Has anyone been...

[ChrisVessey]

When i go abroad, stuff the local culture and sight-seeing, it's all about trailing the missus (whoever she is at the time ) to the nearest football grounds. As soon as i got to Bruges i was itching to get to the JanBreydel Stadion, never mind owt else!

[Russ Greaves]

Bruges sounds like just the ticket then.

Doing a ferry trip thing - gives us from early AM one day to mid-afternoon next day actually in Bruges. That'll be long enough to see it all, won't it?

Will limit the number of different beers I can try though

[ChrisVessey]

Yes it should be. Make sure you visit the market town square and walk up the steps to the top of the tower, the view is class. You can get to everywhere in Bruges that's worth seeing on foot within half hours walk so you'll have plenty of time.

[Russ Greaves]

Good trip to Bruges. Nice little place, a day and a bit was more than enough time to take it all in.

Now, who has been to Marrakech?

Looks like I'm going to have my first experience of an all-inclusive holiday. I read some reviews of this hotel on TripAdvisor and it sounds like people go to these places and don't actually leave the complex?

One review began by saying, 'Just back from the best holiday ever' and later said, 'I didn't enjoy Marrakech'. Another said, 'I do recommend going to visit Marrakech'. You what?!

If the best thing about your holiday is your hotel room, the hotel pool and the hotel food, that's not the best holiday ever.

[Deleted]

A holiday is a good holiday when you travel with preconceptions that are exceeded.

For example, Marrakech I imagine to have wonderful colours and sounds, and that the greatest pleasure would be getting lost in narrow alleys and souks. If there's more to it, result. If not, gutted.

[cambcam]

Jun 1, 2013 11:09:41 GMT Russ Greaves said:

Good trip to Bruges. Nice little place, a day and a bit was more than enough time to take it all in.

Now, who has been to Marrakech?

Looks like I'm going to have my first experience of an all-inclusive holiday. I read some reviews of this hotel on TripAdvisor and it sounds like people go to these places and don't actually leave the complex?

One review began by saying, 'Just back from the best holiday ever' and later said, 'I didn't enjoy Marrakech'. Another said, 'I do recommend going to visit Marrakech'. You what?!

If the best thing about your holiday is your hotel room, the hotel pool and the hotel food, that's not the best holiday ever.

A couple of cut and pasted posts from a similar topic in March last year :-

Quite fancy a bash at Malta myself having read a couple of books on the events that took place there during WW2. But I'm a little put off by the 'Englishness' if that makes sense? I'd be interested to know if that perception is wrong, what sort of 'feel' does it have?

Anyway, I was in Morroco last week and what a stonking place that is. That might well tick a lot of your boxes Russ. Fabulous weather, plenty for the culture vultures and the incredible melting-pot that is Marrakech.

Had a much more Arabic/Middle-Eastern feel to it than I expected, and was a pleasant change from the normal mediterranean stuff. Throw in the incredible Atlas mountains and it's a place that takes some beating.

However, it might be easier to get a light ale and good portion of chips in Malta though.





Posts: 4,443

Has anyone been to... Mar 27, 2012 at 3:07pm
Quote
Post by Russ Greaves on Mar 27, 2012 at 3:07pm
Morroco was my first choice but her indoors was worried about the unwanted attention female westerners get.

Having looked into Malta a bit more, I'm excited by the prospect now.




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Has anyone been to... Mar 27, 2012 at 6:34pm
Quote Edit
Post by cambcam on Mar 27, 2012 at 6:34pm
Can't say we experienced that, but I keep telling the missus she's a bit of a minger

Joking aside, that wasn't a problem, but the general unwanted attention became a bit of a pain in the arse. You certainly have to have your wits about you in Marrakech and shaking off hangers-on became an art form. Some people felt intimidated and uncomfortable, but be adventurous and embrace it and it rewards you like never before.

I had a haircut and cut-throat razor shave for about £4 which was superb, and loved being sat there in the heat taking in the sounds and smells - a strangely enjoyable mix of spices and moped exhaust fumes. As mentioned the Atlas mountains are sensational and such is the diversity of the place you can pick the bits you want to make it perfect for you. I can only imagine what the heat must be like in the summer so that of course is something to consider.

Just NEVER do anything without fixing a price first and you won't go far wrong. It's very much out of the comfort zone - if you enjoy the thrill of that then fantastic, if not then leave well alone. Each to their own, it is a holiday after all.


Read more: cambridgeunitedfc.proboards.com/thread/3067/?page=1#ixzz2VBE9d3py


That holiday led to another in Tunisia a couple of months ago. I/we are sold on North Africa big time. With two experiences now, I'll stand by the original comments. Enjoy. 

[Russ Greaves]

Good work.

Slovenia is a fantastic place and I recommend it for anyone who likes outdoorsy stuff.

I'm looking forward to Marrakech but do slightly fear the heat!

[Mark Peters’ Bonce of Power]

Does any one have any reccomendations for places to visit in Holland? I'm in Amsterdam this weekend, having made a couple of very brief visits previously, and spent the whole time exploring the central area.

However today, I caught the train to Hertogenbosch, a small city in the south to visit an old frlend. It was a cracking little place, full of pretty squares and winding alleyways lined with bars and cafes. Completely different feel to it than Amsterdam, whilst equally friendly and relaxed.

It's got me thinking about visiting other less touristed parts of the country, so any ideas?

[cambcam]

At Amsterdam railway station go the OPPOSITE way of the crowds. Don't come out of the front of the building, go out of the back.

You will see the water and there are two FREE ferries that shuttle people (commuters mainly) back and forth. Jump on and take the short trip across and head off on a bike towards Durgerdam. It's incredibly different from the hustle and bustle the other side of the water, and you will pass through some very unusual (and slightly eerie) Dutch villages and communities. They have a sort of Amish feel, it's very very quiet and you feel like you are intruding, it's slightly uncomfortable but fascinating all the same.

I can't remember the exact names of the villages, but just ask the bloke in the cycle hire shop about it and you'll be away, they are very easy to find. As for the cycle hire, it's out of the front door of the railway station and about 400 yards on the left, more or less opposite the sex museum.

Those villages are a bit of a hidden treasure, but to be fair, they are nice to visit with a partner when you've had enough of the madness, not so much a place to go with the boys!

[ChrisVessey]

'more or less opposite the sex museum.'

Don't pretend you didn't go in, bike or no bike!

[cambcam]

Jun 9, 2013 21:15:41 GMT ChrisVessey said:

'more or less opposite the sex museum.'

Don't pretend you didn't go in, bike or no bike!

That place is quality.

It's had a bit of investment and is more of a theme-park style attraction these days. They've got rid of the cubicles for those in need of a 'comfort' break, and the room at the top with the 'alternative interests' category has gone - which joking aside really is no bad thing.

It's all about embracing the local culture and challenging your perceptions of course. Ingrids Pleasure Palace would appeal to those seeking a more 'interactive' experience, when in Rome and all that......

The calmness of the villages and bikes adds a nice touch of romance to an otherwise full-on trip, it's surprising what you can get away with with a little compromise!

[cambcam]

Jun 1, 2013 11:09:41 GMT Russ Greaves said:

Good trip to Bruges. Nice little place, a day and a bit was more than enough time to take it all in.

Now, who has been to Marrakech?

Looks like I'm going to have my first experience of an all-inclusive holiday. I read some reviews of this hotel on TripAdvisor and it sounds like people go to these places and don't actually leave the complex?

One review began by saying, 'Just back from the best holiday ever' and later said, 'I didn't enjoy Marrakech'. Another said, 'I do recommend going to visit Marrakech'. You what?!

If the best thing about your holiday is your hotel room, the hotel pool and the hotel food, that's not the best holiday ever.

All-inclusive has it's pros and cons but is probably a good bet for Morocco. In my experience it's not a place where you'd want to shower after a day on the beach, get changed and wander down to the village to find a nice taverna, the Greek/Turkish resorts are much better for that.

The food in all-inclusive hotels tends to be better than you'd expect, but the experience is a bit like feeding time at the zoo. Pick a table as far away from the food as possible and it'll seem more relaxed, you'll get less gluttonous sun-burned Brits getting up and down like a yo-yo barging past!

Don't do the hotel excursions, head for the main square and talk to a taxi-driver. You can get one to take you up to the mountains, into the Berber villages and up to one of the waterfalls. If you are feeling brave (or stupid) hire quad bikes or a buggy (the taxi-driver will have a mate that does them) and go for desert blast. They are cheap, cool and bloody fantastic.  

One last thing, some people feel very vulnerable in Marrakech. You'll get approached by friendly staff from your hotel that recognise you. They mention your hotel name and offer to look after you and show you around. These people are of course chancers that are reading your all-inclusive wristband and trying it on. Marrakech has all the tricks and I understand why some people would hate it, but pick your way through it and you'll have a great time, it's the moaners eating chips that spoil it!  

[soulhalshall]

Thought I'd tag this on the end on the off-chance. Heading to Croatia tomorrow and mucking about in that part of the world for three weeks but I've been busy recently so the friend I'm going with has done a lot of the organising. I'm going to try and bring something to the party beyond my disarmingly beautiful self-possession and a ukelele, so does anyone have any tips for the Croatian coast? Flying into Split and then have until the 10th to make it to Podgorica in Montenegro.

Presumably Hvar and various islands around Dubrovnik should be on the list...? Then flying from Montenegro to Istanbul (alas, would've been nice to go through FYROM and places but travelling with an American so time is important, you know how they like to do as much as poss when they get to Europe), four days rioting then flight from Istanbul to Athens and a island-wander.

[pappasmurf]

Have a good time. You will love Croatia and you will love the beaches.

[Lurid]

The Island wander should include Thera known more as the collective Santorini a great view from the top of the crater edge (as featured in that centaur women yoghurt advert).
upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/14/Santorini_Landsat.jpg/220px-Santorini_Landsat.jpg


acrossgreece.com/2011/09/12/naked-ambitions-on-a-greek-island/
I didn't meet anyone famous there, but then it is more about the island and accepting people than treating others like something odd and different.
Anti-Paros (off Paros) has a nice nude beach, but that is a young persons game as gravity and time are cruel.

Since the 1970s and 1980s, Antiparos has become a popular holiday destination, particularly for nudists, attracted by the remote and sandy beaches. The best known is the Camping, or Theologians beach, at the north of the island, opposite the uninhabited island of Diplo. The far end of the town beach is also nudist, as is the Perigiali beach. However most of the other beaches on Antiparos are textile. Since the 1990s there has been a steady development due to its proximity to Paros, and the infrastructure has been improved to accommodate the growing influx of tourists.

I'd recommend the more northern island of Skyros for a longer stay as the town (Chora) has limited traffic and so the pace of life is relaxed and the little steps and streets are pretty.

res2.greekisland.co.uk/skyros/skyros_chora03.jpg
res2.greekisland.co.uk/skyros/skyros_chora01.jpg

Where do the Greeks go to get away from it all? Samothraki.