Travel: Worldy wise CPians, advice please
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What????:mad: Bullhead City isn't at the top of the list? You have no taste...:sigh: Some people think of it as a six-pack; I consider it more of a support group.
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It is that time of year that my feet start to itch, my backpack starts a yodelling (it is Swiss) and the boss demands I spend more than a day away from the office. Last year I did part of Greece and a thoroughly fantastic time was had by all. I would visit again but fear I cannot complete the 100 meter dash in 9 seconds without breaking a sweat (that is just to get to the ferry, never mind the Olympic Games). So, oh worldy wise and foot sore fellow CPians, where oh where should I travel? It will be in late June for a week to two weeks. Budget is limited as ever, I am but a poor African with wonderful opportunities and priviliges. So far I have narrowed it down to Portugal, Italy, Croatia or Turkey. If it were Italy then I would be a sheep and bleet through Rome and Venice, they sound amazing. Turkey sounds awfully Arabian nights to me, what they must think of our foreign and romantic cliches I do not know but bring them I will. Croatia is The Place To Visit at the moment and the boss did a 3 week yacht cruise with a glowing recommendation (though he fails to notice I don't own a yacht!) Portugal... ok, I confess, I read a bad book awhile back about five kids in the Algarves and it sounds amazing . That was in the '60s (the book was, not me) so I might need to freshen my info up though, plus they were on drugs a lot so who knows*. Any other European destinations I should be thinking about? Preferably warm, lovely beaches, interesting history, nice girls... errr nice wildlife I mean. It is fun coming back to cold and wintery Cape Town after a few weeks in the sun of some European paradise :) I will also be in London for a week around that time. Thanks chaps :) * It is annoying me that I cannot remember the name of the book. It was a bit rubbish but by a famous travel author. The kids bumb around Europe (Spain, Italy, Portugal) and then through Morroco and down to Mozambique. There was a, beautiful, Swede (might have been a Fin, one of those cold northern countries with no sun and only beautiful liberated women), two Americans and some other kids, all on drugs most of the time. They ran the bulls and drove a kombie around. Lots of sex too. regards, Paul Watson Bluegrass South Africa Christopher Duncan quoted: "...that would require my explaining Einstein's Fear of Relatives" Crikey! ain't life grand? Einstein says...
Since I was born in Izmir, you know my take! :) However, that's only if those are the only options. Have you considered the beautiful island of Puerto Rico? I lived there for 7 years and it has wonderful beaches, beautiful girls, and fantastic sites to explore! Here are some of the very cool things to see in PR:
- The Caves of Camuy (Las Cuavas de Camuy)
- The world's largest curved focusing antenna - used by SETI and Carl Sagan.
- El Yunque rain forest
- Fish that glow in the dark! Couldn't find a decent link, but Ponce has a famous place called La Parquera where people come from all over the world to look at the bioluminescent plankton that glow in the dark. It's extremely beautiful.
One thing that I absolutely love about PR (that Americans don't seem to get into) is to take your GF to a nice hotel where even without being a guest they don't mind you lounging in the bar area and dancing. It's very romantic and a lot of fun. Also this might have changed since I was there, but the casinos are MUCH friendlier than American casinos. They even feed you hot sandwiches and drinks!! Very hospitable people and a lot of fun. I also know the very best restaurants on the island that include places that serve 2 and 3 lb lobster *tails*, incredible steak and a lobster dish that will knock your socks off so let me know if you do end up going there! Cheers, Tom Archer "Use what talents you possess. The woods would be very silent if no birds sang there except those that sang best." - William Blake * Inside C# -Second Edition * Visual C++.NET Bible * Extending MFC Applications with the .NET Framework
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It is that time of year that my feet start to itch, my backpack starts a yodelling (it is Swiss) and the boss demands I spend more than a day away from the office. Last year I did part of Greece and a thoroughly fantastic time was had by all. I would visit again but fear I cannot complete the 100 meter dash in 9 seconds without breaking a sweat (that is just to get to the ferry, never mind the Olympic Games). So, oh worldy wise and foot sore fellow CPians, where oh where should I travel? It will be in late June for a week to two weeks. Budget is limited as ever, I am but a poor African with wonderful opportunities and priviliges. So far I have narrowed it down to Portugal, Italy, Croatia or Turkey. If it were Italy then I would be a sheep and bleet through Rome and Venice, they sound amazing. Turkey sounds awfully Arabian nights to me, what they must think of our foreign and romantic cliches I do not know but bring them I will. Croatia is The Place To Visit at the moment and the boss did a 3 week yacht cruise with a glowing recommendation (though he fails to notice I don't own a yacht!) Portugal... ok, I confess, I read a bad book awhile back about five kids in the Algarves and it sounds amazing . That was in the '60s (the book was, not me) so I might need to freshen my info up though, plus they were on drugs a lot so who knows*. Any other European destinations I should be thinking about? Preferably warm, lovely beaches, interesting history, nice girls... errr nice wildlife I mean. It is fun coming back to cold and wintery Cape Town after a few weeks in the sun of some European paradise :) I will also be in London for a week around that time. Thanks chaps :) * It is annoying me that I cannot remember the name of the book. It was a bit rubbish but by a famous travel author. The kids bumb around Europe (Spain, Italy, Portugal) and then through Morroco and down to Mozambique. There was a, beautiful, Swede (might have been a Fin, one of those cold northern countries with no sun and only beautiful liberated women), two Americans and some other kids, all on drugs most of the time. They ran the bulls and drove a kombie around. Lots of sex too. regards, Paul Watson Bluegrass South Africa Christopher Duncan quoted: "...that would require my explaining Einstein's Fear of Relatives" Crikey! ain't life grand? Einstein says...
No contest ! Turkey for sure.. (Granted, that's my home country and I may be a little biased) But seriously, you would be pleasantly surprised. Try Izmir, Bodrum, Antalya... Ancient history all around, beautiful beaches and very hospitable people. Awesome food too. Even great nightlife if you're interested ;). (And the arabian nights thing is very much a misconception :confused: )
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It is that time of year that my feet start to itch, my backpack starts a yodelling (it is Swiss) and the boss demands I spend more than a day away from the office. Last year I did part of Greece and a thoroughly fantastic time was had by all. I would visit again but fear I cannot complete the 100 meter dash in 9 seconds without breaking a sweat (that is just to get to the ferry, never mind the Olympic Games). So, oh worldy wise and foot sore fellow CPians, where oh where should I travel? It will be in late June for a week to two weeks. Budget is limited as ever, I am but a poor African with wonderful opportunities and priviliges. So far I have narrowed it down to Portugal, Italy, Croatia or Turkey. If it were Italy then I would be a sheep and bleet through Rome and Venice, they sound amazing. Turkey sounds awfully Arabian nights to me, what they must think of our foreign and romantic cliches I do not know but bring them I will. Croatia is The Place To Visit at the moment and the boss did a 3 week yacht cruise with a glowing recommendation (though he fails to notice I don't own a yacht!) Portugal... ok, I confess, I read a bad book awhile back about five kids in the Algarves and it sounds amazing . That was in the '60s (the book was, not me) so I might need to freshen my info up though, plus they were on drugs a lot so who knows*. Any other European destinations I should be thinking about? Preferably warm, lovely beaches, interesting history, nice girls... errr nice wildlife I mean. It is fun coming back to cold and wintery Cape Town after a few weeks in the sun of some European paradise :) I will also be in London for a week around that time. Thanks chaps :) * It is annoying me that I cannot remember the name of the book. It was a bit rubbish but by a famous travel author. The kids bumb around Europe (Spain, Italy, Portugal) and then through Morroco and down to Mozambique. There was a, beautiful, Swede (might have been a Fin, one of those cold northern countries with no sun and only beautiful liberated women), two Americans and some other kids, all on drugs most of the time. They ran the bulls and drove a kombie around. Lots of sex too. regards, Paul Watson Bluegrass South Africa Christopher Duncan quoted: "...that would require my explaining Einstein's Fear of Relatives" Crikey! ain't life grand? Einstein says...
I spent a few days in Italy and had a blast. Venice, Florence, Napoli, and then a ferry from Brindisi to Corfu, Greece. You may want to check out Cinque Terre on the North west coast for a few days and then take a train down to Rome and Napoli for a couple days each. If you head to Napoli, definitely go to Isle Capri, it's beautiful. (Pompeii is a day trip from Napoli also). My parents just went to Porec, Croatia for a few days. They're still hanging out in Germany until next week, but I'll gladly give you there impression. BW The Biggest Loser
"And then one day you find ten years have got behind you
No one told you when to run, you missed the starting gun" -
It must be cool to live in a part of the world where you can travel by car to dozens of countries. All we have close by America is Canada (which is just like America only more polite and without the attitude) or Mexico.
Glano perictu com sahni delorin!
Indeed, even here in Africa I have huge choice, though I choose to fly ten thousand kilometers to Europe instead. Still, there does seem to be a lot to see in the States. Plus you have some interesting nearby islands and places like Alaska! regards, Paul Watson Bluegrass South Africa Christopher Duncan quoted: "...that would require my explaining Einstein's Fear of Relatives" Crikey! ain't life grand? Einstein says...
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No, it's very european liberalissimo and treehugging, you wouldn't like it ;P Seriously, it IS interesting. OTOH the natural diversity and endlessness and remoteness of the United States or Canada is very appealing for us Europeans too.
Flirt harder, I'm a Coder
mlog || Agile Programming | doxygenThe grass is greener on the... :) Seriously, I have people wondering why I bother to travel to Europe when I have Africa to explore. For me the answer is Europe is for when I am young, Africa I will appreciate better when I am older. And when I have my mid-life crisis I can visit the States and rent a chopper to tour the 50 states :rolleyes:. regards, Paul Watson Bluegrass South Africa Christopher Duncan quoted: "...that would require my explaining Einstein's Fear of Relatives" Crikey! ain't life grand? Einstein says...
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Paul Watson wrote: I read a bad book awhile back about five kids in the Algarves and it sounds amazing . That was in the '60s (the book was, not me) so I might need to freshen my info up though, plus they were on drugs a lot so who knows It wasn't the Famous Five by Enid Blyton then? ;P The Algarve is nice. I've never seen the rest of Portugal though. Also, a trip across the border in to Spain is quite nice. (Sorry, I just had to mention my favourite destination) Croatia is supposed to be really nice. I was supposed to be going there on my honeymoon, but since I never got married, I never went.
"You can have everything in life you want if you will just help enough other people get what they want." --Zig Ziglar Coming soon: The Second EuroCPian Event[^].
Spain was definitely on my list but Lena has been there just recently. And, LOL, no not Enid Blyton but James Michener with his book The Drifters. I remembered as I was falling asleep last night. >I was supposed to be going there on my honeymoon, but since I never got married, I never went. Blimey, sounds like a story behind that one. People worry about whether to give the engagement ring back or not but I ask; What about the paid for honeymoon? regards, Paul Watson Bluegrass South Africa Christopher Duncan quoted: "...that would require my explaining Einstein's Fear of Relatives" Crikey! ain't life grand? Einstein says...
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So when are you planning to return? It's not getting any cooler for a while, you know... I need to do some planning, and lay in a supply of ammunition and targets.;) Some people think of it as a six-pack; I consider it more of a support group.
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Paul Watson wrote: Any other European destinations I should be thinking about? Preferably warm, lovely beaches, interesting history, nice girls... errr nice wildlife I mean. It is fun coming back to cold and wintery Cape Town after a few weeks in the sun of some European paradise Not Europe, but considered the Brazilian NorthEast coast? I don't know the travel cost from SA to Brazil, but staying there is very cheap. I can go from São Paulo (ok, I'm nearer) and spend 10 days on a nice hotel, 2 meals a day and fun included, in Natal for around R$ 900 (US$ 300). Just as a comparison, if I decide to go to Lisbon on similar conditions, I'd spend around R$ 4000 (US$ 1300). A Cape Town travel would cost around R$ 6000 (US$ 2000). Maceió, Fortaleza and Natal are pretty cool suggestions for anyone who likes hot weather, beautiful beaches and gorgeous, like you said, “wildlife”. We even have a famous fellow CPian who lived at Natal during 5 years and married a native :-D [edit]You can find an English description of Natal here[^][/edit] Due to technical difficulties my previous signature, "I see dump people" will be off until further notice. Too many people were thinking I was talking about them... :sigh:
Thanks Turini, Brazil one day indeed. Part of getting a free flight with the company is in going up London way so that I can do a weeks work there. Brazil would be a bit of a detour :) regards, Paul Watson Bluegrass South Africa Christopher Duncan quoted: "...that would require my explaining Einstein's Fear of Relatives" Crikey! ain't life grand? Einstein says...
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It is that time of year that my feet start to itch, my backpack starts a yodelling (it is Swiss) and the boss demands I spend more than a day away from the office. Last year I did part of Greece and a thoroughly fantastic time was had by all. I would visit again but fear I cannot complete the 100 meter dash in 9 seconds without breaking a sweat (that is just to get to the ferry, never mind the Olympic Games). So, oh worldy wise and foot sore fellow CPians, where oh where should I travel? It will be in late June for a week to two weeks. Budget is limited as ever, I am but a poor African with wonderful opportunities and priviliges. So far I have narrowed it down to Portugal, Italy, Croatia or Turkey. If it were Italy then I would be a sheep and bleet through Rome and Venice, they sound amazing. Turkey sounds awfully Arabian nights to me, what they must think of our foreign and romantic cliches I do not know but bring them I will. Croatia is The Place To Visit at the moment and the boss did a 3 week yacht cruise with a glowing recommendation (though he fails to notice I don't own a yacht!) Portugal... ok, I confess, I read a bad book awhile back about five kids in the Algarves and it sounds amazing . That was in the '60s (the book was, not me) so I might need to freshen my info up though, plus they were on drugs a lot so who knows*. Any other European destinations I should be thinking about? Preferably warm, lovely beaches, interesting history, nice girls... errr nice wildlife I mean. It is fun coming back to cold and wintery Cape Town after a few weeks in the sun of some European paradise :) I will also be in London for a week around that time. Thanks chaps :) * It is annoying me that I cannot remember the name of the book. It was a bit rubbish but by a famous travel author. The kids bumb around Europe (Spain, Italy, Portugal) and then through Morroco and down to Mozambique. There was a, beautiful, Swede (might have been a Fin, one of those cold northern countries with no sun and only beautiful liberated women), two Americans and some other kids, all on drugs most of the time. They ran the bulls and drove a kombie around. Lots of sex too. regards, Paul Watson Bluegrass South Africa Christopher Duncan quoted: "...that would require my explaining Einstein's Fear of Relatives" Crikey! ain't life grand? Einstein says...
You are welcome to visit the foresaken island of Malta. And since you seem like such a nice person, I will take you to the beaches and women too ;)
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I spent a few days in Italy and had a blast. Venice, Florence, Napoli, and then a ferry from Brindisi to Corfu, Greece. You may want to check out Cinque Terre on the North west coast for a few days and then take a train down to Rome and Napoli for a couple days each. If you head to Napoli, definitely go to Isle Capri, it's beautiful. (Pompeii is a day trip from Napoli also). My parents just went to Porec, Croatia for a few days. They're still hanging out in Germany until next week, but I'll gladly give you there impression. BW The Biggest Loser
"And then one day you find ten years have got behind you
No one told you when to run, you missed the starting gun"That is two recommendations for Capri so far. Italy does sound lovely, thanks for the info. How many days did you spend to cover so much? regards, Paul Watson Bluegrass South Africa Christopher Duncan quoted: "...that would require my explaining Einstein's Fear of Relatives" Crikey! ain't life grand? Einstein says...
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My vote: Portugal. It's beautiful, soft, interesting, and feels sometimes very un-European (in a good sense). Very diverse from North to South, good get-around by train, and there was this slender redhead - umm, eh, I mean, redheaded woodsqeak, a nice bird representing Portugals wildlife.... [edit]But for Algarve, the south cost of sapain is cheaper, and the same tourisitis everywhere.[/edit] Though Croatia sounds interesting, too. Friends did some vac in that area, good hiking, nature, yadda yadda.
Flirt harder, I'm a Coder
mlog || Agile Programming | doxygenPeter, you have a girl in every port ;) Thanks for the info, nice to know transport is easy too (that is a big thing for me with my backpack). regards, Paul Watson Bluegrass South Africa Christopher Duncan quoted: "...that would require my explaining Einstein's Fear of Relatives" Crikey! ain't life grand? Einstein says...
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Since I was born in Izmir, you know my take! :) However, that's only if those are the only options. Have you considered the beautiful island of Puerto Rico? I lived there for 7 years and it has wonderful beaches, beautiful girls, and fantastic sites to explore! Here are some of the very cool things to see in PR:
- The Caves of Camuy (Las Cuavas de Camuy)
- The world's largest curved focusing antenna - used by SETI and Carl Sagan.
- El Yunque rain forest
- Fish that glow in the dark! Couldn't find a decent link, but Ponce has a famous place called La Parquera where people come from all over the world to look at the bioluminescent plankton that glow in the dark. It's extremely beautiful.
One thing that I absolutely love about PR (that Americans don't seem to get into) is to take your GF to a nice hotel where even without being a guest they don't mind you lounging in the bar area and dancing. It's very romantic and a lot of fun. Also this might have changed since I was there, but the casinos are MUCH friendlier than American casinos. They even feed you hot sandwiches and drinks!! Very hospitable people and a lot of fun. I also know the very best restaurants on the island that include places that serve 2 and 3 lb lobster *tails*, incredible steak and a lobster dish that will knock your socks off so let me know if you do end up going there! Cheers, Tom Archer "Use what talents you possess. The woods would be very silent if no birds sang there except those that sang best." - William Blake * Inside C# -Second Edition * Visual C++.NET Bible * Extending MFC Applications with the .NET Framework
Sounds fantastic, Tom, thanks. I do need to stick around Europe though as part of the deal with work is a weeks work in London. Never realised Puerto Rico was so interesting though. Another one to add to the already huge list of Places To Experience. :) regards, Paul Watson Bluegrass South Africa Christopher Duncan quoted: "...that would require my explaining Einstein's Fear of Relatives" Crikey! ain't life grand? Einstein says...
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No contest ! Turkey for sure.. (Granted, that's my home country and I may be a little biased) But seriously, you would be pleasantly surprised. Try Izmir, Bodrum, Antalya... Ancient history all around, beautiful beaches and very hospitable people. Awesome food too. Even great nightlife if you're interested ;). (And the arabian nights thing is very much a misconception :confused: )
Sounds great, thanks Bugra. As for Arabian nights... a romantic misconception as I mentioned. We westerners are quite insane. regards, Paul Watson Bluegrass South Africa Christopher Duncan quoted: "...that would require my explaining Einstein's Fear of Relatives" Crikey! ain't life grand? Einstein says...
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You are welcome to visit the foresaken island of Malta. And since you seem like such a nice person, I will take you to the beaches and women too ;)
Malta! Malta! I had a friend from there and how could I forget. He told me all these crazy stories, he was like Malta's Zorba :rolleyes: Thanks thought. regards, Paul Watson Bluegrass South Africa Christopher Duncan quoted: "...that would require my explaining Einstein's Fear of Relatives" Crikey! ain't life grand? Einstein says...
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Sounds fantastic, Tom, thanks. I do need to stick around Europe though as part of the deal with work is a weeks work in London. Never realised Puerto Rico was so interesting though. Another one to add to the already huge list of Places To Experience. :) regards, Paul Watson Bluegrass South Africa Christopher Duncan quoted: "...that would require my explaining Einstein's Fear of Relatives" Crikey! ain't life grand? Einstein says...
Paul Watson wrote: Never realised Puerto Rico was so interesting though. Yeah. There's tons of interesting things to do and see. I should also mention that there are a couple of famous castles there as well that are great to tour. Paul Watson wrote: Another one to add to the already huge list of Places To Experience Definitely. Let me know when you go and I'll give you some tips on other things to do and great places to eat. Cheers, Tom Archer "Use what talents you possess. The woods would be very silent if no birds sang there except those that sang best." - William Blake * Inside C# -Second Edition * Visual C++.NET Bible * Extending MFC Applications with the .NET Framework
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So when are you planning to return? It's not getting any cooler for a while, you know... I need to do some planning, and lay in a supply of ammunition and targets.;) Some people think of it as a six-pack; I consider it more of a support group.
Look if you can get Lauren, that AK, the targets and a bikini then I am there like a bear, ok? :rolleyes: The problem with the States is they wouldn't let a disreputable sort such as me in. I would try floating over from Cuba but I don't blend in too well with Chavez's lot. regards, Paul Watson Bluegrass South Africa Christopher Duncan quoted: "...that would require my explaining Einstein's Fear of Relatives" Crikey! ain't life grand? Einstein says...
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Look if you can get Lauren, that AK, the targets and a bikini then I am there like a bear, ok? :rolleyes: The problem with the States is they wouldn't let a disreputable sort such as me in. I would try floating over from Cuba but I don't blend in too well with Chavez's lot. regards, Paul Watson Bluegrass South Africa Christopher Duncan quoted: "...that would require my explaining Einstein's Fear of Relatives" Crikey! ain't life grand? Einstein says...
Heh. They let me in :) Rob Manderson Colin Davies wrote: I'm sure Americans could use more of it, and thus reduce the world supply faster. This of course would be good, because the faster we run out globally, the less chance of pollution there will be. (Talking about the price of petrol) The Soapbox, March 5 2004
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Spain was definitely on my list but Lena has been there just recently. And, LOL, no not Enid Blyton but James Michener with his book The Drifters. I remembered as I was falling asleep last night. >I was supposed to be going there on my honeymoon, but since I never got married, I never went. Blimey, sounds like a story behind that one. People worry about whether to give the engagement ring back or not but I ask; What about the paid for honeymoon? regards, Paul Watson Bluegrass South Africa Christopher Duncan quoted: "...that would require my explaining Einstein's Fear of Relatives" Crikey! ain't life grand? Einstein says...
Paul Watson wrote: Spain was definitely on my list but Lena has been there just recently What? ALL of it? I worked there for a year, and I've been going each year since then and I've still to explore Galicia, southern Spain (excluding Seville - although I'd go back because I've only seen a fraction of the city), The Canary Islands, Minorca and Salamanca. Paul Watson wrote: Blimey, sounds like a story behind that one Long and painful. :(( Paul Watson wrote: What about the paid for honeymoon? Got the money back on that part, because the ship developed a fault anyway so all passengers on the cruise were cancelled. But cancelling a £10K wedding at 51-hours notice is not cheap (I'm still paying for it) :sigh:
"You can have everything in life you want if you will just help enough other people get what they want." --Zig Ziglar Coming soon: The Second EuroCPian Event[^].
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Paul Watson wrote: Spain was definitely on my list but Lena has been there just recently What? ALL of it? I worked there for a year, and I've been going each year since then and I've still to explore Galicia, southern Spain (excluding Seville - although I'd go back because I've only seen a fraction of the city), The Canary Islands, Minorca and Salamanca. Paul Watson wrote: Blimey, sounds like a story behind that one Long and painful. :(( Paul Watson wrote: What about the paid for honeymoon? Got the money back on that part, because the ship developed a fault anyway so all passengers on the cruise were cancelled. But cancelling a £10K wedding at 51-hours notice is not cheap (I'm still paying for it) :sigh:
"You can have everything in life you want if you will just help enough other people get what they want." --Zig Ziglar Coming soon: The Second EuroCPian Event[^].
Yes, all of Spain, she flew over it in a hot air baloon... ;) I will bring it up but she may want to see somewhere new and I haven't seen anything but part of Greece so anywhere in Europe is good. I think virtually every Med country is fascinating and worth seeing. You should write about your ordeal one day, when you can think about it without wanting to scream "Why God why!?" regards, Paul Watson Bluegrass South Africa Christopher Duncan quoted: "...that would require my explaining Einstein's Fear of Relatives" Crikey! ain't life grand? Einstein says...