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General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: ohcheap1 on June 07, 2013, 07:32:23 PM

Title: Whats on your summer vacation calendar?
Post by: ohcheap1 on June 07, 2013, 07:32:23 PM
So, families first vacation in over 10 years and this is where we are going with the whole extended family.
http://www.surforsound.com/properties/property/567 (http://www.surforsound.com/properties/property/567)

This is what the weather is projected to be:
http://www.weather.com/weather/tenday/Kitty+Hawk+NC+27949:4:US (http://www.weather.com/weather/tenday/Kitty+Hawk+NC+27949:4:US)
http://www.google.org/publicalerts/alert?aid=a696036fd64eac3&hl=en&gl=US&source=web (http://www.google.org/publicalerts/alert?aid=a696036fd64eac3&hl=en&gl=US&source=web)

Aaaahhhhhh.......... Karma.
Title: Re: Whats on your summer vacation calendar?
Post by: mishca09 on June 07, 2013, 07:49:01 PM
nice, looks like it will be fun.

nothing is planned , maybe some volunteer work.
Title: Re: Whats on your summer vacation calendar?
Post by: xtopave on June 07, 2013, 09:10:14 PM
WOW, it looks absolutely fabulous, OC1! Don't think about the weather. You're going to have an amazing vacation.
Title: Re: Whats on your summer vacation calendar?
Post by: ohcheap1 on June 07, 2013, 09:23:22 PM
Its amazing how much that incredible photography of the house can remove your thoughts of hurricane potential. Ha!! Whatever. As youve noticed my Dad did an unbelievable job of picking out the venue.
Title: Re: Whats on your summer vacation calendar?
Post by: Autumn on June 08, 2013, 11:16:06 AM
Just got back from here: http://www.grandgeneva.com/
Title: Re: Whats on your summer vacation calendar?
Post by: bubu on June 08, 2013, 02:13:13 PM
The places are both beautiful, I saw Hatteras Island many years ago while from New york we went down to Florida. No vacation for me  :'(
Title: Re: Whats on your summer vacation calendar?
Post by: smokester on June 08, 2013, 03:34:24 PM
This is where we are off to in:

70 days, 9 hrs, 58 mins

http://eskape2stlucia.com/hotels/orchard_villa/

It's actually owned by a Canuck. Very clean as you can imagine.
Title: Re: Whats on your summer vacation calendar?
Post by: 8ullfrog on June 08, 2013, 09:15:00 PM
I'd like to swim somewhere with clear water, it would make me happy.
Title: Re: Whats on your summer vacation calendar?
Post by: Autumn on June 10, 2013, 12:09:25 AM
I'd like to swim somewhere with clear water, it would make me happy.

Me too. Fiji looks nice.
Title: Re: Whats on your summer vacation calendar?
Post by: 6pairsofshoes on June 10, 2013, 01:03:06 AM
I'd like to swim somewhere with clear water, it would make me happy.

Walden Pond is one of my favorite places to swim.  No sharks.  Water is pretty clear and it's hard to beat the location.  I have yet to find any place besides swimming pools in Cali to swim.  The ocean is freezing and populated by treacherous creatures.
Title: Re: Whats on your summer vacation calendar?
Post by: goldshirt*9 on June 10, 2013, 07:20:15 AM
This is where we are off to in:
70 days, 9 hrs, 58 mins
http://eskape2stlucia.com/hotels/orchard_villa/
It's actually owned by a Canuck. Very clean as you can imagine.
nice to see your going.

have been and am going again in 7 weeks
http://fforestfields.co.uk/ (http://fforestfields.co.uk/)
Title: Re: Whats on your summer vacation calendar?
Post by: xtopave on June 10, 2013, 08:06:13 AM
Panama City, Florida. Water is unbelievably transparent, sand is like sugar (but not as sweet).

Looking that place up (which is beautiful, btw) I've found these interesting pics: Fog rolls up along the shore of Panama City Beach, Florida (http://photoblog.nbcnews.com/_news/2012/02/10/10375026-spectacular-cloud-tsunami-rolls-over-florida-high-rise-condos?lite).

I came back from this place a month ago: http://www.riobuzios.com.br/beach/?id=en (http://www.riobuzios.com.br/beach/?id=en).
The way things are in my country who knows when I'll go on vacation again.  :'(
Title: Re: Whats on your summer vacation calendar?
Post by: 6pairsofshoes on June 10, 2013, 04:00:04 PM
It's nice here, too.  Baie aux prunes, St. Martin.  The water's warmer, but you need to worry about the occasional shark, etc.

http://www.sxmsaintmartin.com/plages-saint-martin/baie-aux-prunes.php (http://www.sxmsaintmartin.com/plages-saint-martin/baie-aux-prunes.php)
Title: Re: Whats on your summer vacation calendar?
Post by: ohcheap1 on June 10, 2013, 06:34:42 PM
Just got back from here: http://www.grandgeneva.com/

We rent a house on the dells in Wisconsin, nothing that fancy though. It IS beautiful there.

The places are both beautiful, I saw Hatteras Island many years ago while from New york we went down to Florida. No vacation for me  :'(

Hatteras is part of the outerbanks where we are staying. SO beautiful.

I'd like to swim somewhere with clear water, it would make me happy.

Gotta be a neighbor that has a pool somewhere. Thats as clear as it gets.

Looking that place up (which is beautiful, btw) I've found these interesting pics:


Come on up Christ!!! Only a 14 hour drive.
Title: Re: Whats on your summer vacation calendar?
Post by: 6pairsofshoes on June 10, 2013, 09:34:01 PM
The Florida Keys can be nice, too.  I used to go there to stay with my sister.  It was fun to snorkel and look at fish, rays, barracuda, etc.
Title: Re: Whats on your summer vacation calendar?
Post by: ohcheap1 on June 11, 2013, 12:47:57 PM
WOW, it looks absolutely fabulous, OC1! Don't think about the weather. You're going to have an amazing vacation.
You were exactly right!! Hasnt rained once since we've been here and right now Im so sunburned Im getting some alone time while the fam is doing some sight seeing. AAHHH... This is so awesome.
Title: Re: Whats on your summer vacation calendar?
Post by: xtopave on June 11, 2013, 05:26:40 PM
You were exactly right!! Hasnt rained once since we've been here and right now Im so sunburned Im getting some alone time while the fam is doing some sight seeing. AAHHH... This is so awesome.

Told'ya! Have fun.
Title: Re: Whats on your summer vacation calendar?
Post by: ohcheap1 on June 14, 2013, 12:28:52 PM
I have lots of pics to share but thought these were really cool. The ONLY storm that we experieinced the whole week. My sister took some great shots.
(http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k246/ohcheap1/945133_10151490645339220_221571906_n_zps7db62215.jpg)
(http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k246/ohcheap1/970226_10151490645529220_2110191718_n_zps42512080.jpg)
Title: Re: Whats on your summer vacation calendar?
Post by: goldshirt*9 on June 14, 2013, 12:36:41 PM
holly Moses that's weird looking.
love the capture of the lightning
Title: Re: Whats on your summer vacation calendar?
Post by: xtopave on June 14, 2013, 02:25:43 PM
That sky is breathtaking! Good pics.
Title: Re: Whats on your summer vacation calendar?
Post by: ohcheap1 on June 14, 2013, 04:20:20 PM
Shes a great photographer. Ill post more. It was so cool sitting out on the balcony as it descended on us.
Title: Re: Whats on your summer vacation calendar?
Post by: xtopave on June 14, 2013, 05:50:22 PM
Shes a great photographer. Ill post more. It was so cool sitting out on the balcony as it descended on us.

Was it a big storm? Did it last long?
Title: Re: Whats on your summer vacation calendar?
Post by: ohcheap1 on June 14, 2013, 07:59:02 PM
Nope. The weather had forecasted 2-3 inch hail and flash flooding. It rained slightly for about 15 min. I clearly know that meteorology is not a real science when used on the ocean. LOL
Title: Re: Whats on your summer vacation calendar?
Post by: ohcheap1 on June 16, 2013, 11:21:36 AM
On our drive back from OBX we were going through VA and as I screamed and scared everyone in the car I saw a toddler age black bear coming upto the guard rail!!!!!! It was one of the most incredible things I have ever seen. This is NOT my picture but so close to what I saw. Bear was younger though (now that Im an expert on the subject)
(http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k246/ohcheap1/bear_zps1e33a342.png)

(http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k246/ohcheap1/1016164_10151487019159220_2018219590_n_zpsc9e853a2.jpg)
(http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k246/ohcheap1/582661_10151485927094220_2001965783_n_zpscde1c60e.jpg)
(http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k246/ohcheap1/295531_10151485926869220_1007265971_n_zpsc9395310.jpg)
(http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k246/ohcheap1/5828_10151481406344220_344435947_n_zpsa192299d.jpg)
Title: Re: Whats on your summer vacation calendar?
Post by: goldshirt*9 on June 16, 2013, 01:09:17 PM
nice shots
Title: Re: Whats on your summer vacation calendar?
Post by: xtopave on June 17, 2013, 06:32:49 AM
On our drive back from OBX we were going through VA and as I screamed and scared everyone in the car I saw a toddler age black bear coming upto the guard rail!!!!!! It was one of the most incredible things I have ever seen.

It must have been awesome!!
We were near Mammoth Lakes one spring. It was late in the afternoon, we were parked near a coffee shop and a bear appeared not 10 feet away from the car. It looked at us, opened a trash container and started to rummage the content. It had such a human-like attitude! I took a pic but somehow the damned photo was lost (pre-digital camera days). My husband still laughs at me when I tell this to friends and says "Nope, there aren't any pics, it didn't happen!"  ::)

You have a long way home from OBX, haven't you OC1?
Title: Re: Whats on your summer vacation calendar?
Post by: ohcheap1 on June 17, 2013, 06:47:50 AM
About 17 hrs. I was able to drive 12 but had to turn it over to my husband for the last 5. Seeing the bear made it totally worth it. I know what you mean about not having the pic available. There was just no way I could of safely pulled over for a shot.
Title: Re: Whats on your summer vacation calendar?
Post by: Autumn on June 18, 2013, 06:26:52 AM
Well, looks like I'll be going to Alabama this summer to visit my half sister while we wait for the foster care system to get us sorted. Oxford Alabama has only recently been more developed so there aren't really pretty pictures for me to link. But when I go I'll take some.
Title: Re: Whats on your summer vacation calendar?
Post by: goldshirt*9 on June 18, 2013, 12:17:11 PM
any photo is a good picture if you have never visited the area  :)
Title: Re: Whats on your summer vacation calendar?
Post by: smokester on June 18, 2013, 12:27:29 PM
any photo is a good picture if you have never visited the area  :)

That's not true. You haven't been to my house.
Title: Re: Whats on your summer vacation calendar?
Post by: dweez on June 18, 2013, 12:50:18 PM
That's not true. You haven't been to my house.

Yet.
Title: Re: Whats on your summer vacation calendar?
Post by: smokester on June 18, 2013, 02:25:54 PM
Yet.

And then you'd know not to get your camera out.

You're welcome anytime dweez.
Title: Re: Whats on your summer vacation calendar?
Post by: smokester on June 19, 2013, 04:07:28 AM
You really have to stretch the meaning of the word "developed" for some places.

Particularly some places in Alabama.

A bit like King's Cross then?
Title: Re: Whats on your summer vacation calendar?
Post by: Autumn on June 20, 2013, 11:37:57 PM
You really have to stretch the meaning of the word "developed" for some places.

Particularly some places in Alabama.

I guess I just mean compared to what it was when I lived there. We had to go to the next town for anything. Now it has its own stuff.
Title: Re: Whats on your summer vacation calendar?
Post by: smokester on June 21, 2014, 10:57:29 AM
I booked another trip to St Lucia on August the 4th, 2 days after my dreaded birthday. 

Only staying 13 days this time as the flights out there are extraordinary in price, and even then I had to pay £3500 for 2 adults and 2 children.

Next year my son will no longer be classed as a child even though he'll still only be 12, so prices would be even higher. Either way it may be the last holiday in the Caribbean until the kids move out or are old enough to pay for their own flights.

I fancy Kerala next year.
Title: Re: Whats on your summer vacation calendar?
Post by: 6pairsofshoes on June 21, 2014, 01:22:44 PM
Well, looks like I'll be going to Alabama this summer to visit my half sister while we wait for the foster care system to get us sorted. Oxford Alabama has only recently been more developed so there aren't really pretty pictures for me to link. But when I go I'll take some.

Did I miss something?  I think you said something about her having an unhappy marriage?  I can't remember any comments about foster care.

I've never spent time in Alabama.  I guess parts of it are pretty.  I sure could use a seaside vacation somewhere warm.  I miss the East coast.  Thanks for the pix ohcheap1.
Title: Re: Whats on your summer vacation calendar?
Post by: dweez on June 21, 2014, 03:28:47 PM
That was something Autumn posted last year 6pairs...I think smokes unintentionally necro-posted.
Title: Re: Whats on your summer vacation calendar?
Post by: smokester on June 21, 2014, 04:10:02 PM
That was something Autumn posted last year 6pairs...I think smokes unintentionally necro-posted.

It's OC's thread isn't it?  I thought the clue was in its title.
Title: Re: Whats on your summer vacation calendar?
Post by: dweez on June 21, 2014, 06:49:10 PM
Lol, I know you used the thread properly.  Just no one had posted since 1 year ago (to the day).  Whether you intentionally did it or not, 6pairs got duped! :D
Title: Re: Whats on your summer vacation calendar?
Post by: smokester on June 22, 2014, 03:08:11 AM
Lol, I know you used the thread properly.  Just no one had posted since 1 year ago (to the day).  Whether you intentionally did it or not, 6pairs got duped! :D

I'm a tightwad and didn't want to waste database space with a 2014 summer vacation topic, so I recycled.
Title: Re: Whats on your summer vacation calendar?
Post by: 6pairsofshoes on June 22, 2014, 03:12:27 AM
That's fine.  I got confused and didn't see the 2013 date of her post.  Frankly, I was surprised and pleased to see her back posting, but now I realize it was just wishful thinking.  I hope she's ok.

Vacation?  What vacation?  I'm still mopping up the chaos from the end of last semester.  My house looks like it was hit by a concussion bomb.  I'm emptying closets in advance of a huge garage sale.  There's too much stuff here and it's got to go.  I hope to get to the ocean for a day or so.  That's about all we can manage.  Still it's such a pleasure, we really look forward to it.
Title: Re: Whats on your summer vacation calendar?
Post by: mishca09 on June 22, 2014, 06:20:52 AM
Ive seen her post on the noid…. i haven't checked in a while though
Title: Re: Whats on your summer vacation calendar?
Post by: goldshirt*9 on June 22, 2014, 06:54:48 AM
Wales and Germany for me
Title: Re: Whats on your summer vacation calendar?
Post by: 6pairsofshoes on June 26, 2014, 02:40:19 AM
Ive seen her post on the noid…. i haven't checked in a while though

She hasn't posted on there in months, either, although she was quite active when the fora was first back up and running.

Have fun goldie.  I hope you have good weather in Germany.  The summer I studied there, it was wet and cold.  I froze.
Title: Re: Whats on your summer vacation calendar?
Post by: smokester on February 23, 2015, 02:52:58 AM
....Either way it may be the last holiday in the Caribbean until the kids move out or are old enough to pay for their own flights....

Did I really say that ^.  I can feel myself pushing the button for more flights this year.
Title: Re: Whats on your summer vacation calendar?
Post by: goldshirt*9 on February 25, 2015, 08:09:32 AM
more sun, what does it look like nowadays  ;D ;D

we are looking for a caravan to take to Wales, of course  ;D ;D
Title: Re: Whats on your summer vacation calendar?
Post by: smokester on February 25, 2015, 11:41:31 AM
I think I've landed a contract that will pay for another trip to St Lucia outright.  I'll know for sure in a week and if all goes well I'll go from the 30th of July till the 14th of August.

That'll put me there on my birthday.  Oh Yeah!
Title: Re: Whats on your summer vacation calendar?
Post by: smokester on February 26, 2015, 02:33:13 AM
It's alright for you folk with summer birthdays.

Let's hope I don't move to Australia.
Title: Re: Whats on your summer vacation calendar?
Post by: goldshirt*9 on March 06, 2015, 08:59:07 AM
Wales Wales and more Wales.
I have or I should say, we have a caravan  :) :)
so lots of short breaks to our favourite site, plus a visit to Hay on Wye now and again especially when the festivals NOT on.
Caravans are so expensive for their age  :o :o

Title: Re: Whats on your summer vacation calendar?
Post by: drago6650 on April 07, 2015, 05:47:52 AM
Off to South Africa in a weeks time, my sisters son is getting married they live in Durban but are getting married in the drakensberg mountains

(http://i1052.photobucket.com/albums/s449/drago6650/drakensberg-mountains-590_zps0g6hoptz.jpg) (http://s1052.photobucket.com/user/drago6650/media/drakensberg-mountains-590_zps0g6hoptz.jpg.html)

Then with the family going on safari to Springbok Lodge then down to Durbasn and Cape Town for a couple of weeks.
Title: Re: Whats on your summer vacation calendar?
Post by: goldshirt*9 on April 07, 2015, 07:44:33 AM
very nice
Title: Re: Whats on your summer vacation calendar?
Post by: smokester on April 07, 2015, 12:30:35 PM
Off to South Africa in a weeks time, my sisters son is getting married they live in Durban but are getting married in the drakensberg mountains

Then with the family going on safari to Springbok Lodge then down to Durbasn and Cape Town for a couple of weeks.

Don't forget to pack your mosquito and shark repellent.
Title: Re: Whats on your summer vacation calendar?
Post by: goldshirt*9 on April 07, 2015, 01:28:23 PM
What would he pack his own mosquito? (they have plenty there)
  ;D ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: Whats on your summer vacation calendar?
Post by: smokester on April 07, 2015, 01:30:42 PM
What would he pack his own mosquito? (they have plenty there)

Sorry, I meant mosquito-and-shark repellent.

Apparently they are both averse to Windows 8.
Title: Re: Whats on your summer vacation calendar?
Post by: drago6650 on April 08, 2015, 01:27:37 PM
Luckily it is a malaria free zone but as the little buggers just love me I have a variety of machines and repellents, saying that I always end up with one or two bites no matter how careful I am. I think the worst bites are the ones you get on your feet, as for sharks no way if I go swimming it will be in the pool, my son did the swimming with sharks thing last year the worst he got was sea sickness..... ;D
Title: Re: Whats on your summer vacation calendar?
Post by: goldshirt*9 on April 09, 2015, 12:56:39 PM
Could always go shark viewing
Title: Re: Whats on your summer vacation calendar?
Post by: smokester on April 09, 2015, 02:24:17 PM
Don't forget the croc burger. I hear it's a bit like lobster.
Title: Re: Whats on your summer vacation calendar?
Post by: drago6650 on April 10, 2015, 10:19:38 PM
Just booked a tour of the vineyards in Cape Town....more my scene then shark viewing, may give the croc burger a miss though.
Title: Re: Whats on your summer vacation calendar?
Post by: goldshirt*9 on April 11, 2015, 12:50:47 AM
that looks excellent.

I collect my caravan next Saturday  :) cannot wait
Title: Re: Whats on your summer vacation calendar?
Post by: drago6650 on April 11, 2015, 07:41:11 AM
^ Any plans on where to go.
Title: Re: Whats on your summer vacation calendar?
Post by: smokester on April 11, 2015, 07:47:41 AM
I collect my caravan next Saturday  :) cannot wait

At least you'll have somewhere to put your son the next time he pisses you off.
Title: Re: Whats on your summer vacation calendar?
Post by: goldshirt*9 on April 13, 2015, 12:49:35 AM
 ;D ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: Whats on your summer vacation calendar?
Post by: smokester on July 18, 2015, 09:34:31 AM
21 days, 16 hours and 25 minutes until our flight to Loosha!

I'm beginning to get all fluttery with the thought of it.
Title: Re: Whats on your summer vacation calendar?
Post by: xtopave on July 18, 2015, 12:37:30 PM
 :)
(http://i.imgur.com/8e6ckW8.jpg)
Title: Re: Whats on your summer vacation calendar?
Post by: smokester on July 18, 2015, 12:43:19 PM
:)
(http://i.imgur.com/8e6ckW8.jpg)

That's a busy beach in St Lucia.
Title: Re: Whats on your summer vacation calendar?
Post by: xtopave on July 18, 2015, 01:07:20 PM
That's a busy beach in St Lucia.

I can almost hear the deafening sound of the waves crashing on the beach.  ::) ;D
Title: Re: Whats on your summer vacation calendar?
Post by: smokester on July 18, 2015, 05:38:03 PM
I can almost hear the deafening sound of the waves crashing on the beach.  ::) ;D

They don't crash, they caress.
Title: Re: Whats on your summer vacation calendar?
Post by: goldshirt*9 on July 19, 2015, 03:27:00 AM
 8) have you got a holiday palace there ???
(http://i245.photobucket.com/albums/gg70/goldshirt9/crap/st-lucia-6_zpswx0ucpk3.jpg) (http://s245.photobucket.com/user/goldshirt9/media/crap/st-lucia-6_zpswx0ucpk3.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Whats on your summer vacation calendar?
Post by: smokester on July 19, 2015, 12:28:27 PM
8) have you got a holiday palace there ???


Yep, it's this place:

(http://i267.photobucket.com/albums/ii319/smokeyb53/smokeyb53058/20140806_103234_zpstw2jd7fb.jpg)

We stay in the apartment on the left.  There's a realtor friend of mine who looks after the villas in the right hand apartment, and the top is a long let to a Trinidadian guy who we never see.

The pool is all ours while we are there.

Here it is from the porch and some of it's cooking amenities:

(http://i267.photobucket.com/albums/ii319/smokeyb53/smokeyb53058/20140812_143326_zpsfphejn2m.jpg)

(http://i267.photobucket.com/albums/ii319/smokeyb53/smokeyb53058/S1060002_zpssz4jmpl3.jpg)
Title: Re: Whats on your summer vacation calendar?
Post by: xtopave on July 19, 2015, 03:21:42 PM
It looks like they painted the place the day before your arrival, it's so perfectly white.
With that porch, those gorgeous palm trees and a pool for yourselves, who wants to go to the beach?!  :D
Title: Re: Whats on your summer vacation calendar?
Post by: smokester on July 19, 2015, 04:09:21 PM
It looks like they painted the place the day before your arrival, it's so perfectly white.
With that porch, those gorgeous palm trees and a pool for yourselves, who wants to go to the beach?!  :D

I think the rain keeps it clean. Some cloudbursts are like a pressure washer!

It's located in Rodney Bay and about 10 mins (by foot) to Reduit beach (https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=Reduit+beach&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0CAcQ_AUoAWoVChMIrvSixproxgIVgWjbCh1jlwAk&biw=1097&bih=913).

I love that beach.
Title: Re: Whats on your summer vacation calendar?
Post by: xtopave on July 19, 2015, 10:03:03 PM
Meh, it doesn't look that good...  :o :o  ;)

You might expend more dosh than expected this year. Look what I've found (http://www.stluciawaterpark.com/), coming this August in Reduit beach. I don't know about your kids but my daughter would go crazy with that.
Title: Re: Whats on your summer vacation calendar?
Post by: goldshirt*9 on July 20, 2015, 01:16:04 AM
Awesome, I am off in 21 days also. Be seeing you there  ;D ;D
do they allow dogs  ???
Title: Re: Whats on your summer vacation calendar?
Post by: smokester on July 20, 2015, 09:17:23 AM

..... Look what I've found (http://www.stluciawaterpark.com/), coming this August in Reduit beach. I don't know about your kids but my daughter would go crazy with that.

And there it is, XT. In a breath you have organised what we are doing for my son's 13th birthday that lands on the 19th of August.  I have been stressing for weeks as to what to do. So far, it boiled down to a visit to Martinique, or a day at the Treetop Adventure Park (http://adventuretourstlucia.com/) - neither of which got any bells ringing.

What you found, on the other hand, has my boy jumping around all over the place!
Title: Re: Whats on your summer vacation calendar?
Post by: tarascon on July 20, 2015, 02:55:00 PM
Work. Read/write... then house sitting in August for my ex-wife (3 indoor cats & a slew of strays she feeds outside [she captures them and has the critters spayed and given shots so they don't get sick]) and then on to Michigan to visit mom in September.
Title: Re: Whats on your summer vacation calendar?
Post by: xtopave on July 20, 2015, 04:21:36 PM
And there it is, XT. In a breath you have organised what we are doing for my son's 13th birthday that lands on the 19th of August.  I have been stressing for weeks as to what to do. So far, it boiled down to a visit to Martinique, or a day at the Treetop Adventure Park (http://adventuretourstlucia.com/) - neither of which got any bells ringing.

What you found, on the other hand, has my boy jumping around all over the place!

I'm so glad to hear that!  :) 
That Adventure Park looks like fun. I used a zip-line just once in my life and I loved it.

Work. Read/write... then house sitting in August for my ex-wife (3 indoor cats & a slew of strays she feeds outside [she captures them and has the critters spayed and given shots so they don't get sick]) and then on to Michigan to visit mom in September.

Ummnn, maybe your ex is my sister. Ah, no. She has 2 inside the house and 3 outside.  ;D
Title: Re: Whats on your summer vacation calendar?
Post by: smokester on July 23, 2015, 12:05:16 PM
I'm so glad to hear that!  :) 
That Adventure Park looks like fun. I used a zip-line just once in my life and I loved it.

I'm worried for the trees. My diet isn't going according to plan - if I even had a plan that is.

I take what Marie Antoinette says, seriously.
Title: Re: Whats on your summer vacation calendar?
Post by: xtopave on July 23, 2015, 12:52:03 PM
I'm worried for the trees.

 ;D
I did that 15 yrs=15 kgs ago.
Title: Re: Whats on your summer vacation calendar?
Post by: smokester on July 24, 2015, 04:00:49 AM
;D
I did that 15 yrs=15 kgs ago.

So you see how the water idea is much safer all round.

Argentina does have tsunami defences, doesn't it?
Title: Re: Whats on your summer vacation calendar?
Post by: smokester on August 24, 2015, 10:15:26 AM
I'm back and not that happy about it. Hell, I would have stayed for Danny if it'd hit!!

Must check flight prices, asap.
Title: Re: Whats on your summer vacation calendar?
Post by: goldshirt*9 on August 24, 2015, 12:26:54 PM
good to see you had a good time
Title: Re: Whats on your summer vacation calendar?
Post by: smokester on August 25, 2015, 08:22:00 AM
We all know that you are glad to be back, so you can stop pretending.

You missed the work, obviously.

Hmmm.. a post and a zero postcount. 

Do you know I landed yesterday at 8.45am, had my phone on a minute later, and was called about a job at 8.49am.

Way to let me ease myself back into things.

I'm thinking about going back next Easter but if would have to be without my missus. She says she'd be ok with that but I swear I caught her sharpening a meat cleaver last night.
Title: Re: Whats on your summer vacation calendar?
Post by: xtopave on August 25, 2015, 10:32:17 AM
She says she'd be ok with that but I swear I caught her sharpening a meat cleaver last night.

I'd tread carefully if I were you. My husband going to the Caribbean and I staying home and working?!! Maybe the meat cleaver is just scare tactics. If I was her I'd choose a stealth weapon. Something that causes chronic, unrelenting pain.  ;D ;D
Title: Re: Whats on your summer vacation calendar?
Post by: smokester on August 25, 2015, 11:04:20 AM
I'd tread carefully if I were you. My husband going to the Caribbean and I staying home and working?!! Maybe the meat cleaver is just scare tactics. If I was her I'd choose a stealth weapon. Something that causes chronic, unrelenting pain.  ;D ;D

Like when she cooked dinner that time?

If she ever reads this, I'm already dead.

Title: Re: Whats on your summer vacation calendar?
Post by: drago6650 on August 28, 2015, 08:23:38 AM
Off to Rome at the end of September, just for 5 days but looking forward to all that Italian food and wine.
Title: Re: Whats on your summer vacation calendar?
Post by: smokester on August 28, 2015, 04:05:08 PM
Off to Rome at the end of September, just for 5 days but looking forward to all that Italian food and wine.

I'm due a trip to Rome soon too. Unfortunately, I can only go from Friday to Sunday as it stands.
Title: Re: Whats on your summer vacation calendar?
Post by: drago6650 on August 28, 2015, 04:09:38 PM
Will be my first visit there, I have been to Northern Italy several times so this will be a new experience. Booked a few things before going, usual tourist places.
Title: Re: Whats on your summer vacation calendar?
Post by: smokester on August 28, 2015, 05:05:43 PM
Will be my first visit there, I have been to Northern Italy several times so this will be a new experience. Booked a few things before going, usual tourist places.

I've been all over Italy, pretty much, but I've never made it to Rome for some reason.  I actually have to go there with a friend of mine who needs to sort out his properties. Not sure exactly when, but it might be very soon.
Title: Re: Whats on your summer vacation calendar?
Post by: xtopave on August 29, 2015, 11:26:32 AM
Roma, città eterna!! I'm so envious, guys. I've been there twice and I hope I can come back again. You need at least a week to visit the "important places" and that is if you skip altogether the Vatican Museums.  :D
Title: Re: Whats on your summer vacation calendar?
Post by: drago6650 on August 31, 2015, 10:31:31 AM
Booked for the Vatican Museums, St Peters Basilica the Palatino and the the Colliseum(could not get booked for lower levels though as fully booked)
Still want to visit Venice and Florence.
Title: Re: Whats on your summer vacation calendar?
Post by: goldshirt*9 on September 01, 2015, 12:36:03 AM
 ::) thats a nice trip

Finished summer Holidays for this year  :'(  A wet week end in Wales both inside and out. So much fun though
Title: Re: Whats on your summer vacation calendar?
Post by: drago6650 on September 01, 2015, 05:57:05 AM
I always try to keep a week or two for the end of the year, gives me something to look forward to when oit gets really cold.
Title: Re: Whats on your summer vacation calendar?
Post by: smokester on September 01, 2015, 10:07:54 AM
I always try to keep a week or two for the end of the year, gives me something to look forward to when oit gets really cold.

That's September then.

Believe it or not, I just turned the heating on.
Title: Re: Whats on your summer vacation calendar?
Post by: 6pairsofshoes on September 01, 2015, 12:32:04 PM
I envy you that trip to Rome.  It's been many years since I've been but there's still so much more that I have yet to see there.  The food is another bonus.

I've got so many tomatoes ripe all at once that I'll be making sauce tonight.  Guess I'll start slicing that garlic in anticipation.  I'm going to plant some basil today, too.
Title: Re: Whats on your summer vacation calendar?
Post by: drago6650 on September 01, 2015, 12:41:06 PM
That's September then.

Believe it or not, I just turned the heating on.

Trying hard not to put heating on, hoping for an Indian Summer.

I envy you that trip to Rome.  It's been many years since I've been but there's still so much more that I have yet to see there.  The food is another bonus.

I've got so many tomatoes ripe all at once that I'll be making sauce tonight.  Guess I'll start slicing that garlic in anticipation.  I'm going to plant some basil today, too.

Basil is one of my favourite herbs for cooking and goes really well with tomatoes.
Title: Re: Whats on your summer vacation calendar?
Post by: mishca09 on September 01, 2015, 12:53:14 PM
Niagara falls ...possible
Title: Re: Whats on your summer vacation calendar?
Post by: tarascon on September 02, 2015, 07:32:17 AM
Stay out of any barrels you see.  :)
Title: Re: Whats on your summer vacation calendar?
Post by: xtopave on September 04, 2015, 06:15:38 AM
Imbassaí in November (about 90 km north of Salvador, Bahia, Brazil).

Title: Re: Whats on your summer vacation calendar?
Post by: goldshirt*9 on September 04, 2015, 08:24:44 AM
looks so exotic and beautiful, puts my campsite to shame.
Smokes may buy another house there
Title: Re: Whats on your summer vacation calendar?
Post by: drago6650 on September 04, 2015, 05:19:38 PM
Looks great xtopave and the temperatures seem to be consistent...looks nice and relaxing.
Title: Re: Whats on your summer vacation calendar?
Post by: xtopave on September 04, 2015, 10:57:10 PM
looks so exotic and beautiful, puts my campsite to shame.

I'm from South America. Brazil isn't that exotic to me. But Wales is.  :)

Looks great xtopave and the temperatures seem to be consistent...looks nice and relaxing.

That's the idea: food, drink and beach. I might not even visit Salvador.
Title: Re: Whats on your summer vacation calendar?
Post by: goldshirt*9 on September 05, 2015, 12:27:42 AM
trust me Wales isn't exotic  ;D ;D
Very wet and green with the occasional Dragon thrown in  ;)
Title: Re: Whats on your summer vacation calendar?
Post by: drago6650 on September 05, 2015, 04:38:36 PM
^ You must have seen my wife on holiday..... ;D
Title: Re: Whats on your summer vacation calendar?
Post by: smokester on September 06, 2015, 04:45:35 AM
I'm from South America. Brazil isn't that exotic to me. But Wales is.  :)

Wales is so hilly that the Welsh grow up with one leg longer than the other.

Title: Re: Whats on your summer vacation calendar?
Post by: drago6650 on September 09, 2015, 04:30:24 PM
For the first time in my lifetime visited Wales last year, I am so pleased I did beautiful scenery and great people, had to visit Portmeirion as I am a great fan of the Prisoner series.... :)

(http://i1052.photobucket.com/albums/s449/drago6650/IMG_09001_zps3053f286.jpg) (http://s1052.photobucket.com/user/drago6650/media/IMG_09001_zps3053f286.jpg.html)

(http://i1052.photobucket.com/albums/s449/drago6650/IMG_08921_zpsc1fb69cb.jpg) (http://s1052.photobucket.com/user/drago6650/media/IMG_08921_zpsc1fb69cb.jpg.html)

(http://i1052.photobucket.com/albums/s449/drago6650/IMG_09331_zps33c4587d.jpg) (http://s1052.photobucket.com/user/drago6650/media/IMG_09331_zps33c4587d.jpg.html)

Plus the Eden project

(http://i1052.photobucket.com/albums/s449/drago6650/IMG_10801_zps075c7c56.jpg) (http://s1052.photobucket.com/user/drago6650/media/IMG_10801_zps075c7c56.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Whats on your summer vacation calendar?
Post by: xtopave on September 10, 2015, 05:20:05 AM
Nice pics, drago. That river is gorgeous. I had to google the place. And of course that took me to other places in Wales. Welsh names made my head hurt.  :D
Title: Re: Whats on your summer vacation calendar?
Post by: goldshirt*9 on September 10, 2015, 10:48:02 AM
That is some travelling from North Wales to Cornwall. Love the Snowdonia area, Favourite walking to be had there.

looking at going back to Wales in October, maybe new year for a swim and a drink  ;)  depends on wife working shifts at new year
Title: Re: Whats on your summer vacation calendar?
Post by: drago6650 on September 12, 2015, 01:32:07 PM
Thank you, it is when you try pronouncing the different names:

Welsh has a slightly different alphabet from English:-

C - pronounced as a K, as in English 'kick' eg: Caernarfon (kyre-nar-von).
CH - pronounced as in the Scottish 'loch' and the composer Bach.
DD - pronounced TH, as in English 'breathe' eg: Beddgelert (beth-gell-airt).
G - pronounced as a hard G, as in English 'get' eg: Beddgelert (beth-gell-airt).
LL - roughly pronounced THL eg: Llanberis (thlan-ber-ris).
F - pronounced as a V, as in English 'of' eg: Felindre (veh-lin-dray).
FF - pronounced as an F, as in English 'off' eg: FFestiniog (fest-in-yog).
W - pronounced as an OO, as in English 'swoon' eg: Llanrwst (thlan-roost).
Y - has two different pronunciations. In all but the last syllable of a word it's pronounced as a 'U' - as in English 'fun'. When it is in the last syllable of a word it is pronounced as an 'i' - as in English 'is'. For example, the Welsh for mountain is mynydd (mun-ith); the Welsh for mountains is mynyddoedd (mun-uth-oith). Because it no longer occurs in the last syllable, the sound of the second y changes from 'i' to 'u' (also, notice the emphasis moves along to the new penultimate syllable). In single syllable words, the Y is unpredictable!

(http://i1052.photobucket.com/albums/s449/drago6650/longname_zps51veqvgp.jpg) (http://s1052.photobucket.com/user/drago6650/media/longname_zps51veqvgp.jpg.html)

Which roughly translates as:-

The Church of St. Mary by the pool with the white hazel near the fierce whirlpool by St. Tysilio's church and the red cave.

Title: Re: Whats on your summer vacation calendar?
Post by: smokester on September 13, 2015, 05:26:41 AM


Which roughly translates as:-

And is pronounced:

ooanva.. ianfar.. ianvair...
..... I'll get my coat.
Title: Re: Whats on your summer vacation calendar?
Post by: 6pairsofshoes on September 24, 2015, 09:09:08 AM
Wow, I never have seen that city in Wales.  It's gorgeous.  We never go anywhere, just hang out at home and take the occasional day trip into the City or to the coast.  It's sort of sad, really.  But I enjoy the vicarious travels here.  I have been to Brasil, but have never been north of Rio de Janeiro.  The video of the coast is stunning.
Title: Re: Whats on your summer vacation calendar?
Post by: smokester on September 25, 2015, 03:59:10 PM
I have no culture.  All I want is sun and rum.
Title: Re: Whats on your summer vacation calendar?
Post by: xtopave on September 28, 2015, 12:06:57 PM
I have no culture.  All I want is sun and rum.

Meh, I want it all!!

Title: Re: Whats on your summer vacation calendar?
Post by: smokester on September 28, 2015, 01:39:47 PM
Meh, I want it all!!

No less than you deserve, dear.
Title: Re: Whats on your summer vacation calendar?
Post by: xtopave on October 04, 2015, 11:03:07 AM
No less than you deserve, dear.

Thumbs up!  ;D

One of my husband's co-workers just came back from the same hotel we're going in Imbassaí and she said it's perfect for kids. Lots of activities for them. That's good because that means less hours fighting the waves with my daughter. She gets bigger and fitter and I get older and... well... lets face it: I'm in a deplorable shape.  :D
Title: Re: Whats on your summer vacation calendar?
Post by: smokester on October 04, 2015, 04:53:37 PM
Thumbs up!  ;D

One of my husband's co-workers just came back from the same hotel we're going in Imbassaí and she said it's perfect for kids. Lots of activities for them.

Sounds like a lot of fun. What's more I hear there's sun and rum a plenty. That makes me jel'.

....She gets bigger and fitter and I get older and... well... lets face it: I'm in a deplorable shape.  :D

I'm still trying to lose the weight I put on last Christmas. Might as well just add this year's added bulk and address it all next Easter.

Title: Re: Whats on your summer vacation calendar?
Post by: xtopave on October 04, 2015, 05:57:26 PM
Might as well just add this year's added bulk and address it all next Easter.

That's genius!! I'll do that. And I'll eat the peanuts and drink the vermouth while watching the football match without any 2nd thoughts tonight.  ;D
Title: Re: Whats on your summer vacation calendar?
Post by: smokester on January 20, 2016, 03:11:25 PM
Booked our flights to guess where? Yep, it's St Loosha from the 7th of Aug until the 21st.

I was really naughty: I bought Upper Class seats for our trip home.

I'm bad.
Title: Re: Whats on your summer vacation calendar?
Post by: goldshirt*9 on January 21, 2016, 12:54:41 AM
Booked our flights to guess where? Yep, it's St Loosha from the 7th of Aug until the 21st.

I was really naughty: I bought Upper Class seats for our trip home.

I'm bad.
tut tut yes you are. Upper class for all the family or just yourself and the indoors
Title: Re: Whats on your summer vacation calendar?
Post by: smokester on January 21, 2016, 02:50:14 AM
tut tut yes you are. Upper class for all the family or just yourself and the indoors

I have suggested in the past that I (as I'm paying for it and very, very old) travel Upper Class on the way home while the missus looks after the kids back in economy.  However, I got a really good deal booking so early so I stumped up for all of us. It probably cost me an extra £1200 all in as opposed to what it will be in a month or 2, which would be an extra 4-6K.

It's on my bucket list, anyhow.  It's nice to cross things off that.
Title: Re: Whats on your summer vacation calendar?
Post by: smokester on January 21, 2016, 08:11:24 AM
I'm not convinced. What happens when your bucket list runs out?

PS - Upper/ Business/ First class travelling east across the pond is an odd thing: The good news - you can sleep in the comfy beds. The bad news - you just slept through several hundred/ thousand pounds worth!

When you have to precariously position yourself in a seat with an inch of legroom, so that the 9 year old next can somehow lay flat and get some sleep, you tend to end up with pains in places you never knew you had - and zero hours sleep yourself.

On top of that, I can't stand the 'sleeping all day, awake all night' jetlag you get from a rough night on a plane.

One other thing, the 7 months we all have of watching and re-watching the Virgin Atlantic Upper Class video, is priceless. 
Title: Re: Whats on your summer vacation calendar?
Post by: xtopave on January 22, 2016, 09:28:40 AM
Booked our flights to guess where? Yep, it's St Loosha from the 7th of Aug until the 21st.

I was really naughty: I bought Upper Class seats for our trip home.

(http://i.imgur.com/mk7vv7O.jpg)
Title: Re: Whats on your summer vacation calendar?
Post by: smokester on January 22, 2016, 09:50:46 AM
I like watching this video... a lot:

Title: Re: Whats on your summer vacation calendar?
Post by: xtopave on January 22, 2016, 04:52:05 PM
I like watching this video... a lot:

I never thought I'd say this but the bed thing is even more interesting than the bar. Oh, well, maybe not.
Title: Re: Whats on your summer vacation calendar?
Post by: goldshirt*9 on January 22, 2016, 10:21:50 PM
friends fly to America first class frequently and the beds are great and the dressing gown given to you to change into whilst on board as well
Title: Re: Whats on your summer vacation calendar?
Post by: smokester on January 23, 2016, 03:17:31 PM
I never thought I'd say this but the bed thing is even more interesting than the bar. Oh, well, maybe not.

Free champers and brandy? Don't they know who I am?!

I'm quids in, methinks.
Title: Re: Whats on your summer vacation calendar?
Post by: smokester on March 21, 2016, 02:52:24 PM
138 days and counting.

152 until my Upper Class adventure.
Title: Re: Whats on your summer vacation calendar?
Post by: goldshirt*9 on March 22, 2016, 08:35:33 AM
Pfft  8)
friend is off to NYork saturday, first class and upgraded to the top floor  :o
he knows stewards  ;) best tip for upgrades is wear smart quality shoes
Title: Re: Whats on your summer vacation calendar?
Post by: smokester on March 22, 2016, 02:58:04 PM
Pfft  8)
friend is off to NYork saturday, first class and upgraded to the top floor  :o
he knows stewards  ;) best tip for upgrades is wear smart quality shoes

I used to have a pal that worked for B.A. When I went New York he offered me Business Class both ways for £200, or Concorde there and Economy home for £250.  I opted for Business Class which I realise was a mistake now that Concorde is no more.

And the food on the way out gave me food poisoning!!
Title: Re: Whats on your summer vacation calendar?
Post by: ohcheap1 on March 22, 2016, 05:26:17 PM
Pfft  8)
friend is off to NYork saturday, first class and upgraded to the top floor  :o
he knows stewards  ;) best tip for upgrades is wear smart quality shoes

Let me see if I understand. I order to get an upgrade to 1st class I should wear different shoes? Damn it!! I knew crocs would kill my reputation!!
Title: Re: Whats on your summer vacation calendar?
Post by: smokester on March 23, 2016, 03:35:43 PM
Let me see if I understand. I order to get an upgrade to 1st class I should wear different shoes? Damn it!! I knew crocs would kill my reputation!!

You have to threaten to kick them in the face too.  Otherwise they'll never look down at your feet.
Title: Re: Whats on your summer vacation calendar?
Post by: subvinorosa on April 09, 2016, 11:39:52 AM
I miss traveling.  I can't wait for the time when the kids can pay for themselves already.
Title: Re: Whats on your summer vacation calendar?
Post by: smokester on April 09, 2016, 03:26:02 PM
I miss traveling.  I can't wait for the time when the kids can pay for themselves already.

I'm just waiting for when they can be left alone for extended periods. Then I'm off somewhere every other month.  Possibly even with the missus.
Title: Re: Whats on your summer vacation calendar?
Post by: goldshirt*9 on April 10, 2016, 12:36:49 AM
I'm just waiting for when they can be left alone for extended periods. Then I'm off somewhere every other month.  Possibly even with the missus.

 8) :) :) :)
Title: Re: Whats on your summer vacation calendar?
Post by: smokester on May 02, 2016, 05:09:29 AM
The flights I bought in January are now double the price.  It would cost me £8,225 to fly economy out and upper class back now. Remarkably, it would cost me £1000 more than I paid for economy both ways.

Could be the last Caribbean hol' for a while.
Title: Re: Whats on your summer vacation calendar?
Post by: goldshirt*9 on May 02, 2016, 08:08:46 AM
OUch thats pricey
Title: Re: Whats on your summer vacation calendar?
Post by: smokester on June 17, 2018, 03:18:10 PM
Booked our flights to guess where? Yep, it's St Loosha from the 7th of Aug until the 21st.

I was really naughty: I bought Upper Class seats for our trip home.

I'm bad.

I did this again and we are going from the 10th of August until the 24th.

We all really needed a break as it was beginning to seem a pointless working all the time without reward for one's endeavours. It is also my son's 16th while were are away and he also needs some reward for (what he thinks) will be good GCSE results.

Good news for him is we are still in St Lucia on the 23rd of August when his results are given out. If he flunked, he's already had the holiday.
Title: Re: Whats on your summer vacation calendar?
Post by: goldshirt*9 on June 19, 2018, 01:45:08 AM
you could always leave him there if his results are poor  ;D ;D
should be great weather and fun in St Lucia. to think my parents nearly moved there  :( :(
Title: Re: Whats on your summer vacation calendar?
Post by: smokester on June 19, 2018, 12:54:12 PM
you could always leave him there if his results are poor  ;D ;D
should be great weather and fun in St Lucia. to think my parents nearly moved there  :( :(

I nearly moved there in 1994. Glad I didn't for obvious reasons, but I havn't given up on the idea completely.

Title: Re: Whats on your summer vacation calendar?
Post by: 6pairsofshoes on June 28, 2018, 10:32:36 AM
The hurricanes are pretty fierce and can cause a great deal of damage.  My inlaws on St. Martin are still dealing with the damage from last year's hurricanes, still no internet, many roofs so damaged as to make many of the buildings on their property unusable.

I'll take a couple classes and try to get rid of too much stuff in my house. 
tarascon says hello.  He's having a sucky summer as his mother is dying and in hospice care.  The experience is exhausting.
Title: Re: Whats on your summer vacation calendar?
Post by: smokester on June 28, 2018, 10:35:28 AM
I'll take a couple classes and try to get rid of too much stuff in my house. 
tarascon says hello.  He's having a sucky summer as his mother is dying and in hospice care.  The experience is exhausting.

Damn, that's not a nice place to be.

Pass on my regards and wish him luck when you next speak to him.
Title: Re: Whats on your summer vacation calendar?
Post by: goldshirt*9 on June 30, 2018, 02:14:20 AM
my regards to,

Monday off for our first holiday with no children for a long time, still have the dogs but so looking forward to it.

going to Deer's mead caravan park, no under 18's so should be fun on the Norfolk coast
Title: Re: Whats on your summer vacation calendar?
Post by: 6pairsofshoes on July 02, 2018, 12:34:10 AM
I passed along your greetings.  I got an email today indicating that t's mother died yesterday, so he is now adjusting to that, but he sends his regards.  He may get internet at home and post more regularly in the near future.
Title: Re: Whats on your summer vacation calendar?
Post by: smokester on July 02, 2018, 04:03:20 PM
I passed along your greetings.  I got an email today indicating that t's mother died yesterday, so he is now adjusting to that, but he sends his regards.  He may get internet at home and post more regularly in the near future.

I feel for him.

Please pass on my condolences too and the offer of any help I could be.
Title: Re: Whats on your summer vacation calendar?
Post by: 6pairsofshoes on July 03, 2018, 02:46:51 AM
I did pass along your kind wishes.  I expect he'll be back on here in the not too distant future, but losing a parent is tough.
Title: Re: Whats on your summer vacation calendar?
Post by: goldshirt*9 on July 07, 2018, 01:26:29 AM
home post holiday to Cromer.
Had Fish and Chips by the sea, was lovely albeit windy  ;D
Went on a steam train to Sherringham from Holt run by fanatics enthusiasts, it was great 
Title: Re: Whats on your summer vacation calendar?
Post by: 6pairsofshoes on July 10, 2018, 07:48:16 PM
Another reason to love the U.K.  Apparently sales of Green Day's American Idiot have been spiking there in anticipation of Trump's visit.  How else to deal with the endless despair of this administration.   
Title: Re: Whats on your summer vacation calendar?
Post by: smokester on July 13, 2018, 11:03:46 AM
Another reason to love the U.K.  Apparently sales of Green Day's American Idiot have been spiking there in anticipation of Trump's visit.  How else to deal with the endless despair of this administration.

What! he's actually here already? Way to get yourself lost in the world cup hysteria.
Title: Re: Whats on your summer vacation calendar?
Post by: 6pairsofshoes on July 13, 2018, 04:20:55 PM
Yep.  And he's lost no time in displaying his courtly gentleman like behavior.

https://twitter.com/EL4JC/status/1017810720409509889 (https://twitter.com/EL4JC/status/1017810720409509889)
Title: Re: Whats on your summer vacation calendar?
Post by: smokester on July 13, 2018, 05:09:09 PM
Yep.  And he's lost no time in displaying his courtly gentleman like behavior.

https://twitter.com/EL4JC/status/1017810720409509889 (https://twitter.com/EL4JC/status/1017810720409509889)

No bless'ed class whatsoever.

A bit like me, then.
Title: Re: Whats on your summer vacation calendar?
Post by: goldshirt*9 on July 14, 2018, 12:26:54 AM
Should I hate or love him, who knows.
certainly brightened up the political scene
Title: Re: Whats on your summer vacation calendar?
Post by: 6pairsofshoes on July 14, 2018, 04:29:52 AM
I'd rather sit in the dark.
Title: Re: Whats on your summer vacation calendar?
Post by: smokester on July 14, 2018, 06:00:58 AM
No question he's a prize idiot.

Would I tolerate him and his rhetoric if he were Joe Bloggs down the pub? No, I'd send him packing in no uncertain manner which is what we should do with him now.

Title: Re: Whats on your summer vacation calendar?
Post by: 8ullfrog on July 14, 2018, 09:46:03 PM
He prefers pageantry to damaging the world, the Queen is just distracting him like a stupid dog.

She is saving the world smokester. A tourist attraction is saving the world.
Title: Re: Whats on your summer vacation calendar?
Post by: 6pairsofshoes on July 15, 2018, 02:45:54 AM
Title: Re: Whats on your summer vacation calendar?
Post by: Alfonz on July 17, 2018, 07:57:07 PM
Should I hate or love him, who knows.
certainly brightened up the political scene

It's pretty obvious he doesn't give a crap about the royals and really doesn't care who is offended by his stance. OTOH, the queen enthusiastically served him  ;D

(http://i66.tinypic.com/1213amr.jpg)
Title: Re: Whats on your summer vacation calendar?
Post by: smokester on August 30, 2019, 01:39:33 PM
I got back from St Lucia on Wednesday evening after 16 days in the Caribbean. Should have been less but on Monday St Lucia had a mandatory shut down as Dorian hit the island and our flight was cancelled.

It wasn't that bad and we had a nice evening in a lovely hotel courtesy of our airline and we kinda took liberties with the wine menu as food should be thrown in to the expense.

Looking at Dorian now it is no laughing matter so I wish any of us that might be affected over the pond the very best of luck.
Title: Re: Whats on your summer vacation calendar?
Post by: smokester on August 30, 2019, 04:17:19 PM
Haven’t you got work to do?

I'm so over work.

I signed up to a course today to become a qualified electrician up to the level of commercial installations. The plan was to start right away but they couldn't fit me in until the end of October. This means I'll have to activate at least one large contract to keep me busy so yeah, you're right.

I'm going to take at least another week off though.
Title: Re: Whats on your summer vacation calendar?
Post by: 6pairsofshoes on September 01, 2019, 01:40:17 AM
In FL after a week in SXM during which the edges of Dorian, then still a teenager, knocked out the electricity and dumped a bunch of rain on the island. I'd never seen so much thunder and lightning on the island before.  Glad you got out, smokes, with relatively little inconvenience.  We will leave early next week and expect a bumpy ride out but for now seem to have dodged the major impact of landfall.
Title: Re: Whats on your summer vacation calendar?
Post by: 8ullfrog on September 01, 2019, 02:04:33 AM
Bag your electronics if you're in hurricane town, I'm still mad about my PSP.
Title: Re: Whats on your summer vacation calendar?
Post by: smokester on September 03, 2019, 08:02:45 AM
You could finish your web site!

The boy (who codes for monies now) wants to redo it all dynamically.

I might just let him.
Title: Re: Whats on your summer vacation calendar?
Post by: 6pairsofshoes on September 03, 2019, 09:33:15 AM
I had to high tail it out of FL on the last flight before they closed the airport for the foreseeable future.  I was exhausted all day yesterday and am just now coming to life.  Dorian is big and weird.  What its done to the Bahamas is terribly sad.  And it's far from done.
Title: Re: Whats on your summer vacation calendar?
Post by: 8ullfrog on September 03, 2019, 07:58:42 PM
at least you didn't have to hear calls like Laura Roslin did. :P
Title: Re: Whats on your summer vacation calendar?
Post by: smokester on September 10, 2019, 04:46:58 AM
Ahhh. He's all growed up.

He just turned 17 and his midway through his A-levels.

He scripts in any language and is computer science teacher called him nothing short of a genius at the subject.

I told him not to say such things to his face.

On topic: we are not sure whether to go to the Caribbean next year as he'll turn 18 and might be better off with his friends. I've explained how sometimes best laid plans can become a damp squib, whereas, guaranteed jet-skiing and helicopter rides would be memorable.

And legally drinking beer!
Title: Re: Whats on your summer vacation calendar?
Post by: smokester on September 12, 2019, 11:51:38 AM
See - I told you that your parenting skills were adequate.

I have another one so don't count my chickens just yet.
Title: Re: Whats on your summer vacation calendar?
Post by: smokester on September 16, 2019, 04:21:11 AM
Pah. Girls are easy.

(Young Ladies - pronounced Lay-deez, on the other hand, are a nightmare. Good Luck)

I'm sworn to take the lass to Tokyo in April as she is quite a promising amine artist (and most other illustration mediums).

ATMs shell out less wonga than I do.
Title: Re: Whats on your summer vacation calendar?
Post by: 8ullfrog on September 16, 2019, 04:39:36 AM
I figure with art, the suppliers know they have you over a barrel.

I even tried searching with terms like bulk and business. In my case, it's mom, she likes doing art with markers. Cool, I'm down, we've got budget for that.

So I found her some fine tip markers. 60 of em for 10.99.

Shipping is six dollars. She did not like this. Fine, we need to add $15 more crap to get free shipping.

But she vetoes everything.

I figure, with art supplies, they know it's passion, they bend you over a barrel. But if it's a business expense, it's just a project that needs to be executed, or whatever. business person will pay absolute minimum bulk pricing, and not a penny more! (I do not know how to make such an argument to amazon)

I don't really understand how an actual trip to japan would expand horizons, but hey, maybe the trip IS the lesson. You're not going to Kanto.

hah, shows what I know, I thought Kanto was a fictional region of pokemon, nope, it's a real place in Japan. And Tokyo is in it, you really CAN go to Kanto.
Title: Re: Whats on your summer vacation calendar?
Post by: smokester on September 16, 2019, 09:29:52 AM
I figure with art, the suppliers know they have you over a barrel.

I even tried searching with terms like bulk and business. In my case, it's mom, she likes doing art with markers. Cool, I'm down, we've got budget for that.

So I found her some fine tip markers. 60 of em for 10.99.

Shipping is six dollars. She did not like this. Fine, we need to add $15 more crap to get free shipping.

But she vetoes everything.

I figure, with art supplies, they know it's passion, they bend you over a barrel. But if it's a business expense, it's just a project that needs to be executed, or whatever. business person will pay absolute minimum bulk pricing, and not a penny more! (I do not know how to make such an argument to amazon)

I don't really understand how an actual trip to japan would expand horizons, but hey, maybe the trip IS the lesson. You're not going to Kanto.

hah, shows what I know, I thought Kanto was a fictional region of pokemon, nope, it's a real place in Japan. And Tokyo is in it, you really CAN go to Kanto.

It's more than just an interest in their art. She's taken to study the language by her own steam and wants to immerse herself in the culture (food, art, flora, boys etc) which is as popular as it's ever been with the youth here (girls especially).

As for art supplies: she wants a full set of Copic markers to work with. Now they are eye wateringly expensive!


"Take", not "send"? Do I detect an ulterior motive?

She's 13. She isn't leaving my side until she through with the convent.
Title: Re: Whats on your summer vacation calendar?
Post by: smokester on May 09, 2020, 09:14:08 AM
So, obviously no international holiday this year and beyond that it's looking like slim pickings. I was thinking a cottage in Wales that has its own pool or perhaps even the south coast.

I hear Gosport is quite nice.
Title: Re: Whats on your summer vacation calendar?
Post by: smokester on May 09, 2020, 11:42:00 AM
It is, but it is also closed.

I hadn't realised it had turnstiles.
Title: Re: Whats on your summer vacation calendar?
Post by: smokester on May 09, 2020, 04:10:14 PM
Drawbridge.

Ah, very sensible. Thinking ahead is always impressive.
Title: Re: Whats on your summer vacation calendar?
Post by: smokester on May 09, 2020, 04:39:35 PM
Proper Planning and Practice Prevents Piss Poor Performance

I wish that alliteration had been the slogan used a few months ago for the Covid19 pandemic.
Title: Re: Whats on your summer vacation calendar?
Post by: goldshirt*9 on May 10, 2020, 12:27:28 AM
Was off to sunny wales for 2 weeks in June, but as already stated the drawbridge is raised and the pikes are at 45° so nothing for me.

Will see later on but Christ knows ? ;)
Title: Re: Whats on your summer vacation calendar?
Post by: smokester on May 10, 2020, 03:50:23 AM
Proper planning is expensive, especially when you have to plan for all possible occurrences. Having a stockpile of a few billion pounds worth of PPE, replenished continually as the sell by dates run out, could have doubled the cost of the NHS.

... and would likely have been the wrong PPE for this particular epidemic.

Planning for low probability events ain't easy or cheap: distrust any politician that says it is. Especially with hindsight.

It would have just looked great across the 3 lecterns.

You're right about expense but this is exactly the way I operate. If I find myself in need of something at work and I don't have it on the van, instead of buying 1 I buy 10 so that the situation doesn't recur. It's ended up with my van being better stocked than some DIY shops but I'd hate to guess what I've spent.

Hey ho, it's all tax deductable.

Was off to sunny wales for 2 weeks in June, but as already stated the drawbridge is raised and the pikes are at 45° so nothing for me.

Will see later on but Christ knows ? ;)

I'm looking at some luxury properties in Wales some of which are £5k a week in August. That may sound a lot to those without a Jag', but it's my son's 18th at that time and I figure I could invite his cousins and some friends, perhaps.

Problem is, everyone else is beating me to it.
Title: Re: Whats on your summer vacation calendar?
Post by: 8ullfrog on May 10, 2020, 06:52:08 PM
I fear that no one will take the time to realize that Just In Time logistics was a house of cards to begin with, and COVID was essentially a sledgehammer to that system.

I managed to get the PC running again, so I've a nice space heater for the summer.

Title: Re: Whats on your summer vacation calendar?
Post by: 6pairsofshoes on May 11, 2020, 12:30:06 AM
Nothing.  I had sort of thought of visiting relatives but there's no way anyone's getting me on a plane for love or money until it's safe.

I have plenty of food.  Perishables may be a concern going forward.  I suspect this whole business will get lots worse before it gets better.  People are frustrated at having to stay put.  Politicians are not adhering as strictly to the isolation protocols as they might because of popular pressure to lift stay in place orders.

Those women in the MAGA hats protesting these orders and holding signs saying "I need a haircut" just fill me with dismay.  They should read "I need a brain."
Title: Re: Whats on your summer vacation calendar?
Post by: goldshirt*9 on May 11, 2020, 09:01:47 AM

I'm looking at some luxury properties in Wales some of which are £5k a week in August. That may sound a lot to those without a Jag', but it's my son's 18th at that time and I figure I could invite his cousins and some friends, perhaps.

Problem is, everyone else is beating me to it.
If Wales decide's to open its borders, remember he's still free
(https://imghost.diasfora.co.uk/albums/goldshirt-9/4183iVenRdL._AC_SY400_.jpg)
Title: Re: Whats on your summer vacation calendar?
Post by: smokester on May 27, 2020, 12:38:09 PM
Barbados was on the news last night saying it'll be business as usual from early June. Considering St Lucia had 18 cases confirmed and 18 recoveries, I'd assume they'd be opening their borders around the same time.

Maybe I should bite the bullet one more time and take the family back out there for my son's 18th. I know it's what we do every year, but this time there'd be extra booze!
Title: Re: Whats on your summer vacation calendar?
Post by: dweez on May 27, 2020, 01:09:29 PM
Or less booze if your son is partaking.
Title: Re: Whats on your summer vacation calendar?
Post by: smokester on May 28, 2020, 12:45:21 PM
Or less booze if your son is partaking.

You make a very good point. I wonder what the fridge would look like when he's at an age when he doesn't have to ask to take a beer.  For that matter, I wonder what the supermarket shelves would look like ...
Title: Re: Whats on your summer vacation calendar?
Post by: goldshirt*9 on May 29, 2020, 11:19:05 PM
Look into it well smokes as some stories reported on how resorts will be run are not my idea of holiday.
And insurance as those robbing sods will just throw you to to wolves if anything happens.

Could be best just leaving it till early next year ??
Title: Re: Whats on your summer vacation calendar?
Post by: smokester on May 31, 2020, 05:53:06 AM
Look into it well smokes as some stories reported on how resorts will be run are not my idea of holiday.
And insurance as those robbing sods will just throw you to to wolves if anything happens.

Could be best just leaving it till early next year ??

Yeah, looking at the possible problems one might encounter when coming home is the biggest put-off. Could be locked down for an eternity. Out there we rent our own villa, car and cook for ourselves (mostly) so how the tourist systems work wouldn't really affect us. But as I say, travelling to and from doesn't seem to be predicted as straighforward.
Title: Re: Whats on your summer vacation calendar?
Post by: goldshirt*9 on June 12, 2020, 11:47:49 PM
Looks like campsite may be open in July, Will have to wait till October now as that is my next holiday
Title: Re: Whats on your summer vacation calendar?
Post by: smokester on June 24, 2020, 01:07:13 PM
At the moment it looks like there could be a semblance of normality back in the travel industry by August. I'm really tempted to go somewhere (not too far - Europe will do) and run the gauntlet with the compulsory isolation rule when we get back (hoping it would have been abandonned by then).

I wonder how that would work in the workplace. Could you take a vacation and expect your company to accept that on return you'd have a further 2 weeks off. On the other hand, could they legally stop you from going on holiday because of that?

Maybe I'll just have a BBQ instead.
Title: Re: Whats on your summer vacation calendar?
Post by: smokester on June 25, 2020, 03:05:47 PM
Ask your employer.

He's an arse and drinks too much. I take very little of what he says seriously.

My missus, on the other hand, works for a decent company and they haven't worked out what their policies might be.
Title: Re: Whats on your summer vacation calendar?
Post by: smokester on July 26, 2020, 09:16:48 AM
Well this new quarantine rule for those that decided to take the chance and go to Spain has really ruled out any possible overseas excursion.

Most of my clients are currently in France and a few others are in Italy. I wonder how long it will be before they will also have to quarantine for 14 days when back in the U.K? If indeed they can actually make it back.

Coronavirus is just complete pants!
Title: Re: Whats on your summer vacation calendar?
Post by: goldshirt*9 on July 26, 2020, 11:40:12 PM
Family live in spain, 40+ in the sun and have to wear masks everywhere unlike here only in shops, funny tans they have
Title: Re: Whats on your summer vacation calendar?
Post by: goldshirt*9 on September 18, 2020, 10:51:21 PM
well as myself and the Mrs haven't had a holiday this year we planned a a 3 night break in London staying at a plush hotel near Tower of London.
For a capital and center London we thought the price was good and the train a pittance to buy.
Alas I think Boris heard about us and may stop this planned trip as well  :'( :'( :'( :'(

Part of London haven't been to and know nothing about.
Wife wants a tour around Whitechapel as she loves anything murder  :o :o

We will see what will happen
Title: Re: Whats on your summer vacation calendar?
Post by: 8ullfrog on September 19, 2020, 02:52:56 AM
I used to have a great textbook that listed all the famous murder locations in New York City, along with where and what they were at the time of publishing.

I once went on one of the tourist bus tours of the city, and one of the park fences (small park, not central) was made out of the weapons and jewelry of the English soldiers after they lost.

Unfortunately, my grandma liked to steal all my books to sell on amazon. That one and a textbook on epistemology burned the worst. I've not been able to find the epistemology book, it was a fantastic explanation at the social friction I tend to bounce off of, I really do disbelieve a lot of the social woo that keeps conversations civil. I'm not saying I'm stiff like a vulcan, but if someone says stupid poo and starts preaching about it, I get a mite tetchy.

I believe the NYC book was called Rotten Apples.

Bingo!

https://www.amazon.com/Rotten-Apples-Stories-Mystery-Present/dp/0345362780

Price has come down, she crowed about getting $45 for it.

Just saying it might help your lady enjoy whitechapel if she whet her appetite before hand with a little reading.

Trips are always a lot more interesting when you can get the local flavor rather than the beachside gift shop with overpriced T-shirts.
Title: Re: Whats on your summer vacation calendar?
Post by: smokester on September 20, 2020, 10:54:18 AM
well as myself and the Mrs haven't had a holiday this year we planned a a 3 night break in London staying at a plush hotel near Tower of London.
For a capital and center London we thought the price was good and the train a pittance to buy.
Alas I think Boris heard about us and may stop this planned trip as well  :'( :'( :'( :'(

Part of London haven't been to and know nothing about.
Wife wants a tour around Whitechapel as she loves anything murder  :o :o

We will see what will happen

That part of London is absolutely gridlocked at all times of the day so you wouldn't get much peace or air to breathe. The underground is still pretty unpopulated so, if you're brave enough, getting around from point to point might be quite efficient and easy. I'm only about 15mins from Tower Bridge as the crow bike flies.

Gotta love St Katherine docks.
Title: Re: Whats on your summer vacation calendar?
Post by: goldshirt*9 on September 20, 2020, 11:50:33 PM
believe near Whitechapel, any where else to peruse 
Title: Re: Whats on your summer vacation calendar?
Post by: smokester on September 21, 2020, 01:30:14 PM
believe near Whitechapel, any where else to peruse

When sightseeing I pretty much just stay along the river. You should really take in the all new Battersea Power Station if you get the chance. It's a lot of fun around what's called Circus West.

Isn't Walford out there somewhere?

I believe that's in lockdown.
Title: Re: Whats on your summer vacation calendar?
Post by: goldshirt*9 on September 22, 2020, 12:11:48 AM
Isn't Walford out there somewhere?
had to look that one up  :P
Title: Re: Whats on your summer vacation calendar?
Post by: goldshirt*9 on September 25, 2020, 07:32:04 AM
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-8772377/London-national-Covid-19-watch-list-spike-reported-cases.html (https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-8772377/London-national-Covid-19-watch-list-spike-reported-cases.html)

maybe i wont be going the the Smoke
Title: Re: Whats on your summer vacation calendar?
Post by: smokester on September 26, 2020, 03:18:05 PM
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-8772377/London-national-Covid-19-watch-list-spike-reported-cases.html (https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-8772377/London-national-Covid-19-watch-list-spike-reported-cases.html)

maybe i wont be going the the Smoke

I've got the NHS app and apparently the risk in my postcode area is "medium".

Lucky I'm a large.
Title: Re: Whats on your summer vacation calendar?
Post by: goldshirt*9 on February 19, 2022, 12:23:26 AM
As Holidays appear to be on the scene again, The wife has booked a holiday for our 30th wedding anniversary in Sorrento on the Amalfi coast of Italy. Hopefully I get a job and they allow me time off  :o ??? ???
View from the bar looks good.
Historical places to wander to. Food and vino a must


(https://imghost.diasfora.co.uk/albums/goldshirt-9/Screenshot-2022-02-19-071446.jpg)
Title: Re: Whats on your summer vacation calendar?
Post by: 6pairsofshoes on February 19, 2022, 02:17:11 AM
Wow.  That looks beautiful.  I hope you have a great time.
Happy anniversary.
Title: Re: Whats on your summer vacation calendar?
Post by: goldshirt*9 on February 19, 2022, 11:34:15 PM
first oversea's holiday for years, haven't had a passport for 3/4 years
cannot wait to see Pompeii and Herculaneum
Title: Re: Whats on your summer vacation calendar?
Post by: smokester on February 20, 2022, 11:10:30 AM
As Holidays appear to be on the scene again, The wife has booked a holiday for our 30th wedding anniversary in Sorrento on the Amalfi coast of Italy. Hopefully I get a job and they allow me time off  :o ??? ???
View from the bar looks good.
Historical places to wander to. Food and vino a must


(https://imghost.diasfora.co.uk/albums/goldshirt-9/Screenshot-2022-02-19-071446.jpg)

This was my mother's favourite place and had planned to live there at one point. She at least got to spend many holidays there before she passed.
Title: Re: Whats on your summer vacation calendar?
Post by: goldshirt*9 on February 21, 2022, 12:19:39 AM
Pompey's easier. Perhaps not quite as scenic.
cheers for that

This was my mother's favourite place and had planned to live there at one point. She at least got to spend many holidays there before she passed.

must be very nice then
Title: Re: Whats on your summer vacation calendar?
Post by: smokester on March 05, 2023, 02:31:40 PM
Ok, I'm really trying to put together another St Lucia trip now the madness is over.

Gonna have to chuck a few quid at it as we haven't been away for 3 years, but with the crappy exchange rate and spiralling flight and accommodation costs, we might end up in Bognor ..
Title: Re: Whats on your summer vacation calendar?
Post by: dweez on March 05, 2023, 03:24:43 PM
Current plan (though haven't started the arrangements yet) is to visit my family in IN in Aug and go with my brother to GenCon in Indy (table-top gaming convention). Other than that, no plans unless one of my pool teams win a trip to Vegas.
Title: Re: Whats on your summer vacation calendar?
Post by: goldshirt*9 on March 05, 2023, 08:13:02 PM
IN May were off to Spain via a overnight cruise ship (ferry to be honest) then drive to Barcelona for 2 nights and another cruise ship( ferry) to Sardinia for 2 weeks in the Camper van with friends.
Looking forward to this I must admit
Title: Re: Whats on your summer vacation calendar?
Post by: smokester on March 07, 2023, 08:13:35 AM

Quote from: King George V
Bugger Bognor


Now that's something I hadn't heard. And I was around at the time (according to my kids).
Title: Re: Whats on your summer vacation calendar?
Post by: goldshirt*9 on March 18, 2023, 10:24:26 PM
Soon be off on my holls, tic tok.
I would do a blog (is, are these still a thing) but too lazy
Title: Re: Whats on your summer vacation calendar?
Post by: goldshirt*9 on March 26, 2023, 04:03:36 AM
Back home after 2 nights in Bakewell Derbyshire.
 Very Very and Very wet and the poor pooch couldn't walk far, fortunately by chance  ;) we found a local brewery very close to the campsite 8). Made great Pizzas which we watched them make
(https://imghost.diasfora.co.uk/albums/goldshirt-9/IMG20230324160147.jpg)
(https://imghost.diasfora.co.uk/albums/goldshirt-9/IMG20230324184051.jpg)
(https://imghost.diasfora.co.uk/albums/goldshirt-9/IMG20230324155900.jpg)
(https://imghost.diasfora.co.uk/albums/goldshirt-9/IMG20230324160300.jpg)
(https://imghost.diasfora.co.uk/albums/goldshirt-9/IMG20230325120959.jpg) River Wye
(https://imghost.diasfora.co.uk/albums/goldshirt-9/IMG20230325121015.jpg) padlock bridge



Title: Re: Whats on your summer vacation calendar?
Post by: smokester on March 26, 2023, 04:51:46 AM
Two of my favourite things: beer and padlocks.
Title: Re: Whats on your summer vacation calendar?
Post by: smokester on April 01, 2023, 05:51:00 AM
Well, someone in my family has to do a resit at the exact time of the planned holiday. Consequently, it's on hold again.

In fairness, having one's grandfather die while sitting exams isn't ideal.

I think I'll take the one that isn't doing a resit to Italy for a week. At least she'll get a little holiday of some sort. We're thinking Rome.
Title: Re: Whats on your summer vacation calendar?
Post by: goldshirt*9 on April 02, 2023, 07:58:30 PM
Well, someone in my family has to do a resit at the exact time of the planned holiday. Consequently, it's on hold again.

In fairness, having one's grandfather die while sitting exams isn't ideal.

I think I'll take the one that isn't doing a resit to Italy for a week. At least she'll get a little holiday of some sort. We're thinking Rome.

Somewhere i want to go TBH.
Title: Re: Whats on your summer vacation calendar?
Post by: 6pairsofshoes on April 05, 2023, 09:46:28 AM
We planned to go to the UK for fun, but those plans are currently up in the air.
Title: Re: Whats on your summer vacation calendar?
Post by: goldshirt*9 on April 06, 2023, 07:15:02 AM
We planned to go to the UK for fun, but those plans are currently up in the air.

Well the UK can be fun 8)
Title: Re: Whats on your summer vacation calendar?
Post by: smokester on September 12, 2023, 03:11:09 PM
TNG and I are just back from a 4 day stint in Paris.

We went mainly to go the the racetracks (Hippodromes), but did a bit of sightseeing as it was gorgeous weather and lot's going on.

(https://imghost.diasfora.co.uk/albums/Diasfora-General/20230911_134719.jpg)


Title: Re: Whats on your summer vacation calendar?
Post by: 6pairsofshoes on September 12, 2023, 11:54:11 PM
Looks like you had a great time, smokes!  I haven't been to Paris in years, but hope to go again sometime in the next few years.
Title: Re: Whats on your summer vacation calendar?
Post by: goldshirt*9 on September 13, 2023, 07:56:39 AM
Long time since I have been, Worth the visit or is it as bad as some media outlets state as being over run by homeless ?
Title: Re: Whats on your summer vacation calendar?
Post by: smokester on September 13, 2023, 12:01:56 PM
Long time since I have been, Worth the visit or is it as bad as some media outlets state as being over run by homeless ?

It was better than it was when I used to go in the 90's, and back then I use to go 4 or 5 times a year so I was pretty au fait with the city.

The issue they always have is with gangs from their old colonies, but those hardnuts are really in the suburbs. I reckon a saw 3 homeless people in 4 days. If I were in central London, that would be 3 homeless people every 4 minutes.
Title: Re: Whats on your summer vacation calendar?
Post by: goldshirt*9 on September 14, 2023, 08:13:37 AM
The issue they always have is with gangs from their old colonies, but those hardnuts are really in the suburbs.
common place everywhere  :'( :'(
May pay a visit then to please the Wife
Title: Re: Whats on your summer vacation calendar?
Post by: goldshirt*9 on September 15, 2023, 03:35:08 AM
EuroDisney/ DisneyLand Paris is an interesting exercise in culture clashing: in the US the "cast members"" are almost universally cheery and friendly and happy to help (outwardly at least, I'm sure that a good few of them are dying inside), but in Marne-la-Vallee they are almost all miserable, grumpy, and totally indisposed to help in any way at all.

I don't particularly blame them, but it does mean that the difference in the Disney experience is quite large!

So Agree and the French visitors are no better, pushing their war through anyone irrelevant of age.
A mistake to build there, being one of the coldest areas near Paris and this was from a American Disney manager we spoke to.
Should have gone to Spain, being warmer and cheaper
Title: Re: Whats on your summer vacation calendar?
Post by: goldshirt*9 on September 23, 2023, 11:55:30 PM
So just returned after Climbing the North Face of Ben Nevis Gully 5.
Mate's friend is a climber/Scrambler and stated its an easy climb, Pardon the French but It Fing wasn't in howling rain and he just shot off with one mate leaving myself and another guessing where the route was, :o
If it wasn't for the chap behind me and his knowledge of climbing, when my right foot lost a foothold and he held it ,I would very much doubt I would be in a fit state to do anything for a short (long) while.
The Gates of Mordor (to me that was)
(https://imghost.diasfora.co.uk/albums/goldshirt-9/IMG20230922123033.jpg)
Title: Re: Whats on your summer vacation calendar?
Post by: smokester on September 25, 2023, 01:39:48 AM
So just returned after Climbing the North Face of Ben Nevis Gully 5.
Mate's friend is a climber/Scrambler and stated its an easy climb, Pardon the French but It Fing wasn't in howling rain and he just shot off with one mate leaving myself and another guessing where the route was, :o
If it wasn't for the chap behind me and his knowledge of climbing, when my right foot lost a foothold and he held it ,I would very much doubt I would be in a fit state to do anything for a short (long) while.
The Gates of Mordor (to me that was)
(https://imghost.diasfora.co.uk/albums/goldshirt-9/IMG20230922123033.jpg)

Pfft! that's nothing. You should see TNG's room...

Glad you're safe, bro.
Title: Re: Whats on your summer vacation calendar?
Post by: goldshirt*9 on October 28, 2023, 02:14:17 AM
You should see TNG's room...

 ;D ;D
Had a weekend in Birmingham last week, Way better than Leicester tbh.
Babet popping along to keep us company, it was damp on Friday.
Thai, Turkish(middle east), English pub grub and Chippy was had with a few  ;) alcoholic drinks.

The main drag through Birmingham center is to me a funny place with all the religious stall stating their case for enlightenment.
I found it quit funny but my friend was a tad nervous when the "free Palestine march came along".
Finished with bumping into a peaky blinders night in a city center pub and watching the Rugger.
great weekend

Title: Re: Whats on your summer vacation calendar?
Post by: 6pairsofshoes on October 28, 2023, 08:42:58 AM
I went to Birmingham with a class a long time ago and we stayed in the Uni dorms.  There were some beautiful old pubs there and an interesting cast iron church.  I remember going to the courthouse (a beautiful Victorian affair) and the security was pretty intense.

Glad you had fun there, goldie.  I would love to go back and tour the midlands again.  Liverpool was beautiful, as was Manchester.  So many interesting towns to visit.
Title: Re: Whats on your summer vacation calendar?
Post by: goldshirt*9 on December 01, 2023, 03:19:24 AM
Off to the Peak District today for some R&R. Looking forward to it
Title: Re: Whats on your summer vacation calendar?
Post by: 6pairsofshoes on December 01, 2023, 11:16:13 AM
Have fun.
Title: Re: Whats on your summer vacation calendar?
Post by: 6pairsofshoes on December 01, 2023, 06:19:01 PM
Summer?

If the mountain won't come to Mohammed, he'll have to go to the mountain, eh?
Title: Re: Whats on your summer vacation calendar?
Post by: goldshirt*9 on December 05, 2023, 06:48:03 AM
Returned safe and well after suffering -7 degrees in the van Friday in the Peak district. only the sink waste pipe froze, Better than all the caravanners hair drying their water butts. ;D
The about 5 inch of Snow which the pooch loved.
Then the usual rain which turned everything to mush.
All in all a win for a short break, O I forgot about the copious amount of alcohol to keep me warm at night ;)


Spoiler (hover to show)

Next Summer all depends on if the Pooch is here or not
Title: Re: Whats on your summer vacation calendar?
Post by: goldshirt*9 on December 05, 2023, 01:10:32 PM
I'll bet you can't guess how I read that the first time through. Amusing picture in my head.
Visually it was funny anyway  ;D