Traveling Europe

[Chris N]

Hello all. This is a self-serving thread where I shall seek advice from people on my European travels. I have three weeks to spend in Europe and because I'm me, I'm very behind on my planning.

I'm interested in suggestions of things to see or cheap ways to travel there. My main interests are:
-drinking good whisky/beer/wine
-relaxing
-experiencing other cultures
-appreciating pretty nature

Sights and touristy destinations are less of the goal, then just traveling and soaking in experience.

Also, if I'm passing near you, you should let me know if we could meet up for a drink.

Here's my current approximate itinerary:

Feb 24: Depart Baltimore
Feb 25: Arrive in Edinburgh
Feb 26: Leave Edniburgh to explore Scotland some more. Interested in: Scottish folk music, drinking whisky, visiting distilleries, seeing the highlands, not freezing to death
March 1: Make my way (possibly through Glasgow) to Cardiff to meet a friend
March 2: Make my way to Dover and then take the ferry to Calais
March 3: Head for Bruge
March 4: Explore Belgium or perhaps try to hit the Netherlands and have a drink with our own Kees_L
March 5: Arrive in Dusseldorff, there to meet a friend. I have plans with her to visit Bonn, Cologne, Heidelberg, and Baden-Baden over the course of the week
March 11: Fly to Madrid with my German friend to see another friend, who has planned an exciting weekend for us
March 14: German friend flies to Germany and I head south, either toward Barcelona or toward Granada. Interested in seeing the southern coast
March 19: Return to Madrid to meet other friends and celebrate a friend's birthday
March 21: Leave Europe for home

That's the gist of a plan.

Feedback or advice would be appreciated.

I expect Scotland to be cold but may not have a sense of how cold. Weather seems to be around 40 degrees (Farenheit) which is cold, but not colder than I've had to deal with in my life.

[Captain Clarkie]

In Scotland, you can do the west or east coast Whiskey-wise, the east involves more cities and less islands so is easier, but is slightly less spectacular,(islands vs mountains, it may be a draw) you probably will spend half your time traveling west, when you can drink Speyside, Deeside, and Tayside whiskies out east. Fife is particularly pretty and not too far to travel for landscape. Maybe go to St Andrews, though it's a bit posh, but very pretty. Dr Who aside, Cardiff is still a bit shit, but you're visiting friends so whatever. If you must ignore the fine country between Wales and France, I recommend stopping off in London (a city you might've heard of) and visiting the loot... sorry the British Museum, it has things in it over 20,000 years old in places, and it's free and has nice toilets. Drink Ale on tap in decent pubs if you do actually fit in England. Enjoy yourself!

[jdwrocks]

My favorite city in Scotland is Stirling. I had a rollicking fun time there in the pubs. Met a couple of locals there in 1999 & we still keep in touch today. And Stirling is only a hop skip & a jump from Edinborough.

[thehod]

March 1: Make my way (possibly through Glasgow) to Cardiff to meet a friend.

If you come anywhere near Birmingham on this part of the journey, I'll gladly take some time out to have a few beers with you, and show you the local comic shop.

[Ben D]

Madrid seems beautiful. I hope you have a good time Chris! :smile:

[Chris N]

If you come anywhere near Birmingham on this part of the journey, I'll gladly take some time out to have a few beers with you, and show you the local comic shop.

Birmingham, Alabama?

[thehod]

Birmingham, Alabama?

Birmingham, England you eejit.

Its between Scotland and Wales.

[Captain Clarkie]

My favorite city in Scotland is Stirling. I had a rollicking fun time there in the pubs. Met a couple of locals there in 1999 & we still keep in touch today. And Stirling is only a hop skip & a jump from Edinborough.

Really? I always thought it was a strip with the William Wallace monument thrown in. Close to the Trossachs though. If I wasn't in Aberdeen I would've invited you down to debauchery central in Brighton Chris, but I won't be back for 7 and a half weeks.

[jdwrocks]

Really? I always thought it was a strip with the William Wallace monument thrown in. Close to the Trossachs though. If I wasn't in Aberdeen I would've invited you down to debauchery central in Brighton Chris, but I won't be back for 7 and a half weeks.
Well, maybe it's the case of the company you keep. My fond memories are due to the time spent in the pubs & developing new friendships.

As far as beauty & whatnot, I really enjoyed the region up the coast from Oban on north to the Isle of Skye.

[Chris N]

Birmingham, England you eejit.

Its between Scotland and Wales.

I will be in touch. It does seem on the way. Just a matter of getting off the train at a time that works for you. It would be Monday or more likely Tuesday that I'd pass that way. What's your schedule and availability? Afternoon free at all or just evening?


Really? I always thought it was a strip with the William Wallace monument thrown in. Close to the Trossachs though. If I wasn't in Aberdeen I would've invited you down to debauchery central in Brighton Chris, but I won't be back for 7 and a half weeks.

If you're in Aberdeen, I might head that way. It's a possibily for my northern Scotland exploring.

[thehod]

I will be in touch. It does seem on the way. Just a matter of getting off the train at a time that works for you. It would be Monday or more likely Tuesday that I'd pass that way. What's your schedule and availability? Afternoon free at all or just evening?

I could knock off work a little earlier that day (say about four) and spare a few hours before I head home to the missus and kiddie.

I work not far from the main station in Birmingham, and you'd probably need to change there to get from Glasgow to Cardiff anyway. So you could lay over for a few hours in Brum then carry on to Cardiff, if you fancy it.

Sorry I can't spare a bit more time, but with Mrs Hod primed to pop out Hodlett #2, I don't want to leave her looking after Charlie by herself for too long.

[Captain Clarkie]

If you're in Aberdeen, I might head that way. It's a possibily for my northern Scotland exploring.

Oh? Keep me informed.

[Chris N]

I could knock off work a little earlier that day (say about four) and spare a few hours before I head home to the missus and kiddie.

I work not far from the main station in Birmingham, and you'd probably need to change there to get from Glasgow to Cardiff anyway. So you could lay over for a few hours in Brum then carry on to Cardiff, if you fancy it.

Sorry I can't spare a bit more time, but with Mrs Hod primed to pop out Hodlett #2, I don't want to leave her looking after Charlie by herself for too long.

Cool. I will attempt to make that work and get back to you.

[Nick Soapdish]

I've only been to two of those places and very briefly.

Brussels has great chocolate shops and it's a good place to get lunch. That was all the time that I had there while switching trains.

I managed to stay at Koln for an entire day. The Graeco-Roman Museum is cool and it was neat seeing bits of a Roman wall around the city. And they had a chocolate museum which I enjoyed because you got a free sample at the end. I'd definitely recommend the Graeco-Roman Museum and checking out parts of the wall. I wish that I knew modern culture stuff about it, but my trip was a dozen years ago anyway.

And no, I didn't spend my entire trip in Europe being led around by my stomach.

[beetlebum]

Just most of it. :wink:

[thehod]

Cool. I will attempt to make that work and get back to you.

Fuck, forgot that I agreed to do a conference call at 4 that day. If you can make it five that'd probably be better.

Let me know if that doesn't screw you around too much.

[berk]

I've never been to Scotland, but my feeling would be to stay there, or somewhere, for the whole three weeks. But you have commitments to meet friends and so on, so that's not really advisable in this case. But I would say, don't try to see too much of the entire continent all at once. Pick one or two or three places and make the most of those in your limited time.

[StarsAndGarters]

I implore you to go to Granada. Definitely a very, very charming place with great food and atmosphere.

[the4thpip]

From Düsseldorf, it's a 20 minute train ride to my hometown, Wuppertal. We have a unique monorail and if you PM me here, I'll show you around town a bit if I am not completely swamped.

http://patrick-mebus.de/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/wuppertal-schwebebahn-wg-1-voelklinger-str1.jpg

[Haydn C]

If you are in Madrid or nearby try and check out Toledo and Chinchon. Fantastic little towns and well worth a look.

[Estrecca]

If you are in Madrid or nearby try and check out Toledo and Chinchon. Fantastic little towns and well worth a look.

Very, very strongly seconded.

Toledo was the capital before Madrid and it shows. Add the fact that the historic center of the city is perhaps the best preserved in all of Spain and visiting it is a must if you have the time for it.

Some images to help me in the sales pitch...

http://www.yunque.net/guardian/Viajes/Toledo/calle_Toledo.gif
Typical street in the old town.

http://www.paraconocer.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/toledo.jpg

The Alcazar of Toledo, the primitive castle of the city.

And if you go there, don't forget to try to find a disco they opened inside an old church that got sold during the 19th century. Being there makes for a curious experience.

Also, if you go to Granada, I suggest trying to hit Cordoba in the way back, since that's a very noteworthy place too. Particularly the cathedral/old mosque, of course. Oddly enough, in my experience the coastal areas of Andalucia are the least interesting of the region.

[Haydn C]

Very, very strongly seconded.

Toledo was the capital before Madrid and it shows. Add the fact that the historic center of the city is perhaps the best preserved in all of Spain and visiting it is a must if you have the time for it.

Some images to help me in the sales pitch...

http://www.yunque.net/guardian/Viajes/Toledo/calle_Toledo.gif
Typical street in the old town.

http://www.paraconocer.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/toledo.jpg

The Alcazar of Toledo, the primitive castle of the city.

And if you go there, don't forget to try to find a disco they opened inside an old church that got sold during the 19th century. Being there makes for a curious experience.

Also, if you go to Granada, I suggest trying to hit Cordoba in the way back, since that's a very noteworthy place too. Particularly the cathedral/old mosque, of course. Oddly enough, in my experience the coastal areas of Andalucia are the least interesting of the region.

Had a great time in both places, more so than Madrid in fact. Cool pictures.

[Estrecca]

Had a great time in both places, more so than Madrid in fact. Cool pictures.

Madrid is a textbook concrete jungle and that comes from somebody who spent there the best part of a year working, even if there are cool things in the city.

Visiting El Prado museum is pretty much a must, too, although the inside of the Royal Palace you can give a miss (except for the Royal Armory, the building is strangely unimpressive in comparison with Versailles and the like).

El Parque del Retiro makes for a good haven from the car exhaust crap that covers the city and you can spend a couple hours walking around there. And el Rastro (the weekly open air market that they organize near the historic center all sundays) can be funny, even if it ain't no Portobello.

[Nick Soapdish]

Just most of it. :wink:

Only half!

Well, maybe 2/3.

[Chris N]

Fuck, forgot that I agreed to do a conference call at 4 that day. If you can make it five that'd probably be better.

Let me know if that doesn't screw you around too much.

That looks manageable.

Let me tentatively say this Tuesday at 5pm, let's grab a drink. Preferably near a train station so I could be on my way to Cardiff. I'd like to reserve the right to cancel if that doesn't work the way I think it will, but I think it will be okay.

[Chris N]

Oh? Keep me informed.

This I will do. I'm getting on a train in Edinburgh on Saturday and heading for the highlands. Aberdeen has plenty of distilleries in the general vicinity and so seems like a fine destination. Perhaps you would be free on Sunday for a drink?

[Mac Danny]

This I will do. I'm getting on a train in Edinburgh on Saturday and heading for the highlands. Aberdeen has plenty of distilleries in the general vicinity and so seems like a fine destination. Perhaps you would be free on Sunday for a drink?

I really enjoyed the Glenfiddich tour when I went back in 99.

Have a blast Chris!

INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL TIP: Don't change your $$ at the airport. Use your credit card whenever possible and hit up the ATM in your destination country to get the best exchange rate.

[Chris N]

From Düsseldorf, it's a 20 minute train ride to my hometown, Wuppertal. We have a unique monorail and if you PM me here, I'll show you around town a bit if I am not completely swamped.

http://patrick-mebus.de/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/wuppertal-schwebebahn-wg-1-voelklinger-str1.jpg

Excellent. I would love to work that in and will look into it and get back to you soon. Thanks!


If you are in Madrid or nearby try and check out Toledo and Chinchon. Fantastic little towns and well worth a look.

Okay. I have a decent amount of time in Madrid and that does look worth doing.

[Chris N]

INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL TIP: Don't change your $$ at the airport. Use your credit card whenever possible and hit up the ATM in your destination country to get the best exchange rate.

This I've learned through my travels. I made plenty of mistakes my first trip to England and have since learned nothing works internationally like a debit card.

[Haydn C]

Excellent. I would love to work that in and will look into it and get back to you soon. Thanks!



Okay. I have a decent amount of time in Madrid and that does look worth doing.

If you have to pick one go for Toledo.

Let us know how the trip goes. Have fun.

[Slam_Bradley]

Bruges is a shithole.

[Nick Soapdish]

This I've learned through my travels. I made plenty of mistakes my first trip to England and have since learned nothing works internationally like a debit card.

The credit card companies charge exchange fees now. It's not huge, but it can add up. Are debit cards treated otherwise?

[Captain Clarkie]

This I will do. I'm getting on a train in Edinburgh on Saturday and heading for the highlands. Aberdeen has plenty of distilleries in the general vicinity and so seems like a fine destination. Perhaps you would be free on Sunday for a drink?

Yes, I probably would. Should I PM you my number or something?

[king mob]

March 1: Make my way (possibly through Glasgow) to Cardiff to meet a friend

If you plan to pass through Bristol give me a shout and I'll take you for a cider.

[thehod]

That looks manageable.

Let me tentatively say this Tuesday at 5pm, let's grab a drink. Preferably near a train station so I could be on my way to Cardiff. I'd like to reserve the right to cancel if that doesn't work the way I think it will, but I think it will be okay.

Sounds good to me.

I'll PM you my mobile number a little later.

[Chris N]

Bruges is a shithole.

It had been recommended. We will see.


Yes, I probably would. Should I PM you my number or something?

You may, but I don't know if I'll have a phone or not. CBR/Facebook is probably easiest for me making arrangements.


Sounds good to me.

I'll PM you my mobile number a little later.

Ditto.

[Chris N]

If you plan to pass through Bristol give me a shout and I'll take you for a cider.

I will let you know. It doesn't look too far from Cardiff. Let me figure out my schedule a bit better over the next couple days.

EDIT: In fact, it looks right on the way from Cardiff to Dover. That might be quite doable.

[Chris N]

And Kees, let's talk about the possibility of me heading into the Netherlands after Bruges on my way to Dusseldorff. It would probably be Friday, March 4. Let's stay in touch via CBR or Facebook.

[Kees_L]

And Kees, let's talk about the possibility of me heading into the Netherlands after Bruges on my way to Dusseldorff. It would probably be Friday, March 4. Let's stay in touch via CBR or Facebook.

Excellent.
Maybe hit me up on the Facebook (or per PM) letting me know what you'd be thinking of time-wise / schedule-wise / idea-wise? I could provide info and stuff (with a little luck I'd be off from work on Friday).
We can drink, or visit stuff and drink, since I'll be getting myself a new shirt, as my shoes and pants are still ok. Just so I got that down :smile:.

[Iangould]

Remember, nobody ever bathes and they all hate Americans.

You will be forced to enter into a gay marriage by liberals and then stoned to death by Islamic fundamentalists for doing so.

But the drugs are good - just ask the first grade-schooler you see to hook you up.

[Silvermoth]

Bruges is a shithole.

Not true. I stayed in Brussels and travelled to Bruges for a day. It was beautiful. Brussels is also great, not only is it the home of the European Union and Tin Tin but it has a thriving comic book market some of which can't be found in other parts of the world.

[Slam_Bradley]

You people really need to watch In Bruges.

[king mob]

I will let you know. It doesn't look too far from Cardiff. Let me figure out my schedule a bit better over the next couple days.

EDIT: In fact, it looks right on the way from Cardiff to Dover. That might be quite doable.

I finish work at 5.30. If you can make let me know and I'll PM you my mobile number.

[Chris N]

Clarkie- I have had Internet connection difficulties. I am posting now with my last ounce of phone charge. But I am heading to Aberdeen tonight and a drink somewhere early in the day Sunday would be great. I will be in touch again when I find an adapter then an outlet then wifi.




I finish work at 5.30. If you can make let me know and I'll PM you my mobile number.

Cool. I will get back to you very soon. Bristol is easy to get to but I am running out of spare evenings.

[Iangould]

A couple of dear friends of mine, spent 3 years in the UK without once visiting continental Europe.

I find that incomprehensible.

[king mob]

Cool. I will get back to you very soon. Bristol is easy to get to but I am running out of spare evenings.

No worries. I'm off now to spend an afternoon down the pub watching the rugby, but I'll PM you my Facebook page as I can check that down the pub.

[Captain Clarkie]

Clarkie- I have had Internet connection difficulties. I am posting now with my last ounce of phone charge. But I am heading to Aberdeen tonight and a drink somewhere early in the day Sunday would be great. I will be in touch again when I find an adapter then an outlet then wifi.



Cool, works for me. I'm actually north of Aberdeen, but the train is easily doable. Keep me posted.

[Chris N]

Cool, works for me. I'm actually north of Aberdeen, but the train is easily doable. Keep me posted.

Whereabouts are you? I'm taking the train into Aberdeen tonight, but I might find a place to stay somewhere outside the city as that seems to be cheaper. The city itself isn't my goal so much as the region and nearby distilleries.

Want to PM me a location/number and I'll definitely be able to meet you somewhere for a drink.

Sunday night I think I will head a bit more north for the speyside region.

[Captain Clarkie]

Whereabouts are you? I'm taking the train into Aberdeen tonight, but I might find a place to stay somewhere outside the city as that seems to be cheaper. The city itself isn't my goal so much as the region and nearby distilleries.

Want to PM me a location/number and I'll definitely be able to meet you somewhere for a drink.

Sunday night I think I will head a bit more north for the speyside region.

Will do.


.........

[king mob]

Chris, you need to empty some of your PM's.

[StarsAndGarters]

Will do.


.........

Did you guys ever meet up?

[Chris N]

Did you guys ever meet up?

We did. And it turns out the Captain hasn't been wholly honest with us.

His forum persona is a nerdy male in his '30s, but in reality he's a young hot blonde chick with no interest in comics.

[StarsAndGarters]

We did. And it turns out the Captain hasn't been wholly honest with us.

His forum persona is a nerdy male in his '30s, but in reality he's a young hot blonde chick with no interest in comics.

Just as I suspected.

So where in the world is Christopher Nowlin now?

[Captain Clarkie]

We did. And it turns out the Captain hasn't been wholly honest with us.

His forum persona is a nerdy male in his '30s, but in reality he's a young hot blonde chick with no interest in comics.

Was good to meet you Chris. Hope the holiday is going well.

[Chris N]

Just as I suspected.

So where in the world is Christopher Nowlin now?

Last night in Scotland. Staying at Lorriesmouth tonight.

Toured the Glen Moray distillery today.

Tomorrow I am off to Birmingham to meet an unscrupulous individual.

[Jeff Brady]

Was good to meet you Chris. Hope the holiday is going well.

Were you thrown by his very silly and obviously fake accent?

[Captain Clarkie]

Were you thrown by his very silly and obviously fake accent?

I was expecting it, it nonplussed a local though.

[Dangerous]

U gotta go to Prague it's immense.

[Chris N]

I was expecting it, it nonplussed a local though.

Except for that one, most people here seem to take me for American, despite the very sill and obviously fake accent.

[thehod]

Absolute fucking pleasure to meet you mate, and my only regret was that it was far, far too short. Good beer. Good company.

[Captain Clarkie]

Absolute fucking pleasure to meet you mate, and my only regret was that it was far, far too short. Good beer. Good company.

He's a nice guy isn't he, that Nowlin?

[king mob]

Chris has the pleasure of Brizzle tomorrow night, so I think it'd be rude for him not to try some rough cider.

[thehod]

He's a nice guy isn't he, that Nowlin?

Really is.

Bit of a shock actually, seeing as he's such an pain in the hole on here. :wink:

[thehod]

Chris has the pleasure of Brizzle tomorrow night, so I think it'd be rude for him not to try some rough cider.

Well, he's tasted the delights of Butty Bach tonight, and from all accounts hit the scotch the night before, so sticking with the local brew seems like a good idea.

[Captain Clarkie]

There was certainly a reasonable amount of Whiskey drunk on Sunday.

[dupont2005]

Awesome! I have no advice but hope you have a good time:biggrin:

[Chris N]

There was certainly a reasonable amount of Whiskey drunk on Sunday.

Agreed. After you left a guy bought me two glasses of whisky so I could do a blind taste test.

By that point, there wasn't much left I was in a position to do that night but find the hostel and crash into bed.

[Chris N]

Well, he's tasted the delights of Butty Bach tonight, and from all accounts hit the scotch the night before, so sticking with the local brew seems like a good idea.

That was some good beer, and it was a great, if too short, time. Cheers.






I got into Cardiff to find a mini-party for my arrival with several bottles of wine and some Welsh beer. The friend I was visiting works all day, and I arrived around 10, so I assumed I'd say hello, have some tea and go to bed.

But instead it was drinking until 3am with a fun collection of international mathematicians.

[Chris N]

I've now got a somewhat tentative plan for getting myself to the Hook of Holland by ferry Friday evening. I then need to make my way to Arnhem, or thereabouts, and then to Germany the next day.

Do locals have recommendations for a good site to be booking train/bus tickets?

[Kees_L]

I've now got a somewhat tentative plan for getting myself to the Hook of Holland by ferry Friday evening. I then need to make my way to Arnhem, or thereabouts, and then to Germany the next day.

Do locals have recommendations for a good site to be booking train/bus tickets?

Like this?

http://www.ns.nl/cs/Satellite/travellers

Choose 2nd class, as 1st would be bogus.

[king mob]

Chris, got your PM and just to confirm that I've just got in from work and am having my tea, so I'll be in town about 8ish. See you then.

[howyadoin]

...a fun collection of international mathematicians.I just can't parse that.

[king mob]

Safely packed Chris on the train back to Cardiff after a whistle stop tour of Bristol city centre, and of course, it's finest boozers. Sound bloke, and I spared him the rough cider though he has seen a signed Dave Prowse picture, which more than makes up for it.

[thespianphryne]

I'm glad there's an entire continent full of folks looking out for the lad. He can get a mite confused at times.

Don't look at the screen that way, Chris. You know you do.

[Chris N]

Safely packed Chris on the train back to Cardiff after a whistle stop tour of Bristol city centre, and of course, it's finest boozers. Sound bloke, and I spared him the rough cider though he has seen a signed Dave Prowse picture, which more than makes up for it.

Wasn't quite safely enough, I fear.



With thehod, I jumped on the train with 30 seconds to spare. With you, I did the opposite. I blame the girl who accidentally turned off my camera twice. As I'm sure my "one more beer" idea was blameless.

Taxis to Cardiff are not cheap, it turns out.

That said, it was worth it as it was a great tour of Bristol pubs with good company.

Though now I want to go rewatch Bladerunner.

[Kees_L]

Hey Chris, your PM box is full.

And don't mind my most recent PM, as it's only a dud.

I have another one for ya 'though :smile:.

[king mob]

Wasn't quite safely enough, I fear.



With thehod, I jumped on the train with 30 seconds to spare. With you, I did the opposite. I blame the girl who accidentally turned off my camera twice. As I'm sure my "one more beer" idea was blameless.


Ouch, still, it was a nice pint of finest Italian lager.


Taxis to Cardiff are not cheap, it turns out.

Ouch.


That said, it was worth it as it was a great tour of Bristol pubs with good company.

No worries at all.


Though now I want to go rewatch Bladerunner.

I spent a very sleepy day at work after staying up past 1am watching it for the billionth time.

[Chris N]

Hey Chris, your PM box is full.

And don't mind my most recent PM, as it's only a dud.

I have another one for ya 'though :smile:.

I've fixed the problem.

For now at least.

[Kees_L]

Excellent. Message sent.

[Kees_L]

My PM meant to say:

you really need to get the tickets printed for using them as tickets I guess.

Since I'm not sure there would be a manned railway office at Hook Of Holland.

Couldn't hotel desk people help? Like you ordering the tickets at their comp being hooked up to a printer?


Did you say to be headed for Düsseldorf?

I checked for trains into that from Arnhem.

You could reach Düsseldorf within 1 hrs 15 minutes by taking the very nifty ICE train for the price of 39 Euro's.

74383 74384

[Chris N]

That is nifty.

Thanks for the help!

[Kees_L]

No problem.

Did you know that in Düsseldorf Carnaval will be celebrated starting March 5th?
Gonna be a lot of beer and partying to really really dreadful music over the course of 4 days. Only for Catholics 'though :smile:

74385

74386

[Chris N]

I did know that. It's part of the plan.

(Luckily I happen to be Catholic)

[Silvermoth]

You people really need to watch In Bruges.

Seen it. It's alright.

[Chris N]

On a boat.

Headed for Kees.

Had difficulty buying train tickets online, so it will hopefully work out at the station.

[Kees_L]

On a boat.

Headed for Kees.

Had difficulty buying train tickets online, so it will hopefully work out at the station.

Travel fortuitously, Sir.

Both of us shouldn't worry or fret.

'Though if I don't hear from you tonight, I will travel to Hoek myself and stand out scurrying the shoreline, with a scarf wrapped 'round my face.

I didn't tidy up and fancy my abode for nothin' you see. Let alone brush my teeth. So see you tonight.

[Chris N]

Train ticket purChased.

Boat pulling into Holland.

[Kees_L]

Train ticket purChased.

Boat pulling into Holland.

:biggrin:

House tidy. Beer cold.

Gonna pop out for treats and Coca-Cola.

Dinner planned (out). Motor car at the ready.

[Kees_L]

Thanks for visiting Chris.

Certainly agreeable.


Should I ever be hitting the Land of Mary, I'll definitely look you up.

[the4thpip]

And I just put on my shoes to head downtown and meet Chris at Wuppertal central so I can give him the monorail tour.

[Kees_L]

:biggrin: Much is expected of Wuppertal.

Have a good time, the Nowlin is *good people*.

[the4thpip]

And by now he should be in Düsseldorf! We had a fun time, doing the usual monorail ("Schwebebahn") trip and then visiting the comic book store wherr I worked from 1994 to 1999.

Here's some photographic evidence:

http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll102/the4thpip/P1010003-1.jpg
Chris on the Schwebebahn. In the background, the 110 year old original train that can still be booked for weddings etc.

http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll102/the4thpip/P1010006-2.jpg

Chris with the Schwebebahn passing by in the background.

http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll102/the4thpip/P1010004-3.jpg
The lengths DC will go to to promote the "Batman in Europe" mini series: Chris with the Batmobile.

http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll102/the4thpip/friends/P1010005.jpg

Chris and Chris after sampling cheesecake and apple pie at one of Wuppertal's oldest cafés, the Café Grimm.

[king mob]

Cool pics, I especially love the monorail.

[Chris N]

Never found internet in Dusseldorff, but have found it again in Heidelberg.

I've seen Bonn, Koehln, and the Carnival in Duesseldorff.

Thanks for the great pictures, pip! And thanks for the great time in Wuppertal. I found the comic store in Koehln and bought three German comics.


And thank you, Kees, for the wonderful time in Holland (there was a windmill!), and for letting me crash for a night. I had an amazing time.

[Jeff Brady]

Never found internet in Dusseldorff, but have found it again in Heidelberg.

I've seen Bonn, Koehln, and the Carnival in Duesseldorff.

Thanks for the great pictures, pip! And thanks for the great time in Wuppertal. I found the comic store in Koehln and bought three German comics.


And thank you, Kees, for the wonderful time in Holland (there was a windmill!), and for letting me crash for a night. I had an amazing time.

Yay, you're not dead!

[howyadoin]

Did someone say "monorail"?

[Pól Rua]

Bruges is a shithole.

Don't be fucking daft, It's a fucking fairytale castle!
How can you not love a fuckin' fairytale castle?

[Pól Rua]

Cool pics, I especially love the monorail.

Whereas I find myself coveting the floral shirt Chris is wearing in that last shot.
Seriously, I think I may have a problem.

[Chris N]

You just might, Pol.



Anybody know any good comic stores in Spain?

Or where I should be going to find some good comics? Madrid? Barcelona?

[Captain Clarkie]

Did someone say "monorail"?

I hear those things are awful loud.

[Jeff Brady]

I hear those things are awful loud.

It glides as softly as a cloud.

[Puma]

I'm pretty certain this is the shop I wandered into when I was in Madrid

▼ Madrid Comics
C/ de Silva, 17
28004 Madrid, Spain
915 591 133

I just remember going from the Plaza Del Sol across Calle Grande Via and wandering into a maze of shops, shelters, and a church.

[RolandJP]

IF anyone asks if you are American. Lie. Say you are Canadian.

[Silvermoth]

It glides as softly as a cloud.

Is there a chance the track could bend?

[Captain Clarkie]

Is there a chance the track could bend?

Not on your life, my Hindu friend.

[Chris N]

What about us braindead slobs?


Anyways, last night in Madrid. Have stopped in 3 comic stores and picked up some good Spanish comics. Unlike the German comics, I can actually muddle my way through the dialogue.

Tomorrow I head toward Granada. Looking to stay in a small coastal town nearby such as Nerja. A cheap hotel a short walk from the beach is the goal.

[Kees_L]

What about us braindead slobs?
Can't really tell what's up with them. Maybe I need to get with it more.

As I was playing mental chess in the head just now, at 67 boards simultaneously. Had to give it up though.
Chess is fun when you think about it - youknow - D16, F08, rockade, pawned!!
Not the horse. Check. Time. Draw.


Anyways, last night in Madrid. Have stopped in 3 comic stores and picked up some good Spanish comics. Unlike the German comics, I can actually muddle my way through the dialogue.
Cool. Any Esteban Maroto per chance?


Tomorrow I head toward Granada. Looking to stay in a small coastal town nearby such as Nerja. A cheap hotel a short walk from the beach is the goal.
If your bermuda slacks would be as fly as your shirts you will have got it made.

Look out for creatures in the water 'though, or like washed up camouflage paralyzing fish things. Shout while walking anywhere I'd suggest.

And haga como la cerveza con los Dioses.

[Dizzy D]

Anyways, last night in Madrid. Have stopped in 3 comic stores and picked up some good Spanish comics. Unlike the German comics, I can actually muddle my way through the dialogue.

I would expect German and English to be closer than Spanish and English.

[Chris N]

I would expect German and English to be closer than Spanish and English.

Has much more to do with which language I've studied more.

Spanish is the only language besides English I can muddle through.

I'm actually impressed with myself as it's been 10 years since I've thought about the language, but it comes back quickly.

I can't converse in Spanish, but I can read most things, and express myself to the people I need to express myself to, albeit in broken and poorly accented Spanish.

[Captain Clarkie]

I would expect German and English to be closer than Spanish and English.

Some research shows that standard German was only a written language for some time. Also Saxon influences on English have to contend with Danish and Norman French, influences too, as well as older English, if such a language existed amongst the non-pictian and non-celtic tribes. Personally, the languages that seems to be closest to English to me are French and Australian.

[Kees_L]

Some research shows that standard German was only a written language for some time. Also Saxon influences on English have to contend with Danish and Norman French, influences too, as well as older English, if such a language existed amongst the non-pictian and non-celtic tribes. Personally, the languages that seems to be closest to English to me are French and Australian.

Well, for me French sounds different to English too much to really feel much of a connection, but when stumbling upon some words or bits of idiom or sayings (especially in writing) then suddenly connections would reveal themselves.

Purely based on sound or structure I'd feel kinship to occasionally seem apparent for English, Frisian, some Dutch (less so) and maybe some German (probably even more less so), but yeah: who speaks Frisian, or Dutch really?

The Frisian connection leads me to believe there might be kinship in Scandinavian and Icelandic too, although ruthless climates overthere might have lower jaws or teeth performing differently a bit? (:biggrin:)
But basically I feel to hear connections to English in Scandinavian.

As I once fell asleep at the Astrid Lindgren "Ronja" movie (I watch that at least annually) plus I caught a "Motorpsycho" documentary (twice).
And it sounded like "huftapufta frickan - the insolence... - purta smurta - all likelyhood - ingenting ya have hjin buoarn", andsoforth.

Like chips of English thrown into a bowl of Norwegian shrimps.

[Captain Clarkie]

The Scandinavian thing comes from the Danes mainly, they did rule a lot of Britain at one point.

[Jeff Brady]

Personally, the languages that seems to be closest to English to me are French and Australian.

I speak Australian. That's the one where everyones name is Bruce.

[Captain Clarkie]

I speak Australian. That's the one where everyone's name is Bruce.

Ah, you're a good Bruce, Bruce, and not at all stuck up.

[Silvermoth]

What about us braindead slobs?


Don't worry, I'll do it.

You'll be given cushy jobs!

[Pro]

who speaks Frisian, or Dutch really?

*Raises hand*

Although truth be told i never really warmed up to the frisian language even though my grandparents and parents all speak it fluently.

[Chris N]

In Spain, lunch tends to be around 2 and dinner around 9.

To that end, restaurant hours are often 1-4 and 8-12.

Which two days in a row means I tried to sit down to lunch too late.