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BS: You favorite vacation spot?
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Subject: BS: You favorite vacation spot? From: NicoleC Date: 08 Apr 03 - 02:50 PM *gasp!* It's true! I'm going on vacation! I haven't taken a vacation since 1993, and that was kind of a disaster between the flu, the tornado and the lack of electricity and water the whole 3 days I was there. Well, I did get to wander around Germany for about 3 days a few years ago. But, yes, it's time to take another one; I've even scheduled it for the week before Memorial Day. Deals to Europe look pretty good right now. I don't want to do the touristy thing (much), I'd rather putter around some old ruins or enjoy the countryside. Have a beer with the locals. Stay in a small little inn, not a big hotel. Or maybe hunt down some old ancestor's homes in Sussex or Camarthen. What do ya'll think? Wales? Scotland? Copenhagen? Vienna? Any favorite spots you wish you could go back to? |
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Subject: RE: BS: You favorite vacation spot? From: Amos Date: 08 Apr 03 - 03:09 PM There's nothin' like Tivoli Gardens on a sumnmer evening, especially with the right companion, Nicole. That's true of many places, though! A |
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Subject: RE: BS: You favorite vacation spot? From: greg stephens Date: 08 Apr 03 - 03:13 PM While I've spent 90% of my holidays over 58 years in Silecroft, near Millom, in Cumbria(NW England). It is on the coast. You can walk up Black Combe(not quite 2000 feet, you can do it in your slippers, from the middle of the village) and see the Isle of Man, Scotland, wales and Ireland. Within a few miles are stone circles(c2000BC), Roman bath house (Ravenglass), the most amazing Roman fort you could imagine(at the top of Hardknott Pass, splendid views of the high fells). more modern castles, churches, interesting farm buildings etc are available as required. The Lake District(mountains and lakes) is justly famous...two spectacular lakes within 15 miles. The Dudon valley(paradise on earth)is on your doorstop(Wordsworth wrote 37 sonnets about the valley, all in his pedestrian unreadable phase). Coniston Blubird bitter is strongly recommended, and there is a wide choice of wonderful pubs in the area to sample it in. The local pub, in which you can stay, is the Miner's Arms, in the middle of the village. It is approximately 1/2 mile from the beach, which is sandy(at low tide, pebbles when the tide is up). there are plenty of music in the area. I will happily play you local Cumbrian tunes un the Miner's (or possibly in the King Billy in Kirksanton). . It is quite quiet and peaceful, even in high summer, though the nearby lakes do become very popular then. But I have walked to the local stone circle hundreds of times, and virtually never seen anyone else there. (I dont know what date Memorial Day implies). And I was there on Saturday, and tomorrow I go up for a few days to help my brother building his house. Yippee. It is, actually, the nicest place in the world. |
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Subject: RE: BS: You favorite vacation spot? From: NicoleC Date: 08 Apr 03 - 03:40 PM Ah well, Amos, since I'm going by myself, "romantic" is not a requirement :) Memorial Day: end of May. Silecroft sounds lovely... now if only Google would turn up anything there besides the golf course! |
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Subject: RE: BS: You favorite vacation spot? From: Amos Date: 08 Apr 03 - 04:02 PM Well, Nicole, I think you're wasting a vacation -- although I believe Tivoli is also a good place to get lucky!! :>) A |
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Subject: RE: BS: You favorite vacation spot? From: greg stephens Date: 08 Apr 03 - 04:04 PM NicoleC: try a search for "Swinside stone circle" or "Hardknott Castle" (or possibly "Hardknott Roman fort". That will get you some pictures to look at. Or look up "Black Combe". happy hunting. |
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Subject: RE: BS: You favorite vacation spot? From: Alba Date: 08 Apr 03 - 04:31 PM http://brendansboat.ie/links.htm I tried to Blue clinky this Nicole but alas I am challenged in the cyber dept!! The above site has a lot of information about the area I love to visit. This is my favourite place. Ballyvaughan, Co Clare, Ireland. It is truly (to me anyway) a slice of heaven and is full of things to see....the Burren for one....astounding place full of mystery and beauty and Ballyvaughan itself is rich with Music and great People. Alone or with company it is a great wee village to relax in. Good Luck with the search! |
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Subject: RE: BS: You favorite vacation spot? From: Padre Date: 08 Apr 03 - 04:45 PM Nicole, Two special places come to mind: 1) Berchtesgarten Germany and the surrounding area for mountains |
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Subject: RE: BS: You favorite vacation spot? From: Padre Date: 08 Apr 03 - 04:48 PM And (before I was so rudely interrupted) 2) St. Vincent and Bequia for sun and sea |
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Subject: RE: BS: You favorite vacation spot? From: NicoleC Date: 08 Apr 03 - 04:54 PM Hmmm... I forgot how cheap food and accomodations are in Europe. I can't imagine getting a nice room anywhere here for $30 a night! Of course, getting off the beaten path is so expensive. Somehow a $1500 plane ticket makes my trip much less of a bargain! |
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Subject: RE: BS: You favorite vacation spot? From: Stilly River Sage Date: 08 Apr 03 - 04:58 PM Nicole, apropos for this site, I think you can get the round-trip fare for a song right now, the airlines are so desperate to keep people flying. The place Greg suggests sounds marvelous! SRS |
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Subject: RE: BS: You favorite vacation spot? From: Beccy Date: 08 Apr 03 - 05:10 PM Strasbourg... love it (despite some tourist trappings... |
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Subject: RE: BS: You favorite vacation spot? From: catspaw49 Date: 08 Apr 03 - 05:31 PM ***PAID ADVERTISEMENT***Jihad Tours, a Division of Fly-By-Night Industries, is proud to announce our annual "Mid-East Hot Spot Extravaganza Tour" for 2003. You'll fly from New York to Tel Aviv on one of our fleet of aging 707's which we fly for your personal safety. These jets are so outmoded and clapped out that no one will hi-jack them. After a tour of this modern city you will be whisked away through Israel to see the sights in one of our fleet of VW "Things" specially appointed with a gaily covered canopy top with a target in the middle. All previous swastika insignia have been removed. You'll have fun in the sun on the Gaza Strip and the West Bank and then on to Syria! Here you'll not only be greeted as only Americans can be, but you'll be supplied with rations |
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Subject: RE: BS: You favorite vacation spot? From: Kim C Date: 08 Apr 03 - 05:47 PM (uproarious laughter at Spaw's clever post) Well, I like Virginia. |
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Subject: RE: BS: You favorite vacation spot? From: Sorcha Date: 08 Apr 03 - 06:58 PM LOL, Spaw! Mine is Springer Lake Wildlife Habitat Area, close by and real cheap! |
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Subject: RE: BS: You favorite vacation spot? From: Amos Date: 08 Apr 03 - 07:25 PM Gee, that Spaw -- he's just an international entrepreeneur, ain't he? Wodda bright idea!! He obviously has a bright future as he adds new features -- tours of the Moscow Underground led by real Russian crims, Educastional forays into Chinese hospitals, a survey of major industrial advances in Northern Korea, walking tours of Belfast, tribal celebrations in Aceh, sight seeing int he Democratic Republic of the Congo -- I tell ya that boy has a future!! Not so, unfortunately, his clientele! A |
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Subject: RE: BS: You favorite vacation spot? From: kendall Date: 08 Apr 03 - 08:44 PM St. Maartin |
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Subject: RE: BS: You favorite vacation spot? From: jimmyt Date: 08 Apr 03 - 09:04 PM NIcoleC, Thanks for this thread!!! I love to talk about travel and I have written down Greg's Cumbrian paradise!! Will definately put it on my short list. Travel to Europe can be as cheap as staying stateside if you get a good fare. I have flown to London from Atlanta for $179 for a long theater weekend as it was cheaper than fares to NYC! Usually pay 300-475 for fare to England, no more that $600 for anywhere in Europe. You just have to keep checking fares. We normally like to get off the peaten path and I prefer staying in Pubs or BandBs as they represent a closer contact with the people. Favorites, Well A chateau in Normandy for less than $100 couple,an alpine Band B in a Swiss village only accessable by Tram, no roads or motor vehicles, The town of Cesky Krumlov in the Czech Republic, a town that seems to be awakening from a time warp for 600 years, Rented an apartment in Grassmarket in Edinbourgh owned by Robert Louis Stevenson's grandson several times over. Countless Band Bs in England all over the country, A pub in Winterton-on-Sea north of Great Yarmouth with doorways so low I have to duck my 5 feet 8 in frame to go through,Doolin, County Clare, Ireland, where sessions run in one of the three pubs most all of the time. Well, I can't wait to hear where you select, and am also anxious to hear more favorites from fellow mudcatters. |
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Subject: RE: BS: You favorite vacation spot? From: GUEST,Mary Date: 09 Apr 03 - 07:49 AM Well....if I were travelling abroad.....ITALY ITALY ITALY.... LUCCA ITALY... and if the good ole' USA... and want a wonderful relaxing vacation filled with Lakes and MUSIC......MUSIC ....MUSIC...... MOUNTAIN VIEW ARKANSAS !!!!!!! |
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Subject: RE: BS: You favorite vacation spot? From: GUEST,Bagpuss Date: 09 Apr 03 - 08:05 AM My problem is that I have loved pretty much everywhere I have been on holiday - I must make good choices... So I have many places I would recommend. But here's a few of them anyway. Croatia - with the beautiful Istria, Dubrovnik and the islands. We went there for 2 weeks and it was far far far too short! Spain - Catalunya: you have the wonderful city of Barcelona (possibly my favourite city ever), the Pyrenees mountains and the beautiful coast of the Costa Brava, with links to artists such as Gaudi and Dali. Scotland - Western Isles |
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Subject: RE: BS: You favorite vacation spot? From: Rapparee Date: 09 Apr 03 - 08:19 AM Alta, Wyoming (the back side of the Tetons). Outer Banks, North Carolina (before the mobs get there, or after they've left). Small towns north of Portland, ME. The Ozarks (not Branson), Missouri. Anywhere on the Mississippi north of St. Louis. Dinehta. Third Mesa. Glacier National Park, Montana. Talkeetna, Alaska (also Anchorage, Fairbanks, Delta Junction, Seward, and Homer and Kenai City). Cork, Ireland. Ardfert, Ireland. Tralee, Ireland. Kinsale, Ireland. Kenmare, Ireland. Lisdovarna, Ireland. (There's a pattern here...) Ballyferriter, County Kerry. The Wicklow Hills. The Isle of Skye. East Anglia. Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, PEI, Alberta, Vancouver and Vancouver Island. The Yukon Territory. |
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Subject: RE: BS: You favorite vacation spot? From: kendall Date: 09 Apr 03 - 08:26 AM Scotland is another favorite. |
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Subject: RE: BS: You favorite vacation spot? From: GUEST,Jon Date: 09 Apr 03 - 08:41 AM So many places and all with their beauties! (not that I've had a real holiday in years) For me, although it's more of a case of living nearby for a long while (and no longer) than a holiday, I'd recommend Snowdonia in North Wales. I've not visited the particlar patch Greg mentions but would imagine they have much in common. Conwy Castle, arguably the best in Wales, and even the Victorian seaside resort of Llandudno are under 30 minutes away. As is "Portmeirion" where they shot the film for "The Prisoner" or perhaps the Ffestiniog railway. Holyhead even is not too far away and a day trip to Dublin is quite feasible... Just about all of Wales is nice though. Pip, my mother, had a very enjoyable time walking the Pembrokeshire Coast path in South Wales, and would also recommend a visit to the "Alternative Technology" Centre in Machynlleth, Mid Wales. Where I am now, North Norfolk, England, I would recommend a visit to the salt marshes around Cley or if you know you are right with the tides, a walk on the beach towards Blakeny where you can see the seals. Alba, I will get to Ballyvaughan one day... I know a number of people who visit every February for the Festival. Jon |
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Subject: RE: BS: You favorite vacation spot? From: GUEST,Jon Date: 09 Apr 03 - 08:50 AM Just to clarfy in case I have confused anyone. The patch Greg mentions is Cumbria in the North of England. A different area but one that I thik may have similarities to the part of N Wales I mentioned. |
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Subject: RE: BS: You favorite vacation spot? From: Alba Date: 09 Apr 03 - 04:35 PM I do hope you do make it to ballyvaughan Jon. You will not be diappointed I am sure:>) I spent a few weeks in Aberaeron, Ceredigion, Wales years ago. If my memory serves me well, there is a college of Ancient Music near by? Stunning Coastline. Also Nicole another place in Scotland that would be worth a visit is the Isle of Barra in the Outer Hebrides. The boat trip out to the Isles from Oban is worth it alone, and as the boat turns into Castlebay, you see the Castle and the Village and it simply takes your breath away. Excellent music to be found in the Castlebay Bar most nights and a climb to the top of one of the nearby hills to watch the sun go down on the Atlantic.....what can I say...too beautiful:>) |
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Subject: RE: BS: You favorite vacation spot? From: NicoleC Date: 09 Apr 03 - 06:12 PM Blech! Yesterday, the airlines were announcing price cuts, so I waited to buy. Today, airfares are double what they were yesterday! Gaaacckkk! I think Europe just got knocked off the list. For that matter, airfares to Mexico during the Spring are just as expensive. So... how's Canada in the spring, anyway? |
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Subject: RE: BS: You favorite vacation spot? From: GUEST Date: 09 Apr 03 - 06:25 PM you could always go to the grand nation of north idaho.... |
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Subject: RE: BS: You favorite vacation spot? From: GUEST Date: 09 Apr 03 - 06:27 PM i should add that anyone as loverly as yourself should have no problem finding a nice tattooed hillbilly up north..... ;) |
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Subject: RE: BS: You favorite vacation spot? From: GUEST, heric Date: 09 Apr 03 - 08:23 PM Nicole: I don't think you should rule out the UK. Take the vacation I wanted for myself: Check out the "Spring Fling" - http://www.frommers.com/cgi-bin/book_a_trip_cobrand.cgi?http://www.virgin-vacations.com/site.asp?site=From |
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Subject: RE: BS: You favorite vacation spot? From: GUEST,ozmacca Date: 09 Apr 03 - 09:28 PM Why not try Australia? We've got everything everbody else has got (except Western type civilisation history over 200 years old) and we're cheap..... Maybe I should rephrase that.... Hmmmmm, I dunno though.... I like the south-east corner of Queensland. It's got just about everything for most tastes, except if you want castles and such, which I must admit I do hanker after. Everything from the glitter strips of the Gold and Sunshine Coasts to unspoilt rural scenery. Sub-tropical conditions, miles and miles and miles and - you get the picture - of golden beaches, masses of rainforests, great views (especially along the Blackall Range near Maleny and Montville overlooking the Glasshouse Mountains and the coast, or at Mount Warning in northern NSW). Even Brisbane is a nice city, warmly welcoming and just like a big country town with some wonderful features for a pleasant stay - we even have culture!!. A great place to live and a terrific place for holidays. |
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Subject: RE: BS: You favorite vacation spot? From: jimmyt Date: 09 Apr 03 - 09:41 PM In Canada, I would strngly consider Quebec city. Terrific, old world ambience, discounted prices . excellent food, Very friendly people. |
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Subject: RE: BS: You favorite vacation spot? From: SINSULL Date: 09 Apr 03 - 09:55 PM Spaw, Are the other Layabouts-At-Large aware of your moonlighting activities? Or are they handling the insurance claims and oil rights? Tibet...or my own bed. I would love a long weekend in my own bed. No plans; no laundry; no snow shovelling. |
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Subject: RE: BS: You favorite vacation spot? From: NicoleC Date: 09 Apr 03 - 10:46 PM I'd love to go to Oz, but I'm afraid it would become ABOUT visiting my ex. I like to visit my ex, but it's not exactly the way I want to spend my first vacation in ages! Even so, airfare alone to Oz is about $1600 from here, and if I go anywhere near that hemisphere and he finds out... well, I'd be in big trouble. I looked at the Virgin Spring Fling thing. You're right, it's not too bad, although all the surcharges and extra fees add up quick, especially the extra $200 you cough up for travelling by yourself. grrr... Hmmm, they have other cities, too... |
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Subject: RE: BS: You favorite vacation spot? From: Amos Date: 09 Apr 03 - 10:54 PM There's that June get-together near Chico, Nicole -- low-budget, high-fun long-weekend. Meanwhile you could save up for Europe...and there's Runamuck II at the end of August... A |
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Subject: RE: BS: You favorite vacation spot? From: GUEST,Walking Eagle Date: 09 Apr 03 - 11:20 PM I've really got to fix my cookie! There is a lovely state park in Southwestern VA. named Grayson Highlands S.P. I had the privilegdge of backpacking through there years ago on my little Appalachian Trail jaunt. It's very near Mt. Rogers which is over a mile above sea level. I was there when the wild Rhodies were in bloom. I remember walking down part of the Trail and the Rhodies were blooming all in a cascade down the mountain above me. It was lovely. There is nothing like a Rhododendron tent to lift your spirits. |
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Subject: RE: BS: You favorite vacation spot? From: Steve Latimer Date: 09 Apr 03 - 11:24 PM New Orleans, I'd move there tomorrow if I could. Close second, London. Third, New England (Summertime). |
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Subject: RE: BS: You favorite vacation spot? From: mg Date: 09 Apr 03 - 11:46 PM Newfoundland in late summer early fall...mg |
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Subject: RE: BS: You favorite vacation spot? From: NicoleC Date: 10 Apr 03 - 12:07 AM Just got off the phone with Mom. She's always wanted to go to either Ireland or Scotland -- looks like rates to Dublin, Shannon and Glasgow are reasonable, particularly if you go double. We may have a winner... just as soon as I figure out if there's anything in Glasgow we'd want to go for. 'Course I'll be there in June anyway. That trip won't cost me a thing! (Except a little sanity.) |
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Subject: RE: BS: You favorite vacation spot? From: alison Date: 10 Apr 03 - 01:46 AM Anywhere on the West Coast of Ireland (except Killarney.... much too touristy!!) Sarlat - a gorgeous little medieval town in France, close to the Dordogne river and wineries....... beautiful old buildings, narrow cobbled streets, pavement restaurants....... wish France wasn't so far away from Oz!!....... any of the Thailand Islands.... slainte alison |
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Subject: RE: BS: You favorite vacation spot? From: Micca Date: 10 Apr 03 - 06:08 AM Hey Alison, Portaferry Co Down, Northern Ireland isnt bad, and the Hostel(Barholm) was reasonable and very comfortable with Stonking Breakfasts!! |
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Subject: RE: BS: You favorite vacation spot? From: Alba Date: 10 Apr 03 - 08:22 AM Nicole if you decide to investigate Glasgow more. PM me and I will give you some Info. It's a great City and often pushed aside in favor of Edinburgh but in doing that I think people miss out on a lot. I LOVE Glasgow to bits. So like I say get in touch if your itchy toes want to know more!!!!!!:>) It is good to keep in mind that you can get to many other places of interest from the City Centre as there is good train services to all points North, South, East, and West. Gosh all these posts about lovely places have got me in Travel mode now:>} |
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Subject: RE: BS: You favorite vacation spot? From: gnu Date: 10 Apr 03 - 09:48 AM On a hardwood ridge between the Alagash and Mountain Heaths in Kent County, New Brunswick. The closest humans are those in the planes passing overhead on the jet stream. |
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Subject: RE: BS: You favorite vacation spot? From: mooman Date: 10 Apr 03 - 10:19 AM Dear NicoleC, If you're passing through the much underestimated country of Belgium (e.g. Bruges is a little-known "jewel") you're most welcome to stay with us in Brussels and we'll throw a local tour in to boot! Some excellent spots mentioned above. If you go to Ireland, the Beara Peninsula in Co. Cork is my favourite area. All the best moo |
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Subject: RE: BS: You favorite vacation spot? From: GUEST,Russ Date: 10 Apr 03 - 11:01 AM Two of my personal favorites: Clifftop WV for the Appalachian String Band Festival. Festival officially starts on Wednesday, July 30, 2003, but people start arriving the week before. The site is gorgeous in a WV Mountains sort of way. The bathhouse is the height of luxury for a music festival. Food vendors provide a tasty array with something for every palate. Be sure to try the fried bologna (b'loney) sandwich. See http://www.wvculture.org/stringband/index.html If rough camping is not your forte, how about a week at Augusta? The perfect vacation for the budget-conscious. Pick the theme week of your choice. One of the dorms is even air conditioned! The student cafeteria serves authentic WV cuisine. The salad bar is legendary. See: http://www.augustaheritage.com/ |
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Subject: RE: BS: You favorite vacation spot? From: NicoleC Date: 11 Apr 03 - 12:24 AM Ah'm goin' to Scoot-land! Yep, I just made my credit card company very happy and charged a couple of tickets and our hotel reservations to Glasgow. Mom's coming -- like me, she really wants to go to see dead people and old buildings (...I see dead people!...) although I certainly won't have to twist her arm to take her out on a pub crawl :) I even coughed up the extra dough to fly right out of Sacramento -- it was worth it compared to leaving Sac at 2am to get to a flight from San Fran at 7am. Can you tell I'm excited? I've never actually been anywhere just to have fun before! |
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Subject: RE: BS: You favorite vacation spot? From: GUEST,ozmacca Date: 11 Apr 03 - 12:39 AM Aye weeel. Goad help ye lassie. Ah huvnae set fit in the place fur a wheen o years noo, an' Ah'm no shair ifn ah peety ye ur no. Ah mean, ma end o' the place (oot tae Edinburgh wye) wiz bad enuff, but Glescae? Oh dearie me......... Mind. At least it's in a no bad lookin bit o' the country, so ye'll mebbe get tae see mair than jist the toon itsel. Try oot by Ballater and up by Loch Lomond tae the Trossachs, or a trip east tae Stirling and ower tae Callander and Perth. Mebbe up by Crainlarrich tae Oban and ower tae Mull. Aye, that's a bonnie bit tae see. |
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Subject: RE: BS: You favorite vacation spot? From: jimmyt Date: 11 Apr 03 - 08:33 AM As above, the area just north of Glasgow has some terrific places to visit. Aberfoyle, a very nice village in the Trossachs has a decent pub/Inn the Forth Inn, occasional sessions there. The Lake of Monteith (the only Lake in Scotland due to a map makee's mistake) has the ruins on an old Abbey on an Island in the lake where once Mary Queen of Scots stayed, guite worthwhile. Loch Katrine has a terrific boat ride with Scottish music being played, quite worth doing, Rob ROy is from this area and his grave is worth a visit, reading the book would make the whole Glasgow trip more meaningful. One of my favorite areas in all of Scotland. Stirling is also easily accessable from Glasgow and is a must visit. You should try to get to Edinburgh also as it is one of the finest cities in the world in my opinion. I need to get my suitcase packed, you have me coming down with a case of wanderlust |
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Subject: RE: BS: You favorite vacation spot? From: HuwG Date: 11 Apr 03 - 08:42 AM jimmyt, the Abbey where Mary, Queen of Scots stayed; are you sure she did so voluntarily ? Or is that where she was held prisoner after being forced to abdicate in favour of her (one-year-old!) son, James VI ? NicoleC, there I was suggesting you get a cheap deal to Manchester Airport, and visit the Peak District, where men are men |
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Subject: RE: BS: You favorite vacation spot? From: jimmyt Date: 11 Apr 03 - 09:13 AM HuwG, As I remember, Mary was quite a young girl, and was taken there with her mum to protect her around the time of her father's death. I will look it up and sent the info, but all in all a very nice place to visit. |
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Subject: RE: BS: You favorite vacation spot? From: jimmyt Date: 11 Apr 03 - 10:06 AM Inchmahome Priory are the ruins in the Lake of Monteith. A short boat ride, lovely site for a picnic. Has ties to Mary, Queen of Scots, and either Wallace or The Bruce. Sorry my memory is not too good about this but it is a very nice place for a short visit. |
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Subject: RE: BS: You favorite vacation spot? From: Trevor Date: 11 Apr 03 - 11:44 AM UK - come to Shropshire! Big welcome, beautiful countryside, hills, rivers, woods, moorland, Jon's North Wales just up the road. Continental Europe - Greece - Paxos, Samos, Amorgos, Astipalia, The Pelion. I'm going to Llandudno next week. It's a bit 'seasidey' but it has my favourite hotel this side of the Ionian - The Empire. R&R in extremis! |
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Subject: RE: BS: You favorite vacation spot? From: the lemonade lady Date: 11 Apr 03 - 01:02 PM For me it has to be Pentewan and Mevagissey in Cornwall. The boats, the blue sea, the long beach, the cliff walks in spring with Red Campion and Blue Bells, the cry of the seagulls nesting in the cliffs.Cornish pasties and Kelly's ice cream . Oh dear, now I'm feeling Cornwall sick. Sal |
