JosephB

Was that supposed to be funny? I DON'T THINK SO!

"Membership has it's privileges."

Sounds Good.

I would second Jim's observation about Norcia. If you're lucky enough to get a sunny day, the drive to Norcia is beautiful, but long because of the limited access roads. It's worth one night. I'll get back to you with the name of the very good place where we stayed and dined.

Scheduling a large group is tough. OK, I'm leaving this Saturday lunch open for you guys.

Now you're talking. Friday night or Sat. sounds OK

It certainly does if you're doing a gastronomic tour!

Elyse, If you're trying to get a head count, I can meet evenings and weekends. I don't think I can get away during lunch time. See ya. --joe

Thanks d, but I'm getting $470 at today' rate of 1.157. Maybe I'm missing something Currency Converter

Norcia

See my previous message, up about 3 from here-- cheap car rentals!! All taxes and insurance included in the rates!! I have personally used them, so it is for real. Thanks Menton1! I'm getting a quote of EUR 406.00, including the one-way drop off charge of EUR 46.00. My travel agent gave me a quote of approx. $500.00. With the exchange rate it seems that I would still be saving a few bucks! When you're in NY I'll treat you two a dog and a soda ay Gray's Papaya.

Bologna is a great City. It has one of the oldest universities in Europe, so it's youthful and lively. The architecture is interesting, the people are beautiful, and the food is delicious. When we were last there we swore we'd return and spend a week or two. We would like to do an apartment exchange and stay long enough to cook some of the splendid foods available in the excellent markets. The rental car costs are a killer.

Sam, Your little critter is very cute. -joe

I thought they called it Burger Joint? The only real sign is a neon burger outside the entrance. You're right, it's "Burger Joint"

I would love to join you guys when I can. How much are dues? In the meantime, you should add these places to the list. They all have excellent meat. It's all about the meat. Burger Shack (A veritable truck stop in the exclusive confines of the Parker Meridian Hotel on 57th St. Only $4.50) PJ Clarke's 55th & 3rd (Prime chuck with tenderloin trimmings grilled in butter. One of the great NY bars. Recently sold by the Lavezzo family. Last time I was there a burger was $7-$8) Fairway's at 75th St (Mitchell London's $8 burger is excellent. Was it down with a $3 Pilsner Urquel) -Joe

Did you really have to post the menu? Torture I tell you.

Bill, I'm glad you brought up Bergamo. We are now arriving in Milano and flying out of Torino on our 4-night visit to northern Italy, so we have decided to skip Liguria this time, and instead spend some time in Bergamo, Pavia, and Mortara on our way to Piemonte (What exactly is the latest report on the truffle situation?). Do you have any suggestions about these places? --Joe

At this point, you guys should cut me lose. Things may change by Saturday, but I don't want you to be in limbo. If later I find that can make it, and there's still a chance to be added, I will join the group. I'm sure it's going to be a good time.

One thing is for sure, the car is a liability in all three cities you plan to visit. It costs a fortune to rent a car in Italy, especially if like me you can't drive a manual transmission. The best deal I got on an automatic (compact) was $100 per day. If you are rushing to Venice, you should take the train. When you're ready to leave Venice (2 nights), I would take the train again to Florence. I wouldn't drive because your goal is to explore Tuscany, which essentially begins in Florence and extends southward. I couldn't let you drive from Venice to Florence and skip Bologna on the way. But that's what you would be doing if you drive! After you've explored Florence (3 nights), then you grab a car and visit the wonderful towns of Tuscany. I would suggest 2 or 3 nights somewhere like Greve, which will give you a base to explore Chianti and visit Siena (beautiful place). From there I would spend 1 or 2 nights in or near Pienza (charming town), which is close to Montalcino and Montepulciano. Driving to Rome would be possible, but I would lose the car in Siena or Perugia (Umbria), and take the train. By my calculations you should have 3 or 4 days left for Rome. Not a bad first trip. I'll get back to later with some specifics on restaurants, etc.

Thanks. I'll keep a bag of asafeida in my back pocket when dining out.

JosephB, you are coming aren't you? Y'all gotta come now because Elyse and her pie will be there We'll have to ask her to leave some as an offering at the Buddist temple in honor of the day. Naah, let's eat it all and to heck with the ancestors.

If you extend your stay for a couple of weeks, my wife and I could meet you on Oct. 22. Give it some thought.

You shouldn't have told me because I will miss it by less than a day!

In fact, I thought I had read that it had closed on one of the threads, but thanks for the heads up.

Roz, thanks for the suggestions!