The Travel Thread

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

The Trans-Mongolian party train sounds amazing.

[Lewis]

Going on a beano through the Caucasian badlands sounds ideal for a lass having panic attacks.

[-james-]

She doesn't get enough days off a year for how much I like to piss about in other countries. She'll probably give this one a miss.

[Lewis]

Them Antarctica ones (linked to another site) sound ace, even if they're twenty grand, take a month, and would no doubt throw you into the company of some of the biggest throbbers known to man.

[Weaver]

£25 off your Airbnb booking (over £50) when paid via PayPal with code 'PAYPALSTAY25'

Booking has to be confirmed by 31st October, and it's for new customers only.

[Kikó]

Had a mixed time in Palermo so far. Some of the buildings are amazing but it's filthy and crap in other places. Also had a properly bland meal last night. The fish tasted either ancient or overcooked. Disappointing.

If it stops raining, hopefully we will face more joy this evening.

[Waffdon]

Is 10,000 CZK enough for 4 nights in Prague? Not including hotel or anything.

[hfswjyr]

I've just left Prague. That will be much more than enough. I spent 3 nights and probably spent half that, although I am fairly cheap.

[Waffdon]

Cheers, darling.

[hfswjyr]

Anytime, honey.

If you're interested in modern history, I'd highly recommend the communism tour with the nuclear bunker visit.

Otherwise there's tons of free walking or segway tours, beautiful buildings everywhere, cheap food and beer, and pubs and stripclubs etc. if that's your thing. It's my favourite European city so far.

[Waffdon]

We're staying here: http://www.booking.com/hotel/cz/old-town-square-apartments.html?checkin_monthday=3&checkin_year_month=2016-10&checkout_monthday=6&checkout_year_month=2016-10&tab=&origin=hp&hp_avform=1&error_url=%2Fhotel%2Fcz%2Fold-town-square-apartments.en-gb.html%3Faid%3D375802%3Blabel%3Dcity-prague-cuBcr66PujJLaiuovB1ReAS48230437123%253Apl%253Ata%2 53Ap1%253Ap2%253Aac%253Aap1t1%253Aneg%253Afi%253At ikwd-92498515%253Alp9046871%253Ali%253Adec%253Adm%3Bsid %3Df6467e047521f1382a9344e1fe7f49cb%3B&do_availability_check=on&aid=375802&label=city-prague-cuBcr66PujJLaiuovB1ReAS48230437123%3Apl%3Ata%3Ap1% 3Ap2%3Aac%3Aap1t1%3Aneg%3Afi%3Atikwd-92498515%3Alp9046871%3Ali%3Adec%3Adm&sid=f6467e047521f1382a9344e1fe7f49cb&room1=A%2CA&no_rooms=1&group_adults=2&group_children=0#availability_target

Half the price of the Hilton (which is still chap af) and seems to be in and among the action which is deceeeeeee.

[Giggles]

deceeeeeee.

Jump off a bridge.

[Waffdon]

Faggot.

[wullie]

I stayed right near the top of Wenceslas Square but everything's quite compact so as long as you're saaaf of the river you can't go too far wrong.

[Jimmy Floyd]

I'm currently in an unnamed large English provincial town, and I have to say I'm not surprised these places (dunno about this one) voted for Brexit.

I mean, this one has a Games Workshop. I thought they went out of business in about 1999.

[John]

:D

Even the one in Glasgow shut down in about 2004 I'm sure, and we have pound shops on all three of the main city centre shopping streets.

[Pen]

Doesn't really count as traveling for me, but I went here today and it was pretty great.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lTQHXT10d4Y

edit: The still there makes that look much more sinister than it should :D

[Jimmy Floyd]

I really can't imagine an Englishman enjoying that.

[Jimmy Floyd]

Whilst in this unnamed large English provincial town, I found myself short of a couple of items so I headed to the local Mike Ashley-owned emporium. In said emporium, I saw all the football shirts lined up on the wall and so my marketing curious brain made me stop to have a look. The biggest two were Manchester City and Barcelona - I didn't know there were actual City glory hunters now, but I suppose there must be - and there was also United, Liverpool, Chelsea, Arsenal, Real Madrid and Rangers among others.

There was one in a little single rack on the corner that I didn't initally recognise, before I clocked that it was of course the shirt of the team that inhabits this particular English large provincial town, a team currently enjoying perhaps its most successful spell ever. Unbought, unsold, unloved. How sad globalisation, and Mike Ashley, is.

[Spikey M]

Going to Turkey (Hisaronu) on the 3rd October. 2 adults and a baby, all inclusive, 4+ star (what is that shit? It's either a 4 or 5 you cunts) upgraded to a suite with a jacuzzi. £758 for a week. Flights included. Praise Allah. :drool:

[John]

Was the Rangers section one of the bigger ones? He still personally makes about sixty pence on the pound from our merchandising thanks to that fat Yorkshire twat Charles Green, so I'm surprised it wasn't the biggest section in the shop.

[Boydy]

Just tell us where you are/were, Jimmy.

[Raoul Duke]

Huddersfield?

[Jimmy Floyd]

Just tell us where you are/were, Jimmy.

I'm trying to make the point that every single one of these places is now identical (Bournemouth).

Loads of Rangers shirts, John, especially the red away ones.

[Boydy]

Were they ever really all that different?

[Kikó]

The agroturismo place I'm staying in is great because it basically feels like we have a private pool. Unfortunately every fucking mosquito has gnawed away at us the last few days so I look like some 14 year old acne sufferer.

[Giggles]

Thanks charlie, hope you got good air miles at least.

[Kikó]

The best mate. Silver means lounge access.

[Luca]

I'll be moving to Sydney in February to study at the University of Sydney (CBD campus). Can any Aussies suggest an area to live? I'm beginning my house hunt.

[niko_cee]

Northern Beaches (Manly).

Ital and co will probably tell you Newtown or somesuch, which would probably make more sense. Just avoid the east. And the west. For differing reasons.

[Adamski]

I'll be moving to Sydney in February to study at the University of Sydney (CBD campus). Can any Aussies suggest an area to live? I'm beginning my house hunt.

Nice Luca. Manly or Surrey Hills would be a decent start, I know more about Melbourne though.

Magic has decking.

[Giggles]

Nice Luca. Manly or Surrey Hills would be a decent start, I know more about Melbourne though.

Magic has decking.

Has or needs?

(only joking MJ :wub:)

[Kikó]

Luca :cool:

[Ian]

Right chaps, I'm going to London at the end of the month. Only times I've been and spent much time there were either about twenty years ago or trips for NFL games where I've been there Saturday to Monday and not had a huge amount of time for much else. This time though I'm getting down there on a Wednesday and will have Wednesday afternoon, all of Thursday and Friday and most of Saturday to myself. Any suggestions for things to do? I've found a similar post below answered by Raoul but I'm open to any other suggestions people might have. I know that Saturday afternoon will probably be spent on the "Bermondsey beer mile." And I'm going to do the Natural History Museum and British Museum across Thursday and Friday. Otherwise I've no specific plans.



Lads, I'm in London. Is there anything you'd suggest for a first timer? I've done the Imperial War Museum, Churchill War Rooms and St Paul's Cathedral.

Stuff:
Natural History Museum
Barbican (the Eames exhibition they have on now is ace)
Go to Shoreditch / Boxpark
Spitalfields market
Go to the Tate Modern
Broadway Market
Transport Museum
Somerset House
Brick Lane

Bars:
Strongroom
Craft Beer Co.
Hat & Tun
London fields Brewery
Ye Olde Mitre
De Hems
Old Red Cow
The French House
The Cittie of Yorke
Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese

Food:
Dishoom
Meat Mission
Franco Manca
Caravan (King's Cross)
East Street
Look mum no hands!
Ozone Coffee Roasters

[Kikó]

Tth meet.

[Waffdon]

Equivalent to £3.50 for the first pint in Prague. Seething

[hfswjyr]

You should be paying half that.
Also saw this last night:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eyK8dQH-Vh0

[Magic]

Oh my GOD I go abroad for the first time in 5 years on Monday. Nappies are packed for me in case I have a mental and physical breakdown at the airport.

[Waffdon]

You should be paying half that.
Also saw this last night:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eyK8dQH-Vh0

Apparently it's because we're in and around the square. Will wander about tomorrow eh

Beer museum we need to visit apparently. That'll be fun

[Spikey M]

The Turks are so dodgy it's awesome. I'm sat in the 'lounge' of my hotel room. Daughter and wife both asleep in the bedroom. I am currently watching the boxing on Sky Sports 3. I could also be watching HBO, HBO 2, BBC HD (In the lowest case 'd' possible), ITV, Fox and - the real kicker - they have an American PPV channel which seemingly requires no payment. No event on now to check. And that's without all the Russian - or some shit - stuff.

Shameless. The roof must look like a Satellite graveyard. No way even one of these channels is legal.

[Giggles]

The Turks are so dodgy it's awesome. I'm sat in the 'lounge' of my hotel room. Daughter and wife both asleep in the bedroom. I am currently watching the boxing on Sky Sports 3. I could also be watching HBO, HBO 2, BBC HD (In the lowest case 'd' possible), ITV, Fox and - the real kicker - they have an American PPV channel which seemingly requires no payment. No event on now to check. And that's without all the Russian - or some shit - stuff.

Shameless. The roof must look like a Satellite graveyard. No way even one of these channels is legal.

You won't think their dodgyness is so awesome when you go into the bedroom and find they've both been sold.

[Spikey M]

John got offered 2 goats - I think - just for his Sister. Goat rich.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

I thought a taxi driver and then a golf cart driver was going to kill me when I went.

The taxi driver was cutting road corners by going into the wrong lane and jumping red lights for fun. Him taking a red light with 30 seconds still on the clock was scary shit.

Enjoy all the Russians too, Spikey.

[John]

John got offered 2 goats - I think - just for his Sister. Goat rich.

I didn't get a concrete offer, the prick just asked how much I wanted. Presumably allowing himself to be drowned in Marmaris harbour was more than my sister was worth. Cheap cunt.

[Danny]

Going home for two weeks in two weeks. First time in 5 years.

[Reg]

Are there things you miss about England, Danny?

--
Has anyone been to Madrid? Any must-sees, advise about when to go, opinions on whether somewhere else in Spain is more worthwhile (apart from Barcelona)?

[Danny]

Are there things you miss about England, Danny?

These days, honestly, not a lot really. Just friends and family but it will be nice to get home and see everyone for the first time in a while.

[Raoul Duke]

Has anyone been to Madrid? Any must-sees, advise about when to go, opinions on whether somewhere else in Spain is more worthwhile (apart from Barcelona)?

I've been, only for a weekend. It's a great city - lots of nice restaurants and bars. I was only there briefly, so didn't do too much tourist stuff but Retiro Park and the royal palace were cool. I liked it overall though.

[elth]

I'll be moving to Sydney in February to study at the University of Sydney (CBD campus). Can any Aussies suggest an area to live? I'm beginning my house hunt.

You'll probably be constrained more by budget than anything. Sydney housing is ridiculously expensive. I like the inner West, Petersham type area. Anything close to the beach is stupid expensive.

[John]

Budget. :D

[Spikey M]

It's a shame Luca's family isn't rich.

[Spikey M]

Oh. John's covered it. As you were.

[hfswjyr]

Are there things you miss about England, Danny?

--
Has anyone been to Madrid? Any must-sees, advise about when to go, opinions on whether somewhere else in Spain is more worthwhile (apart from Barcelona)?

I thought Valencia was quite nice. Beaches are less busy and less commercial than Barcelona.

Only advice for Madrid is to not try and walk from the city centre to the Bernabau. It's further than it looks and not a whole lot to see along the way.

[Jimmy Floyd]

Seville is great. History, quality Andalucian food, great bars etc on the Calle del Betis, and it's near a shitload of other interesting stuff for a daytrip. Also two big football grounds and the RSP is a great old fascist breeze block with a great atmospheric home end to behold, or did when I was there.

[Spammer]

Off to the fucking Cayman Islands in 3 weeks with a mate. Another mate and his missus are out there so we're taking advantage of their free accommodation. Can't wait.

[Reg]

Thanks guys. :thbup: Will look into Valencia and Seville.

[Pen]

Are there things you miss about England, Danny?

--
Has anyone been to Madrid? Any must-sees, advise about when to go, opinions on whether somewhere else in Spain is more worthwhile (apart from Barcelona)?

I went to lots of places in Spain (pretty much everywhere apart from the North West corner and the islands) in 2011 when the missus was studying in Madrid.

My favourite was the Basque country, but Madrid, Valencia, Seville and Granada were also all good. Depends how long you're planning on staying. If it's anything more than a week and you're not planning on going during the summer months, I'd say Madrid is the best of the lot after the Basque country. It's very easy to do day trips to nearby small towns from Madrid too if you want to have a few quieter days.

[Reg]

Thanks, Pen. It will probably be something like 5 or 6 days next year. I've thought about Granada before, would love to see the caves in Nerja which aren't too far.

[Pen]

If you go during the football season be early for good games (online) when the times are confirmed as it's first come first served and you can get a ticket for pretty much any game. I managed to get tickets to Atletico-Real when I was there as I don't think they have the same system as you do where some people have first priority (season tickets excluded obviously).

All in all it really boils down to what you prefer, but I think Granada might be a bit small for almost a week. You could easily couple it with Seville if you don't mind sitting on a bus for six hours though.

[Spikey M]

I spent half an hour watching a Russian documentary on WW2 whilst the aprog was napping earlier. No idea what was being said but they clearly think the Japanese are absolute cunts. Good stuff.

[Spikey M]

In other news this holiday was nearly in Jamaica or Cuba. Only the amazing deal we got made us go to Turkey. Well, Jamaica is currently flooded and Cuba is about to be smashed in the face with a Cat 4 hurricane. Praise Jesus.

[niko_cee]

*cue massive ISIS earthquake mageddon*

[Spikey M]

I'm hoping such boasting would make any kind of tragic event too ironic to be allowed by the universe.

[Magic]

Jesus fuck. I'm a complete twat. I've waited until the Euro is at the lowest point it's ever fucking been to get my currency for my holiday on Monday. FUCK.

[Jimmy Floyd]

Me too. I'm counting on the fact that post-Brexit that if I ask a Portuguese to do something for me he should just know his place and bloody well do it, and not expect anything as vulgar as payment.

[Magic]

I'm only converting £700 but I'd be absolutely raging if I needed over a grand.

[Spikey M]

We only got 3.7 on Lira which, considering the currency is basically buttons and pocket fluff, is fucking shit. We got 5-ish last year.

[John]

I'm gambling and holding off in the hope the rate recovers a bit before I go to Berlin next month. I was planning to change money a fortnight ago and couldn't be arsed in the end, so if it ends up much lower than it is now I'll be fuming.

[wullie]

You won't need money at all soon, once our passports are changed back to their proper colour just slap it in a foreigner's face.

[Kikó]

Get the Halifax clarity card and get the best rates you can get.

[Magic]

So after my Euro fail I've just checked the forecast and it's set to be cloudy and cool. :drool:

[Spikey M]

There are very few Russians here, however the few that there are (and that I have come into contact with previously) seem to indicate that the blokes are generally alright, but the women are utter, utter cunts. The kids are little shits as well. No wonder their blokes all look die in a poorly orchestrated war efforts.

[Magic]

I've still not got my Euros and it's dropped another 2 down to 1.09. :face:

[Sam]

There are very few Russians here, however the few that there are (and that I have come into contact with previously) seem to indicate that the blokes are generally alright, but the women are utter, utter cunts. The kids are little shits as well. No wonder their blokes all look die in a poorly orchestrated war efforts.

Friend of mine studied in St.Petersburg and summed it up as that. Blokes are pretty alright, the women are bitches.

[Giggles]

I've still not got my Euros and it's dropped another 2 down to 1.09. :face:

:drool:

Thank you EU referendum, hello Amazon.

[Kikó]

Magic - get the Halifax clarity card. It's a no brainer.

[Giggles]

Or a revolut, if they're a thing there, if you're with another bank.

[Magic]

As a final kick in the teeth I've converted my pounds at a rate of €1.08. :face:

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

I'd wank myself silly if the rate starts rising.

[Magic]

Not sure it would affect the Hryvnia rate.

[Waffdon]

I'd wank myself silly if the rate starts rising.

https://cdn.meme.am/instances/250x250/68795368.jpg

[Giggles]

https://cdn.meme.am/instances/250x250/68795368.jpg

Next tattoo?

[Magic]

He really is a weird cunt, isn't he? Still, I'll take someone who's life is genuinely worse than being slowly racked over a slow burning coal fire laughing at me getting poor Euro rates than being remotely like that.

[John]

Magic, mate. You're basically Mahow with an unhappy marriage and dead teeth.

[Magic]

And your basically Giggles with loyalty to the crown.

[Giggles]

And your basically Giggles with loyalty to the crown.

I've said some mean things about John before but that's too low.

[Spikey M]

Now now lads, you're all lovely. Apart from that Waffcunt, obvs.

[Giggles]

Now now lads, you're all lovely. Apart from that Waffcunt, obvs.

That's a bit too far the other way. I strongly dislike the vast majority of you.

(Not you Spikey).

[Magic]

https://cdn.meme.am/instances/250x250/68795368.jpg

This actually looks like a Mexican Waff. :D

[Magic]

Rain forecast now. :drool:

[Danny]

As a final kick in the teeth I've converted my pounds at a rate of €1.08. :face:

Conversely, I am going to be changing $ to £ so these rates suit me down to the ground.

[niko_cee]

If it makes you feel any better . . .

:D

You can take the man out of Yorkshire.

[Magic]

Knew it was too good to be true. Swimmer's Ear and Calpolless. :drool:

[Jimmy Floyd]

I've just got them out at 1.06 so no matter how much of a mug Magic is, there's always a bigger mug just around the corner.

[Spikey M]

I wonder what the airport rates are. Must be sub 1.00.

[Kikó]

I heard one was 0.88. I'm just glad I paid for my wedding a month back when I could get around 1.14. Gutted that I didn't pay earlier in the summer when it was probably about 1.22 and saving myself a wedge.

[Giggles]

It won't last, but it's fucking awesome :drool:

[phonics]

I might turn up to this TTH meet and then go shopping around London like I'm some sort of Saudi Prince. Shutting Harrods down as I wave Swiss Francs in Al Fayeds face.

[Lewis]

I would batter you, blame that time Nigel Farage said that thing, and then the Financial Times would pay my legal fees.

[Magic]

I heard one was 0.88. I'm just glad I paid for my wedding a month back when I could get around 1.14. Gutted that I didn't pay earlier in the summer when it was probably about 1.22 and saving myself a wedge.

Yeah Southampton. Prestwick is the best in the UK at 1.06.

[Bam]

Anyone know where you can get a decent deal on a pre Christmas break in New York?

Also, could anyone recommend a hotel? We stayed in the Crown Plaza Times Sq last time but fancy a change.

[Dquincy]

Someone i know got a bonza deal on last minute. Com

Altho this was for vegas.

[hfswjyr]

I stayed here while I was in New York, and it was great.
https://www.parksouthhotel.com/

[7om]

New York at Christmas :sick:

[Kikó]

It's so magical. Loads more people and freezing.

[Giggles]

NY is shit enough because of the volume of people without adding more.

[Magic]

Especially disgusting, fat, classless Cockney labourers.

[Pepe]

New York :sick:

+1

[Danny]

We stayed here when we went in 2014 http://www.conradnewyork.com not far from the WTC and the subway was really close.

[7om]

+1

Our anti-New York propaganda needs to go up a gear, I think. People still aren't getting the message.

[leedsrevolution]

I've never really enjoyed any cities, so generally don't bother with em. Gimme country side any day.

[phonics]

'The Country' needs to be concreted over and New York is the shit. Fuck y'all propaganda.

[Magic]

Home. :(

Time to revive this place. :eyemouth:

[igor_balis]

Gonna check out your holiday flicks now, MJ. My Canadian mate has invited me to stay in Canada whenever I can afford it, quite looking forward to it. I don't like ice hockey but I love poutine.

[Magic]

Homo equivalent of French poonie?

[leedsrevolution]

It's chips cheese and gravy, basically.

[Bernanke]

I'm planning a balkan-trip next spring, has anyone been in either Sarajevo or Belgrade? Currently leaning towards the first one.

[Spoonsky]

I'll be there, probably. Sarajevo looks better than Belgrade unless you're trying to party.

[Magic]

Already planning my next holiday. :drool:

I'm thinking:

Fly to Lisbon and spend 4 nights there
Train to the Algarve and spend 6 nights there
Fly home from Faro

Maybe Lisbon could be reduced by a night and Algarve extended. We only spend about 500 euros so the whole thing cost us about 900 quid all in? Not bad for 7 days for a family of 3.

[Jimmy Floyd]

'Fly home from Faro' should be enough to seal that divorce ticket if that's the aim of the expedition.

I was in the Algarve over the weekend, the place is an absolute fucking disastrous dive from top to bottom. The food is terrible, the Brits are disgusting and the Albufeira strip is the worst place I've ever been by an absolute fucking mile, and I've been to Paisley. I'd even done about seven shots of pure ethanol to get me in the right state of mind but even that was not enough to hide the truth.

[Magic]

We just flew from there, it was fine? Took a while to get through security but apart from that.

Also why did you go to that part of the Algarve? :sick:

[John]

As bad as the Albufeira strip is, I once saw a man go on his arse having slipped on a pool of frozen sick on a Tuesday morning in Paisley, a sight Albufeira did not offer.

[Magic]

I got lost because on my way to Mt Florida because Queens Drive was shut and drove through a mini version of Aleppo. It was truly fucking horrible and reminded me of the Islamic no gos in Manchester and Leeds.

[Adamski]

Govanhill :cool:

[Magic]

This was just after work. Massive groups of men standing around, rubbish everywhere, no women, no whiteys.

[Adamski]

Settle down Donald.

[hfswjyr]

Already planning my next holiday. :drool:

I'm thinking:

Fly to Lisbon and spend 4 nights there
Train to the Algarve and spend 6 nights there
Fly home from Faro

Maybe Lisbon could be reduced by a night and Algarve extended. We only spend about 500 euros so the whole thing cost us about 900 quid all in? Not bad for 7 days for a family of 3.

I liked Lisbon, but would struggle to plan for 4 days of activities.

Bars that magically turn into strip clubs after 2am though...

[-james-]

Been in Krakow this week. Pretty good.

Thought it would be a lot more of a dive than it is. The food is fucking excellent everywhere.

[Spikey M]

I remember some of those 'Islamic No Go Zones' in Birmingham. I went to Sparkhill to visit a friend and it was fine. A bit of a dump, sure, but they didn't have their women on leads and stacks of stones ready to go on each corner. Don't be a pussy, MJ.

[Magic]

I liked Lisbon, but would struggle to plan for 4 days of activities.

Bars that magically turn into strip clubs after 2am though...

Family activities.

[Raoul Duke]

Family activities.

Lisbon is boss, but you need to get out of there to the nearby places to make the most of it. In the city itself there's only maybe 2-3 days worth of stuff: Castel de Sao Jorge, Oceanarium, Time Out Market and Belem and some general mooching.

Getting out to Cascais and Sintra are essential, and only about 40 minutes away. Both solid day trips (and family friendly, MJ).

[Magic]

I've been to the museum, aquarium and Sintra. The subway stations in the suburns looked dodge though.

[Baz]

I'm going to Norwich next weekend. :huhu:

[Ian]

Five days of now and down to That London tomorrow. :cool:

[Danny]

In Paris for two nights and another week left at home.

Off to the Leeds game on Saturday. First match in many years.

[Ian]

The British Museum is pretty swish. Just a shame I'm not more into vases and pots because some of the galleries were chock full of them.

[hfswjyr]

Currently in Belfast. Which streets should I go wave which flag on to get a riot going?

[Magic]

Wave a red star flag on GS' street.

[Adamski]

Who was it that went to Bruges? Baz?

I'm going to New York in 4 weeks but considering going away in between Christmas & New Year for a couple of days. I kind of fancy something like Bruges/Copenhagen/Prague but at the same time think it would be good to get a bit of sun instead.

Is it just the Canaries at that time that are relatively warm?

[Kikó]

Go to Morocco.

[Jimmy Floyd]

I'm now going to Alicante in March (to play golf). I wonder how shit it will be. Surely cannot be as bad as the Algarve.

[Giggles]

Go to Morocco.

Wouldn't that just be another Turkey style rapey shit hole?

[Kikó]

Probably but I'm not going so not my problem.

[Baz]

Who was it that went to Bruges? Baz?I recently went to Brussels but we did a day in Bruges to watch the Super Cup.

I've been to Bruges before though with the missus. It's ace if you go for a few days just to wander about, eat in cafes and stuff, and drink Belgian beer.

[hfswjyr]

Bruges will be bursting at the seams with tourists at Christmas time. Other than that, lovely little town.

[hfswjyr]

Oh yeah, I'm in Liverpool. Who's a scouser on here?

[Boydy]

I'm not sure there are any these days.

They were all driven away by Lewis' campaign of hate.

[Adamski]

Oh yeah, I'm in Liverpool. Who's a scouser on here?

Baz, no?

[Adamski]

Go to Morocco.

Ignorant comments aside, I was looking at Marrakech, Cyprus or Madeira actually as they all seem to be around a similar temperature to the Canaries.

[Raoul Duke]

Marrakech is boss. Could do that for 4 days and fit in enough.

Bruges is cool as well, but you'd run out of things to do after a day or so. You could probably fit in Antwerp as well if you want a mini trip around Belgium.

Antwerp train station :drool:

[Giggles]

I much preferred Leuven to Bruges. So much less touristy.

[Boydy]

Baz, no?

He's from St Helens.

[Lewis]

I'm not sure there are any these days.

They were all driven away by Lewis' campaign of hate.

You might be right. We should mark the five year anniversary of that next year.

[Spoonsky]

I spent the weekend in Chicago. I've come around, Pepe, it's better than New York.

[Raoul Duke]

Cloud Gate :cool:

[Spoonsky]

I'm on a plane to Tokyo with my grandma who turns 90 tomorrow. Gonna be mental.

[Pepe]

I spent the weekend in Chicago. I've come around, Pepe, it's better than New York.

:cool:

It really is. Should go back some day, it's only a few hours away.

[Lewis]

It's cold, but I suppose it's cheaper than a home.

[niko_cee]

Spoon off for a bit of ubasute?

[Giggles]

I spent the weekend in Chicago. I've come around, Pepe, it's better than New York.

My Mrs was there 1st to 5th, loved it and trying to get me to go next year.

[Giggles]

Anyone any experience of Dusseldorf? I was told this evening about the prospect of a week there shortly.

[Spoonsky]

Japan is awesome, except for getting anally raped when I press the wrong button on the toilet.

[Jimmy Floyd]

That's what they want you to think.

[Magic]

Might be going to Alicante on a cycling holiday with my old man. :drool:

[Pepe]

Might be going to Alicante on a cycling holiday with my old man. :drool:

:drool:

[Spoonsky]

Won't that end with you pushing him off a cliff into the ocean?

[Magic]

Depends if he approves of my cycling technique or not.

[Pepe]

He'll drop you on the first hill and you'll spend the rest of the trip silently seething.

[Lewis]

http://i65.tinypic.com/etsc4o.jpg

'I've never liked you.'

[Adamski]

Heading to New York next Thursday for 5 days, anyone got any off the beaten* track recommendations?

*hipster only.

[Magic]

Harlem is now apparently the most pretentious, hipstery place in the West.

[Kikó]

The best place for a night out is lower East and you can have fun in Brooklyn.

I sent this to a mate on WhatsApp so sorry if it's in shit format.


[22/09, 12:35]Okay if you want a mega sandwich. Go over to Hoboken(really easy by path train from wtc) and go to a place called fiores. It's amazing.
[22/09, 12:36] If you can't be arsed going to the statue of liberty then get the free ferry to Staten island as it floats by
[22/09, 12:37] Lower East side is great fun for a night out, try Essex and wenlock but that area is fun
[22/09, 12:37] : Walk over the Brooklyn bridge as well, you come out into Dumbo and you can get yourself a five guys
[22/09, 12:38] : Central park is great and obviously fifth avenue shopping there. Worth going to central park. There is the film home alone was filmed in nearby.
[22/09, 12:39] : Brooklyn brewery is fun and that part of Brooklyn is good Bedford avenue
[22/09, 12:40] : Also would recommend 230 5th just got the view. You'll be near the ace hotel which is also good for a drink
[22/09, 12:41] : Finally there is Joe's shanghai in China town which does amazing dumplings
[22/09, 12:41] General advice is avoid midtown as that's the most touristy place. You can easily find dollar beers if you look but remember to tip
[22/09, 22:03] : Yeah dive bars a plenty in lower East side. There was a Russian bar or Ukrainian which was cool
[22/09, 22:03] : Plenty in Brooklyn in Williamsburg
[22/09, 22:04] : I think Brooklyn bridge is worth it. Great view and it's not that long a walk
[22/09, 22:04] : Central park has loads of characters as well. Museums as well if you're into it
[22/09, 22:04] : And the place where John Lennon died
[22/09, 22:06] : I like this place called three sheets. It's a beer pong place
[22/09, 22:07] : Want something a bit more up market try the west side. Really cool bars as well, gansevort and there is a boat bar near called the floating ship or something

[Kikó]

I'm off to Lisbon tonight as well. Pastel de Nata time.

[Giggles]

I'd say he muted his notifications after the 5th message.

[Kikó]

Definitely.

[Magic]

Recommending a sandwich place. :D

[Kikó]

Google it. The beef sandwiches with mozzarella and gravy. It's outstanding.

[Magic]

Gravy on a sandwich? Fucking hell.

[Adamski]

Kiko :cool:

Rough plan so far is bus tour on the Thursday afternoon then somewhere near my mates place in Long Island City on Thursday night.

Wander around TriBeCa, High Line, the village etc on the Friday and then the Knicks game at night.

Brooklyn on Saturday then Broadway at night.

Sunday another general mooch around, Central Park midtown etc and top of the rock. Planning a jazz/cruise thing on the Hudson at night if we can get it booked.

Maybe up to Harlem on Monday and some massive shopping spree in a place in New Jersey too.

Will definitely check out some of the food recommendations, did you go to Minettas tavern at all?

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Gravy on a sandwich? Fucking hell.

Americans go mad for it.

I've not tried one as I can't get my head around it.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ml1_RFo-Ug

[Adamski]

It's just a dressing, can't see how it's an issue.

[Magic]

Yeah, what could be wrong with a soggy sandwich?

On a side note, burgers that go soggy on the bottom because of left over grease from the burger. :sick:

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

It's just a dressing, can't see how it's an issue.

It's the whole dipping the whole sandwich into the gravy. The bread just becomes a hot mess.

[Giggles]

It's not too bad as the gravy in America is properly thick so it doesn't soak in too much. So much better than what you get in this part of the world, only the Chinese takeaways can get it right.

[Offshore Toon]

If you don't have a slice of bread totally soaked in gravy in your Christmas Day/Boxing Day sandwiches then you're fucking retarded.

Slice of bread,
meat/stuffing,
soaked bread,
meat/stuffing,
slice of bread.

[Adamski]

Moistmaker :cool:

[Kikó]

http://images2.villagevoice.com/imager/u/745xauto/6576561/p1130216x.jpg

[Jimmy Floyd]

The best way to see NY (Manhattan anyway) is on foot, if you have the time and willing partners. I did a full day of it when I was last there (did the length of 60th to Battery Park about 3.5 times) and although I needed to be carried off at the end, I reckon I saw just about everything and ate about 5 things I would never otherwise have found including a sandwich much like the above. One of the most enjoyable and interesting days of my life, probably.

[Kikó]

Totally agree with that. It's an incredibly accessible city so just walk around and tick everything off. I remember my first two weeks there and I easily walked about 10 miles a day.

[Giggles]

Well that's it knocked off my to-do list.

[Adamski]

The best way to see NY (Manhattan anyway) is on foot, if you have the time and willing partners. I did a full day of it when I was last there (did the length of 60th to Battery Park about 3.5 times) and although I needed to be carried off at the end, I reckon I saw just about everything and ate about 5 things I would never otherwise have found including a sandwich much like the above. One of the most enjoyable and interesting days of my life, probably.

Yeah quite a lot of people have said this to me. Got a good solid 2 days planned so just going to split it up and go for it.

[Pepe]

The state of that sandwich. :sick:

[niko_cee]

I get the idea of dipping a sandwich into gravy (fuck calling it French Dip though) but I don't really get the point of making it an unweildy mess. This isn't bread a gravy we're talking about here (:drool:) a sandwich needs to have the basic premise of portability.

[Kikó]

I brought it back from new Jersey and had gravy leaking on my leg. Top tip, eat quickly.

[Spoonsky]

Japan is incredible. It's way more different from the US than Europe is, but I loved it. We did an absurd amount in a week too, and stayed in fancy hotels every night; if you've got a grandma willing to drop four grand it's not a bad way to see a country.

[Adamski]

Kiko :cool:

Rough plan so far is bus tour on the Thursday afternoon then somewhere near my mates place in Long Island City on Thursday night.

Wander around TriBeCa, High Line, the village etc on the Friday and then the Knicks game at night.

Brooklyn on Saturday then Broadway at night.

Sunday another general mooch around, Central Park midtown etc and top of the rock. Planning a jazz/cruise thing on the Hudson at night if we can get it booked.

Maybe up to Harlem on Monday and some massive shopping spree in a place in New Jersey too.

Will definitely check out some of the food recommendations, did you go to Minettas tavern at all?

Knicks game was good fun last night even if it is a joke of a sport. Timberwolves pulled it back to 100-100 with about 8 minutes to go. If it was any kind of sensible sport the crowd would be raging, instead they brought people on firing t shirts out of guns and everyone went wild for it. Madness.

Heading to Brooklyn today, Kikó. Walking the bridge then general mooching around Greenpoint and Williamsburg. Try and fit the brewery in and been recommended a Mexican dive bar for lunch called Almas which has decent views of the city.

Lower East Side tomorrow so might check out that dumpling place then potentially Meatpacking or Lower East for dinner and drinks tomorrow night.

[7om]

Jesus, I can only imagine the cost of a Knicks ticket and they're complete fucking garbage. Sums up New York perfectly actually.

[Adamski]

70 bucks I think it was.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

I've been thinking of going to an LA game when I go in April (right before the playoffs), I'm guessing I'd be looking at $100 or so, right? Worth it or should I just not bother?

[Adamski]

I really enjoyed it to be honest. It is a bit cheesy but it was a good laugh.

[Giggles]

Any of you lot from Edinburgh?

[Adamski]

Don't think so, know a fair bit about it though depending on what you're after.

Igor lived there for a bit too. Think Foe did too maybe?

[Giggles]

I'm over for a stag in Feb. About three quarters are going to rugger on the Saturday (Sunday?) so need a decent spot near the rugger ground for pints while they're at it. Or is it even near pubs?

[Adamski]

You won't be stuck. I think Igor lived around there.

Haymarket has some decent pubs. Edinburgh is good but it's all quite spread out. Stockbridge in the north is good, as is the grassmarket and a few bits down at Leith docks.

[Giggles]

You won't be stuck. I think Igor lived around there.

Haymarket has some decent pubs. Edinburgh is good but it's all quite spread out. Stockbridge in the north is good, as is the grassmarket and a few bits down at Leith docks.

Any of them near the rugby ground? If we stay in the city and they start scooping on the way back we'll lose them.

[Adamski]

Haymarket can't be far. Never actually been to Murrayfield but it's not far from Tynecastle. Maybe 20 mins walk id say igor_balis?

[igor_balis]

Haymarket can't be far. Never actually been to Murrayfield but it's not far from Tynecastle. Maybe 20 mins walk id say igor_balis?

Aye, pretty much. I don't think there's any decent pubs RIGHT by Murrayfield, it is a bit of a dump around there in all honesty, but if you'd be willing to walk a mile or so up the road towards Haymarket station there's plenty.

[7om]

I'd definitely do it if you can find a ticket for a reasonable price. The Lakers have been complete dog shit for a few years now but they're still the Lakers.

[Adamski]

The best place for a night out is lower East and you can have fun in Brooklyn.

I sent this to a mate on WhatsApp so sorry if it's in shit format.

Did most of these, Kiko cheers. Didn't get to Joes Shanghai as we were down in Lower East Side on Monday before we left and Katz deli for a pastrami sandwich won me over first.

What a city. 5 days of absolute mayhem. Did about 28k steps on two separate days just walking up and down the island. Had so much amazing food, Vietnamese, Greek, Mexican, Korean, Italian, pizzas, pancakes, burgers, fried chicken.

Put on about a stone easy :drool:

[Kikó]

No problem. Great city.

[Pepe]

I like that Italian and pizza are separate entries.

[Adamski]

Reread that a few minutes ago and thought about changing it :D

To be fair, it was totally different to any pizza I've had in Italy so I'm sticking with it!

[Chris]

Anyone got any advice on European city destinations for 3-4 days in February for me, my wife & 4 year old daughter? Shortlisted so far are Krakow, Copenhagen, Dusseldorf & Budapest.

I've already been to Paris, Rome, Prague & Barcelona so wouldn't want to go back to those.

Looking for somewhere with a few sights to see but also semi-kid friendly, I would like to go to Auschwitz when going to Krakow but don't really think that's appropriate for a 4-year old, but from what I've seen there's a fair bit else to do, that's also the reason we've discounted Amsterdam as there's a lot we'd want to do that's probably not suitable for a 4 year old.

Any other city suggestions are welcome, ideally with relatively low flight prices < £100 pp return.

[Kikó]

I've been to Bremen and that's not too bad. Maybe Brussels- I like it there even though others don't.

[Giggles]

I preferred Leuven to Brussels, smaller and nicer atmosphere. I wouldn't worry about taking a 4 year old to Auschwitz either, I seen a good few kids when I was there, definitely do the Salt Mines if you go to Krakow too.

[Chris]

Going to Brussels next week for the Christmas market hence why that once isn't on the list, should have mentioned that.

Krakow could be bumped up to the top of the list, salt mines look interesting and I'd like to go to Auschwitz, surprising you saw a lot of kids there though Giggles, although I'm assuming it's probably a lot more sombre than it actually is in reality.

[Spikey M]

From what I've heard it's down right creepy, rather than sombre.

[Giggles]

The first part is a bit more like that to most I'd say as you are in and out of small rooms, but when you go to the second part it's all out in the open. I'd say the second got me more but that's because you know the history of it (has the train platforms and all) but a child wouldn't even notice. You can take photos in most parts of it but you kind of feel funny doing it after a while and I ended up stopping.

Now that I think of it though, most I seen were probably bigger than four.

[Adamski]

Who the fuck would take a kid of any age to that?

[Giggles]

Who the fuck would take a kid of any age to that?

Americans mainly. But then again, if you take your kids on holiday it's probably a better option than leaving them in a hotel room all day.

[Chris]

Who the fuck would take a kid of any age to that?

Unless I want another Madeleine on my hands then I wouldn't have much choice...

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

I also saw kids when I went to Auschwitz.

[Adamski]

Camgirls don't count.

[Magic]

So my aunt and uncle's villa in Portugal got broken in to and ransacked. This has the potential to ruin my trip next year. Damn it! Fucking refugees.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Anyone been to Belarus? It sounds like I might have to go in the Summer.

Not for a camgirl might I add.

[Bam]

Must be a brass this time then.

[-james-]

I guess this goes in here

I'm getting the train from Glasgow to Bristol. My ticket is telling me to change at Wolverhampton and Birmingham. My first train goes through Birmingham. Why's it telling me to change at Wolverhampton?

[John Arne]

Does it definitely stop at Birmingham?

[-james-]

Does it definitely stop at Birmingham?

The man on the tannoy said so.

I guess it's because it's a virgin train and I'm meant to switch onto some poxy 1970s effort. Might chance it.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Must be a brass this time then.

Urban dictionary suggests a prostitute, right?

No. I'd never stoop to that but if I did, why fly to 'Europe's last dictatorship' to do so?

[-james-]

My god Birmingham New Street is grim. Has to be the worst major station in the country.

[phonics]

Really? They've literally just redone it. It's been under construction for about 7 years now. Haven't been through since it opened.

[Boydy]

What's wrong with it? I went through it a couple of months back and thought it was quite nice now.

[John Arne]

Vietnam :drool:


https://vimeo.com/194373869

[Magic]

Thinking about a holiday next year; Lisbon first for a few days then down to the Algarve for the rest. Thinking between 10 or 12 days. Only problem is the flights are quite cheap in June but the fucking hotels in Lisbon are extortionate (for anything decent). All over £100 a night.

[Kikó]

Lisbon has loads of great hotels. I'd be surprised if they were all overpriced for you.

[Mellberg]

Americans (and anyone else in the know). Best site for booking intercity trains for the US? Is $178 for two between New York and Washington reasonable?

[Magic]

Lisbon has loads of great hotels. I'd be surprised if they were all overpriced for you.

Can you recommend any? We stayed at the Inspira Santa Marta last time but fuck paying that again.

[Mellberg]

I'm using Amtrak and the prices are decent. We were planning on driving New York-Washington-Chicago and then off down Route 66, but rail for first three cities works aout £400 cheaper and that's excluding fuel. Will pick the car up in Chicago. Main question is what are the trains like, as 18 hours Washington to Chicago is giving me piles just thinking about it.

[Mellberg]

Flights are cheap as fuck. Feels like cheating but needs must. Thanks for the help.

[niko_cee]

Yank trains are (used to be) amazing. I once did 50 odd hours LA to New Orleans and it was survivable. I found the way to do it was use their month (week?) passes and make sure you got big journeys in at the beginning and the end of the pass.

That said, once you get onto the east coast they did turn from the double decker beasts of the west/midwest into more UK style commuter trains. I think I did Chicago - Washington though and it was on a big one. It's quite amazing the amount of proper hillbilly country you go through on that one.

With car hire are there still some states (Florida?) that allow you to rent with zero insurance if you want?

:rasta:

[Pepe]

I don't think there is anything else apart from Amtrak.

Check Megabus, it is going to be way cheaper and the buses are good.

[Pepe]

With car hire are there still some states (Florida?) that allow you to rent with zero insurance if you want?

:rasta:

Most do as far as I know.

[niko_cee]

I couldn't believe it when they let me drive off with no insurance at all, to the point that I almost immediately crashed.

The buses (Greyhounds) are only good if you want to meet the (criminally) insane.

I remember talking to some nut on a bus from LA to Vegas who was going all the way to South Carolina or some shit. 98 hours. Dear lord. That said, I also met a marine on the train from Yosemite down to Bakersfield who I am fairly sure was going home to murder his wife and was really keen for me to go along with him. No thanks. I suppose, generally speaking, if you are on public transport in America there is something wrong with you one way or another (if being poor counts as having something wrong with you, which, I am led to believe, is the case on the good ol').

[Pepe]

Megabus is considerbly better than Greyhound despite also being cheaper. My favorite buses were the Asian operated ones going from NYC to Schenectady. The buses were thirty years old and The crowd in there was something special. Don't even get me started on the drivers, who couldn't (or wouldn't) even speak English. Still, way cheaper than Amtrak.

[Magic]

Megabus is shit over here.

[-james-]

2016 in review. FIlled out for elsewhere, feel free to follow


>Where did you go in 2016?
Santorini, Mykonos, Skiathos: Santorini is obviously stunning and the beaches are pretty good. A must-visit. Mykonos has the nicest town of any Greek island I've been to but it is fucking ridiculously expensive, worth going for a day or two if you can. Skiathos has the best beaches I've been to in Greece, the town is pretty pleasant and the public transport system works great, probably my favourite Greek island I've been to.

Barcelona: Been before, always good fun. The city doesn't do a great deal for me but the food (you should go to Can Paixano) and the beaches are good enough for that not to matter.

Bratislava: Great to spend a couple of days, though I wouldn't recommend any more than that. Was very impressed with the food, some of the best I've had in central Europe. Halušky is the one. Try and not go on the weekend though, it was pretty quiet on the Monday I was there, went back on the Friday and stag do apocalypse had descended on the place.

Vienna: My god it's stunning. Spent 3 days mostly just wandering about staring at things. Very keen on going back.

Krakow: Very fun city if you're into eating and drinking. Was not anticipating eating incredible sushi (http://youmiko.pl/) in Poland.

>What was your favourite country and/or city?
Vienna wins.

>What was your best experience?
Some of the sights in Santorini were pretty incredible. Grabbing some cold beers and sitting on a quiet beach in Skiathos stands out as well.
Oh, the imperial crypt in Vienna is amazing as well.

>What was your worst experience?
I had my phone stolen from my pocket on our first night in Barcelona. Felt like an idiot for letting it happen and was incredibly annoying/inconvenient thing to have happen.

>Where have you got booked for 2017?
Barcelona again for Primavera.

>Where are you hoping to visit in 2017?
Next year should be great, girlfriend has some money banked and is quitting her job, and I don't really have any restrictions at the moment, so options are very wide. Some combination of Costa Rica, Cuba, Chicago, California, Japan, Hong Kong, Tbilisi, Bavaria and Lisbon would be considered a success.

[Magic]

Wanker.

[Kikó]

Where did you go in 2016?
Berlin - Work trip but Berlin is always great. Went to a pretty cool Munich style beer house with the colleagues that we were visiting and got my share of German beer. I haven't scratched at the surface of the place though.
Lisbon - I think I ended up being in Lisbon about 5 or 6 times this year due to my wedding. It's a brilliant place, great food, great people, cheap and the weather and light is stunning. Last visit I even did some touristy stuff and visited the castle then enjoyed some of the nightlife. Top place, shame there is no real economy.
Jersey/ Guernsey - Quite nice actually. The food was great and the closeness to the sea means it's competing with Lisbon with best seafood dishes. I could imagine spending a few days there on holiday, very pretty.
Palermo - A bit run down in places but has some beautiful buildings. I'd say it's not worth staying for too long here and exploring. The agro-toursimo place we stayed at was amazing for peace and quiet.
Brussels - Cool city, good cuisine. Shame about all the Belgians as I could live here.
Paris - Visited for the Euro final so the party atmosphere was great. Even got to meet Spoons which was a bonus.
Jaipur, Bangalore, Agra - Another work trip. Bangalore is absolutely mental and the infrastructure is failing to keep up with the modernisation of the place. The roads are genuinely the craziest thing I've ever experienced and seeing the taxi driver raz it 100mph didn't help. Jaipur is a lot more civilised in comparison and has some history worth seeing. The fort on the water, pink city and the palace/fort on the hill are all great. Avoid the elephant ride as the guys selling you garbage makes you want the elephant to bludgeon them to death. Agra for the Taj was great, genuinely stunning building and worth the 5+ hours in the taxi to get there.
>What was your favourite country and/or city?

Lisbon - it's just a top, top city.

>What was your best experience?
(Other than getting married in Lisbon) 1) Being in the Stade de France to see Portugal win the cup (and delighting my missus in turn) and the subsequent party around the champs elysees. 2)the Taj , a wonder of the world ticked off.

>What was your worst experience?
Some street kinds in Jaipur banging on the class of the taxi we were in trying to get some money and not being able to give any as I had spent it all on this taxi journey. Abject poverty that you just don't see in the UK - pretty tragic seeing these kids living next to a cow. Ruined my breakfast.

>Where have you got booked for 2017?
I've been on a booking spree with all the sales on so
Antwerp for a friends birthday
Siena, Florence and Bologna
Madrid

>Where are you hoping to visit in 2017?
My friend is getting married at the end of 2017 so likely India again and maybe Goa. Maybe a trip to Warsaw as my friend has a place there and Milan as my brother in law is there.

Otherwise - maybe Talinn.

[Giggles]

>Where did you go in 2016?
Gliwice, Dresden, Oxford, Hamilton, Krakow. All Work, I holidayed in 8 different locations in Ireland and Northern Ireland. Also did Paris and Lille for Euro 2016.

>What was your favourite country and/or city?
Kinsale on my holidays was the best.

>What was your best experience?
Lille.

>What was your worst experience?
I was in Glasgow.

>Where have you got booked for 2017?
Nothing. It'll be the honeymoon but we haven't even talked about it yet. I'm supposed to go to a stag in Edinburgh too but I'll be skipping it as it's rugby based. Determined not to have a stag of my own at all, but if I have to then it'll be here.

>Where are you hoping to visit in 2017?
As above, don't know. Preferably one week city based and doing stuff, and one week lying at a pool drinking cocktails on an all-inclusive gig. No idea where, probably let her pick as travel really isn't something I'm too fussed with.