Been to Carcassonne (and maybe Albi.) Will look for pics, and try to post them, in a few days.

I thought...

the wall and all, and when we, the family, 2 'little' kids + me and spouse, were driving around most of France, we stopped there. I recall, among other things, eating in a place where a big dog walked around, and that surprised us. Was maybe 20 years ago, Julie was probably 3, and her 26th birthday is tomorrow!

Thanks for the chance to recall! Sorry that album is at the cottage now and I'm in DC suburb for a few days. Will have to take pisc of photos with my good camera, and post them (maybe.)

originated...the church effectively wiped out all those Cathars in the castle...along with some who were not...hence the statement...

We spent about a week in that area. (Elderhostel is now Road Scholars I think.) You can travel as a single with that group, although have to pay an extra fee for single hotel room. I've always enjoyed their tours, mostly educated people interested in history and culture, and a double treat: they've been outspoken Democrats!!! I don't know how they compare in cost to the Smithsonian, but are less than some tours. They stay in good quality hotels, but not 5 star level, which is fine with me. The restaurants are adequate, usually good, with a couple of special dinners planned. The emphasis is on the learning, with good lectures and guides. Those who just want to shop have to plan their own itinerary!!!

And I got paired with another single traveler if I couldn't find a travel buddy. Mostly, it worked out OK. I could not find any other travel company that did the Piero della Francesca Trail for artists and art lovers...

On my last RS trip there was a delightful couple who were both PolySci profs at Brown University. The husband happened to mention in passing that his wife was a MacArthur Fellow and I did a double take! I said to her OMG you won a MacArthur? I was impressed. She was a bit shy about it...turns out she written this great book on women in the US labor movement in the '30s. They gave her $500,000 and she could do whatever she wanted with it. She said she continued with her scholarly research into the issue. I asked her how her fellow faculty members felt about it...she said they were nice but she could tell they were a little pissed...I loved it!

This program is similar to the RS one, but this one is longer...I traveled once before with Smithsonian's "bargain" program but it has since become pricier. I would imagine they have a very well educated folks interested in culture and history, and those people usually turn out to be Dems!

It is pretty pricey but it includes a lot. Airfare alone can be close to $2000.

Sometimes they will set you up with another single traveler.

I hope you are able to do this, CTYankee. You can't take it with you!

you sign up and they don't have another single you have to pay a hefty single supplement. However, since some travelers do sign up pretty far in advance I could always call and check to see if there was someone inquiring about room sharing. I would then see if it was at a convenient date for me and make my decision accordingly.

I wonder if there are any internet services for pairing up single travelers. I know the supplement can be pretty hefty.

I'm leaving for Italy in 3 days and will be there for 3 months. If you happen to overlap with my schedule, let me know. I will be traveling from my base and could potentially meet you somewhere.

another domestic trip is scheduled for mid august...that and the financial assistance I have given to my daughter has depleted my reserves for this year.

I wish I could hop over to Italy and meet up with you! What a blast that would be...you sound like my kind of traveler...and wow, 3 months...that's terrific...do you often take lengthy trips or is this a one time phenomenon?

And I have found that what a trip for 2 weeks costs can often be the same price for a much longer stay, if you have the time.

We have been in Mexico the past 6 months and will return there in October for another stint.

As long as there is internet, DH can work and that gives us lots and lots of flexibility.

I can get away for limited amounts of time so that is the reason I don't take long trips...I am retired and I have some money for travel but there are other constraints on my time and travel budgets...sadly...otherwise I would be tempted to try to join you on your wonderful ride in Europe!

Take care...