Menopause Matters Forum
General Discussion => This 'n' That => Topic started by: CLKD on January 04, 2014, 07:51:54 PM
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Any plans?
Northumberland
Scotland
Kielder Reservoir
Derbyshire
Brighton
Longleat
Chatsworth
Coventry
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Nothing planned yet. Hubby gets to choose this year as he has a big birthday. He's looking at twin centres Canada/USA. Better get over my not wanting to do long flights thing, hadn't I? ;)
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:o ……….. no way would I fly, I would love to go to the Italian Lakes but it's too far: yet. Will you go?
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Let's put it this way CLKD, I'm not letting him go himself. ;) I would love to see Canada & other parts of US. Been to Florida 3 times, Washington once & Boston once. Seen enough of Caribbean. Europe would be good, but doubt he will want to go in that direction. Sure I can bite the bullet. Would have to load up on Rescue Remedy though.
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A cruise?
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Nope that won't work either. The thought of suffering with sea sickness is more terrifying. Plus hubby can't stand having to tart himself up for dinners. I have a friend who has been on many cruises & she's the one who hates dressing up. Says she can't relax, but she goes because her hubby likes them.
I suggested that we go somewhere so all the family can meet up for a celebration instead & could still be a holiday. But he doesn't fancy that & family say he should go somewhere fancy with me.
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<sigh>
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Not sure where I fancy going this year. We went to Northern Portugal last week and had a lovely week away.
What I'd love is at least a couple of weeks away but I know it's not going to happen. A week is my hubby's limit.
I would love a long rail journey but that isn't going to happen either.
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Hi cubagirl
I'm in canada and the flight isn't so bad (even for me who hates flying) although admittedly I'm on the east'ish side. Going to Vancouver would be longer ....
I'm going to naples Florida in February for the first time!
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No holiday for us this year or last year due to finances. Saves all that worrying though - trying to look on the positive side! ;D
Taz x
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Its ok CLKD, I'll work on him somehow. ;)
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Off for out long stay Spring break in March to S.Spain if I am discharged by my Consultants..will take a break in Cotswolds as well before UK Summer gets to hot ::) not sure yet about Autumn/Winter break, will see how finances go..Hope you all enjoy your breaks, Taz maybe you could take a few days out somewhere just for a change of scenery.. :-*
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Our caravan on the East coast!!!
But, much as I love the caravan (good job, with what it costs!), I hanker after just a weekend of someone doing everything for me ... might have to have to drop some heavy hints with hubby a little later in the year!! I'd love to try Warners (all-inclusive, adults only hotels).
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Our caravan on the East coast!!!
But, much as I love the caravan (good job, with what it costs!), I hanker after just a weekend of someone doing everything for me ... might have to have to drop some heavy hints with hubby a little later in the year!! I'd love to try Warners (all-inclusive, adults only hotels).
I know several people who go to Warner's and they all highly recommend it. I might take mum there for a few days actually. They have special events and if there was an Irish weekend I'm sure she'd love that. Apparently the food is wonderful too and the accommodation is very good.
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Well after all my moans about not wanting to go long haul, this year, looks like we are. I've bitten the bullet & said as it's a big birthday for hubby, I will be brave. ;) So considering Canada, coming back on a daytime flight as opposed to the red eye. I may be able to cope with that better as I will have had a good sleep the night before. No firm plans yet as hubby usually faffs about choosing holidays. Watch this space ladies. ;)
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Canada is lovely! according to the tourist blurb ;)
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Speaking of Warners - I made hubby laugh over this. You know the advert for Warners where a couple are gardening at home whilst their neighbours are off enjoying all sorts of activities on their Warner's break? Well I said to hubby that the "garden" woman was like me and the "neighbours" were like our friends who are always off enjoying trips!
It tickled hubby because the garden woman did actually remind him a bit of me with what she said about preferring to have peace and quiet at home and she even looked a bit like me- especially the grin at the end. ;D
Ariadne xx
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;D - it's the curtain twitching that makes me giggle in that advert, we don't have curtains ??? ::) .......... I feel sorry for the poor husband though ;)
We are purchasing of a 'drive-away' awning soon to lop onto the side of the camper ........ :bounce:
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Istanbul for a city break in March plus our usual 2 wk stay in Fuerteventura in September. Not sure about the other week, it will depend on dog kennel availability as much as anything ::)
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So book the kennel now :-\
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Well apparently Canada is now off the cards. :( Wants to holiday in UK now, as Canada too expensive apparently. Ah well it was nice to dream.
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So - DH and I love:
Northumberland
Derbyshire
Brighton/Lewes [from where a train to mainland Europe could be taken ;) ]
The Italian Lakes
Lake Annecy apparently is lovely
Or you could have long weekends across the UK or into Europe - spread out the celebrations?
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Well the Italian lakes would be lovely. We went to Lake Garda in '79. Stunning. Hotel was the pits though, so himself has refused to ever go again! It was our first venture abroad as a couple. Didn't go abroad again until '93. That was Regensburg in Germany.
Goodness knows where we'll end up. He says he'll give it some thought, which will probably involve me giving him a good kick. ;)
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Interesting thread ladies. I was never good at holidays as for most of my 20s and 30s I had annual surgeries so could never get insurance. It then got to the point I didn't want to go away. My husband is ex navy and loves travelling so it caused problems. Life changed and I realised I MUST go on holiday to get away from 'stuff'. Last November we went on a cruise, it was on cunard QM2. Bit posh to be honest. You did have to dress up for dinner but as it was only 5 days we coped! Very expensive for wine. Apart from that we loved it! I didn't even feel I was at sea as the ship is so big so no sea sickness or anything. Would def recommend . :)
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I think European travel has improved ;) ……. you could hire a motor home and choose your camp sites/aires ?
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We went to the Italian Riviera last year. When on a trip to Venice. What a place, absolutely amazing.
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So book the kennel now :-\
Can't do that until which week we will take off to go somewhere - and there's also the possibility that we'll pick somewhere in the uk and the dogs can come with us :)
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In the 1940s my Dad went to Chamonix. He stayed: twice : at a Hotel there meeting the young family whose Grandparents ran the place. Dad talked about the Hotel and area a lot during my childhood but I didn't take much notice.
In the mid 1970s a young ski instructor moved 3 doors down from my parents. He lived in Chamoinix and stayed: at *that* Hotel :o ……… so Dad wrote to the family via this instructor and - cut long story short - Mum is still in contact with the grand-daughter. I have this evening looked up her address and it looks stunning in the snow. Of course, I want to pack up and go, NOW ;D before I change my mind. I don't know how old she is but probably mid-70s. Would love to meet her and complete the circle. So: having the camper now ………. full Passport …….. (watch this space)
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Just booked a med cruise today for September. Hope meno symptoms stay under control. :)
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Chamonix is beautiful. We went in the summer one year. Took cable car to top of Aguilla Du Midi. Got stunning pictures of glaciers. It was over 10,000 feet up. Some folk were suffering with altitude sickness, so we swapped our tickets with them, so they could get down again asap. Also did a chairlift ride up another mountain & got left dangling for about 30 minutes. Now hubby & I not too good with heights. It didn't feel too bad though as due to angle, we were only about 15 feet off nearest bit of ground, but it was still pretty far up the mountain. Great views though.
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DH would go on a cable car leaving me at the bottom with a Coke ::)
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Speaking of Warners - I made hubby laugh over this. You know the advert for Warners where a couple are gardening at home whilst their neighbours are off enjoying all sorts of activities on their Warner's break? Well I said to hubby that the "garden" woman was like me and the "neighbours" were like our friends who are always off enjoying trips!
It tickled hubby because the garden woman did actually remind him a bit of me with what she said about preferring to have peace and quiet at home and she even looked a bit like me- especially the grin at the end. ;D
Ariadne xx
Love the Ad for Warners Ariadne, the one of Colin dreaming he's on his holidays is good too ..... until the 'wife' wakes him up !
Meggie
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Off to Spain for a month
UK for 3 weeks too
Meggie
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At this time of year? Who is caring for your property? Where in the UK? Are U going B&B, hotels, family?
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At this time of year? Who is caring for your property? Where in the UK? Are U going B&B, hotels, family?
Spain - close to Malaga - considerably warmer than the weather here at mo .... it's pants. Property will be safe and secure - Gendarmerie have all info and will 'keep an eye out' and they know our friends have keys if needed. Neighbour over the road misses NOTHING - a car passes and she is out of her chair to see who it is !!
As for UK - off to friends in Burton on Trent - Son & Daughter live within 5 miles as are family.
Meggie
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Couple of hours from us then ;) DH does archery near Burton sometimes!
ENJOY!
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Has anyone been to Chamonix?
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Yep, see my earlier post CLKD. It's a beautiful place. We were able to make use is someone's appartmernt, chap hubby knew through work had bought a one room place, beside some shops, handy for bakers in the morning.
It would be quite a drive in your camper though. We flew to Geneva & got a transfer to Chamonix.
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Sorry - missed that, or read it and the details went straight in one side and out the other ::)
Don't fly, hence the camper. Looked on Google Maps destinations last night and it would take 9-12 hours so would need to stop a couple of nights. Awning arrived this morning :bounce:
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We will have been married 30 years this July, but last year we went to NZ for a month to visit our daughter and it cost a fortune. So we are going to go to away for a long weekend somewhere.
But I have decided to have a tasteful for your eyes only photo shoot, :o. For our 30th and then a weekend away, so want to get this VA sorted out before then. ;D
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How will you get across the channel CLKD ? Over or under.
Started looking at a few places. We can't go too far away and the phone signal has to be good. Mother is just too old now and despite some not so gentle hints about respite care she is digging her heels in :-\
Looking at an artist's village on the West Coast that appeals to hubby. It does look very pretty and I have not been there before although we have stayed in the general area quite a few times.
Honeyb
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Under ………...
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I get a bit claustrophobic and after all those people got stuck in the tunnel it kind of put me off. On the other hand if it's a rough crossing then :sick02:
Between a rock and a hard place there.
Honeyb
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Hubby & son will be going under when going to Belgian Grand Prix in August. Only takes about 30 minutes of being under apparently. Daughter's partner went to France that way last year, said it wasn't too bad. Me, it's the water above the tunnel that would bother me. Never liked the Clyde Tunnel for same reason, but thought it great when I was a lot younger. The older I get the more :-\ I become!
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I used to try and hold my breath going through the Clyde tunnel as a child. I still do the same now. ;D
I really hate it though because 30 odd years ago my car broke down in the tunnel and I had to climb up onto the very narrow walkway to call for help. I was terrified.
I hate being in a confined place with strangers. One of the many reasons I don't especially like flying although I will do it.
Honeyb
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I hate strangers ;D ……. though easier to travel with than friends who want to chat ::)
I never think about all that water above. Nor do I think about all that sky above, until it rains and rains, and …….
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I wonder if I could ask any of you well travelled ladies if you have driven from Calais through to the East coast of Spain and which route you would recommend. A dear friend of mine and her husband are driving with their 2 dogs to Spain in May. They can't decide whether to go on the Eurotunnel and drive through France to Spain or whether to get the ferry to Santander and drive across Spain.
He is not too sure about driving abroad - has done it a couple of times, hated it and hardly drove anywhere. So you would think they would choose the ferry, but they are worried about a long ferry trip with the dogs. The dogs love travelling in the car so at the moment they are preferring that. But they want to choose a route that doesnt go near Paris as they are worried about city traffic.
Has anyone any advice?
Thanks
Ariadne xx
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Roads have improved in mainland Europe in recent years. How old are the people in question? how much driving do they do anyway?
Making sure that they have good car insurance for driving abroad as well as pet insurance which covers kennelling should it be required. Have their dogs been Passport checked? It takes 7/9 months to get the paper work and jabs done, adds cost to the trip too. DEFRA web-site or their Vet. for advice.
They could make small stops. France is dog friendly in that many have bowls for dogs inside cafes etc.. The journey under the Chunnel is 35 mins. though will take longer with dogs on board. They stay in the vehicle and the owners can remain, there are toilets in the train. From looking on line last night one can buy at a higher than usual price, an open ended return ticket for the Chunnel so you book a certain day to travel out of the UK but don't have to choose a date to return. That way if one gets worried one can come home without needing to re-book etc..
It will depend on the breed of dog as to how they fare in hot weather. Lots of shade, drinking water and fans help keep pets cool.
If he is worried about driving why not have a brush up set of lessons? Also go to Halfords or one of the Road organisations, RAC for example as there are essentials that are required in the car for travel abroad i.e. hi-viz jackets which have to be in the driver's area, NOT in the passenger seats or boot - instant fine! Also dogs can have hi-viz jackets too in case of breakdowns - useful for the UK anyway. Halfords sell a complete European pack with triangle, hi-viz etc.. …….
Household insurance is often invalid after 4 weeks so anyone travelling abroad should make sure that their home insurances are up to date and that the Company is aware that the house will be un-occupied for that time.
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Thank you very much for all that info - very helpful.I didn't know a pet passport was required - I hope they know that. He is a competent driver here in UK and usually tows a caravan. Its just driving abroad that he's worried about.
I will relay all that to them - thanks again.
Ariadne xx
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" The journey under the Chunnel is 35 mins. though will take longer with dogs on board. .... " that's a bit ambigous ::)
On the outward journey I think the dog's paper work is checked by the shipping company but on the return to the UK/Ireland, a Vet has to be seen within 48 hours of travelling home because I believe certain medications have to be given/used on the pets and the Passport 'ticked'. This will be clearer on the DEFRA sight. So finding a Vet. on the French side before they travel might be adviseable because those 48 hours will need to be factored into their return journey before they board. (Clear as mud ::) ).
Kennelling if required should be covered on the Pet Insurance Policy, i.e. if someone is taken ill or there is an accident and the dogs require board abroad ........... until such time as they can be repatriated or collected by the owners/friends to bring home. Same with humans, get the highest possible cover in case of accident - flying home with full nursing care is pricey ;)
How about they have a long weekend away just over the Channel without the dogs so that he can see if driving long distances is an option? Even if they went as foot passengers then sat and watched traffic 'methods' say in Ostende? When we went to Pau we were in a Hotel 2 miles from the Uni that DH was giving a Paper at, so we parked the car at the Hotel and walked to the Uni.. We made note of how locals approached junctions - in those days it was priority from the right :o in towns even if we thought we had 'right of way': where the pavements were and if tehre were 'pelican type' crossings to be aware of etc.. then when we took to the road we felt more at ease: not a lot but we didn't have any problems :D
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They might find this site useful re pet passports https://www.gov.uk/take-pet-abroad
Taz x
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:thankyou:
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Yes, thanks Taz. I've passed on all info :)
Ariadne xx
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This such a good idea wish they were around when I travelled on my own.
http://sixtyandme.com/women-only-hotels-embracing-the-trend-of-solo-female-travellers/
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Don't spas have ladies only sessions?
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This was about Hotels only for women.
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Not sure that would suit me - quite like a mix of men and women but it's a good idea for women who feel more comfortable around women and I can see that it would make for a safer feel while travelling alone.
Taz x
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I have had a few bad experiences in Hotels, with men seeing me are my own with then hitting on me. I even had my identity stolen when I paid the bill my credit card.
I like men and get on with them but not unwanted advance, in Italy I had a man banging on my room door begging me to open it, and that was only because earlier I had spoken to his little daughter in Italian, he was alone with her.
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That's the downside of mixed company of course and I've had quite a few experiences too. Doesn't happen quite so often now though.
I think that you could still have your identity stolen in a women-only hotel but it must have been horrible to have that happen.
Taz x
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They were sitting at a outside table and I was reading and not aware of them, the little girl came up to me asked if I liked her new shoes , I said they were very nice and then said to her father ( I presumed he was her father) that his daughter was beautiful and looked like an angel) later that evening he came to my room door ( don't know how he knew which room I was in) yelling let me in, let me in, you are beautiful and look like an angel too, he went away eventually and I never saw them again.
It could only happen in Italy ::) I did have waist long blonde hair and was always being told I looked like an angel though, those were the days.
Having your identity stolen is horrible I have had it happen twice, now OH is going through it, he had had emails from those quick loan wewbsites ( one of them was Wonga, saying that his application has been approved for a loan and that £200 would be taken out of his account on a certain date in Feb. he was absolutely shocked, he has never applied for a loan in his life! he is a retired bank manager, he went to the police to report the fraud, they gave him a crime number, they told him what to do, but they are still hassling him.
Some had used his name and email address but the dot was in the wrong place, it was in his Gmail account, and he was told yesterday that gmail don't recognise the dot only the characters.
Its unbelievable, so be wary of Gmail its not secure.
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I stopped using Gmail when I read this http://gawker.com/5800868/how-google-spies-on-your-gmail-account-and-how-to-stop-it
Taz x
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We are off to Croatia again in September, staying in Rovinj which is a bit further round the Istrian Coast than Porec.
I was watching the prices change daily for one holiday & it varied by £200 in the matter of 3 weeks. The one we are going on didn't fluctuate by quite so much (about £160).
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We were looking at Croatia for September but the flights are quite expensive compared to other destinations.
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We were looking at Croatia for September but the flights are quite expensive compared to other destinations.
That's because it is a little gem of a place littleminnie. :)
It is like the med was 20 years ago - but alas I fear it is catching up slowly.
Do consider it though, I know it is expensive to get there but once you are it is very reasonable to eat/drink. And my God it is beautiful. Having said that if you are looking for a sandy beach...... forget it. rocks, rocks & more rocks, oh & nudist beaches which always makes me giggle (don't know why, it just does - bit of a prude I am). :o
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Just booked a villa for two weeks in Fuerteventura for September - we go every year but decided to treat ourselves this time :)
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Whereabouts in Croatia LM? We went a few years back a little place called Tvavtat, near Dubrovnik. Went for a week, but crammed in lots.
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We were looking around Istria. We have a holiday in April booked but were looking for a week in September.
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Sure it will be lovely there too. We did trips to Mostar & Montenegro. Famous bridge in Mostar which was reconstructed after being destroyed in the war. Beautiful.
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I may be away from tomorrow ???
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Where to this time CLKD?
Hubby still doesn't know where he wants to go this year, doing my head in. All my suggestions so far have been given a big thumbs down. I know he would love to do a "world" tour, but far too expensive. My suggestions so far have been Canada, New York, Prague, Switzerland. He doesn't want to go where we've been before, which puts paid to my next idea of The Lakes in Italy. We had a bad experience there in the 70's. Hotel was the pits. But we can afford somewhere a bit more upmarket these days.
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I may be away from tomorrow ???
Hope you've got snorkel, mask and flippers packed ;)
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Headed towards the Fens ……..avoiding The Wash ;)
However :'( my anxiety levels are rising …….. because it's such a phaff to arrange visiting the various people we *have* to see >:( ……. it's a Duty Visit :(
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Have a good time clkd.
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I'll be OK on Sunday ;D
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What about Boston or Vegas Cubagirl?
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Boston we've done & Washington. Vegas a plane too far for me though. I'm working on him! ;D
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Can anyone recommend a budget tour of Greece, something that involves hopping from island to island...any one done this on a shoestring budget, your comments would be so appreciated :)
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CG - you could fly to LA (which is a shorter flight) spend a bit of time there and drive to Vegas. It's only a 3-4 hour drive.
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We are off to the Canadian Rockies for three weeks in June! :-)
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Cassie - have a look at the Telegraph holiday web-site they often have travellers' ideas!
Home :bounce:
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We're back off to Prague in May to do the things we didn't do last year. It really is the most beautiful and romantic place I know, plus the beer's great! Then off up to the highlands in July (bother-in-law is a game keeper) to chill out and play tourists. Then hopefully off back to Northumberland in October - I want to retire there. Tis my idea of heaven :)
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When ever we go to somewhere we love; we look at properties on-line when we get home ;D. Northbumerland is too pricey for us, the Isle of Skye really drew us: but there is little veg growing there due to sheep and peat, high winds and snow; and no fields large enough for archery ;D - also, it was too far to get to hospital quickly and as DH is accident prone ………..
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Northbumerland... :rofl:
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Oooops.
:rofl:
Honeyb
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>:D
Love it up there ………. Crastor, Bamburgh, Alwnick …...
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And Lindisfarne
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Yep
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I quite fancy Prague, himself I'm not so sure.
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Away until Sunday ;)
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Enjoy yourself CLKD :)
Booked a week in July, serviced pitch in Carlyon Bay, perfect for visiting the Eden Project and going boogy-boarding in Watergate Bay. Fingers crossed for dry weather.
DD banned from taking her straighteners... She'd end up melting the tent groundsheet!!! ;D
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I'm still no further forward. Everything I suggest, himself turns his nose up at for whatever reason. Latest was a no to South Africa. 12 hour flight too long. Think it may be a last minute deal at this rate.
Young ones take straighteners everywhere don't they. Son & GF did a few days in a pod somewhere in thee lake district a few years back, but his GF only agreed if there was somewhere she could plug in. She took straighteners to Florida 3 years ago & never used them. ::)
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I quite fancy Prague, himself I'm not so sure.
Prague is lovely cubagirl - is it a city break you are after? It's a very very short flight away!
Have a good time CLKD.
Hair straighteners on holiday and camping too - what is with young people these days? When I was a child we went youth hostelling (with parents and siblings) and at one of them we had to get water from a stream and wash in a hut! No room for luxuries then!
Hurdity x
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Prague off the list too Hurdity, but thanks.
So much easier when it's my year to choose. But himself turns 60 this year and I said he could decide where we're going. Although I turn 60 in 2 years, which would be his turn again, so I'm going to be dropping very large hints! ;D
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I always refused to go anywhere that I could not plug in my hairdryer. I am not high maintenance but my hairdryer is a must otherwise I feel a right mess.
Too old for camping now. I like my home comforts ::)
Honeyb
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My hair goes frizzy in the heat when we go out and about on holiday so I have to have straighteners.
I just don't feel right if I'm not happy with my hair
Ariadne xx
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Camping - no. Caravanning - no. Hubby insists that holidays are the time for us to be waited on. Who am I to argue? ;D
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CG - How about Corsica?
Spectacular scenery
Good food - French influence
Not far
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At this rate it's going to be Blackpool ;D
Has he given you any clues at all CG. You seem to have suggested most corners of the globe and been turned down.
Honeyb
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I have a very sneaky suspicion that he knows fine well where he wants to go, but isn't sharing. I'm trying not to push him, but I'm finding it very frustrating. As for Blackpool, that's a definite no-no. ;D
Watch this space. ;)
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Maybe he doesn't want to go anywhere? ;D
Taz x
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I did suggest that Taz, but he says he does. ::)
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Centre Parks ? - everything laid on :-X
Back now <wave> - didn't sleep well, new sleeping bag and I didn't have a good first date >:( ……… good campsite though and one we will go back to for weekends, though the shower block doesn't appear to have heating :o …… lots of walks close by to explore …...
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That sounds a bit nippy CLKD. Hope you ran fast ;D
I always got in a tangle in a sleeping bag, ended up like a cork screw.
Honeyb
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Hate sleeping bags with a passion. Don't like being confined.
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DH and I have a double sleeping bag for camping- I always make sure I'm on the zip side so I can stick a leg out to cool off if needed. ;)
With DH sound asleep, he acts as an anchor so no corkscrewing or falling off the air bed ;D
Galadriel x
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Camping? What's that then.... :lol:
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It's madness if you are over 50 ;D.
The thing that really puts me off is when you lift the groundsheet and discover all the creepy crawlies that have spent the night there. Gives me the shudders.
Honeyb
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I share a bed with a creepy crawly every night ;) WHT some nights :( ::)
Our camper is cosy. Just big enough for 2 although we had a first 'words' when he left stuff in the doorway so I was standing outside trying to get back in ......... we need to practice :P
We tried a double air bed and double 'bag'. Because he is heavier than me when he got off the air bed I would be launched into the air ;D and there was always a draught down the bag because he sleeps on his side, therefore leaving a gap from his shoulders ....... so separate bags for us ;)
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Do you not have a built in bed in the van CLKD ?.
In my sister's caravaning days she used to make sleeping bag liners. You were in a bag in a bag. She said it saved having to wash sleeping bags. They were terrible. Double cork screw ;D
Honeyb
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It's a people carrier conversion. So the back seat pulls down to make the bed. DH can pull it, I can't ::). We have a sheet to lay on, pillows, a sleeping bag each …….. whilst I'm in the toilet block DH takes the bags up, puts the bed into day mode and tucks the bags etc.. away underneath. We have curtains, blown air heating, a small cooking area ….. see i800 Hyundai people carrier Wellhouse conversion ……… the front passenger seat turns around for ease of sitting. Porta potty tucked away in the day time ;)
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It's just you mentioned a blow up bed so I got a bit confused ::)
Sounds cosy.
Honeyb
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Oh that was years ago (we tried) ::) ………. when the double air bed got a hole in it we bought 2 singles. Much better as we could pump them up as required per weight of person. Also we didn't go for pillows in the beds as they were harder to sleep on if the bed was fully pumped. Used those in the garden in later years when it was sunny ;)
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Did you go camping then or was it another van or perhaps a night beneath the star's ;D
Honeyb
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Because he is heavier than me when he got off the air bed I would be launched into the air ;D
So sorry, but ;D ;D However, I also sympathise. My hubby is a duvet hogger & I hate draughts round me in bed. Camping is not for me though, whether in a tent or a van. Neighbour hired a Winnebago & said it wasn't too bad.
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We have choice. We can B&B, camp, stay at home, go out for days with the van or car …….. we used a tent because we couldn't afford B&B. I sort of enjoyed it. Then we went self catering so that the dog came along; then because of panic I didn't go anywhere …….. then hotels so it was less personal, followed by B&B and now the camper …… but it will take a while to get used to communal toiletting ;)
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Mothering Sunday again ::) - sort of know what we are doing for the weekend ……. Mum is primed, I need to pack a case, evening meal is booked ……….
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Haven't been camping for a couple if years. I think this is likely to be the last time we go as a family. :'(
We're thinking about buying a caravan or camper van once the kids start doing their own thing :)
We have another week to play with... I fancy somewhere warm and sunny 8)
Sounds fun CKLD. I'm hoping for brekky in bed. Anything else after that is a bonus!
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Make sure that you have somewhere close to park a caravan/camper. Otherwise the spontaneity is taken away. We spent 6 years looking at different 'vans before choosing ours.
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Good point. The driveway will be less busy once the kids have flown the nest :)
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They do have a habit of flying back though. My son has just gone for the third time and my daughter went last year but is coming home again. It goes on for years so don't be buying anything quite yet ;D.
Then there is the leaving them at home while you go away and just hoping ::)
Honeyb
x
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Mine were given strict rules when we went away. As far as we're away they did abide by them. Always told a neighbour too, just in case.
Well himself is doing holiday searches, though still not decided where. He was asking DD for ideas. Her reaction same as mine, there's a whole big world out there we haven't seen. ;D
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How about Venice?
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I'm accompanying my elderly dad on a trip abroad later this year. He's been invited by friends there. Where to? Well, let's hope lightning really never strikes twice in the same place, because we're going to Kuala Lumpur. I'm very much looking forward to seeing the people we're going to be staying with, but I've never done a long-haul flight, I dread the humidity and I'm now scared about flying.
Apart from that, I'm looking forward to seeing the place, sampling the Malaysian food and buying some nice bits and pieces for the folks back home!
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You will love Kuala Lumpur (KL) and its a short hop to Penang. I have travelled all through Malaysia to KL and then to Penang stopping for a few nights in the Cameron Highlands. Loved it there after the heat down below, they even grow strawberries.
http://cameronhighlands.com/sample-page/
The people are so friendly and the food is fantastic, lots to buy at Amah's Markets if you like jewellery and cut and uncut stones.
There is the heat and humidity and it is a bit of a shock, I lived there so got use to it, but is a good idea to prepare for it.
http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Travel-g298570-s206/Kuala-Lumpur:Malaysia:Health.And.Safety.html
You will have a wonderful time, google tips for a long haul flight, please don't worry about flying its the safest mode of travel, you risk your life far more getting into a car each day.
KL has so a very interesting Colonial past, I remember it for the stately white government buildings, wonder if they are still there.
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Silverlady, thanks very,very much indeed for this, especially the Health and Safety link. Wow, that's food for thought! I don't think we'll be going to the Cameron Highlands but we'll certainly be going around the place, so it's really helpful to have all this advice. I'll read, re-read and inwardly digest!
:thankyou:
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Just back from our city-break in Istanbul - what a fascinating city :) We managed to cram a lot in - the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, the Grand Bazaar, boat trip up the Bosphorus and even managed a real Turkish Bath, quite an experience ;)
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We'll be stopping at Istanbul on our way to Kuala Lumpur, but only for a few hours at the airport in the middle of the night, so I'll just have to imagine these wonderful things, Greyhoundgal! I'm glad you had such a super time!
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The airport is lovely too Dulciana :) Lots to see and do there as well from what we saw during our brief time there - plenty of places to eat, drink and shop :) :)
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Camping
kielder village
wooler northumberland
The lake district
Loch leven
cant wait its just what i need.
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:thankyou:
Isle of Skye
Northamptonshire
Cotswolds ……..
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Off to see Mum so will be away for a few days :-X
Haven't packed yet ….. does that tell you anything :-\
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Lots ;D
Are you coming up to Scotland this summer CLKD ?
Honeyb
x
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Should we? ;)
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Absolutely....but then again I am biased.
;D
Honeyb
x
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We love the West Coast …….. could get up there in fits and starts, camper/Hotels …….. will let you know ;)
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I am on the west coast so if you want to know the nice places or the places that time forgot I'm your girl.
Honeyb
x
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:thankyou: have found a house (£205.00) we both like in Dumfries - over looking a stretch of water, modern …… must stop looking as we have no intention of moving ::) but oh for a view of the coast :-\
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Highlands are bonnie, lots of gorgeous scenery as has west coast. My favourite view is overlooking Tighnabruich, beautiful.
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Dumfries is a very sad looking town these days but the surrounding area is lovely. The dark skies of the Galloway forest park....Just stunning on a clear night.
Honeyb
x
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:thankyou:
I could sit at Eileen Donan all day and as for Plockton :-*
Off to see Mother later :-\
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I'm heading to travel agents today, yes you read that correctly. ;D Away to get our chosen holiday priced by them to see best deal. Watch this space. ::)
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Lucky girl :)
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Lochinver's beautiful, too. It's a bit of a trek to get there from the east side, but something of a paradise when you get there.
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< shush > ;)
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We're picking up our new caravan (not brand new but newer than our previous one) a couple of days before Easter - just in time to get a break in at our favourite campsite on the banks of the river Deben - lovely, unspoilt site with no real amenities other than a shower room. The people at the caravan place thought it was hysterical that we were moving up from a 2-berth to a 4-berth so the dogs would have their own bed - asked them if they'd ever tried sharing a bed with two snoring greyhounds ::)
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;D ....... make, size, bathroom along the back, over-head cab ......... ???
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It's a dog's life isn't it ;D
Honeyb
x
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That's what I will be next time around …….. a posh Saluki :-*
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;D ....... make, size, bathroom along the back, over-head cab ......... ???
Eldis Avante 505 4/5 berth but with a side washroom rather than end leaving the other end as the houndies bedroom, complete with sliding door to keep them in there ;)
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Lucky dogs :)
It's something I have fancied off and on over the years. Unfortunately we have gone for a small car this time so it would not be possible to tow anything bigger than an egg box.
I have booked us a week in a cottage in a little fishing village in South West Scotland. We can't go too far because of mother and hubby is grumbling a bit about that. Also hoping to book a short break later in the year as its our 30th wedding anniversary.
Honeyb
x
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You can go where you want Honeybun ;) - after all your sister does so and the sooner you both begin weaning away and ……… :-X - we get 40 years in 2015 :o
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Neither of us goes very far these days CLKD. We need to be within easy travelling distance of home these days.
At nearly 92 who knows what tomorrow will bring so we have to be on hand....Just in case. Just the way it is. It might happen to your mum too so I am sure you would want to be on hand.
Honeyb
x
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I hope that we can put measures in for Mum closer to her home! She has plenty of friends close by ………. of various age groups. I want to be a visitor not a carer ;) - it's not as if we have a 'good' relationship to begin with …..
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Ok you are not her carer but if something happened then surely you would want to be there for her as quickly as possible if only to make sure she was getting the care that she needed.
If I was at the other end of the country I would be no good to anyone.
It's how sis and I manage things between us. Not necessarily what we want but it's what we do.
Honeyb
x
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Of course and it's what 100s of carers to across the World. It saves the NHS £Ms each year. Mum always told us from very early on put her into a home but the problem will be, finding one who will put up with her 'ways' ::) ........... it is hard enough work now ....... and she's fiesty, up and at it ........ I think moaning keeps her going.
DH mentioned that next year we should think about France for our celebrations :-\
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I thought you were thinking about going through the chunnel this year CLKD. Was it not Italy or am I thinking of someone else.
France for an anniversary sounds lovely.
Honeyb
x
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I've been thinking about Italy for years - but anxiety stops me. Now that we have the camper he thought Chunnel/France/few days :-\
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You are travelling with all your home comforts and somewhere to retreat to if it gets a bit much. I would think that for an anxiety sufferer it would be the ideal way to travel. Your own little haven.
You never know....this may well be the year. Your hubby sounds keen to venture further afield.
Honeyb
x
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DH mentioned that next year we should think about France for our celebrations :-\
CLKD - Hasn't your OH spent a bit of time having French lessons?
Mind you I seem to remember you had a go as well!
Seem to remember a thread on here a couple of years ago were people were practising their French......
You may be off to France. Don't panic, food's good as is most of the scenery :)
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It's OK talking about it ::) but the anxiety reality is stronger than my desire to visit places :'(
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Is your hubby ok with it?
I know mine gets a bit fed up sometimes with my limitations which obviously impact on his life too. I do feel guilty and sometimes that's enough to make me push myself for his sake.
Do you think that with his encouragement you could at least try for him.
Our partners and hubbies must get really fed up with us sometimes ::)
Honeyb
x
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If I thought mine got fed up with my symptoms I would leave …… so that he can do his own thing. He's never put me under pressure and it's me who would like to see the Italian Lakes and share it with him. If he really wants to go to France: and if I really can't go: he can take the neighbour who he went to the Tour with ;) ……… have to check the Passports before we make any decisions ::)
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Mine never says he is fed up....I just know he must be sometimes. They are only human after all and if one person holds another back then it's kind of inevitable they must at least think it's not quite fair. I know my hubby knows that I really try and i think that makes a difference. I just hate to think I stop him from doing what he wants by heaping my limitations on him.
Difficult situation.
Maybe your hubby thought that by buying the camper van you would feel more able to go further afield as you were taking your comfort zone with you.
Honeyb
x
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I was the 1 who pushed for the camper and it makes no difference: when anxiety strikes that's it, happens anywhere
:'( ………
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Easter - to Mum's :D
Back on Sunday - apparently the weather is due to change to storms, high winds and rain >:(
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We are off to visit my Mother in law in Dorset tomorrow, straight after I finish work. She has asked hubby to build her five raised beds, each five feet long by three feet wide and eighteen inches deep so she can grow veg! How much veg does an 89 year old need! Hubby has tried to suggest she go for a smaller number and explained how much it will cost but she is adamant.
The whole thing including soil will cost a few hundred quid, not to mention poor hubby slaving away on his Easter break. Its a rented place too. Ah well, I guess all that soil shovelling will be good for me ;)
I feel mean saying it but I was really looking forward to spending some time at home and on the garden and allotment.
Ariadne xx
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You could pray for rain Ariadne :)
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I think we may well get some. I'll feel really miffed if we get all the way down there and then can't do the job though! May as well have stayed home. Hubby says he can see himself doing it in the rain!
Ariadne xx
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Can't he go on his own Ariadne? Seems a shame for you to waste a weekend if you are not needed to do the bed-building.
Taz x
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Started to pack the caravan ready for leaving in the morning - don't care if it rains, it will be nice to get away :) Son joining us on Saturday evening and staying until his birthday on Monday - both my favourite men in one place :) :)
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If she's wanting to have a hobby and is fit enough, go for it ;)
Home - went to Long Sutton and Spalding on Friday and Bury St Edmunds yesterday; antiques fair this morning, now on here ……..
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Barnard Castle area anyone?
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I thought you went to Hungerford yesterday CLKD or was that Sunday? I'm following you around... Bury St Edmunds is another one of my little day trips.
Taz x
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I'm thinking of going to Majorca or Mallorca for a week in August. Any recommendations would be appreciated. Possibly all inclusive as one teenaged son will be coming with us and he has hollow legs!!!
Galadriel x
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I liked El Arenal resort in Marjorca and its not far from the capital Palma.
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We did. BC is on our list of places to go this year …...
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So BSE first and then on to Hungerford? A nice little run out!
Taz x :)
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Well the raised beds are done and we got quite a production line going! Hubby had worked out in advance how he was going to make them and so once we had cut up all the wood and made the first one, we got the hang of it. They were really heavy though - if you imagine each box was 5' x 3' 6" x 9" and to make one bed, we stacked one on top of another and fixed them together. So we made 10 boxes altogether = 5 raised beds. Then we had to level the garden area where the boxes were going to be sited.
We did it in one day but were exhausted the next day and now hubby's back is suffering. MIL hasn't ordered the soil yet but has someone in mind to fill them.
She was thrilled with them and is looking forward to sowing seeds and not having to bend to look after them :)
We did manage a visit to West Bay one evening and hubby took some lovely sunset photos.
Ariadne xx
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Taz2 - nope! BsE on Sat. with Mum - home for a couple of days then Hungerford on Monday ;D
Ariadne - Job Done! glad your Mum is pleased :medal:
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I thought that was a bit of a rambling route - thank you for the clarification!!
Taz x ;D
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Barnard Castle soon !
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Six weeks on Saturday for me. When are you off CLKD and are you looking forward to it.
Honeyb
x
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2 weeks time. So far I've had a few wobbles but generally ::)
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Just had a long weekend in Florence: 8)
Fabulous city, very calm feeling even though it was very busy.....much more serene than Rome and Venice but just as beautiful
We stayed right next to the Ponte Vecchio which meant we were less than 10 minutes from everywhere. Easy to walk around but please remember your flats, the cobbles tend to bite
I booked a guided tour at the Uffizi gallery, we arent terribly arty so I was unsure if it would be way over our heads, but it was very interesting. Our guide basically gave us a history of art lesson looking at some of the most interesting works of art and explaining them to us, I had never realised that you had to 'read' some paintings - very worthwhile and of course you beat the Q
We also had a trip into Chianti shire to see Siena amazing small town, medieval. Of course we did some wine tasting too...but this was over lunch, so very civilised
The duomo is an impressive building, we never did make it inside !!!
The restaurants we chose went from the obscene to the ridiculous. The birthday dinner was in a fabulous place overlooking the Arno whose speciality was 'raw' fish. Now I love sushi and oysters etc but the raw red Sicilian prawns really left a lit to be desired...a bit slimey :o
Other meals weren't quite so adventurous, but by avoiding the main 'tourist' squares it is not expensive -relatively speaking - to eat
A great weekend.... Where next ?
Wombat x
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:thankyou: photos?
Italy can be fabulous. I have never been as hot as I was in Milan when I was 18 :o
Busy packing today ;)
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;D photos to follow
I love Barnard Castle. Happy memories ;)
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Our 1st visit next week
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Have a great time, it looks as if the weather will be good :clapping:
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Clouding up now though - daren't look at the long range forecast ......
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Right: all being well early on Monday we will be up with the lark ??? ....... camper out, car in - off to Barnard Castle. So hopefully everyone will keep ticking along during the week, making the most of the weather and will continue sharing experiences etc.!
We will take the laptop but don't know how good the WiiFi will be ::)
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I am off to the Turquoise Coast of Turkey (Kas) early on Monday for an easy walking/sightseeing group trip with Explore. Also packing today to head for airport hotel tomorrow afternoon. :)
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Oh Turkey - blue skies, lots of scenery!
Florence was on the TV last night …….. looks loverley ……...
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TREY: how's the RV - hopefully OK despite putting the wrong fuel in ::) - love the description of your 2 playing in the surf, how's Harvey?
Tomorrow: camper out, pack, fill fridge …….
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Off to N Devon in the VeeeW for a long weekend (in the rain probs!) - "see" you all later and enjoy your weekend everyone!
Hurdity :)
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You too Hurdity!
Taz x
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Enjoy Hurdity.....I'm really envious. A month to my holidays and it seems like a year away ::)
Honeyb
x
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Hurdity - Whatever the weather does it will be a break / change.
Really hope you enjoy it.
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Back - we had variable weather but enjoyed the break!
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CLKD what did you do and see, did you go paddling ? 8)
Wombat x
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Only holiday I have planned is beginning of July. I am spending a few days down in Devon, with the rest of my familiy to celebrate my parents 60th Wedding anniversary. :)
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Wombat - we went to Barnard Caslte for antique shops. Our 1st visit to the area. Curlew everywhere, green plover, I saw 2 red grouse but DH was driving carefully across the moors. Went to Brough for the castle and home-made farm ice-cream. Went to a walled garden/nursery. Walked. Rested. Not close to the coast.
Suzicals - haven't been to Devon for years, well down on your parents anniversary.
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Sounds great CLKD. I love antiquing. And ice cream and fish and chips come to that....
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So Whitby will suit us then ……. as will Sheffield next month ……..
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It was great thanks but very wet!!! Not all the time.... I live in Devon but this was a different part to where we live. For those who can't get away much - even a night away seems like a holiday if you can possibly make it and does wonders for feeling of well-being I think. Away from routine and daily worries - or at least can help put worries in perspective.
Sounds great CLKD - all those birds. I had to Google Barnard Castle because I didn't know where it was!
Hurdity x
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Neither did we ……… it was a name on the map. Scotch Corner and turn left …….. ;)
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I've never been either - is it worth a visit? It's almost 300 miles from here.
Taz x
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If you like wild and woolly. Wouldn't go again unless it is for trout fishing in the reservoirs. Barnard Castle is built on a steep hill, bit like Broadway in the Cotswolds. People are friendly. Lots of gardens to visit, Museums and derelict sites ……… I prefer Derbyshire …...
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Thanks! Might pop across next time I'm on the coast - it's not that far from Saltburn by the look of it.
Taz x
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Barnard Castle is about 40 miles from the East coast ……..
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Yes, that's what I meant - it's not that far if I've already travelled almost three hundred miles ;D
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Depends whether you are walking, cycling or in a car ;D
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Don't think I am up to a 300 mile walk or cycle ride! :hapij:
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Nor me ::) …. a gentle amble in the sunshine is lovely with some scenery thrown in ;)
Sheffield next ……..
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Meadowhall CLKD?
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Oh have to google ;)
Unless there are antique shops there, will give it a miss ;)
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The Antiques Quarter will be more your kind of thing I reckon http://sheffieldantiquesquarter.co.uk/
Taz x :)
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Certainly no antique shops in Meadowhall. Very busy, you have to like shopping.
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Don't like crowds but am looking for a pair of posh trousers for a 'do' ;) Thanks Taz - our kind of shopping :)
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If you don't like crowds, CLKD, steer clear of Meadowhall - there's a reason why it's known as Meadowhell!!!
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;D …….. am looking for a boutiquey type shop for posh trews ……… in a bright colour!
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Sounds like a plan....where are you wearing them too ? 8)
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A wedding ;) - have plenty of tops but not posh enough trousers to go with them ::)
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Exciting...what colour do you fancy ?
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Salmon ........ I saw a Muslim girl today, she had a long dark skirt, a pale grey top with a denim jacket over, plus a brilliantly coloured headscarf in salmon/gold which she had matched with a salmon coloured large tote back. She looked stunning! but I was too afraid to tell her so :-\
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Sounds lovely, have you looked in House of Fraser ? I walked through there yesterday and they had salmon colour, but not sure if they had trousers....
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Yep. Did M Keynes JL etc. 3 weeks ago. Found nowt to take my fancy or if it did, they were too long >:(
Warwick has some boutiques ;)
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Happy shopping ;)
Fingers crossed they come up trumps
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I've got 6 weeks before I need to panic ;D :D
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Loads of time. ;)
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Except we're doing other things which will take up time ;D
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Something will turn up...... ;D
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Probably the trouser bottoms ……… if I can find some scissors ;D
Still haven't booked the Sheffield camp site :o
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So much to do..so little time ;)
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Hey, that's my Line ;D ……. DH can't understand that statement >:(
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CLKD - throw the trousers this way and I'll turn them up for you
Meggie
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On my way ;D ………. will bring my whole wardrobe when we finally head in your direction ;)
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Holiday booked yesterday to St Lucia at end of August. Today organised travel insurance. Blimey nearly needed bank loan. Plus they won't cover my pre-existing conditions until chest xrays come back. Lot of money. Got 14 days cooling off so hope results back by then. Blooming nightmare with medical conditions. Yeah they'll cover you, but so expensive. Phoned round last year, many wouldn't insure me because of BP & asthma, this year stuck to one we used last year.
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It's all about Risk. Better to pay 'over' the odds than find yourself without full cover!
Last Tuesday I booked a campsite, have had background anxiety since >:(
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When are you heading up to Scotland CLKD ? This is a good time. weather is much warmer and not too many midges as yet.
Have you booked somewhere nice. We are off in two weeks. In fact me and hubby and the two kids are all going on the same week only to three different places.
Honeyb
x
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Oh I know CLKD, used to work in insurance many moons ago. I didn't opt for the all singing all dancing one but still gives plenty cover. £10,000,000 medical.
Still too cold for the midges up here. ;D
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Booked not far from Huddersfield so that we can have a look-see and visit Sheffield and Derbyshire Blue John area …… lots to pack in during the 4 days :o
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Morning all,
Im not well travelled owing to a lifetime of chronic ill health. Now that I have so many demands on me though from Family etc that I realise I must go away for my sanity and my marriage ( both of which are in trouble at the moment !)
I'm looking for somewhere warm, not too far away - say about 3 hour flight from uk. Maybe Menorca or Madeira - this is the problem as I've never been it's a minefield so I rather go on personal recommendation. We did go to Malta 2 years ago and that was nice but fancy something else.
Anyone got any thoughts please?
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Not sure exactly where you live, but we went to Cavtat, beside Dubrovnik a few years back. Not too long a flight from London. Great place, cosy too. Went to smashing hotel, which had stunning views. We tried Majorca one year, up on northern coastline. It was OK, but not our type of holiday. Fine if you want a home from home, if you get me. We prefer something a bit different.
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It all depends on what time of the year you are thinking of going Groundhog?
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Thanks Cubagirl - will look into that. I live in Wales btw.
Littleminnie - sorry should have said - probably end August/ early September now as can't see us fitting it in before
Thanks xx
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grounghog you don't say if you are going alone or not, but Provence would be a lovely destination to give you back your love of life.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/destinations/europe/france/8568539/France-holidays-Provence-vs-Languedoc.html
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Italian Lakes are lovely. Loire Valley has great history, lots of rivers to sit by and watch ....... Bruges, Bruxelles, Ostende are nice too.
The issue is - how to get to your Hotel/B&B/self catering once you land. How long will the extra journey be? The UK can be lovely in Autumn, we go to Brighton/Hove/Lewes/Petworth ......... 3 hours drive from the Midlands.
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Groundhog, if you just want to relax and not do much I can recommend Majorca (not Palma Nova or Magaluf), Ibiza (not San Antonio), and Menorca (a lot quieter than the other 2 Islands but very nice). The Algarve (almost everywhere is nice). If you want a bit of Culture and sunshine then, Venice, Sorrento and Barcelona are 3 of my favourites. They are all within 2 - 3 hours flyinging time.
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Add Amalfi and Ravello to that, for sheer stunning beauty :)
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Brilliant - thank you ladies - I will start searching :)
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Make sure that your Passport is up to date ;)
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:oops:
Very good point CLKD x
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You could go to Venice 2hrs from Heathrow or Gatwick
Its wonderful everyone speaks some English so many wonderful places to go too and see
You wouldnt need a car and its NOT expensive
We got to the HOTEL FIORENZE right in the heart of Venice 60 pound a night and all Veneitian real antiques
We ask for a Patio room its HUGE we have a back covered private balconey size of a room
You can see the Churches St Marks Square and the water. Its a 5mins walk from the Famous Harrys Bar
You get boats to take you from the airport across to Venice that is Magiacal 1940s wooden Launches
You can take day trips to see the Famous glasses places and gold places where they make stuff and its cheap
They do night GHOST tours They take you to the LIDO on day trips They do trips on the cannels
One tip dont get a gondolier they are a rip off The foods dead cheap as long as you dont want to eat alacarte
You can get a smashing meal in one of the smaller squared in fab cafe/dress up rests for 20 Euros each@wine
They have fab daily Markets over the Bridge of Sighs it is truley magical we are going in September
What we are doing is flying to Rome staying in the HOTEL CEASERE look for it its FANTASTIC
AND 4 star but again cheap same price if not less than Venice and is dressy enough they have maical gardens
You can sit out there at night all fairy lights and the smells are wonderful drinking and eating snacks
Its 15 min walk to the centre Rome and Trevi etc we stay there cos its the Embassy district its quiet@not exy
Look on the Net we go to Pompey for the full day by coach or on Trip advisor We go to the Vatican
Spanish steps Trevi fountain they do full day by coach of Rome the Coileseum the lot
Then we fly to Venice do 4 nights there now to me 9 days cos we get the n7am plane we are in Rome by 9
But add on 2hrs for time diff so we are there 11am their time its a really romantic holiday the 2 places
Yes its not as cheap as 10 days in Toremalinos or Benidorm but not by much
AND we go mid September the weather in Rome and Venice when we went 3 years ago was 29C every day
To go to Rome and wlk on the APIEN WAY with guides at a slow pace is fab ending up at the Collisium
My tip if u go to any places like that go online and look for something called SKIP THE LINE TOURS
What that means is oyu preb ook and print out your recipts and it is exactly as it says skip the line!!!
Your group turns up thres 500 in the line you walk straight to the front and go in it costs about 5 Euros More but it saves so much time and no lines to stand in We are duplicating our holiday from 3 years ago
Same hotels same time of year ending with 7 nights in Paris in the same hotel then back to Ozz
We were so enthralled with the holiday last time and weve recomended it and the hotels to freinds here in Ozz
Everysingle one thought the hotels were fantastic and the trips were great
BUT if you want a RESTFUL holiday forget it you wont want to stop so much to see and do
BUT the rooms are so fab and the hotels in the eveings you just sit and watch the world go by
I cant wait we are doing as I said 7 nights in Wallasey to cath up with family my Dad etc
5 night in Stratford and Winchester and Glastonbury then 4 in Venice 4 in Rome and sorry 6 nights but 8 days
In Paris in the same hotel again we stayed in Last time NOW that is EXY we are staying on the Left Bank
St Germain the Latin Quarter 200 ponds a night BUTTTTTT tnhis is our 40th wedd ann present to us
AND probably the last trip to UK and Europe till Bobbles retires in 3 years and then it will be housitting hols
Go online I dont know how t link the hotels are great and if youve not been its so ROMANTIC and CHEAP
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Thanks SuziQ - PHEW! you ought to be a Venetian Tour Guide ;)
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Talking of Venice - I'm going there on Friday with my daughter for a long weekend :)
Hurdity x
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Oh lucky you! Packed yet? ;D
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Thanks Suzi Q - very helpful. I read it to my husband and he is up for it. He was in the navy for 20 years so is very well travelled but has often mentioned Venice. Now you see I envy people to go to Venice for the weekend or Spain for a few days! I make such a meal of booking holidays yet others seem to go away with ease. We do tend to go away a lot in this country but I often feel with what it costs us we could be a bit more adventurous!
Thank you for your help ladies and enjoy your weekend Hurdity xx
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Haha CLKD! No I'm working tonight and tomorrow night and go to two exercise classes tomorrow too - and will pack sometime in between - I don't need much for a weekend but I see from the forecast that there is going to be a massive rainstorm overnight on Sat and rainy on Sun too and it's going to be blazing hot and sunny here in Devon! Hey ho it will be lovely anyway!
Groundhog - thanks - it's quite easy - I booked the flights and daughter booked the accommodation which I researched. It is a big luxury and not the sort of thing I normally do (well not abroad anyway - unless you count Scotland which might be abroad soon ;D ). I am making up for time bringing up 4 children and barely going anywhere and when we didn't have a brass farthing most of the time!
Hurdity x
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I envy people who seem to book holidays abroad without a backward glance :'(. It's hard enough for me to go away for a day sometimes but I do enjoy those days when I feel OK ;)
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Abroad....Scotland....Hurdity...hush your mouth woman ;D ;D
Honeyb
x
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Talking of Venice - I'm going there on Friday with my daughter for a long weekend :)
Hurdity x
YOU HAVE to do the NIGHT walk Ghost tour its fantastic
Go to Harrys Bar its based on You must remember this a kiss is just a kiss AHHHHHHHHH
The Doges Palace is a must u will love it I cant wait have a BALL XXXXXXXXXXXx
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Thanks Suzi Q - very helpful. I read it to my husband and he is up for it. He was in the navy for 20 years so is very well travelled but has often mentioned Venice. Now you see I envy people to go to Venice for the weekend or Spain for a few days! I make such a meal of booking holidays yet others seem to go away with ease. We do tend to go away a lot in this country but I often feel with what it costs us we could be a bit more adventurous!
Thank you for your help ladies and enjoy your weekend Hurdity xx
You will have a ball go online I can recomend 1000000% Hotel Fiorenze its not exy but not cheap
Ask for a Balconey room if u can get one and its all in small 6ft wide lanes and u go thorugh a small arch and there it is 18th cent hotel b ut with modern plumbing and servises the breakfasts last oyu all day
If oyu land at Leo airport get the launch across to Venice its so magical
Tell u what get the TOURIST film with Jon Depp and Anjelia watch it and Venice is shown 90% of the film
Im happy to have helped and I know u will love it u need 4 days or so to enjoy it properly or u will be just like me OH god I want t stay another couple of days there so much to see and do and also eat HUGE slices of PIZZA by hand for 3 Euros they are the size of half a family portion Pizza and everyhting is FHUNGI Mushroom
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Not quite a holiday but I'm meeting a friend in London on Saturday and going to the Royal Albert Hall to see the English National Ballet perform Romeo & Juliet. We try to do it at least once a year but had to miss last year due to family commitments so really looking forward to this now :) We're going to the matinee performance then a quick spot of retail therapy followed by an early dinner before we both get our respective trains back home.
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I've been in touch with hotel we are going to for our holidays. Very helpful bunch. They are going to get chef to speak to me on arrival regarding my dairy free diet. But the best bit is they are going to provide complimentary Champers & Birthday cake for hubby's 60th. Now I imagine the champers will be sparkling wine & the cake will be small, but very good of them. Mind you I probably won't be able to eat the cake, but he will & that's what matters. Be a nice surprise for him.
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Sounds great CG. You can at least have the bubbly.
:drunk:
Honeyb
x
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Too blooming right I will! ;D
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Cubagirl - ENJOY!
Greyhoundgal - ENJOY! - it's over 20 years since I went up the smoke ::)
Today would be ideal weather to go camping …………
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Thanks CLKD - bit anxious about the tube but luckily when I get to Liverpool Street it's straight onto the Circle line to South Kensington, no changes anywhere thankfully. Looking forward to it now..... :)
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Enjoy Greyhoundgal. Sure you'll be fine, but understand your anxiety.
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Eight more sleeps then I'm off ;D
Can't go too far with things being the way they are but it's a holiday and a break from normal routines.
Honeyb
x
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Anywhere away from home is a break HB. You sure do need it!
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How's the trip going Trey? Dogs and Harvey Bun OK?
Remind me HB - where'r you going?
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Going to a cottage in Kirkudbright. It's a fishing village/artists place in south west Scotland. It's very pretty.......we were there many years ago. We have a place facing the castle.
Honeyb
x
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Loveryleeeeey ………. you deserve a break. Leaving your 'phone at home ;) :-X
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Ooooo no. I need to talk to my kids. One is headed for the lakes and the other is off to London. We need to talk ;D
As for the rest the reception may be really bad ;)
Honeyb
x
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:-X ……… It's a LONG way down to London :o ……… The Lakes are lovely we haven't been for a few years.
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He is flying down, don't think his old car would make it. An hour in a plane and he is there. Meeting up with a university friend.....a girl ;)
The other is having her first holiday with "the boyfriend". They are going to Ambleside. We are all of on our travels.
Honeyb
x
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Ambleside is lovely. Rydal Water close by is great to walk beside or above on the fells. Grasmere has a shop that is FULL of jigsaws - and the seller knows where each one is :o …….. Grasmere has good ice cream too
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Away next week :o
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Have a good time, where'r you going?
sorry if you've said already......
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Mon-Thursday - Huddersfield area in the camper - packing tomorrow :-*
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Have fun
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Went online to check in for our Ryanair flight to Spain next Saturday only to find that unless you have paid for allocated seating, you can only check in online up to 7 days before rather than the old 15 days. As our holiday is 11 days we wouldn't be able to print boarding passes while we are away.
It seems that if you don't pay for allocated seats, you will be allocated a seat which may not be with your travelling companions. So we decided to pay the price which was £10 per seat per journey which has added £40 to our flights. There were £5 seats but they were over the wing which we don't like.
So feeling a bit ripped off at the moment as when I originally booked the flights this wasn't made clear
Ariadne xx
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I had same problem with easy jet Ariadne. Had to pay at booking for a seat. Well hardly likely to stand am I. At least it was only for me, so doesn't matter where I sit. For long haul flight, airline asked for £25+ to book a seat in advance. We'll take our chances the day before our flight thank you very much!
Such a rip off, I agree.
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Well now I'm wondering if our Ryanair flight to Spain on Saturday will be cancelled due to the French Air strike. It looks like the same flight was cancelled today and will be cancelled tomorrow too. The strike is supposed to go on until Sunday so not sure what to do.
It says that passengers will be notified by email if their flight is to be cancelled the next day. But what to do then? We also have airport parking and a hire car arranged.
Oh well, can't do much about it at the moment apart from worry ::)
Anyone else affected?
Ariadne xx
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I have wished recently that I was brave enough to get on a plane again. Reading this I am quite happy to go my shortish distance and not been at someone elses mercy. I hope it all works out for you ariadne. Next year you might think of Scotland. Our weather has been great
Honeyb
X
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Thanks HB, I hope so too. You wish you were brave enough to get on a plane ........I wish I was brave enough to travel a long distance in a car without huge anxiety. I hate car travel and imagine accidents everywhere I look ::)
I dont think I could manage Scotland I'm afraid. Wish I was different but I'm not :(
Ariadne xx
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Oh Ariadne, hope your flight goes. It says some are cancelled, not all. Hope you're one of the lucky ones. Compensation claim maybe.
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<wave> home
Camp site - quiet
Camp site - remote :o without the GPS we wouldn't have found it
Camp site - gearing up for the Tour Depart 5/6 July
Camp site - DH got stuck in the shower cubicle :o ;D :-X
Holmfirth is BUZZING with anticipation ;)
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Are you flying tomorrow Ariadne?
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I hate flying but have done about 300 flights I think. It's the only way to get to the sun and to see my good friends who live in other countries ;D
I focus totally on just how many uneventful flights there are every day. Just look at the departure boards.
I do find it far more nerve racking when OH takes a flight on his own though.
I'm sure it'll go just fine Ariadne. x
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Aren't we an odd bunch ;D - I won't fly, travel by coach or train because I HATE being shut in - give me the plane to myself? with John Travolta as pilot :-* who knows where I would land up!
Can only travel if DH drives. Then I'm a 'good' backseat driver :-X .......... I occasionally drive myself places. Can't be in anyone else's vehicle :-\ .........
Did you fly Ariadne? You can fly to Scotland you know ;)
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Well we should be OK. The strike ended early and we've had no email to say we won't be flying.So we should really be in bed now as we fly at 6.35 tomorrow morning.
Youngest stepson came round to give his Dad a birthday card to take with us and ended up having a rant about him and his partner not getting on and arguing over how to bring up our little autistic grandson. Then he left in a rush and all upset because he was getting emotional about his little boy.
My stepson has a very difficult and aggressive personality and will argue black is blue. But he and his partner have a very difficult path ahead that's for sure and I know he just wants the best for his boy.
Its weird but something similar always happens to spoil my husbands birthday and its often my stepson that does it.
Anyway, hopefully we will be off tomorrow and I hope my husband won't let it spoil his holiday as he's been working so hard lately and deserves a good break
Back 10th July everyone :)
Ariadne xx
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Oh you didn't need a spoiler just before you go on holiday Ariadne! But, I hope you both enjoy your holiday anyway! See you when you get back.
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Enjoy your trip!
Have you written to your stepson? perhaps a little note saying that it's OK to talk, that of course he will be upset and find the next months difficult but there is advide and help out there etc.? Sometimes lads in particular can't communicate without being angry, Dad was the same if he thought his needs wouldn't be listened to ::)
DH got stuck in the shower ......... :-X
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How did that happen CLKD and who rescued him ? ;D
We are now thinking of an autumn break. Got to have a plan ::)
Honeyb
x
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Off to Devon on Saturday for 5 days to celebrate my parents 60th wedding anniversary. Going to see my brother, sister in law, niece and nephew too, really looking forward to a relaxing fun break. very much needed. :)
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HB - autumn break sounds lovely. We haven't booked anywhere yet as I'm waiting MRI result - til that's sorted I can't get insurwnce. But when you are in stressful situations breaks are essential - last night planned first bath in new bathroom and nice meal. Whilst in bath mother phoned saying she had been sick - I phoned sister who was out. So no peace again and meal very frosty - hubby not impressed.
We can't go away every weekend tho!!
Still looking at Venice and a week in the sun :)
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Well, he's had a bad back for about 3 weeks. So I allowed him quiet toileting time, plus the cubicle might have been in use so he was waiting; however ;D ...... after 40 mins I thought I ought to wander across the camp site in case he had fallen/pulled his back muscles: to hear this plaintive voice calling my name - the lock had broken on his side of the door and he was stuck :o ::) ......... no answer at the bungalow where we pay for the shower tokens, so I went to the campers next to us who were Austrian - fortunately he had good English and a screw driver ......... after another 10 mins. DH was out!
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Oh heck, a tad embarrassing CLKD.
Travel insurance is a pain, when you're waiting for results. I was same waiting for xray & blood test results. But if you don't declare it, you're screwed. Problem was we'd booked the holiday, so stood to lose a lot of money if I wasn't covered.
We used to do spring break, but we need to look after grandchildren during school holidays, so no break these days.
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Did he laugh CLKD ? Good job you went a looking for him ;D
Our autumn break will be for our 30th anniversary. Not got any ideas as yet but sure inspiration will strike soon.
Honeyb
x
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I have a horror of being locked in a loo, when out :o I really don't like using them.
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No he didn't laugh - he'll get lots of mileage out of the experience telling others ::)
For our 30th anniversary we went to Dornie not far from the Isle of Skye ……… self catering (Kilimanjaro, bungalow)
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I think we will go for a week but have asked the kids to come with us for a few days so I have gone from looking for a little place to a three bed place. Did not want to celebrate without them.
Honeyb
x
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:congrats: we get our 40th next August ;) - already wondering where to go.
How far do you want to travel Honeybun? South of the Border? Quiet walks/sitting or hubbub of a town? Hotel or self-catering? Some hotels have self-catering attached ……….. so you and hubby could do the self-catering bit and the children stay in the hotel ………...
We love Brighton - 3 hours at the most from us. We also love the Bamburgh area, lovely Castles, good eateries; we stay near Rothbury which is a lovely market town. Alnwick Gardens is worth a visit as is Holy Island. Hadrians Wall area is lovely in the sunshine! Tales of the Reivers etc..
The Cotwolds, 1 hour drive from us is lovely. Stow on the Wold, Burford, Bibury; Stamford is nice and relaxing.
Gloucester Quays has been re-modelled into offices and flats leaving the huge warehouses complete with Trade Advertising on the brickwork. Frampton Upon 7 is a lovely old very long village of great age.
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I'm already planning my 60th birthday, in 2 years time. I would like to go to NY. As for 40th anniversary, that's 3 years time. Centre parks springs to mind, grandkids would love it!
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It won't be far as both kids will not want to drive far for just a couple of days. I have seen a self catering place where there is the option of having a catering company in to do a special meal. Trouble is I can't remember where I saw it ;D ::)
Honeyb
x
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Ooh that sounds good. Friend in America, her husband got a chef in to cook for her 50th.
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We are going to NY next year. Don't like flying but I don't want to get older and wished I'd done more with my life so I make myself go.
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It won't be far as both kids will not want to drive far for just a couple of days. I have seen a self catering place where there is the option of having a catering company in to do a special meal. Trouble is I can't remember where I saw it ;D ::)
Might be worth asking the people you are renting the place off?
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This year I have been Glamping, to Glastonbury and only other planned holiday is Glasgow (for Commonwealth Games)
Hope to have a relaxing break Sept/Oct time - probably a cottage somewhere in the UK but might work on OH to go overseas!
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Glastonbury leaves me cold ………. my sister sent me a Festival Postcard, how anyone finds their ways around beats me ::)
Essex is now on the list!
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Thought you were heading my way CLKD ?
Still looking for a suitable place for October. Struggling a bit at the moment. Sure I will find something.
Honeyb
x
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;D …… too many places to visit, too little time!
Where'd you fancy HoneyBun?
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Killin on Loch Tay is lovely HB. Maybe too far for you though. We had a lodge for a week when kids were young. Plenty places to eat. We even hired bikes for a day.
Just discovered, by fluke, that my hand luggage will be very minimal when I travel to London, prior to holiday in St Lucia. Easyjet have reduced sizes. Soon we won't be allowed hand luggage. Fine if they stick to it. But number if times I've flown well within airline limits & folk have got on with suitcases as hand luggage. Makes me mad! OK moan over.
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Honeybun - Plockton is lovely. Hasn't altered for years++ …….. balmy weather like being abroad and there are plenty of eateries. We stayed in a bungalow near Dornie ……. so we could explore the area ;)
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My kids are only joining us for a couple of days CLKD so Plockton is a bit far from me. We are about 35 north west of Glasgow so that would be a heck of a journey and a lot of it not main roads. I have been before so know the journey well :o
Thinking of the Trossachs which are lovely. Loch Catrine or the Lake of Monteith. Such beautiful places and not too far at that time of year.
Honeyb
x
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The Trossachs are very beautiful. So peaceful. Do they still do boat trips?
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Yes they do CG. There are also some nice places to eat.
Honeyb
x
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I'm back ladies :) Had a great restful break in Spain instead of our usual madcap mid day sun walks up mountains ;D
Hubby had said he wanted to relax more and we did just that. We found we were both very tired and didn't wake up until just before 9am most days. Hubby usually gets up at dawn to go and take sunrise photos but not this time.
It was a really lovely break.
Back to work today to find I had forgotten to place some orders before I left which had caused some problems so spent all day trying to find out what else I had forgotten to order and panicking over it. Had a headache and wished I was back in Spain ::)
Ariadne xx
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I have just done something very spontaneous which is so not me. I've booked a short break to Barcelona and we go on Wednesday next week. We both need a break and the only time we get any peace now is to go away so I just did it.
Feel nervous now. I actually have a phobia about going away but I have got to do something before life just passes me by .
Anyone been Barcelona - any tips??
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Good for you groundhog! Not been myself but daughter & her partner went many years ago. She loved it.
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Hubby worked there for quite a few years and he loves the city. Architecture is supposed to be wonderful.
Enjoy your break, you really deserve it.
Honeyb
x
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Barcelona is great for seafood restaurants and architecture, especially the Sagrada Familia, but hang on to your handbag - the pickpockets are fast.
I usually hide my credit card in one bra cup and some notes in the other one. Makes for an interesting time when I pay for anything ;D
Galadriel x
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That made me remember hubby having his briefcase stolen in a Barcelona hotel. Passport went with it. It was the day before Xmas Eve and I really didn't think he was going to get home.
Card inside your bra must be really uncomfortable as well as entertaining GD ;D
Honeyb
x
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The card was fine - but after a few days is was no longer flat ;D
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I keep my hotel room card similarly, better than in bag beside the pool. I'm seriously considering buying one of those anti theft bags for holidays.
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Loved Barcelona. I've been twice. Very true to watch out for pickpockets though.
There's a tourist bus which is hop on, hop off which we found the easiest way to see everything we wanted to (mostly Gaudi...Parc Guell is wonderful and don't miss the Sagrada Familia) - it runs on 2 lines.
If you want to eat veggie food, or just cheap wonderful food, try Teresa Carles in central Barca. We went there 3 days running for early lunch (they do gluten free too) and even OH was v impressed.
The sun will shine and you'll have a great time!
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Not been to Barcelona but would like to go, well done Galadriel.
When concerned about security type things, I usually use a very small bum bag, well more of a pocket really, strapped round my middle. It's not big so doesn't show under tops.
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Well done Groundhog. We went to Barcelona about 3 years ago for 5 days. Loved it. As others have said, watch out for pickpockets especially on the metro. My OH was a victim, spent hours at the embassy getting a temporary passport.
Plenty of walking so take appropriate shoes. Plenty of nice shops & restaurants.
Who are you flying with?
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Thanks ladies but my little holiday is not looking good. The girl I spoke to yesterday was great and inspired me - I'm not good going away. I phoned today to book and she is off sick. The other girl was not so helpful and the hotel we had picked was no longer available. Plus only 5kg luggage allowed each - does that sound right??? We were flying with easy jet. The 3 days
Break was going to cost £800 which seems a lot to me as I am a right misery at the moment. We need to go away and still trying to find somewhere.
It really shouldn't be this difficult - I know it's me and I was bad enought before meno but now I just so stuck in the mold! I will keep looking for somewhere :)
Thanks ladies.
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I know Easyjet have recently reduced hand luggage size to 50x40x20cm but not sure about weight restrictions. Used to be 10kg. Away to check as I'm flying with them in just over a months time.
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For groundhog.
http://support.easyjet.com/request.do?view()=c%7b61667aa0-ced8-11e2-ef6e-000000000000%7d
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Just had a quick look on Lastminute.com. You can fly next Wednesday come back Sunday for £537 for hotel and flight for both of you. ( not sure of your nearest airport so I put in London).
£800 seems quite a lot.
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Is that £800 each or the total trip? Some times it really is easier to stay at home :-\ ……..
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Staycations can be just as expensive, if not more so in some instances.
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Why :-\ ……. we have never paid that much either for B&B, Hotel or self-catering. Especially if 1 goes mid-week there are lots of offers on ;) but we can't guarantee the weather ……..
Barcelona supposedly lovely!
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Depends on where you choose to stay CLKD. We often found that by the time we'd forked out for self catering, food, trips with the kids etc, we'd have been better off abroad where we could at least get some decent weather.
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Your post is here ;) ……… well, we take the attitude that we are going to eat and use fuel at home so never took that into account. If we stay close to home we buy food/museum tickets etc. ……… and the last couple of trips in the camper we've had :sunny:
We NEVER go through UK Agencies but always deal directly with property owners. I use a booklet, pets welcome; directly with owners even hotels. Agencies put % on so adds huge amounts to the cost!
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We've booked this year's holiday all online. Tried an agency who admitted they couldn't undercut online pricing. Why pay more? Used to always use travel agents, last time was 3 years ago. But that was a tad complicated, not helped by Virgin mucking up the tickets. You may remember how stressed I was over that holiday! ::)
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I do. Made me grateful that we choose UK holidays ;)
It's always me that picks the accommodation after DH has decided upon the destination. Whether it's a camp site, B&B, hotel …….. because I have a good look-see via the web-site to make sure that it's up to my standard: though 1 year ::) - in Brighton ……….. ;D
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Photo shop CLKD? ;D
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Think the internal photos had been taken when the Hotel had been recently updated, several years prior to our visit. By the time we arrived in that December, both suffering horrendous coughs, it was shabby chic ……. mirror falling off the wall in the shower area which was MDF in a corner of the room ……… carpets needed cleaning, holes in the curtains but that HUGE bed …….. so comfy, just what we needed to flop into. Made us go out and buy a HUGE bed on our return home.
We even wondered whether the photos had been taken elsewhere ;D
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I never book anywhere without reading the reviews!
Hope you get to Barca groundhog - we spent a week there ( me husband and 3 offspring) about 3 years ago. Loved the Gaudi and all the architecture in the old town is amazing. If you go to the Sagrada Familia there are huge queues so you should go really early! When we went there someone set fire to something in the crypt so the whole cathedral had to be evacuated - we'd queued for ages but fortunately had been up the towers - got some amazing pictures of a smoky interior with all the stained glass. You haver to queue for all the Gaudi stuff but it really is worth it!
Hurdity x
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Me too Hurdity. OK there's always the odd one who moans. For instance someone complained recently about the sand on the beach at hotel we're going to in St Lucia being black! It's a volcanic island, course it's black.
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I have groupon deals sent to my e-mails. I often have a browse and look at trip advisor :o
Holy begoly, some of the reviews and some of the responses have to be read
We don't go abroad these days. Combo of health issues and the dog. I have stayed in some great places and very few bummers.
Think I have found some where in the Trossachs for our 30th. Looks wonderful, waiting to hear back from them.
Honeyb
x
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Fingers crossed for you HB.
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Thank you all so much for helping me out with this one -Littleminnie Cubagirl and all of you - :foryou:
I've always been rubbish at holidays. I think it stems from chrons disease at 24 and not being able to go on holiday for most of my adult life owing to operations etc. Plus no confidence, I have a bag I'm overweight - hardly beach material. But since my 50s my health is better so I am now able to go but I'm rubbish at booking . I think because deep down I'd rather stay at home I lack the initiative. S yesterday when I had a lovely encouraging lady I was fine, today was different. But think it's sorted now - got to phone in huge morning . Then get the credit card out :(
Doesn't help that our bathroom has costs loads, plus other things coming in that need paying. But hubby loves going away - our time he calls it and he is right I know
Night all and thank you xx
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Did anyone see the girl with a stoma having her photograph taken whilst sunbathing? Looked OK and she has accepted 'the look' ;)
Once you are home from the trip you will be fine and will know if you have enjoyed yourself and to what extent ;) - often I want to race through the holiday and get home so that I know if I"ve been OK ……….
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Yes CLKD I saw that picture. I have had a bag for almost 30 years but have never been slim enough to wear a bikini lol.
Yes I am a bit like that with holidays - I get anxious, am ok ish when I'm there, glad to get home. It's annoying for my husband who loves travel but all booked now and hopefully it will be fine x
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I have always been the same. Look forward to a holiday, sort of; always used to pack weeks in advance in case I had a panic nearer the time and couldn't face doing it; always glad to get back to my own bathroom ;)
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Being reading recent reviews of hotel we're going to next month & panicking. It's mainly had really good reviews, suddenly a batch of horrible ones. :-\
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Sometimes these reviews are 'spite'. I never read them. You could advise the agent to enable them to check?
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I know, some folk complain about slightest thing. Hubby reckons it's a group who have been there together having a dig. Most say it's beautiful.
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Did Hubby think it worth while letting the Hotel know?
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Hotel are reading the reviews CLKD, in fact they write replies online. I'm sure if we have any complaints when there we will be sure to let them know. I won't put up with stuff.
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Nor do we ;)
Have looked at our calendar and can't go away now until the middle of August ::)
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You can never please everyone no matter how hard you try or how good it is. I am an avid review reader and you can usually spot the ones who like to nit pick and those who want money off. If the majority of reviews are good then I would ignore the rest.
Honeyb
x
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Hotel are reading the reviews CLKD, in fact they write replies online. I'm sure if we have any complaints when there we will be sure to let them know. I won't put up with stuff.
Cubagirl - I wouldn't think there was anything to worry about.
Friends of ours have a hotel,
They had a spat (about 4) of duff Trip Advisor reviews recently.
Turned out to be a group (posted separate reviews) that had stayed and had taken the hump at an old stone built hotel having small rooms. There have been totally positive reviews before and since.
The thing with reviews is to look at the whole not the exceptions.
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Yeah checked other reviews on different sites & the Americans as a whole have given good reviews & they are very hard to please. So all's well.
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CG im sure it will be fine. Majority of people who stay in hotels never post reviews, there is a tendancy to only post very positive / very negative reviews which are the two extremes and doesnt represent the majority
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What are the chances of this happening? I was looking at other reviews & what pops up but article from Radio Times. Jenni Falconer just back from holiday and it was to our hotel. She appears to rate it.
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Well that is just great. Now you can stop worrying and just look forward to getting there.
Well my anniversary holiday plans seem to be changing. We had decided we would love the kids to be with us for a short while. My son has asked if he can come for the whole week unless we want to be alone. Ummm after 30 years I think we can manage ;D. He has put in for a week's holiday and once that is confirmed I will book. It's a farm house with four poster beds, open log fires and looks wonderful. My daughter will be there the first weekend when we will celebrate our anniversary and depending on her uni timetable can come for another couple of days. Really looking forward to it.. The Trossachs are so pretty and even if we are stuck in with bad weather then will cuddle up by a log fire. Not going to argue with that.
Honeyb
x
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If they are proper 4 posters you'll all get into one :o
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DH has booked us a week away in Devon! Yay!!!
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Haven't been to Devon for over 20 years ::) ……...
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Last time we were there was in 1980 ::)
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Ummm....farmhouse four posters so not sure how big. There are two rooms with four posters and they look enormous and another room with two singles. Plenty of room for all and enough space so we can have our own space if you get my drift.
Not far from Nick Nairns cookery school. Might book myself in, even better book hubby in ;D
Lovely restaurant in the area so we will have our celebration meal there.
Honeyb
x
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Sounds like you'll have a busy stay!
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Nope relaxation will be the thing. My lovely son is a great cook and I'm sure he will do most of it.
Just looking forward to spending time together.
Honeyb
x
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Honeyb - will your hubby welcome a stint in cookery school?
Sounds like a brilliant idea.
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He is,actually quite a handy cook. Now if Nick Nairn was going to be there in person then I would be there asking to hold his spatula.
I have already sent my son to a cookery school and he has gone himself for a couple of courses. My daughter however has no interest and is happy to live on pasta ::)
Think it will just be a restful time in a lovely area. And as I don't see my son that much now it will be lovely to have him for a whole week.
Honeyb
x
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That's sounds just lovely Honeybun.
I'm off to Barcelona tomorrow - I'm nervous. I'm not good going away and this has been all very last minute. But I've packed and checked and think all is ok. It's giving it hot there and I so wish I had lost weight but too late now.
Have a good week everyone - I hope to - I need this to work :)
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HB that sounds idyllic! Sheer bliss. As for Nick Nairn school. Son's GF went to one here, she really rated it. Give yourself a treat, goodness knows you deserve it. If Nick's there, well ........... ::)
Groundhog, have a wonderful time. Don't worry about your weight, go there & enjoy! CG's orders! ;)
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CG - :thankyou:
Il certainly try xxx
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Have a lovely holiday groundhog. If anyone deserves a break its you.
Have some quality time with your hubby and forget about every thing else.
Honeyb
x
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Honeybun :thankyou:
I'm just dreading THE mother phone call before I leave saying she is not feeling well or whatever. I do feel guilty leaving her but she is very well looked after so I have to just go and get on with it xxx
Thanks for your support ladies xxx
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Now if Nick Nairn was going to be there in person then I would be there asking to hold his spatula.
It would be rude not to HB! ;D
Probably a bit late now - but have a lovely holiday Groundhog
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From me too GH .
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Have a response ready for your Mum :-\ ??? ……… it's the element of surprise each time Mum rings that floors me :cuss:
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Has anyone been to Sicily? OH is fixating on going there in September. Seems pretty expensive though.
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Supposed to be lovely. Too far for us though :-\
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Back from my short Barcelona break. It is a beautiful city but ( sorry there is a but....) my lack of stamina combined with excessive heat - 35* - took it's toll. The hotel was lovely though and we had a nice time. My mother was fine so all in all I've learnt that my mother can survive without me, even though she said she has been very lonely. Plus my holiday of choice is a cruise. Short city breaks are just toooo exhausting !
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Glad you had a break anyway..
Hark at me ::) but could you step back on your mother's care just a bit.
At least I have my sister to take a share but everything seems to be dumped onto you.
Hold onto that holiday spirit if you can.
Honeyb
x
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I do have help HB - my mother has carers 3 times a day who do the basics. I think I create problems as I worry and fret - my sister helps and walks away. I suppose it's because it's not the life I want her to have and it know the more I give the better life she has. But at what cost - that's the problem.
Thank you for your kind words xxx
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If we do city breaks in hot places we tend to go early (May) or later (October) much easier to get about when it not too hot. Glad you had a good time though Groundhog, now you know you can do it. Well done.
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Yes Littleminnie that's a very good idea and one we will definately do next time. It was boiling even on the open top bus!
But yes we had a break and now we appreciate being home together too xx
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Glad you enjoyed your break GH.
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Glad you enjoyed your trip GH. I'm not too good with heat, says she heading for the Caribbean in just over 5 weeks time. Although it's more bearable in St Lucia with a strong breeze most days.
I remember doing open top bus in Cuba once, omg did I fry!
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I don't do heat either, indoors with curtains closed today …………
Is your Mum interested in your holiday now you are back Groundhog?
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35 in a big city is no joke! But glad you had some fun time away and your Mum coped.
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No y right there old sheep it was very very sticky - ugh! But yes at least we got away and my mother survived :)
CLKD - um no she didn't ask. But that isn't unusual. She just said - "you're back then". End of conversation. She has never been demonstrative so Im used to it :(
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Saves breath in hot weather ;) ……. and means you don't need to justify yourself …….
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Have a great time Hurdity and good luck trailing the boat. How come you got the short straw ;D
Honeyb
x
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Enjoy!
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Just come back from a weekend break in London with my two sisters - we had such a good time, this is the first time in a long time that we've managed to go off on our own without various men, kids or dogs. It was really hot but we kept cook by drinking plenty of cocktails and prosecco and luckily all the shops were air-conditioned ;)
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4 weeks today I head to London en route to St Lucia. Bring it on!
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Glad you had a good time in The Smoke ;)
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Have you been out and about in your van CLKD? Seems perfect weather for camping and exploring.
Taz x
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Thanks for asking. We had 2 trips to Yorkshire before the Grand Depart then were stuck to the sofa throughout le Tour ::) and it's been too hot for me anyway. At least here we have shade all around the garden and house so have managed to keep cool. For 2 weeks we are on pet-sitting duties ::) then we plan to book some nights away ........ probably at the same time as Antique Fairs ;) ...... :whist:
Yesterday I was asleep in the camper for nearly 4 hours whilst DH was fishing. It was lovely to 'catch up' knowing that he was enjoying himeslef 'out there' in the boat - he caught 2 trout :-*
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Sounds like a good sleep for you and successful trip for him then! There's no way I could sleep for four hours at night let alone in the day! Tell me your secret! I was looking forward to the afternoon nap I'd been told I would have to have for the first couple of weeks after my op but I only managed to fall asleep twice. Sigh.
Taz x :D
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I can sleep anywhere at any time if I am tired. My brain slowly goes limp and then ......... :-* ..........
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Boat was trailed successfully there and back - and honeybun - the alternative is a left hand drive VW also pulling a small trailer and I've never driven a left-hand drive vehicle! At least I was driving a car I know!
Back for a few days and then off to sunny Scotland on Weds to Edinburgh for a few days on my own - to the festival where my daughter is performing :)
Hope everyone is having a good time this August and enjoying hols or looking forward to them or just relaxing!
Hurdity :)
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There and back Hurdity, well done! Enjoy Scotland, it's on our list of places …………. B&B probably so we can go later in the year.
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All this talk about trailers and camping reminded me of a family holiday we had in Brittany in 1972, when I was 13. We had a caravette and behind that, a trailer tent. My Dad was driving the caravette-and-trailer quite the thing, but he's never had a great sense of direction..............Anyway, he drove us quite successfully to the general area where our camp site was. However, then he took a wrong turn........... and we ended up driving through a market - not round it - right through it. Picture the scene - our enormous holiday juggernaught lumbering through the market like a dinosaur, stallholders holding up their hands in horror, "ooh la la's" flying, bits of fruit and vegetables rolling about on to the ground, and some really puzzled looks on the poor French shoppers' faces - it honestly was like something out of a Clouseau film! I just remember crouching down with embarrassment in the back of the caravette!
::)
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Sunny Scotland :lol:.
Best you can hope for is dry Hurdity.
Glad you got on ok trailing a boat....brave woman that you are.
Kids up here go back to school in a week so our holiday season is winding down. We get our town back :)
What's up with using the van CLKD.. Sometimes Sept is a lovely month
Honeyb
x
dulciana....Not surprised that stuck in your mind ;D
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Dry - hmm - it's pouring in Edinburgh just now..........
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Parking near towns can be difficult due to the size of the 'bays' and we enjoy a bit of pampering in a city situation ;)
Oh Dulciana ;D …….. were you chased out of town :o
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No, CLKD, we sort-of slunk out of our own accord..................! :-[
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Oh well you can wave to us Scots on your way through CLKD.
When do you plan to come and where is on your list of places to visit.
Honeyb
x
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Will depend on how long we plan to visit. I have a friend of 87 and his new wife in Paisley I would like to go see ……… from there ??? ::) …… I need shoes. C.mas shopping :-\ :-X …………
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Don't think there are many shoe shops left in Paisley ;D
Maybe better get them before you come. If you wait too long CLKD you may need a passport .
Honeyb
x
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Shoes in Paisley? Having lived on the outskirts for a number of years in the 60s/70s,there were the usual Saxones etc, but not many good shoe shops. Only one was opposite the Abbey & it's long gone. Better off in Glasgow for shoes.
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I'll sneak in over the border ;) ..........
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Haha dulciana ;D and re passport too honeybun!
Hurdity x
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OK - what to do in Glasgow and Edinburgh? Presumably we can stay half-way between the 2 Cities?
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Lots. Museums, galleries - both. Shopping both. Festival in August - Edinburgh.
Halfway would be around about Livingstone about, though nearer Edinburgh. Great shopping outlets near there.
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Open top bus in Edinburgh, the Royal Mile, Scottish Parliament, Holyrood Castle. St Andrews is nearby.
Nothing much between Glasgow and Edinburgh. Stirling is beautiful.
Glasgow, is,a wonderful city. Kelvingrove Museum ( built back to front ) The Burrell Collection, Glasgow University .....wonderful architecture. The Botanic Gardens, Kelvingrove Park. Great shopping.
It's 30 odd miles from the west coast. Royal Troon has some lovely hotels. Burns Country is also near and Alloway is very pretty. Largs is lovely too.
How long are you coming for CLKD......as I could give you a list as long as your arm ;D
Honeyb
x
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:thankyou: :peace: …….. looks like a month initially then ;D. Haven't decided yet when to visit but it's high on the list!
Or Colchester ::)
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Not much difference CLKD ;D
Honeyb
x
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Romans in Colchester ……….. at least you have pointed me to many things DH and I enjoy doing so once we get our visit to Mum done, we can make decisions. We also need somewhere to visit for our 40th anniversary next year ;)
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2 more sleeps.................off for a week in Devon on Friday :)
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CLKD - We lived in Colchester for 17 years, until 2000. There was an archeological site in Colchester after they had excavated Roman remains, but then they went and built a shopping mall right on top of the site............... ??? Mind you, there might be another one............
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That happened at Towcester - well known Roman area but there was a 'dig' before a supermarket was built over the remains - at least they are protected ;)
Dyan - enjoy Devon! Packet yet?
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:thankyou: packing tomorrow.
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Camping Dyan? ;D
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No way ;D
We are staying on a farm in a converted barn.
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3 weeks now I will have landed at Manchester for 2 weeks 10 days on the Wirral
5 days on the Midsummer Trail
4 days in Venice
4 days in Rome
Finishing with 7 days in Paris yipeeeeeeeee
Mind I will miss my grandson hes his Nans treasure xxxxxxxxx
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There are still loads of Roman remains to visit in Colchester. The Norman castle is built on the site of a one of Claudius's temples and has just had a major revamp. You can go down underground and see how the Norman builders built right on top of the apex of the Roman arches - scary. It seems you can borrow a tablet to help you understand what you are looking at. They also recently found the site of the first circus ever discovered outside Italy. This site looks interesting.
http://www.thecolchesterarchaeologist.co.uk/
Enjoy.
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How interesting, minkusmum. We obviously left too soon!
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That's come round quick Suzi!! What's the Midsummer Trail?
Taz x
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Colchester is an interesting place, dulciana. I'm having a campaign to get people to appreciate Essex in general, even though we left 8 years ago!
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Essex has beautiful countryside and some lovely towns and villages. Not quite as good as Suffolk as course! ;D ;D
Taz x
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:thankyou: so much to see, so little time ;D
Welcome to the UK SuziQ ……….. your grandson will grow in those weeks you are away :o : will you SKYPE?
Midsummer Murders?
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Essex has beautiful countryside and some lovely towns and villages. Not quite as good as Suffolk as course! ;D ;D
Taz x
Quite agree Taz :)
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One more sleep, a short one,as were leaving at 4am to go to Devon.
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4 a.m.?? How long a journey is it??
Taz x ;D
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I know ::) DH likes an early start to avoid the traffic.
I think the journey is about 6-7 hours from here, not including stops.
As he's driving all the way,whatever is easiest really and being a Friday,it's a busy day for holiday traffic.
Got to keep him happy ;D
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You won't need to go to bed
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Early tea tonight and bed.
Don't know if I'll sleep though ::)
Can always kip on the way ;D
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Bang your head on the pillow how many times ……….
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;D
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Off on my hols in the morning sunny: :cancan:
Not taking the iPad with me so I'll say ta ra!
Back in a week :great:
Over & out!
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Hope you have a really good journey Dyan. I'm only 180 miles from my favourite Devon spot which takes three hours - don't like stopping - so I guess you must be double the distance! Have a fab time.
Taz x
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Off to Holland on Wednesday next week - we're taking the new caravan so DH is going to start getting it all ready tomorrow. We'll try and get most of the packing done over the weekend as we're working all day Mon & Tues. Dear friend coming up from Luton to doggy-sit :) Brother-in-law's 50th birthday on the Saturday so there will be a big family party, chance to catch up with everyone :)
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DON'T LOAD IT ! in case someone is watching. My Uncle did - the 'van was gone fully loaded the next morning :'( ………… leave the bags in the hall packed to put in that morning. Enjoy!
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Saw your comment too late but it's ok - all done now anyway apart from our clothes that will go in tomorrow evening. Luckily we have a very long drive which curves round - where the van is parked it totally out of view from anyone. And it was just chairs, bedding that sort of stuff......Will be back on tomorrow but early start on Wed as we're catching the 9am ferry from Harwich.
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Off for a Duty Visit 2-morrow ……… :-X there's little or no reception there :(
Wonder how :sick02: you were on the crossing ………… :-\
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We used to go to Arran on holiday a lot. My son is not a great sailor but I could always find the right spot on the boat that got him through. Outside if you can, and be able to see the horizon. Just back from the front of the boat is best
Hubby is not great on a boat and neither am I. My daughter went on a week's school art trip to the island ( an hour's sailing time ) They had to leave early due to storm force winds. It was so stormy when I went to meet the boat I could hardly stand up. It was the last sailing for two days. I watched all the green faces coming off and there was my daughter tripping off. The first thing she asked was could we get chips ;D
Of course she was the one who had sailing lessons and wind surfing lessons and kayaking lessons.....guess she learned to cope with rough seas. Now she wants to learn to dive.....She can pay for those herself.
I am looking forward to our October break....it seems so far away though.
Honeyb
x
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:o ……… diving can be fun. World wide we have great seas to investigate ;)
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Bit cold here CLKD. I am resisting due to the price of the kit :o
Honeyb
x
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Think I would feel too claustrophobic - OH dives though in the Red Sea when he's out there working - he's taking some lovely underwater photos.
Taz x
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You can get sea sick under water :o. That in itself would scare the pants off me.
Honeyb
x
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I cannot put head under water, never have been able to. Eldest GD has no fear under water, although a recent trip to flumes, near us, scared her & her mum. But GD soon forgot.
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Hi all!
Back from my hols!
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Welcome, Dyan, how was it?
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Really good Milamam - thank you. Had a lovely time and a much needed break.
Now back to reality.........sigh........
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Did wonder how you were getting on 'away'.
We're back …………
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Welcome home.
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:thankyou: ……. I need a holiday to get over these last few days :sigh:
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Well I've just ditched some stuff from suitcase as it was too heavy! I tell you it's hubby's shoes. Honestly what a weight in a pair of leather sandals & canvas shoes. He's giving stuff to son to take home on his return from Belgium, just keeping essentials. Son will bring back waterproof jacket, jumper & his heavy trainers. He really needs to invest in some lighter stuff.
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Welcome home CLKD and Dyan - we got back early yesterday morning having caught the night boat from the Hook of Holland on Sunday. Slept for most of the journey so no sea-sickness for me and going out the sea was like a mill-pond :)
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OH is taking 2 weeks before he moves job in November. Where can you go that's sunny in November? I can't stand that autumn has started in August this year. He needs a complete rest.
We are going for 9 days to the Basque area of France in early October to see friends, but it's not a proper 'holiday' as our closest friends have massive personal problems.
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Hi old sheep, are you thinking beg, mid or end Nov? Beach or more sight-seeing?
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The Canaries Oldsheep?
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We didn't have our holiday this year as our daughter got married so funds were short. I will look out for the 2015 holiday thread as we have booked for the South Coast (we don't go abroad).
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We don't go abroad either. Combination of 92yr old mother, dog, me ::) .
I have booked us an autumn holiday in the Trossachs for our 30th anniversary. Can't wait.
Honeyb
x
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I think mid November. Somewhere totally relaxing, sunny and where there's decent medical help in case OH gets another one of his bizarre allergic reactions to something!
We thought of South Africa if can find an affordable fare, as we can stay there for nothing and car hire is cheap. But November can be dicey, or can be 23- 24 degrees and sunny, which would be lovely.
Long haul though.
Are Crete and Rhodes a bit wintry or rainy then? I don't know if OH would find enough to do in the Canaries? We love the sun, sitting at cafes, seeing beautiful or interesting places etc.
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My Plan is - travel up to the Paisley area in the camper and book into a Hotel. Visit a friend of my late father's who loved his camper van. Couple of days there then head across to a camp site so that we can visit Edinburgh ;) - got to get DH on board he wants to go fishing with his brother >:( .......... :o I mean :) ....... which means I won't get away to where I want to go.
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Is Paisley this year CLKD or next.
Hope you can both get to do what you want to.
Honeyb
x
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I hope next week ............ ;) you said you have :sunny: so we're headed your way :D
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honeybun I was taken to the Trossachs when I was 16 for a holiday with my parents (the only one we ever had) I kept a diary and still have it, with picture postcards. It was very beautiful. We stayed in Callender and went out each day from there.
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Oldsheep - I wouldnt go to Greece in November, their Autumn will be well underway by then.
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Thanks littleminnie, I thought so. Pity it's not mid October as that could be lovely. Not his choice though.
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So what's to do in Glasgow and Edinburgh?
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Please don't stay in Paisley CLKD. It's really not nice. If you tell me what area you are thinking of then I will give you the info. Paisley is a deprived area but there are loads of places in the general area....especially near me that are within travelling distance...and are lovely.
Hmmm Glasgow. You would need a week or more. Kelvingrove Art Gallery is beautiful. The Transport Museum. Glasgow Uni....You can go in the church but just a walk along University Avenue is lovely. Kelvingrove Park. The Burrell Collection. The Bonatic Garden.
For lunch ...Princess Square...unique. Depends on what you are looking for.
Edinburgh....The Royal Mile....The Castle..The Parliament.
Babyjane.
We are staying in an 18th century farm house between Aberfoyle and Callender. It's not that far from us maybe a couple of hours drive so suits me fine. We can't go that far from home because mum is frail and I need to be close at hand. It's a lovely place and I'm hoping for some Autumn colours.
Honeyb
x
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:thankyou: I'm going into Paisley to show my Uncle our camper ........ DH decided that we could find a Hotel near Loch Lomond? for 2/3 days, into Glasgow as necessary then travel over to Edinburgh, back down via Alnwich Gardens ....... we have 7/8 days :o to fill .........
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Luss is lovely as is Balloch and Drymen. The roads up the side of the loch to Rowardennan are challenging to say the least..
Avoid Erskine it's very industrial as is Dumbarton.
Honeyb
x
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Def more Luss /Balloch area is nicer CLKD. Used to live in that area when I was young, dad used to teach kids how to row in his spare time so we literally grew up at the side of the loch watching them out on the rowing boats.
Old sheep, cyprus should still be nice at that time of year, Paphos has a cafe bar culture and restaurants, cultural things to do as well. We like visiting the old town of paphos, although the harbour area is lovely. Plenty of walking or buses avail to other parts of the island.
Difficult trying to decide isnt it.
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:thankyou:
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You can wave to me on the way past CLKD
Honeyb
x
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If I could find a Hotel 'on' L Lomond that isn't part of a chain, booked already or expensive I would do ::) …….. I've spent an hour looking for hotels with a car park (to put the camper onto) - we want a couple of nights under cover 1st so that we can get a feel of the weather ;) ………. looks like I'll be searching for campsites next ::) ………..
How big is your driveway Honeybun ;D
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Hi CLKD,
During a trip to Scotland last year we stayed in a beautiful hotel right on Loch Lomomd. I Think it was called "The Lodge on the lake". Our balcony opened up onto the Loch itself and it was breathtaking. Bit pricey but I would recommend it to anyone.
Hope this helps. Best wishes xx
Just checked my memory box and it's actually called "The Lodge on Loch Lomond"
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Saw that. Tempted. Bear it in mind for our Ruby wedding next year ……… can you remind me in 12 months time ;D - I couldn't find a tarrif on their web-site at all :( ……… = high prices …...
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I'll try to remind you in 12 months time but I can't remember what I did yesterday at the mo !!!
Yes it's expensive but oh so worth it. Maybe try one of the late deals web sites. I know a fair bit can be saved going through those xx
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;D ……….. thanks!
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Have you looked at the Duck Bay Marina. Don't know how pricy it is but it's got big car park.
If you look at the West coast it's about a 35 min drive from Paisley. Largs is beautiful and has some great hotels. The Seamill Hydro is a bit further down the coast.
There are a couple of hotels in Drymen....A Best Western and the Buchanan Arms Hotel.
If you need to, PM me.
Honeyb
x
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CLKD if you're driving down the East Coast after Edinburgh then the Northumberland coast is lovely - wild, with all the castles and will be empty at that time of year ( well more so). There is also Hadrian's wall too.... there will be no diffiiculty filling 7-8 days and in fact that isn't enough time for it all!
Hurdity x
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We may well drive back via Alnwick Gardens ………… :thank you: enough info to fill 3 weeks ;)
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Have you got things sorted CLKD ?
Honeyb
x
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:thank you: Began packing today. Have to phone a camp site on Loch Lomond tomorrow. Plan to leave here on Monday early morning …….. will you wear a big pink carnation ;) however, I'll recognise your dog …….. :-X ……..
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Meet you in Jenners for a coffee. I will be the one sitting outside with the dog opposite the Sea life centre. ;D
Honeyb
x
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Oh Sea Life Centre too :) - always good on a rainey day, there's one in Hunstanton. The 1st opened in Oban in the early 1990s we went there too - could take the dog inside out of the weather 1 wandered round then we did a swap ;)
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Are you all sorted then. The weather is looking not bad for next week.
Honeyb
x
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Oh - hopefully the weather will be fine. Blustery to keep the midges away ;D. Yep: will pack the camper in the morning: most stuff is waiting on our bedroom floor or in a box in the kitchen; watch MotoGP then sort the final wash to go on overnight. Bet I don't sleep tomorrow night >:( ::)
Might not be on line much next week. Depending ……...
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Enjoy it when you go.
If you don't sleep you could always come on here...........
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If we can get local 'access' ;)
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Journey took 7 hours with 2 stops for grub.
Camp site very difficult to find >:( but now here, we're already extended our stay twice.
Rested on Monday evening, took a walk round Luss.
Yesterday went to visit a friend of my Dad's from when they were 19. We last saw him in 1976 but have been in touch over the years. He was thrilled to see me, didn't think he was going to put me down from the Very Big Hug :-*
Managed not to panic whilst having a cuppa and catch up
Back to the site and walked down to the local eatery - name escapes me but is worth a visit, grub great! (honeybun ;-) )
This morning - off round to Helenburgh to find some open gardens to explore
Tomorrow - weather permitting and if we can stay another night - Oban.
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If you go to Oban then don't miss the Sea Shack at the very end of the pier. It's seafood is world class. Looks a tip though ;D
Honeyb
x
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Glad you got there safely CLKD - enjoy your holiday :)
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Envy you CLKD a holiday in Scotland, enjoy it all :)
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Has anyone ever been to Portugal? We would like to go next year and I have been looking at villas but wasn't sure which was the best place to go? We like to be near nice restaurants where you can sit outside to eat, we don't like it to be too noisy! LOL ;) Does anyone have any ideas of where I should concentrate my search? Thanks
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I think some have been to Portugal?
Today we drove around looking at the scenery. 2-morrow weather allowing - Oban for the day. So far no midges although I have brought bites up with me ::)
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Told you CLKD, very few midges on the west coast this year.
Enjoy Oban, long drive for just one day though.
Honeyb
x
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Oh it was but oh the sunshine and scenery :-* - until mid-afternoon when it turned cloudy. Came back via Rest and Be Thankful, I don't think Scottish miles are the same as ours ;D and the post goes out so LATE! 5.00 p.m. tomorrow from Inverarary my Mum will think we've left the Planet if she doesn't get regular post cards ……. :D
DH is cooking supper now. We pack up and move South in the morning. We will miss Luss even though the A82 traffic roars by ::) …………
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It's the windey roads that make the miles seem longer CLKD.
Don't think our A roads match up either ;D. The descent into Oban in the sunshine is wonderful.
Honeyb
x
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I agree. We parked by the Leisure Centre and walked into town. Busy. Went into the expensive jewellery shop, there are some stunning pieces there, such a lot of talent in the UK.
One boat was going to sail out to the seals but broke down within, fortunately, the harbour ::) - 2 passengers we met had to climb up the metal steps :o - we were in the cafe close to the Brewery and they were still shaking! Not the trip that they had expected ;D - they were from Washington 'down south' …….
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After singing the praises of Colchester a couple of months ago to you CKLD, I though you might be interested to see this.
http://www.itv.com/news/2014-09-04/hoard-of-jewellry-discovered-under-car-park-immortalises-attack-on-roman-colchester-by-the-british/
They also recently discovered an uneaten meal, probably abandoned at the time Boudicca attacked.
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Villamoura is nice in Portugal Robotwars.
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I'm back. ;)
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Well was it brilliant or what.
News please ;D
Honeyb
x
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I'm off...
First long weekend with DH in 8 years. Woohoo!
Galadriel x
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Jetlag CG?
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Have a great time GD. I had to wait 24 years before hubby and I got away on our own......and I missed the kids ;D. How sad is that.
Honeyb
x
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Cubagirl - Did you have a good time, do tell...... ;)
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Pool, cocktails, chilling. View right across bay from verandah. Lots of wildlife, waves crashing on shore below. Hotel really did make hubby's birthday special. Champers & cake on arrival. On the day, another bottle of champers & fresh fruit sent to the room. Meal at night, they decorated our table & waiters sang Happy Birthday to hubby. Better than I could have hoped for really.
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Really glad it went well and you both enjoyed it.
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Sounds like a very relaxing holiday cubagirl!
Hurdity x
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The setteee with a cracked ankle whoopy dooo
Hope everyone else had a brilliant time
Now Im saying this through gritted teeth heheheheh
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Glad you had a good time CG :)
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It was a great holiday, just trying to shake off the jetlag.
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Back again. The weekend was fab ;)
Kids didn't miss us at all. Just one phone call to ask how to work the tumble drier :D
Had a lovely picnic by the river in Durham on Saturday.
Spent all day at Beamish Open Air museum on Sunday.
Been shopping and having fun today.
Ah well, back to work tomorrow ::)
Glad you had fun CG.
Get well soon Suzi Q
Galadriel x
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Glad you had good time GD.
Dare I ask how you cracked your ankle Suzi? You have posted already, but in my dopey jet lagged state I marked messages as read, when I hadn't read them at all. ??? Silly CG.
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Oban was nice. Busy. We couldn't remember it at all (from 1991 ::) )
Area is lovely. Cornish miles though :D
Drove on Friday down S to a busy site (over 200 when full) a mile from the beach looking towards Dunstanburgh Ruins. The only rain and that was in the night. Visited Alnwick Gardens, town, drove round the area, walked to the beach and back; up to Berwick on Tweed; DH went trout fishing for half a day and caught tea :-*
Home now ..........
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Ooh lovely
We stayed at a campsite near Dunstanburgh in the VW when we went to Northumberland (5 years ago) - and walked to the ruins from the site - very atmospheric. We went to Alnwick castle too and another one - Bamburgh I think. I prefer the ruined ones though!
Hurdity x
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Might it have been the same site, of course, muggins here can't remember the name ;D (3 loads done, 2 more for the morning)
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Off v.early on Saturday for two weeks in Fuerteventura - getting very excited now ;D
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Packed yet ;D
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A work colleague has just come back from there Greyhoundgal, 37 degrees!
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Going off tomorrow morning to Majorca (Soller) for 5 days. Painter is coming in while we are gone. Usual thing - I struggle to get everything cleared and sorted and packed, while O.H works until 7.30pm, then comes home, throws a few clothes in a bag and asks why I'm so stressed as it's easy to go away! ::)
Weather forecast there isn't what we hoped as lots of thunderstorms and rain. Just hoping I can get in the sea. It's my birthday treat, but somehow we didn't manage to find a hotel with a pool! :o
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You enjoy the change of scenery!
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Off for 2 days ……….. <wave>
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Three weeks on Saturday....Not that I'm counting. ;D
Have a good time CLKD. Where are you off too ?
Honeyb
x
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Why would you be counting HB? ;D
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Have a great time CLKD. Missed already :-\
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We are going away next weekend for 5 days to visit our newly married daughter and see their new house. We haven't seen them since the wedding and are ready for a break. We haven't been away this year due to the wedding and aren't going away again until next June so will really enjoy it :)
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Have a lovely time BJ.
The Trossachs await us.......can't think why I'm counting sleeps ;D
Honeyb
x
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:thankyou:
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HB I like sound of Trossachs it sounds romantic, is it in a Scottish song? something I use to sing at school.
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Not that I can think of SL. We have to drive up Loch Lomond to get there though and that is in many a song. Looking forward to some Autumn colour hopefully. Also a trip to Stirling and Callender. Aberfoyle is five mins away and is very pretty.
Oh can't wait. Log fires and feet up here I come.
Honeyb
x
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I remember Callender being lovely, it's where Dr Finlay's Casebook was filmed all those years ago :)
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The song may be Loch Lomond SL.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=pzQ1pNfbe3Q
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Is the Trossachs mentioned in that song. Shame on me ::). Haven't listened yet as I hate hoockter schooter songs. ;D
Honeyb
x
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Nope, just Loch & Ben Lomond. Like Flower of Scotland it makes hairs stand up on the back of my neck.
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I love Flower of Scotland and The Skye Boat Song. Two of my favourites.
Honeyb
x
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We used to sing the Skye Boat Song weekly at choir.
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I just love it. I remember singing it as a very little girl with my dad as we went on the boat...over the sea to skye. No bridge in those days.
Mind you .....No Erskine Bridge either......remember that CG ?
Honeyb
x
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Oh yes, I remember it well. Ferry crossings in those days. Also remember regular boat trips up the Clyde to Tighnabruaich. Used to be boat trips on a regular basis from the docks in Glasgow. Ah, those were the days.
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<wave> back ………. been to an antiques fair for 2 days which meant an over-nighter in our camper, we met several traders we know, bought a few 'bits' and met up with friends for a drink last night.
"drive up Loch Lomond" ………… ??? ………. not beside it then ;D
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Welcome home.
Did you get horrible rain early this morning?
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I'm off to Malaysia in five days' time - going with my elderly dad, to keep an eye on him and make sure he's okay. I haven't really looked forward to it up to now, but I think I'm beginning to look forward to the trip. It'll be nice when we get there, as we're going to stay with some Malaysian friends. Things I'm maybe not looking forward to?? Being stuck in a plane for eleven hours, following a four-hour first leg (never done a long-haul flight before), and the heat and humidity when we get there - just now, I cannot imagine 30 degrees! I hope I'll have everything I need for the trip, in time, and that my dad will be fine. It's going to feel so odd being so far from home, hubby and daughter. Any seasoned travellers got any helpful hints? ???
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Not me on afraid...only been as far as France ;D.
Sounds like a wonderful trip full of adventures.
I hope you have a great time...lots if Sun screen, mozzy deterrent, and anti bacterial stuff.....and most of all enjoy.
Wish I could consider such a journey but sadly the furthest I will get is the Trossachs ;D ;D
Honeyb
x
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Like Honeyb says - Sun screen, mozzy deterrent, and anti bacterial stuff.
Also, stuff to;
- soothe sun burn
- calm stomach upsets
- anti histamines
- rehydration salts/ solutions
- plasters
The thing is not to worry, it's civilised there and you will be with friends.
If you get delayed on the way over, see if you can get a hotel room where you can relax and shower without
fretting about your bags. Airports often have transit type hotels. Take a watch or alarm clock so you know you will wake when needed.
Might be worth requesting a wheelchair for your dad - ok he may be able to walk but there can be an awfully long way to walk in some of these airports. Also, if anything goes wrong with flight timings then the airlines do then help to get things sorted out.
The main thing is to enjoy it!
Remember to take lots to read.
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In the Trossachs HB may need
Antihistamines
Bug repellant
Sun screen - maybe if she's lucky
Plasters - lots of walking there
Dulciana, I hear it is so beautiful over there. Well jealous! Hope you & your dad have a brilliant time.
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CG - Your're right - We do need the same things wherever we go ::)
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Hubby reckons you forgot the most important stuff CG
Whiskey ;D ;D
I hate the stuff .
Honeyb
x
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HB, Limpy and Cubagirl - many thanks for your advice. Much appreciated. :thankyou:
Yes, my dad has already booked wheelchair assistance, luckily. And your suggestions on what to take really are helpful - I'll see what I can get on Monday.
I do agree about taking those things to the Trossachs! There are midges with boots on, there! Hope you have a lovely time, HB.
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I actually think they will have gone on holiday by that time....to Malaysia ;D
Have the most wonderful time.
Honeyb
x
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They may have done, HB - will let you know! ;D
And thanks.
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Is this holiday for a special occasion ?.
Honeyb
x
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No. It's for me to look after my dad while he shares some of his vast, lifelong knowledge of piano-playing with a group of interested piano students - and all for love, not for money. I value the chance to be with him.
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Whisky :sick02: I blame my parents. Made me take a whisky toddy at around 5 years of age for bad cough & I threw it up. Got a smack for wasting good whisky!
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dulciana that sounds like a very precious trip for you and your dad. What a lovely man he sounds.
I used to play the piano, I loved it but was not proficient enough to do a lot with it. I could not play by ear or sight read well enough to be spontaneous :(
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Thanks babyjane. He is.
D.
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I am sure you cherish him every moment. I did not have a close relationship with my father - he was a father and provided but was not a dad, no emotional connection at all. Even to this day I feel I missed out, and he certainly did :(
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I sympathise with you, babyjane. I do realise how lucky I and my siblings are. He's a gem.
:foryou:
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Dulciana - is there any travel advice on the Malaysian Commission in London, Web-site
Yep - we got heavy rain around 9.45 a.m. then drizzle until mid-afternoon
We go B&B to Lewes area for 5 days soon :-*
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Not long now - Monday ………..
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Getting excited CLKD ?
Honeyb
x
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How many sleeps now HB? ;D
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Too many ;D ;D
Honeyb
x
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There are 4 more sleeps until our 5 day mini break :)
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Enjoy bj! :)
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I think so :-\ ……… am packing the case in my head ;) - Sussex here we come :bounce:
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Hope there is room in there CLKD ;D
I pack the evening before I go and not before....Don't see the point. I have always been the same even when I was packing for young children and it was not so much packing as breaking camp ::)
It's all clean anyway, so straight from the drawer to the case.
Honeyb
x
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Years ago I would pack weeks in advance in case panic attacks put me into bed and I was unable to do it. Then various family members were hospitalised and we learnt to throw an overnight case 2-gether in moments! Now I pack in my head ………. :D
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No holidays planned for the foreseeable future then don't know where we'll be visiting ... finances permitting on 1 State Pension !! Dad used to say - 'Ya could go to Ar-gate' .. he was a Yorkshireman
Never felt so barassic / skint
Enjoy your holidays though
Meggie
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Meggie you are in the middle of huge upheaval! We do have plenty of places to visit in the UK in fact, DH and I have managed each away stay in the sunshine :o …….. museums are usually free, walking is free, looking at the area you live in with 'new' eyes can be interesting ……..
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Meggie you are in the middle of huge upheaval! We do have plenty of places to visit in the UK in fact, DH and I have managed each away stay in the sunshine :o …….. museums are usually free, walking is free, looking at the area you live in with 'new' eyes can be interesting ……..
Thanks for 'grounding' me - I'm seeing the future as rather daunting. Got to get out of the French mindset 'cause if I don't I'll always be disappointed, won't I ?
WHAT AM I SAYING - AS LONG AS WE'RE TOGETHER AGAIN IT WILL BE OK
Meggie
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I agree! :hug: when DH and I were first together all I wanted was for us to be together ;) - as we got more money behind us we talked about doing other things such as holidays, initially camping - when we bought a dog and my anxiety levels became awful, we went self-catering which suited us …… and the dog. We also used quiet pet friendly hotels but I wasn't able to go down for meals.
With the help of medication I eventually managed to face the breakfast room and rarely have the same worries these days. We also bought a small camper van - spending some of our Pension - whereas years ago I would never have considered using 'shared' facilities!
Acceptance will come. You need to grieve for the loss of the French dream which you both enjoyed. Then you will be able to move to where you need to be ………. fortunately we are able to be together and enjoy each other's company. (see my PM to you ;-) )
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Hope you are OK Meggie?
Just off to the coast of Devon for a couple of days camping - the last time before the dark cold days of winter. Sounds like it won't be too cold and wet....
Hurdity x
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One more sleep for us. Unfortunately mother is unwell. Hope I actually manage to get away :-\
Enjoy Hurdity.
Honeyb
x
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Honeybun - you go Girl! or CLKD will be Very Very Cross :D
Enjoy the camper Hurdity ……… <wave>
Meggie - how are you?
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You have a good holiday HB!!! Your sister is there to look after your mum. You know you'd do it for your sister if she were away.
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Have a lovely holiday HB.
I'm on holiday in 75 minutes and counting - a whole week off! DH has book us into a lovely guest house near Windermere for two nights. The rest of the time we are day tripping and using our NT membership.
Galadriel x
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Enjoy GD.
I'm away next week to daughter's to look after kids. Not exactly a holiday, but different scenery at least.
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Windermere is lovely in any type of weather! We belong to the NT …….. check that properties are still open!
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Have a lovely week GD. I love the lake's, simply beautiful.
Honeyb
x
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Away again Friday-Sunday - Mum will be 88!
Will pack on Thursday afternoon ………. will know more what the weather is likely to be by then ::)
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Norfolk ::) ……….
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Doesn't Norfolk get less rain than most places though? At least so I've been told.
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25" a year - apparently. Though don't want that in 1 day :D ……… nor on the weekend we visit Mum, it's easier to go out and about in dry weather ;)
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Back. Birthday done and dusted! Mine next - but don't know where to go :-\ ……. I looked on-line at Hotels in Brighton but it seems all the booking forms are run by the same company not by the Hotels directly. So couldn't find out how long 4 nights is likely to cost, nor if there are any 'offers' for people of my age ……..
Also finding it difficult to go out and about for very long, like to get home ASAP :sigh:
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Don't put yourself under pressure to go away CLKD. Why not just enjoy your birthday at home in your own surroundings? You can go out locally for lunch if you want and maybe have a walk through nearby countryside or visit one of your favourite antique shops. A birthday is a time for YOU to do what you want and, even though you may feel you should want to go further afield, at the moment home is where you would much rather be it seems to me.
Taz x
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:thankyou: Taz. I think that's what we will do. I have a yearning for the coast though …...
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Cruising - Telegraph and Guardian today both have 'inserts' about where to go …….
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It's 2015 now CLKD ;D
Hurdity x
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;D