Note to L.D. Smith and others
We never had to take a taxi, bus or metro in Italy -- there was a train from the airport in Rome and a boat to the airport in Venice -- but the drive home from Dulles last night was a doozy.
Of course, my eyes popped open at 3 a.m. here (9 a.m. Italy time). I thought as long as I was up, I'd respond to a couple of comments.
My internet access was so limited in Italy I didn't post most of the comments myself, so I didn't get a chance to address a few I wanted to, like this one from L.D. ...
Dear Ms. Large,
It is wonderful that you went to Italy and got to share your experience with us, but who cares? I for one want to know about the Baltimore area. I will never go to Italy. It is a treat just to go out here at home. Thanks but just stick to what the majority of us need to know.
Thanks
I totally understand this point of view, particularly as I wasn't talking about food as much as I had thought I would be in Italy. On the other hand, this was my vacation, so my choices were to post about my trip or not to post anything at all for ten days (I think of it as MY blog even though I'm sure The Sun doesn't, so I don't want guest posters unless I'm in Antarctica).
I'll always announce when I'm going to be traveling -- which I do frequently to California because both my daughter and brother live there -- so you'll know in advance that the blog won't be about local places. I do hope you'll come back to the blog when I get back to Baltimore and area restaurant news.
To Aden and Emily (see their posts under Happiness is away from San Marco):
I take back all the mean things I said about Venice! You are absolutely right, I would have missed some of the best moments of our trip if we hadn't spent three days there.
The two mistakes we made were to have a hotel so close to Piazza San Marco (I would love to stay south of the Ponte Accademia next time) and not to plan the trip so we weren't there on a Saturday or Sunday. It was much more pleasant Monday and Tuesday morning, when there were still plenty of tourists but we could move around in the streets. Also by that time we knew how to avoid the major arteries most of the time.
And just because I didn't want to stay near San Marco didn't mean I didn't love going back to it again and again over the three days.
Venice is simply such a fascinating city. I took more pictures there by far than I did in Rome or Florence, and that's saying something.
I also wanted to repost this observation by mdlvrmuncher, because I was whining a bit much about the other tourists, as he pointed out, when I was part of the problem:
"With all respect Elizabeth, you too are a foreigner. What do you think they are saying on their blogs?
I'm sure the same thing! It's hard on everyone. I imagine we all thought we were going a bit out of season. And the Italians must be sick of us.
Posted by: mdlrvrmuncher | September 23, 2007 8:21 PM"
(Photos of a beggar with a girl text messaging in the background and a Venetian glass shop by me)
(Photo of other tourists courtesy of Gailor Large)
Comments
Welcome home, Elizabeth!!
I, for one, thoroughly enjoyed your blog entries and pictures from Italy. I also enjoy your California entries. I think that L.D. fails to understand the difference between your formal restaurant reviews and this blog.
The picture above - the beggar with the girl text messaging - was quite striking in an entirely different than your lovely pictures of food and sites.
Many thanks!
Posted by: Janet | September 26, 2007 7:18 AM
Wow, what a rude comment from LD. It's not like the content in the actual newspaper suffered while you were gone. The purpose of any blog is to be a little more free-form.
I, for one, was thouroughly interested in your trip. As a newbie to Baltimore, though, I'm glad you're back so I can brush up on food news in Charm City.
Have a good one.
Posted by: duffstarunc | September 26, 2007 8:41 AM
As much as I love reading about local food news, your blogs from other locations are great and a learning experience - keep it up!
Posted by: Hon | September 26, 2007 9:17 AM
I agree with the other posts and think that LD was way too hard on you. I would much rather read your posts on Italy or California than nother at all. And they are both great places to visit so why not!
Posted by: Selina | September 26, 2007 12:23 PM
Janet and the others have said exactly what I was thinking when I read L.D.'s negative comment. I do think he doesn't quite get the difference between the blog and your formal reviews. I loved the travel comments and the photos. The one of the beggar and the girl text-messaging just sums it all up for me.
Welcome home, and please keep blogging!
Posted by: Darlene | September 26, 2007 2:59 PM
L.D. misses the point. Your blog answers a need that all of us who enjoy eating out -- and the Baltimore Sun -- have needed for far too long. A lively, up-to-date forum about our town's restaurant scene. To begrudge you a vacation seems sorta' cavalier.
Posted by: Michael Gray | September 26, 2007 5:01 PM
We all a BIG thanks to LD. Whether you agreed with "him" or not "she" got the masses to respond. A good blog gets the community to discuss the blogger's comments. Thanks LD and welcome back to Charm City. Now let's talk food.
Posted by: mdlrvrmuncher | September 26, 2007 5:49 PM