Dream holiday

[Yvonne]

Ok, let's see if anybody notices this?

I spent a year in Richmond, VA ages ago. At that time I got to see some of the east coast. I loved the mountains of West-Virgina, if i recall correctly. I would be a great chance for me and Tormod to share our experiences and to vistit old friends.

We really need to get this together and just do it... plus win some cash...

[Tormod]

I spent two and a half years in Rock Island, Illinois. Once me and a bunch of friends took an Amtrak train from Chicago to San Francisco - 48 hours straight. Incredible scenery.

I've also driven a car from Chicago to Orlando through Ohio and Georgia (and some states I don't remember) and then back up along the East Coast to Washington. Great trip. The day after we left Florida, a hurricane hit the state and just washed away everything. That was in 1992, haven't been to the US since.

[Uncle Martin]

Originally posted by: Yvonne
We really need to get this together and just do it... plus win some cash...

Are you implying that you need to win some cash in order to afford the trip,...or that you have that gambling bug and can't wait to hit the casinos?

[Yvonne]

He he... well we have a lottery coupon in every week, in the Norwegian Lottery, Lotto, but it never seems to be our turn. Tonight could easily be the night... eh..

Our lottery is, of course, nothing compared to the lotteries in the States.

I've never been to a casino. Las Vegas should be fun for a day or so. And, yes, it would be fun to have some money to loose. However, I don't think I would take the time to go there. I'd much rather spend and extra day at Disney World. Now that would be fun!

[IrishEyes]

Wow, what a great topic! Thanks, Yvonne, I was hoping someone would start this one!!

What were you doing in Richmond? How long ago was that? Was King's Dominion there when you were?

Yes, West Virginia has some beautiful mountains. I think there are lots of other places that you would enjoy seeing besides just those mountains though. Unc was right in that you could spend an entire week ensconced inside one single Smithsonian. Anyone that wants to head anywhere between North Carolina and Maryland, let me know, I'll be happy to be your tour guide.

Unc was also right about the West being magnificent. As a military brat, I've lived in may different parts of this country. I thouroughly enjoyed my time out West, including years in SoCal, Phoenix, and Las Vegas. I actually graduated from high school in Vegas, and a day is more than enough for a visit, I promise! It's actually not a bad place, but the nickname "sin city" fits it well. You could do the same amount of gambling in Jersey, but be close to Ne York's sights there.

My ex is from the Pacific Northwest, and that is BEAUTIFUL country up there. I love that entire region, but Seattle and area is especially spectacular, or were 15 years ago. And yes, driving the older roads is much more exciting than the new highways, unless you're in a hurry. But I disagree that the South has little to offer. Louisiana is just amazing, as is your own Gulf region, Unc. The antebellum homes in Georgia are like stepping back into Gone With The Wind, very romantic if you're into that. The Southern East Coast is also great. Jekyll Island, Georgia, is one of our favorite family vacation spots, as is South Padre in Texas. I love the history that you can find in the South, and it's beautiful there as well - just a different beauty than you'll find in other parts of our country.

Anyhow, I could go on and on, but I need to get some other stuff done. Yvonne, get your butt over here. I'd have a blast showing you around, and I have built-in babysitters for your little girls!

[Yvonne]

I was an exchange student there, in -91/92. And, yes, I think King's Dominion was there.

I loved D.C. and the Smithsonian. So much to see, learn and take in, and always so little time. I went there a few times.

I find it so weird that I want to go back to places I've already been, yet I crave to see new places. Our favorite place to go for a weekend is London. I can't think a better place to go for books, coffee (preferably with choclate, sugar and cream), tea and lots and lots of cheap magazines. Italy rates as number one also.

I understand from Tormod and various tv-shows that our vacation is a lot longer than yours (U.S) but never the less lot's of things remains unseen...

What I really do look forward to though, is going to Berlin in November with my mom. Anybody been there? Any tip about hotels? We've only booked the airplane tickets. No husband, no kids. Wonderful!!!!

[Yvonne]

I look forward to you coming, IrishEyes. No need to wait. Since it has been raining all summer, the sun is expected to turn up monday.

[IrishEyes]

I find it so weird that I want to go back to places I've already been, yet I crave to see new places.

I'm much the same. It just depends on my mood. I prefer going new places either alone, or just with my husband. But I prefer returning to familiar places (to me) with my children, even if it is a new place for them. I think part of that is that I like to feel comfortable in a place before I take my younger ones there, it's just my 'mommy safety instinct' or something.

[IrishEyes]

Of course, like you, I could return to Italy ANYTIME!!! I can not express enough how much I loved it there.

That's strange, because I really thought that I would fall in love with Paris, and Italy would be 'just ok', but it was the opposite. I'd always dreamed of going to Paris, and had only a small desire to see Italy. Perhaps that's why I was blown away by Italy, yet Paris didn't seem to captivate me as much. Maybe I just built Paris up too much in my mind or something.

Where in Italy do you enjoy visiting? I loved Florence, and most of the rest of the Tuscan region. I know that probably sounds very cliche, but there is a reason that Tuscany is so "in", in my opinion. I think it is the most wonderful place in the entire world. Incroyable!! Magnifique!! Excellente!!! Can you all tell how much I loved it there???!!???

[Yvonne]

Just a quick reply. My girls are bathing. Tuscany and Florence are my favorites too. My best friend lives in Milano.