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Travels
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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)
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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
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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)
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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
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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)
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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)
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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
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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
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You'll be talking about canals and tractors before you know it Steve, Chin Chin .......
Nov. 13, 2010
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Hi Stu
Bo**ox! I've blown my cover, don't tell Sticky.
Cheers, enjoy the vino.
Steve
Nov. 13, 2010
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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
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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
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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)
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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
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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
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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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