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I keep meaning to email you - I started going through it last
night. You did a fantastic job!!! It's like a personalized travel
guide. Thank you so much!
Whitney Jones & Jeff Roy
Los Angeles, CA
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Robin,
Steve and I returned from France on Sunday. Without question,
it was an amazing trip. Thank you so much for the time and
effort (twice over) that you devoted. With the exception
of our flight home from Paris (Air France overbooked all of its
flights and bumped us off), every moment was perfect. Honestly,
I cannot imagine a more impeccably planned trip. Your manifesto
was invaluable! We ate so much that I think I may be almost
made out of cheese and wine.
In particular, your restaurant reservations were phenomenal.
The restaurant at Moulin Mougins was indescribable. There
was a thunder storm that started after we arrived and ended before
we left, but we ate dinner in the solarium and had a lovely view
of the lightning. We ate some of the most amazing food I
have ever tasted that evening. Another of my favorite meals
was at Les Romarins in Gordes. The hotel served Guinea Fowl
that was delicious.
I wanted to let you know that we loved every second of our trip.
Thank you again for making it possible.
Sincerely, Melissa Hughes
Los Angeles, CA
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Robin,
I just wanted to send you a quick note to thank you for booking
our trip to France. Jeff and I had a wonderful time. You did a
great job! Chateau d'Yquem was one of the highlights of the trip.
Better yet, Jeff proposed at the Eiffel Tower on our last night!
Very romantic. I couldn't have asked for a better trip. Thank
you so much.
Love, Whitney Jones
Los Angeles, CA
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Robin,
What can I say, after 2 months of traveling Europe by train visiting
Munich, Berlin, Prague, London, Barcelona, Amsterdam, Bristol,
Cardiff, nothing compares to France and the journey you planned
for us. Paris is Paris and it is a city everyone should visit.
However, to have the opportunity to visit the real France, the
countryside and little villages, was absolutely amazing. To see
how the French have preserved their culture and heritage in a
world that is forever moving on and forgetting where they came
from was an unbelievable privilege. We were there in late November
and the weather was great, crisp with bright blue skies. The people
of France were an absolute pleasure. When we spoke to them they
were so happy that Americans were visiting their country - we
were even given gifts and food by some. Restaurants would open
just for our reservations, talk about service. One of the most
touching things I saw in every village was the care taken at the
cemeteries - each grave had fresh flowers. We visited vineyards
and cellars and got private tours for just the two of us. If I
talked about the wine and cheese I would keep you reading all
day. Drinking fresh cold water out of the streams on our picnics
- just couldn't be beat. All you need to enjoy the French countryside
is an open mind, a smile and good music - okay, maybe a good traveling
companion too. Thank you.
John Mortensen
Houston, Texas
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Hi,
Robin,
We met today in Accessories at Nordstrom. We spoke about your
hotel recommendations, without my realizing this is what you do
for a living. What a great job! I can hardly wait to sit in my
first sidewalk café and watch the Paris world go by. I'm
also looking forward to visiting the market at Rue Cler and partaking
in the vin, fromage, pain, et fruite of the Parisians.
As I told you this afternoon, we wish to stay in a hotel that
is more
traditional French, rather than an austere glass and metal building.
We are going with the absolute mindset of enjoying everything
we do and everyone we meet. Obviously, the traditional tourist
attractions are on our agenda, La Tour Eiffel, the Louvre, Musee
D'Orsay, Notre Dame, St. Chappelle, L'Arc de Triomphe, perhaps
a quick trip to Versailles. I would like a stroll through Montmarte,
a boatride on the Seine, etc. We are only going for a short time
and we are quite flexible, and will drop "must sees"
off our list should something like an extremely long lunch/dinner
or other form of entertainment enter the picture.
We would prefer to stay in a hotel that is close to everything
and that does not cost an arm and a leg. You mentioned the Bretonnerie
in the Marais District. That or any other place you can think
of will be most appreciated. We are leaving for Paris via Air
France on March 3 and returning March 9 (not long enough, but
I'll take what I can get).
It was such a pleasure to speak with you today. Your enthusiasm
has increased my already high exuberance and excitement for this
trip. You have to know that my husband thinks leaving Clear Lake
for Houston is a big trip, so when he said make reservations for
Paris, I jumped at it.
Thank you so much for the encouraging words about the French being
able to separate politics from personality. We just want to go
soak in theessence of Paris, not change the French. We are a guest
in their country and that is how we intend to travel. Actually,
it is the same attitude we adopt when we travel anywhere. Any
advice re a hotel that is centrally located, and might provide
a non-smoking room will begreat. Restaurant advice will be most
appreciated, as well.
Again, thank you so much for joining the conversation today and
for your offer of assistance. I'm looking forward to hearing from
you. Thank you for taking an interest and for your advice.
May your upcoming trip to Paris be the best yet.
Bonnie Lindell
Houston, Texas
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Robin,
I just got in and am beginning to go through the information.
You are the greatest! I appreciate your assistance so much. We
do have houseguests at the moment, so I can’t take all the
time I would like to review the web sites and info for a couple
of days. I will get back with you and let you know what we’ve
decided.
Thank you so much; you will be hearing from me. I can’t
quite remember when you said your next trip is; but, I know it
is soon and I wish you a safe and happy journey.
Bonnie Lindell
Houston, Texas
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Dear
Robin -
We received the documents today. Thanks for all the information!!
It looks very exciting.
Thanks for all your help.
Sincerely,
Beth Shulman
Hastings-On-Hudson, New York
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Robin,
Received the manifest this morning. I've taken a quick look at
it and it seems to be packed with useful information.
Thanks again.
Lori McNulty
Rowayton, CT
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Robin,
Thanks so much for the book. It's beautiful. I haven't worked
my way through the manifesto yet but on brief inspection it looks
good.
Thanks again,
Paula Nelson
Tarrytown, NY
(third trip with www.takeoffitaly.com/www.takeofffrance.com)
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Robin -
Just wanted to let you know that Carol and I just returned from
Spain and had a GREAT trip. Thanks for your good, hard work. Here
is some feedback for other travelers:
Madrid - just great - museums and Royal Palace were great. We
added in the Navy museum which is by the Prado - free and very
nice with short hours - 1000- 1400. The hotel Victoria4 was terrific
- just off the Puerto del Sol and refurbished last year. They
upgraded us to a suite.
Toledo - Hotel Cigaral (Silken chain) was 5 star but a little
far from down town. We found a great local luncheon spot and had
a real Spanish 3 hour lunch - with enough drinks.
Merida - Great stop. The ruins were terrific - we went to 5 sites.
The hotel Melia Merida was 5 star and very nice - perfect location
on the main square -- they were having a festival on the Sunday
that we arrived
Zafra - Hotel Plaza Grande very nice - more that the 1 star implied.
The town is not meant for more than one night. Nice convent on
the main street where a invisible nuns at the convent sell cookies
from behind a revolving door.
Seville - Hotel Cervantes very nice with good location (if you
can find it). Cathedral , Alcazar and church with Macarena were
all nice. We caught Flamenco for 12 Euros and ended up in the
front row.
Ronda - what a treat. views and town were idyllic. Hotel - Reina
Victoria was great - built in 1912 with absolutely great romantic
balconies. Ronda is a can't miss.
Granada - we loved it. Great feel and the Alhambra was great.
Hotel Saray was a real fin - great location and first class 4
star. Nice walking distance from the downtown. Had street parking
available.
Chinchon - super last night town. Hotel - Condesa de Chinchon
was first rate with 6 Euro parking. Their restaurant Iberia was
great and they give you 10% off when you stay at the hotel. Good
shopping - very nice.
We loved the trip. The weather was very nice peaking at 76. Thanks
again.
Right on! I would suggest a stop in Jerez de la Frontera--the
land of sherry! I have been there before and enjoyed the tours
of the bodegas--sherry cellars. Jim and I got lucky with a little
shop in Ronda that let us taste a few types of sherry. We bought
a liter of very nice sherry for under 4 Euros. Lovely! As always,
a small car is best!
Thanks, Robin, for all your great help! It was fun to talk with
you before we went.... All the best, Carol
Jim and Carol
Maryland
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Hi Robin,
I cannot thank you enough for helping with our trip. I have finally
returned (sadly, though as I hated coming home). I would have
stayed longer had it not been for Dahlia!!!
I love the south of France! I understand why you hold this place
very dear to your heart!I am sending you photos of our view in
St. Tropez...it was divine. We literally would roll out of our
bed in the morning and roll onto our private terrace where we
had breakfast served. It was heavenly. This was much needed after
our hectic and crazy work pace after the Cannes Film Festival.
I will be sending you a more formal thank you but I just wanted
you to know how much we enjoyed our trip (and dinners!!!) thanks
to you!
Much love,
D. Ladner Fink
P. S. Don't you just love the proprietors of Riboto de Taven....My
favorite restaurant!!!
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Hey lady,
Got my package today. I love my beautiful vacation binder and
I can't wait to read it. I will probably have some questions for
you so I'll be in touch. Thank you! Thank you! Talk to you before
I go!
D. Chestnutt
Durham, NC
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Hi Robin,
We received the manifesto Friday. It's giving us lots to think about and plan. Thanks so much. Ann and I have recently watched a couple of travel shows on TV where two hotels in Positano were profiled that are also on your website. Can you tell us if Le Sirenuse or Il San Pietro would be available for our trip in March of 2007 and what their rates would be? Since they are luxury, they may be more than we want to spend, but they look fabulous and we may decide to splurge since we are likely not to travel to the Amalfi Coast twice. I apologize if you already sent us the information and now I'm asking you to do it again. Hope it's not too much trouble. By the way, also hope and pray that they relax some of the newly imposed carry-on restrictions based on the foiled terrorist plot in London.
Thanks,
Don and Ann
Potomac, Maryland
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Hi Robin,
I just wanted to say THANK YOU for your help with our trip. IT WAS WONDERFUL. I hit the ground running when I landed in Baltimore- the nursing home my mom is in called and they had dropped my mom and fractured her hip...and then Maggie had to be taken to college 5 days later and and and...etc. So I apologize for not writing sooner but life happened big.
Because of your suggestions, the trip could not have been better. Your tips made our trip anxiety free and we just had fun! Hotel Rue Monge was beautiful - great bath- great view and a.c.!! We were very comfortable and the staff very helpful. We walked miles everyday and took 700 pictures and lots of video. I Loved The Montana in London and highly recommend both these places for travelers. The staff were friendly and very accommodating to our needs. The family room was good size with a great bath (and a.c.) Locations were good - we tubed
everywhere and saw two shows while we were there - Mary Poppins and Les Mis! My favorite!! The kids had a great time!
When you are in town next, I hope you will call. I would love to get together with you and Laurie to share a bottle of wine and pics! Let me know!
Take care and thanks again!
Deb
D. Chestnutt
Durham, NC
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Hi Robin,
We're back....rested, relaxed, but not tan! We had rainy days, but nothing could dampen the beauty of Chenonceau, Azay le-Rideau, Chambord, Usse and Chinon. The sun came out for our return where we toured Villandry and were amazed at the gardens. Thanks for all your help. It was a wonderful trip. By the way, we bought the Limoge canape plates from the store you recommended in Paris...a great find indeed. Au Revoir, Ann & Don
Maryland
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HEY ROBIN, WE WANT TO TELL YOU IN PERSON ALL ABOUT OUR TRIP TO FRANCE...SO WHEN YOU GET BACK IN TOWN, I WANT YOU TO CALL ME SO WE CAN GO TO DINNER!
ALL IM GOING TO SAY (RIGHT NOW) IS THAT IT WAS ABSOLUTELY PERFECT!!!!!!
L. PEREZ
HOUSTON, TX
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Silly me I should have known that it would be in there knowing you! Sorry to brother you on it.
I am giving your name to everyone I know and telling them how thrilled I am about your services. Not sure anyone is going to Europe anytime soon, but if they are they will be contacting you.
M. Covington
Houston, TX
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Robin,
I have been meaning to write this email for a few days now. I apologize for the belated note.
We really enjoyed our trip to Paris! What a wonderful, beautiful city. The tours and people were absolutely delightful. They were all so kind to the kids, and very informative. Please send my regards and thanks to Jeremy, especially a thank you for being so patient with us trying to sort out the subway mess(we were usually a little late to the tours!).
Thank you for all of your help and organization. I have been bragging to everyone about you.
Hope you received our invitation to our Mix and Mingle on the 22nd. We would love to have you there. We sent one to Jennifer also. We would love for her to join us as well. Wouldn't that be fun!
M. Covington
Houston, TX
