"Famous" fellow passengers

I was curious to know: Have you had celebrities on your flights?
I just returned from Venice (Totally unaware of their BIG film festival this weekend)and we had Paul Simon, his wife, Edie Brickell (and their brood) on our flight. Also, the writer/director of "Crash" and producer of "Million $ Baby", Paul Haggis, who was seated next to my friend. She later asked me who he was--that he kept telling her he was famous and had she seen his films, etc. I guess you're only as famous as the public recognizes or perceives? Anyway, it was an amusing flight to talk about later.
On a side note: My husband, who is 5'7" said he felt like a giant next to Paul Simon.

Hi Kysel
Sounds like you had a very interesting flight. Can we please change the subject for a moment? I would like to know where you stayed while in Venice? Was it a property offered by LL? Did you try any good restaurants?
two2go

I stayed with the airline crew in Mestre at the Ambasciatore--# 4 bus is across the street. For EU$1 it takes you directly to the Venice bus "depot" and either walk or take the vaporetti to your destinations. This was my first time there and I only have those impressions.
I have seen so many hotels at so many different prices--I am astonished. The premium ones are just that--and really quite $$$. Others range from small b/b types to mega palazzos to sofitels/best westerns etc. Apparently, off-season prices are extremely tolerable for the average couple--any other time, I would probably not bother staying on Venice. I was very surprised how nice the shopping/walking was in Mestre. I'm not sure about what the Lido is like--we never made it. Next time?
I was terribly disappointed in the food. Maybe next time?
I really want to try the market in Mestre in Nov.
Sorry , but that's it--the real Italian travel vets can tell you more. I saw some of the LL properties and from what I can tell, they are gorgeous locations [for Venice]. I would venture that the peak season would the best use of those properties--the prices drop significantly otherwise. I was not overly impressed with the area--liked the vaporetti for the first few trips around--necessary evil, tho.
My 2 cents.

Interesting question! I have been on a flight with John Kerry, who (unlike Paul Simon) is actually very tall!

The Venice film festival sounds like fun. A few years ago we went to the Sundance Film Festival in Park City, combined it with a ski trip. Of course there you see all sorts of celebrities, and some good movies too. I've been wanting to go back to Venice, so that might be a good excuse.





Message Edited by disneygal on 09-06-2007 10:06 AM

I haven't had any celebrity planefellows that I know of but if you are really interested in spotting celebrities I suggest you spend a weekend in Montecito, California. Lots and lots of celebrities (Oprah, Brad and Angelina immediately come to mind) have weekend homes there. It is a tiny town so chances are great you'd spot somebody over the course of the weekend at the local deli Pierre LaFond or in one of the more frequented restaurants - Cava, Lucky's, Piatti or anywhere along Coast Village Road. You can stay at the Montecito Inn or San Ysidro Ranch to be right in the thick of it.