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General Category => Off the Record => Topic started by: alfred russel on November 29, 2014, 08:03:07 PM

Title: What should I do next week?
Post by: alfred russel on November 29, 2014, 08:03:07 PM
I'm getting off the week after next. I can't move it. I want to do something, but have zero plans. I want to fly somewhere on Friday (December 5) and back on Sunday (December 14).

I like to do rather aggressive hiking, and beyond that am a history nerd.

What should I do?

My first thought is Patagonia, but flights are prohibitively expensive right now. So that is out.

The US and Europe are cold, Australia too far away.

Current ideas:
-Turkey, never been, flights to Istanbul are cheapish, and Istanbul combined with a road trip through parts of Turkey when that gets boring should be fun.
-Israel, never been, why not. Flights are cheapish.
-Morocco, never been, flights aren't too expensive, driving around should be interesting, maybe see the Sahara? The major downside is that I really want to go up a mountain there, and the weather won't allow it in December.

These are my ideas. I'm not excited about them. I need to leave in 6 days, so I sort of need to make a quick decision. If anyone wants to meet up for something like a roadtrip through turkey, I can spring for the cars and hotels.
Title: Re: What should I do next week?
Post by: Ideologue on November 29, 2014, 08:05:47 PM
Let's go to Thailand.
Title: Re: What should I do next week?
Post by: Razgovory on November 29, 2014, 08:07:40 PM
A bunch of those little clowns stuffed in a clown car.
Title: Re: What should I do next week?
Post by: alfred russel on November 29, 2014, 08:07:53 PM
Quote from: Ideologue on November 29, 2014, 08:05:47 PM
Let's go to Thailand.

Flights to Bangkok aren't obnoxious. I know you are joking, but I'd definitely be in. I'm not going by myself because of the same reason you are saying lets go to Thailand.
Title: Re: What should I do next week?
Post by: Ideologue on November 29, 2014, 08:15:01 PM
I wanted to learn muay thai and meet M. Bison, is all.
Title: Re: What should I do next week?
Post by: Sheilbh on November 29, 2014, 08:18:25 PM
I think Turkey is also freezing this time of year. Israel would be very cool. Though I've not been to either.

I loved Morocco. Six days isn't a great deal of time but you could almost certainly see the Sahara, or skip that and go for Marrakesh and Essaouira (Portguese fort-town on the Atlantic which is lovely) or Marrakesh and North to Rif: Fes, Meknes and Chefchaoun maybe?

Edit: Although regardless you will be driving South of the Channel, so God help you :console:
Title: Re: What should I do next week?
Post by: Admiral Yi on November 29, 2014, 08:21:07 PM
Go to Colombia.
Title: Re: What should I do next week?
Post by: Ideologue on November 29, 2014, 08:21:18 PM
Do you mean on the correct side of the road. You insular peoples and your quaint idiosyncrasies! :hug:
Title: Re: What should I do next week?
Post by: Sheilbh on November 29, 2014, 08:22:47 PM
Quote from: Ideologue on November 29, 2014, 08:21:18 PM
Do you mean on the correct side of the road. You insular peoples and your quaint idiosyncrasies! :hug:
:lol:

But no I mean safely rather than like you're in a video game or where using the horn is an acceptable alternative to braking.
Title: Re: What should I do next week?
Post by: alfred russel on November 29, 2014, 08:27:05 PM
Quote from: Sheilbh on November 29, 2014, 08:18:25 PM

I loved Morocco. Six days isn't a great deal of time but you could almost certainly see the Sahara, or skip that and go for Marrakesh and Essaouira (Portguese fort-town on the Atlantic which is lovely) or Marrakesh and North to Rif: Fes, Meknes and Chefchaoun maybe?


I was thinking land in Casablanca, drive to Fes, spend a couple days there, drive to Marrakesh, spend a couple days there, maybe do a really short Sahara expedition, and then go home.

That might meet some ADVENTURE! quotient. Mostly because of the driving. That isn't much time though.
Title: Re: What should I do next week?
Post by: Ideologue on November 29, 2014, 08:28:48 PM
Free climb El Capitan!
Title: Re: What should I do next week?
Post by: alfred russel on November 29, 2014, 08:40:23 PM
Quote from: Sheilbh on November 29, 2014, 08:22:47 PM
Quote from: Ideologue on November 29, 2014, 08:21:18 PM
Do you mean on the correct side of the road. You insular peoples and your quaint idiosyncrasies! :hug:
:lol:

But no I mean safely rather than like you're in a video game or where using the horn is an acceptable alternative to braking.

I'm probably going to book this tonight. Sheilbh, I trust your judgment on this stuff. Am I missing something amazing?

I'm a leaning toward Israel or Istanbul--Istanbul being much more interesting for me but also colder.
Title: Re: What should I do next week?
Post by: alfred russel on November 29, 2014, 08:40:49 PM
Quote from: Admiral Yi on November 29, 2014, 08:21:07 PM
Go to Colombia.

Do you have ideas what I should do?
Title: Re: What should I do next week?
Post by: Admiral Yi on November 29, 2014, 08:45:36 PM
Quote from: alfred russel on November 29, 2014, 08:40:49 PM
Do you have ideas what I should do?

Go to the beach at Cartagena (or is that in Venezuela?--anyway Colombia has an old colonial port town with a beach).  Check out the Bogota night life.  Eyeball the senoritas.  Eat some food.  Hike somewhere dangerous near FARC territory.
Title: Re: What should I do next week?
Post by: alfred russel on November 29, 2014, 08:47:14 PM
Quote from: Admiral Yi on November 29, 2014, 08:45:36 PM

Go to the beach at Cartagena (or is that in Venezuela?--anyway Colombia has an old colonial port town with a beach).

It is in Colombia.
Title: Re: What should I do next week?
Post by: Sheilbh on November 29, 2014, 09:03:40 PM
Quote from: alfred russel on November 29, 2014, 08:40:23 PM
I'm probably going to book this tonight. Sheilbh, I trust your judgment on this stuff. Am I missing something amazing?

I'm a leaning toward Israel or Istanbul--Istanbul being much more interesting for me but also colder.
Eeeek.

I don't know Israel or Istanbul but would love to travel to both.

If you go for Morocco I absolutely loved Fes - I really recommend Cafe Clock just inside the medina for a tea/coffee.  But just wander around the old town, head down to the old tanneries etc. It's also convenient to do a quick afternoon in Meknes which is also worth visiting but less great. I think the drive between the two was good.

If you're in that area it's not too far to Chefchaouen which is beautiful ( https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=chefchaouen&espv=2&biw=1600&bih=799&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=B3l6VKy3IYTgaLaMglg&ved=0CAcQ_AUoAg ), everyone will try and sell you hash. But that may be too out of your way.

I didn't spend much time in Marrakesh so I have less tips there. I loved Casablanca but lots of people don't. Compared to Fes, Mekness or Marrakesh it's very different. Their old towns are centuries old while I think Casablanca's old town is only 18th century and the city itself is very French. But I liked that and when I got there I'd just spent a week in Fes and the area so the contrast was nice - I believe people say Fes is the most Arab city in Morocco, Marrakesh the most African and Casablanca the most European. You can also visit the largest mosque in Africa the King Hassan II (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hassan_II_Mosque) which is the only mosque in Morocco non-Muslims are allowed to visit and very interesting, if rather modern. It's also built in a run down bit of town which isn't that attractive but maybe worth the hour it takes.

I don't know about the Sahara I didn't visit.

Also everyone's very friendly. It's true they're almost always trying to sell you things, but they do it in a very charming way and if you've less shame than me you can embrace the game of haggling.

Worth a visit . But I'd wait for people who've been to Istanbul or Israel before booking.
Title: Re: What should I do next week?
Post by: alfred russel on November 29, 2014, 09:14:15 PM
Sheilbh, what do you think about me being by myself in Morocco though?

If we are talking about something outdoors oriented or a crazy adventure type thing, I'm good by myself. I'm also a history buff, so I can nerd out in a place like the British Museum or the Louvre by myself for days (I'd much prefer to be by myself actually).

But to soak up the atmosphere of Fes or Marrakesh? I'm not sure.
Title: Re: What should I do next week?
Post by: Sheilbh on November 29, 2014, 09:23:31 PM
Maybe. I mean you'll know what you want. I mean there's stuff to do historically speaking - Fes is the world's largest Medieval medina - and Marrakech has historical sites too.

But ultimately I don't think their tourism will be focused on museums and historical sites as in Istanbul and Israel, as opposed to wandering a 15th century souk, seeing the tanneries (which reek), eating the food in that big square in Marrakech and, as you say, soaking up the atmosphere. It's less like being a history nerd in, say, London or Paris, and more like being a history nerd in a small Italian city.

I'm dreadful at actually seeing things on holiday. I normally insist on one walking excursion but aside from that I'm very much a soak up the atmosphere, try and get chatting in a local cafe kind of guy.
Title: Re: What should I do next week?
Post by: Tonitrus on November 29, 2014, 09:51:01 PM
Quote from: alfred russel on November 29, 2014, 08:40:49 PM
Quote from: Admiral Yi on November 29, 2014, 08:21:07 PM
Go to Colombia.

Do you have ideas what I should do?

http://www.sfgate.com/travel/article/Colombia-s-Lost-City-may-be-next-Machu-Picchu-2344790.php
Title: Re: What should I do next week?
Post by: alfred russel on November 29, 2014, 10:09:22 PM
Quote from: Tonitrus on November 29, 2014, 09:51:01 PM
Quote from: alfred russel on November 29, 2014, 08:40:49 PM
Quote from: Admiral Yi on November 29, 2014, 08:21:07 PM
Go to Colombia.

Do you have ideas what I should do?

http://www.sfgate.com/travel/article/Colombia-s-Lost-City-may-be-next-Machu-Picchu-2344790.php

That might be a winner.... :)
Title: Re: What should I do next week?
Post by: Tonitrus on November 29, 2014, 10:21:10 PM
If so, I expect a full AAR.

And avoid guys named Belloq.
Title: Re: What should I do next week?
Post by: mongers on November 29, 2014, 10:27:58 PM
Quote from: Tonitrus on November 29, 2014, 10:21:10 PM
If so, I expect a full AAR.

And avoid guys named Belloq.

Quote

Kidnapped America, sort advice from people on internet before making trip.

Title: Re: What should I do next week?
Post by: CountDeMoney on November 29, 2014, 11:21:28 PM
By all means, get into a pissing match with some Albanians over the FSU-ND penalty.
Title: Re: What should I do next week?
Post by: Eddie Teach on November 29, 2014, 11:54:20 PM
Stay at home, eating fried chicken and playing X-box.
Title: Re: What should I do next week?
Post by: Zanza on November 30, 2014, 07:30:12 AM
Colombia sounds like an interesting choice. I heard good things about it from other travelers.
Title: Re: What should I do next week?
Post by: Savonarola on November 30, 2014, 08:38:10 AM
Quote from: alfred russel on November 29, 2014, 09:14:15 PM
Sheilbh, what do you think about me being by myself in Morocco though?

If we are talking about something outdoors oriented or a crazy adventure type thing, I'm good by myself. I'm also a history buff, so I can nerd out in a place like the British Museum or the Louvre by myself for days (I'd much prefer to be by myself actually).

But to soak up the atmosphere of Fes or Marrakesh? I'm not sure.

I spent about a week in Fez and a few days in Casablanca.  Casablanca is an ugly third world city where everybody is running a hustle and living in squalor.  Fez, on the other hand is pretty neat. You can't visit mosques in Morocco unless you're a Muslim (except one in Casablanca), but you can visit the madrassas (which all closed after the French left) and there are some museums.  It's a short train ride from Fez to Moulay Idriss and the Roman ruins of Volubilis or to the imperial city of Meknes.  I took a taxi to the middle Atlas, but if you're thinking of going to Marrakesh you'd probably go to the high Atlas instead.

There's no need to drive.  You can take the train straight from the Mohammed V airport to either Fez or Marrakesh.

One thing to know, though, is that English isn't widely spoken.  Even in big cities French is the more common second language.
Title: Re: What should I do next week?
Post by: crazy canuck on November 30, 2014, 09:07:35 AM
From where you are Aruba is a quick and relatively inexpensive week in the sun, if you rent a place in the South of the island rather than staying in a resort in the North. 
Title: Re: What should I do next week?
Post by: PDH on November 30, 2014, 10:10:41 AM
Jog across Wyoming.
Title: Re: What should I do next week?
Post by: Syt on November 30, 2014, 11:02:13 AM
Quote from: alfred russel on November 29, 2014, 08:03:07 PM
I'm getting off the week after next. I can't move it. I want to do something, but have zero plans.

Find someone who looks like you, stalk him, kill him, and assume his identity.
Title: Re: What should I do next week?
Post by: Monoriu on November 30, 2014, 01:57:39 PM
Come to HK and I will allow you the honour of buying me a lunch  :hug:
Title: Re: What should I do next week?
Post by: Ideologue on November 30, 2014, 04:07:36 PM
Mono's typical lunch: bag of chips and half a flat soda, stolen from another table in the mall food court.
Title: Re: What should I do next week?
Post by: Monoriu on November 30, 2014, 04:21:03 PM
Quote from: Ideologue on November 30, 2014, 04:07:36 PM
Mono's typical lunch: bag of chips and half a flat soda, stolen from another table in the mall food court.

There are people in HK who go after the leftovers in food courts.
Title: Re: What should I do next week?
Post by: Ideologue on November 30, 2014, 04:21:43 PM
Nice passive voice. :P

Hey, man, it saves money!  I get it.
Title: Re: What should I do next week?
Post by: Capetan Mihali on November 30, 2014, 04:48:54 PM
That's not passive voice...
Title: Re: What should I do next week?
Post by: Maladict on November 30, 2014, 05:01:07 PM
Mountains and history... perhaps Armenia/Georgia, or Ethiopia?
Title: Re: What should I do next week?
Post by: Ideologue on November 30, 2014, 06:10:49 PM
Quote from: Capetan Mihali on November 30, 2014, 04:48:54 PM
That's not passive voice...

You're right.  I forget the name of that grammatical construction.  Anyway, you take the point.
Title: Re: What should I do next week?
Post by: alfred russel on November 30, 2014, 10:56:05 PM
I basically spent all day on line trying to figure this out. Thanks for those that offered suggestions. :)

Thailand (Ide's suggestion): as I said, only would do with someone else. I can't fly to Bangkok as a lone single guy and credibly claim to be going for the cultural attractions.  Everyone missed an epic week in Bangkok by not signing up to go with me. :)

Morocco (Sav, Sheilbh, and others discussed): I want to go to Morocco, I just think I need more than a week.  The number 1 think I want to do in Morocco is to climb Toubkal, and December is the wrong month. Next year I'm planning on a week in Europe with my cousins, maybe I'll take a week+ to head to Morocco then.

Colombia (Yi, Zanza, and especially Tonitrus): I almost did this and wrote to some of the tour guides for Toni's hike. I might do that someday. What pushed me against it is last minute flights right now to Colombia are expensive—with the tour cost almost as much as to Tel Aviv. Also, the hike didn't seem too aggressive, and I've sort of had my fill of pre Colombian ruins. But it is an idea for later and I might do it at some point. This was the runner up.

Aruba (CC): I know a lot of people like relaxing on the beach, but I don't know if that is for me.

Armenia / Georgia & Ethiopia (Maladict): I think these are good ideas, but probably not for a week vacation based on where I am. Certainly Ethiopia is too far away, and it is probably the wrong time of the year for Armenia / Georgia. Also, I leave in 5 days, and I know very little about Armenia and Georgia. Where to go what to see? I don't know. Ethiopia is on my to do list though, but I think I need 2 weeks. I was in Addis Ababa for a day last year, and the day was interesting and eventful. :)
Title: Re: What should I do next week?
Post by: Razgovory on November 30, 2014, 11:21:40 PM
Quote from: Syt on November 30, 2014, 11:02:13 AM
Quote from: alfred russel on November 29, 2014, 08:03:07 PM
I'm getting off the week after next. I can't move it. I want to do something, but have zero plans.

Find someone who looks like you, stalk him, kill him, and assume his identity.

I did that like, twice.  No good.  Turns out both of them were crazy people who lived in a basement.
Title: Re: What should I do next week?
Post by: Brazen on December 01, 2014, 09:01:32 AM
Most of Europe isn't cold yet, you know. 10C/50F in London today. Go to Scotland and hike along Hadrian's Wall.
Title: Re: What should I do next week?
Post by: alfred russel on December 01, 2014, 11:30:11 AM
Crap, I just realized I didn't post what I actually booked last night, just what I wasn't doing.  :blush:

I leave for Tel Aviv on Friday.  :)
Title: Re: What should I do next week?
Post by: Viking on December 01, 2014, 11:31:05 AM
I suggest the Appalachian trail... so, eh, Patagonia.
Title: Re: What should I do next week?
Post by: alfred russel on December 01, 2014, 12:09:02 PM
Quote from: Viking on December 01, 2014, 11:31:05 AM
I suggest the Appalachian trail... so, eh, Patagonia.

I was trying to get to Patagonia, but the flights are obnoxiously expensive/unavailable.  :(
Title: Re: What should I do next week?
Post by: Barrister on December 01, 2014, 12:09:49 PM
Quote from: alfred russel on December 01, 2014, 11:30:11 AM
Crap, I just realized I didn't post what I actually booked last night, just what I wasn't doing.  :blush:

I leave for Tel Aviv on Friday.  :)

Cool.

What are your plans for Israel?  Last I heard the country wasn't exactly known for having a lot of mountains... :hmm:
Title: Re: What should I do next week?
Post by: alfred russel on December 01, 2014, 12:26:34 PM
Quote from: Barrister on December 01, 2014, 12:09:49 PM
Quote from: alfred russel on December 01, 2014, 11:30:11 AM
Crap, I just realized I didn't post what I actually booked last night, just what I wasn't doing.  :blush:

I leave for Tel Aviv on Friday.  :)

Cool.

What are your plans for Israel?  Last I heard the country wasn't exactly known for having a lot of mountains... :hmm:

I have no idea. Limiting myself to places that are warmish right now, I haven't been, have affordable flights from Atlanta, and would make for a memorable experience, I went with Israel.
Title: Re: What should I do next week?
Post by: Eddie Teach on December 01, 2014, 12:54:15 PM
Will you pray at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre? :pope:
Title: Re: What should I do next week?
Post by: alfred russel on December 01, 2014, 01:40:29 PM
Quote from: Peter Wiggin on December 01, 2014, 12:54:15 PM
Will you pray at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre? :pope:

I should qualify as a pilgrim and get an indulgence for the remission of all my sins. :pope:

If I am struck dead the moment I step off the plane, I might have a chance at salvation.  :)
Title: Re: What should I do next week?
Post by: Viking on December 01, 2014, 01:44:20 PM
Quote from: alfred russel on December 01, 2014, 12:09:02 PM
Quote from: Viking on December 01, 2014, 11:31:05 AM
I suggest the Appalachian trail... so, eh, Patagonia.

I was trying to get to Patagonia, but the flights are obnoxiously expensive/unavailable.  :(

So, well, try the actual Appalachian trail then? I'm sure Rural North Carolina in winter is great.
Title: Re: What should I do next week?
Post by: alfred russel on December 01, 2014, 01:58:11 PM
Quote from: Viking on December 01, 2014, 01:44:20 PM
Quote from: alfred russel on December 01, 2014, 12:09:02 PM
Quote from: Viking on December 01, 2014, 11:31:05 AM
I suggest the Appalachian trail... so, eh, Patagonia.

I was trying to get to Patagonia, but the flights are obnoxiously expensive/unavailable.  :(

So, well, try the actual Appalachian trail then? I'm sure Rural North Carolina in winter is great.

By coincidence, I was hiking in rural north carolina with a fellow languishite about 10 days ago.  :)

It is actually a bit cold right now.
Title: Re: What should I do next week?
Post by: Josquius on December 01, 2014, 02:07:14 PM
Driving in north africa.... Im scared enough of driving in latin europe
Title: Re: What should I do next week?
Post by: The Brain on December 01, 2014, 03:18:42 PM
Quote from: alfred russel on December 01, 2014, 01:58:11 PM
Quote from: Viking on December 01, 2014, 01:44:20 PM
Quote from: alfred russel on December 01, 2014, 12:09:02 PM
Quote from: Viking on December 01, 2014, 11:31:05 AM
I suggest the Appalachian trail... so, eh, Patagonia.

I was trying to get to Patagonia, but the flights are obnoxiously expensive/unavailable.  :(

So, well, try the actual Appalachian trail then? I'm sure Rural North Carolina in winter is great.

By coincidence, I was hiking in rural north carolina with a fellow languishite about 10 days ago.  :)


:ph34r:
Title: Re: What should I do next week?
Post by: Queequeg on December 01, 2014, 05:02:24 PM
Turkey isn't freezing this time of year unless you go to the mountains.  Don't go to the mountains. 

I'll post a longer reply when I am not completely exhausted. 
Title: Re: What should I do next week?
Post by: Admiral Yi on December 01, 2014, 05:05:42 PM
Someone just discovered a Circassian porn site.
Title: Re: What should I do next week?
Post by: Eddie Teach on December 01, 2014, 05:15:52 PM
 :lol:
Title: Re: What should I do next week?
Post by: Darth Wagtaros on December 01, 2014, 06:49:16 PM
My advice is that you start drinking. Heavily.
Title: Re: What should I do next week?
Post by: Sheilbh on December 01, 2014, 07:04:27 PM
I've heard there's good walking in the Negev and I'd guess it's probably better this time of year :mellow:
Title: Re: What should I do next week?
Post by: mongers on December 01, 2014, 07:08:40 PM
Quote from: Sheilbh on December 01, 2014, 07:04:27 PM
I've heard there's good walking in the Negev and I'd guess it's probably better this time of year :mellow:

That would be the desert with increasing smuggling gang activity, growing Bedouin restlessness and the mushrooming Islamists insurgency just across the border in Sinai.  :hmm:
Title: Re: What should I do next week?
Post by: Sheilbh on December 01, 2014, 07:20:52 PM
Quote from: mongers on December 01, 2014, 07:08:40 PM
That would be the desert with increasing smuggling gang activity, growing Bedouin restlessness and the mushrooming Islamists insurgency just across the border in Sinai.  :hmm:
Yep. I've heard that it's weirdly beautiful at either autumn or spring due to some flowering/blossoming/autumnal plant thing that happens :mellow:
http://abrahampath.org/path/craters/

To be honest there's barely a region of Israel you couldn't make a similar list about. It's a rough neighbourhood.
Title: Re: What should I do next week?
Post by: mongers on December 01, 2014, 07:37:59 PM
Quote from: Sheilbh on December 01, 2014, 07:20:52 PM
Quote from: mongers on December 01, 2014, 07:08:40 PM
That would be the desert with increasing smuggling gang activity, growing Bedouin restlessness and the mushrooming Islamists insurgency just across the border in Sinai.  :hmm:
Yep. I've heard that it's weirdly beautiful at either autumn or spring due to some flowering/blossoming/autumnal plant thing that happens :mellow:
http://abrahampath.org/path/craters/

To be honest there's barely a region of Israel you couldn't make a similar list about. It's a rough neighbourhood.

Yes I was just joshing you.  :P


There's probably not that many 'safe' places in the fertile crescent at the moment anyway.
Title: Re: What should I do next week?
Post by: alfred russel on December 01, 2014, 09:15:17 PM
Quote from: Queequeg on December 01, 2014, 05:02:24 PM
Turkey isn't freezing this time of year unless you go to the mountains.  Don't go to the mountains. 

I'll post a longer reply when I am not completely exhausted.

You failed me spellus, i've already booked my flight to the land of the juden.  :(

I am interested in what you have to say though for future reference. You probably have some ideas that few others have, and would be quite interesting.
Title: Re: What should I do next week?
Post by: Tonitrus on December 01, 2014, 09:16:38 PM
Bring back pics of HOTT IDF babes.
Title: Re: What should I do next week?
Post by: Sheilbh on December 01, 2014, 09:38:57 PM
Quote from: alfred russel on December 01, 2014, 09:15:17 PMYou probably have some ideas that few others have, and would be quite interesting.
Speaking of which, I have a friend who's planning a bit trip to Armenia. I'm very jealous.
Title: Re: What should I do next week?
Post by: Tonitrus on December 01, 2014, 09:54:22 PM
Alas, Armenia is deep in the Russo-sphere.  Cannot blame them though, since the alternative is the Turko-sphere.
Title: Re: What should I do next week?
Post by: alfred russel on December 01, 2014, 09:59:00 PM
If you think god cursed the Poles by locating them between the russians and germans, look at the stunt he pulled with the Armenians.
Title: Re: What should I do next week?
Post by: alfred russel on December 02, 2014, 06:07:34 PM
So a serious question...there is a lady that works for me that is really religious. Like she goes to church 3 days a week and when I catch her reading the internet she is surfing bible passages.

I think it would be very thoughtful of me to bring something back from the holy land for her. What would be a good gift though? I'm not planning on checking luggage, so not something too big. A relic like a piece of the true cross is one idea, but I would probably spontaneously combust if touching such a holy object, so that is probably out.
Title: Re: What should I do next week?
Post by: Ideologue on December 02, 2014, 06:11:32 PM
A county or principality would be nice, and you don't even have to ship that.
Title: Re: What should I do next week?
Post by: Syt on December 02, 2014, 06:15:09 PM
A prayer rug or a kippah.
Title: Re: What should I do next week?
Post by: alfred russel on December 02, 2014, 06:21:20 PM
Quote from: Syt on December 02, 2014, 06:15:09 PM
A prayer rug or a kippah.

Those aren't really christian though, right?
Title: Re: What should I do next week?
Post by: Savonarola on December 02, 2014, 06:35:54 PM
Get a cross made of olive wood from the holy land (or rosary if she's Catholic.)
Title: Re: What should I do next week?
Post by: alfred russel on December 02, 2014, 06:43:56 PM
Quote from: Savonarola on December 02, 2014, 06:35:54 PM
Get a cross made of olive wood from the holy land (or rosary if she's Catholic.)

This is a good idea.
Title: Re: What should I do next week?
Post by: Norgy on December 02, 2014, 06:45:52 PM
Have a safe trip, Dorsey4Martyrdom!  :cry:
Title: Re: What should I do next week?
Post by: Barrister on December 02, 2014, 10:31:30 PM
A vial of water from the Sea of Galilee.
Title: Re: What should I do next week?
Post by: Syt on December 03, 2014, 01:27:40 AM
Quote from: alfred russel on December 02, 2014, 06:21:20 PM
Quote from: Syt on December 02, 2014, 06:15:09 PM
A prayer rug or a kippah.

Those aren't really christian though, right?

(https://languish.org/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fchicprofile.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2013%2F03%2FOrly-2013-New-Nail-Polish-Preview1.jpg&hash=557be74c372f212672c65bda8fc92996632f9edc)
Title: Re: What should I do next week?
Post by: alfred russel on December 05, 2014, 04:37:25 PM
I have a 6 hour layover at heathrow tomorrow am. I absolutely have to go for a run or I'll go insane (no exercise since Tuesday).

Does anyone know if it is it possible to run to Windsor Castle from Heathrow? It is 6.5 miles away and I printed out the walking instructions from Google, but I'm guessing there might be issues running across the M25 or just out of the airport.
Title: Re: What should I do next week?
Post by: Razgovory on December 05, 2014, 04:42:14 PM
And we never hear from him again.
Title: Re: What should I do next week?
Post by: Richard Hakluyt on December 05, 2014, 04:52:49 PM
This seems to be helpful :

http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Travel-g186338-c170832/London:United-Kingdom:Between.Flights.At.Heathrow.html

From what they say it depends on whether your flight is on time/early and how lucky you are with immigration.
Title: Re: What should I do next week?
Post by: alfred russel on December 05, 2014, 04:59:02 PM
Quote from: Richard Hakluyt on December 05, 2014, 04:52:49 PM
This seems to be helpful :

http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Travel-g186338-c170832/London:United-Kingdom:Between.Flights.At.Heathrow.html

From what they say it depends on whether your flight is on time/early and how lucky you are with immigration.

Thanks RH. Actually though, the run is more important to me than seeing the castle. Nothing I've seen contemplates someone trying to do that.

I'm not going to hold you accountable if something goes wrong.  :) But just in your general experience leaving heathrow, do you think a pedestrian can get off the grounds and over to Windsor?
Title: Re: What should I do next week?
Post by: Richard Hakluyt on December 05, 2014, 05:15:52 PM
I've avoided Heathrow for some years, so any information may be wildly out of date.

Windsor is apparently 12 miles from Heathrow, so if you can run there and back during your layover I reckon you should be in the next US olympics team  :)

If I were you I'd be tempted to get the Heathrow express to Paddington station, 20 mins or so IIRC, from there you go south a couple of hundred yards and then you can have a run in Hyde Park. You can tie that in with a bit of sightseeing, see Green Park, Buckingham Palace and so on, maybe Westminster Palace too.

https://www.google.co.uk/maps/place/Paddington,+London+W2/@51.5055696,-0.1621542,14z/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x48760552b7757447:0xa252c3f55901004
Title: Re: What should I do next week?
Post by: mongers on December 05, 2014, 05:35:39 PM
Quote from: Richard Hakluyt on December 05, 2014, 05:15:52 PM
I've avoided Heathrow for some years, so any information may be wildly out of date.

Windsor is apparently 12 miles from Heathrow, so if you can run there and back during your layover I reckon you should be in the next US olympics team  :)

If I were you I'd be tempted to get the Heathrow express to Paddington station, 20 mins or so IIRC, from there you go south a couple of hundred yards and then you can have a run in Hyde Park. You can tie that in with a bit of sightseeing, see Green Park, Buckingham Palace and so on, maybe Westminster Palace too.

https://www.google.co.uk/maps/place/Paddington,+London+W2/@51.5055696,-0.1621542,14z/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x48760552b7757447:0xa252c3f55901004

That's a good idea, plus if you're really pushed for time and only get to run around bits of Hyde park, right in the SE corner of the park is The Duke of Wellington's house at Hyde Park Corner, I think its address is Number 1, London. It sits at the end of rotten row.

It has quite a bit of Napoleonic memorabilia and open normal hours. Also the Wellington monument is just over the road in the traffic isle and it afford a good view of that area, plus is an easy tick-box thing to do. 

House here:
http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/daysout/properties/apsley-house/ (http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/daysout/properties/apsley-house/)

Wellington Arch:
https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/daysout/properties/wellington-arch/ (https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/daysout/properties/wellington-arch/)

Title: Re: What should I do next week?
Post by: alfred russel on December 05, 2014, 06:19:32 PM
Quote from: Richard Hakluyt on December 05, 2014, 05:15:52 PM
I've avoided Heathrow for some years, so any information may be wildly out of date.

Windsor is apparently 12 miles from Heathrow, so if you can run there and back during your layover I reckon you should be in the next US olympics team  :)

If I were you I'd be tempted to get the Heathrow express to Paddington station, 20 mins or so IIRC, from there you go south a couple of hundred yards and then you can have a run in Hyde Park. You can tie that in with a bit of sightseeing, see Green Park, Buckingham Palace and so on, maybe Westminster Palace too.

https://www.google.co.uk/maps/place/Paddington,+London+W2/@51.5055696,-0.1621542,14z/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x48760552b7757447:0xa252c3f55901004

Interesting...my flight is into terminal 5 which is the closest to windsor castle...could that be the difference? Or maybe it is that the walking distance is less than driving?

Or maybe google maps is leading me astray.

Anyway, thanks for the replies. Those are good ideas.
Title: Re: What should I do next week?
Post by: Richard Hakluyt on December 05, 2014, 06:24:16 PM
It does look closer on the map  :hmm:

Anyway, have a good trip  :cool:
Title: Re: What should I do next week?
Post by: Ed Anger on December 05, 2014, 06:39:19 PM
I feel sorry for the folks on the plane that is going to have to smell Dorsey after his run.  :(
Title: Re: What should I do next week?
Post by: Ideologue on December 05, 2014, 07:02:23 PM
They're foreigners. He'll just blend in.
Title: Re: What should I do next week?
Post by: Ed Anger on December 05, 2014, 07:48:04 PM
That is why I want my own jet.
Title: Re: What should I do next week?
Post by: Tonitrus on December 06, 2014, 02:55:18 AM
Quote from: Ed Anger on December 05, 2014, 07:48:04 PM
That is why I want my own jet.

How about a yacht?  Just cruise everywhere.  The kids can be the deckhands.
Title: Re: What should I do next week?
Post by: CountDeMoney on December 06, 2014, 07:42:43 AM
Quote from: Tonitrus on December 06, 2014, 02:55:18 AM
Quote from: Ed Anger on December 05, 2014, 07:48:04 PM
That is why I want my own jet.

How about a yacht?  Just cruise everywhere.  The kids can be the deckhands.

Daddy went swimming, but he never came back.
Title: Re: What should I do next week?
Post by: Ed Anger on December 06, 2014, 09:08:00 AM
It isn't a Klingon Battlecruiser.
Title: Re: What should I do next week?
Post by: CountDeMoney on December 06, 2014, 09:14:06 AM
LOCAL FATHER SET ADRIFT WITH BREADFRUIT, FILM AT 11
Title: Re: What should I do next week?
Post by: Ed Anger on December 06, 2014, 09:16:52 AM
Those meddling kids will get theirs.
Title: Re: What should I do next week?
Post by: alfred russel on December 06, 2014, 10:25:16 AM
Sitting in heathrow. Going to windsor castle was a dumb idea. The flight was 40 minutes late getting in which obviously wouldnt help, but by the time i changed into running clothes and washed up from the flight and got through security, it was just over 4 hours before my fight left. Factor in an hour to run there, an hour to run back, and that is all the the time i had. Assuming it was my 6.5 miles and not rh,s 12.

Adding to that it costs 24 quid to get in, and i really dont have any interest to see the castle.

Speaking of prices, 5 quid to put my backpack in a locker for up to 2 hours, 10 if more (and even more if for a period longer than a half day). 33 quid if i took mongers suggestion for a run in hyde park.

You get two free stops on buses from heathrow, so i did that and ran wherever 2 stops on the bus got me amongst the minority communities stuck living near heathrow. 
Title: Re: What should I do next week?
Post by: alfred russel on December 06, 2014, 10:42:34 AM
Quote from: Ed Anger on December 05, 2014, 06:39:19 PM
I feel sorry for the folks on the plane that is going to have to smell Dorsey after his run.  :(

I have clean clothes, and i brought deodorant for this, but yeah. I have some of those white streak sweat stains, and ive tried to clean up, but there arent paper towels in the bathroom (all the blow dry things).
Title: Re: What should I do next week?
Post by: The Brain on December 06, 2014, 10:44:03 AM
Why would anyo... you know what nevermind.
Title: Re: What should I do next week?
Post by: Eddie Teach on December 06, 2014, 01:06:25 PM
You ever heard of runner's high? Dorsey's a junkie who needs a fix.  :P
Title: Re: What should I do next week?
Post by: mongers on December 06, 2014, 02:18:05 PM
Quote from: alfred russel on December 06, 2014, 10:25:16 AM
Sitting in heathrow. Going to windsor castle was a dumb idea. The flight was 40 minutes late getting in which obviously wouldnt help, but by the time i changed into running clothes and washed up from the flight and got through security, it was just over 4 hours before my fight left. Factor in an hour to run there, an hour to run back, and that is all the the time i had. Assuming it was my 6.5 miles and not rh,s 12.

Adding to that it costs 24 quid to get in, and i really dont have any interest to see the castle.

Speaking of prices, 5 quid to put my backpack in a locker for up to 2 hours, 10 if more (and even more if for a period longer than a half day). 33 quid if i took mongers suggestion for a run in hyde park.

You get two free stops on buses from heathrow, so i did that and ran wherever 2 stops on the bus got me amongst the minority communities stuck living near heathrow.

Pity it didn't work out for you, though you'd always have been pushed for time.

Hope you enjoyed your run in the West London suburban sprawl, pretty nondescript isn't it?   :)
Title: Re: What should I do next week?
Post by: Ed Anger on December 06, 2014, 03:56:50 PM
Quote from: alfred russel on December 06, 2014, 10:42:34 AM
Quote from: Ed Anger on December 05, 2014, 06:39:19 PM
I feel sorry for the folks on the plane that is going to have to smell Dorsey after his run.  :(

I have clean clothes, and i brought deodorant for this, but yeah. I have some of those white streak sweat stains, and ive tried to clean up, but there arent paper towels in the bathroom (all the blow dry things).

gross
Title: Re: What should I do next week?
Post by: Richard Hakluyt on December 07, 2014, 07:00:46 AM
Pretty much the result I expected. Very difficult to have fun with a gap between flights, the time is always too short for anything interesting and often too long to do nothing.


Title: Re: What should I do next week?
Post by: Zanza on December 07, 2014, 10:58:29 AM
Quote from: Richard Hakluyt on December 07, 2014, 07:00:46 AM
Pretty much the result I expected. Very difficult to have fun with a gap between flights, the time is always too short for anything interesting and often too long to do nothing.
I had a eight hour stopover in Helsinki three years ago. I went to the city center and four hours or so is enough to see everything of interest in Helsinki.  :P
Title: Re: What should I do next week?
Post by: Ideologue on December 07, 2014, 01:29:28 PM
Quote from: Richard Hakluyt on December 07, 2014, 07:00:46 AM
Pretty much the result I expected. Very difficult to have fun with a gap between flights, the time is always too short for anything interesting and often too long to do nothing.

I bet there are tons of Slavic hookers near the airport.
Title: Re: What should I do next week?
Post by: Eddie Teach on December 07, 2014, 01:37:06 PM
Why Slavic in particular?
Title: Re: What should I do next week?
Post by: Sheilbh on December 07, 2014, 02:13:04 PM
And one unfrequented gigolo dressed as a gecko.
Title: Re: What should I do next week?
Post by: Ideologue on December 07, 2014, 03:32:40 PM
Quote from: Peter Wiggin on December 07, 2014, 01:37:06 PM
Why Slavic in particular?

Because of freedom of movement. What are you, a UKIP voter?
Title: Re: What should I do next week?
Post by: Eddie Teach on December 07, 2014, 03:53:12 PM
I just want a traditional English whore when I have a layover in England.  :mad:
Title: Re: What should I do next week?
Post by: Richard Hakluyt on December 07, 2014, 05:21:39 PM
Quote from: Ideologue on December 07, 2014, 01:29:28 PM
Quote from: Richard Hakluyt on December 07, 2014, 07:00:46 AM
Pretty much the result I expected. Very difficult to have fun with a gap between flights, the time is always too short for anything interesting and often too long to do nothing.

I bet there are tons of Slavic hookers near the airport.

Which reminds me of my best transit airport experience  :cool:

With 3 hours to kill at LAX I went to a generic looking bar within the airport.........but for some utterly incomprehensible reason the people at the bar all knew each other and welcomed me into their group........the barman was very cool, and the embittered old alcoholic had some good points, but the highlight was definitely the two working girls  :cool:
Title: Re: What should I do next week?
Post by: CountDeMoney on December 07, 2014, 05:23:41 PM
That's pretty much SOP at any bar at a hotel airport.  Just like anywhere else in America, you go where the jobs are.
Title: Re: What should I do next week?
Post by: Ed Anger on December 07, 2014, 06:00:19 PM
Quote from: Ideologue on December 07, 2014, 03:32:40 PM
Quote from: Peter Wiggin on December 07, 2014, 01:37:06 PM
Why Slavic in particular?

Because of freedom of movement. What are you, a UKIP voter?

I wish I was. :wub:
Title: Re: What should I do next week?
Post by: Ideologue on December 07, 2014, 07:42:12 PM
Quote from: Sheilbh on December 07, 2014, 02:13:04 PM
And one unfrequented gigolo dressed as a gecko.

Oglekvinde's on the move?
Title: Re: What should I do next week?
Post by: Tonitrus on January 08, 2015, 11:32:57 PM
I saw this and thought back of this thread...for your future consideration.

http://www.anchoragepress.com/outdoors/1073/top-volcano