days, nobody did.  $50 or so in a couple hours on rainy Saturday mornings.

In San Diego, near the Sports Arena, there was a FedMart (now Target) that used to give ‘points’ like a one-store version of the old Green Stamps for each shopping cart returned to the corral inside.  Teen-agers would fight over ‘territory’ and the promotion didn’t last much longer.

Response:

>Does anybody else indulge in this hobby while waiting for a plane?

About 21 years ago, on my first trip to England, I was so concerned about making the flight that I ened up arriving at the airport three hours before flight time.  This was long before the endless cattle call they pass off as security now so I had a *lot* of time on my hands.  :) I spent most of the time just watching aircraft boardings and so on (back then, this was not a federal crime, it wasn’t even considered mildly suspicious, believe it or not) and even went out to the observation deck (remember those before they put in the automatic guns to shoot you, since only a terrorist would want to watch planes take off and land from up there)  to watch aircraft handling.  Along the way, I made about $5 by grabbing unused carts and returning them to the machines.   Happier days.  Probably be arrested now if you showed up that early and tried to leave the security area. Sort of reminds me of a very old Soviet joke: Three Soviets were awaiting trial, the first turns to the others and asks "Comrades, why are you here?" The second one answers "I showed up for work an hour late, they accused me of being a parasite on the People." The third one said "I showed up for work an hour early, I was accused of being a spy." They turned to their questioner and asked "Why are *you* here, comrade?" "I showed up for work on time, they accused me of owning an American watch." Jim P.

Response:

Question:

Diesis Net Pub – Via Sottoriva 13/15 – Verona – Tel. 045/597120

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> I just got a semy urgent email from my neices, on a European trip. > They have taken ‘tons’ of pictures and would like to burn them on a CD. > Blacks Photo here in Canada does it. > At this momment July2/2002 they are in Austria, headed to Verona. Does > anybody know of a shop that would do this. > Any help would be appreciated. > Suggest that they look for an Internet Cafe when the get there. > — > Hywel     Never knowingly understood > WSWIP     http://hyweljenkins.co.uk/ > MicroFAQ  http://hyweljenkins.co.uk/mfaq.php

Response:

> I just got a semy urgent email from my neices, on a European trip. > They have taken ‘tons’ of pictures and would like to burn them on a CD. > Blacks Photo here in Canada does it. > At this momment July2/2002 they are in Austria, headed to Verona. Does > anybody know of a shop that would do this. > Any help would be appreciated.

These sites should help you: http://www.netcafeguide.com/countries/austria.htm http://www.netcafeguide.com/countries/italy1.html http://www.netcafeguide.com/countries/italy2.html http://www.netcafeguide.com/countries/italy3.html — Pierrot Personally i’m always ready to learn, although i do not always like being taught. http://groups.msn.com/Travelscoop/

Response:

I just got a semy urgent email from my neices, on a European trip. They have taken ‘tons’ of pictures and would like to burn them on a CD. Blacks Photo here in Canada does it. At this momment July2/2002 they are in Austria, headed to Verona. Does anybody know of a shop that would do this. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks in advance Norm

Response:

> I just got a semy urgent email from my neices, on a European trip. > They have taken ‘tons’ of pictures and would like to burn them on a CD. > Blacks Photo here in Canada does it. > At this momment July2/2002 they are in Austria, headed to Verona. Does > anybody know of a shop that would do this. > Any help would be appreciated.

Suggest that they look for an Internet Cafe when the get there. — Hywel     Never knowingly understood WSWIP     http://hyweljenkins.co.uk/ MicroFAQ  http://hyweljenkins.co.uk/mfaq.php

Response:

> I just got a semy urgent email from my neices, on a European trip. > They have taken ‘tons’ of pictures and would like to burn them on a CD. > Blacks Photo here in Canada does it. > At this momment July2/2002 they are in Austria, headed to Verona. Does > anybody know of a shop that would do this. > Any help would be appreciated.

Your neices can try asking for a recommendation at the hotel where they are staying.

Response:

I just got a semy urgent email from my neices, on a European trip. They have taken ‘tons’ of pictures and would like to burn them on a CD. Blacks Photo here in Canada does it. At this momment July2/2002 they are in Austria, headed to Verona. Does anybody know of a shop that would do this. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks in advance Norm

Response:

> I just got a semy urgent email from my neices, on a European trip. > They have taken ‘tons’ of pictures and would like to burn them on a CD. > Blacks Photo here in Canada does it. > At this momment July2/2002 they are in Austria, headed to Verona. Does > anybody know of a shop that would do this. > Any help would be appreciated.

Suggest that they look for an Internet Cafe when the get there. — Hywel     Never knowingly understood WSWIP     http://hyweljenkins.co.uk/ MicroFAQ  http://hyweljenkins.co.uk/mfaq.php

Response:

> I just got a semy urgent email from my neices, on a European trip. > They have taken ‘tons’ of pictures and would like to burn them on a CD. > Blacks Photo here in Canada does it. > At this momment July2/2002 they are in Austria, headed to Verona. Does > anybody know of a shop that would do this. > Any help would be appreciated.

Your neices can try asking for a recommendation at the hotel where they are staying.

Response:

Diesis Net Pub – Via Sottoriva 13/15 – Verona – Tel. 045/597120

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> I just got a semy urgent email from my neices, on a European trip. > They have taken ‘tons’ of pictures and would like to burn them on a CD. > Blacks Photo here in Canada does it. > At this momment July2/2002 they are in Austria, headed to Verona. Does > anybody know of a shop that would do this. > Any help would be appreciated. > Suggest that they look for an Internet Cafe when the get there. > — > Hywel     Never knowingly understood > WSWIP     http://hyweljenkins.co.uk/ > MicroFAQ  http://hyweljenkins.co.uk/mfaq.php

Response:

> I just got a semy urgent email from my neices, on a European trip. > They have taken ‘tons’ of pictures and would like to burn them on a CD. > Blacks Photo here in Canada does it. > At this momment July2/2002 they are in Austria, headed to Verona. Does > anybody know of a shop that would do this. > Any help would be appreciated.

These sites should help you: http://www.netcafeguide.com/countries/austria.htm http://www.netcafeguide.com/countries/italy1.html http://www.netcafeguide.com/countries/italy2.html http://www.netcafeguide.com/countries/italy3.html — Pierrot Personally i’m always ready to learn, although i do not always like being taught. http://groups.msn.com/Travelscoop/

Response:

Question:

Yep, yet another "unbiased" review. If you haven’t been there yet, how do you know its a good value? – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > For a great value in Vienna, try www.ferienwohnung-wien.com for an > apartment stay (3 days minimum).  I booked three different 3 day > periods for 66 euros/night–two rooms/kitchen, etc., walk to most > tourist sights. > Henry M.

Response:

> In most budget guidebooks, listings in Vienna tend to be pensions.  But I’ve > been having really good luck with 3- and 4-star places this summer in the > $60 range on Yahoo/Travelocity in Spain and Italy, and there are some > tempting options in Vienna too (many reservations systems list these places > starting at over $100 a night).  Does anyone have opinions or experiences > with any of these three such places in Vienna? >   Mercure Nestroy >   Tigra >   Savoy

A mercure in your price range? Must be in an outer district then. Savoy is a bit, wlel, past it’s best. — Met vriendelijke groeten/Best regards Jeroen Wijnands http://www.xs4all.nl/~wijnands — Serving coffee on aircraft causes turbulence.

Response:

I have stayed at the Tigra.  It is part of the Best Western chain. I paid $52 for a single room with breakfast.  It was clean and very convenient to the major sights.  It is about 3 or 4 blocks or about 5 minutes walk from St. Stephens Cathederal. I will stay there again. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> In most budget guidebooks, listings in Vienna tend to be pensions.  But I’ve > been having really good luck with 3- and 4-star places this summer in the > $60 range on Yahoo/Travelocity in Spain and Italy, and there are some > tempting options in Vienna too (many reservations systems list these places > starting at over $100 a night).  Does anyone have opinions or experiences > with any of these three such places in Vienna? >   Mercure Nestroy >   Tigra >   Savoy > Thanks for any insights!

Response:

For a great value in Vienna, try www.ferienwohnung-wien.com for an apartment stay (3 days minimum).  I booked three different 3 day periods for 66 euros/night–two rooms/kitchen, etc., walk to most tourist sights. Henry M.

Response:

In most budget guidebooks, listings in Vienna tend to be pensions.  But I’ve been having really good luck with 3- and 4-star places this summer in the $60 range on Yahoo/Travelocity in Spain and Italy, and there are some tempting options in Vienna too (many reservations systems list these places starting at over $100 a night).  Does anyone have opinions or experiences with any of these three such places in Vienna?   Mercure Nestroy   Tigra   Savoy Thanks for any insights!

Response:

In most budget guidebooks, listings in Vienna tend to be pensions.  But I’ve been having really good luck with 3- and 4-star places this summer in the $60 range on Yahoo/Travelocity in Spain and Italy, and there are some tempting options in Vienna too (many reservations systems list these places starting at over $100 a night).  Does anyone have opinions or experiences with any of these three such places in Vienna?   Mercure Nestroy   Tigra   Savoy Thanks for any insights!

Response:

I have stayed at the Tigra.  It is part of the Best Western chain. I paid $52 for a single room with breakfast.  It was clean and very convenient to the major sights.  It is about 3 or 4 blocks or about 5 minutes walk from St. Stephens Cathederal. I will stay there again. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> In most budget guidebooks, listings in Vienna tend to be pensions.  But I’ve > been having really good luck with 3- and 4-star places this summer in the > $60 range on Yahoo/Travelocity in Spain and Italy, and there are some > tempting options in Vienna too (many reservations systems list these places > starting at over $100 a night).  Does anyone have opinions or experiences > with any of these three such places in Vienna? >   Mercure Nestroy >   Tigra >   Savoy > Thanks for any insights!

Response:

For a great value in Vienna, try www.ferienwohnung-wien.com for an apartment stay (3 days minimum).  I booked three different 3 day periods for 66 euros/night–two rooms/kitchen, etc., walk to most tourist sights. Henry M.

Response:

Yep, yet another "unbiased" review. If you haven’t been there yet, how do you know its a good value? – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > For a great value in Vienna, try www.ferienwohnung-wien.com for an > apartment stay (3 days minimum).  I booked three different 3 day > periods for 66 euros/night–two rooms/kitchen, etc., walk to most > tourist sights. > Henry M.

Response:

> In most budget guidebooks, listings in Vienna tend to be pensions.  But I’ve > been having really good luck with 3- and 4-star places this summer in the > $60 range on Yahoo/Travelocity in Spain and Italy, and there are some > tempting options in Vienna too (many reservations systems list these places > starting at over $100 a night).  Does anyone have opinions or experiences > with any of these three such places in Vienna? >   Mercure Nestroy >   Tigra >   Savoy

A mercure in your price range? Must be in an outer district then. Savoy is a bit, wlel, past it’s best. — Met vriendelijke groeten/Best regards Jeroen Wijnands http://www.xs4all.nl/~wijnands — Serving coffee on aircraft causes turbulence.

Response:

Question:

>If hiring a car at Faro airport in Portugal, check the car for dents etc. >before agreeing to take it on. I didn’t and now face a bill for

Question:

Let me put in one for Naples, the Archeology Museum. Pompeii is spectacular but all the art sculptures, tiles, cookware, anything of value was taken away to the Museum in Naples. So just for that and an excellent Pizza it is worth to spend few hours in Napoli.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->I’ve read all I can in guidebooks, and have pretty much laid out my >itinerary.  Now I need the practical advice/suggestions.  I’ll be in >Sorrento for 6 full days in mid-March.  I plan to see Capri, Sorrento, >Amalfi and Positano, Pompeii and perhaps Naples.  I’m unsure, but I >may try and work in Ischia or Procida. > Thank you all for your help so far.  I’ve received many emails with > useful info.  So far I’ve confirmed that Capri and Pompeii each > deserve a day on their own, and that Naples may be disappointing.  I > think the remainder of my "to see" list is very do-able in 4 days! > Ravello also seems more alluring to Amalfi, according to many.  Thank > goodness I have another month to ponder my options! > Mom and I both appreciate your advice!   Thanks.  (and I’m still open > to suggestions!)

Response:

Another vote for Paestum and the mozzarella di bufalo–it’s heaven there because it is so fresh.  We bought some from a farmers wife (just saw a handmade sign beside the road, drove down a long drive (past the bufalo!) and I can’t tell you how exquisite it was just with bread for lunch.  But if you are staying in Sorrento, this may be too long a drive.  Why not stay in Ravello for a couple nights, and reduce the number of days in Sorrento? And another vote for Herculaneum…it’s highly complementary to Pompeii.  Pompeii has the grand buildings and architecture, but Herculaneum provides an incredible sense of what life was like for more common folk.

Response:

> I’ve read all I can in guidebooks, and have pretty much laid out my > itinerary.  Now I need the practical advice/suggestions.  I’ll be in > Sorrento for 6 full days in mid-March.  I plan to see Capri, Sorrento, > Amalfi and Positano, Pompeii and perhaps Naples.  I’m unsure, but I > may try and work in Ischia or Procida.

[snip] > *Am I missing any "must sees" for just a short trip to the region? > *Restaurant suggestions, particularly in Sorrento and along the Amalfi > Coast?  Any particularly favorite dishes, etc.

I would try to get to Paestum to see the Greek temples and the archeological museum, if you’re at all interested in that sort of thing. Also, I’ve heard that Ercolano (Herculaneum?) is in some ways even better preserved than Pompeii, although I haven’t seen it for myself. It was destroyed in the same volcanic eruption, but was covered with lava rather than ash. > *ATM availability in Sorrento, particularly?  I know everyone says > they’re readily available all over Europe, but I want to hear from > someone who has done it successfully in Sorrento.  I want to ditch my > traveler’s checks once and for all.

I haven’t used ATMs in Sorrento, but I and my family and friends from the US have used their cards all over Italy with no problem. Some people prefer to have some travellers checks, or some other source of ready cash, as a backup in case their card gets lost or stolen, or if the network just happens to be down. > *Shopping hints?  Both places and items worth buying in the region? > *Weather at this time of year (March).  I see that it’s high 50s there > now, compared to 25-30 here today.  That will feel warm to me, but is > that accurate?

That stretch of coast has very mild temperatures. There are many citrus groves. However, the weather in March can be very unpredictable. I would be prepared for a variety of temperatures and also for possible rain. > *My mom may be going as well, and she has bad knees.  She managed to > keep up well with me on previous trips, but I have heard the climbing > that is necessary and unlevel ground is bad for someone in her > situation.  Any suggestions, or am I overly concerned about nothing?

It is true that the streets are not very even and that there are a lot of hills. I would suggest that she at least use the assistance of a cane. You might want to rent a car or use taxis for some of your travelling. I took my mother to Europe once when she was elderly and we had a wonderful time, but I did have to modify my mode of getting around for her benefit. I asked at museums for the use of wheelchairs, for instance. She was embarrassed, as she never used assistance walking at home, but I told her that none of these people even knew her, and that this way we could see more stuff. Barbara

Response:

> Thank you all for your help so far.  I’ve received many emails with > useful info.  So far I’ve confirmed that Capri and Pompeii each > deserve a day on their own, and that Naples may be disappointing.

Sorry, Amy, but you are being fed seriously duff information if you think Naples will be disappointing. The city is fascinating – the Archaeological Museum, Castel Nuovo, the Palazzo Reale, Capodimonte, Santa Chiara, the San Martino museum, the cathedral… The city is fascinating. True, some parts are a bit scruffy, and like most large cities it has number of residents who have difficulty in distinguising "il mio" and "il tuo", but if you behave reasonably sensibly, you should have no problems. I never have. Alan Harrison

Response:

> > *ATM availability in Sorrento, particularly?  I know everyone says > they’re readily available all over Europe, but I want to hear from > someone who has done it successfully in Sorrento.  I want to ditch my > traveler’s checks once and for all. > I haven’t used ATMs in Sorrento, but I and my family and friends from > the US have used their cards all over Italy with no problem.

There will ceratinly be no problem in Sorrento. For example there are two ATMs within 50 metrees of each other in the square just down from the railway station, where Credito Italiano and Banco di Napoli have branches. Alan Harrison

Response:

PAESTUM – And be sure to have the buffalo mozzarella there.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> I’ve read all I can in guidebooks, and have pretty much laid out my > itinerary.  Now I need the practical advice/suggestions.  I’ll be in > Sorrento for 6 full days in mid-March.  I plan to see Capri, Sorrento, > Amalfi and Positano, Pompeii and perhaps Naples.  I’m unsure, but I > may try and work in Ischia or Procida. > I got tremendous help years back from Jack when I was off to Paris, so > I’m hoping I can get similar help on this area.  I hope there are > similar experts around here! > *Am I missing any "must sees" for just a short trip to the region? > *Restaurant suggestions, particularly in Sorrento and along the Amalfi > Coast?  Any particularly favorite dishes, etc. > *ATM availability in Sorrento, particularly?  I know everyone says > they’re readily available all over Europe, but I want to hear from > someone who has done it successfully in Sorrento.  I want to ditch my > traveler’s checks once and for all. > *Shopping hints?  Both places and items worth buying in the region? > *Weather at this time of year (March).  I see that it’s high 50s there > now, compared to 25-30 here today.  That will feel warm to me, but is > that accurate? > *My mom may be going as well, and she has bad knees.  She managed to > keep up well with me on previous trips, but I have heard the climbing > that is necessary and unlevel ground is bad for someone in her > situation.  Any suggestions, or am I overly concerned about nothing? > Thanks in advanced for all help.  Feel free to email me as well, just > remove _no_spam_ from my address.  Thanks! > Amy

Response:

>I’ve read all I can in guidebooks, and have pretty much laid out my >itinerary.  Now I need the practical advice/suggestions.  I’ll be in >Sorrento for 6 full days in mid-March.  I plan to see Capri, Sorrento, >Amalfi and Positano, Pompeii and perhaps Naples.  I’m unsure, but I >may try and work in Ischia or Procida.

Thank you all for your help so far.  I’ve received many emails with useful info.  So far I’ve confirmed that Capri and Pompeii each deserve a day on their own, and that Naples may be disappointing.  I think the remainder of my "to see" list is very do-able in 4 days! Ravello also seems more alluring to Amalfi, according to many.  Thank goodness I have another month to ponder my options! Mom and I both appreciate your advice!   Thanks.  (and I’m still open to suggestions!)

Response:

good gift suggestions would be from the staggering array of really attractive bottles of Limoncello everywhere you will be. On Capri,  there is a very nice ceramic shop near the top of the funicular,  and a wonderful perfumery just outside Capri town.  We found inexpensive gift items at the perfumery that were a big hit. The streets are by no means flat and easy to walk in this area. About Capri being out of season:  while it is true that many shops and restaurants won’t be open,  there are plenty of gorgeous vistas (which require some walking) and enough shops and restaurants to satisfy a brief visit.  I would caution you to remember that there is nothing to do but walk on Capri during siesta hours. Eat seafood. Debbie

Response:

> At the risk of being impolite I would suggest that trying to see all of that > in 6 days will make it dificult to see much of anything.

Yes, I almost always agree that less is more when it comes to travelling. > Capri doesn’t > really open for the season until Easter.

True, but I’ve been in Capri off-season many times, and always enjoy myself immensely. All the things to do and see are still there, and I much prefer it when it’s less crowded. As a matter of fact, we make a point of going off-season. — Ken Blake Please reply to the newsgroup

Response:

At the risk of being impolite I would suggest that trying to see all of that in 6 days will make it dificult to see much of anything.  Capri doesn’t really open for the season until Easter.  The same for Positano.  I would suggest a large plate of spaghetti with vongole verace (clam sauce) at any nice restaurant in Ravello which overlooks the Bay of Naples or the Gulf of Salerno.  And a bottle of Ravello or Greco di Tufo. Richard

Response:

> *Am I missing any "must sees" for just a short trip to the region?

Paestum! > *ATM availability in Sorrento, particularly?  I know everyone says

Yes, in the square downhill from train station and elsewhere. > keep up well with me on previous trips, but I have heard the climbing > that is necessary and unlevel ground is bad for someone in her > situation.  Any suggestions, or am I overly concerned about nothing?

Yes, a problem.  Partly mitigated if you keep tons of small change for little orange busses that go from Sorrento down to ferry docks, Capri to ferry docks, and Positano bus stop to center.

Response:

I’ve read all I can in guidebooks, and have pretty much laid out my itinerary.  Now I need the practical advice/suggestions.  I’ll be in Sorrento for 6 full days in mid-March.  I plan to see Capri, Sorrento, Amalfi and Positano, Pompeii and perhaps Naples.  I’m unsure, but I may try and work in Ischia or Procida. I got tremendous help years back from Jack when I was off to Paris, so I’m hoping I can get similar help on this area.  I hope there are similar experts around here! *Am I missing any "must sees" for just a short trip to the region? *Restaurant suggestions, particularly in Sorrento and along the Amalfi Coast?  Any particularly favorite dishes, etc. *ATM availability in Sorrento, particularly?  I know everyone says they’re readily available all over Europe, but I want to hear from someone who has done it successfully in Sorrento.  I want to ditch my traveler’s checks once and for all. *Shopping hints?  Both places and items worth buying in the region? *Weather at this time of year (March).  I see that it’s high 50s there now, compared to 25-30 here today.  That will feel warm to me, but is that accurate? *My mom may be going as well, and she has bad knees.  She managed to keep up well with me on previous trips, but I have heard the climbing that is necessary and unlevel ground is bad for someone in her situation.  Any suggestions, or am I overly concerned about nothing? Thanks in advanced for all help.  Feel free to email me as well, just remove _no_spam_ from my address.  Thanks! Amy

Response:

I’ve read all I can in guidebooks, and have pretty much laid out my itinerary.  Now I need the practical advice/suggestions.  I’ll be in Sorrento for 6 full days in mid-March.  I plan to see Capri, Sorrento, Amalfi and Positano, Pompeii and perhaps Naples.  I’m unsure, but I may try and work in Ischia or Procida. I got tremendous help years back from Jack when I was off to Paris, so I’m hoping I can get similar help on this area.  I hope there are similar experts around here! *Am I missing any "must sees" for just a short trip to the region? *Restaurant suggestions, particularly in Sorrento and along the Amalfi Coast?  Any particularly favorite dishes, etc. *ATM availability in Sorrento, particularly?  I know everyone says they’re readily available all over Europe, but I want to hear from someone who has done it successfully in Sorrento.  I want to ditch my traveler’s checks once and for all. *Shopping hints?  Both places and items worth buying in the region? *Weather at this time of year (March).  I see that it’s high 50s there now, compared to 25-30 here today.  That will feel warm to me, but is that accurate? *My mom may be going as well, and she has bad knees.  She managed to keep up well with me on previous trips, but I have heard the climbing that is necessary and unlevel ground is bad for someone in her situation.  Any suggestions, or am I overly concerned about nothing? Thanks in advanced for all help.  Feel free to email me as well, just remove _no_spam_ from my address.  Thanks! Amy

Response:

At the risk of being impolite I would suggest that trying to see all of that in 6 days will make it dificult to see much of anything.  Capri doesn’t really open for the season until Easter.  The same for Positano.  I would suggest a large plate of spaghetti with vongole verace (clam sauce) at any nice restaurant in Ravello which overlooks the Bay of Naples or the Gulf of Salerno.  And a bottle of Ravello or Greco di Tufo. Richard

Response:

> *Am I missing any "must sees" for just a short trip to the region?

Paestum! > *ATM availability in Sorrento, particularly?  I know everyone says

Yes, in the square downhill from train station and elsewhere. > keep up well with me on previous trips, but I have heard the climbing > that is necessary and unlevel ground is bad for someone in her > situation.  Any suggestions, or am I overly concerned about nothing?

Yes, a problem.  Partly mitigated if you keep tons of small change for little orange busses that go from Sorrento down to ferry docks, Capri to ferry docks, and Positano bus stop to center.

Response:

good gift suggestions would be from the staggering array of really attractive bottles of Limoncello everywhere you will be. On Capri,  there is a very nice ceramic shop near the top of the funicular,  and a wonderful perfumery just outside Capri town.  We found inexpensive gift items at the perfumery that were a big hit. The streets are by no means flat and easy to walk in this area. About Capri being out of season:  while it is true that many shops and restaurants won’t be open,  there are plenty of gorgeous vistas (which require some walking) and enough shops and restaurants to satisfy a brief visit.  I would caution you to remember that there is nothing to do but walk on Capri during siesta hours. Eat seafood. Debbie

Response:

> At the risk of being impolite I would suggest that trying to see all of that > in 6 days will make it dificult to see much of anything.

Yes, I almost always agree that less is more when it comes to travelling. > Capri doesn’t > really open for the season until Easter.

True, but I’ve been in Capri off-season many times, and always enjoy myself immensely. All the things to do and see are still there, and I much prefer it when it’s less crowded. As a matter of fact, we make a point of going off-season. — Ken Blake Please reply to the newsgroup

Response:

>I’ve read all I can in guidebooks, and have pretty much laid out my >itinerary.  Now I need the practical advice/suggestions.  I’ll be in >Sorrento for 6 full days in mid-March.  I plan to see Capri, Sorrento, >Amalfi and Positano, Pompeii and perhaps Naples.  I’m unsure, but I >may try and work in Ischia or Procida.

Thank you all for your help so far.  I’ve received many emails with useful info.  So far I’ve confirmed that Capri and Pompeii each deserve a day on their own, and that Naples may be disappointing.  I think the remainder of my "to see" list is very do-able in 4 days! Ravello also seems more alluring to Amalfi, according to many.  Thank goodness I have another month to ponder my options! Mom and I both appreciate your advice!   Thanks.  (and I’m still open to suggestions!)

Response:

PAESTUM – And be sure to have the buffalo mozzarella there.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> I’ve read all I can in guidebooks, and have pretty much laid out my > itinerary.  Now I need the practical advice/suggestions.  I’ll be in > Sorrento for 6 full days in mid-March.  I plan to see Capri, Sorrento, > Amalfi and Positano, Pompeii and perhaps Naples.  I’m unsure, but I > may try and work in Ischia or Procida. > I got tremendous help years back from Jack when I was off to Paris, so > I’m hoping I can get similar help on this area.  I hope there are > similar experts around here! > *Am I missing any "must sees" for just a short trip to the region? > *Restaurant suggestions, particularly in Sorrento and along the Amalfi > Coast?  Any particularly favorite dishes, etc. > *ATM availability in Sorrento, particularly?  I know everyone says > they’re readily available all over Europe, but I want to hear from > someone who has done it successfully in Sorrento.  I want to ditch my > traveler’s checks once and for all. > *Shopping hints?  Both places and items worth buying in the region? > *Weather at this time of year (March).  I see that it’s high 50s there > now, compared to 25-30 here today.  That will feel warm to me, but is > that accurate? > *My mom may be going as well, and she has bad knees.  She managed to > keep up well with me on previous trips, but I have heard the climbing > that is necessary and unlevel ground is bad for someone in her > situation.  Any suggestions, or am I overly concerned about nothing? > Thanks in advanced for all help.  Feel free to email me as well, just > remove _no_spam_ from my address.  Thanks! > Amy

Response:

> I’ve read all I can in guidebooks, and have pretty much laid out my > itinerary.  Now I need the practical advice/suggestions.  I’ll be in > Sorrento for 6 full days in mid-March.  I plan to see Capri, Sorrento, > Amalfi and Positano, Pompeii and perhaps Naples.  I’m unsure, but I > may try and work in Ischia or Procida.

[snip] > *Am I missing any "must sees" for just a short trip to the region? > *Restaurant suggestions, particularly in Sorrento and along the Amalfi > Coast?  Any particularly favorite dishes, etc.

I would try to get to Paestum to see the Greek temples and the archeological museum, if you’re at all interested in that sort of thing. Also, I’ve heard that Ercolano (Herculaneum?) is in some ways even better preserved than Pompeii, although I haven’t seen it for myself. It was destroyed in the same volcanic eruption, but was covered with lava rather than ash. > *ATM availability in Sorrento, particularly?  I know everyone says > they’re readily available all over Europe, but I want to hear from > someone who has done it successfully in Sorrento.  I want to ditch my > traveler’s checks once and for all.

I haven’t used ATMs in Sorrento, but I and my family and friends from the US have used their cards all over Italy with no problem. Some people prefer to have some travellers checks, or some other source of ready cash, as a backup in case their card gets lost or stolen, or if the network just happens to be down. > *Shopping hints?  Both places and items worth buying in the region? > *Weather at this time of year (March).  I see that it’s high 50s there > now, compared to 25-30 here today.  That will feel warm to me, but is > that accurate?

That stretch of coast has very mild temperatures. There are many citrus groves. However, the weather in March can be very unpredictable. I would be prepared for a variety of temperatures and also for possible rain. > *My mom may be going as well, and she has bad knees.  She managed to > keep up well with me on previous trips, but I have heard the climbing > that is necessary and unlevel ground is bad for someone in her > situation.  Any suggestions, or am I overly concerned about nothing?

It is true that the streets are not very even and that there are a lot of hills. I would suggest that she at least use the assistance of a cane. You might want to rent a car or use taxis for some of your travelling. I took my mother to Europe once when she was elderly and we had a wonderful time, but I did have to modify my mode of getting around for her benefit. I asked at museums for the use of wheelchairs, for instance. She was embarrassed, as she never used assistance walking at home, but I told her that none of these people even knew her, and that this way we could see more stuff. Barbara

Response:

> > *ATM availability in Sorrento, particularly?  I know everyone says > they’re readily available all over Europe, but I want to hear from > someone who has done it successfully in Sorrento.  I want to ditch my > traveler’s checks once and for all. > I haven’t used ATMs in Sorrento, but I and my family and friends from > the US have used their cards all over Italy with no problem.

There will ceratinly be no problem in Sorrento. For example there are two ATMs within 50 metrees of each other in the square just down from the railway station, where Credito Italiano and Banco di Napoli have branches. Alan Harrison

Response:

> Thank you all for your help so far.  I’ve received many emails with > useful info.  So far I’ve confirmed that Capri and Pompeii each > deserve a day on their own, and that Naples may be disappointing.

Sorry, Amy, but you are being fed seriously duff information if you think Naples will be disappointing. The city is fascinating – the Archaeological Museum, Castel Nuovo, the Palazzo Reale, Capodimonte, Santa Chiara, the San Martino museum, the cathedral… The city is fascinating. True, some parts are a bit scruffy, and like most large cities it has number of residents who have difficulty in distinguising "il mio" and "il tuo", but if you behave reasonably sensibly, you should have no problems. I never have. Alan Harrison

Response:

Let me put in one for Naples, the Archeology Museum. Pompeii is spectacular but all the art sculptures, tiles, cookware, anything of value was taken away to the Museum in Naples. So just for that and an excellent Pizza it is worth to spend few hours in Napoli.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->I’ve read all I can in guidebooks, and have pretty much laid out my >itinerary.  Now I need the practical advice/suggestions.  I’ll be in >Sorrento for 6 full days in mid-March.  I plan to see Capri, Sorrento, >Amalfi and Positano, Pompeii and perhaps Naples.  I’m unsure, but I >may try and work in Ischia or Procida. > Thank you all for your help so far.  I’ve received many emails with > useful info.  So far I’ve confirmed that Capri and Pompeii each > deserve a day on their own, and that Naples may be disappointing.  I > think the remainder of my "to see" list is very do-able in 4 days! > Ravello also seems more alluring to Amalfi, according to many.  Thank > goodness I have another month to ponder my options! > Mom and I both appreciate your advice!   Thanks.  (and I’m still open > to suggestions!)

Response:

Another vote for Paestum and the mozzarella di bufalo–it’s heaven there because it is so fresh.  We bought some from a farmers wife (just saw a handmade sign beside the road, drove down a long drive (past the bufalo!) and I can’t tell you how exquisite it was just with bread for lunch.  But if you are staying in Sorrento, this may be too long a drive.  Why not stay in Ravello for a couple nights, and reduce the number of days in Sorrento? And another vote for Herculaneum…it’s highly complementary to Pompeii.  Pompeii has the grand buildings and architecture, but Herculaneum provides an incredible sense of what life was like for more common folk.

Response: