I'm in Romania atm.
Got here, BA have lost my luggage. Only got 1 pair of pants, this could be an I interesting week. I'll stay away from the prunes.
Still no news on me luggage. But picked up some pants you'll all be pleased to know.
Brasov in Romania is awesome. Recommend if you like medieval cities. English is widely spoken and they also speak French.
surprised you need pants on your sex tour
Gotta keep the under carriage free of klingons
They've found my luggage. Never left bloody london.
Food here ain't great. Think potato with potato
I've been to Bucharest and Timisoara...both were excellent food there was good too - very Bavarian.
I was also very very drunk.
Quote from: Swiss on April 22, 2018, 19:45:13
Gotta keep the under carriage free of klingons
They've found my luggage. Never left bloody london.
Food here ain't great. Think potato with potato
What are the odds on that?
Oooooh
They reckon the tag fell off...
Reunited with my pants at last! Case broken but hey!
Romania, Amazing. When I get back I'll try and upload some photos.
First day, Bucharest. Only spent the night here after a late arrival before moving on to Brasov for 2 days. We were in Z hotel, quite a modern hotel and there's a korean/Japanese supermarket outside for drinks and snacks, which brought back memories of last year. The location is great for town centre, we had a quick stroll around, but as we were fresh off the plane, were too tired for a big night out! Breakfast at Z's was in the sky lounge with 360 degree views of the city. Sounds nicer than it was, but breakfast gave us a mixed European buffet before we left for Brasov.
On the way to Brasov we spent some time at Peles castle. This is not what the English would call a castle, more of German fantasy palace. There's some really nice woodwork inside and a decent collection of medieval armour/ weapons mostly in the German style. Next stop Brasov.
Brasov old town is a wonderful medieval town inside the main city.
Lots of terraced restaurants and bars inbetween centuries old churches, buildings and towers. The whole old town is walkable and has a cable car up to its own "holywood" sign for views across the city. On the opposite side there is a black tower and a white tower. I preferred the views on this side, but the cold town is big enough to do both.
Brasov is down as a must see in Romania and about 2 days should cover everything, but maybe consider longer for a slower pace.
We stayed at Casa Wagner. Great for location as the front door opens onto the main square of the old town, right into the heart of the restaurant and drinking district. The hotel's quaint interior with beams adds a country charm to the location. Modern shower room and toilet (No bath). I would book this hotel again, however the bed we had was really creaky. No other guest we spoke to had the same issue. (Room 37). The staff were really nice too. We got an uber to Rasnov fortress, about 12 Leu. A part ruined medieval fortress and well worth the 20 minute ride. No uber available on the way back so we had to work out the bus route... not as easy as you think at low tourist season.
Day 4 took us to 'the inn on Balaban' with a stop off at Bran castle. Bran is the most famous Dracula castle and lies on the border of Wallachia and Transylvania. A nice place that is said to have inspired Bram Stoker. You need only 1.5 hours to explore as it's not big, but there's opportunity to look around the markets underneath or take a bite at a restaurant. This is also reachable from Brasov if you intend to stay longer there.
But on to Balaban. And wow! The scenery is amazing and well worth the bumpy ride up the mountain. There's no facilities on the mountain but the lodge provided us with some bottled water and the 3 course dinner was yum. Traditional Romanian food. Coal cooked pork soup, chicken schnitzel with veg and some small cakes to finish. The room was lovely but there were no curtains, including the loo... but then, there was no other lodge nearby! An amazingly remote location but did I mention the views?
Breakfast was again a mix, yoghurt, jam, cheese, spicy sausage, scrambled egg, toast. You will not be hungry staying here!
Day 5 took us to Viscri. Said to be often visited by HRH Charles, Prince of Wales. A community largely untouched by time. Lots of horse and carts and extremely friendly people. There are shops, cafe's and a fortified church. We stayed at Viscri 125 which has really comfy rooms. Attentive staff and as the location is small, is really close to the fortified church which has some awesome views. It has a real family feel and again, a 3 course meal. Soup, pork masala and some really yum raspberry sponge cake.
We also took the time to visit the liberty bear sanctuary. There are 98 bears here, but as the park is so huge, we only saw 18. They rescue bear's from captivity and give them a peaceful home. So don't be a dick like some on our tour and respect the guide and the rules! It takes about an hour to walk around. The toilets could do with upgrading from portaloo's too.
I'll update more on what the next few days bring.
Blimey, he's like a cross between statto and Judith Chalmers :)
I'm off to St David's in Wales this weekend. Not nearly as adventurous but great scenery all the same.
Just seeing if people are interested in sharing their travel experiences. You or I might find somewhere that we think, yeah that sounds awesome. Feel free to ask me anything about the locations I've been to.
UK (not been to NI)
France
Spain
Mallorca
Rhodes
Australia
Germany
Canaries
Romania
Hungary
Norway
Sweden
Finland
Russia
Belgium
Poland
Netherlands
Denmark
China
S. Korea
Estonia
Portugal
Turkey
China
Hong Kong
Same question.
England
Wales
Scotland
France
Spain
Saudi Arabia
Italy
Libya
Sultanate of Oman
UAE
West Germany
Thailand
Malaysia
Holland
Portugal
Philippines
Hong Kong
Singapore
Indonesia
The Isle of Man
South Africa
Never been to Ireland. N or S.
Mallorca
Canaries
Tenerife
Blackpool
Salford
Droylsden
Beswick
Gorton
Openshaw
Ashton
BBM keeping it real. Much respect.
never been africa or oz
Big up
Quote from: The Blue Blooded Maniac on April 26, 2018, 06:23:20
Droylsden
Beswick
Gorton
Openshaw
Ashton
I was born in Droylesden and went to Openshaw Tech. What are the odds on that.
Quote from: goat on April 26, 2018, 11:28:21
never been africa or oz
Oz isn't 'as bad as that thread suggests. If you're sensible, you'll be fine.
I wasn't sensible, I swam outside the flags and there was a 15ft tiger shark spotted at that beach the day before... we thought it'd be fun until we got out there... fastest I ever swam back!
Africa is pretty stunning with the odd weird bits. Need a lot of patience to go there, especially if it's off your own back and not part of a tour group. A simple trip to the bank can take a day. I've been to Ghana and South Africa a couple of times, Nigeria, Ethiopia, Namibia and Kenya.
Quote from: Swiss on April 28, 2018, 07:40:43
Oz isn't 'as bad as that thread suggests
you mean the one i started showing how bad it is?
to be fair the main reason for no oz and africa is the weather, fuck that
Quote from: goat on April 28, 2018, 10:17:56
you mean the one i started showing how bad it is?
to be fair the main reason for no oz and africa is the weather, fuck that
That's the one.
WA. Has a dry heat from the desert and a cool breeze from the sea. Feels like 26-28 d c. But that's the danger. Lube yourself up with sun cream.
Currently on a half world cruise and we are stopped in Fiji today it's pretty third world here but managed to find some free Wi-Fi bloody hot 34 degrees and tropical a humid
Hawaii is next stop I've never been there so I'm looking forward to 3 days there then on to Canada and Alaska
Nice, where are you going?
Vancouver, banff, Victoria
Sorry Fiji internet keeps cutting out and it's blindingly hot here tropic sun etc the curries are to die for lol.....we are going to ketchikan in Alaska after Canada then round to Japan
I'm in Sweden at the mo. Slowest bloody drivers I've ever seen.
You driving behind Goat on his hols in his Volvo?
last big trip there i did get a rental volvo :D
Haha Swedish fan boy
Ridiculously slow speed limits and drivers that go even slower! :D
whereabouts?
Between Göteborg and Hässleholm. Main 'motorway' bit is alright (E6 or summat) but once off a dual carriageway it's painfully slow.
Were in Waikiki now what a freaking amazing place
There's a ship here does nude cruises was thinking it would be good for leko and goaty bollocks.......fucking yanks i hate them they have everything
Sat in Seattle airport waiting for flight to LA......then board cruise to Mexico, loved Canada
Quote from: nimrod on May 07, 2018, 00:01:26
There's a ship here does nude cruises was thinking it would be good for leko and goaty bollocks.......fucking yanks i hate them they have everything
so first thought after finding out about nude boats is me and greeko? have a word with yourself gandalf :D
Bit disappointed he didn't think of me.
Quote from: The Blue Blooded Maniac on May 19, 2018, 14:29:00
Bit disappointed he didn't think of me.
Actually meant you and greeko 😁
Goat a bit past it now.
B======D
Quote from: nimrod on May 19, 2018, 17:11:01
Actually meant you and greeko 😁
Goat a bit past it now.
cant argue with that
Been to a few outside ol' Blighty wonder who on here was born outside UK ?
Few on here know we go to East Malaysia to avoid the worse winter weather, I mis-timed it this year getting back in time for both lots of snow flurries. ;)
In the Salford heatwave at the mo. Birchwood tomorrow.
Quote from: zacc on May 21, 2018, 10:45:55
Been to a few outside ol' Blighty wonder who on here was born outside UK ?
Few on here know we go to East Malaysia to avoid the worse winter weather, I mis-timed it this year getting back in time for both lots of snow flurries. ;)
My kids are half Malaysian, born in UK though, now in Oz. Mother from Malacca.
Devil curry.
Lived for a couple of years on Jalan Ayam Ayam in Shah Alam. Guy used to come by on Sunday nights with a BBQ on the back of a Honda 50. Most delicious chicken satay and we got to watch him speed away with sparks flying everywhere.
Quote from: reddishblue on May 22, 2018, 01:02:12
My kids are half Malaysian, born in UK though, now in Oz. Mother from Malacca.
Devil curry.
Pure coincidence my daughter-in-law is half Malaysian.
Quote from: reddishblue on May 22, 2018, 01:11:59
Lived for a couple of years on Jalan Ayam Ayam in Shah Alam. Guy used to come by on Sunday nights with a BBQ on the back of a Honda 50. Most delicious chicken satay and we got to watch him speed away with sparks flying everywhere.
Amusingly Jalan Ayam Ayam means chickens road so appropriate to have chicken satay,
as you say they are 'lish.
I noticed that the old travel thread is way out dated here so I plan to create a new one. This 2018, I plan to visit Europe and Spain. For my summer holiday, I'm looking at Tenerife or Lanzarote.I came across this one article about the place here in https://www.canaryislandsinfo.co.uk/gran-canaria/things-to-do/doramas-park/ I've never been to either and apparently, the beaches are fantastic as well as being suitably 'different' to make it interesting. How about you guys? Any plans?
europe and spain eh
can probably combine that into one trip
Quote from: goat on May 26, 2018, 13:18:14
europe and spain eh
can probably combine that into one trip
;D
Not sure the canaries can be considered in Europe either...
I'm off to Yorkshire in a few weeks. Going to that there Tommy Banks restaurant
Sat in LAX now on way home
14 hour flight to Sydney
Quote from: Swiss on May 27, 2018, 01:49:57
I'm off to Yorkshire in a few weeks. Going to that there Tommy Banks restaurant
What you doing round dem parts? Let us know how the restaurant is.
Just having a week chilling out with the GF. Which probably means a shit load of walking/cycling.
We're doing the 12 course taster menu. We did a 7 course a few weeks back and were stuffed so now thinking this wasn't the best idea...
Quote from: Swiss on May 27, 2018, 10:24:13
We're doing the 12 course taster menu. We did a 7 course a few weeks back and were stuffed so now thinking this wasn't the best idea...
Noice, my missus is into all that, wherever we go we have to go to the biggest poshest restaurant.
Was working in PNG from 2012 for over 3 years. Got to see loads of places but too wrecked most of the time to enjoy it. 10 flights a month there and back, sometimes would stop in Istanbul to unwind for a few days. Got to spend time in OZ, Singapore, KL, Dubai, Amsterdam, Frankfurt, Houston plus a few more that I can't remember.
So far have resisted offers to work on Doha, Saudi, Dubai and Madagascar of all places. Company I work for now want me to work in the most backward, God forsaken backward country in the world for 6 months, but there's no way I'm moving to the US >:(
could kip in terrys trailer
Quote from: The Blue Blooded Maniac on May 27, 2018, 09:24:31
What you doing round dem parts? Let us know how the restaurant is.
Soz missed this. The restaurant was great. Not stuffy and up it'self, although they do tell you about every element of each dish.... but it's like sitting in a pub, with great food!
Yorkshirebleft a sour note on me as we had a car crash, some dozy bird pulled straight out on me from a Give way sign. Wrote off my car, months of pain too. Ah well.
Next post, Salzburg
Just been to Salzburg.
I'm gonna start off with a travel trip. Make sure Celtic do not have a game in the same city as you're going too. Sweary, booze fuelled, local hating, casual racists, peace destroyers & noisy bastards. Grown men running up and down the corridors of hotels around 5am shouting "hey chuckle, chuckle chuckie" and "was it das"... joy!
On a happier note, Salzburg is awesome! Castles, medieval city, horse drawn carriage rides, cafes by the river, omnomnom restaurants, Mozart balls (chocolate), home of Mozart, hiking, art (give the modern art museum a miss, a bit too Tracey Emin to be called art. Also, the first exhibition we walked into was Nazi Swastikas...
Men wearing lederhosen walking around town was a bit weird...
Went to lake Hallstat which was awesome.
Walked around 40 miles in 4 days.
Another top tip, get a Salzburg card from the airport, 3 days around 40 euros. I'm gonna say free a lot, but I mean included with the card.
Generally everything is about 15 to 20 euros each, so you can work your money back easily.
You can then get on (some) busses for free, you just walk on them, don't need to show your card unless an inspector is on. Bus 10 will take you from airport to town centre. I find this an easy way to get around, or walk, our hotel was a 10, 15 min walk out of town, but lots are in centre.
Entry and use of the funnicular to the castle is free.
Helbrunn palace and gardens is free. Includes a fun tour of the trick water fountains.
The zoo is free.
There's a boat trip up the river, it's not particularly long, or amazing, but the ending is fun and it's free.
Entry to lots of museums, free.
Entry to catacombs, free (only â,¬2 otherwise, tiny, but worth the thigh work out!)
Meals out tend to be potato, pickled veg & either pork, beef or chicken.
Gabler brau was a really nice traditional austrian, relaxed and hearty restaurant. The house beer was awesome.
Mains tend to cost between 12 & 20 euros. Beer, just under â,¬5.
We also ate at a great korean place called hibiscus.
Tip to avoid, tour by panorama to lake hallstat, now the lake was amazing. Totally recommend going to see it.
But we paid â,¬50 each for an 1.5 hr each way bus ride, for 2 hours at the lake. Only to pay another â,¬14 euro up a funnicular, which took around 30 mins to sort, so in effect, we had an hour and a half there in such an amazing place. The 50 euros didn't cover any extras or food at anything. There was about 70 people on our bus and they run it twice a day... that's around £7k a day for a bus trip! Not sure how else to get there though
switzerland and austria may as well fucking merge, same fucking place
Ooo, controversial!
can we start picking your sex tours?
i nominate finland in winter, you can pick any of the 11 1/2 winter months
I may actually have to go there for work in the midst of winter!
did actually laugh at that
they must hate you
Reddishblue countries looks like military postings.
For me.
Hawaii
US mainland
Canada
Australia
India
Pakistan
UAE
Saudi Arabia
Kenya
South Africa
Lebanon
Thailand
Tanzania
Usual suspects Greece, Italy, France, Spain, Portugal, Holland, Belgium, Germany, Eire, Czech.
It's a shame South America doesn't feature because it's a magical and huge part of the world.
Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador, the Patagonian wilderness of Argentina and Chile, the lake district in the Andes, the largest rain forest on earth.
It's the forgotten continent in some respects, but I love the place.
Get yourselves down there if you like travelling because you won't be disappointed with anything about the place if you do.
South America is pretty amazing. I'd really like to go back - lots more to see! I've been to Argentina, Uruguay, Bolivia, Peru into Colombia up the amazon on a boat. Passed through Venezuela and sort of been to Brazil, but not officially.
Spent a few weeks in India this year on a couple of different trips. It's just a bit too mental. Too dirty, cows wondering about eating bags of rubbish, people being run over by drivers avoiding cows, dead dogs, people shitting in streams, etc. I'd love to go to the north though, by the mountain ranges. Seems a bit more chilled out and less dirt.
Missus wants to go to India cos she's curry mad. I've took her down Rusholme a few times, can't be that different?
i like curry but dont fancy shitting my insides out for a week over it
Quote from: goat on January 22, 2019, 16:59:48
i like curry but dont fancy shitting my insides out for a week over it
It's better than having a tube shoved up your arse for a colonic irrigation and also India has a much lower incidence of bowel cancer than the West. :D
fine, pesty can pop round yours to watch you shitting