Hey, Alan!
Davida Chazan - The Chocolate Lady
(I'm going there on holiday in August for over 2 weeks and need advice
on how best to spend my time there.)
--
Davida Chazan (The Chocolate Lady)
<davidac AT jdc DOT org DOT il>
~*~*~*~*~*~
"What you see before you, my friend, is the result of a lifetime of
chocolate."
--Katharine Hepburn (May 12, 1907 - June 29, 2003)
~*~*~*~*~*~
Ray__(H)_
<7zcm...@sneakemail.com> wrote:
>Which part of Scotland is the nicest to visit?
>
>(I'm going there on holiday in August for over 2 weeks and need advice
>on how best to spend my time there.)
I spent two weeks in Scotland in August 1979. It was the worst winter of my
life.
Ray
SPAM is not a food group. I'm just fed up with it.
Use rhaddad(at)iexpress(dot)net(dot)au to reply.
RJM
news:ogju90pd5412dvdo0...@4ax.com...
> Which part of Scotland is the nicest to visit?
How would he know, he's in the U.S. Go North, make your base at Tongue.
Excellent hotels.
> (I'm going there on holiday in August for over 2 weeks and need advice
> on how best to spend my time there.)
With your eyes open. Go fishing, make sure you take plenty of gear or you'll
have to hire, and you know what the jocks are like.
Alan Hope
>Which part of Scotland is the nicest to visit?
>(I'm going there on holiday in August for over 2 weeks and need advice
>on how best to spend my time there.)
Don't try to base yourself in Edinburgh, because the Festival is on in
August, but do try to take in part of it while you're there. There's
nothing quite like it.
On the other hand, I'm a West Coast man, and I'd concentrate on the
Western side, from Loch Lomond (just north of Glasgow) up to Fort
William via Glencoe, and back down along the coast, perhaps including
the FW-Mallaig railway if it's still running.
It is, according to http://www.scotrail.co.uk/scotrwhl.htm, and it
seems you may even be able to do it by steam train in "summer".
There's a wealth of information on the Web, needless to say. People
like http://www.scotland-inverness.co.uk/selfdrive.htm allow you to
arrange bespoke tours in advance, though you can obviously take
pot-luck and stumble upon B&Bs wherever you happen to be.
The attracitively-named http://www.arachnid.co.uk/ has what looks like
a lot of information for travellers looking to leave the beaten track
behind. B&B at Strontian, near Mallaig, for instance, only three
rooms, GBP19 pp per night, all mod cons, full Scottish breakfast, very
pretty site, email address and link to website
http://www.heatherbankbb.co.uk/.
And so on.
Finding a place to stay in Edinburgh during August is a nightmare, but
there are messages at http://tinyurl.com/3dmdq where, I'm told, swaps
can be arranged. Maybe someone would like to take over your house
while you're away?
Otherwise book early, or stay outside the city, and don't stay too
long. Even spending a fortune on a flash hotel won't help, as you'll
be crowded out by Placido Domingo, Angus Deayton, JK Rowling and the
BBC's Kirstie Wark. The answer is to root around at B&Bs near but not
too near (everything reasonable is taken by struggling actors
appearing in a little show that's "a sort of cross between Pinter and
Damien Hirst"). It would be a shame not to see at least something,
though.
--
AH
Davida Chazan - The Chocolate Lady
On Mon, 10 May 2004 13:35:23 +0200, Alan Hope <ah...@skynet.be> wrote:
>On the other hand, I'm a West Coast man, and I'd concentrate on the
>Western side, from Loch Lomond (just north of Glasgow) up to Fort
>William via Glencoe, and back down along the coast, perhaps including
>the FW-Mallaig railway if it's still running.
Thanks for the info. We'll probably rent a car. And we're looking
into hiring a self-service place - one week just outside Edinburgh,
one week elsewhere.
Its the elsewhere that we're not sure of yet. We like historical
places (ruins, etc.) and going for walks (where there's some climbing,
but nothing that needs special equipment) with beautiful views. And
water... lots of water. Not for swimming in, but for looking at -
you know, falls and brooks, etc.
Does the West have lots of that?
Shopping isn't a priority, but if we pass through Waterford...
(Just a water glass or two, you know.)
Davida Chazan - The Chocolate Lady
<RayBL...@hawksnest.info> wrote:
>On Mon, 10 May 2004 11:42:19 +0200, Davida Chazan - The Chocolate Lady
><7zcm...@sneakemail.com> wrote:
>
>>Which part of Scotland is the nicest to visit?
>>
>>(I'm going there on holiday in August for over 2 weeks and need advice
>>on how best to spend my time there.)
>
>I spent two weeks in Scotland in August 1979. It was the worst winter of my
>life.
Sounds perfect to me!
Davida Chazan - The Chocolate Lady
<scrat...@btinternet.com> wrote:
>"Davida Chazan - The Chocolate Lady" <7zcm...@sneakemail.com> wrote in message
>news:ogju90pd5412dvdo0...@4ax.com...
>
>> Which part of Scotland is the nicest to visit?
>
>How would he know, he's in the U.S. Go North, make your base at Tongue.
>Excellent hotels.
A bit *too* far North, I fear.
>> (I'm going there on holiday in August for over 2 weeks and need advice
>> on how best to spend my time there.)
>
>With your eyes open.
Well, DUR!!!
>Go fishing, make sure you take plenty of gear or you'll
>have to hire, and you know what the jocks are like.
Literally speaking - that's not our thing.
(Metaphorically speaking, I can't. Going with my husband, doncha
know.)
David M. Harris
> Which part of Scotland is the nicest to visit?
>
> (I'm going there on holiday in August for over 2 weeks and need advice
> on how best to spend my time there.)
>
Highlands and to St. Andrews, with one overnighter up to Inverness.
Edinburgh is worth a few days by itself. If you can rent a car, pop
over to Stirling and visit a few villages on the way. Wandering around
is a great way to see Scotland.
dmh
Davida Chazan - The Chocolate Lady
Car rental is on the books. And we were thinking of flying back to
London from Inverness. But if the Festival is on, I think Edinburgh
is mostly out.
(Unless I can be assured to get to meet Placido!!!)
Alan Hope
>NOTE: My Correct Address is in my signature (just remove the spaces).
>On Mon, 10 May 2004 13:35:23 +0200, Alan Hope <ah...@skynet.be> wrote:
>>On the other hand, I'm a West Coast man, and I'd concentrate on the
>>Western side, from Loch Lomond (just north of Glasgow) up to Fort
>>William via Glencoe, and back down along the coast, perhaps including
>>the FW-Mallaig railway if it's still running.
>Thanks for the info. We'll probably rent a car. And we're looking
>into hiring a self-service place - one week just outside Edinburgh,
>one week elsewhere.
That sounds like a plan.
>Its the elsewhere that we're not sure of yet. We like historical
>places (ruins, etc.) and going for walks (where there's some climbing,
>but nothing that needs special equipment) with beautiful views. And
>water... lots of water. Not for swimming in, but for looking at -
>you know, falls and brooks, etc.
>Does the West have lots of that?
Lots.
>Shopping isn't a priority, but if we pass through Waterford...
>(Just a water glass or two, you know.)
If you should happen to pass through Waterford, fire your travel
agent, because Waterford is in Ireland. Try instead something like
this tasteful thistle-shaped claret decanter from Edinburgh Crystal,
at http://tinyurl.com/ysay5, only 400 quid to you.
--
AH
Bob (this one)
I still have a purloined ashtray from a hotel in Paisley called
Friarshall. Has sugar-free candies in it now. No real whiz-bang things
did I find in Scotland, but lots of little moments. Interesting food,
fine conversation and, delightfully, lots of Scotch whisky.
Stirling castle is most assuredly worth the jaunt. Even the areas
considered less than interesting (e.g. Glasgow) can be interesting if
you haven't been there before.
I found that changing to a type "B" from my customary "A" made life a
good bit easier for all concerned. Then there was driving on the other
side of the street and doing just fine until I came to a traffic
circle (roundabout) and snarled everything for a couple dozen
irritable, um, foreigners. I enjoyed Scotland and just wandering
around poking into things that aroused my curiosity was good, quiet fun.
Pastorio
Davida Chazan - The Chocolate Lady
>If you should happen to pass through Waterford, fire your travel
>agent, because Waterford is in Ireland.
Stupid me! We originally were going to go to Ireland, but just
changed our minds the other day. I guess that city got stuck in my
brain.
>Try instead something like
>this tasteful thistle-shaped claret decanter from Edinburgh Crystal,
>at http://tinyurl.com/ysay5, only 400 quid to you.
Um... what about the one at the bottom of this list
http://www.edinburgh-crystal.co.uk/under100.asp
(If not, I'll go for a photo of the Loch Ness Monster!)
Alan Hope
>NOTE: My Correct Address is in my signature (just remove the spaces).
>On Mon, 10 May 2004 15:57:22 +0200, Alan Hope <ah...@skynet.be> wrote:
>>If you should happen to pass through Waterford, fire your travel
>>agent, because Waterford is in Ireland.
>Stupid me! We originally were going to go to Ireland, but just
>changed our minds the other day. I guess that city got stuck in my
>brain.
>>Try instead something like
>>this tasteful thistle-shaped claret decanter from Edinburgh Crystal,
>>at http://tinyurl.com/ysay5, only 400 quid to you.
>Um... what about the one at the bottom of this list
>http://www.edinburgh-crystal.co.uk/under100.asp
>(If not, I'll go for a photo of the Loch Ness Monster!)
The Tain Small Bowl? Quite innocuous. I rather fancied the desk
penholder and notepad. Now that's chic.
--
AH
Alan Hope
>Stirling castle is most assuredly worth the jaunt. Even the areas
>considered less than interesting (e.g. Glasgow) can be interesting if
>you haven't been there before.
Glasgow's changed for me and I lived there all my life, up until I
stopped living there. It's been gentrified, in those portions tourists
are likely to see, and even some they're not.
To my newsdesk's chagrin, I've been poking around in that site I
suggested to Davida (http://www.arachnid.co.uk/ ) all afternoon, and
it does a good job on Glasgow. If anyone were thinking of going there,
I'd be forced to recommend meeting up with my family as on-site
guides, but I'd limit the recommendation to those hardy enough to
handle it.
They're not all as cultivated and civilised as what I am.
--
AH
Bill Funke
misc.writing wrote:
>NOTE: My Correct Address is in my signature (just remove the spaces).
>On Mon, 10 May 2004 13:35:23 +0200, Alan Hope <ah...@skynet.be> wrote:
>
>>On the other hand, I'm a West Coast man, and I'd concentrate on the
>>Western side, from Loch Lomond (just north of Glasgow) up to Fort
>>William via Glencoe, and back down along the coast, perhaps including
>>the FW-Mallaig railway if it's still running.
>
>Thanks for the info. We'll probably rent a car. And we're looking
>into hiring a self-service place - one week just outside Edinburgh,
>one week elsewhere.
>
>Its the elsewhere that we're not sure of yet. We like historical
>places (ruins, etc.) and going for walks (where there's some climbing,
>but nothing that needs special equipment) with beautiful views. And
>water... lots of water. Not for swimming in, but for looking at -
>you know, falls and brooks, etc.
>
>Does the West have lots of that?
There's water everywhere in Scotland.
When I was there, I found several interesting things.
Tourist offices where they book accomodations are common all over
Europe, but Scotland's were among the best. Not only will they book
you a room in town, but they will book you a room just about anywhere
in the country. Just drop into the office and tell them where you'll
be tomorrow, or later tonight, and in a half hour or so you'll have
the reservation and a little map showing you how to get to the place.
There was something called the Scottish Rail Rover, or some such
thing, which was like a Eurailpass, but something well under 20 pounds
a week. Good on all trains, busses and ferries north of Hadrian's
wall. Aside from privatisation trying its best to destroy all British
rail, the Scottish trains were a great way to travel. They went
through most of the good parts, and the busses go through most of the
rest.
The Ft. William-Maillog train is famous for its scenic route, but
others are fine, too. Going up to Stirling or Inverness from
Edinburgh is a great ride. So is heading to Kyle of Localsh or Oban.
Then there's the ferry to Skye, although the bridge is in now, so who
knows what the ferry is doing.
At the little whistle stops, you could get off the train and hike
through the moors, with well marked trails and survey maps available.
The end of the trail would be the next train station.
A car is handy, but perhaps just a daily rental when needed would be
the best idea.
Flying down to London can be a good deal with the discount airlines,
but the express train from Edinburgh is a llittle over four hours and
a very nice ride. Then there's another hour or so on the Metro to
whatever airport you're leaving from.
Haggis is not as bad as they say, although it's pretty bad. Tough to
find, though. They talk about it a lot, but nobody seems to actually
eat the stuff. Kinda like fruitcake, but you can't pass it on to
someone else next year.
Avoid pubs with huge signs outside saying "No Football Colors Allowed"
Alan Hope
This is all good, useful advice. Apart from the haggis. Haggis is the
food of the gods. Tell me where you'll be and I'll tell you where to
obtain some, properly done. Even in August.
--
AH
Thomas Armagost
Davida Chazan - The Chocolate Lady <7zcm...@sneakemail.com> wrote:
> "Ray__(H)_" <RayBL...@hawksnest.info> wrote:
>
>>> Which part of Scotland is the nicest to visit?
>
>>> (I'm going there on holiday in August for over 2 weeks and need
>>> advice on how best to spend my time there.)
>
>> I spent two weeks in Scotland in August 1979. It was the worst
>> winter of my life.
>
> Sounds perfect to me
Stirling. If the sun breaks through the clouds, changing the sky
from gray to pale blue, the 49 minute ride by rail to Edinburgh
can be visually beautiful.
BTW, Stirling is the home base of the Royal Argyll & Sutherland
Highlanders. The Sutherland clan motto, paraphrased, is: "Touch not
the cat without a glove."
Be sure to visit the castle. The guided bus tour is a good way to
go.
The best way to travel around Scotland is by rail.
<http://www.scotrail.co.uk/tourism.htm>
--
blog <http://www.well.com/user/silly/>
"Don't forget to register to vote" - Frank Zappa
Davida Chazan - The Chocolate Lady
>
>This is all good, useful advice. Apart from the haggis. Haggis is the
>food of the gods. Tell me where you'll be and I'll tell you where to
>obtain some, properly done. Even in August.
Before I do, just remind me - is there any pork in it? If so, its not
for me.
(Even before I kept Kosher I hated the taste of pork.)
Alan Hope
>NOTE: My Correct Address is in my signature (just remove the spaces).
>On Mon, 10 May 2004 21:16:17 +0200, Alan Hope <ah...@skynet.be> wrote:
>>This is all good, useful advice. Apart from the haggis. Haggis is the
>>food of the gods. Tell me where you'll be and I'll tell you where to
>>obtain some, properly done. Even in August.
>Before I do, just remind me - is there any pork in it? If so, its not
>for me.
>(Even before I kept Kosher I hated the taste of pork.)
No pork. It's all sheep through and through. Guaranteed only internal
parts, too! No hooves, ears, tails or wool. Now with no snout!
--
AH
Bill Funke
>NOTE: My Correct Address is in my signature (just remove the spaces).
>On Mon, 10 May 2004 21:16:17 +0200, Alan Hope <ah...@skynet.be> wrote:
>
>>
>>This is all good, useful advice. Apart from the haggis. Haggis is the
>>food of the gods. Tell me where you'll be and I'll tell you where to
>>obtain some, properly done. Even in August.
>
>Before I do, just remind me - is there any pork in it? If so, its not
>for me.
>
>(Even before I kept Kosher I hated the taste of pork.)
It's not supposed to have any-- liver, onions, oats, other stuff lying
around... generally from sheep and some local plants. And parboiled
in a sheep's stomach. They almost look like real food when lined up
neatly in the butcher's window.
But, you never know...
When I asked what the crunchy bits were, I was told there were no
crunchy bits.
(I personally suspect haggis was invented to solve certain 16th
century garbage disposal problems.)
Davida Chazan - The Chocolate Lady
OK, then. When I have my itinerary, I'll let you know and you get me
the places to go!!!
Davida Chazan - The Chocolate Lady
wrote:
>
>(I personally suspect haggis was invented to solve certain 16th
>century garbage disposal problems.)
Hehehe!
(Nice to have you back, Bill!)