Does anyone know anything about Sorrento, please?    I have a similar 
query about Andalucia (not the beachy, touristy  parts).
-- 
June Hughes

On 2009-07-03 11:03:08 +0100, June Hughes 
 said:

> Does anyone know anything about Sorrento, please?    I have a similar 
> query about Andalucia (not the beachy, touristy  parts).

We went to Sorrento about 4 years ago and stayed at Hotel Bellevue 
Syrene.  Its position right on the edge of a steep cliff gives it the 
most fabulous views across to Vesuvius and Naples.  It's not cheap 
however but little is in Sorrento!  To swim you have to go down in a 
rather tatty (back then) lift to the bathing area which is a sort of 
fenced off bit of sea.   Giusi knows more than I do about this area.  I 
was told off by our driver for wearing jewellery because crime is rife 
in Naples - all I had on was pearl earrings and my engagement ring!  If 
you take the train to Naples it's either take the Circumvesuviana up to 
Sorrento (so don't have too much luggage to carry) take a boat across 
from Naples, or hire a private car which takes around 45 minutes, IIRC. 
 We were there in late October/early November and the weather was 
changing towards wet and blustery so we didn't get to Capri.  Our 
hottest day was the one on which we chose to go to Pompeii - typical!
-- 
Sacha
www.hillhousenursery.com
Shrubs & perennials. Tender & exotics.
South Devon

In message , Sacha 
 writes
>On 2009-07-03 11:03:08 +0100, June Hughes 
> said:
>
>> Does anyone know anything about Sorrento, please?    I have a similar 
>>query about Andalucia (not the beachy, touristy  parts).
>
>We went to Sorrento about 4 years ago and stayed at Hotel Bellevue 
>Syrene.  Its position right on the edge of a steep cliff gives it the 
>most fabulous views across to Vesuvius and Naples.  It's not cheap 
>however but little is in Sorrento!  To swim you have to go down in a 
>rather tatty (back then) lift to the bathing area which is a sort of 
>fenced off bit of sea. Giusi knows more than I do about this area.  I 
>was told off by our driver for wearing jewellery because crime is rife 
>in Naples - all I had on was pearl earrings and my engagement ring!  If 
>you take the train to Naples it's either take the Circumvesuviana up to 
>Sorrento (so don't have too much luggage to carry) take a boat across 
>from Naples, or hire a private car which takes around 45 minutes, IIRC. 
>We were there in late October/early November and the weather was 
>changing towards wet and blustery so we didn't get to Capri.  Our 
>hottest day was the one on which we chose to go to Pompeii - typical!

Thanks Sacha.  That's just the sort of information I need.  One of my 
friends from work returned last week and said it was great but she has 
come back very pale-skinned, so obviously didn't sit out in the sun (we 
don't like 'lying-on-the-beach' holidays but I generally take on a good, 
albeit patchy, tan just buy walking about).  I didn't like to ask why my 
friend wasn't tanned as it seemed rather rude to do so.  My boss has now 
decided to go there next week and I was thinking of perhaps going in 
August but fear it will be too hot then.  I have never been to Italy. 
Thanks again.
-- 
June Hughes

On 2009-07-03 12:57:10 +0100, June Hughes 
 said:

> In message , Sacha 
>  writes
>> On 2009-07-03 11:03:08 +0100, June Hughes 
>>  said:
>> 
>>> Does anyone know anything about Sorrento, please?    I have a similar 
>>> query about Andalucia (not the beachy, touristy  parts).
>> 
>> We went to Sorrento about 4 years ago and stayed at Hotel Bellevue 
>> Syrene.  Its position right on the edge of a steep cliff gives it the 
>> most fabulous views across to Vesuvius and Naples.  It's not cheap 
>> however but little is in Sorrento!  To swim you have to go down in a 
>> rather tatty (back then) lift to the bathing area which is a sort of 
>> fenced off bit of sea. Giusi knows more than I do about this area.  I 
>> was told off by our driver for wearing jewellery because crime is rife 
>> in Naples - all I had on was pearl earrings and my engagement ring!  If 
>> you take the train to Naples it's either take the Circumvesuviana up to 
>> Sorrento (so don't have too much luggage to carry) take a boat across 
>> from Naples, or hire a private car which takes around 45 minutes, IIRC. 
>> We were there in late October/early November and the weather was 
>> changing towards wet and blustery so we didn't get to Capri.  Our 
>> hottest day was the one on which we chose to go to Pompeii - typical!
> 
> Thanks Sacha.  That's just the sort of information I need.  One of my 
> friends from work returned last week and said it was great but she has 
> come back very pale-skinned, so obviously didn't sit out in the sun (we 
> don't like 'lying-on-the-beach' holidays but I generally take on a 
> good, albeit patchy, tan just buy walking about).  I didn't like to ask 
> why my friend wasn't tanned as it seemed rather rude to do so.  My boss 
> has now decided to go there next week and I was thinking of perhaps 
> going in August but fear it will be too hot then.  I have never been to 
> Italy. Thanks again.

I wouldn't choose to go to Italy in August.  It's not only hot, it's 
when the Italians take their holidays.  Some businesses, museums and 
other sights are closed and in seaside resorts prices go stratospheric 
for everything from a glass of water to a hotel room.  After 
Ferragosto, which is the Feast of the Assumption of the BVM on August 
15, now celebrated in very secular ways on the beaches, they start to 
return home and it all begins to calm down, both in terms of crowds and 
prices.  I was once sailing in Sardinia during August and the 
population of Palau more than doubled for those few weeks.  I was 
deeply thankful to be on a boat and not having to struggle through a 
crowded town every day.
I'd plump for September as being cooler but still warm, the sea will be 
lovely for swimming and many of the crowds will have dispersed.  In 
Sorrento and Florence we were told that the weather can change very 
abruptly in October and become wet and windy.  In and around Sorrento 
there's plenty to see and do and my Italian sister in law also 
recommends Elba as a good holiday destination but I know little to 
nothing about it, other than there's a good ferry to the mainland and 
of course its connection with Napoleon!
-- 
Sacha
www.hillhousenursery.com
Shrubs & perennials. Tender & exotics.
South Devon

In message , Sacha 
 writes

>
>I wouldn't choose to go to Italy in August.  It's not only hot, it's 
>when the Italians take their holidays.  Some businesses, museums and 
>other sights are closed and in seaside resorts prices go stratospheric 
>for everything from a glass of water to a hotel room.  After 
>Ferragosto, which is the Feast of the Assumption of the BVM on August 
>15, now celebrated in very secular ways on the beaches, they start to 
>return home and it all begins to calm down, both in terms of crowds and 
>prices.  I was once sailing in Sardinia during August and the 
>population of Palau more than doubled for those few weeks.  I was 
>deeply thankful to be on a boat and not having to struggle through a 
>crowded town every day.
>I'd plump for September as being cooler but still warm, the sea will be 
>lovely for swimming and many of the crowds will have dispersed.  In 
>Sorrento and Florence we were told that the weather can change very 
>abruptly in October and become wet and windy.  In and around Sorrento 
>there's plenty to see and do and my Italian sister in law also 
>recommends Elba as a good holiday destination but I know little to 
>nothing about it, other than there's a good ferry to the mainland and 
>of course its connection with Napoleon!

Thank-you so much for all the information Sacha, I think we shall leave 
it until September.  Barry is very interested in all things Napoleonic, 
and I don't mind being lectured on the subject, so Sorrento would be 
right up our street.
-- 
June Hughes

On 2009-07-03 15:18:28 +0100, June Hughes 
 said:

> In message , Sacha 
>  writes
> 
>> 
>> I wouldn't choose to go to Italy in August.  It's not only hot, it's 
>> when the Italians take their holidays.  Some businesses, museums and 
>> other sights are closed and in seaside resorts prices go stratospheric 
>> for everything from a glass of water to a hotel room.  After 
>> Ferragosto, which is the Feast of the Assumption of the BVM on August 
>> 15, now celebrated in very secular ways on the beaches, they start to 
>> return home and it all begins to calm down, both in terms of crowds and 
>> prices.  I was once sailing in Sardinia during August and the 
>> population of Palau more than doubled for those few weeks.  I was 
>> deeply thankful to be on a boat and not having to struggle through a 
>> crowded town every day.
>> I'd plump for September as being cooler but still warm, the sea will be 
>> lovely for swimming and many of the crowds will have dispersed.  In 
>> Sorrento and Florence we were told that the weather can change very 
>> abruptly in October and become wet and windy.  In and around Sorrento 
>> there's plenty to see and do and my Italian sister in law also 
>> recommends Elba as a good holiday destination but I know little to 
>> nothing about it, other than there's a good ferry to the mainland and 
>> of course its connection with Napoleon!
> 
> Thank-you so much for all the information Sacha, I think we shall leave 
> it until September.  Barry is very interested in all things Napoleonic, 
> and I don't mind being lectured on the subject, so Sorrento would be 
> right up our street.

Elba for the Napoleon stuff!
-- 
Sacha
www.hillhousenursery.com
Shrubs & perennials. Tender & exotics.
South Devon

In message , Sacha 
 writes
>On 2009-07-03 15:18:28 +0100, June Hughes 
> said:
>
>> In message , Sacha 
>> writes
>>
>>>  I wouldn't choose to go to Italy in August.  It's not only hot, 
>>>it's  when the Italians take their holidays.  Some businesses, 
>>>museums and other sights are closed and in seaside resorts prices go 
>>>stratospheric for everything from a glass of water to a hotel room. 
>>>After  Ferragosto, which is the Feast of the Assumption of the BVM on 
>>>August  15, now celebrated in very secular ways on the beaches, they 
>>>home and it all begins to calm down, both in terms of crowds and 
>>>prices.  I was once sailing in Sardinia during August and the 
>>>population of Palau more than doubled for those few weeks.  I was 
>>>deeply thankful to be on a boat and not having to struggle through a 
>>>crowded town every day.
>>> I'd plump for September as being cooler but still warm, the sea will 
>>>be lovely for swimming and many of the crowds will have dispersed. 
>>>In Sorrento and Florence we were told that the weather can change 
>>>very abruptly in October and become wet and windy.  In and around 
>>>Sorrento  there's plenty to see and do and my Italian sister in law 
>>>also recommends Elba as a good holiday destination but I know little 
>>>to nothing about it, other than there's a good ferry to the mainland 
>>>and  of course its connection with Napoleon!
>>  Thank-you so much for all the information Sacha, I think we shall 
>>leave it until September.  Barry is very interested in all things 
>>Napoleonic, and I don't mind being lectured on the subject, so 
>>Sorrento would be right up our street.
>
>Elba for the Napoleon stuff!

Ah yes - Able was I ere I saw Elba :)
-- 
June Hughes

On Fri, 3 Jul 2009 11:03:08 +0100, June Hughes
 wrote:

> Does anyone know anything about Sorrento, please?  

Er...   well it's off to the right as I go down the autostrada to
Sicily (or the left, coming back).

>  I have a similar query about Andalucia

Alas I don't even have a passing aquaintance, something I must change.

Matthew

-- 
Mail to this account goes to the bit bucket.
In the unlikely event you want to mail me replace usenet with my name

Following up to June Hughes 

>  I have a similar 
> query about Andalucia (not the beachy, touristy  parts).

Andalucia hasnt got much in the way of package resorts, there are
traditional spanish resorts of course, like Sanlucar, nothing like what you
see in Brit brochures, thats mainly on the east coast. Theres sherry,
theres the Alhambra, theres Cadiz, Sevilla etc. Theres Cabo de Gato which
has naturist beaches away from San Jose, I can tell you the way to there
:-) Any specific questions?
Have a read here "http://www.fell-walker.co.uk/andalus.htm"

Most people would want to do the Alhambra, drink some sherry and see some
*real* flamenco in say Cadiz. Maybe see the coto donaña either on a tour on
across the quadalivir from near Bonanza (cue old TV theme music).
Cordoba and the Mesquita is compulsory IMHO
-- 
Mike... .  .   .    .  
Spanish food "http://www.fell-walker.co.uk/espania.htm"
remove clothing to email

Following up to Matthew Malthouse 

>>  I have a similar query about Andalucia
> 
> Alas I don't even have a passing aquaintance, something I must change.

would you pass the sanlucar test?
"http://www.fell-walker.co.uk/sanluc1.htm"
-- 
Mike... .  .   .    .  
Spanish food "http://www.fell-walker.co.uk/espania.htm"
remove clothing to email

On Sat, 4 Jul 2009 11:57:40 +0100, "Mike.. .  ."
 wrote:


Troll spam.

Following up to Mike.. .  . 

> Andalucia hasnt got much in the way of package resorts,

there are places round Malaga, like Torremolinos, but Malaga itself is
nice, old town, shopping, castle, picasso stuff, harbour, gardens, moorish
palace, good old money restaurants
-- 
Mike... .  .   .    .  
Spanish food "http://www.fell-walker.co.uk/espania.htm"
remove clothing to email

In message <1eedwjunotm3a.1j9uwuam0bkxz$.dlg@40tude.net>, Mike.. . . 
 writes
>Following up to June Hughes
>
>>  I have a similar
>> query about Andalucia (not the beachy, touristy  parts).
>
>Andalucia hasnt got much in the way of package resorts,

Am I the package holiday type??  Having said that, the holiday Bas has 
in mind was advertised in the Observer and my one reservation is that 
there are two or three organised coach trips, which I am a bit concerned 
about - mainly because I wouldn't go on coach trips here in the UK. 
They also sound like the things old people do on holiday but I am 
willing to be persuaded otherwise.
>there are
>traditional spanish resorts of course, like Sanlucar, nothing like what you
>see in Brit brochures, thats mainly on the east coast. Theres sherry,
>theres the Alhambra, theres Cadiz, Sevilla etc. Theres Cabo de Gato which
>has naturist beaches away from San Jose, I can tell you the way to there
>:-) Any specific questions?

See above.  I haven't read all your replies yet and am very grateful 
that you, like Sacha re Sorrento, have taken the time to be so detailed. 
As most people here know, we are not the type of people who go abroad a 
lot these days and our knowledge of most of Europe regarding holidays is 
scant to say the least.

>Have a read here "http://www.fell-walker.co.uk/andalus.htm"
>

Will do.

>Most people would want to do the Alhambra, drink some sherry and see some
>*real* flamenco in say Cadiz. Maybe see the coto donaña either on a tour on
>across the quadalivir from near Bonanza (cue old TV theme music).
>Cordoba and the Mesquita is compulsory IMHO

Sounds good to me.  There was a free CD in the Guardian yesterday and 
another today with a short introduction to the Spanish language, so I 
shall put it on my i-pod and have a go at it on the tube.  It may 
attract funny looks but who cares:)


-- 
June Hughes

In message <1v0cfgrtmlqxf$.1lsrhe4sv5dg$.dlg@40tude.net>, Mike.. .  . 
 writes
>Following up to Mike.. .  .
>
>> Andalucia hasnt got much in the way of package resorts,
>
>there are places round Malaga, like Torremolinos, but Malaga itself is
>nice, old town, shopping, castle, picasso stuff, harbour, gardens, moorish
>palace, good old money restaurants

'Old money restaurants'?  Que?
-- 
June Hughes

Following up to June Hughes 

>>there are places round Malaga, like Torremolinos, but Malaga itself is
>>nice, old town, shopping, castle, picasso stuff, harbour, gardens, moorish
>>palace, good old money restaurants
> 
> 'Old money restaurants'?  Que?

places frequented by families like the Nadals, who didnt buy thier
furniture. Traditional, dark wood, that kind of thing.
-- 
Mike... .  .   .    .  
Spanish food "http://www.fell-walker.co.uk/espania.htm"
remove clothing to email

Following up to June Hughes 

>>>  I have a similar
>>> query about Andalucia (not the beachy, touristy  parts).
>>
>>Andalucia hasnt got much in the way of package resorts,
> 
> Am I the package holiday type??  

you said you wanted to avoid those places.

>Having said that, the holiday Bas has 
> in mind was advertised in the Observer and my one reservation is that 
> there are two or three organised coach trips, which I am a bit concerned 
> about - mainly because I wouldn't go on coach trips here in the UK. 
> They also sound like the things old people do on holiday but I am 
> willing to be persuaded otherwise.

anything with "organised" or "coach" in it will be around a load of Brits,
wont it? Probably old ones. Our approach is to book two paradors some
distance apart and drive between them by the slowest route.


-- 
Mike... .  .   .    .  
Spanish food "http://www.fell-walker.co.uk/espania.htm"
remove clothing to email

Following up to Mike.. .  . 

> Our approach is to book two paradors some
> distance apart and drive between them by the slowest route.

(many people now book car/flight/hotels via the internet rather than a
holiday package although its easier if you know the country). 
-- 
Mike... .  .   .    .  
Spanish food "http://www.fell-walker.co.uk/espania.htm"
remove clothing to email

In message <1em6mvrxw5mp1.142nqzovdjt1g$.dlg@40tude.net>, Mike.. . . 
 writes
>Following up to June Hughes
>
>>>there are places round Malaga, like Torremolinos, but Malaga itself is
>>>nice, old town, shopping, castle, picasso stuff, harbour, gardens, moorish
>>>palace, good old money restaurants
>>
>> 'Old money restaurants'?  Que?
>
>places frequented by families like the Nadals, who didnt buy thier
>furniture. Traditional, dark wood, that kind of thing.
  Home from home then :)
-- 
June Hughes

In message <sa2oq2kkorsn.1p5es12yfkcpu$.dlg@40tude.net>, Mike.. .  . 
 writes
>Following up to Mike.. .  .
>
>> Our approach is to book two paradors some
>> distance apart and drive between them by the slowest route.
>
>(many people now book car/flight/hotels via the internet rather than a
>holiday package although its easier if you know the country).
The nearest I have ever been to a package holiday is Center Parcs.
-- 
June Hughes

On 2009-07-05 11:07:56 +0100, June Hughes 
 said:

> In message <sa2oq2kkorsn.1p5es12yfkcpu$.dlg@40tude.net>, Mike.. .  . 
>  writes
>> Following up to Mike.. .  .
>> 
>>> Our approach is to book two paradors some
>>> distance apart and drive between them by the slowest route.
>> 
>> (many people now book car/flight/hotels via the internet rather than a
>> holiday package although its easier if you know the country).
> The nearest I have ever been to a package holiday is Center Parcs.

How about finding a travel agent who specialises in the area you're 
interested in and tell them what kind of holiday you want.  If they're 
good, they should be able to help you find the right place/s to stay, 
things to see and warn you if the coach tours are likely to be for 
people doing the things that interest you, or those who prefer to wear 
silly hats and sing La Paloma Blanca on their travels between bars!!  
We're not into crowded sight seeing trips but sometimes coach trips are 
a good way of seeing the top sites in a time-efficient way.    I 
absolutely agree with Mike about paradors - very well worth considering 
from my sole experience.
-- 
Sacha
www.hillhousenursery.com
Shrubs & perennials. Tender & exotics.
South Devon

In message , Sacha 
 writes
>On 2009-07-05 11:07:56 +0100, June Hughes 
> said:
>
>> In message <sa2oq2kkorsn.1p5es12yfkcpu$.dlg@40tude.net>, Mike.. .  . 
>> writes
>>> Following up to Mike.. .  .
>>>
>>>> Our approach is to book two paradors some
>>>> distance apart and drive between them by the slowest route.
>>>  (many people now book car/flight/hotels via the internet rather 
>>>than a
>>> holiday package although its easier if you know the country).
>> The nearest I have ever been to a package holiday is Center Parcs.
>
>How about finding a travel agent who specialises in the area you're 
>interested in and tell them what kind of holiday you want.  If they're 
>good, they should be able to help you find the right place/s to stay, 
>things to see and warn you if the coach tours are likely to be for 
>people doing the things that interest you, or those who prefer to wear 
>silly hats and sing La Paloma Blanca on their travels between bars!! 
>We're not into crowded sight seeing trips but sometimes coach trips are 
>a good way of seeing the top sites in a time-efficient way.    I 
>absolutely agree with Mike about paradors - very well worth considering 
>from my sole experience.

Thanks Sacha.  As Barry pointed out, Guardian/Observer readers are not 
likely to be the kind of people who prefer to wear silly hats and sing 
La Paloma Blanca but you never know.  We aren't planning to go to Europe 
until autumn now, so shall investigate.  In the meantime, I think we may 
just scoot off to Devon or Cornwall some time in August whilst the kids 
are around to look after things here.
-- 
June Hughes

On Sat, 4 Jul 2009 11:57:40 +0100, "Mike.. .  ."
 wrote:

> Following up to Matthew Malthouse 
> 
> >>  I have a similar query about Andalucia
> > 
> > Alas I don't even have a passing aquaintance, something I must change.
> 
> would you pass the sanlucar test?
> "http://www.fell-walker.co.uk/sanluc1.htm"

I hope so.  Sounds like my sort of place.  Along with mountain roads
that haven't seen any other traffic for a week except chaps like this:
http://www.calmeilles.co.uk/pictures/20040507/pages/1161.html


Matthew

-- 
Mail to this account goes to the bit bucket.
In the unlikely event you want to mail me replace usenet with my name

Following up to June Hughes 

>>places frequented by families like the Nadals, who didnt buy thier
>>furniture. Traditional, dark wood, that kind of thing.

>   Home from home then :)

one is accustomed to such things :-)
-- 
Mike... .  .   .    .  
Spanish food "http://www.fell-walker.co.uk/espania.htm"
remove clothing to email

Following up to Matthew Malthouse 

> I hope so.  Sounds like my sort of place.  Along with mountain roads
> that haven't seen any other traffic for a week except chaps like this:
> http://www.calmeilles.co.uk/pictures/20040507/pages/1161.html

you should go!
-- 
Mike... .  .   .    .  
Spanish food "http://www.fell-walker.co.uk/espania.htm"
remove clothing to email

Following up to June Hughes 

> Guardian/Observer readers are not 
> likely to be the kind of people who prefer to wear silly hats and sing 
> La Paloma Blanca but you never know.  

true, but still Brits not locals

>We aren't planning to go to Europe 
> until autumn now, so shall investigate.

are you not already in Europe? :-)
-- 
Mike... .  .   .    .  
Spanish food "http://www.fell-walker.co.uk/espania.htm"
remove clothing to email

On Mon, 6 Jul 2009 00:35:46 +0100, "Mike.. .  ."
 wrote:

>you should go!

You should go, troll.

Following up to June Hughes 

>>(many people now book car/flight/hotels via the internet rather than a
>>holiday package although its easier if you know the country).

> The nearest I have ever been to a package holiday is Center Parcs.

I started off with packages, no actually I started by just driving off in
an old banger but then did some packages, now we travel independently. Not
really sure what it is you are thinking of signing up for, if it has coach
trips and the flight/hotels etc are packaged together......
-- 
Mike... .  .   .    .  
Spanish food "http://www.fell-walker.co.uk/espania.htm"
remove clothing to email

Following up to Mike.. .  . 

>> Guardian/Observer readers are not 
>> likely to be the kind of people who prefer to wear silly hats and sing 
>> La Paloma Blanca but you never know.  
> 
> true, but still Brits not locals

I'm a bit unclear what you mean here? Are you using "package" to mean
idiots going to the sun and something else for "tours" of sensible people?
I've been on plenty of "packages" in the past, it meant you didnt choose
your flight time, you had to endure a coach transfer and the hotel was full
of other Brits but until recently it was the way of getting a cheap deal.
If you hired a car you could escape the tourist ghetto to the usually
better locals beaches. Then came the internet.
-- 
Mike... .  .   .    .  
Spanish food "http://www.fell-walker.co.uk/espania.htm"
remove clothing to email

In message <s99mee61umj9$.1ddn0w9qplb1v$.dlg@40tude.net>, Mike.. . . 
 writes
>Following up to June Hughes
>
>> Guardian/Observer readers are not
>> likely to be the kind of people who prefer to wear silly hats and sing
>> La Paloma Blanca but you never know.
>
>true, but still Brits not locals
>
>>We aren't planning to go to Europe
>> until autumn now, so shall investigate.
>
>are you not already in Europe? :-)

<G>  Yes but not in any of the other countries.
-- 
June Hughes

In message <ohy7loubc4n8$.8n91ag77wjqk.dlg@40tude.net>, Mike.. .  . 
 writes
>Following up to June Hughes
>
>>>(many people now book car/flight/hotels via the internet rather than a
>>>holiday package although its easier if you know the country).
>
>> The nearest I have ever been to a package holiday is Center Parcs.
>
>I started off with packages, no actually I started by just driving off in
>an old banger but then did some packages, now we travel independently. Not
>really sure what it is you are thinking of signing up for, if it has coach
>trips and the flight/hotels etc are packaged together......

A package offered by some travel co linked to the Observer.  I shall try 
and find a link.
-- 
June Hughes

In message <1qlzd1yomvgc4$.ercrk3ksci3m.dlg@40tude.net>, Mike.. .  . 
 writes
>Following up to Mike.. .  .
>
>>> Guardian/Observer readers are not
>>> likely to be the kind of people who prefer to wear silly hats and sing
>>> La Paloma Blanca but you never know.
>>
>> true, but still Brits not locals
>
>I'm a bit unclear what you mean here? Are you using "package" to mean
>idiots going to the sun and something else for "tours" of sensible people?
>I've been on plenty of "packages" in the past, it meant you didnt choose
>your flight time, you had to endure a coach transfer and the hotel was full
>of other Brits but until recently it was the way of getting a cheap deal.
>If you hired a car you could escape the tourist ghetto to the usually
>better locals beaches. Then came the internet.

Now you have really confused me.  Are you replying to Sacha or yourself?
-- 
June Hughes

Following up to June Hughes 

>>I'm a bit unclear what you mean here? Are you using "package" to mean
>>idiots going to the sun and something else for "tours" of sensible people?
>>I've been on plenty of "packages" in the past, it meant you didnt choose
>>your flight time, you had to endure a coach transfer and the hotel was full
>>of other Brits but until recently it was the way of getting a cheap deal.
>>If you hired a car you could escape the tourist ghetto to the usually
>>better locals beaches. Then came the internet.
> 
> Now you have really confused me.  Are you replying to Sacha or yourself?

a supplementary to you. I was unclear what is a "package" you would never
go on and what is a package that is OK.
-- 
Mike... .  .   .    .  
Spanish food "http://www.fell-walker.co.uk/espania.htm"
remove clothing to email

On Mon, 6 Jul 2009 08:27:10 +0100, June Hughes
 wrote:

>Are you replying to Sacha or yourself?

The troll's always replying to himself. Have you not noticed before,
troll keeper?

On Mon, 6 Jul 2009 08:07:35 +0100, "Mike.. .  ."
 wrote:

>Following up to June Hughes 
>
>>>(many people now book car/flight/hotels via the internet rather than a
>>>holiday package although its easier if you know the country).
>
>> The nearest I have ever been to a package holiday is Center Parcs.
>
>I started off with packages, no actually I started by just driving off in
>an old banger but then did some packages, now we travel independently. Not
>really sure what it is you are thinking of signing up for, if it has coach
>trips and the flight/hotels etc are packaged together......

Isn't this irrelevant to this group?

On 2009-07-06 00:37:34 +0100, "Mike.. .  ." 
 said:

> Following up to June Hughes
> 
>> Guardian/Observer readers are not
>> likely to be the kind of people who prefer to wear silly hats and sing
>> La Paloma Blanca but you never know.
> 
> true, but still Brits not locals
> 
>> We aren't planning to go to Europe
>> until autumn now, so shall investigate.
> 
> are you not already in Europe? :-)

It's cut off by fog.
-- 
Sacha
www.hillhousenursery.com
Shrubs & perennials. Tender & exotics.
South Devon

On 2009-07-06 08:07:35 +0100, "Mike.. .  ." 
 said:

> Following up to June Hughes
> 
>>> (many people now book car/flight/hotels via the internet rather than a
>>> holiday package although its easier if you know the country).
> 
>> The nearest I have ever been to a package holiday is Center Parcs.
> 
> I started off with packages, no actually I started by just driving off in
> an old banger but then did some packages, now we travel independently. Not
> really sure what it is you are thinking of signing up for, if it has coach
> trips and the flight/hotels etc are packaged together......

Sometimes you get a much better deal if you book a package but do your 
own thing once you get to your destination.  When the travel rep holds 
the "cheap glass of wine and sign up for all the coach tours" thing, 
you can smile and say 'no thank you', while making your own 
arrangements to join tours that may be more to your taste.  And I'd 
recommend TripAdvisor highly to anyone visiting a country for the first 
time or considering a hotel.  These are real reviews written by real, 
paying customers so it's warts and all.  http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/
-- 
Sacha
www.hillhousenursery.com
Shrubs & perennials. Tender & exotics.
South Devon

In message , Mike.. .  . 
 writes
>Following up to June Hughes
>
>>>I'm a bit unclear what you mean here? Are you using "package" to mean
>>>idiots going to the sun and something else for "tours" of sensible people?
>>>I've been on plenty of "packages" in the past, it meant you didnt choose
>>>your flight time, you had to endure a coach transfer and the hotel was full
>>>of other Brits but until recently it was the way of getting a cheap deal.
>>>If you hired a car you could escape the tourist ghetto to the usually
>>>better locals beaches. Then came the internet.
>>
>> Now you have really confused me.  Are you replying to Sacha or yourself?
>
>a supplementary to you. I was unclear what is a "package" you would never
>go on and what is a package that is OK.

I meant I'd never really been on a 'package' holiday ie one where  you 
look through brochures then go to the travel agent and book a set 
holiday at a specific hotel etc, etc.  Here is the link to the one we've 
been looking at.

http://guardian.co.uk/holidayoffers

Code GDNCS
-- 
June Hughes

On Mon, 6 Jul 2009 09:30:26 +0100, Sacha  wrote:

>On 2009-07-06 08:07:35 +0100, "Mike.. .  ." 
> said:
>
>> Following up to June Hughes
>> 
>>>> (many people now book car/flight/hotels via the internet rather than a
>>>> holiday package although its easier if you know the country).
>> 
>>> The nearest I have ever been to a package holiday is Center Parcs.
>> 
>> I started off with packages, no actually I started by just driving off in
>> an old banger but then did some packages, now we travel independently. Not
>> really sure what it is you are thinking of signing up for, if it has coach
>> trips and the flight/hotels etc are packaged together......
>
>Sometimes you get a much better deal if you book a package but do your 
>own thing once you get to your destination.  When the travel rep holds 
>the "cheap glass of wine and sign up for all the coach tours" thing, 
>you can smile and say 'no thank you', while making your own 
>arrangements to join tours that may be more to your taste.  And I'd 
>recommend TripAdvisor highly to anyone visiting a country for the first 
>time or considering a hotel.  These are real reviews written by real, 
>paying customers so it's warts and all.  http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/

Isn't this irrelevant to this group?

In message , Sacha 
 writes
>On 2009-07-06 08:07:35 +0100, "Mike.. .  ." 
> said:
>
>> Following up to June Hughes
>>
>>>> (many people now book car/flight/hotels via the internet rather 
>>>>than a
>>>> holiday package although its easier if you know the country).
>>
>>> The nearest I have ever been to a package holiday is Center Parcs.
>>  I started off with packages, no actually I started by just driving 
>>off in
>> an old banger but then did some packages, now we travel independently. Not
>> really sure what it is you are thinking of signing up for, if it has coach
>> trips and the flight/hotels etc are packaged together......
>
>Sometimes you get a much better deal if you book a package but do your 
>own thing once you get to your destination.  When the travel rep holds 
>the "cheap glass of wine and sign up for all the coach tours" thing, 
>you can smile and say 'no thank you', while making your own 
>arrangements to join tours that may be more to your taste.  And I'd 
>recommend TripAdvisor highly to anyone visiting a country for the first 
>time or considering a hotel.  These are real reviews written by real, 
>paying customers so it's warts and all.  http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/

I have now book-marked that.  Thanks, Sacha.
-- 
June Hughes

On Mon, 6 Jul 2009 10:32:29 +0100, June Hughes
 wrote:

>In message , Sacha 
> writes
>>On 2009-07-06 08:07:35 +0100, "Mike.. .  ." 
>> said:
>>
>>> Following up to June Hughes
>>>
>>>>> (many people now book car/flight/hotels via the internet rather 
>>>>>than a
>>>>> holiday package although its easier if you know the country).
>>>
>>>> The nearest I have ever been to a package holiday is Center Parcs.
>>>  I started off with packages, no actually I started by just driving 
>>>off in
>>> an old banger but then did some packages, now we travel independently. Not
>>> really sure what it is you are thinking of signing up for, if it has coach
>>> trips and the flight/hotels etc are packaged together......
>>
>>Sometimes you get a much better deal if you book a package but do your 
>>own thing once you get to your destination.  When the travel rep holds 
>>the "cheap glass of wine and sign up for all the coach tours" thing, 
>>you can smile and say 'no thank you', while making your own 
>>arrangements to join tours that may be more to your taste.  And I'd 
>>recommend TripAdvisor highly to anyone visiting a country for the first 
>>time or considering a hotel.  These are real reviews written by real, 
>>paying customers so it's warts and all.  http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/
>
>I have now book-marked that.  Thanks, Sacha.

Isn't this irrelevant to this group?

Following up to Sacha 

>> are you not already in Europe? :-)
> 
> It's cut off by fog.

LOL, I remember it well :-)
-- 
Mike... .  .   .    .  
Spanish food "http://www.fell-walker.co.uk/espania.htm"
remove clothing to email

Following up to June Hughes 

> I meant I'd never really been on a 'package' holiday ie one where  you 
> look through brochures then go to the travel agent and book a set 
> holiday at a specific hotel etc, etc.  Here is the link to the one we've 
> been looking at.
> 
> http://guardian.co.uk/holidayoffers

clear now, a "cultural tour".  No riff-raff. :-)

these tours make it much easier if you dont know a country and dont have
any of the language. 

The Alhambra is surely the premier site in Spain (Granada itself isnt) but
its stuffed with tourists till the last hour or so when the coaches have
gone.
The Mesquita in Cordoba is not quite as crowded and there is authentic
flamenco in the same square, if you are lucky, (nothing in Andalucia runs
to time, anything flamenco even less so). But I notice Cordoba is getting
more touristy, there are tapasy bars that open at 6 and close at 11, rather
than 9 till late.
I would probably just book a flight/transfer to a Cordoba hotel and explore
the one place BUT i've been to all of Spain a lot and I have language back
up, so its a different approach, whatever you do do not end up thinking the
andalucian habits and food are typical of Spain as is commonly believed.
-- 
Mike... .  .   .    .  
Spanish food "http://www.fell-walker.co.uk/espania.htm"
remove clothing to email

In message <a70slwwofgow.1bpwb50smswib$.dlg@40tude.net>, Mike.. . . 
 writes
>Following up to June Hughes
>
>> I meant I'd never really been on a 'package' holiday ie one where  you
>> look through brochures then go to the travel agent and book a set
>> holiday at a specific hotel etc, etc.  Here is the link to the one we've
>> been looking at.
>>
>> http://guardian.co.uk/holidayoffers
>
>clear now, a "cultural tour".  No riff-raff. :-)
>
>these tours make it much easier if you dont know a country and dont have
>any of the language.
>
>The Alhambra is surely the premier site in Spain (Granada itself isnt) but
>its stuffed with tourists till the last hour or so when the coaches have
>gone.
>The Mesquita in Cordoba is not quite as crowded and there is authentic
>flamenco in the same square, if you are lucky, (nothing in Andalucia runs
>to time, anything flamenco even less so). But I notice Cordoba is getting
>more touristy, there are tapasy bars that open at 6 and close at 11, rather
>than 9 till late.
>I would probably just book a flight/transfer to a Cordoba hotel and explore
>the one place BUT i've been to all of Spain a lot and I have language back
>up, so its a different approach, whatever you do do not end up thinking the
>andalucian habits and food are typical of Spain as is commonly believed.

Thank-you for all the info, Mike.  I think I shall go ahead and book it. 
My Spanish course (courtesy of Saturday's Guardian and the rest of this 
week's papers) Michel Thomas - is now on my ipod but I couldn't hear a 
word of it on Saturday on the tube, so that idea has gone out of the 
window.  I had some very peculiar looks when I took it to the park on 
the dog-walk yesterday.  Silly old bat muttering phrases in Spanish all 
the way round the park :)
-- 
June Hughes
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Following up to June Hughes 

> Michel Thomas

he is good, I have that one.
-- 
Mike... .  .   .    .  
Spanish food "http://www.fell-walker.co.uk/espania.htm"
remove clothing to email

In message <1wgnhzt1yp795.1jwwcn0em7m3m$.dlg@40tude.net>, Mike.. .  . 
 writes
>Following up to June Hughes
>
>> Michel Thomas
>
>he is good, I have that one.

There is one man student, who is OK and one lady, who keeps getting 
things wrong.  (a bit sexist:).  There are 2 CD's and a daily phrase 
book this week.
-- 
June Hughes

In article , 
ste@zen.uk.invalid says...
> On Mon, 6 Jul 2009 08:07:35 +0100, "Mike.. .  ."
>  wrote:
> 
> >Following up to June Hughes 
> >
> >>>(many people now book car/flight/hotels via the internet rather than a
> >>>holiday package although its easier if you know the country).
> >
> >> The nearest I have ever been to a package holiday is Center Parcs.
> >
> >I started off with packages, no actually I started by just driving off in
> >an old banger but then did some packages, now we travel independently. Not
> >really sure what it is you are thinking of signing up for, if it has coach
> >trips and the flight/hotels etc are packaged together......
> 
> Isn't this irrelevant to this group?
> 
;