on the 5th November. Anyone got any good ideas for a shortish break? I`d like to surprise Pete. (:o)

-- Anonymous, August 28, 2001

Answers

And ........ just in case you`re tempted to wind me up, french maids outfits and bondage gear are NOT an option. I said `surprise`, not `scare the hell out of him`. (;o)

-- Anonymous, August 28, 2001

Hmm ok, lemme think again then...

-- Anonymous, August 28, 2001

It's ours in December Gal. I've got to surprise Janice! Are you sure Pete's not planning to surprise you? You book Paris - He books Jamaica!!!

-- Anonymous, August 28, 2001

W/end break in the North East taking in the Villa game?

-- Anonymous, August 28, 2001

Bring him up here for a few days.

-- Anonymous, August 28, 2001

sunnyvale?

sorry, that was underhand

-- Anonymous, August 28, 2001

Somewhere hot, I'd say...how about an arson attack on the Houses of Parliament?

Certainly you'd need some fireworks - November 5th.

-- Anonymous, August 28, 2001

It's our 7th wedding anniversary today, as it happens. Anybody know what 7th is - ie gold, solver, ruby etc.

Venice is a good place in early November. If you're feeling flush you can take the Orient Express.

-- Anonymous, August 28, 2001

Pete, according to the web, 7 is Wool or Copper traditionally and Modern Day -it's desksets???????

In my case I think it was broken mirrors :o))

-- Anonymous, August 28, 2001

25th? Hmm - I guess you don't want what I got - divorce papers!! :-))

-- Anonymous, August 28, 2001

What the hell's a deskset? If it's what I think it is, I wonder how many marriages that present would end prematurely? Copper sounds good though - I'm sure I've got one of those little coins somewhere...;-)

-- Anonymous, August 28, 2001

My thoughts exactly Pete! - It should have been 2 words Desk Set but I'm not sure what difference it makes. Maybe get her a Newton's Cradle?

-- Anonymous, August 28, 2001

Florence is canny as well.

-- Anonymous, August 28, 2001

I second PB's nomination...Florence is beautiful....just too many stairs for a fat blerk like me....Climbing up the Duomo is nearly as bed as getting up to the 7th level at St James's!

-- Anonymous, August 28, 2001

Perth is wonderful in early November, great people too, (Well except for that hiro and spence...........)

-- Anonymous, August 28, 2001

Have to say the Villa game is tempting! I could also drag him round a few Estate Agents up there!

I was actually thinking about Italy. Florence and Venice both sound fantastic. Hotel recommendations anyone?

Swift, I`ve only ever driven around Barcelona and thought a short break there might be a possibility too. I saw a lovely hotel advertised - a big new ultra modern one. It`s not in the centre of the city, it`s on the river/harbour(?) but I can`t for the life of me remember the name of it.

Oh, and happy anniversay Pete!

Pilgrim - I think Yelli would give me the nod.(:o)

-- Anonymous, August 28, 2001

Galaxy, in all seriousness, come to Perth!!!

No? OK. Remember the favourite cities thread? Maybe some idea from there. Cliched to d'eath however, Paris and Vienna? Mrs gus and I had some wonderful times in Venice and Florence.

If you chose Florence try and get down to San Gimignano or Siena. I can tell you more, if you wish, drop me a line.

-- Anonymous, August 28, 2001

Isn't Barca a bit of a no go at the moment because of eta's antics ?

You're one up on me there Gav. Every time we've tried to get up the Duomo (oo-er signora), the queues have been four hours long, so that's a pleasure I still have to look forward to.

Not sure how much will still be open in November, but, although if the Uffizi is still going , that's worth a dabble, and you might not need to try to jump the queues by getting tickets in advance.

-- Anonymous, August 28, 2001

Gus, I was thinking more along the lines of an extended weekend....Perth might be stretching it a bit!(;o)

-- Anonymous, August 28, 2001

You could dig a hole under the Houses of Parlament...
Would cost a bomb like.

-- Anonymous, August 30, 2001

No Nick, I do too much digging as it is - though there would be a certain symmetry to it as my husband bought me a `ladies` spade for our first anniversary!(:o)

What do you all think of Amsterdam? Quick flight from Southampton, and perhaps a place where Pete could manage without a car? (He gets withdrawl symptoms if he can`t drive!)

Just wondering if, as it is going to be winter-ish anyway, if we should fly to somewhere pretty and snowy? Also, can anyone suggest somewhere which is famous for antiques? (don`t say Bournemouth - I mean artifacts not people!)

-- Anonymous, August 30, 2001

Amsterdam is a wonderful place but there's so much dodgy stuff to avoid that it can sometimes be difficult to find the nice stuff....

-- Anonymous, August 30, 2001

Hmm...that`s a bit off putting then. There`s always Paris, but we`ve done the long weekend bit there. In fact, it turned into a very long weekend when the engine of Pete`s car blew spectacularly on the motorway! An unforgetable weekend for all the wrong reasons. (:o|

Vienna?

-- Anonymous, August 30, 2001

I reckon you should go for Vienna or Florence...

-- Anonymous, August 30, 2001

Hows about Madrid or Seville ?

Or you could drive and ferry across to Santander. That North end of Spain is probably the least used by Brits than anywhere else in Spain, or it was when I worked in Vigo.

Very nice - you'll get probably the best seafood in the whole country up that end. And the caves at Santillana are well worth a visit - the pre-historic paintings are very impressive.

Mind, whether or not they'll still be open in November would need to be checked, and there may be the same worries as Barca. I suppose it all depends on whether you want to be trashing around or just to go away for a nice quiet chill out weekend.

-- Anonymous, August 30, 2001

" ferry across to Santander"

I seem to remember us doing the terrors of the Bay of Biscay..... and in November!!

-- Anonymous, August 30, 2001

Argh! Bay of Biscay...in November.....you must be joking! I have never been so ill in all my life! Spent a thoroughly awful week in San Sebastian, probably the most unfriendly place I`ve ever been, followed by the ferry trip from Hell. I was so poorly, and had to take so many seasickness pills that I slept non-stop for two days when we got home.

Only enjoyable part of the week was a visit to Pamplona - which I liked very much. Good job we had spent the week before in Quiberon, which was lovely, or else the holiday really would have been a disaster. Ended up staying at a Thalassa(?)therapy hotel. All sorts of salt water treatments etc., but best of all it has a swimming pool with extra high salt content. Perfect for me as I didn`t have to worry about being able to put my feet on the bottom - I couldn`t have sank if I tried!(:o)

Could someone oblige with a conversion on 5,900 Austrian Shillings. My one click convertor came up with `Nananna` pounds sterling! Do you think it`s trying to tell me that if I need to ask I can`t afford it?(;o)

-- Anonymous, August 30, 2001

268 quid...

Try this site for currency conversions...

http://www.xe.com/ucc/

-- Anonymous, August 30, 2001

Thanks Gav. I hate these currencies with huge denominations...they give me palpitations (especially if I am bidding for something on e bay - I have to keep checking back to the currency conversion, just in case I`m accidentally selling the house from under us!)

OK I shall ponder on all these suggestions whilst painting my fencing panels. This week I will be better known as the `Cuprinol Queen` - next week I will be sliding downmarket to creosote level!(:o)

-- Anonymous, August 30, 2001

There's nowt wrong with Creosote....ask Wor Alan ;)

-- Anonymous, August 30, 2001

Sorry Gal, forgot about the seasick risk. There's nowt worse.

-- Anonymous, August 30, 2001

If you want something seasonally cold, I remember reading about a hotel in Sweden or Finland, carved entirely out of ice...looked quite spectacular, especially with the lighting effects, but perhaps a bit gimmicky.

-- Anonymous, August 30, 2001

Actually Gav, I love creosoting on a lovely warm autumn day. (:o)

Pit Bill, one thing I didn`t inherit from Dad were his `sealegs`.(:o(

-- Anonymous, August 30, 2001

http://www.icehotel.com

-- Anonymous, August 30, 2001

Very pretty! But will I get charged for room damage if I take my `hottie`?(;o)

-- Anonymous, August 30, 2001

Is that what you call Pete these days Galaxy?

Vienna is compact, you can walk around the museums and Art galleries, the Lipanzer Horses, the Hapsburg palaces and gardens etc in short trips. Try and get somewhere near the Opernring. This basically encircles the "old town centre".

Near the Opera House is the Hotel Sacher, a must for a cofee and piece of Sacher Torte.

You can catch public transport out to Shoenbraun(SP?).

-- Anonymous, August 30, 2001

Hi Gus - I`m definately leaning towards Vienna - sounds really interesting, and as you said, compact.(:o)

-- Anonymous, August 30, 2001

Just been having a bit of a browse through some guides. Has anyone been to Bruges? It looks rather nice. Easy to get to by car. Kind of quaint. Packed full of antiques (so we should fit in nicely). It also has a rather nice looking Relais & Chateaux hotel. I know the weather may be grim in November, but I could always pack a vest, and I may be able to persuade Pete to stop off at Ypres, somewhere I have always wanted to visit.(:o)

-- Anonymous, August 31, 2001

Went to Bruges for a day a few years ago...very pretty, but a bit souless and quiet. Loads of daytrippers tending to be 60+. Didn't seem to much actually going on, although food and beer wise there'd be no cause for complaint. But I was in my 20's when I went, so take that into account. I've friends who went more recently and loved it.

-- Anonymous, August 31, 2001

Spent a day in Bruges a couple of years ago. I enjoyed it, but I'm a sucker for quaint medieval villages(Any place more than 200 yrs old for that matter!). I was there in Feb and the weather was gorgeous. Loads of tourists too, which surprised me. But they mostly stay to the main square and shopping areas. I got myself pleasantly lost in quiet back streets where there was hardly a soul around. Didn't have much time to check out shops, but did find some lovely patisseries and chocolate shops. :-9

-- Anonymous, August 31, 2001

Gal - It may seem a bit close to home now you've got your mind set on something more exotic, but have you ever stayed at the Chewton Glen?

-- Anonymous, August 31, 2001

Dan, close to home? Try a three minute drive away! Actually I love the place. We eat there at least four or five times.............a decade! (:o)

-- Anonymous, August 31, 2001

Never had the excuse to stay there (a girlfriend would be a start) but I'm told it's fantastic.

-- Anonymous, August 31, 2001

Dan, it is everything it is cracked up to be - it`s wonderful! You must find an excuse to stay there - if you want company to dine with, we`ll meet you there! (Especially if it is a Sunday lunchtime, when the cost is almost half reasonable!)(:o)

-- Anonymous, August 31, 2001

'Scuse the lateness but just wanted to hoy Prague into the ring as a suggestion. You & Pete could get trolleyed every night for next to no money. Alternatively you could get out there and lap up a fantastic city. Sort of Vienna-ish but more intersting and def. better value IMO

-- Anonymous, September 02, 2001

Closer to home Gal, but the Sharrow Bay Hotel on Ulleswater is very nice, but very expensive. Frankly, the hotel is a little 'starchy' for my more bohemian tastes, but the food is truly sublime.

We stayed b&b at a nearby country house hotel, and had a very special dinner at the Sharrow Bay (about £45-50 a head, I think) which contained the cost of the trip considerably.
The Ulleswater area, of course, is delightul for short walks to make it a very pleasant weekend - weather permitting, as ever.

-- Anonymous, September 02, 2001

Well, I've just booked a week long Carribean Cruise today. Depart Manchester 17th December return 5 am Christmas morning. Even better We get Christmas dinner at my sisters in Manchester so Mrs P. doesn't have to cook. Visiting Barbados, Antigua, St Kitts, St Marteen and Aruba. Price amazingly good an under 500 pound each (apart from the cabin upgrade I opted for). I just hope Mrs P appreciates me! :o))

-- Anonymous, September 10, 2001

That should have been St Maarten!

-- Anonymous, September 10, 2001

If you've got time in St. Maarten, Pilgrim, get yourselves over to Grand Case on the French side for dinner. It's a very tiny village, mainly made up of restaurants. A quieter atmosphere than the cruise ship meccas of the Dutch side (Phillipsburg/town??), and Marigot. I just wish I could remember the name of the restaurant we ate at...incredible French food, not outrageously expensive. I only remember it was on the side of the street away from the beach. From what I've heard, you can't go too far wrong anywhere in that village. It's renowned for its restaurants.

The seafront bars in Phillipswhatsit are great for drinks while watching the sunset...not so great for food.

If you're after a cheap adrenaline rush, go to the beach at the end of the airport runway around 3-5pm(?)(when lots of flights arrive). You're literally about 200ft from the end of the runway and it feels like the planes are going to land on top of you. ;-))

-- Anonymous, September 10, 2001

Sounds wonderful Mr.P - I`m sure your wife will be delighted!(:o)

I have opted for Bruges - just a four day break which even my workaholic husband should be able to cope with. The setting sounds romantic, on the Lac d`Amour - this, however, is somewhat counteracted my the name of the hotel, which is Hotel de Snippe! (;o)

-- Anonymous, September 11, 2001

Galaxy

The Alsace region of France is really picturesque and the food and wine is fantastic too.

I also love Grindlewald in Switzerland.

But Sienna, Florence and Venice are my favourites.

-- Anonymous, September 11, 2001

Oops too late !

Brugge is lovely too , have a great time.

-- Anonymous, September 11, 2001

Thanks Kats!(:o)

-- Anonymous, September 11, 2001

Thanks Gal and Thanks Ciara,

If we've got enough time we'll try out Grand Case!

(That's not "Big Cheese" by any chance is it? - I know it's Fromage in French but it's Kaese in German - thought it might be Dutch.)

-- Anonymous, September 11, 2001

Galaxy,

You sly fox you. Four romantic nights on Le Lac d'Amour - I hope Pete knows what he's in for - ;o{) ;o{) [nudge, nudge]

-- Anonymous, September 11, 2001

Oi! that's my mum your flirting with Clarky....pack it in! :))

-- Anonymous, September 11, 2001

Sorry Gav - didn't realise she was already taken! ;o{)

-- Anonymous, September 11, 2001

Aw Gav! I haven`t had a good `flirt` for yonks!(;o)

-- Anonymous, September 11, 2001

Oh dear....I'll let the 2 of you get on with it then! ;))

-- Anonymous, September 11, 2001

;o{) ;o{) [nudge, nudge]

You definitely have a way with words Clarky. What innocent young maid could resist a chat up like that ? :-))

-- Anonymous, September 11, 2001

oops! set my cookies to the wrong e mail address.....sorry MacB! (:O

-- Anonymous, September 11, 2001