AF has some pretty harsh restrictions on hand luggage -- if memory serves, it is about 8 kilos. (If any part of your itinerary is on a codeshare flight operated by Alitalia, that goes down to 4 kilos.) That means that you would have to put the hot sauce in your checked baggage. Do you have any idea of what luggage handlers can do to a suitcase full of bottles?

Of course, if you should happen across another one of those polo shirts -- one that does not fit me like a tent....

I've got a huge, well-padded freezer bag that I use to haul breakable stuff on international flights. I'll check it.
I can't lock it so if the stuff is pilfered on the LAX/CDG/VCE flights, so be it. But at least this would be a crime that Interpol should have no trouble solving. I'm sure the criminals would be caught "red-handed"....;)

Posted today by Gargoyle in the SkyTeam Forum:

Dovster....an absolute scream and definitely a must see prior to the Meet!! :D
PS Is it too late to change the Meet location to Croatia, Botswana or someplace normal...? ;)

definitely think I prefer Italians in water macchina vs auto macchina....
The hand gestures and colorful language remain the same... :D

Like Topsy, this Meet has been growing and growing. Originally scheduled for Nov 20, as more and more people decided to take longer stays in Venice, additional plans were made from Nov. 19 through Nov 23. I just updated the first post to show them.

O2K had asked Marco to show us around Verona, where his fiancee lives. I told him that we would love to have him do it, but not to feel pressured -- my first overseas assignment in the Army ('65-'66) was in Caserma Passalacqua in Verona and that I believed I could still find my way around.

His reply: "As far as the trip to Verona I will live to join you above all because I served at the Caserma Passalacqua too in 1993/1994 (the world is too small)...!!!!!!!"

This is hilarious :D

Just add an eagle to the Italian flag, and you will see my routine while going into Juarez.

Sorry, can't make it to Venice ;)

I booked my room for Ai Mori at www.hotelclub.com. They have different rates for a double room booked for one than a double room booked for two; I didn't see this on other sites, but since I will be alone it suited me. I've got my voucher and my credit card has been charged. I paid $355 for 3 nights, including all taxes and buffet breakfast.

Of course, now I am disconsolate since Dovster found a 60 Euro rate for one of those nights. ;)

Bear in mind, SD1K, only Dovester finds those crazy rates. You still got a great deal, and you will be upgraded to a gorgeous Superior Room.
in a 4* hotel. My Marco is also arranging for a water shuttle to take FT'rs to San Marco and Rialto, courtesy of AiMori.

You are aware that there is a strong possibility that the E60 rate was for one night in something like a broom closet, which possibility would not in the least faze the Dovster nor cause him any pause whatever in his pursuit of the cheapest accommodations.

Wrong! There are no broom closets at AiMor, only upgraded rooms for FT'rs. However, the Dovster would not mind a broom closet if he could smoke and not burn the place down.

I resent that!

I don't deny it, I just resent it.

O2K, Marco's water taxi offer is great but you have to remember that this is F/T. It will not work unless we have some kind of priority system to see who sits in the front of the water taxi and/or gets first choice of seats.

Therefore, I have established the following order of priorities:

Medaglione del Platino: To reach this level you must have attended a previous meet in Venice with at least one other Flyer Talker who is attending the current one.

Medaglione dell'Oro: The second highest level, this one requires you to have attended the PBI-FLL Meet in May.

Medaglione dell'Argento: You can earn this status by any of the following methods:

1. Being the spouse and/or illicit lover of a Medaglione del Platino. (Nota bene: It will be possible to qualify for this status until Nov. 20, when the UIG shows up.)

2. Paying for drinks for a Medaglione del Platino at either the Quadri or Harry's American Bar. (Nota bene: You will probably find it less expensive to buy your own water taxi.)

We need a FlyerTalk flag for the boat!!

SanDiego "Betsy Ross" 1K has just been made the OFM (Official Flag Maker). It may be sewn, painted on cloth, or embroidered, as per her preference.

With the successful completion of the flag, she will automatically get Medaglione dell'Oro status.

Suggestions for the design of the flag should be posted on the "Venice Meet" thread on the Delta Forum.

Please don't post anymore to this thread, but instead go to Venice Meet: II.