Oh indeed! It definitely has it's plus points.
Joan's and I have just booked to swim with whale sharks. I'm crossing everything that he loves it and I can get him booked in to do his scuba diving qualifications when we get back.
| Be Excellent To Each Other https://www.beexcellenttoeachother.com/forum/ |
|
| Summer holidays https://www.beexcellenttoeachother.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=10470 |
Page 3 of 4 |
| Author: | Bamba [ Wed Aug 16, 2017 22:17 ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Summer holidays |
Kern wrote: Which company? Pffh, you don't want actual important information do you? Why would you need that? |
|
| Author: | asfish [ Wed Aug 16, 2017 22:39 ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Summer holidays |
Kern wrote: Which company? I'll find out for you |
|
| Author: | Kern [ Thu Aug 17, 2017 9:03 ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Summer holidays |
Thanks Ashfish! Any more? Whilst this Guardian article falls into the usual 'make Guardian readers feel guilty for something they all do' trap, the argument about tourism destroying places for locals is something I've often been grappling with and feeling guilty about. I like to go to historic towns because of the history and the sights. I don't want to feel that I've wandered onto a film set yet at the same time if everything is turned over to bars and restaurants with little actual life or business going on then that's kind of what these places are. But I still go and do it and contribute to the problem because I want to see these places and so do millions of others. Yet whilst the Radcliffe Camera would make for an ace Wetherspoons, it's because it's being used for its intended purpose that makes it that much more interesting to visit but I get why in other places they've become bars etc so locals can earn a living. In short, I'm a self-hating tourist, but will never call myself 'a traveller'. Arghh... just go and have fun people. |
|
| Author: | Zardoz [ Thu Aug 17, 2017 9:04 ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Summer holidays |
I've always found Tinkers Rucksack to be reliable for adventure holidays. Some of the staff are proper weird though. |
|
| Author: | Kern [ Wed Jul 04, 2018 9:53 ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Summer holidays |
Paid my balance yesterday for my guided trek up Mount Toubkal in Morocco in September. About three days up and two down. Looks pretty reasonable although it's been a very long time since I've done anything at altitude. I'm also spending a few days in Fez and Marrakech beforehand. Looking forward to it - first new continent since 1995! Anyone been to Morocco? |
|
| Author: | Grim... [ Wed Jul 04, 2018 9:56 ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Summer holidays |
Yup. I was in Marrakech a few weeks ago. I really didn't like it there, I'm afraid. Although the quad bike excursion I did was cool. |
|
| Author: | Cras [ Wed Jul 04, 2018 10:06 ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Summer holidays |
What didn't you like? |
|
| Author: | Zardoz [ Wed Jul 04, 2018 10:08 ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Summer holidays |
Bad dates. |
|
| Author: | Zardoz [ Wed Jul 04, 2018 10:09 ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Summer holidays |
#WhipWhipWhip |
|
| Author: | MaliA [ Wed Jul 04, 2018 10:20 ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Summer holidays |
Ask my wife. She went. Also, I am shit at quad bikes. Couldn't get used to it not counter steering and having to weight the back wheel all the time. My brain kept trying to make it ride like a MotoX bike. |
|
| Author: | Grim... [ Wed Jul 04, 2018 10:22 ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Summer holidays |
Zardoz wrote: #WhipWhipWhip Actually, this. The way they treat animals (and each other) is horrific. |
|
| Author: | Kern [ Wed Jul 04, 2018 10:32 ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Summer holidays |
MaliA wrote: Ask my wife. She went. Will do. Quote: Also, I am shit at quad bikes. Couldn't get used to it not counter steering and having to weight the back wheel all the time. My brain kept trying to make it ride like a MotoX bike. How the hell do you cope with the Rover? |
|
| Author: | MaliA [ Wed Jul 04, 2018 10:33 ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Summer holidays |
Kern wrote: MaliA wrote: Ask my wife. She went. Will do. Quote: Also, I am shit at quad bikes. Couldn't get used to it not counter steering and having to weight the back wheel all the time. My brain kept trying to make it ride like a MotoX bike. How the hell do you cope with the Rover? It has a wheel, not handlebars, and front wheels are driven. |
|
| Author: | Kern [ Wed Jul 04, 2018 10:39 ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Summer holidays |
Grim... wrote: Zardoz wrote: #WhipWhipWhip Actually, this. The way they treat animals (and each other) is horrific. This is something I haven't come across in my guidebooks. Thanks for warning me of this. |
|
| Author: | Grim... [ Wed Jul 04, 2018 11:48 ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Summer holidays |
Also, it's kind of dry, but not really. In Marrakech at least, you can go to the top floor of most touristy places and they'll serve you alcohol - you can ask at the door, they won't be offended. They will, however, lie through their teeth, so you'll have to wait until you actually have the beer in your hand before you know if they do or not, so make sure not to order anything else but your drinks when you first arrive (which they'll try to get you to do). Kosybar near the Market Square had alcohol while we were there. Speaking of the Market Square, prepare to be swamped with people who want your money. Don't dance to music, don't look at snakes or (beaten up) monkeys unless you want to pay someone. Get used to saying "no mercy" to a lot of people (the watch guys were especially persistent). Taxi drivers (and everyone else) will put their price up massively because you're white - you can normally haggle them down to around half of what they start at, which will still be triple what natives of the city pay, but it's only about £3 anyway, so try not to let it bother you. Apparently, the coffee to drink is a "nous nous". Do take a wander around the streets though, just so you can be amazed at how beautiful all the shops are, how maze-like it is, how they can ever make a living when every third shop sells exactly the same thing, and how they manage to squeeze cars up market streets. |
|
| Author: | Kern [ Wed Jul 04, 2018 11:58 ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Summer holidays |
Much appreciated. Thanks for this Grim.... |
|
| Author: | GazChap [ Wed Jul 04, 2018 14:46 ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Summer holidays |
My only knowledge of Marrakech is from the old Amiga game Titus The Fox. |
|
| Author: | romanista [ Sun Jul 08, 2018 20:28 ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Summer holidays |
This year Denmark (swos) Egypt (diving) vlieland(kids) And marrakech is fun but indeed irritant at times.. don't go for the leathering shops.. |
|
| Author: | Goddess Jasmine [ Sun Jul 08, 2018 20:33 ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Summer holidays |
romanista wrote: This year Egypt (diving) *Jealous* this is something I really want to do again. We've already been to Venice this year. In September we're heading to South Carolina for a week then down to Savannah for another week. Looking forward to it and the photography opportunities. |
|
| Author: | Kern [ Mon Jul 09, 2018 10:32 ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Summer holidays |
romanista wrote: This year Denmark (swos) Egypt (diving) vlieland(kids) And marrakech is fun but indeed irritant at times.. don't go for the leathering shops.. Umm... where did my reply go? Stupid Microsoft Edge. Thanks for the tip. I'm not particularly interested in seeing or smelling tanneries so I think I should be able to avoid the more obvious traps. Just looked Vlieland up. Seems a nice place for a chilled weekend. Is it popular? |
|
| Author: | Kern [ Mon Jul 09, 2018 10:33 ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Summer holidays |
Goddess Jasmine wrote: In September we're heading to South Carolina for a week then down to Savannah for another week. Looking forward to it and the photography opportunities. Great stuff! I've only been to South Carolina once, back when I was nine. All I can remember is a hurricane, and jumping up down on Fort Sumter without knowing why it mattered. |
|
| Author: | RuySan [ Tue Jul 10, 2018 16:43 ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Summer holidays |
I was in Marrakech and Agadir about 15 years ago, and the biggest recommendation that i can give is that you have a guide. If you don't, at least pay some cash to some local you find at least likeable and trustworthy to show you around, otherwise you'll get harassed all the time. I payed to a young guy not far from my hotel to show me around and he was very cool. Don't try to buy drugs, unless you're very sure about it. Really, just don't. Most hash comes from Morocco, but this is something you're better of not even trying. Haggling is part of the culture, and it can get really fun. At first, since i'm more north european looking i was getting double the prices that my dark skinned cousin was getting. But i got the hang of it. I think i was getting addicted by the end. I bought 4 chess sets, shit tons of ceramic plates....just because. First day i went to make small talk with some local teenagers (in Agadir), and there was a night club in front of them. There was some girls coming in and i said something like "moroccan girls hun? Very good looking". The boy said they were all prostitutes. I thought he was just being reactionary. Later i went into the disco and he was right. One of them offered my cousin 3000€ to marry him. Don't know how much has changed since then, but it's not normal for groups of girls to go out at night into discos, it seems. Roads are good, at least were when i was there. So there's plenty of chances for a road trip. The country is safe. Even though some guys can get really persistent. And at the time i had long blonde hair so i got it pulled by kids for some reason. Their couisine is absolutely divine. Just go to whatever looks more local. Don't be a british and go to the british pub. (sorry for the stereotype) |
|
| Author: | Kern [ Thu Jul 12, 2018 18:06 ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Summer holidays |
Thanks for this! |
|
| Author: | romanista [ Fri Jul 13, 2018 9:54 ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Summer holidays |
Goddess Jasmine wrote: romanista wrote: This year Egypt (diving) *Jealous* this is something I really want to do again. I'm very happy i can actually do it.. after breaking my hip in april ..last thuisday passed my paid freshup with flying colors .. now just have the medical statement later today).. I really felt liberated in the water.. to make you even feel more jealous here's the boat i'll be cruising the red see on to dive https://www.liveaboard.com/nl/diving/eg ... gL0A_D_BwE |
|
| Author: | romanista [ Fri Jul 13, 2018 9:55 ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Summer holidays |
Kern wrote: Just looked Vlieland up. Seems a nice place for a chilled weekend. Is it popular? Vlieland tries to be not popular.. they maxed out the number of tourists on a low number, to avoid feeling like an overcrowded tourist trap.. really nice.. (still have to book this though, so might change at the last minute) |
|
| Author: | Goddess Jasmine [ Fri Jul 13, 2018 17:26 ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Summer holidays |
romanista wrote: Goddess Jasmine wrote: romanista wrote: This year Egypt (diving) *Jealous* this is something I really want to do again. I'm very happy i can actually do it.. after breaking my hip in april ..last thuisday passed my paid freshup with flying colors .. now just have the medical statement later today).. I really felt liberated in the water.. to make you even feel more jealous here's the boat i'll be cruising the red see on to dive https://www.liveaboard.com/nl/diving/eg ... gL0A_D_BwE Very nice! I've never fancied doing a live aboard though, I enjoy having a walk around the nearest town at night. For a tourist destination Sharm is actually bloody lovely (although the diving is better in Hurgarda imo). |
|
| Author: | romanista [ Thu Jul 19, 2018 10:17 ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Summer holidays |
I;ll be a few days in sharm too, so best of both world i hope, since live aboard allows you to go farther/ be earlier at the famous sites) |
|
| Author: | Goddess Jasmine [ Thu Jul 19, 2018 17:29 ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Summer holidays |
Oh indeed! It definitely has it's plus points. Joan's and I have just booked to swim with whale sharks. I'm crossing everything that he loves it and I can get him booked in to do his scuba diving qualifications when we get back.
|
|
| Author: | MaliA [ Thu Jul 19, 2018 18:15 ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Summer holidays |
I honestly feel scuba diving is overrregulated. |
|
| Author: | krazywookie [ Thu Jul 19, 2018 18:17 ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Summer holidays |
You just don't have the bottle for it |
|
| Author: | Joans [ Thu Jul 19, 2018 20:31 ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Summer holidays |
Goddess Jasmine wrote: Oh indeed! It definitely has it's plus points. Joan's and I have just booked to swim with whale sharks. I'm crossing everything that he loves it and I can get him booked in to do his scuba diving qualifications when we get back. No pressure then. 
|
|
| Author: | Goddess Jasmine [ Thu Jul 19, 2018 21:17 ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Summer holidays |
Joans wrote: Goddess Jasmine wrote: Oh indeed! It definitely has it's plus points. Joan's and I have just booked to swim with whale sharks. I'm crossing everything that he loves it and I can get him booked in to do his scuba diving qualifications when we get back. No pressure then. I'm not sure if you're just continuing with the scuba puns... 
|
|
| Author: | Cras [ Thu Jul 19, 2018 22:30 ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Summer holidays |
I swam with small sharks of some variety in the Dominican Republic. Also rays. Oh, and dolphins. It was nice. |
|
| Author: | asfish [ Thu Jul 19, 2018 22:47 ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Summer holidays |
This year Wales (Did this in June) it was great Dublin (just wife and Kids) I'll be at staying at home We are having our kitchen replaced from 20th August, so my wife is taking the kids to Ireland as we will have no oven, washing machine and a chunk of the house will be a building site. As I will get to just whatever I want with my time whilst they are away its a holiday for me of sorts as well! |
|
| Author: | Zardoz [ Fri Jul 20, 2018 11:35 ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Summer holidays |
Cras wrote: I swam with small sharks of some variety in the Dominican Republic. Also rays. Oh, and dolphins. It was nice. I'll never forgot our skinny dip \ 
|
|
| Author: | Joans [ Fri Jul 20, 2018 11:47 ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Summer holidays |
Goddess Jasmine wrote: Joans wrote: Goddess Jasmine wrote: Oh indeed! It definitely has it's plus points. Joan's and I have just booked to swim with whale sharks. I'm crossing everything that he loves it and I can get him booked in to do his scuba diving qualifications when we get back. No pressure then. I'm not sure if you're just continuing with the scuba puns... I wasn't, but then realised I was. |
|
| Author: | Zardoz [ Fri Jul 20, 2018 11:55 ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Summer holidays |
Goddess Jasmine wrote: Joans wrote: Goddess Jasmine wrote: Oh indeed! It definitely has it's plus points. Joan's and I have just booked to swim with whale sharks. I'm crossing everything that he loves it and I can get him booked in to do his scuba diving qualifications when we get back. No pressure then. I'm not sure if you're just continuing with the scuba puns... He would have gotten away with it if it wasn't for those pesky kids! |
|
| Author: | romanista [ Wed Aug 01, 2018 13:09 ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Summer holidays |
@goddess Jasmine look who came to visit us at the wreck of the kingston https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dk8S91NXJGo&t=2s |
|
| Author: | Kern [ Wed Oct 16, 2019 20:02 ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Summer holidays |
More balloon pictures from Cappadocia: |
|
| Author: | Mimi [ Wed Oct 16, 2019 20:17 ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Summer holidays |
Ah, it looks magical. |
|
| Author: | Curiosity [ Wed Oct 16, 2019 20:21 ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Summer holidays |
That does look amazing. |
|
| Author: | markg [ Wed Oct 16, 2019 21:29 ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Summer holidays |
First one's a stunning shot! |
|
| Page 3 of 4 | All times are UTC [ DST ] |
| Powered by phpBB © 2000, 2002, 2005, 2007 phpBB Group http://www.phpbb.com/ |
|