John and I are back in Houston and will never forget the warmth and friendship we enjoyed in Savannah. STs are simply the best! We can't wait to see you all again. Nancy
I guess I can now confess to the misgivings I had about the Savannah GTG before the big event. I watched as Kathy put in what was surely several hundred hours (and knew from her comments that the other members of the planning committee were doing the same thing) and wondered many times if this meeting could possibly be worth this much work. So it's fair to say that I went to Savannah with a smidgen of doubt. It's also fair to say I came away a total convert. What a beautiful city and what a terrific idea the GTG is. I'd had more than a few people give me "that look" when I'd described our upcoming weekend as driving a few hundred miles to spend a couple of days with friends we've met on the internet. But what better basis for friendship could there be? We all have an abiding love of travel and can swap stories for hours. Blend in a beautiful setting, a heaping helping of good food, plenty of wine to wash it all down, and you've got a big winner. Just think about a lot of our "friendships" that come out of accidental meetings at work, in the neighborhood, at school and many other places. The truth is, we didn't pick them. They were just there. Our slowtrav friends we did pick because of a shared interest. Just seems to me a better way. Already looking forward to the next GTG.
Charley, you put that most eloquently. I'm with you on how great this traveling community is. When I went to my first GTG in Atlanta in '05 and I told my friends that I was going to Atlanta to have dinner with some people I had met on the internet --- ! Everybody said, "You're crazy". I didn't feel that I was any crazier than I had been the day before, so off I drove and I had a wonderful time in a great restaurant that we have been back to since then. And I have maintained friendships made at that GTG.
Would you convey this to your lovely daughter: It was pretty darn close, but LSU can't make it out of the Final Four--and y'all earned it. Congrats, and I'll be rooting for Tennessee tomorrow.
Oh my goodness, I'm sitting here reading posts by each of you and I can see your faces and your smiles, know the sound of your voice and your laugh...this is really special to be able to read your name and feel like we all are a bit closer to knowing one another a little better . The weekend was such a great adventure that we all took together. I'm so glad I went and I'm glad each of you was there as well. Still reeling from all the fun...gotta go to bed now! Sweet dreams everyone! Barb Cabot
Posts: 495 | Location: Long Beach, California | Registered: 27 August 2007
Charley, thank you for that message, which brought tears to my eyes as you so beautifully described what ST is to all of us and brought back such special memories. And thank you (and your beautiful daughter) for sharing your incredible wife with us for so many months, days, and hours to play such a huge part in making the weekend so marvelous.
Jen, you said it perfectly...good times friends and laughter. Nothing finer than hanging with people like you!, in a stunning location like Miss Savannah, y'all!
I had the best time ever, and was sadly wishing I could stay just a few more days. I was envious of Jill, staying on another week, the lucky lamb!
What pure pleasure to be surrounded by such kind and lovely people...my Slowtrav family and my newfound Savannahian family...top that off with my real family, Michael, being there with me. Nothing could be finer!
“Truly great friends are hard to find, difficult to leave, and impossible to forget.” ~ Unknown Brenda
This message has been edited. Last edited by: Chris,
Slow Travel Talk 
! Everybody said, "You're crazy". I didn't feel that I was any crazier than I had been the day before, so off I drove and I had a wonderful time in a great restaurant that we have been back to since then. And I have maintained friendships made at that GTG.
Pauline's laughter while watching the movie. What a wonderful laugh she has!
. It was a very touching video.
