Absolutely Ruth!! I think we're just in the "oh my gosh wouldn't it be fun if a bunch of us met in Venice" (or wherever but it seems like Venice is a good possibility).
By then the pendulum will have swung the other way....right? (Well, if George and Johnny are coming, why can't that happen too?)
I just had a vision of a garden party at the Residenzia Il Carmine, but would be more than happy in Venice, too.
Quick search turned up Villa Gabrielle on the Lido--it has 5 apartments, each sleeping btwn 2 and 6; Giudecca Mare a "luxury waterfront" complex looking over the lagoon (nice terraces!). Or out further afield in the Veneto?
Hmmm, I can't either, Kendall. Nor can I find that page at all any more. Here's a Venere page for it. The place I found it first didn't mention it was a B&B.
If there are enough of us, perhaps we can take over Venice's Palazzetto da Schio....the individaul apartments have all received great reviews on Slow Travel over the years. I've always been very intrigued by the place, and like the Dorsoduro very much.
On the other hand, my friend Jim (correction: my extremely good friend Jim) bought an apartment in Florence last year near San Lorenzo and has kindly offered it to me whenever I'm in Florence (except, of course, during my visit there this fall because he's having the kitchen redone at the same time I'll be there. Just my luck!)
So, if we have our GTG in Florence, I (and perhaps a lucky friend or two) would have a cozy place to crash!
If there are enough of us, perhaps we can take over Venice's Palazzetto da Schio....the individaul apartments have all received great reviews on Slow Travel over the years. I've always been very intrigued by the place, and like the Dorsoduro very much.
Perfetto! So let's do a week at the Carmine (plus Sandra at her exceptionally good friend's place) in Florence AND a week at the Palazzetto da Schio in Venice.
That would erase any shred of dread over the looming five-o. I'll start buying Lottery tickets this week.
And speaking of aging, a day or 2 after Gary turned 60 we were in the local grocery on a Wednesday and I noticed a discrete sign next to the register saying that seniors 60 or over were entitled to a 5% discount on Wednesdays. I poked Gary and told him to go for it. He fussed a bit but money is money so he dutifully mumbled his request for the discount to the cashier, who was probably about 19 years old. She replied, "Oh, I already gave you that discount, sir." The look on his face--completely crestfallen.
But poor Gary -- having someone simply assume he was eligible for the discount would be very disconcerting!
Mindy, Jim is real gem (and single again, if you don't count the cats!!) -- if we hadn't been friends and colleagues for so long, I'd have been all over him.
Maybe I should invite him to the GTG, we're the same age so he might be in the need of a celebration, too.......
I remember last summer when I was offered the senior's discout when I got my hair cut. I am 44!!!!!!
Jerry, Jerry, Jerry, just TAKE the money! Just think at 44 you are going to get years of discounts before you actually should!
What IS this thing with the discount for seniors, anyway? I owned a hair salon for years, and thought I was doing a very good thing by offering a 10% discount for seniors on services and products. I had more flak from clients over that than I did when I made my salon a non-smoking environment! I love my senior's discount at the drugstore in town, and anywhere else I can get it. Eurostar, for example, starts the discount at 60, and I enjoyed a reduced ticket price this summer because of it. I love it totally! Is it the thought that people think you look older than you really are, or that we actually look our age if we are over 60? I'm confused!
Boy, we digress on this topic, don't we?
Back to Venice accommodations...I would kill to stay in Ruth's apartment, with the gorgeous window overlooking the canal.
“Venice is like eating an entire box of chocolate liqueurs in one go.” ~ Truman Capote Brenda
I hope they gave you the discount even when corrected, Jerry. In Gary's case I had to kid him a little, but he felt better when I pointed out that she was probably just reacting to how distinguished he was looking that day.
I think it's the word "senior" that stings, next to "discount" which casts a little linguistic shadow next to that sting as well. Nevertheless I'm with Brenda--take it!--which is why now we make groceries on Wednesdays. Perhaps it could be renamed Maturity Concession.
Maybe we could get Maturity Concessions in Venice? (I'm trying to get back on topic, really).
Hey! Thanks to SandraC for giving me a head's up about this!
I turn 50 in December 2009 (only a year and a half away...yikes) so perhaps I should spend all of 2010 celebrating. Love the idea of a GTG in Italy! I'll keep an eye on this thread.
I went to Venice in October 2003 and it was a wonderful time to go. The weather was perfect...not cold at all but not hot either. It only rained one night, and while there were plenty of other tourists there, it wasn't mobbed. It was a great trip.
Doesn't the idea of a multi-party-birthday-bash in such (a) beautiful spot(s) make the thought of turning 50 so much more palatable?
Is that what it takes to turn 50? Great! That means that I get to turn back my birthday clock about 11 years! 50 again? I LOOOOOVVVVEEEEE you! Thanks so much for telling me this!
...and y'all know how much I h-a-t-e that damned dancing chicken, so it'll tell ya how much I love the idea of being 50 all over again.
"When I was younger, I could remember anything, whether it happened or not." ~ Mark Twain Brenda
Wow....amazing how excited I can get about a trip 2 years away!! I am IN!!
Just have to have real dates by Nov 2009 so I can snag those FF tickets as soon as they open up the flights!!
I was just complaining the other day that I haven't been to Venice in 2 years....then I realized I really shouldn't be complaining about that Not sure if I can hold out for two more years though...might have to swing a trip in before then!
I'll be solo too, so am up for sharing.
I won't be 50, but I'll pretend if that's a requirement I'll even cook....put the lessons I learned at cooking school this year in Florence to work!!
Anne
Posts: 337 | Location: Louisiana | Registered: 01 May 2005
Awsome Anne! I had thought you dropped off the face of the earth. I will so be looking forward to seeing you again, but I hope I don't have to wait for the Italy trip to do so.
Posts: 756 | Location: Mississippi | Registered: 31 October 2004
I'm actively pursuing per diem work once or twice a month so I can start saving for this fabulous trip! Every extra $$$ goes directly into my Italy 2010 fund!
Whoo hoo, it's going to be such fun. Anne, I'm sure that by Nov. 2009 we'll have come up with dates so you can purchase your FF miles! Excellent!
I am still over the moon about this. It will be a trip to remember that's for sure. What a wonderful thing to have so many people interested in hanging out!!!
You don't have to be turning 50 in 2010 to join in on the celebrations! Heck, I'll be cinquantasei by then (doesn't sound so bad in Italian) 2010 does seem like forever away but time has a way of slipping right on past us, so Kendall, it is (almost) 2010!
Not dropped off the face of the earth, just dropped into airline hell! I'm in my busy time, so spend wayyy too much time in airports. Atlanta yesterday on delayed flights; didn't leave there till 1 am. That was flight #22 in a mere 3 weeks! Yes, that's 22 times I had to wonder which leg would be cnacelled (4 of them were). The ONLY thing getting me through this busy time is the thought of the FF miles I am earning and using them to go back to Italy in Oct 2010!
For our week in Florence, how about Villa Pandalfini? They have several cottages & apts; located just outside Florence (about a 5 minute train ride in). Stayed there in Feb for my cooking school, and loved it! http://www.tuscany-cooking-class.com/
Anne
Posts: 337 | Location: Louisiana | Registered: 01 May 2005
So what's the latest on this? I'm pretty positive Keith and I will be going, at least to Venice (we want to also go to Rome). How are we going about firming up dates? And where to stay?
Posts: 963 | Location: Southern California | Registered: 17 July 2006
I'm definitely still on! I'm off to Italy in a few weeks, but after that if I don't have another trip to plan, I don't know how I'll get through another Canadian winter!
Hubba hubba A man with an apt. in Florence? Keep him!!
Ooo, I wish I had a man with an apt in Florence!! (Even better if his name is George Clooney) I'm sure Dave wouldn't mind...
I just found out about this "GTG Italy Oct 2010" from a comment on Annie's blog (thanks Sandra!!) How marvellous - I am very interested! It gives me exactly two years to save up after this year's trip to Florence. Glad to hear I don't have to be turning 50, I'll still be a babe of 46 that year. I'd be happy to accept any seniors' perks and/or discounts though!
Jen & Chris Mindy Brenda Leslie Erickson Kendall Sandra C Colleen K ? Shelagh Panda Eden Beth (VegasMs) ? Beth & Keith (michievous) Kathy (anthemion) Trish & Gary Ruth K Poet123 & Hubby Bugsydd Anne (andasamo) ? Anne (Anneo123) ?
We should probably figure out who is sharing accomodations with whom, and what our housing budgets are. Okay people lets talk!
Posts: 756 | Location: Mississippi | Registered: 31 October 2004
Well, these dates are certainly a dream come true, for me! I adored Florence so much and I have always wanted to return. Now, I get to celebrate my birthday in 2010 there!
Need any help with planning, organizing or drinking prosecco at Rivoire? I'm so there!
What a list of darling people coming with us! I'd show up just for the company.
I'm already thinking about going back to Maria Vittoria Latini for another leather jacket, and see what kind of discount Mario gives to ME! I can hardly wait to walk up to Piazza Michelangelo, rest for a few minutes while taking a few hundred photos of that view, then walk to San Miniato for evening vespers. THIS time, I'm going to bring home some of the glorious treasures from the gift shop, all handmade by the monks of that tranquil place. I'll stand in line again to get into the Museo dell'Opera del Duomo, to look in awe at Michelangelo's last work, Pietà. And, no trip to Florence would be complete without an afternoon browsing in the well-stocked shelves of Ceramiche Rampini. Better yet, I think I'll take the train to Cortona and hang out with Alessandra, shop in her lovely store and beg her to teach me to cook...something, anything...who's coming with me?
So, I'm going to start packing soon...anyone else with me on that?
"Venice is like eating an entire box of chocolate liqueurs in one go." ~ Truman Capote Brenda
Yes, add me to that list. I don't know if I'll be able to work out two weeks off from work but I hope to at least make it to the Venice week. The proposed dates look good to me!
I am in for both Venice and Florence barring any family/health emergencies etc. 2009 is a promised trip to Italy with my husband, so a 2010 trip would be a solo trip for me.
So, my favorite thing is browsing for accommodations, and I've just found a new and lovely place in Florence! Villa i Giullari - Bed and Breakfast. I'm not sure the location is all that, but the rooms and common areas are gorgeous! They also have a few apartments as well, and those are quite lovely. I'd snag the Apartamento Machiavelli in a heartbeat.
If we book a few accommodations from the same agency or owner, we just might be given a slight discount, or a Friend of Brenda discount, even! This is also the perfect opportunity to share a grand villa or castle (!!!), if staying out of the center of the city is ok with everyone.
Italy Perfect also has excellent and well-reviewed apartments, but they are not located together, so if that's what we are looking for, then Lisa's lovely apartments wouldn't fit the bill.
My favorite rental agent in Florence, Lorenzo Duranti, has developed a cool apartment hotel with a few friends, Quadra Key Residence, but the location is kinda sucky, I think.
I'd like to start a general discussion of what everyone wants to do for accommodations...are we going to each book our own, or share with someone else, or book a villa out of the city and stay in luxury and tranquility...so many choices!
So, to begin our discussion about accommodations...
I would happily share a 2+ bedroom apartment, with a bathroom for each bedroom, a great kitchen, (a terrace, also, if the gods are smiling ) and an internet connection. Being a true Libran, it has to be pretty, very comfortable and should lean a little to the luxurious side, rather than being spare and inexpensive. I'm too old and cranky to rough it! As for cost, as long as I like the place, the cost will come second. Not $$$ over the top, but still...comfortable and a little lush! (with apologies to our reigning Queen Pauline, I'm borrowing her icon for a Princess moment of my own!)
Anyone else care to share thoughts and suggestions and ideas? Villa? Separate apartments? Likely we'll not all agree on location/accommodation so it might be easier in the long run to book whatever each party wants and hope for some similarity of location, if that matters at all.
"The impulse to travel is one of the hopeful symptoms of life." ~ Agnes Repplier Brenda
I heard there was a cool party brewing in Italy! It's too soon for me to commit and be added to your wonderful list, but I am very interested and will keep checking back for updates.
Posts: 790 | Location: California | Registered: 19 September 2004
Likely we'll not all agree on location/accommodation so it might be easier in the long run to book whatever each party wants and hope for some similarity of location, if that matters at all.
I agree Brenda. For example, I could not imagine being in Florence and not staying at Residenza Il Carmine .
In Venice, there are so many lovely apartments, I would ABSOLUTELY share in hanging out in THIS palazzo! (thank you Sandrac for this listing). On the other hand, I wouldn't mind sharing THIS apartment with 1 or 2 other people! One more rental/s suggestion for Venice; I don't think you can go wrong with any of Denise's accommodations at Venice Rentals If we email her with our inquiries she can suggest any properties that would fit our criteria. (Besides, she's a Quincy girl)!
Wait, there's THIS lovely place in Venice that has 10 bedrooms and 10 bathrooms!
2 years does seems like a lifetime away, but we all know that in reality it goes so quickly. Hell, there's Christmas decorations/cards/ wrappings out already in some stores.
I'm planning on 3 weeks in 2010, but maybe I'll only be able to get 2 weeks off from work. I'm grateful for any time I can spend in Italy. Whether it's once a year or once every 3.
I'm loving the thought, anyway, of being in Venice at least, with a great group of Slowtraveler's, many who will be celebrating their 50th, "Jubliee" birthdays!!
Ciao for now, Keep your thoughts, ideas, and rentals coming!
Happy fiftieth to you Happy fiftieth to you Happy Happy Happy Happy ...
Okay, I'm a bit ahead of myself, but I did want to say that it is very likely we will be in Italy during the festivities - now that the dates are set for Oct.. If we are, we would love to join in on part of it - a meal maybe, if we are there.
We too will be keeping an eye on this gatherings' updates.
Wendy and Rob
Posts: 3853 | Location: Monterey Peninsula, California, USA | Registered: 07 September 2003
Wow Mindy, those are some fab places you have scooped out! I'd love to be a roomate of yours in any of those spots-the palazzo looks especially lovely. I have always wanted to stay in Il Carmine in Florence based on your great experiences there. Lots of fun to think about. Can't imagine reserving more than a year ahead though.
Mindy, count us in for lodging with you in Florence, if that's ok with you
Also, we are all about renting a large place in Venice too...
Happy birthday to me, Happy birthday to me Happy Birthday to everyone else who turns fifty in 2010..Happy birthday to us....insert the nifty birthday tune J
A man with an apt. in Florence? Keep him!!
I'll even cook....put the lessons I learned at cooking school this year in Florence to work!!
As for cost, as long as I like the place, the cost will come second. Not $$$ over the top, but still...comfortable and a little lush!
(with apologies to our reigning Queen Pauline, I'm borrowing her icon for a Princess moment of my own!) 
I'm grateful for any time I can spend in Italy. Whether it's once a year or once every 3. 
