Chicken Memorials

[Guest]

We booked our summer holiday!

 

Got an excellent deal. Started out with Mother calling her cruise club to see what was available for August on P & O, bearing in mind we didn't want to fly so need Southampton to Southampton round trip. Best deal was a med job that went to lots of places we didn't really want to go to (lanzarote, tenerife, gibralter etc - not the most interesting places to visit for a day!) We were saying it didn't matter too much as with James along we would probably skip shore and stay on board for the day. Mind you the problem we get then is that there are not many onboard activites when you are in port - only on sea days.

 

Then when we saw the prices I said - we could to the round trip on the Mary for that (Queen Mary 2 does the transatlantic run all summer). We discussed how warm it would be (certainly wasn't cold when I went last summer!) and what James could do - loads of pools and a kids zone with its own pool - he can stay till midnight and go to sleep in the kids zone too. Well we got the prices and they were offering by far the cheapest fares for James - bearing in mind its actually 2 cruises back to back so I'M GOING BACK TO NEW YORK THIS SUMMER. Of course I'm only getting 1 day there - so its going to be frantic shopping for me whilst Mum and James go to visit my cousin and his kids for the day (and pick up all the mail order stuff I'm gonna have sent to their apartmement).

 

All we need now is a pet sitter for cats and chooks. If anyone knows a good pet sitting company let me know - Mum wants to have someone to stay here for the 2 weeks we are away. Nice big house - hot tub, lovely garden, village location....

[chelsea]

Great, what a nice thing to look forward too!

 

Brings a smile to your face in the cold winter months

 

I love NYC - but have never been......(hubby wont go. )

[Guest]

Go without him!

 

Seriously its nice to be there with people but you can see sooo much more when you are on your own. Last year I flew out and spent 2 days there before I cruised back and not having to cater for anyone else meant I got to pack loads and load in.

 

This year I'm going to be even more focussed with my shopping and I'll plan it like a military campaign. Fortunately Mum isn't keen to shop cos James would hate it. So for 1 day I get to go mad and dash around - if I've hit my target weight I will also use this opportunity to purchase 2 very expensive items of clothing that have been a long term promise if I'm ever a size 12 - they'll both be cheaper there and I'll book a personal shopper at Saks to make sure I don't waste precious time getting them. Mind you I'll have to do some serious overtime (yes even as a teacher its possible!) to be able to afford them.

[Guest]

NY, I'm so jealous!!!! Before I became ill we were planning a trip to NY. I suggested Long Island (as that's where Billy Joel lives and he's my hero *sigh*) anyway, DH was having none of it (he wanted to see the pimps and hoes (sp?), just to say he had! He's a strange tourist sometimes!) so I'd been researching hotels in Manhattan on trip advisor and everything, then I ended up in hospital- oh well, maybe when I'm better

 

Have a wonderful time and take lots of photos and let us know what it was like, at laeast I can have some vicarious NYC action!

 

My mum cruised the west side of the US, California, Vegas, Grand Canyon etc etc, she says it's wonderful, I've never done one but again, maybe in the future.

 

If I can't/don't go back to work though, it's a static in Talacre for us next year! I don't mind to be honest, I'm just grateful for a holiday, some people don't even get one.

[The Dogmother]

Sounds like just your thing Pengy!

 

My folks kindly take Rosie and I away each easter so that we get a break and I'm really looking forward to it too - we're goijg to Cyprus. Rosie just wants to be somewhere that has a beach and a pool, so long as she's happy, so am I I can chill and spend loads of time with her and my folks.

[Guest]

I didn't have a proper holiday for about 4 years whilst I was married to my charming ex, he was wasting so much money and I kept having to dig him out of debt (booze and gambling). First time I ever went to NY was when I won a trip on the Chris Tarrant breakfast show - it was all expenses paid and I even got £500 spending money!

 

When James is older I plan to do a couple of summers out in Canada and the US - as a teacher I have the long holidays and there are ways of doing it without breaking the bank. Plus one of my closest freinds lives in Toronto and at the moment they have a 2 bed apartment but in a few years time they will buy a big house in the 'burbs so there will be lots of spare rooms, she also has a little girl who is a couple of years younger than James and is planning another so will know all the good stuff to keep him busy whist we are there.

[Guest]

Sounds like just your thing Pengy!

 

My folks kindly take Rosie and I away each easter so that we get a break and I'm really looking forward to it too - we're goijg to Cyprus. Rosie just wants to be somewhere that has a beach and a pool, so long as she's happy, so am I I can chill and spend loads of time with her and my folks.

 

Yep - totally my thing. Mum also takes James away to the caravan site at St Oseth for a week every year - his school convieniently has all their teacher training days in the same week, which is the week after the Whitsun holiday. Obviously I couldn't take time off to look after him so they enjoy a cheap break!

[Guest]

Sounds like just your thing Pengy!

 

My folks kindly take Rosie and I away each easter so that we get a break and I'm really looking forward to it too - we're goijg to Cyprus. Rosie just wants to be somewhere that has a beach and a pool, so long as she's happy, so am I I can chill and spend loads of time with her and my folks.

 

Cyprus is gorgeous Clare, we stayed in Paphos a few years ago and toured around, Aphrodite's Rock is a beautiful spot, Nicosia is fascinating with it's Greek side and Turkish side, really interesting winding streets and shops and we also visited other places I can't remember just now, an amphitheatre and some ruins near Limosol I think (I wasn't driving, just taking in the scenery) the great thing is they drive on the left so hire a car and do some sight seeing, it's brilliant!

 

I tried a hubba bubba pipe in one of the bars and we had a delicious mezze(sp?) but it was 40 in the shade and that was in May!

 

The scenery, weather, food, people, culture are all brilliant- whereabouts are you staying in Cyprus? Have you been before? You have to try a REAL Greek kebab (if you're not veggie that is) the grilled halumi(sp?) is also delicious and if you drink, try Commandaria, the local fortified wine. If you lived near me I'd be begging you to bring some back for me One of the best holidays we've ever had, that's why I've gone on so much about it

 

All this talk of holidays has cheered me up a bit, anyone else going anywhere?

[Laura & CTB]

 

All this talk of holidays has cheered me up a bit, anyone else going anywhere?

 

Cyprus is gorgeous!

 

Next year I'm off to the Maldives - staying in one of the water villas that's on stilts over the lagoon. CTB says oh we're staying in a "hut"

[Guest]

I'd love to go to the Maldives - but I don't think its really a holiday to do by myself - more of a romantic trip.

 

I've never been to Cyprus but then I wasn't ever keen on Greece or the Islands. I loved Italy when I went there but havn't been back for years, the charming ex just liked to go to the most English bits of Spain, you know the drill all English bars, Sky Sports and English cafes with fry up breakfasts.

[The Dogmother]

We love Cyprus, the folks have taken us there a few times now and it's just what we want at that time of year.

[Snowy]

Sounds fab Pengy - it's great to have something like that to look forward too isn't it!

We haven't planned anywhere yet - any ideas for somewhere with guarenteed sunshine and within driving distance? Our last three holidays have been almost completely washed out I'm in desperate need of a sunshine boost

[Guest]

my friend has just moved to a town near Granada, can't remember the name of the town but it's up in the hills, the house they bought was featured on one of those buying houses abroad TV progs so we've seen it on TV but not in the flesh yet. I'm too scared to go while I'm feeling ropey but when I'm better, she wants me to help her harvest her olives!

 

Ryan Air fly to Granada quite cheaply too so fingers x'd for a speedy recovery as that would be a cheap holiday!

 

The very first foreign holiday me and DH had together back in 1993 (we didn't have another holiday after that til 2003 due to buying a house)**edit, make those dates 1992ish and 2001, terrible memory for dates!** was in Benidorm, I was 23 and we had a great time, there's a lot to be said for trashy English bars, at least do 'proper' bacon

 

To be honest, we've done the 5 star hotel bit (Paris honeymoon so we felt justified ) and stayed at Butlins in Skegness (when we couldn't afford anything else, cost us a tenner would you believe, a voucher from the paper) but wherever we've gone, we've gone out and explored the local area and had a great time. Although, now I'm getting on a bit, comfort does tend to creep up the priority list and comfort doesn't tend to come cheap does it unfortunately.

 

My perfect holiday these days though would be a week in Paris (I adore Paris!!!) and then a week in the South of France to recover from Paris

Edited November 25, 2007 by Guest

[Guest]

I've had so many years without holidays, when I bought my first house, when I had "Ooops, word censored!"ody to go with, when I was out of work. I just like to have a lovely one to look forward to now.

 

I've had some great weekends when I was younger at Butlins and on caravan sites but I just find them all too loud now. I love dressing up and the formal nights on cruises are right up my street. I also love missing the hassle of flying - I did fly out to NYC this summer and that was an agonisingly long journey and then when I cruised back I was at Southampton but my car was at Heathrow!

 

I love Italy, I love the proper Spanish parts of Spain, I'd like to go to Russia, I'd like to go diving in the Maldives. Oh and when I retire the first thing I'm going to do is go on an Antartic cruise to see the penguins! Hey if the boat sinks I'll hop in a lifeboat!!!!

[Guest]

 

do share some photos of NYC though, if you can be bothered

 

I always thought it would be fun to do the cable car thing to Roosevelt Island, after seeing it in the film 'Leon'.

 

One day!

[Cinnamon]

Oooooo - you are all whetting my appetite for next summers jaunt

 

We haven't decided where yet, but its looking like Italy,Zakynthos or Madiera.

I want some sun & nice food & nice places to visit, as does the Hubby.

The girls want a pool, & boys

 

Its more difficult with teenagers as they start to have their own opinion on where to go, rather than just hauling them along

 

The right accomodation is difficult too, as they really need their own room (to share) rather than a bunk in the living area.

And we need somewhere with a bit of nightlife,a few bars or tavernas ,but not full on Ibiza party made,within walking distance.

 

I will find the perfect place in the end,I am sure

[Snowy]

We haven't decided where yet, but its looking like Italy,Zakynthos or Madiera.

I want some sun & nice food & nice places to visit, as does the Hubby.

The girls want a pool, & boys

 

Its more difficult with teenagers as they start to have their own opinion on where to go, rather than just hauling them along

 

The right accomodation is difficult too, as they really need their own room (to share) rather than a bunk in the living area.

And we need somewhere with a bit of nightlife,a few bars or tavernas ,but not full on Ibiza party made,within walking distance.

 

I will find the perfect place in the end,I am sure

 

Have you considered Turkey? We went to Olu Deniz - the blue lagoon. If you can get accomodation in Olu Deniz itself it is lovely, small but with plenty of activity on the beach front. Restaurants, bars, craft and gift shops, possibly a club or two but I wasn't looking for them at the time! But defnitely not 18 - 30s! More sporty types there for the parascending (is that what you call it? Jumping of a cliff with a 'chute on?). Plus beautiful beach and lagoon! mmmmmm, wouldn't mind going back there myself. ...

[Guest]

Oooooo - you are all whetting my appetite for next summers jaunt

 

We haven't decided where yet, but its looking like Italy,Zakynthos or Madiera.

I want some sun & nice food & nice places to visit, as does the Hubby.

The girls want a pool, & boys

 

Its more difficult with teenagers as they start to have their own opinion on where to go, rather than just hauling them along

 

The right accomodation is difficult too, as they really need their own room (to share) rather than a bunk in the living area.

And we need somewhere with a bit of nightlife,a few bars or tavernas ,but not full on Ibiza party made,within walking distance.

 

I will find the perfect place in the end,I am sure

 

well, I'd recommend Paphos, we stayed at The Ledra Beach Hotel, right on the beach, all inclusive- nice and relaxed but there's night life in the nearby town (short bus ride away or nice leisurely walk) if you want it. There's upper and lower Paphos both with their own distinct characters, great shops, markets, they drive on the left so you can easily explore further afield, read my other response, I'd recommend it highly!

 

if you want a pool, they have 2, indoor and outdoor and then of course there's the sea on your doorstep!

 

here's the photo from our hotel room and then one of us (well, just me actually) in the pool side restaurant at our friends' wedding reception (the reason we went there).

 

 

 

 

 

[nicki9]

It looks gorgeous (sigh...)

 

Well, we will be of to Cornwall in the caravan, or we may venture in the other direction and head up to Yorkshire.

 

I hate waiting at airports and stuff, and the thought of doing it with two young, over excited, over tired, whining children is too much for me! I may try and go somewhere abroad with DH though, we haven't even got passports at the moment as the last time we ventured abroad was 14 years ago.

 

All this thought of holidays, lovely ...

[Egluntyne]

It looks gorgeous (sigh...)

 

Well, we will be of to Cornwall in the caravan, or we may venture in the other direction and head up to Yorkshire.

 

I hate waiting at airports and stuff, and the thought of doing it with two young, over excited, over tired, whining children is too much for me! I may try and go somewhere abroad with DH though, we haven't even got passports at the moment as the last time we ventured abroad was 14 years ago.

 

All this thought of holidays, lovely ...

 

We are the same nicki9. Him Indoors won't fly or do the eurotunnel thingy.....I am poleaxed by seasickness so won't go on a ferry if I can avoid it.

 

We last went abroad as a family about 6 years ago. The children go all over the world without batting an eyelid.

 

We do UK hols...I adore Cornwall.

 

We didn't go away last year as we just didn't get round to it, and I didn't want to leave the hens.

[Christian]

We didn't go away last year as we just didn't get round to it, and I didn't want to leave the hens.

 

That is ridiculous Egluntine!!!

 

I have never cancelled a holiday due to chickens!!!

 

 

 

 

[Egluntyne]

We didn't go away last year as we just didn't get round to it, and I didn't want to leave the hens.

 

That is ridiculous Egluntine!!!

 

I have never cancelled a holiday due to chickens!!!

 

I was going to get all prickly and say "how dare you" and then I thought....."hang on this is Christian talking" , and then I saw the following:

 

:lol:

 

We tend to do spur of the moment breaks anyway, and with the awful weather it just didn't happen.

 

Plus we have a teenage son, and whilst I trust him completely - ish , one or two of his friends are a bit naughty, and I don't feel I want to go away and leave an adult free house for them to railroad him into having a party in.

[Ain't Nobody Here]

I'm getting quite excited (but a bit nervous too) about our summer holiday. We're going to Italy for a cycling holiday - one of those where they give you directions for your next night's accommodation and take your luggage there for you.

 

Excited 'cos we've not been on a holiday by plane with the boys before (ferry to Ireland, France, Belgium & Holland or UK holiday) but nervous 'cos I'll need to get a bit slimmer and fitter to keep up with my super-fit OH and boys.

 

We're spending 2 days in Rome at the beginning and 2 days at the end so I'm really looking forward to that. OH and I went there nearly 20 years ago but it'll be fun showing the boys.

 

The diet & keep fit regime starts today (yeah, right) .

[Christian]

and then I thought....."hang on this is Christian talking"

 

 

 

I don't know what you mean!

 

 

[Olly]

I won't be going abroad next year for economic reasons, I need work done on the house and I've chosen to have a dental implant rather than a cheaper option - still I had two holidays abroad this year, Venice and France/Spain so I'm not complaining!

 

I will do my usual camping weekend at Southwold with friends, and long weekend in the Peak District with best friend, and I'm hoping to go camping for a week somewhere as well. There's so much in the UK that I haven't seen, sure the weather isn't guaranteed but I don't cope very well with sun anyway, so it will suit me! I love the British countryside.

 

Pengy, last year I was considering a 'house-sitter', and a friend recommended this site: http://www.homebase-hols.com/ It's aimed at house-swaps but you can also advertise for house-sitters, all the members have to give identification and so on - of course there's a degree of risk in having someone in your home, but the benefits of having someone living there, keeping an eye on all the livestock etc. are quite high. I didn't use it in the end as I found someone to call in every day.

 

My hot-water tank burst a week BEFORE I went away for a fortnight this year - the 'what if ...' questions that went through my head really took the edge off the holiday anticipation!