THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, January 8, 1995 TAG: 9501070066
SECTION: DAILY BREAK PAGE: E4 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: Cammy Sessa
LENGTH: Medium: 55 lines
BEFORE ELDERHOSTEL, I avoided overseas tours whenever possible. I prefer to travel on my own.
I have, however, tried the group experience several times because travel is often much less expensive with a package deal.
I haven't liked it much. Frankly, there are always some in the group who are inveterate wet blankets and complain about everything from the price of postcards to the lack of television.
Several years ago, when I was touring Italy, a woman complained to the hotel manager: ``I hate Venice; it's too damp.''
If that wasn't annoying enough, on our way to Rome, another American asked the tour guide: ``Why Rome? It's nothing but ruins.''
The group with Elderhostel, I'm glad to say, was different. They were an enthusiastic and diverse bunch, who were in Sicily not only to enjoy a holiday but to expand their learning potential.
When I first signed up, I thought the classroom schedule would be a drag and take too much time away from sightseeing. It didn't.
Classes gave the group a needed insight into the history, literature and lifestyles that have molded Sicily today.
Among the 41 participants in our group, my husband and I were one of two couples that had never been on an international Elderhostel.
Most were seasoned travelers who, with Elderhostel, had gone from home stays in Japan to trekking in Java.
One woman had been on an archaeological dig in the Holy Land and another studied The Burren in Ireland.
One couple, who have homes in Montreal and Israel, once flew around the world and travel frequently, but they still sign up for an Elderhostel course each year.
``It's enriching - I wouldn't miss it,'' said the woman.
Another couple, from New Jersey, prepare for overseas Elderhostel experiences by attending college language courses. Consequently they speak and read several languages.
I was impressed because they had read ``The Leopard'' by G. Tomasi di Lampedusa, a book on a suggested reading list, in Italian.
All in all, it was a sophisticated and well-traveled bunch and while most people were retired, some had impressive former professions. There were a couple of college professors, teachers, clinical psychologists and company executives - one had been with CBS News.
And, aside from hotel food, which many thought was not up to Italian culinary standards (``It's almost unpatriotic,'' said one), there were few complaints.
It was a good group; I'm ready to go again. by CNB