It's never too early to plan ahead, right?

MoJen, her husband Chris, and I are already talking up a GTG in Italy to celebrate Jen's 50th (although I think she is only going to be 30)

So, we're merely planting the travel seed.....

Venice, Florence, ????? Start saving your €uro's!!

Ciao, meow

Pokey

Sounds great to me Mindy! Will it be Venice, Florence or both?

Have a great Monday!

Leslie

I'm so there!
Florence, then Venice!

"We grow neither better or worse as we get old, but more like ourselves." ~ Unknown
Brenda

Oh My God. I just realized that I'LL be turning 50 in 2010. Near the end of 2010, but still -- there will be no escaping that birthday.

This could be exactly the way to celebrate!!! Particularly since I'm sure the event will involve significant amounts of prosecco.....

A very interesting idea, Mindy!

Sandra

Ok, Folks,

I have never been to Italy and this maybe a good time to go, if not sooner. So what time of the year (month) are you all planning to do this? I am tied to a school schedule ... Hmm, I better start saving very seriously... as airfares go up when the school year ends...

Never mind ... DUH! it says October up there... LOL

hmm.....October is usually a "given" month for me to be in Italy. Keep me posted!

Ciao,
Cheryl

We love a party! I could pass that year on an October Desert GTG (or do it another month!)

Oh Palma, how could you! I know Italy is your passion but we love the Desert GTG. Ok, we could do another month but please don't skip it.
Beth in Vegas

Hey! I am turning 50 in 2010 also! This could be a plan....

Beth

There are a LOT of October babies on Slowtrav. My birthday is the 20th, Steve also celebrates his birthday on the 20th...anyone else? I know y'all are out there!

"You aren't 50! You're $29.98 and change!" ~ BGE
Brenda

Well, I'm very tempted - not very far for me, after all. Italy and finally putting faces to names!

I hinted at a Venice 50th for myself last year, but my husband took me to San Francisco instead (which was great as I shared my birthday with a dear friend who lives there and we also had the chance to meet some lovely people at a San Francisco GTG!) So, I could celebrate again and also have a '50th' (the Queen of England gets an official and actual birthday on two separate dates , so I don't see why I can't.....)

Sign me up PLEASE!I do hope they have crack houses there. I've developed quite a fondness for them!

Hi everyone

WOW is right, we are so excited even in the early planning stages! What a party that would be, to share it with my dear Slow Travel friends!

Do keep in touch-

Ciao-

Jen

Count me in as a definite maybe. As much as I love Florence, Venice with a group of STs sounds like a lot of fun too!

I am seriously considering going if I can sing it financially. I'm an Italy virgin. Would there be anyone interested in sahring accomodations?

Kendall,

I have PM'd you regarding roomie stuff.

Leslie

I think it would be fun to share a large apartment in Venice! Finding the ideal one, well, we have time to do some research

Would there be enough Prosecco for all of us? How far is it from Venice to the Prosecco wine region anyway? Now there's a place I'd love to explore!!

and then there's Florence too. A (well behaved) Eurostar party train from Venice to Florence.

Mindy

I mentioned to Mindy, but Chris G-Grandfather, is from Sondrio, Italy. I sure would like to find a contact there to show us around for a day...

Mindy, I'm not sure an apartment will do -- I think we'll need a palazzo!

Sandra

quote:

I think it would be fun to share a large apartment in Venice! Finding the ideal one, well, we have time to do some research Big Grin

There's always my Marco's B & B, plus his 2 bedroom apartment. He's promised a 'Friend of Brenda Discount' for anyone who stays there. Wonder if that counts for me, also? Here's his listing on Veniceby's website. This is the website that he shares with Sonya, who owns Gli Angeli B & B in Venice.

Mmmmm, a villa, just outside of Lucca, perhaps?
Villa La Chiusa near Lucca happens to appeal to me. Check out the rooms. There is a chef available to prepare the evening meal, if you wish. I love this place!

Hotel Villa Carlotta is located in Florence, at the foot of Piazza Michelangelo, a perfect location for a great place to stay! Pricey, but gorgeous!

Wherever we are, it will be a luscious time!

"The owner is a creative lady who is still maintaining the traditional manufacturing of old lucchesi silk fabrics for house decoration. Her studio is located in the lemon-house, an annex to the villa." ~ Villa La Chiusa website
Brenda

Okay, lets start talking logistics! Who's going? When are we going? Where are we going?

Who's going....
1.) Kendall


Anybody else?



The cats are going to have to get jobs to pay for this!

Are you guys planning the 2010 Great Slow Travel Gathering?