Not A Trotter

[Robinia]

Following FP's thread about adventures I was wondering whether I'm the only one in the UK who has never been abroad? (unless you count The Isle of Man!!) I can't say I've ever yearned to go to far off foreign places but I think I'd quite like to go to France & I've always thought that New York for a few days would be exciting. 
Where would you recommend for a first time abroad?  (No really extreme temperatures tho'!)

[FP]

Try Amersterdam Robinia.  Quick and easy to get to, lots of different things to see and do, really interesting and cosmopolitan.  No extreme temperatures either.  Would recommend at least a weekend to take in the atmosphere.  Dutch people are really welcoming to.

[Solarjunkie]

Malta.

Has a reassuring Englishness about it, lots to see, the food is a little bit different without being scarily "foreign". Go in the spring when it is not too hot & all the flowers are out - lovely!

[luckystrike]

Robinia, I think that you have answered this question perfectly yourself, by simple expressing an interest in France and New York!

Paris is very easy to reach by train or plane, and is a lovely place all year round.  You will get to hear a different language, and see a different culture.  There are also plenty of smaller, prettier places within easy reach of the city.

I would also recommend NYC for a few days - again, it is easily accessable from many UK cities.  It is a brilliant place, just like you will have seen on TV.  It is also very safe, clean, welcoming, and there are a huge range of hotels and restaurants for you to choose from.  There are also no problems with language or food.

Happy travels!

[FP]

Graemer could drive us on a guided tour round Europe, Robinia!  Smudge and co. could come as well.  We could pick up Netti in Spain!

[graemer]

I'm sick of driving you cranky women everywhere. I'm off to the Bulldog.

[Dark Angel]

Paris would be my recommendation as well.

But Rome is supposed to be even better - more sights to see, people are friendlier, and food is cheap. Haven't been to Rome though but it had been very highly recommended.

[FP]

I had a week in Rome and my biggest memory is that the streets were covered in dog poo!  It somewhat put me off.  That was in 1980, so perhaps they have had a clean up since.

[Robinia]

Thanks very much to all of you globetrotters! 

FP it's funny you should say Amsterdam because my (ex)brother in law is Dutch & my sons have been there - not sure what they were getting up to. You're right about the Dutch people & they know so much about their local history. Love your idea about Europe but as graemer's throwing a 'Cancerian moody' I think we'll start interviewing for a new driver!

Luckystrike I was afraid I might have been watching too much tv with regards to NY!

One of the reasons I fancy France is because, apart from being quick to get to, French was my best subject in school, (even won a prize) so there must be a reason for that!!

 

[hectic]

When did you come to the isle of man Robinia?  I live here you see, was it the TT races?

[graemer]

That's right, make me feel bad. Alright I'll drive. I love Amsterdam, Paris, Florence, Heidelberg and the Swiss Alps. OK get on everyone, Hope Smudge has brought plenty of crumbles except Rhubarb.

[Robinia]

hectic it was many years ago, a school holiday actually, but it's still so clear in my mind & I'd love to visit again one day.  We stayed in Port Erin & saw lots of lovely places many of them through the mist!!

graeme I know how to get round a crab!  I'll start practicing my yodelling.

[hectic]

The mist eh, they call that Mannans Cloak over here cause they reckon that it is a safety force that stops the island being spotted in the likelihood of a war event!  It is a beautiful and peaceful place though, I'm still surprised that someone on here has been over here, I don't feel so out in the wilderness now lol

[Robinia]

oops hectic!  If I revisit I'd better get all the correct terms......whispers...do you say fairies or little people? don't want to offend them...

[hectic]

We call them fairies over here and everytime we go over the fairy bridge we have to say hello otherwise its supposed to bring bad luck lol

[flaming]

So many places are memorable but Venice is outstandingly wonderful, but not in July or August.  Lots of small hotels/pensiones near St. Marks Square.  If you prefer beaches,  Venice Lido is the place, but it's a 20 minute boatride from Venice proper. September might be a bit cool and rainy, so a May or June visit would be better. Somewhere to really remember.  Also in Italy, on the mainland, Amalfi and Portofino - colourful and very happy-making.  Pompeii is handy for an excursion. if you like a bit of culture in the open air.  Vesuvius the backdrop - climbing excursions! May/June again. The Italians in this region are much more 'laid back' I think.  One of the loveliest places is the island of Sicily, go to Taormina. Very unusual.  I think the money might go further in Italy, too.

Normandy - handier and there are some wonderful beaches.  If you go to Arromanches there are the remains of the D-Day Mulberry Harbour still to be seen.  Unfortunately places accessible only by car if you have only a short time .  Honfleur-wonderful too.  Climate not much different to our coast so it's like here - can be gorgeous, but ...

New York - there are some excellent bargain flights these days.  I went once for a week and found it exhilarating.  A giant film set to us, and seeing all the things 'for real'..... It did rain a lot during my week, but that was in a September and New Yorkers thought it was freaky.

[smurfchops]

Why not go to Southern Ireland? We are going Monday - flying to Cork, pick up a rental car (Avis is cheapest) and just GO.  Drive around the ring of Kerry, all the places along the coast are beautiful - everywhere you go people are so nice and helpful, just show them your map and they will give you ideas.  People lovely, food great, but as expensive as London to stay in a nice B&B - and make sure the weather forecast is good! 

[Robinia]

Thanks flaming - you paint a lovely picture of those places, sounds like you have a good artistic/photographic eye.

judiewudie that's so spooky!  I've always felt that I would feel at home in s. Ireland especially Cork/Kinsale. I love Irish people & they often assume I'm Irish too - maybe in a previous life!!  Have a lovely time, I hope the sun shines for you! :-)