Former lurker, now new member. This is the greatest site - have learned so much and enjoyed the vibe along the way. Thanks to all who have contributed - 12,000 pages of 'slow travel' info is an incredible achievement! Staying put for a while and traveling with ease (forget tight schedules) has been my style forever! My newest challenge is learning how to go for a month in Europe with one small 22" bag and one carryon w/12" ibook.

Traveling to Ireland Oct 29 to Nov 10; then Florence Nov 10 thru Nov 24; then London Nov 24 & 25.

Ireland is visiting relatives (3rd trip) in Mitchelstown (Cork/Tipperary border) - can't wait! Rented thatched cottage near the family farm; will pick up my cousin (86 yrs young) at Presentation Convent in Mooncoin and we'll stay at the cottage so we can visit the nearby farm.


First week in Florence is with 4 other women in 3 bdrm apt; second week w/1 woman - am considering 2-3 nights in Montecatini Terme to SLOW DOWN for some exotic "waters" and massage mid-second week. Any info out there on a pleasant (but not super expensive) hotel would be great -- most of the town closes up Nov 15 as far as I can tell.

Made classic mistake re London stopover - whenever I go in the general direction of the British Library (have a Reader's Card) I am drawn there like a magnet - this time I forgot to check on their Sunday hours (they don't have any in the reading rooms!) so I will be trolling the BL galleries (which are open) on my one special day there, Sun Nov 25; then it's back to SFO on 11/26.

Am hoping Yotel Heathrow opens in time for me to book a 'cube' - am on mailing list for opening; it's the low yo price and the thought of not having to schlep bags in & out of airport that attracts me.

I salute all fellow slow-travelers and aspire to be a slow traveler who can pack light as well!

Welcome Herblover from another CA member!
You live in a beautiful area of the State.
Sounds like you have a wonderful trip planned. Enjoy!

ciao!
I moved here from Walnut Creek in 84!

sounds like a great trip!

Welcome to Slow Travel; it sounds like you have quite the trip planned.

We just drove through Danville over Labor Day weekend; I have family in Alamo and we get up there several times a year. Given the opportunity, my husband and I would move there without question.

Marcia

Thanks trvlisfun, Diva and MarciaB for the welcome! I will have a sm WIFI ibook on trip to stay in touch & keep writing; Diva, I am both an editor/writer AND a foodie - perhaps we can meet while I'm in Florence - I say this because this time of year, almost nightly, I prowl the neighborhood fig trees which are dripping with luscious ripe figs - no one seems to pick them but me! Am looking forward to being in Florence during truffle season!

I am going to shanghai from november 1-14

Then will be back in Florence.

Hello and welcome!