The holiday thread

[dpedin]

Yeah, I fly between Edinburgh Charleroi a few times a month and I’ve never had problems at Charleroi and always have a big wait at Edinburgh coming back. It’s so cheap though. And the bus connections to Brussels and Gent are excellent.

The baggage wait at Edinburgh has always been weird. Even pre pandemic you never knew if your bags would be five minutes or forty five minutes, there's just no pattern to it. I try to avoid having hold baggage at all times, other than that though I find Edinburgh Airport pretty quick and efficient most of the time. Needs more space in the terminal though.

Have to say I've always been really pleased with it. Also tend to go with just hand baggage but even when I haven't it's been fine. Arriving at the airport and being through security in 10 minutes is pretty normal.

Also, arriving back and walking straight out a waiting tram is bloody brilliant.

Going out from Embra on a Saturday morning we were about 40mins to get through security joining the queue outside the terminal. Coming back we were about 20mins in passport control and 45 mins waiting for our bags in baggage hall. I suspect they are short staffed across the whole airport and struggle during busy times. Contrast that with Charois airport we were 10 mins waiting for bags and 5 mins through passport control and a little bit longer in passport control departing there.

I agree that once you are out of the airport the express bus and tram services are excellent - I can go door to door in about 30mins and as I have an over 60 bus pass it is free for me!

[Biffer]

Yeah, I fly between Edinburgh Charleroi a few times a month and I’ve never had problems at Charleroi and always have a big wait at Edinburgh coming back. It’s so cheap though. And the bus connections to Brussels and Gent are excellent.

The baggage wait at Edinburgh has always been weird. Even pre pandemic you never knew if your bags would be five minutes or forty five minutes, there's just no pattern to it. I try to avoid having hold baggage at all times, other than that though I find Edinburgh Airport pretty quick and efficient most of the time. Needs more space in the terminal though.

Have to say I've always been really pleased with it. Also tend to go with just hand baggage but even when I haven't it's been fine. Arriving at the airport and being through security in 10 minutes is pretty normal.

Also, arriving back and walking straight out a waiting tram is bloody brilliant.

Yeah, I find myself casually mentioning to my colleagues down south that I'm usually less than half an hour from touching down to stepping in my own front door.

[TB63]

In Bruges, beered up
Waffles, beer, chocolate and awesome brunches.
Great hotel, can't remember the last time I had 12 hours sleep.

Beautiful town! Belgian beer is just the dogs bollox!

I have very fond, but very addled memories of sitting in a bar in Bruges, trying all the Trappist beers, each with their own distinctive glass.

I was scraped off the pavement and poured into a taxi....

[Slick]

In Bruges, beered up
Waffles, beer, chocolate and awesome brunches.
Great hotel, can't remember the last time I had 12 hours sleep.

Beautiful town! Belgian beer is just the dogs bollox!

I have very fond, but very addled memories of sitting in a bar in Bruges, trying all the Trappist beers, each with their own distinctive glass.

I was scraped off the pavement and poured into a taxi....

[mat the expat]

Just back from 10 days in Japan for Martial Arts and catching up with friends.

Did 3 days at the end northeast of Narita at Katori/Kashima Jingu shrines

Really enjoyed the almost deserted areas, hiking through bamboo forests.

Amazing service via ANA airlines, then Landing at Sydney Airport....

[Sards]

Just back from 10 days in Japan for Martial Arts and catching up with friends.

Did 3 days at the end northeast of Narita at Katori/Kashima Jingu shrines

Really enjoyed the almost deserted areas, hiking through bamboo forests.

Amazing service via ANA airlines, then Landing at Sydney Airport....

Looked amazing

[mat the expat]

Just back from 10 days in Japan for Martial Arts and catching up with friends.

Did 3 days at the end northeast of Narita at Katori/Kashima Jingu shrines

Really enjoyed the almost deserted areas, hiking through bamboo forests.

Amazing service via ANA airlines, then Landing at Sydney Airport....

Looked amazing

Even though it was my 14th trip there, I usually have to "in and out" for work - the Lady of the House has seen more than I have due to doing a 2 week tour

I usually get a day or two every 3 years

From now on, it's going to be like that every year - I'm there in Feb and will head to the snow after the Shinsa (grading)

[Sandstorm]

Just back from 10 days in Japan for Martial Arts and catching up with friends.

Did 3 days at the end northeast of Narita at Katori/Kashima Jingu shrines

Really enjoyed the almost deserted areas, hiking through bamboo forests.

Amazing service via ANA airlines, then Landing at Sydney Airport....

They conviscate your sword again?

[mat the expat]

Nope - still haven't made it on Border Security TV show yet

Just a shit place to travel through - I used to work there and they actively work at making the average traveler's trip worse.

[Gumboot]

Nope - still haven't made it on Border Security TV show yet

Just a shit place to travel through - I used to work there and they actively work at making the average traveler's trip worse.

Thought I was in for the perp walk when my weed got found at LA airport before an early morning flight to Vegas. Instead, the security guy just let me through with "No worries, you're good to go."

[mat the expat]

I think they don't really care - it's only if it's obviously not just a toke

[Gumboot]

I think they don't really care - it's only if it's obviously not just a toke

Yep, after looking at it he asked me if I had anything else on me before waving me through. Clearly thought this dude's too dim to be lying.

[Uncle fester]

What the hell is going on with the price of food on brexit island, especially eating out?

[Sandstorm]

What the hell is going on with the price of food on brexit island, especially eating out?

Lack of HGV drivers in 2020 and energy price rises in 2021 forced food prices up and up. Of course with both the mentioned issues now resolved/cheaper, prices stay high!! Cnuts.

[Paddington Bear]

What the hell is going on with the price of food on brexit island, especially eating out?

Where abouts were you? Eating out has always been expensive but on the very edges of London where I am hasn’t noticeably changed out of proportion

[Uncle fester]

What the hell is going on with the price of food on brexit island, especially eating out?

Where abouts were you? Eating out has always been expensive but on the very edges of London where I am hasn’t noticeably changed out of proportion

London back in June, which we put down to London but it's the same in North Wales.

[Dinsdale Piranha]

What the hell is going on with the price of food on brexit island, especially eating out?

Lack of HGV drivers in 2020 and energy price rises in 2021 forced food prices up and up. Of course with both the mentioned issues now resolved/cheaper, prices stay high!! Cnuts.

There's a bunch of staff cost issues as well. A couple of my favourite places locally didn't reopen after lockdown and both cited difficulty in getting staff. One of my favourite east end curry houses has raised its prices by ~40% which has moved it from 'cheap eats' to competing with high end Indian cuisine.

I now assume that a basic meal out with a couple of drinks will be 50 quid

[Uncle fester]

What the hell is going on with the price of food on brexit island, especially eating out?

Lack of HGV drivers in 2020 and energy price rises in 2021 forced food prices up and up. Of course with both the mentioned issues now resolved/cheaper, prices stay high!! Cnuts.

There's a bunch of staff cost issues as well. A couple of my favourite places locally didn't reopen after lockdown and both cited difficulty in getting staff. One of my favourite east end curry houses has raised its prices by ~40% which has moved it from 'cheap eats' to competing with high end Indian cuisine.

I now assume that a basic meal out with a couple of drinks will be 50 quid

In fairness, if it meant better wages for restaurant staff, I'd suck it up but I notice a large number of Welsh places where you have to go up to the counter + order or you order over your phone. Cuts the staff requirement obviously so I'd be suspicious if their wages are any better.

[Biffer]

Have just started booking up our biannual USA Baseball and American football trip for next week year. Looks like Chicago, St Louis, Columbus and maybe one or two of Detroit, Cincinatti, Indianapolis, Memphis. Usually get five or six games of one sport or the other in seven or eight days.

[mat the expat]

What the hell is going on with the price of food on brexit island, especially eating out?

Lack of HGV drivers in 2020 and energy price rises in 2021 forced food prices up and up. Of course with both the mentioned issues now resolved/cheaper, prices stay high!! Cnuts.

Average age of Trucker in the UK has to be pushing late 50s. My brother is one and about to pull the pin.

They get treated very shabbily as a whole and few youngsters are up for it.

[C69]

Going to Nice for a short break next year. Any boredies been?
Tbh my wife booked this and I can't really see the attraction.

[Blackmac]

Going to Nice for a short break next year. Any boredies been?
Tbh my wife booked this and I can't really see the attraction.

Getting away from this shitty weather is attraction enough.

[TedMaul]

The last few days downpour has seriously got on my Earthas.

[C69]

Going to Nice for a short break next year. Any boredies been?
Tbh my wife booked this and I can't really see the attraction.

Getting away from this shitty weather is attraction enough.

Tbh can't argue with that

[Simian]

Going to Nice for a short break next year. Any boredies been?
Tbh my wife booked this and I can't really see the attraction.

I found myself in the same boat as you last year (though we were out about a month earlier). I was also skeptical, but had a great time, tbh.

The Musee d'Art Moderne et d'Art Contemporain in Nice is great (if you like modern art) and wandering round the old town in the evening was good (though it was very warm when I was there, so might not be a nice thing to do by Nov). We didn't try to scope out anywhere in particular for food, but most of the wee places we ate at in old nice were pretty decent quality and price wise. (like most places, the restaurants around the big squares are lovely buildings, but the food is meh and overpriced. Quite good spots for a drink and watching the world go by though)

I thought the (relatively wee) Picasso Museum in Antibes (just along the coast) was good and Antibes itself was a lovely wee town. Actually, pretty much all the towns along the coast we wandered out to were good.

If you're flying into Nice airport and getting the tram into the town, watch out for pickpockets on the tram. We saw a lot of altercations between tourists and pickpockets caught in the act and a fair few tourists trying to find their wallets.

If you can convince your partner and the fixture list aligns with your trip, it's not too far along the cost to Toulon (couple of hours on the train) and we had a cracking trip out there. There are some good restaurants and bars along the waterfront / harbour there too, which was what helped me tempt my partner to make the trip.

[C69]

Going to Nice for a short break next year. Any boredies been?
Tbh my wife booked this and I can't really see the attraction.

I found myself in the same boat as you last year (though we were out about a month earlier). I was also skeptical, but had a great time, tbh.

The Musee d'Art Moderne et d'Art Contemporain in Nice is great (if you like modern art) and wandering round the old town in the evening was good (though it was very warm when I was there, so might not be a nice thing to do by Nov). We didn't try to scope out anywhere in particular for food, but most of the wee places we ate at in old nice were pretty decent quality and price wise. (like most places, the restaurants around the big squares are lovely buildings, but the food is meh and overpriced. Quite good spots for a drink and watching the world go by though)

I thought the (relatively wee) Picasso Museum in Antibes (just along the coast) was good and Antibes itself was a lovely wee town. Actually, pretty much all the towns along the coast we wandered out to were good.

If you're flying into Nice airport and getting the tram into the town, watch out for pickpockets on the tram. We saw a lot of altercations between tourists and pickpockets caught in the act and a fair few tourists trying to find their wallets.

If you can convince your partner and the fixture list aligns with your trip, it's not too far along the cost to Toulon (couple of hours on the train) and we had a cracking trip out there. There are some good restaurants and bars along the waterfront / harbour there too, which was what helped me tempt my partner to make the trip.

Cheers great advice. I have said that she must not complain when I book the next holiday.
No chance of rugby btw

[Sandstorm]

One of the Irish bordies (Frankster?) goes to Nice regularly.
Can’t say enough nice things about it.

[Simian]

Going to Nice for a short break next year. Any boredies been?
Tbh my wife booked this and I can't really see the attraction.

I found myself in the same boat as you last year (though we were out about a month earlier). I was also skeptical, but had a great time, tbh.

The Musee d'Art Moderne et d'Art Contemporain in Nice is great (if you like modern art) and wandering round the old town in the evening was good (though it was very warm when I was there, so might not be a nice thing to do by Nov). We didn't try to scope out anywhere in particular for food, but most of the wee places we ate at in old nice were pretty decent quality and price wise. (like most places, the restaurants around the big squares are lovely buildings, but the food is meh and overpriced. Quite good spots for a drink and watching the world go by though)

I thought the (relatively wee) Picasso Museum in Antibes (just along the coast) was good and Antibes itself was a lovely wee town. Actually, pretty much all the towns along the coast we wandered out to were good.

If you're flying into Nice airport and getting the tram into the town, watch out for pickpockets on the tram. We saw a lot of altercations between tourists and pickpockets caught in the act and a fair few tourists trying to find their wallets.

If you can convince your partner and the fixture list aligns with your trip, it's not too far along the cost to Toulon (couple of hours on the train) and we had a cracking trip out there. There are some good restaurants and bars along the waterfront / harbour there too, which was what helped me tempt my partner to make the trip.

Cheers great advice. I have said that she must not complain when I book the next holiday.
No chance of rugby btw

No worries. Even without the rugby, I reckon you'll have a good time. We'd planned a trip along the coast to Cannes, but were to hungover the day we were going If you like galleries and stuff like that, there are loads in Nice.

[Sards]

The lads , under my supervision, went away this past weekend to De Mond nature reserve. Amazing farm house with sleeping for 10. No neighbors for miles so pitch black at night. No electricity. So no devices. Just the lads having a good time, braaing, fishing, swimming and general shite.


Boys weekend away

[vball]

Just back from Barcelona. I have never been but my wife had been several times and she wanted to go back. Mostly for looking at the Gaudi buildings .. and some food. Food was superb *new fav - chicken with prunes and pinenuts) but things like the La Sagrada Familia just blew me away. The stone work and the stained glass ... wow. (PS. Will be even better when it is finished)

[C69]

Just back from Barcelona. I have never been but my wife had been several times and she wanted to go back. Mostly for looking at the Gaudi buildings .. and some food. Food was superb *new fav - chicken with prunes and pinenuts) but things like the La Sagrada Familia just blew me away. The stone work and the stained glass ... wow. (PS. Will be even better when it is finished)

I went earlier in the year. Very nice city indeed.

[Blackmac]

Just back from Barcelona. I have never been but my wife had been several times and she wanted to go back. Mostly for looking at the Gaudi buildings .. and some food. Food was superb *new fav - chicken with prunes and pinenuts) but things like the La Sagrada Familia just blew me away. The stone work and the stained glass ... wow. (PS. Will be even better when it is finished)

I went earlier in the year. Very nice city indeed.

We were there two weeks ago. Loved everything, especially La Sagrida Familia and Parc Guelle but not a city I would go back to as I felt we have done a lot of the attractions and would just spend the time eating and drinking.

[vball]

We were there two weeks ago. Loved everything, especially La Sagrida Familia and Parc Guelle but not a city I would go back to as I felt we have done a lot of the attractions and would just spend the time eating and drinking.

Done all the attractions meaning more time for eating? Sounds like the perfect trip !!

I am a very enthusiastic photographer and can spend all day in the food markets taking people pictures.

[OomStruisbaai]

Mrs going to Korea. Daughters first born. Myself will stay at home and work in a busy Struisbaai. Hate this busy time. Town pack with terrorists.

[Blackmac]

We were there two weeks ago. Loved everything, especially La Sagrida Familia and Parc Guelle but not a city I would go back to as I felt we have done a lot of the attractions and would just spend the time eating and drinking.

Done all the attractions meaning more time for eating? Sounds like the perfect trip !!

I am a very enthusiastic photographer and can spend all day in the food markets taking people pictures.

We are the same to be honest, but I didn't think Barcelona was that good on the food and drink side compared with some of the other cities we have visited in Europe.

[Dinsdale Piranha]

We were there two weeks ago. Loved everything, especially La Sagrida Familia and Parc Guelle but not a city I would go back to as I felt we have done a lot of the attractions and would just spend the time eating and drinking.

Done all the attractions meaning more time for eating? Sounds like the perfect trip !!

I am a very enthusiastic photographer and can spend all day in the food markets taking people pictures.

We are the same to be honest, but I didn't think Barcelona was that good on the food and drink side compared with some of the other cities we have visited in Europe.

I'd agree about the food. Spanish food in general isn't that great. They do have some very nice ingredients though - Jamon Iberico etc.

Things they are the daddy at though - Gin & Tonic!

Parc Guell is lovely. Personally I think the Sagrada Familia is only there to serve as as a warning to others.

[inactionman]

A mate of mine lived in Barcelona up until about 5 years ago, I used to take easyjet out-of-season flights to see him and I'd have the run of the place. One early december I had the Sagrada Familia essentially to myself.

I went back over easter for my wife's birthday - which happens to be peak holiday season and in a highly catholic area - and it was just mentally busy. You had to book time slots for Parc Guell.

I appreciate most tourist places suffer exces tourism, but it was just unworkable in Barcelona

It was a big factor in my mate moving back to the UK. He ended up in Glenrothes.

[SaintK]

Mrs going to Korea. Daughters first born. Myself will stay at home and work in a busy Struisbaai. Hate this busy time. Town pack with terrorists.

[Sandstorm]

Mrs going to Korea. Daughters first born. Myself will stay at home and work in a busy Struisbaai. Hate this busy time. Town pack with terrorists.

Bulls fans on holiday in the Cape at Xmas. It's not pretty.

[Blackmac]

A mate of mine lived in Barcelona up until about 5 years ago, I used to take easyjet out-of-season flights to see him and I'd have the run of the place. One early december I had the Sagrada Familia essentially to myself.

I went back over easter for my wife's birthday - which happens to be peak holiday season and in a highly catholic area - and it was just mentally busy. You had to book time slots for Parc Guell.

I appreciate most tourist places suffer exces tourism, but it was just unworkable in Barcelona

It was a big factor in my mate moving back to the UK. He ended up in Glenrothes.

how is he finding the foodie scene in Glenrothes.