~Snowbird Chat~

[Northern Disney Girl]

OK, ladies, I need advice from the world travelers among you. My d, as you may or may not recall, will be spending next semester (Jan-May) in Rome, and I want to go visit her. I've signed up for Trip Advisor's forums, but where would you suggest that I look to begin planning? Since she'll have lived there for a while and will be able to show me around a bit, I don't want to book a tour, but I don't even know where to start!

Any help appreciated! After all, I have to be able to plan something!

Can't help too much! I've never been out of North America! I would say though that the best way I know to plan a trip is to get a good Guide Book! Take a walk or a ride over to your nearest book store OR Library and find a book that will help in your planning! Do you have a trusted Travel Agent? You might be able to get some ideas from them as well! Good Luck!

 

[crzyred]

A lot of big touristy places will have free travel guide magazines. I try to order that and do a lot of research online before booking anything. It helps me get an idea for what I think I would like and wouldn't. The internet is usually the first place I start looking. Also, go to a local travel agency if you can and see if they have any free tour magazines. From what you see there you can plan you own trip based off of what their tours do, so you can skip things you may not be interested in, or go faster than they might.I hardly ever book a "tour". I'm a rather adventerous person I like to explore on my own. If you have a Barnes and Noble close to you, they have city maps for places all over the world. Might be worth it to purchase one of those to start getting yourself acquianted with the city.

Also, with your daughter being there, she will be able to tell you a lot of stuff about the area, such as traveling around. Will it be easier to walk places, taxi, public transportation...that sort of stuff.

 

[Disney Mommy 3]

snkymom~ I was gonna tell you the same things!!!Library..internet..travel agency! Barnes & Noble does have good travel stuff!!!! I just think it's awesome she gets this opportunity..and how fun you can go visit her!!!!!! you will have to put lots of pictures when you get home!!!!

 

[Pluto_fan]

snykymom--how fun! I'm sure your daughter will love her semester in Rome!

We are big fans of Rick Steves. He has a series on PBS and a whole slew of guidebooks. His theme is "Europe through the back door"--in addition to seeing the big famous sights, he advocates also getting to some "off the beaten track" places and experiencing things more like a local. Of course with your daughter being there she will have some great insight into her favorite places by the time you get there. Anyway, as far as cities go, he has some good tips on avoiding crowds, prioritizing what you want to see, and where to grab a gelato and people-watch!

In addition to everyone else's great suggestions, I'd suggest going to the library and checking out an assortment of guidebooks. Even if they're not the most current edition, you can get a feel for the styles of the different series. Then go to the bookstore and get the current edition of your favorites.

When are you thinking of going, and how long will you stay? Hey, why not add a side trip to Belgium?

 

[MAGGIED]

well... I am recovering from body sculpting class... couldn't walk for two days... boy am I out of shape..I walk a couple of miles everyday so I didn't think that my legs would be so sore... but they are... it was tons of fun and I was able to keep up so I will be back next tuesday and give it another go....

 

[MAGGIED]

We have decided to forgo the January trip... I can't really feel sad as I go in 10 days and then again in February.... we are thinking of renting a cabin at Alleghany State park for a week instead and doing some hiking... not in January of course... that would just e crazy as there is to much snow here in NY in January...lol... we might lose one of our hikers!!!!

Glad other snowbirds are getting the good deal though!!!

 

[sarbah77]

We have decided to forgo the January trip... I can't really feel sad as I go in 10 days and then again in February.... we are thinking of renting a cabin at Alleghany State park for a week instead and doing some hiking... not in January of course... that would just e crazy as there is to much snow here in NY in January...lol... we might lose one of our hikers!!!!

Glad other snowbirds are getting the good deal though!!!

SNOWSHOES! Of course, there's that whole temperature thing, but my parents love to snowshoe in winter these days. Here in Michigan, where the sun doesn't come out, we all huddle under the full spectrum lights and pretend we're somewhere else.

snykymom--how fun! I'm sure your daughter will love her semester in Rome!

We are big fans of Rick Steves. He has a series on PBS and a whole slew of guidebooks. His theme is "Europe through the back door"--in addition to seeing the big famous sights, he advocates also getting to some "off the beaten track" places and experiencing things more like a local. Of course with your daughter being there she will have some great insight into her favorite places by the time you get there. Anyway, as far as cities go, he has some good tips on avoiding crowds, prioritizing what you want to see, and where to grab a gelato and people-watch!

In addition to everyone else's great suggestions, I'd suggest going to the library and checking out an assortment of guidebooks. Even if they're not the most current edition, you can get a feel for the styles of the different series. Then go to the bookstore and get the current edition of your favorites.

When are you thinking of going, and how long will you stay? Hey, why not add a side trip to Belgium?

I agree with this. My brother, who spend a year in Switzerland, is a HUGE fan of Rick Steves' books. I also did the library thing, which helped me sort out which books are useful and which aren't, for my cruise next June.

And hey! Just don't go visit your DD during the Marathon! We'll be in town, then! (We'll also be in town 12/24-29, with the DH heading to a game in Foxboro on the 27th... but the weather is better in April, and I'll be more mobile)

Other than my PhotoPass photos, I haven't looked at ANY of my pictures from Disney... nor the ones from the wedding we went to last weekend. My BIL's wife put one up on facebook of my DH, myself, and our niece, and it's a great candid shot. I suppose I should do that... though I might just wait a few more weeks!

 

[Disney Mommy 3]

Pluto fan~ we need some pictures of your area too missy!!!!

Wendy~ that camp out sounds fun!!! It has a totally different feeling thinking about camping up where you are, compared to here!!! This down here (in my humble opinion) is a bit torturous!!!! Yuck!! Glad you liked your class..this is probably just what you need to finish that goal!!! Keep us posted!

Sarah~ only one more full work week....you can do it!!!!! Are you getting all your ducks in a row? You are so gonna enjoy all that time off!!!

Well, our weather has cooled off a tad...but we are still in the 80s it never ends.......

 

[crzyred]

Well, our weather has cooled off a tad...but we are still in the 80s it never ends.......

OK well you can have mine. It's currently 43 but feels like 39. It's making me depressed....I know what's coming .

 

[Northern Disney Girl]

Well, our weather has cooled off a tad...but we are still in the 80s it never ends.......

OK well you can have mine. It's currently 43 but feels like 39. It's making me depressed....I know what's coming .

Oh, has the competition for worst winter weather started so soon? Here is our local forecast for the next week! Sorry it is in Metric!

http://www.weatheroffice.gc.ca/city/pages/on-100_metric_e.html

It was -4 degrees celcius this morning when I got up! It is now 12 I think!

 

[snykymom]

Can't help too much! I've never been out of North America! I would say though that the best way I know to plan a trip is to get a good Guide Book! Take a walk or a ride over to your nearest book store OR Library and find a book that will help in your planning! Do you have a trusted Travel Agent? You might be able to get some ideas from them as well! Good Luck!

No travel agent - at least not yet!

A lot of big touristy places will have free travel guide magazines. I try to order that and do a lot of research online before booking anything. It helps me get an idea for what I think I would like and wouldn't. The internet is usually the first place I start looking. Also, go to a local travel agency if you can and see if they have any free tour magazines. From what you see there you can plan you own trip based off of what their tours do, so you can skip things you may not be interested in, or go faster than they might.I hardly ever book a "tour". I'm a rather adventerous person I like to explore on my own. If you have a Barnes and Noble close to you, they have city maps for places all over the world. Might be worth it to purchase one of those to start getting yourself acquianted with the city.

Also, with your daughter being there, she will be able to tell you a lot of stuff about the area, such as traveling around. Will it be easier to walk places, taxi, public transportation...that sort of stuff.

snkymom~ I was gonna tell you the same things!!!Library..internet..travel agency! Barnes & Noble does have good travel stuff!!!! I just think it's awesome she gets this opportunity..and how fun you can go visit her!!!!!! you will have to put lots of pictures when you get home!!!!

Great suggestions - thanks! I agree about the opportunity for her; I've never been abroad, and I told her there's no way she's going & I'm not - at least not on my dime!

snykymom--how fun! I'm sure your daughter will love her semester in Rome!

We are big fans of Rick Steves. He has a series on PBS and a whole slew of guidebooks. His theme is "Europe through the back door"--in addition to seeing the big famous sights, he advocates also getting to some "off the beaten track" places and experiencing things more like a local. Of course with your daughter being there she will have some great insight into her favorite places by the time you get there. Anyway, as far as cities go, he has some good tips on avoiding crowds, prioritizing what you want to see, and where to grab a gelato and people-watch!

In addition to everyone else's great suggestions, I'd suggest going to the library and checking out an assortment of guidebooks. Even if they're not the most current edition, you can get a feel for the styles of the different series. Then go to the bookstore and get the current edition of your favorites.

When are you thinking of going, and how long will you stay? Hey, why not add a side trip to Belgium?

I agree with this. My brother, who spend a year in Switzerland, is a HUGE fan of Rick Steves' books. I also did the library thing, which helped me sort out which books are useful and which aren't, for my cruise next June.

And hey! Just don't go visit your DD during the Marathon! We'll be in town, then! (We'll also be in town 12/24-29, with the DH heading to a game in Foxboro on the 27th... but the weather is better in April, and I'll be more mobile)

Other than my PhotoPass photos, I haven't looked at ANY of my pictures from Disney... nor the ones from the wedding we went to last weekend. My BIL's wife put one up on facebook of my DH, myself, and our niece, and it's a great candid shot. I suppose I should do that... though I might just wait a few more weeks!

I'll check out Rick Steves' books, too! I'm thinking of going in mid-May, after her semester's done, and we'll both tour together. Or maybe just before she's finished, so I'll do some stuff she's already done. She's going to ask her friends who have done study abroad how they worked it with parental visits. She's just afraid that it'll be too hard for her if I come while she has classes (or while she wants to visit her friends in other cities/countries!).

No worries, Sarah - not going anywhere during Marathon. After all, I owe you a drink in my home town! I work in Back Bay, and live right near Foxboro, so pick one!

 

[letthewookiewin]

Kim! I was thinking about you yesterday!! I agree this break in the weather is much appreciated!!!! I can't wait until the 80s are a distant memory!! I wonder when that'll be? I feel for you with that migraine!! You gotta start getting more sleep girl!! That's a big factor!!!!do you take Excedrine when you start to feel it or are you on prescribed stuff? I only take E...it works most of the time! Somedays i wake up and it's a full-blown migraine..so those days it doesnt help as much...but they are usually a little slower than that!!! Hope you feel better soon!!!

Yeah I can go with that little sleep normally, but only if I'm taking my meds. Luckily I found them. Actually my youngest DS did. They were sitting right beside my bed, which I would have never thought to look there. I normally keep them in the office beside my laptop. I'll have to pick up some Excedrine and try it. I just took my blood pressure meds, 2 Alieve, a really hot shower and went to bed.

OK, ladies, I need advice from the world travelers among you. My d, as you may or may not recall, will be spending next semester (Jan-May) in Rome, and I want to go visit her. I've signed up for Trip Advisor's forums, but where would you suggest that I look to begin planning? Since she'll have lived there for a while and will be able to show me around a bit, I don't want to book a tour, but I don't even know where to start!

Any help appreciated! After all, I have to be able to plan something!

That is too cool that you DD is going to study in Rome. My sister was in New Zealand in 2001 on a Rotary scholarship. I just wish I had been able to go and see her. At the time I had two children under the age of 2, so it just wasn't practical.

We have decided to forgo the January trip... I can't really feel sad as I go in 10 days and then again in February.... we are thinking of renting a cabin at Alleghany State park for a week instead and doing some hiking... not in January of course... that would just e crazy as there is to much snow here in NY in January...lol... we might lose one of our hikers!!!!

Glad other snowbirds are getting the good deal though!!!

Spending a week in a cabin sounds like heaven. No t.v., no computers, just watching the little animals and going for hikes. I would love to spend a week in a cabin in Estes Park, CO.

Oh, has the competition for worst winter weather started so soon? Here is our local forecast for the next week! Sorry it is in Metric!

http://www.weatheroffice.gc.ca/city/pages/on-100_metric_e.html

It was -4 degrees celcius this morning when I got up! It is now 12 I think!

The weather here is just perfect. The high is supposed to be 85. I would like it a little cooler, but it's much better than being in the 90's.
I used to play World of Warcraft with a lady from Canada. When we were taking a break from a 5 hour raid, she went outside to smoke. When she was done with her cig, she tossed out the rest of her coffee. It froze before it hit the ground and shattered as it hit the ground.

 

[danceintherain]

Becca, so sorry for your loss.

Becca... how very sad.... you and your friends are in our thoughts and prayers

Becca~ Congrats on the car...so sorry about your friend. His family and yours will be in our prayers! God Bless You!

Maggie~ So...they didn't announce anything spectacular yesterday? Bummer...I hope you get to do your Jan trip..that would be amazing!!!

I can't wait to hear about her trip!

Party Time!!!! ​

Becca, my thoughts are with you and his family.

Congrats on your shiny new car!


I JUST HAD IT APPLIED TO MY RESSIES!!!!!!


I hope everything is okay. I was wondering the same thing too.

Thanks for the concerned thoughts and prayers! We've been pretty teary all week, but we'll get through it.
I'm still at my parents' and I haven't decided when I'll be going home to Logan.

Congrats to everyone who was able to take advantage of the new deal. I tried to price it out and it seems that Free Dining is the better deal for us anyways... mostly because I couldn't find any availability in the Value Resorts for our dates. I could change them, but at this point I'm considering canceling the trip, just because I feel like we maybe should spend the time visiting family or something... I'll probably wait until the very last minute, then decide. Our balance is due at the end of the month, and we'll know better how we're doing financially then.

Oh and as far as travel books... I can't remember which company I liked the best, but I do remember that I liked the small books better than large ones, because they were easier to carry around and take out to look at while on a bus or something. Some of them even have maps in them, which is nice. I'll have to look...

 

[Mndisneygirl]

Hey Y'all!
I am back from my little journey into the desert to pick up our new car. It's a shiny red Buick and we're both very excited about it.
However, as a bit of a damper to the joy of my first vehicle came the news on Thursday, right after we arrived in Phoenix, that a very close friend of the family died in a car accident early that morning.
He was the older brother of my best friend since I was 2 years old. My family has been friends with their family for over 20 years.
It was very shocking news, because he was so young. We're all still getting over the shock.
Logan and I stayed in Arizona until Saturday morning, but instead of heading towards Manhattan, we re-routed to my parents', so I could provide support and be supported.

What makes the whole thing even more depressing is that fact that only 5 years ago the father of the family died from cancer, so the whole family has barely come to terms with one death, only to have a beloved son/brother/friend die.

I'm so sorry for you and your friend's family. You're all in my thoughts and prayers.
Congrats on the new car!

 

[sarbah77]

Sarah~ only one more full work week....you can do it!!!!! Are you getting all your ducks in a row? You are so gonna enjoy all that time off!!!

In time. Maybe. I won't be able to drive (and we're a one car household anyway), so it could be a long six weeks. Or four weeks. But it's better than going back to work before I'm ready!!

I'll check out Rick Steves' books, too! I'm thinking of going in mid-May, after her semester's done, and we'll both tour together. Or maybe just before she's finished, so I'll do some stuff she's already done. She's going to ask her friends who have done study abroad how they worked it with parental visits. She's just afraid that it'll be too hard for her if I come while she has classes (or while she wants to visit her friends in other cities/countries!).

No worries, Sarah - not going anywhere during Marathon. After all, I owe you a drink in my home town! I work in Back Bay, and live right near Foxboro, so pick one!

We'll get it sorted! While, now, I think April might be better, we'll see how two weeks with my mom as nursemaid works out (we get along, well, but moreso now that we don't live together!) and then a December visit!




Yesterday was a moderately crazy day at work. I went to two (gasp!) meetings! Unfortunatey, they were both led by the same unit, though on two different topics. And then there was an email exchange with that same unit on another issue. Man, I'm sick of that unit. Even though it's not all their fault - they're just going to start *gaspgasp* enforcing the rules and restrictions that have always been around. You can imagine how THAT goes over.

But it's Friday. And I have a Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte, so I'm set for now!

 

[Monny2AE]

Morning Snowbirds!

It's FRIDAY!!! ​

Don't know about everyone else but it's been a busy week at my house. DS is home sick...AGAIN!!!! I'm so tired of runny noses, croupy coughs, and fevers. It's only the beginning of October! We're supposed to go to Hershey Park tomorrow but we'll see. As long as no one has a fever we'll go.

What's on everyone's agenda for the weekend?

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

Morning Snowbirds!

It's FRIDAY!!! ​

Don't know about everyone else but it's been a busy week at my house. DS is home sick...AGAIN!!!! I'm so tired of runny noses, croupy coughs, and fevers. It's only the beginning of October! We're supposed to go to Hershey Park tomorrow but we'll see. As long as no one has a fever we'll go.

What's on everyone's agenda for the weekend?

Hope everyone feels better at your house so you can go to Hershey! How far are you from there? We should meet up next time we take a trip out that way!

Weekend plans? Well tomorrow is DS7's birthday. We already had his party last weekend because that was the only day we could get the pool. But tomorrow night we will go out to dinner - his choice. He picked the pizza buffet place. And he wants to go to the Game Stop and spend some of his birthday money!

Then we will probably have a few soccer games in the rain Sunday!

 

[Monny2AE]

Hope everyone feels better at your house so you can go to Hershey! How far are you from there? We should meet up next time we take a trip out that way!

Weekend plans? Well tomorrow is DS7's birthday. We already had his party last weekend because that was the only day we could get the pool. But tomorrow night we will go out to dinner - his choice. He picked the pizza buffet place. And he wants to go to the Game Stop and spend some of his birthday money!

Then we will probably have a few soccer games in the rain Sunday!

We're about 70 miles/an hour and a half away from Hershey. This trip was a last minute one so I'm hoping we can go. A friend of my sister is having their work day at Hershey and they had extra tickets. Can't pass up $25 tickets to Hershey! We go a couple times every year so maybe we could meet next time!

Happy bday to DS7! Lucky boy gets to celebrate for 2 weekends! Of course he picked the pizza buffet place My DS wanted to take me to McD's for my birthday. Good luck with the rain holding off Sunday!

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

We're about 70 miles/an hour and a half away from Hershey. This trip was a last minute one so I'm hoping we can go. A friend of my sister is having their work day at Hershey and they had extra tickets. Can't pass up $25 tickets to Hershey! We go a couple times every year so maybe we could meet next time!

Happy bday to DS7! Lucky boy gets to celebrate for 2 weekends! Of course he picked the pizza buffet place My DS wanted to take me to McD's for my birthday. Good luck with the rain holding off Sunday!

We are about 4 hours from Hershey. I forgot you were so close. We were just there in August. We only went for the day though and didn't even make it to the park. Just a quicky trip! It was fun though!

Tomorrow I will have to refer to DS as DS8.

Boy I hope this doesn't mean I am getting old!!

 

[danceintherain]

I woke up this morning and my parents' house was empty. I haven't been in this house when it was empty since I was in high school. My sister left yesterday with my nephew to go home, my Dad has business in Atlanta so he went with them. That was nice for my sister, because it means she can put the baby with him for at least part of the flight.
My youngest brother and sister already went to school yesterday and Wednesday, but my Mom had to start "work" today. She's doing her practicum for her Special Education master's classes, so she's not getting paid, but she's going to be in the classroom until December.

I'm here to help her, so I guess I should get started on that.
Logan's with his parents this weekend, since he has a long one, so at least I know he's getting taken care of.