Holidays

Anyone got any ideas for a Christmassy European break?

Maybe a city with a big Christmas market.

 

Birmingham?

Failing that Munich has many varied markets all around the city, each with it's own distinct style and feel. It starts with the market and ice rink (with free skating, but charge for skate hire) at the airport. You can also get to Salzburg easily by train where there's a big market in the shadow of the castle that's really atmospheric.

 

Copenhagen at Xmas is a great place to be

 

https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/12/13/best-christmas-markets-europe_n_4437426.html

 

No mention of the Christkindelmarkt in Nuremberg ... it's Germany's oldest and most famous (although I actually prefer the one in Munich).

 

They are only a couple of hours apart. Take in the concentration camp at the same time.

 

And this, which is equally fascinating and chilling:
https://museums.nuernberg.de/documentation-center/

 

Seconded. The Tivoli Gardens amusement park in the centre is pretty much turned into one massive Xmas market. Elsewhere in the city, great food and picturesque architecture around Nyhavn, touristy but interesting Free State of Christiania, can get around the city on foot or bike.

 

I went to University in Birmingham, so I've been there too many times. I also went back last year before our trip to West Brom - steins and away days mix incredibly well.

The girlfriend went to Copenhagen a few months ago, so don't think she'd be keen to go back so soon.

Thanks all for the suggestions though - Vienna and Saltzburg sound great.

 

Harlequin or whatever they call it now. Treat yourself with the airfare savings on a Starbucks.

 

We went to Hamburg Christmas market around 2003, that was a good one. Also went to Cologne a few years ago but I didn’t think was as good.

How about an Orient Express train to Lincoln Christmas market. Early start, champagne blinis with breakfast. Wander around Lincoln for the afternoon and back on the train for more booze with dinner. Might be a bit late to book now though

 

Just got back from Budapest where the Christmas market has started. Lots of good food and drink and traditional gifts but it's not very big so not worth travelling just for that.

 

Anyone been to Nicaragua? Might be heading there next year with work.

 

Arrived in Tokyo last night and will be here for the next 4 night until moving on to Kyoto.

My friends and I have pencilled in karting round the city, a trip to the samurai museum, the robot cafe, golden Gai, metropolitan tower, eating and drinks as much as we can handle, and a few other bits and bobs. Any other suggestions welcome!

 

I bought my ex a kimono in Narita airport when I had a layover there. She never wore it once so probably not the best of suggestions.

 

Lucky you!

The temples in Kyoto, of course. I visited one with rather creaky wooden floors but there are many.

20 years ago just getting around was an intriguing challenge. Few signs in English.

Bullet train was an odd sensation (of flying on rails) for about 5 mins.

Seeing if locals can pronounce Gary Linekar.

 

Fish market is supposed to be good if you can be arsed to get up early.

Envious of your visit to Kyoto - top of my bucket list.

 

Or spell it?

 

Don't know Tokyo but if you're in Kyoto then Nara is very close, enough for a day trip, so get down the national park and visit the temple there. I think it's the largest wooden structure in the world, (or that might be the Buddha inside). Also Osaka is very close for shopping and food.
Arashiyama is also very close to Kyoto, a visit to the monkey park and bamboo forest is highly recommended, (by me).

 

I was referring to a different Gary Lineke/ar.

With smaller ears & generally more pleasant.

 

Going Taormina in July (appropriately scheduled for the day after the WC final) and Algarve in August/September.

 

I'm off to Athens this afternoon... Any recommendations?

I'm planning on seeing off a lot of kebabs.

 

Lamb Moussaka.

Or the beef version, Moossaka.
Or the elk version, Mooseaka
Or the small rodent version, Mouseaka

 

Bergen in Norway is unreal. Beautifully set between the mountains. Expensive but worth it. Not a massive Christmas Market but still a great setting.

 

For budget revellers considering the St Albans Chrisymas market - avoid.

Lille is worth a short visit, but its Christmas market isn't

 

Booked Reykjavik for a long weekend in September - recommendations welcome!

 

I recommend you take loads of cash

 

Been to Lake Lugano, Italian side...in June, last time I saw rain!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

You have a holiday booked for tomorrow in Portugal - would you go?

Me, no. (Not that I have one booked).

 

Snowflake.

 

For the avoidance of doubt, I mean a holiday to the hot bit.

 

Its only really hot inland and in the cities like Lisbon. On the coast at the algarve, eg Faro airport, it's only forecast to be 30 degrees. Too hot for me but perfect for sun-loving beach-loving families.

 

This is why sheltering behind a wind break on a Norfolk beach, in a force seven wind, is the English way.

 

Happy days

.

 

38 today in lisbon. horrible time to be hungover