and move in with Moss for the time.

Tipp,

I have just handed an official package to a man, long coat, dark glasses, speaks in a very quiet drawl.

Has two bulging pockets and believe me, he will be very pleased to see you.

Tipp, be afraid, be very, very afraid.

Moss

:D

MiGgie!!!!! Come to Engerland!

I can most likely organise for a friend of mine in London to put you up, and I'll definately come to London to buy you a Mars Bar.

We can tour the Mars Factory in Slough.

We can roll around naked in vats of creamy chocolate!!

Engerland!

Is this supposed to be an attractive offer? What ya' trying to do kayo, put the girl off?

Mig, if you come to Liverpool aka the best city in the UK, not only will you see the most beautiful of everthing from archetecture, art, learning and culture, (and the friendliest people in the world) but I can take you to the ground of the best football club in the world - Liverpool FC!

What do ya' think Mig? Tempted?

Mig,

Individual Tourist Guide of the said City, including high-lights of the the Rabbit falling asleep with his aged cousin the White Rabbit of Alice fame!

=

Good Luck and be safe what ever you choose

Moss

HEY!!!

It was bloody marvellous! Cheers Moss

@Moss: Mate, Am I entering the legendary open bus tours of Oxford!??? Awesome!

@Robbo: Seconded!

Mig, if you come to Liverpool aka the best city in the UK, not only will you see the most beautiful of everthing from archetecture, art, learning and culture, (and the friendliest people in the world) but I can take you to the ground of the best football club in the world - Liverpool FC!

What do ya' think Mig? Tempted?

Yay...... at last.

I have been giving this some careful consideration before I posted and my thoughts are these.

One week is nowhere near enough time to try to experience one European country, heck, it's not enough time for just one big city. I would say London or Liverpool for a couple of days, the people in Liverpool are much friendlier in my experience and London can be too expensive and too 'in your face'. But either is well worth a visit even if it is just to take in the atmosphere.

But do something that would not normally feature on your list of things to do ..... like.

A few years ago I spent four very worthwhile days in Switzerland, it was a work related performance award and not somewhere that I would have chosen with free will, it surprised me.

Stay around Lake Geneva, Lausanne would be a good choice. The public transport system there is among the best in the world and many things of interest are within easy reach without having to stand road-side shouting "Taxi" only to be ignored. Tourism is a major part of Swiss economy and they treat you well..... when we visited our agenda included.

An afternoon cruising around the lake being wined and dined in a pleasant and very relaxing location.

A trip to The Olympic Museum.... I could have spent all day in there.

A day out in Gruyere, eat real fondue. You like art right? here you get two extremes from nice to scary. (I think you would really appreciate the second one, it's way different to anything you have ever seen)

An afternoon in this place, the Musée International d'Horologie in La Chaux-de-Fonds. embarrass yourself by asking where the Cuckoo clocks are , discover that Rolex movements are totally Swiss but the cases are made in Taiwan.

We packed in quite a bit more in four days, but they are the ones that really stood out.

English is spoken everywhere, so communication will not be a problem. The mix of Swiss, German, French and Italian cultures makes the cuisine superb and no matter where you go, the scenery is fantastic.

As I said before, Switzerland was never on my radar for places I wanted to visit, but I'm so glad I did.

Mig. Try Helsinki. Great summer outdoor culture ( they make the most of it before the bloody awful winter sets in ) and when you've done the city, which is compact and easy to walk around. A quick hop on the old ferry and you are in Estonia. Tallin is a fantastic medieval city and well worth the short trip. Bags to do for a quick stop over.

Word of warning on UK this year. Long range weather forecasters predict rain until October. I kid you not.

MiGgy, confused yet?

Tip

BTW, why are you going to Deutschland for two weeks? And where in Deutschland will you be going? While there, make sure you take a trip to Lübeck, home of the best chocolate covered marzipan in the world. I'll PM you a list of what to bring back for me.

Oooh, Moss. Good idea - Ireland! That's one I'd like to do. Fantastic countryside. Good food & pubs galore! Yay!

The Isle of Aron, Scotland. Beautiful, well worth a visit if you want some fresh air and stunning scenery, excellent to cut across on a motorbike.

people....can you pleaseeeeeee not keep reminding me I need at least 3 months rather than a week?

Ill be in and near Cologne and also to Weimar and Leipzig. and yes I suppose I "COULD" bring back some choccies and cheese?

Ireland and Scotland and such...beautiful as they are...I think will be a bit more difficult for me.

ok here's how Im going to do it flight-wise...I can only look at airports that THAI fly to (can get a good deal...pay 5,000 on top of my original ticket for added destination within Europe..I didnt check if it covers eastern europe...but it certainly does airports like...London, Paris, Rome, maybe Milan...Spain...not checked yet whether its Madrid or Barcelona.......dont think Ireland and Scotland are amongst the list though....Swiss is possible.....but since I have been through Austria...Im guessing the scenic beauty will be similar...Id like to see something different....and yes I know theres sooooooooooo much to see in Europe!! you are all very lucky!

anyhow....England, Spain or France.....

I might have to opt for Spain though...I get the feeling it will be cheaper than England....well atleast their currency is slightly cheaper than the POUND!!! grrrrr

I think Spain is a good idea.

While Switzerland is fantastic and has breathtaking scenery and is efficient, used to tourists and easy to travel, it is VERY EXPENSIVE. More bang for your buck in Spain.

Just my two öre.

PS. Stockholm is truly beautiful in the summer too.... the city is on islands and has glittering water, high hills with great views, and just like Helsinki, looooooong bright summer nights. The temperature around this time is a comfortable 20-28 degrees - with the clearest air you can ever imagine for a capital city.... but the problem is that it is about the same price level as London. DS.

Just go to Amsterdamn & do some drugs! That way you won't have to plan anything!

Soundblasted.

And yes I suppose I "COULD" bring back some choccies and cheese?

I seriously doubt it would last the flight back. There's too much of a chance that something will happen to it.

Just go to Amsterdamn & do some drugs! That way you won't have to plan anything!

Soundblasted.

But may have a problem remembering to travel on to Germany

Just go to Amsterdamn & do some drugs! That way you won't have to plan anything!

Soundblasted.

been there NOT done that

and Tippy...what u reckon I am? Kayo's twin?? ermm I mean....a non-pink big tummy elephant??

I might go out for Tapas tonight...see how I feel......acclimatise myself perhaps

I think Spain is a good idea.

While Switzerland is fantastic and has breathtaking scenery and is efficient, used to tourists and easy to travel, it is VERY EXPENSIVE. More bang for your buck in Spain.

Just my two öre.

PS. Stockholm is truly beautiful in the summer too.... the city is on islands and has glittering water, high hills with great views, and just like Helsinki, looooooong bright summer nights. The temperature around this time is a comfortable 20-28 degrees - with the clearest air you can ever imagine for a capital city.... but the problem is that it is about the same price level as London. DS.

My wife is in Stockholm as we speak ( chinese but gets about a bit ).

She agrees wholeheartedly about the beauty of it all, but has found all hotel accomodation extremely expensive.

I will have to make a few more bob before I get to go.

and Tippy...what u reckon I am? Kayo's twin?? ermm I mean....a non-pink big tummy elephant??

Of course not, MiGgy. I'm a chocoholic yet still svelte.

BTW, when in Spain do try the chocolate flan and churros con chocolate. Then there's the Spanish white chocolate mousse, or the plain mousse de chocolate. And don't forget the trufas con cognac de chocolate.

I've got a great idea for you that will cut through all of these confusing suggestions. Base your decision on which country has the best chocolates!! Send me a postcard from Belgium.

I might as well go to Brazil or Mehico while Im at it

after all THEY do have the best chocolates too

PS. yes have done the Belgian choc tour....all the truffles and pralines.....was good...but bit on the sweet side for me...or maybe I had an overdose

now....amidst all these wonderful ideas...whos gonna give me any realistic ideas in terms of costs

Spain vs England

(I think Ive eliminated France...by no particular logic....just cant be bothered to confuse myself further! ...besides Im saving Paris for when Im not travelling alone )

I think Spain is a good idea.

While Switzerland is fantastic and has breathtaking scenery and is efficient, used to tourists and easy to travel, it is VERY EXPENSIVE. More bang for your buck in Spain.

Just my two öre.

PS. Stockholm is truly beautiful in the summer too.... the city is on islands and has glittering water, high hills with great views, and just like Helsinki, looooooong bright summer nights. The temperature around this time is a comfortable 20-28 degrees - with the clearest air you can ever imagine for a capital city.... but the problem is that it is about the same price level as London. DS.

My wife is in Stockholm as we speak ( chinese but gets about a bit ).

She agrees wholeheartedly about the beauty of it all, but has found all hotel accomodation extremely expensive.

I will have to make a few more bob before I get to go.

Yes, I can not argue with that. A decent hotel in a good location in Stockholm will set you back at least 4500 baht per night.

And that is only decent - as in comfortable bed, reasonable atmosphere and location. Nothing fancy. For fancy, expect double that price.

But there are hostels available, like Af Chapman (a ship converted into a youth hostel). Very simple accommodation, but does the trick if you are not too fuzzy.

ok...some update:

I think I will have to base my decision on 1.flight availability, 2. Visa processing

Spain is easy visa wise...but at the moment flights are full, unless I want to pay substantially more.

however...the agent offered me the following: Bkk to Madrid, Madrid to Barcelona (make my own way back to Madrid for flight to Cologne OR Bkk to Madrid, make my own way to Barcelona, Barcelona straight to Cologne --both options at an additional of 5,000baht on top of my original ticket to Germany. (The substantially more means I pay atleast additional of 11-12000 baht for these add ons)

any ideas on best mode of transport between Madrid to Barcelona?

London...Im getting cheaper flight (albeit waiting list), so the question remains on visa.

(And yes I know I can look for cheap airline within europe...but this gives me the convenience of not having to first start in Germany)

bear with me people

Suegha....if I end up in London..then might take up that offer of Liverpool..not sure about the club though

one advantage.....the day I land...if in London...is when the Emirates Cup starts..... and yes Im already getting some idea of how expensive things will be!! 40pounds for a friendly match??? gee!!

Suegha....if I end up in London..then might take up that offer of Liverpool..

Yeah, Cheers Then!

Moss

Suegha....if I end up in London..then might take up that offer of Liverpool..

Yeah, Cheers Then!

Moss

Don't worry Moss, you're on the way so she may stop off!

Mig, if you find your way up here you'll find a warm welcome awaits!

Suegha....if I end up in London..then might take up that offer of Liverpool..

Yeah, Cheers Then!

Moss

Don't worry Moss, you're on the way so she may stop off!

Mig, if you find your way up here you'll find a warm welcome awaits!

Too Late!!

I have just given all my chocs to the Dogs, I wonder why they are not looking too well

Moss

hey Moss....

you and I have a date....plus Jude and I have a date too.....thats kinda for granted...hence why I didnt say I 'might' take up the offer

do I have to go post in 5 other threads again now?

Im still looking mostly at the 2.....london expensive everything else...but lots of very kind offers to meet some of my favorite forum people......slightly cheaper flight....but visa could take a while

Spain.....flight is more expensive than London...but everything else could be cheaper...dont know anyone there....but dont need to apply for additional visa........

Im gonna check the UK visa page.......plus Im already waitlisted to arrive in London on 28th July......

lets see how this goes.....

Special edit to add that : Ive been talking to my Mom on phone and again to my brother over dinner today...and told BOTH of them of the very kind offer Ive received from friends on this forum...with a special mention to my Oxford invitation. maybe that will tell you how much I appreciate it?

Kayo...dont you go getting jealous now I know you will be lurking around reading all the threads but not posting cos u wanna save your 10.000th post.......I reckon you should use it to break up with all the other ladies and tell them you are all mine now you flirt!

Hi Mig, I found this very useful website for you, it is full of information and tips for travelling in Spain. It even has walkthroughs of catching trains and planes, the ticket office looks like this.. the escalator has this sign... etc etc. You may notice that it has a link for an England travel guide.

http://www.travelinginspain.com/index.html

This is a site in English with timetables and prices for the Spanish rail network.

http://www.spanish-rail.co.uk/index.html

I hope these help.

Seems you're leading towards Leeds London, MiGgy. If I were in your blouse I'd do the same. Great opportunity to spend a week with people you know and who know the land. Makes for more special memories, I think. The people you'll meet in England will be sure to add flavor to your experience. And it'll probably taste a whole lot like beer.

http://www.travelinginspain.com/index.html

Rob I always knew we are connected....

I was looking at that very link 2 nights ago!

You may notice that it has a link for an England travel guide.

although I failed to notice that earlier

thanks again

by the way....in my mind Ive decided where I want to go...it all depends now on if things work out the way I need it to.....

wish me luck everyone?

So... You're gonna crash on Kayo's mate's sofa then?

Luck, MiGgy. Well, you asked us to wish it.

So... You're gonna crash on Kayo's mate's sofa then?

actually Im gonna crash at a friends in Malmoe

if only Kayo had offered his own place....I might have thought of England

although...theres still my date with Jude.....unless his Dad sets the dogs on me first

NR..thanks sweetie

will submit my visa Monday....but if they take longer than Friday to process it...I wont be able to go

I checked...they said 2-5 days.....unless they want to interview me...then in that case it will take a month sheesh!

Well Miggy

I hesitated in offering you any advice before because you seemed to be fairly confused on what you wanted to do and any info I could have offered would have been on Paris , which you seemed to reject early on.

I have no hesitation however in wishing you a really great trip !

Should (as I suspect) you will be heading for England , two suggestions :

The word "chocolate" in England is not to be taken literally (approx 0% cacao 100% crap).

From the sounds of it you will be surrounded/cosseted by by a bunch of male middle-aged TV members. Flirt with care. Their wives/girlfriends could turn nasty without warning.

The very best of luck girl.

<deleted> is Malmoe?