The Adventure Begins.. Sarge56 in Italy
May 20th, 2013, 09:18 AM
#62
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Hi Sarge,
As everyone else here, I am so, so sorry to hear about the rough beginning of your trip! But don't make any decisions now.
When I moved to Garmisch in 2008, I experienced a rough patch as well. I had rented a vacation apartment for a few months and then looked for a long-term rental. Because of a mix-up with my potential landlord, my rental apartment wouldn't be ready for me for an additional month. So, I was stuck trying to find a last-minute vacation apartment in Garmisch over Christmas -- a nearly impossible task.
I gave up, I literally gave up on my lifelong dream. I went so far as to ask a friend of mine if I could come and live in her spare bedroom.
Thank goodness that my friend just ignored my desperate plea. I made it through that hurdle, and all the others that came (I am now going through the pain of getting my apartment painted -- again -- because of some moisture damage to the walls). I love living here.
So, again, I'm just asking you not to make any decisions when you're at the low point. Just wait. Get healthier. Get stronger. Get past this. When you are reveling in a perfect view with the perfect wine and food, then you can reconsider going back home.
I really think you'll be happier if you stick with it.
s
As everyone else here, I am so, so sorry to hear about the rough beginning of your trip! But don't make any decisions now.
When I moved to Garmisch in 2008, I experienced a rough patch as well. I had rented a vacation apartment for a few months and then looked for a long-term rental. Because of a mix-up with my potential landlord, my rental apartment wouldn't be ready for me for an additional month. So, I was stuck trying to find a last-minute vacation apartment in Garmisch over Christmas -- a nearly impossible task.
I gave up, I literally gave up on my lifelong dream. I went so far as to ask a friend of mine if I could come and live in her spare bedroom.
Thank goodness that my friend just ignored my desperate plea. I made it through that hurdle, and all the others that came (I am now going through the pain of getting my apartment painted -- again -- because of some moisture damage to the walls). I love living here.
So, again, I'm just asking you not to make any decisions when you're at the low point. Just wait. Get healthier. Get stronger. Get past this. When you are reveling in a perfect view with the perfect wine and food, then you can reconsider going back home.
I really think you'll be happier if you stick with it.
s
May 20th, 2013, 09:35 AM
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Hello Sarge, this is Lou, Peter's wife - at his keyboard. We were hoping to meet you over a spritz but you are in Florence and it sounds like things have not started so well for you here in Venice. As I sometime refer to myself as Louise56, (born in 56 and living the 57th year!) I thought perhaps my female slant on things might be helpful.
I think that illness can mess with your body which messes with your head. And now is not the time to make any decisions. You are clearly very capable and have taken up your brave adventure when you were well, and so this must be your only aim at this time - wellness.
This is a list of english speaking doctors in Florence by the American Embassy http://italy.usembassy.gov/mobile//a...-florence.html
Go and see a doctor who can deal with your physical symptoms. You alone have the strength to deal with other concerns.
Take time and focus ONLY on getting well. You will be in a much better position to decide what sort of challenges God has sent you! If Italy isn't for you, you will look back and the tricky start to your adventure will just be a memory - there will be lots of other things once you recover. But if you throw it in while your head and body are aching, that's all you will be left with - and unhappy adventure.
I do hope you get well soon, and that the weather is good in Florence. I hope it is as delightful as it has been in the beautiful Venice today.
Lou.
I think that illness can mess with your body which messes with your head. And now is not the time to make any decisions. You are clearly very capable and have taken up your brave adventure when you were well, and so this must be your only aim at this time - wellness.
This is a list of english speaking doctors in Florence by the American Embassy http://italy.usembassy.gov/mobile//a...-florence.html
Go and see a doctor who can deal with your physical symptoms. You alone have the strength to deal with other concerns.
Take time and focus ONLY on getting well. You will be in a much better position to decide what sort of challenges God has sent you! If Italy isn't for you, you will look back and the tricky start to your adventure will just be a memory - there will be lots of other things once you recover. But if you throw it in while your head and body are aching, that's all you will be left with - and unhappy adventure.
I do hope you get well soon, and that the weather is good in Florence. I hope it is as delightful as it has been in the beautiful Venice today.
Lou.
May 20th, 2013, 09:53 AM
#64
Keith and I will be in Venice soon, July 11.
We will be staying at the Annette Funicello Basement Motel in Cannereggio, just a few steps from Tre Archi.
We can't wait to have some real good French food!
See you all soon.
Thin
We will be staying at the Annette Funicello Basement Motel in Cannereggio, just a few steps from Tre Archi.
We can't wait to have some real good French food!
See you all soon.
Thin
May 20th, 2013, 11:48 AM
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LOL, thin. I googled Annette Funicello Basement Motel and guess what came up? The Bates Hotel! Very funny, eh?
OK, I'll take back 'vicarious' until you feel better and sarge, you will. You have followed a major dream--good advice above. Hang in there.
OK, I'll take back 'vicarious' until you feel better and sarge, you will. You have followed a major dream--good advice above. Hang in there.
May 20th, 2013, 11:58 AM
#66
sarge, I completely understand and identify with how you are feeling.
That said, I also know that when I go anywhere that means crossing more than a few time zones, I cannot trust myself to make a serious decision for at least a week.
And THAT said: <b>whatever you decide to do is OKAY</b>. You need to keep that in your head above everything else. You need to do what <i>feels right for<b> you</i>, and screw what anybody else thinks, because the truth is that the only person who knows what's right for you is you.
That said, I also know that when I go anywhere that means crossing more than a few time zones, I cannot trust myself to make a serious decision for at least a week.
And THAT said: <b>whatever you decide to do is OKAY</b>. You need to keep that in your head above everything else. You need to do what <i>feels right for<b> you</i>, and screw what anybody else thinks, because the truth is that the only person who knows what's right for you is you.
May 20th, 2013, 12:34 PM
#67
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You are all so very kind and that is one thing, in my desperate slump, that I had forgotten-- if I have internet, I have all of you for support. If i was laying in my Rome apt in a similar situation, I suspect there would always be a Fodorite nearby or at hand who could help find a solution. 
I got out for dinner with my nephew, though I could only manage a few sips of soup, a couple of cannelini beans and 3 bites of tagliatelle. But its a start.
I also pushed myself to walk from San Marco to Piazza della Signoria, down to Santa Croce and back to Duomo. Stopped to look at chess sets and purses. Alas, I still could not look at gelato yet. When I can, I know I'll be well.
Thanks, again, friends. And Lou, most appreciative of your input. I did come close to going to hospital in Venice and knew I could count on Fodor friends to look after my nephew, if it came to that.
Here's hoping this is the turning point. To poster who asked, I believe it was mayo on a sandwich I had that was the culprit. The free WebMD app that I got on my Kindle, as well as US govt website were great at pinpointing the culprit by exact symptoms, onset and duration. This is why I believe it was the mayo.
If I make the decision to stay, I would hope I could be a resource to another Fodorite, if needed. (Do any of you recall, a long time ago, a poster whose mother had fallen while getting off a bus in France? I have never forgotten how impressed I was with the quick and informative and kind replies to her from this Fodorite family.)
Buona notte.
I got out for dinner with my nephew, though I could only manage a few sips of soup, a couple of cannelini beans and 3 bites of tagliatelle. But its a start.
I also pushed myself to walk from San Marco to Piazza della Signoria, down to Santa Croce and back to Duomo. Stopped to look at chess sets and purses. Alas, I still could not look at gelato yet. When I can, I know I'll be well.
Thanks, again, friends. And Lou, most appreciative of your input. I did come close to going to hospital in Venice and knew I could count on Fodor friends to look after my nephew, if it came to that.
Here's hoping this is the turning point. To poster who asked, I believe it was mayo on a sandwich I had that was the culprit. The free WebMD app that I got on my Kindle, as well as US govt website were great at pinpointing the culprit by exact symptoms, onset and duration. This is why I believe it was the mayo.
If I make the decision to stay, I would hope I could be a resource to another Fodorite, if needed. (Do any of you recall, a long time ago, a poster whose mother had fallen while getting off a bus in France? I have never forgotten how impressed I was with the quick and informative and kind replies to her from this Fodorite family.)
Buona notte.
May 20th, 2013, 02:01 PM
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sarge56,
Italian medical care is excellent, and free to all tourists, so don't be afraid to avail yourself of it. Pharmacists are also licensed to treat you without a doctor visit if you talk over your symptoms with them. They have a whole long history of caring for stomachs -- Italians think it is more important than the brain! -- so even if you don't need pills, they can give you good advice about nice foods to eat that will be just as good as peanut butter.
But also help yourself by not pushing yourself. If you do not feel like eating, your body knows best. You must stay hydrated, however, and calm. If you are taking Xanax, be sure others know that if they want to prescribe medicine for you.
I don't think you are being "tested." I think you ate bad mayonnaise. This is not a life test, because life is not a test. it is to be enjoyed. Sometimes, like Judy Garland said, there is no place like home. If you feel like going home, you simply should and not think twice about what others would think if you did that.
Italian medical care is excellent, and free to all tourists, so don't be afraid to avail yourself of it. Pharmacists are also licensed to treat you without a doctor visit if you talk over your symptoms with them. They have a whole long history of caring for stomachs -- Italians think it is more important than the brain! -- so even if you don't need pills, they can give you good advice about nice foods to eat that will be just as good as peanut butter.
But also help yourself by not pushing yourself. If you do not feel like eating, your body knows best. You must stay hydrated, however, and calm. If you are taking Xanax, be sure others know that if they want to prescribe medicine for you.
I don't think you are being "tested." I think you ate bad mayonnaise. This is not a life test, because life is not a test. it is to be enjoyed. Sometimes, like Judy Garland said, there is no place like home. If you feel like going home, you simply should and not think twice about what others would think if you did that.
May 20th, 2013, 02:17 PM
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Sarge, I think that was Kerouac who posted about his mother. It was a while ago though so I could be remembering incorrectly.
Hopefully you are on the mend now and all of what stevewith said is good. Get to a pharmacy ASAP as apart from the diarrhoea you are probably quite dehydrated by now.
I guess it's a given that at some point in a journey like yours there will be some tough times, hopefully you've gotten yours out of the way now and there will be smooth sailing from now on.
Hopefully you are on the mend now and all of what stevewith said is good. Get to a pharmacy ASAP as apart from the diarrhoea you are probably quite dehydrated by now.
I guess it's a given that at some point in a journey like yours there will be some tough times, hopefully you've gotten yours out of the way now and there will be smooth sailing from now on.
May 20th, 2013, 04:57 PM
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Just been reading your story and I'm sorry that things aren't going well now. While I agree you should wait until you get well to sort out your living arrangements, I also know that if you want to come home-come home. I knew a couple that moved to the UK and were very excited. Unfortunately, there job fell through and they were desperately homesick. It took them a year to finally get up the courage to go back to the states because they were worried what people would think of them.
As for being sick-I was traveling in London when I tripped and fell off a curve in the rain, which triggered a sprain in my bad knee. Since I was traveling alone I had to go to the store, buy some ice and food and return to the apt-hobbling all the way. I'm not ashamed to admit I did cry and feel very alone-even after skyping my mother. I hated London, hated the roads and my only wish was to go back home and put my feet up in my own home. Of course, after two days my knee healed, the weather turned sunny and I loved London.
My theory is that you took a risk-and it's only your business whether or not you want to continue. No one will think the worse of you. But, please get well and settled before make any hard decisions. Take care and I think you have a lot of good wishes from the Fodorites here.
As for being sick-I was traveling in London when I tripped and fell off a curve in the rain, which triggered a sprain in my bad knee. Since I was traveling alone I had to go to the store, buy some ice and food and return to the apt-hobbling all the way. I'm not ashamed to admit I did cry and feel very alone-even after skyping my mother. I hated London, hated the roads and my only wish was to go back home and put my feet up in my own home. Of course, after two days my knee healed, the weather turned sunny and I loved London.
My theory is that you took a risk-and it's only your business whether or not you want to continue. No one will think the worse of you. But, please get well and settled before make any hard decisions. Take care and I think you have a lot of good wishes from the Fodorites here.
May 20th, 2013, 07:05 PM
#72
Glad you are feeling better.
I refuse to eat mayo. I call it salmonella slime.
Dudette, we are actually staying at Palazzo Cendon across from Tre Archi. Will be in Venice for nine nights, one night in Milano.
Thin
I refuse to eat mayo. I call it salmonella slime.
Dudette, we are actually staying at Palazzo Cendon across from Tre Archi. Will be in Venice for nine nights, one night in Milano.
Thin
May 20th, 2013, 08:02 PM
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So sorry to hear things are not quite how they "should be". What an unfortunate start to your "soon to be great trip". Hang in their kid, can only get better, that's for sure. Once you have been able to eat some real food you will be able to think a bit more clearly and make the decision that is best for you.
I remember the time I first travelled solo thinking - at a low point- what the heck am I doing? It is a horrible feeling of total isolation, but remember we are here for you.
I really hope you get better soon, chin up,
Schnauzer
I remember the time I first travelled solo thinking - at a low point- what the heck am I doing? It is a horrible feeling of total isolation, but remember we are here for you.
I really hope you get better soon, chin up,
Schnauzer
May 20th, 2013, 08:08 PM
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Hello Sarge,
Sorry you'e still not feeling good. But I would like to join the chorus of other Fodorites encouraging you not to give up at this time. When we're ill its not advisable to make life altering decisions. So , concentrate on getting better, and then you can decide if you need to change your plans. What you have embarked on is not irreversible, so don't rush to change it.
Take care, get better!
Sorry you'e still not feeling good. But I would like to join the chorus of other Fodorites encouraging you not to give up at this time. When we're ill its not advisable to make life altering decisions. So , concentrate on getting better, and then you can decide if you need to change your plans. What you have embarked on is not irreversible, so don't rush to change it.
Take care, get better!
May 20th, 2013, 11:14 PM
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Italian medical care is not free, but it is extremely affordable and we've been very impressed with the quality of care we've received - so don't hesitate to get care if you need it. A bag or two of IV fluids would have you feeling much better if you continue to not be able to adequately eat/drink.
Please do not make any permanent decisions in your current state!
If you are able to travel, please consider coming to stay with at our home in Pisa to recuperate. We have plenty of guest rooms, it's very quiet and peaceful and you would not have the added stress of feeling like you were "on the road" and all alone. If you want to do this, leave me a way to contact you, like a telephone number to call or an email address.
Take a deep breath and slowly exhale...tell yoursel "this, too, shall pass"...piano, piano!
Please do not make any permanent decisions in your current state!
If you are able to travel, please consider coming to stay with at our home in Pisa to recuperate. We have plenty of guest rooms, it's very quiet and peaceful and you would not have the added stress of feeling like you were "on the road" and all alone. If you want to do this, leave me a way to contact you, like a telephone number to call or an email address.
Take a deep breath and slowly exhale...tell yoursel "this, too, shall pass"...piano, piano!
May 21st, 2013, 12:27 AM
#79
Hi there Sarge. Get thee some rehydration fluids, girl!
You'll be dehydrated even if you don't feel that way, and that extends to your little grey cells.
I was attacked by some chicken on a business trip to Melbourne 20 years ago and had to hole up in my hotel for 4 days, with the doctor making house calls. I thought you'd surely have to die if you were that sick - and I wished I could just get it over & die quickly!
No wonder you're feeling ghastly - being on the wrong end of one of those nasty bugs is bad enough if you're in your own home, but it's a real cow when you're in strange surroundings.
We're not allowing "GO Home" into your vocabulary - don't even think about it after all the effort you put into achieving your Italian Dreams!
No way are you/we going to allow a dollop of slimy mayo to send you home with your tail between your legs! Pfft! You're made of stronger stuff than that - even if your backbone feels more like spaghetti than steel at this minute.
Hang in there kiddo - we all need a place to stay when we're in Italy
x
You'll be dehydrated even if you don't feel that way, and that extends to your little grey cells.
I was attacked by some chicken on a business trip to Melbourne 20 years ago and had to hole up in my hotel for 4 days, with the doctor making house calls. I thought you'd surely have to die if you were that sick - and I wished I could just get it over & die quickly!
No wonder you're feeling ghastly - being on the wrong end of one of those nasty bugs is bad enough if you're in your own home, but it's a real cow when you're in strange surroundings.
We're not allowing "GO Home" into your vocabulary - don't even think about it after all the effort you put into achieving your Italian Dreams!
No way are you/we going to allow a dollop of slimy mayo to send you home with your tail between your legs! Pfft! You're made of stronger stuff than that - even if your backbone feels more like spaghetti than steel at this minute.
Hang in there kiddo - we all need a place to stay when we're in Italy
x
May 21st, 2013, 06:31 AM
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Information for free medical care for tourists in Florence:
http://www.florenceitaly.net/health.html
Free medical care in Rome for tourists
http://www.eurocheapo.com/blog/rome-...-tourists.html
I'm appalled at these travel nuts who think a trip to Italy (of all places) is worth risking one's health for. If Sarge feels well enough to be away from home, great. If not, people on the internet are being irresponsible with this "we need you to do this" talk. Bosh. Go take your own trip if your dream world will be crushed if Sarge packs it in, for whatever reason.
http://www.florenceitaly.net/health.html
Free medical care in Rome for tourists
http://www.eurocheapo.com/blog/rome-...-tourists.html
I'm appalled at these travel nuts who think a trip to Italy (of all places) is worth risking one's health for. If Sarge feels well enough to be away from home, great. If not, people on the internet are being irresponsible with this "we need you to do this" talk. Bosh. Go take your own trip if your dream world will be crushed if Sarge packs it in, for whatever reason.
