European Travel & Fencing

[kalivor]

I meant this place, which I frequented during my UCL days.

http://www.pubs.com/main_site/pub_de...php?pub_id=138

And I was referring to the strange plan to rename the Holborn and Bloomsbury areas as "midtown".

[Gav]

Yes, for ten days don't bother with your kit. If you were over here for a month or more, it would be worth it, but not for a brief visit. I can also recommend the Lamb - its our local and not normally overrun with students, more grumpy grad students (present company included) and staff, plus the food isn't bad - but the student pubs nearer the main campus do have a younger crowd. Depends what you are looking for, really. For ten days, I strongly recommend that you pick one area and not try to do a whirlwind tour; it is much more rewarding in the long term to visit one place well than have a memory of train stations and airports. Its a running joke on the Continent about how Americans (I was/am one, so can sympathise!) visit ten cities in ten days - anathema for Continental tourist philosophy. They're right.
Also beware that British trains are not the most punctual in the world, especially if, help us all, it snows half an inch or the wrong sort of leaves fall on the tracks, and be sure to book at least a day ahead (this can be done online or at the station), else they will bugger you for fares on the day. Edinburgh is wonderful - I'd take Gav up on his offer! My wife is a member of the Royal College of Surgeons there, so we head up as often as we can, usually 3-4 times a year. We like the Bow Bar, but get his input. Alas, since I have all but been forced to temporarily leave fencing due to a bloody PhD taking over my life, I haven't fenced up there yet.
Relax and enjoy!

Bow bar is not a bad choice. Seeing as she's a member of the Royal College of Surgeons then you're probably familiar with Doctors. It just so happens I live in that neck of the woods!

[pillow]

And I was referring to the strange plan to rename the Holborn and Bloomsbury areas as "midtown".

I agree; sounds like a foolish idea. Don't mess with history, at least not too much.

[downunder]

I agree; sounds like a foolish idea. Don't mess with history, at least not too much.

New Oxford Street is pretty horrible though. Any excuse to revitalise it is a good one

[Adelaide]

In fairness, I profess constant amazement at this myself.

Is it really that unlikely?

On the topic of traveling, I agree that spending more time in fewer places is the best way to go. You want to see Europe and not spend your entire vacation in one place, so I'd say choose three or four places that you really want to explore and don't try to see more than you can enjoy and take in without rushing.

[telkanuru]

Is it really that unlikely?

On the topic of traveling, I agree that spending more time in fewer places is the best way to go. You want to see Europe and not spend your entire vacation in one place, so I'd say choose three or four places that you really want to explore and don't try to see more than you can enjoy and take in without rushing.

Hello dear.

[swordwench]

Is it really that unlikely?

On the topic of traveling, I agree that spending more time in fewer places is the best way to go. You want to see Europe and not spend your entire vacation in one place, so I'd say choose three or four places that you really want to explore and don't try to see more than you can enjoy and take in without rushing.

100% agreement here. One other thing: get your international driver's license and rent a car. No whining about the cost - just do it, because public transportation will only get you so far. While you're tooling around the UK, watch out for sheep on the roads, and stay on the left. (Sounds easy enough. It isn't.)

And Adelaide, if he packs so much as a plastron, smack him in the head, and tell him it's from me.

[Adelaide]

100% agreement here. One other thing: get your international driver's license and rent a car. No whining about the cost - just do it, because public transportation will only get you so far. While you're tooling around the UK, watch out for sheep on the roads, and stay on the left. (Sounds easy enough. It isn't.)

And Adelaide, if he packs so much as a plastron, smack him in the head, and tell him it's from me.

Simply crossing the road (especially on one way streets) was strange at times, so I'm not sure driving is the best idea for someone just getting here (and on top of the jet lag). Depending on the way things fall, renting a car might be a less than ideal idea; I'll keep it as a possibility, though.

And are you telling me to abuse him?

[dcrocket]

And are you telling me to abuse him?

Someone needs to keep him in line....

[Fencergrl]

And are you telling me to abuse him?

He's a fencer. He's used to getting hit everytime he makes a mistake.

[Capt. Slo-mo]

and even when he does something right...so you're good either way.

[oiuyt]

So I have a little trip to the Continent planned for this April/May. I will be 10 days long, and I'll be bouncing around everywhere from Italy to Ireland (girlfriend doing a semester abroad in Limerick), and I was wondering if it would be worth the hassle of dragging it everywhere to bring my fencing bag with me for the duration.

Any and all advice (pertaining to the subject) is appreciated.

Planning to be anywhere near Istanbul or Paris on May 8-9?

Is it possible to extend your trip by a couple of days and add Istanbul? Paris would also work, but is more dependent on the choices made by other Americans.

-B

[telkanuru]

Planning to be anywhere near Istanbul or Paris on May 8-9?

Is it possible to extend your trip by a couple of days and add Istanbul? Paris would also work, but is more dependent on the choices made by other Americans.

-B

Already considered it, but it is unfortunately not possible, due to school conflicts.