The Travel Thread

[Raoul Duke]

Where did you go in 2016?
Barcelona, Toulouse/south of France, Lisbon, Cambridge

Most I've travelled in ages and the first two-week holiday (France/Portugal) one that I've had in about ten years :cab:

What was your favourite country and/or city?
Probably Barcelona. It was a surprise trip and we got engaged. Cracking city, loads to see and do and a good combo of cultural shit and a great nightlife. The south of France was immense for a relaxation-type holiday. Lisbon was really cool but could have done with 5-days there instead of 7. Great place though.

What was your best experience?
La Sagrada Familia in Barcelona is utterly bonkers. Cascais in Lisbon was brilliant and in France visiting a local vineyard, buying a load of wine and then drinking/BBQ-ing for a week was so relaxing.

What was your worst experience?
1) Flying from Toulouse -> Lisbon in some shitty little two-engine fucking plane. 2) Fiancée almost walking backwards off a 40-ft high drop trying to take a photo was a bit hairy :|

Where have you got booked for 2017?
Nothing yet, although I've kicked off some ideas. We're probably going to elope for the wedding so will either book that this year or next. It's going to be expensive and will dictate other plans

Where are you hoping to visit in 2017?
We'd both like to go to Amsterdam, so this seems the most likely. Budapest, Stockholm and probably some trips around the UK are on the cards. Vienna as well, seeing as James rates it so highly.

[niko_cee]

Where did you go in 2016?

Jersey, Amsterdam>Lille>Lyon>Marseille, Elveden Forest, Brighton

I don't really go anywhere anymore

What was your favourite country and/or city?

Of those Lille was probably the biggest surprise as I had it down as some industrial shithole and it's not. I liked the feel of Marseille.

What was your best experience?

The Welsh were decent in Lyon, but I wouldn't really rank it as an 'experience'.

What was your worst experience?

Eating in a McDonalds in Lyon because the people I was with were fucking idiots.

Where have you got booked for 2017?

Probably the same as 2016 without the Euro excursion. Maybe St Malo.

Where are you hoping to visit in 2017?

Nowhere, ideally.

[Magic]

Looking at flights to Portugal in mid-June. Can get the flights for about £300 return (to Lisbon, return Faro) all in with baggage and seat reservations and probably parking too it'll be about £450.

Looking at 10-14 days, with 3 or 4 of them spent in Lisbon. The problem is the hotels there are fucking extortionate (at least, LEAST, £100 a night) for a shitty one. Any ideas? The flights are way cheaper on a Thursday but that means the hotels are miles more expensive over the weekend.

[Raoul Duke]

Get an Airbnb or stay a little further out

[Magic]

Get an Airbnb or stay a little further out

I'm with my family, I don't want to be murdered. Also convenience is key here (but maybe not as key as £££).

[Adamski]

You're such a freak :D

[Kikó]

My uncle stayed in an airbnb with his family in Lisbon. It was brilliant stop being a dick.

[Magic]

Give me some tips then you cunt.

[Giggles]

You wouldn't know what sort of shanty kip you'd end up in. And with your kids? Not worth it just for a few stories over the chardonnay.

[Kikó]

Of areas? Chiado, around avenida liberdade, Alfama and Lapa. That should get you started.

[Kikó]

You can read reviews you know giggles...

[Giggles]

You can read reviews you know giggles...

How real are the reviews though? Ever read one on Amazon these days?

[Magic]

Of areas? Chiado, around avenida liberdade, Alfama and Lapa. That should get you started.

We stayed near there last time, at the Inspira. The Jupiter hotel looks alright, bit further out than that basically North.

[Spikey M]

Why not just go somewhere else? It's fucking Portugal, not the Seychelles. They let Saint live there once ffs.

[Magic]

because the other 7 or so days will be basically free staying with my relatives in the Algarve.

[Giggles]

Just go for the free week.

[Magic]

Just go for the free week.

:D

I did that last time, but the fukkers didn't get up until lunchtime and given we were up at like 7am it was kind of boring and we missed a lot of time doing stuff. I asked my uncle if he would put me on his 535d insurance so we don't have to wait for them to get up.

[Kikó]

You can stay anywhere along the avenida. We were near the marques Dr pompal (?) In an apartment hotel, decent enough.

[Spikey M]

make the second week a camping trip.

[Adamski]

Barcelona, Girona, San Sebastián and Bilbao for us this summer. Been to Barca about 6 years ago for Sonar so looking forward to heading back, loved it.

We're going for a wedding too, so looking at getting a massive places as there will be 7 adults and 3 kids.

Anyone been to Bilbao?

[Magic]

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

Murcia. 5 days in April with my little brother too. £75 return flights. :harold:

[Mellberg]

Currently in a motel in Lebanon (lol), Missouri. Have so far done New York, Washington, Pittsburgh, Chicago, Springfield (Illinois) and now we're here. Brilliant trip. Couldn't live here as I'd be a fat bastard by the end of the year, but it's a fantastic place full of mostly very friendly people.

[Mellberg]

https://s24.postimg.org/z0hihnokh/edited_20161228_135100.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/z0hihnokh/)

Me, Abe and the Chinese are thinking of you all back home. Back to work today isn't it? :youpi:

[Magic]

Did you figure out the bus problem? That sounded like the most exciting part.

[Kikó]

Mellin:cool:

[Giggles]

Always wanted to visit that.

[phonics]

Currently in a motel in Lebanon (lol), Missouri.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hi0bH632-Xk

I've decided that, this year, I'm going to go on my first ever proper holiday with my own big-boy money. I just have to decide which side of the world to go to. I'd really like to see Cuba before it goes full-Starbucks but I think Tokyo/Seoul/Singapore seems way more my jam with it's cold dystopian cyber future. Decisions, decisions.

Anyone got tips on how to go about booking something big like that? Do you just do it all individually or what?

[Jimmy Floyd]

I'd only want to see Cuba AFTER it goes full Starbucks. In its present state I'd rather get a cheaper flight to Burkina Faso and see the same stuff.

[Adamski]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hi0bH632-Xk

I've decided that, this year, I'm going to go on my first ever proper holiday with my own big-boy money. I just have to decide which side of the world to go to. I'd really like to see Cuba before it goes full-Starbucks but I think Tokyo/Seoul/Singapore seems way more my jam with it's cold dystopian cyber future. Decisions, decisions.

Anyone got tips on how to go about booking something big like that? Do you just do it all individually or what?

Yeah everything individually. Try and plan it around flying into the bigger airports from Dubai (Bangkok, Singapore, Tokyo etc) and flying back from another one and just cheap flights inbetween.

[Pen]

Barcelona, Girona, San Sebastián and Bilbao for us this summer. Been to Barca about 6 years ago for Sonar so looking forward to heading back, loved it.

We're going for a wedding too, so looking at getting a massive places as there will be 7 adults and 3 kids.

Anyone been to Bilbao?

I went there in 2011. Much better than Barcelona in my opinion.

[Spoonsky]

Going to Europe with a backpack for five months. Magic I'll send you a postcard from Sarajevo.

[Giggles]

I think we've finally decided not to go on a honeymoon for the forseeable future :drool:

[Kikó]

Thank God for that. Sounds way too pleasant.

[Giggles]

Thank God for that. Sounds way too pleasant.

Sounds like added stress after all the stress of the wedding itself. I'd much rather let all calm down and do it 6-12 months later.

[Offshore Toon]

You're getting married, Giggles? Didn't have you down as the type.

[Jimmy Floyd]

'Will you marry me?'
'I don't see the point.'
'Come on.'
'Oh alright then, if you really want to.'

[Offshore Toon]

I hope you're making her pay for it, Giggles, cause there's no way you care about it.

[Giggles]

I hope you're making her pay for it, Giggles, cause there's no way you care about it.

17 grand apiece saved in a joint account for it.

I'm looking forward to it, but organising it all is a pain. That's why, like I said, after it's all over I'd rather relax a bit than add airports and strangers into the mix.

[Offshore Toon]

But do you actually want to get married?

[phonics]

The things I'd do with 30 something grand that isn't a wedding :drool:

[Offshore Toon]

I'd probably wash up dead on some beautiful beach in Thailand, but what a month it'd be.

[Giggles]

But do you actually want to get married?

I don't think it's the type of thing you ask someone to do or that you do if you don't want to. So that'll be yes.

[Kikó]

Sounds like added stress after all the stress of the wedding itself. I'd much rather let all calm down and do it 6-12 months later.

Ah that makes sense. We've not done ours yet and likely to be doing it in the winter this year. Agree with you about the stress.

[Giggles]

Ah that makes sense. We've not done ours yet and likely to be doing it in the winter this year. Agree with you about the stress.

We've been living together for a couple of years anyway so it's not like it'll be a honeymoon and big introduction to married life. I'm looking forward to the day itself and pushing the holiday will be something to look forward to one everything calms down afterwards.

The day itself will be grand but planning it is mad. You think you've everything but something always pops up. She's been a star, I'd never manage most of it.

[wullie]

We didn't really have a honeymoon, we were on holiday the week before and then looking at going to Paris for a few days over Easter. If we go anywhere in summer I'd imagine 11 months is a bit too long to wait to flash a marriage certificate to try get a load of upgrades and freebies.

[Spikey M]

If you're cutting something out of the Wedding experience, the honeymoon is the wrong bit. I'd axe 90% of the guests in hindsight.

[Kikó]

It's not cutting anything in my mind. It gives you something else to look forward to beyond the slow march to death.

[Giggles]

I don't see it as part of the wedding so I'm not really cutting anything. Just pushing out a holiday. Though don't talk to me about guests, that list must be 75% of the headache.

[Danny]

'Will you marry me?'
'I don't see the point.'
'Ah go on.'
'Oh alright then, if you really want to.'

http://31.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lqkaa0cc7Z1r25534o1_500.gif

[Adamski]

It's not cutting anything in my mind. It gives you something else to look forward to beyond the slow march to death.

Yeah we did this too. Wedding in Italy then 6 months later Australia and Thailand. Not been happy since.

[Baz]

Where is hot and sunny in April that isn't Africa or Vegas?

21 degrees minimum preferably.

[Boydy]

Syria.

[Magic]

Tenerife.

[Adamski]

Where is hot and sunny in April that isn't Africa or Vegas?

21 degrees minimum preferably.

Thailand.

[Giggles]

Brighton.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Skeg Vegas.

[Magic]

Going to Europe with a backpack for five months. @Magic (http://www.thethirdhalf.co.uk/member.php?u=47) I'll send you a postcard from Sarajevo.

May as well go to Saudi these days.

[Kikó]

The algarve.

Booked Warsaw for May bank holiday. Mates a pole so it's free accommodation.

[Raoul Duke]

Some good suggestions on here: https://www.theguardian.com/travel/ng-interactive/2017/jan/07/where-to-go-on-holiday-in-2017-the-hot-list

[Giggles]

Hull :D

That's as far as I got.

[Raoul Duke]

That's just the UK bit

[igor_balis]

Going to Liverpool next weekend with a lady friend. Should be quite fun. I had a fairly shit and boring time as a student there, but that was because I was shit at being a student.

My companion certainly enjoys a drink, so I think the majority of our time there will be spent getting wasted in the various fun pubs and bars and stuff. Mostly looking forward to going here:

http://www.theartschoolrestaurant.co.uk/

Partridge to start and pheasant main. :drool:

[Lewis]

Some of the Hull culture stuff will be mega, but quite a lot of it is basically every no-mark 'writer' and musician coming out of the woodwork for a platform. There was a funky projection thing on all week, and that was supplemented with some shite about immigrants and unemployed young people bemoaning their circumstances.

[Bam]

I went to Hull a few years ago, the father in law comes from that dump. I went in a shop to buy some fags and the shopkeeper nearly had a hart attack when I pulled out a pink nifty, he didn't even think he'd have the change in the till for it! Peasant. :D

[Baz]

How do you pronounce Krakow? Like Crackov?

Going there in February.

[Magic]

Crack ow. Like American Mos cow.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Baz is closer.

W's in the Polish alphabet are effectively our V's.

The last O is like a U though.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Pl-Krak%C3%B3w.ogg

They'll lol at you if you say it like Magic though.

[Giggles]

Any Polish people I know all say the W as a W, not a V.

[phonics]

My favourite was the Swede housemate I had for a year.

"See you in Yanuary!"

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Any Polish people I know all say the W as a W, not a V.

Probably to avoid confusion with those who don't know that it's pronounced as a V.

[igor_balis]

my polski surname has a W in it, and I can assure you all that it is pronounced as a V

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

My favourite was the Swede housemate I had for a year.

"See you in Yanuary!"

I've always liked "It's half past to...".

I've know some Germans and Poles who said that when trying to tell the time in English.

[Magic]

My Russian colleague informs me that their Ks are silent if they start a word. Also that it's Muuuuuskva.

[Giggles]

Probably to avoid confusion with those who don't know that it's pronounced as a V.

As if any Pole here wouldn't be arrogant enough to make allowances. We're lucky they even try a bit of English.

[Baz]

Anyway, are Auschwitz and that salt mine worth a day trip? I'm only there three so they'd both be done on the same day to make allowances to take advantage of 50p pints. Unless that's just urban legend? :uhoh:

Also the Dublin stag do has been confirmed. July 28th, I think. See you in the Half Penny, Giggles.

[Magic]

If you're on a stag do Auschwitz is a must.

[Giggles]

Anyway, are Auschwitz and that salt mine worth a day trip? I'm only there three so they'd both be done on the same day to make allowances to take advantage of 50p pints. Unless that's just urban legend? :uhoh:

Also the Dublin stag do has been confirmed. July 28th, I think. See you in the Half Penny, Giggles.

Both are worth doing but you won't do them the same day, they're opposite directions. If I were you I'd do the stag bit (everything is piss cheap) and go back some time for those.

And, no you won't! I'm on the dry anyway. You won't stay in the Hapenny long as it's quiet but get a couple of pints of O'Haras and one of their epic toasted sambos for soakage.

[Offshore Toon]

Just go to Auschwitz with cans and have a laugh. Its been fucking ages and I bet nobody ever tries to have a good time there.

[Baz]

Krakow isn't a stag do. I'm with the wife. :dc:

Also: https://m.viator.com/tour/krakow/day-trip-to-auschwitz-birkenau-and-wieliczka-salt-mine-from-krakow-including-lunch/0-20231P1/info.htm?pos=3

Same day?

[Offshore Toon]

Crack ow. Like American Mos cow.
Were you trying to trick Baz or did you actually think that was right?

[Giggles]

Krakow isn't a stag do. I'm with the wife. :dc:

Also: https://m.viator.com/tour/krakow/day-trip-to-auschwitz-birkenau-and-wieliczka-salt-mine-from-krakow-including-lunch/0-20231P1/info.htm?pos=3

Same day?

Happy days. Go for it so, they are definitely worth a look. I loved the Salt Mines especially.

Definitely going back some day as we never fitted Zakopane in our trip last time and loads have told me since that it's a must if you've loads of time.

[Magic]

Were you trying to trick Baz or did you actually think that was right?

:baz:

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Happy days. Go for it so, they are definitely worth a look. I loved the Salt Mines especially.

Definitely going back some day as we never fitted Zakopane in our trip last time and loads have told me since that it's a must if you've loads of time.

I've still yet to go to the salt mines but Zakopane is beautiful, especially morskie oko.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Oh and I didn't go, but my cousins have told me that Czarny Staw is even better than Morskie Oko.

It takes about 50 minutes to walk up there apparently.

[-james-]

In Greece for a bit visiting parents. Fucking freezing.

http://i.imgur.com/mOyvJfM.png

So I'm mostly sat by the fire all day.


Every time I come back though I remember how good the food here is. Not arsed about stifado or stuffed cabbage leaves, people and restaurants here are so boring with what they do with their food, but the quality of ingredients just pisses on everything you get in the UK.

Had some brilliant sardines and squid yesterday. Even simple shit like lentil and squash tastes better. Also had the best potato i've ever tasted with a dollop of fresh harissa on the side today.

My IBS symptoms have vanished as well. What a coincidence.

[Giggles]

I never knew Greece got that cold.

[-james-]

It usually sits around zero I think, it rarely gets this cold. Ocassionally get a fuckton of snow. Had about half an inch on Wednesday night and it's still there.

Went on a pleasant walk earlier:

http://i.imgur.com/AHXUfr5.jpg

[Mellberg]

Hungover in Vegas, which is just as batshit as expected. Since the last post we've done Tulsa, Oaklahoma, Amarillo (Texas is brilliant), Albuquerque, Flagstaff (stunning), the Grand Canyon and now here. Despite the ridiculous and forever changing scenery I'm getting sick of driving, having done four timezones and north to south since the 27th, so it's straight to LA and San Diego from here (via the Hoover Dam) to relax for the last few days. I'd like to live here one day. The smaller cities and towns have left the biggest impression. Everyone is so friendly and accomodating. Far cry from the endless line of miserable cunts back home.

Vegas though :cool:

https://s30.postimg.org/5udf0odf5/20170108_040655.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/froftql0t/)

[Jimmy Floyd]

The main thing I noticed in America was that it was untouched by the hand of Blair. That quality, whatever it is, no doubt manifests itself in different ways to different people, but the confidence in and happiness with their own way of life (not to sound UKIP, but you know what I mean) was tangible.

[Mellberg]

I know exactly what you mean. It probably all ties into the flag and 'America, fuck yeah', but I can sense that...satisfaction across the country. Although I haven't spent as much time in poverty stricken shitholes as I do in England, one hairy moment at a garage in Chicago aside.

[Magic]

I never knew Greece got that cold.

https://scontent-lhr3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/15940767_1259718300775816_8970000693263606816_n.jp g?oh=1ffaaca43e96c9d050daa46c2ecdab70&oe=5919C7FD

[Giggles]

We're supposed to get snow this week.

[phonics]

Was minus 7 here over the weekend. Fuck this. I hate winter.

[Offshore Toon]

I don't think I've ever experienced anything less than about -5. I can't imagine what fucking -40 is like.

[Kikó]

My brother in law was in Moscow this week and it was -29. Absolutely mental.

[Magic]

I've had -18 when it was 2010. It just feels like something constantly attacking you. -40 + windchill = RIP

[Giggles]

Was -14 at my gaff in NI during the mad cold winter in 2010. I'd an icicle 6 inches long hanging from my kitchen taps for 4 days. No heating, I was bringing water home in 2l bottles from work and didn't let the fire out for days. Couldn't even flush the shitter as the ballcock was frozen in the bottom of the sistern.

[Boydy]

Mellberg did you have to get a visa to go to the US?

[Magic]

Was -14 at my gaff in NI during the mad cold winter in 2010. I'd an icicle 6 inches long hanging from my kitchen taps for 4 days. No heating, I was bringing water home in 2l bottles from work and didn't let the fire out for days. Couldn't even flush the shitter as the ballcock was frozen in the bottom of the sistern.

Indeed, our heating gave up below -10 because the condensate pipe kept freezing. Had to saw it in half and re-route downstairs via a bit of plastic flexipipe and in to the kitchen sink.

[Giggles]

Indeed, our heating gave up below -10 because the condensate pipe kept freezing. Had to saw it in half and re-route downstairs via a bit of plastic flexipipe and in to the kitchen sink.

I had the real fun when the thaw happened. Couple of pipes upstairs burst and there was waterfalls down the living room walls before I noticed. The landlord had renovated, turning half the attic into a room, but he left the other half with no access and that's where the pipes were. Had to saw a hole in the attic room wall to get in to repair them :nono:

[Jimmy Floyd]

I can't even comprehend anything colder than about -10. I mean, what does it even feel like? You're icing the hell up at -5.

[phonics]

It feels like you're in physical pain walking from the doorstep to the car.

[wullie]

I've had -30 in Edmonton. You don't realise how many nasal hairs you have until you feel them freeze.

[Kikó]

Anyone got any good plumbing anecdotes?

[Mellberg]

It was -9 in Flagstaff. The missus wanted to go on the piss. I lolled and we watched Office Space instead.


Mellberg did you have to get a visa to go to the US?

Was supposed to due to being a threat to society. Unfortunately I'm also a lying bastard, so just blagged my ESTA.

[Boydy]

What's that? The waiver form you fill in on the way over?

Did they not even check? I'd be far too scared to do that.

[Giggles]

You fill out the ESTA form online and print out the cert. Costs a few quid and you've to show it during the US immigration checks.

[Mellberg]

Online before you leave. Costs about a tenner, but required for entry (unless you obtain a visa).

Nothing. He asked a couple of questions, but only standardised stuff. They can't just drag this stuff up (airport staff anyway). They have to suspect something's up at the time and then make a request to view the records through whoever.

[Foe]

Trump will be on the phone soon enough lad.

You're right though, there's some bloody brilliant little towns in Texas. Wandering around "antique" shops in little hick/cowboy towns is great fun. Far more enjoyable that roaming about a massive bore of a city like Houston.

Austin was great, and there's a couple of really cool towns down by corpus Christie that look like they get wiped out on a ten yearly basis by hurricanes.

[Giggles]

I want to go back to Austin just to drive down to Kreutz again. Never missed it any time I was there.

[ScousePig]

I don't think I've ever experienced anything less than about -5. I can't imagine what fucking -40 is like.

On the other end of the spectrum, when I've been travelling and it's been in the low 30s I thought I wouldn't be able to cope with much higher. Then I went to Madrid and it was 42 degrees and it wasn't that bad really. It wasn't like I was sunbathing in it or anything, but it was bearable walking around.

[Raoul Duke]

Madrid is nice and high though, so it's dry heat. If you're somewhere more humid you'd probably croak.

Lisbon in the summer was 35 at night. Fuck off.

[Offshore Toon]

Well, it was low 30s one day in the summer and I spent that day in central London before flying back to Jersey. It was fucking terrible. Even the next day at about 27 in Jersey walking out of the office was like walking into a sauna.

[Offshore Toon]

Also, Belgium in the summer is so humid. I woke up every morning at Rock Werchter (2011) and Dour (2016) at about 9 soaked with sweat and then clamoured to open the tent and just flopped half out trying to survive. Definitely need a marquee for that, and tin foil around your tent.

[ScousePig]

I remember being in Berlin and it stayed high 20s right through towards midnight and that was uncomfortable.

[igor_balis]

I struggle to sleep in anything above about 10 tbh

[Pen]

I can't even comprehend anything colder than about -10. I mean, what does it even feel like? You're icing the hell up at -5.


It feels like you're in physical pain walking from the doorstep to the car.

Phonics is being a bit dramatic. I went for an hours walk a week or so ago when it was just under -20c. It does feel a bit annoying after a while on your cheeks, but otherwise its not that bad. Even -10c with proper wind chill is hell though.

[Magic]

Looking at flying from Manchester to Faro in either June or October. It's more than half the fucking price (£200 return for the 3 of us) which means it's worth double the hassle.

June might be too hot though, but October we had a couple of pissy days and it was quite cold at night. Hmm.

[Giggles]

Would you not be better driving?

[Magic]

Ok booked 8 days in June, for £322 that's including pre-booked seats and 1 20kg hand luggage both ways. Staying with my sister who's taking us to and picking us up from the airport. Not bad eh? Just need to get spending money sorted out.

[Giggles]

Ok booked 8 days in June, for £322 that's including pre-booked seats and 1 20kg hand luggage both ways. Staying with my sister who's taking us to and picking us up from the airport. Not bad eh? Just need to get spending money sorted out.

Is that one 20kg bag between you all?

[Magic]

Yeah and 3x10kg hand luggage suitcases.

EDIT: Bearing in mind we're staying with family, not hotel.

[Magic]

Lol look at me, cheeky promotion and lolworthy payrise and I've turned in to Kiko. Spain in April, Portugal in June. Next I'll have upgraded from Matalan jeans to NEXT!

[niko_cee]

You can probably game some luggage as baby items (I don't know how old that goes up to). Car seats are legit up until god knows when so you can probably get a bed that looks mysteriously like a suitcase waived through under that rule. I did once, but only because my idiot parents turned up and checked in their hand luggage, leaving me to try and finagle the actual checked bags through without having to pay a fortune.

[Magic]

We got a booster seat over there but mostly don't bother. Somehow it's alright in an almost 3rd world country with appalling driving safety.

[niko_cee]

It's alright if you stay on the toll road as almost no one else uses it, particularly not the drunk locals.

I thought the Algarve was pretty shit in October so June sounds a better bet. That said, it looked like it had the capacity to be shit in any weather.

[Adamski]

It is pretty shit. Full of twats who think they're too refined for the Costa Del sol so they go one micro step step further up the ladder.

Kind of sums Magic up to be honest.

[Magic]

Step step what is it a fucking boogie. Cunt.

[Giggles]

twats who think they're too refined

Maybe he really is the new kiko.

[Adamski]

Maybe he really is the new kiko.

The Dunnes Store equivalent.

[Giggles]

A less cuntish one anyway.

[Magic]

That's a serious compliment right there. I aspire to be a less cuntish version of Kiko.

[Spikey M]

Lol look at me, cheeky promotion and lolworthy payrise and I've turned in to Kiko. Spain in April, Portugal in June. Next I'll have upgraded from Matalan jeans to NEXT!

Does Kiko only go on holidays you can collect vouchers in The Sun for too, then?

[Pepe]

Two days left. :(

[Kikó]

Nothing wrong with the£9.50 holidays.

[Magic]

FYI I just bought some Euros for 1.16. Probably the best rate it's ever going to be pre-BREXIT.

*checks before leaving in April*

1.57!!! Oh man!

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

:harold:

[Boydy]

Just booked a trip to Krakow for late April/early May.

[Giggles]

Just booked a trip to Krakow for late April/early May.

You won't regret that.

[Magic]

:D

I have no idea if that's sarcastic or not.

[Giggles]

:D now that I read it back...

It's not though. Class spot.

[Kikó]

I'm in Antwerp the weekend coming for a birthday. They apparently party very hard on their ridiculous strength beer. Rip.

[Magic]

Vhere is ze stooone?

[Kikó]

Drank some of the gin by the way. Very nice with tonic.

[Magic]

Is it 40%?

[Giggles]

I'm slowly building up to an excuse to miss Scotland :drool:

[Kikó]

Is it 40%?

37.5

[Magic]

37.5

I must get some but not at that price.

[Raoul Duke]

I'm in Antwerp the weekend coming for a birthday. They apparently party very hard on their ridiculous strength beer. Rip.

Cracking city - check out their train station: it's genuinely phenomenal. Double or triple (?) decked tracks, layered vertically on top of each other :drool:


I'm slowly building up to an excuse to miss Scotland :drool:

http://www.theofficialmissscotland.com ?

[Giggles]

If only.

[Offshore Toon]

Belgium and Belgians are great. Ridiculously friendly people.

[Boydy]

You won't regret that.


:D

I have no idea if that's sarcastic or not.


:D now that I read it back...

It's not though. Class spot.

I don't get it.

[Giggles]

Belgium and Belgians are great. Ridiculously friendly people.

The Dutch bit anyway.

[Giggles]

I don't get it.

He thought I meant you would regret it. But I didn't.

[Spoonsky]

You might though.

[Boydy]

Got any good recommendations?

[Giggles]

Got any good recommendations?

Loads. Depends on what you're into though.

[Adamski]

A Venn diagram of Boydy and Giggles shared interests.



http://syllabus.bostes.nsw.edu.au/assets/mathematicsk10/images/mutually_exclusive_events.png

[Boydy]

That's not true. We both like food and fags.

[Giggles]

That's not true. We both like food and fags.

I like smoking too.

[Giggles]

Though, and I can put my finger on why, Boydy is the only person on this board I'd happily go for a beverage with. Trufax.

[Baz]

Fuck you then.

[Giggles]

What? :D

[Boydy]

I like smoking too.
:moop:

In all seriousness though, what did you enjoy best there?

I'm gonna go to Auschwitz but beyond that I don't really know what else to do.

[Pleb]

Bants.

[Giggles]

:moop:

In all seriousness though, what did you enjoy best there?

I'm gonna go to Auschwitz but beyond that I don't really know what else to do.

You definitely have to see the Salt Mines when you're there. For the city itself, I'll let the billy bigshot brothers take it from here as you'll find I'll no doubt be WRONG and they probably own half of it.

[Magic]

:moop:

In all seriousness though, what did you enjoy best there?

I'm gonna go to Auschwitz but beyond that I don't really know what else to do.

Strange how the deaths of millions of Jews won't be the most miserable thing there.

[Giggles]

:D

[Giggles]

Does it ever not fucking rain in Scotland?

[Adamski]

I thought you werent coming over?

[Spikey M]

Does it ever not fucking rain in Scotland?

Mate. You live in fucking Dublin.

[niko_cee]

Scotland has a dank dreariness which makes it looks like it is raining, or has recently rained, even in glorious sunshine (those 3 weeks a year they take all the promotional photos). The endless seams of grey pebbledash across the central belt are relentlessly depressing.

[Adamski]

Mate. You live in fucking Dublin.

Significantly worse and significantly more expensive :cool:

[Adamski]

dank dreariness which makes it relentlessly depressing.

Somehow about Liverpool.

[Magic]

Scotland has a dank dreariness which makes it looks like it is raining, or has recently rained, even in glorious sunshine (those 3 weeks a year they take all the promotional photos). The endless seams of grey pebbledash across the central belt are relentlessly depressing.

Greenock/Peterhead.

[Jimmy Floyd]

The key with Scotland is never to go anywhere near a building of any kind. If you stick to that, it's a lovely country.

[Spikey M]

Significantly worse and significantly more expensive :cool:

It's a nice enough place, but it does nothing but fucking rain. He might as well be an Arab moaning about the sand in Egypt.

[niko_cee]

Somehow about Liverpool.

From my more limited experience I can only imagine it is worse.

[Giggles]

Significantly worse and significantly more expensive :cool:

Worse? Christ if it was worse than Glasgow we'd have let the Brits keep it. I'd imagine you'd have to go to Africa to find a bigger cesspit than Glasgow.

I just came over for the one night after the rest and skipped Edinburgh.

[Giggles]

One more jaunt and back in Ireland :cool:

[Davgooner]

Off to Hong Kong Friday. Had a bit of a scare with the BA strike days but everything looks kosher.

[Baz]

For Poland should I get Zloty or Euros?

[Giggles]

Zloty. They don't take euros.

[Kikó]

Pretty sure it's zloty.

[Giggles]

It was last August anyway. Though I don't keep abreast of current affairs so maybe they have joined the single currency in the meantime.

[Mike]

I'm being taken to York on a 'Romantic trip'
I've spent the morning singing Cliff Richards Summer Holiday, asking which sun cream I need and pretending to look for my passport. I've just been banished from the bedroom while she gets ready cos I'm 'a dick'. :cool2:

[leedsrevolution]

I'm being taken to York on a 'Romantic trip'
I've spent the morning singing Cliff Richards Summer Holiday, asking which sun cream I need and pretending to look for my passport. I've just been banished from the bedroom while she gets ready cos I'm 'a dick'. :cool2:

You want to be finding the house of trembling madness when your there. Great food and some nice ales. Can't recommend it enough.

[Adamski]

+1 for that. Had an awesome huntsmans platter type thing and some cracking beer.

[leedsrevolution]

+1 for that. Had an awesome huntsmans platter type thing and some cracking beer.

There platters are shit hot and not to expensive.

[Spoonsky]

Going to Prague for a week, what do I do?

[ScousePig]

I'm being taken to York on a 'Romantic trip'
I've spent the morning singing Cliff Richards Summer Holiday, asking which sun cream I need and pretending to look for my passport. I've just been banished from the bedroom while she gets ready cos I'm 'a dick'. :cool2:

I'm going to York tomorrow, to some trampoline park. Not sure why this was the chosen venue, but it'll probably be better than shopping.

To make this post more relevant, we've been thinking about where to go in the summer. I'd like to go somewhere in May as I have a fortnight off, but my girlfriend only has a week so it's awkward. I think it's likely to be a mixture of sightseeing and a beach holiday. Any recommendations? We've thought about the south of France, Barcelona and I've just thought of Dubrovnik. I've been to them all before but would happily go back.

[Spoonsky]

The area around Naples with Sorrento, Ischia, Pompeii etc seems good for that.

[ScousePig]

Yeah I went a couple of years back. It is, although I spent every day on an excursion.

[Mazuuurk]

Going to Prague for a week, what do I do?

Eat duck and drink a load of beer. There's some architecture to look at if you're into that.
Maybe go on a boat.

[hfswjyr]

Going to Prague for a week, what do I do?

Do the communist nuclear bunker tour. Learn about the communist vs. western history.
Drink cheap beer outside the city square.
Don't have high expectations for the astronomical clock ticking over the hour.
Charles Bridge
Lennon Wall
There's a fun statue of Sigmund Freud hanging off a building.

My favourite European city.

[Giggles]

Going to Prague for a week, what do I do?

Go find some prossies. That's the only reason my best man wants to take me there anyway.

[Magic]

Do the communist nuclear bunker tour. Learn about the communist vs. western history.
Drink cheap beer outside the city square.
Don't have high expectations for the astronomical clock ticking over the hour.
Charles Bridge
Lennon Wall
There's a fun statue of Sigmund Freud hanging off a building.

My favourite European city.

Sounds exciting.

https://afkmods.iguanadons.net/public/style_emoticons/default/unsure.png

[Adamski]

Is Aldridge Lodge in Waterford well thought of over there in fairy land Giggles?

[Giggles]

Never heard of it and that's my home area. Is it near the city? Waterford itself is a massive kip.

[John Arne]

I was in Hong Kong last week. I used to love the place - but last weekend was insufferable. Way too busy, people constantly fucking bumping into you, and to top it off, it was $10 a beer.
Nice weather, though.

[Adamski]

Never heard of it and that's my home area. Is it near the city? Waterford itself is a massive kip.

Duncannon according to Google Maps.

[Giggles]

Ah yeah the Wexford end. If it was in the summer you'd be near Curracloe and Tramore which are nice in the good weather.

[Adamski]

Aye it says Wexford actually not Waterford. Dunno where I got that.

[Giggles]

Aye it says Wexford actually not Waterford. Dunno where I got that.

You'd be very close to Waterford city too, though where Duncannon is it'd take about an hour to drive or ferry across. There's a couple of good historical sights in New Ross and Enniscorthy but probably nothing I could see you being interested in (Vinegar Hill, 1798 center, Dunbrody, etc). Very quiet part of the world in itself around Duncannon.

[Davgooner]

Enjoyed Hong Kong; had eight nights and was just about perfect in getting to everywhere I wanted to go. Also uncovered a couple of things I hadn't planned on seeing. Swerved the trip to Macau as by all accounts it's a massive tourist trap and I didn't really fancy giving up a day of the trip to it. If I get back there I'll give it a go and probably explore more of the south side of the island: Repulse Bay and Stanley fort need a look. Had three days over on the mainland as well; much more crowded and the if you're a westerner walking up and down Nathan Rd you need to be prepared to do battle with a shit-ton of Indian tailors who are persistent fuckers to say the least.

I'm looking at Singapore for the same time next year, but think I'll swerve BA this time. As much as I love a direct flight on their 380s, their business class is well below most others despite being on the pricey side. Finnair and Qatar are both coming in £1200 cheaper and even with a stop involved that's too good to ignore.

[Spoonsky]

Anyone going to Prague has got to check out the bone church at Kutna Hora. Heavy metal to say the least.

[-james-]

Planning 6 odd weeks in Spain and Portugal in May & June. Anywhere I might not have heard of that's essential?

[Raoul Duke]

Planning 6 odd weeks in Spain and Portugal in May & June. Anywhere I might not have heard of that's essential?

Whereabouts are you going there?

[-james-]

To as many places as possible without having to spend most of it on trains

We have this so far:

13-15 May: Porto
15-20 May: Lisbon (w/ day trips)
21-24 May: (fly to) Seville
25-26 May: Granada
27-29 May: Malaga
30-31 May: Cadiz
31 May - 4 June: (fly to) Barcelona
5-8 June: Valencia
9-15 June: Madrid (w/ day trips to Segovia, Burgos, Toledo)
16-18 June: Bilbao
19 June: Pamplona
20-21 June: San Sebastian

[Giggles]

You'll need another holiday when you come home after all the travelling.

[Adamski]

Doing Malaga end of April with Sevilla and then Barca, Bilbao and San Sebastián in July. Cadiz is meant to be awesome.

Think you've covered most bases there.

Looking at Marrakech for Aug/Sep.

[Raoul Duke]

To as many places as possible without having to spend most of it on trains

We have this so far:

13-15 May: Porto
15-20 May: Lisbon (w/ day trips)
21-24 May: (fly to) Seville
25-26 May: Granada
27-29 May: Malaga
30-31 May: Cadiz
31 May - 4 June: (fly to) Barcelona
5-8 June: Valencia
9-15 June: Madrid (w/ day trips to Segovia, Burgos, Toledo)
16-18 June: Bilbao
19 June: Pamplona
20-21 June: San Sebastian

Looks like a cracking list.

The only place I can otherwise recommend is Biarritz. I can give some Lisbon-related tips if you'd like - went last summer.

[Raoul Duke]

Looking at Marrakech for Aug/Sep.

We went a few years ago. It was ace.

Stayed at Riad Massiba: https://www.booking.com/hotel/ma/riad-massiba.en-gb.html?aid=311076;label=riad-massiba-vXiSex8cnQ_X5S9PicVhtwS169283021681%3Apl%3Ata%3Ap1 %3Ap2%3Aac%3Aap1t1%3Aneg%3Afi%3Atikwd-14138375797%3Alp9045999%3Ali%3Adec%3Adm;sid=08144b 442aa49557fb51aea5856de713;dest_id=-38833;dest_type=city;dist=0;hpos=1;room1=A%2CA;sb_ price_type=total;srfid=8812f1ffb7b5047ec0da2167ac7 604b99792f382X1;type=total;ucfs=1&

Went for a tour out to the Atlas Mountains / Kasbah Hit Benhaddou with these guys: http://www.mhidi-travel-morocco.com / https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Attraction_Review-g293734-d6553456-Reviews-Mhidi_Travel-Marrakech_Marrakech_Tensift_El_Haouz_Region.html

[Adamski]

Sweet cheers.

How do the Riads work? Are they just essentially boutique hotels?

[Jimmy Floyd]

To as many places as possible without having to spend most of it on trains

We have this so far:

13-15 May: Porto
15-20 May: Lisbon (w/ day trips)
21-24 May: (fly to) Seville
25-26 May: Granada
27-29 May: Malaga
30-31 May: Cadiz
31 May - 4 June: (fly to) Barcelona
5-8 June: Valencia
9-15 June: Madrid (w/ day trips to Segovia, Burgos, Toledo)
16-18 June: Bilbao
19 June: Pamplona
20-21 June: San Sebastian

Córdoba and/or Jerez are worth a dig if you're short during this sort of period. Probably half to three quarters of a day's worth of stuff in each.

[Raoul Duke]

Sweet cheers.

How do the Riads work? Are they just essentially boutique hotels?

Yeah - sorta like a high-end B&B and a mini-hotel. Usually a bunch of rooms facing a courtyard.

[Ian]

Looks like I'm off for a few nights in Lithuania in June. Place called Palanga. Looks nice and the flights/accommodation isn't going to cost much either.

[Giggles]

We were racking our brains the other night trying to think of a honeymoon but coming up completely empty. Might have a chat with an agent to see have they any good ideas but, failing that, I'm happy not to have one at all. Money far better spent elsewhere.

[Raoul Duke]

Yeah, fuck that. Who needs a nice holiday.

[Boydy]

Not Lewis.

[Giggles]

Yeah, fuck that. Who needs a nice holiday.

When there's nowhere we seem to want to go then precisely; who needs it? She did all her travelling before we met and I never had any interest in it, but I'll still go and see what an agent can sell us on.

A nice holiday to me is a couple of weeks off work. If i never left the house then so be it. At least when you go back to work all you're missing is a few photos but you've gained a couple of grand.

[Demerit]

Off to Cancun for Spring Break in around 24 hours.

Aiming to travel approximately 100 metres from the hotel in the evenings. Looking to find myself.

[Pepe]

Should go to Playa del Carmen instead.

[Boydy]

Spring Break?

[Adamski]

Very impressive to run an estate agents at age 18-22 Demerit.

[Demerit]

Very impressive to run an estate agents at age 18-22 Demerit.

You say it tongue in cheek but I did set it up when I was 20.. 26 now

[Raoul Duke]

Girls with low self esteem :drool:

[Magic]

You say it tongue in cheek but I did set it up when I was 20.. 26 now

Love it when mini John gets schooled.

[Adamski]

Love it when Magic doesn't understand the subplot.

[Magic]

Our banter is shit.

[Adamski]

Our banter is shit.

You want to see some cunt on another forum I read trying to rhyme Crab with Nap then come back to me.

[ItalAussie]

To as many places as possible without having to spend most of it on trains

We have this so far:

13-15 May: Porto
15-20 May: Lisbon (w/ day trips)
21-24 May: (fly to) Seville
25-26 May: Granada
27-29 May: Malaga
30-31 May: Cadiz
31 May - 4 June: (fly to) Barcelona
5-8 June: Valencia
9-15 June: Madrid (w/ day trips to Segovia, Burgos, Toledo)
16-18 June: Bilbao
19 June: Pamplona
20-21 June: San Sebastian

I just want to throw in here that Segovia is one of my favourite towns in the whole world.

My friend got married there a few years back (his wife is from there), and it's just amazing.

[phonics]

With every passing holiday, I'm more and more tempted to just go holiday in Naples for the rest of my life. It's a complete dump run by the Mafia but my word is it great to just sit around, eat an inordinately cheap pizza and lol at the large statues of Rafa Benitez.

[Spoonsky]

Arrived in Albania this morning, I'm in the Balkans for 2 months with no plans so hit me with recommendations, those of you who've been there.

[Magic]

Are you on your own? Sounds incredible. Apparently Kosovo is lovely (but brutal). I've always wanted to go to Visegrad to see the bridge.

[-james-]

If you're interested in Greece:

Camping on Samothrace. It's untouched by tourism as far as I'm aware, there are great hikes, hot springs, and thousands of goats.

Northern Greece in general has loads of great hiking opportunities. Valia Kalda, Zagorochoria and Vikos Gorge are all great if you can find someone to show you around. Meteora is an obvious shout as well.

May is probably the best time to hit the Aegean as well. Depends on what you're into and if you want to go that far south i guess. You can usually get fairly cheap flights from Salonika.

[Magic]

Was that meant for the Relationship thread, mate?

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Thinking of flying on Sunday to somewhere at least moderately hot for 5 days to try and clear my head.

Algarve is popping up a bit, anywhere else I should be thinking of?

[Bam]

Booked a villa in Spain for June. I'm going to hire a car, have any of you drove on the right side, if so did it take long to get used to it?

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

No time at all unless you're a mong.

[Pen]

Arrived in Albania this morning, I'm in the Balkans for 2 months with no plans so hit me with recommendations, those of you who've been there.

My mate have been raving about Albania and I was supposed to go there too as me and the missus are doing a Balkan trip too, but it's starting to look like we will have to skip Albania as three weeks just isn't enough when you start from Pula and start to make your way east from there. Post all the great finds from Croatia, Bosnia and Montenegro here for tips as we come there when you leave.

[7om]

Nah, you should be alright, Bam. Took me a little while to get used to it in Murica but if you take it easy at first you'll soon get the hang of it. Just don't drive on instinct at all. Question every maneuver before you do it, that's how I stayed safe to begin with.

[Bam]

I think the roundabouts are going to take some getting used to. :D

[Adamski]

Thinking of flying on Sunday to somewhere at least moderately hot for 5 days to try and clear my head.

Algarve is popping up a bit, anywhere else I should be thinking of?

Malta or Madeira.

[Bam]

Thankfully the route from the airport to the villa is pretty much a motorway and then a few back streets at the end.

[Giggles]

I drove the wrong way down an off-ramp and ended up facing the wrong way on a 6 lane highway a couple of miles from Bergstrom the first time I did it, but luckily I got turned around and it was the kick in the hole I needed to concentrate more.

[Offshore Toon]

Don't go to Madeira, Mahow.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

More suited for 2001/2?

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

https://goo.gl/pmJm19

That doesn't look too bad, despite the strangely shaped pool.

[7om]

I think the roundabouts are going to take some getting used to. :D

For me it was intersections. It's a proper mindfuck the first few times you approach them and everything you've ever experienced is the exact opposite. You'll be fine, though.