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Picture of Steve Coffin
Steve Coffin
Hi Stu, one and all
 
Thank you for the kind comments about the photos. To be honest India is such a fantastic place that excites the senses that it is not difficult.
 
Advice on India Stu, well I don't want to tell Granny how to suck eggs as you are a very experienced traveller. But if it helps, my wife was more at ease with the toilets than in China but they only reach an accepted English standard in hotels. The big no no is water, do not drink the water, do not rinse your mouth out or clean your teeth with it. Be very very careful that all water bottles have not had seal broken. India is the only country in the world that you can be killed by a salad or a tiger. The food is excellent, better if you are vegetarian, After all said and done they are and they are experts at vegetarian dishes. Stay away from fish unless you are on the coast, the electricity supply is dodgy and you do not know how long it has been on a lorry either. If you crave for meat just make sure it is well cooked and fresh. I do not want to sound too "health and safety" as the food is wonderful.
 
Street vendors are usually jolly folk and not agressive. Have a banter with them and have fun. Don't be surprised that if you go in a shop and the owner draws the curtains and offers tea and will want to take your photograph with his family! Be prepared for poverty, it sits side by side with affluence - bizarre!
 
Outside the big cities the roads are appalling and be prepared to be thrown about. The standard of driving (see Travelogue) is absolutely appalling and do not hire a car.
 
I can guarantee that you will not want to anywhere else once you have been to India, I know Stu that you will love the country, the people and it's culture. Try and put Varanassi on your agenda. It must be the most fascinating city on the planet.
 
Do you know yet where you are going in India?
 
Cheers for now
 
Steve
 
 
 
Nov. 1, 2010  (Edited Nov. 23, 2010)
 
Picture of Stuart Stickler
Stuart Stickler
Thanks for that Steve, you can never have too much advice when visiting a foreign country, especially the further from home you travel, what you say pretty well confirms what we've heard already, and practices we've followed all across Asia, and much of Europe. Anyway I can survive on beer, red wine and vodka. Veggies are OK too, I think China's the only country that I haven't had a dose of the local equivalent of Dehli belly, some of the places we visited in China were well off the regular tourist trail, but then beer was about 40p a litre.
 
Public loos were something we avoided as much as possible, we found that in China you can go into any hotel and use theirs, so if necessary we found the nearest 5*. I do think we found the worst loos in the world though, they were at a stopping point on the Karakorum Highway at about 14000 feet, and were an open pit surrounded by a 4' high wall and crossed by lengths of 4" x 2" on which you balanced, the view was to die for though, a lake so blue you thought you were looking at the sky and a backdrop of 25000' peaks in the Everest range, you just thanked God for open air and permafrost.
 
I think that in all these countries the gap between poverty and affluence is always evident, and growing, Indis's probably the most extreme though, I guess not helped by the caste system.
 
As for which part we're looking at Rajahistan, most of the places you visited, but dropping the Tiger reserve in favour of a two day camel trek into the desert and overnighting under the stars, Varanasi is at present teetering, but having seen your photographs and your testimony may have to be a must. Previously we've travelled with Audley travel, just with a guide, and where appropriate a driver, although in China we picked up our guides in the different locations as we arrived in them, which left quite a lot of independant travelling, unfortunately this method while very personal was quite expensive and I've got no worthwhile body parts left to sell, we're looking at the Intrepid Traveller's brochure, who did you use ?
 
You know how much we enjoyed China, so India should be at least equal.
 
The gig last night was brilliant, Americana at its best, quite weird, but quite wonderful as well, Jason Lytle opened and while quirky was very entertaining, enough for me to splash out a tenner on his album, "Yours Truly the Commuter". John Grant, whose album I've been listening too all summer, odd lyrically, intriguing musically, is a performer par excellence, mostly just accompanied by piano with odd synthesiser he could sing the phone book and make it sound good. Midlake, the main act have influences of King Crimson, Genesis, Van der Graff Generator and Mighty Baby, but all encompassed within their own sound, great entertainment.
 
Stu
Nov. 1, 2010 
 
Picture of Steve Coffin
Steve Coffin
Hi Stu, one and all
 
Hope you find the info useful Stu. Thanks for the comments Sticky, the carvings are from a 13th century temple and are the basis for the Kama Sutra. You remarked that you didn't visit exotic places, I am sure you mentiioned you were off to Burnley. From what I hear it is now only one step away from India. More like Calcutta than Burnley.
 
We are off on a Grand Tour of Asia in Feb visiting Hong Kong, Singapore, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpar etc. Would welcome any tips or advice from anyone who has visited these places.
 
We went with Titan tours Stu, great value for money and we could not fault them on any aspect of the holiday.
 
Back to the Pav, Gene Vincent, Shane Fenton and the Fentones, Peter Jay and the Jaywalkers, Johnny and the Hurricanes, Johnny Kidd and the Pirates, Dave or Mike Berry or both?
 
Cheers
 
Steve
Nov. 4, 2010  (Edited Nov. 4, 2010)
 
Picture of John Stickland
John Stickland
Hi Steve.
Thanks for the explanation! When you get to my age one tends to forget about such things as the memory gradually deteriorates. What's this Kama Sutra then??????
Please don't take the question too seriously, I hate to be the instigator of any embarassment on here.
I've not been to HK for at least twenty years and things may have changed since the Chinese took over, but I suspect not. If they have half a brain they would have adopted the 'if it aint broke don't fix it attitude'.
In which case it's Nathan Road in Kowloon City for shops. Take the Star Ferry to HK Island, costs peanuts, drops you at Central. Here they have a genuine tram service, most of the vehicles are those that were sold off as redundant when we did away with them in the UK. There's so much to do in HK that you will be busy all the time, remember the City never sleeps! Aberdeen is the place for restaurants, yummy!!!!
Check the telly in your hotel room, there is a channel devoted to tourism in HK, it gives you all the tips.
Unfortunately you will not fly into the old Kai Tak Airport, they have a new one now. Flying into there was an experience in itself, the runway used to stick out into HK Harbour, at one end was a fence then Kowloon City and at 'tother was the sea.
Anyhow, have fun.
Sticky.  
Nov. 5, 2010 
 

Hello Guys,

I am certainly enjoying the opportunity to be a "fly on the wall" in these far flung parts of the globe you all have visited. I must confess to maybe leaving it a bit late before I do the "grand tour" by boat. (I may have to go on my own at the current rate), but if travel does really broaden the mind, then I`ll not be able to get out of the front door soon.. ha ha
 
I put it down to my up-bringing, being trapped in the back garden at an early age, watching the world go by is one of my all time favourite low cost pastimes. My sum of travel miles from these shores amounts to about 8000 so far. I seem to prefer books and knowledge rather than experiences beyond my own comfort zone. I might change my outlook when I retire officially. (I have been told "I`m a long time dead" by a few well wishers, what are they trying to say, I ask?)
 
The quality of some of the images posted make you feel like you`re almost there doesn`t it? 
 
Nov. 5, 2010  (Edited Nov. 5, 2010)
 
Picture of Graham
Graham
Even the loos in Crete seemed primitive! What twit would install narrow bore pipes so paper cannot be flushed! Even the 5 star hotel was the same. Compared with UK Hong Kong & Singapore both seemed far ahead of us in 1999 & 2007. At former visit The Peak at night (great tramway to the top) to see the lights of the city and Stanley Market for shopping. If you want an expensive meal the Red Pepper. The Kowloon Ferries are cheap and a must. Singapore is something else. All covered shopping malls that stay open until about 10 pm. Air conditioned. There is a tethered balloon and a copy of the London Eye. Eating around the harbour is fun. The airport makes Heathrow seem 3rd rate. Even flew on the A380 to Sydney from it, but we kept our engines going!

Nov. 7, 2010 
 
Picture of Rich Lanham
Rich Lanham
Wasn't it us Brits that installed the small bore pipes in Crete as they did in Corfu? I think we are to blame. Great pictures of India Steve it must have been a wonderful trip.
Back to the Pavilion. I've just dug out my autograph book from that time and found some signed flyers etc. Some of the artists are:- Big Dee Irwin, The Honeycombs, The Migil Five, The Zombies, The Mojos ,P J Proby ,The Poets, Merseybeats, Tom Jones and The Squires, Adam Faith and the Roulettes,The Hollies, The Moody Blues, The Rockin' Berries and I have the Yardbirds with Eric Clapton and then with Jeff Beck. That brought a few memories back to me.
 
Rich
 
 
Nov. 7, 2010 
 
Picture of Graham
Graham
I did not know that! Did notice that the chinaware all came from Stoke on Trent! Was in London and then working when the Pavilion hosted these bands. Did not get there much after my roller skating period! Seem to recall the wooden floor floating during the floods around 1961!
Nov. 9, 2010 
 
Picture of Stuart Stickler
Stuart Stickler
Steve, it just occured to me somewhat belatedly, I'm rather afraid that's the speed at which my brain works these days, the person you need to contact about SE Asia is Mick Little, seeing as how he's resident in that part of the world.
Nov. 12, 2010 
 
Picture of John Stickland
John Stickland
Hi Stu and all.
Don't be too concerned about the brain speed Stu, I think we are all in the same boat to some degree.
There may be some relationship to the amount of alcahol consumed they tell me!!!!
Ever since I joined the site I've thought that it would be rather nice if one of my old school compatriots were to pop up one day. Now I think it may have happened, I think Barry was in our class, but he appears to be keeping 'mum' about it. Can't say I blame him!!!! Bet he can remember all the shenanekins at Weymouth House though.
Incidentally guess I better warn you, my workmate and his Missus are visiting Barnstable this week end for an autumn break, he says its a pennance for spending so long in Ireland. Keep threatening to come down myself but don't seem to be able to find the time. Last Tuesday week I went to Chester with 'er indoors for a couple of days. The primary objective being to be present at daughter Becky's graduation, the ceremony being at Chester Cathedral. Ive never been to the city centre before, my previous visits all being confined to factories outside the city. What an impressive place! Loads of timber framed Tudor buildings and the civic buildings at the centre of the city are beautiful. Furthermore the old city still retains its city walls which are accessible via stone steps at various points enabling visitors to walk along the top affording splendid views. A very enjoyable experience.
Last week end we did a return visit to the Black Country Living Museum, another experience to be highly recommended to anyone that have not already had the pleasure, although prospective visitors should be warned that there is so much to do and see that there is no way to cover it all in a day. The upside is that the entry fee covers you for a year so all subsequent visits during that period are free entry. It's about three quarters of a mile between the extremities of the site but there is a free trolly bus and tram service to help people get around. They have a working Newcomen engine, but it's not always in steam. Some of the shops including the pub actually sell their wares, the bitter is extremely good and the atmosphere superb. Sawdust on the bar floor, no electric light only candles and oil lamps and a real cosy solid fuel stove, good on a cold day. No children permitted in the bar, people with kids have to use the 'Back room' as it was when we were kids. Oh! By the way the fish and chips from the chip shop are out of this world. 
I'm rambling on again, sorry! But I could go on waxing lyrical about the museum almost indefinitely.
I'll try to find some piccies to paste up.....
Sticky.
Nov. 13, 2010  (Edited Nov. 13, 2010)
 
Picture of Rich Lanham
Rich Lanham
Don't worry about rambling Sticky, The Black Country Museum is indeed as good as you say. Well worth a visit. The REO Speedwagon they have there was originally sold new from a garage in Bristol. We got a ride around the site some years ago when we visited.

Rich.
Nov. 13, 2010 
 
Picture of Steve Coffin
Steve Coffin
 
Hi  All
 
 
I have not been to Black Country Museum but have paid several visits to Beamish which is fantastic. Sounds similar, especially where the pub is concerned!!!
 
Cheers
 
Steve
 
Nov. 13, 2010 
 
Picture of Stuart Stickler
Stuart Stickler
You'll be talking about canals and tractors before you know it Steve,  Chin Chin .......
Nov. 13, 2010 
 
Picture of Steve Coffin
Steve Coffin
Hi Stu
 
Bo**ox! I've blown my cover, don't tell Sticky.
 
Cheers, enjoy the vino.
 
Steve
Nov. 13, 2010 
 
Picture of John Stickland
John Stickland
Hi all.
Thats it now you have 'Come out' as a follower, Steve.
Problem is, I'm not sure if you are following the old ironmongery or the rather delightful beer.....
You are perfectly correct, Beamish and the Black Country are very similar, but each has its own atmosphere and unique exhibits which makes it well worth visiting both.
Have fun.
Sticky.
Nov. 14, 2010 
 
Picture of Steve Coffin
Steve Coffin
Morning all
 
Forgot to say that on Tuesday we are off on our Hippie trail. We are following Brian Jones and the Rolling Stones in their quest to Marrakech to find inner peace. I guess it come in the form of special cake or a wacky baccy smoke. Should be interesting. Will let you know how I get on and how many goats or camels I get for Sue!
 
Cheers
 
Steve
Nov. 14, 2010 
 
Picture of Stuart Stickler
Stuart Stickler
Marrakesh Express, is it Steve ? complete with American ladies 5' tall................... better watch out it's not the Midnight Express if you're following in the Stones footsteps........... lol !!
 
PS We're in the process of organising our India trip, can I borrow your sarong please ?
Nov. 14, 2010  (Edited Nov. 14, 2010)
 
Picture of John Stickland
John Stickland
Hi all.
By sheer coincidence I'm going on my travels also on Tuesday.
Also going to an exotic place for a few days............
You've probably guessed by now, Stoke on Trent!
Have fun at Marrakech, Steve.
Sticky.
PS Sarongs are not that popular at Stoke.
Nov. 15, 2010 
 
Picture of Steve Coffin
Steve Coffin
Hi all
 
 
We are safely back from Marrakech. We did have a good time but we would not rush back. It is a nightmare getting in and out of the country!! It was nearly two hours to get through immigration on arrival, the flight was shorter!! We did stay in a lovely little 5 room Riad in the old part of Marrakech and it had a lot of character. The people that managed it were very kind and helpful. Another plus for our accommodation was that they did have wine and beer , alcohol is very hard to come by and we did not find a restaurant that sold alcohol!! There is not a lot to see in Marrakech and the architecture is the least inspiring of anywhere I have been, very utilitarian. Non-Muslims are not allowed to visit the Mosque so an outside view is all you get.
 
The night market and souks are interesting with snake-charmers, musicians and entertainers who try and relieve you of your money! The souks are little shops in a series of narrow alleyways selling everything from carpets to lanterns and slippers etc. It is good to visit but can become a bit wearing after a while. There are a few ancient palaces and tomb sites but not that inspiring to be honest. One of the highlights was by pure accident. We found a local lad and although we were told to ignore those who were pleased to show you where something was we were glad we went with him. He was a lovely genuine local who showed us the area he lived. It was a maze of small alleyways and dwellings and we would have never found or been brave enough to venture in our own! A really good experience and he was thrilled to bits with the cash I gave him although he did not ask for any!
 
One of the best places we went was the Majorelle Gardens. These gardens were once owned by Yves Saint-Laurent and I was very impressed. We also had a day trip to the Atlas Mountains and climbed a short way with a guide to see some waterfalls. We did visit a local home on the way, although basic it was a palace to what we have seen in India!
 
We had lovely weather and enjoyed the experience of seeing a different culture but once is enough.
 
 
Cheers
 
Steve
Nov. 23, 2010 
 
Picture of david hough
david hough
Steve, I'm sure you will enjoy your Asia tour. Suggestions: while in HK, get out to Lantua Island and see the Big Buddah at Po Lin Monastery. It's a few years since I went there and the journey in those days, by rickety old bus, was quite hairy. Probably much improved transport by now. I believe it's possible to get there by boat instead. Also get a sampan ride round Aberdeen Harbour and visit the huge floating restaurant. While in Singapore, get down to Santosa Island and see the free water show - laser light moving pictures projected onto fountains. Personally, I'd say there's not much to see in KL apart from the towers (and once you've seen them you'll quickly forget about them), but if you can get up to Penang Island you'll find it much more interesting: the funicular railway up Penang Hill and Kek Lok Si temple spring to mind. Do post your photos when you get back.
Nov. 23, 2010 
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