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General Category => Off the Record => Topic started by: garbon on January 07, 2013, 05:27:55 PM

Title: European travel recommendations
Post by: garbon on January 07, 2013, 05:27:55 PM
Hey all, I'm going to be traveling later this month for business to Marseille, Paris, Frankfurt and Hamburg.  2 days, 4 days, 1 and 0 days of free time respectively in each.  Anything I should do or see while there?

For Paris, given the time, I'll try and hit up some of the big touristy things but for Marseille / Frankfurt - haven't the foggiest.
Title: Re: European travel recommendations
Post by: Barrister on January 07, 2013, 05:49:58 PM
Quote from: garbon on January 07, 2013, 05:27:55 PM
Hey all, I'm going to be traveling later this month for business to Marseille, Paris, Frankfurt and Hamburg.  2 days, 4 days, 1 and 0 days of free time respectively in each.  Anything I should do or see while there?

For Paris, given the time, I'll try and hit up some of the big touristy things but for Marseille / Frankfurt - haven't the foggiest.

The general advice I received for Frankfurt was "move along, nothing to see here".  It seemed very modern and lacking in any real charm.
Title: Re: European travel recommendations
Post by: garbon on January 07, 2013, 05:52:24 PM
That's kinda what I was seeing. :D -_-
Title: Re: European travel recommendations
Post by: Brezel on January 07, 2013, 06:05:20 PM
I've been few hours in Hamburg once. The German customs museum is located ther but I remember it being about as exciting as it sounds. There are also water canals, a big city hall, warehouse district called "Speicherstadt" and a bombed church tower "Nikolaikirchturm" to see there. But I wouldn't feel too sorry for not seeing them either.
Title: Re: European travel recommendations
Post by: Jacob on January 07, 2013, 06:42:03 PM
My one tip for Paris (and it could be out of date) is that if you're going to Versailles, you can buy a "train & entry" ticket at the station where you catch the train to Versailles. Buy it.

Once you arrive, you'll see a giant giant line-up of people waiting to buy tickets. You can then walk past that line which takes hours, and join the much smaller line where the wait is like 10 minutes.

... that was my experience anyhow. If you are interested in Versailles, I'd look into that.
Title: Re: European travel recommendations
Post by: Admiral Yi on January 07, 2013, 06:47:11 PM
In Marseilles check out the old port, then find a restaurant and eat some bouillabaise.

In Paris spend one day wandering the Latin Quarter + Notre Dame.
Title: Re: European travel recommendations
Post by: Viking on January 07, 2013, 08:48:06 PM
Don't go to Frankfurt for fun, go to Mainz instead. It's just a short train trip away and Mainz is actually a nice place with history untouched (relatively speaking) by the 8th Air Force or SAC.
Title: Re: European travel recommendations
Post by: garbon on January 07, 2013, 09:04:29 PM
Quote from: Viking on January 07, 2013, 08:48:06 PM
Don't go to Frankfurt for fun, go to Mainz instead. It's just a short train trip away and Mainz is actually a nice place with history untouched (relatively speaking) by the 8th Air Force or SAC.

Oh really? Maybe I'll do that then as I do have one full day where it is just up to me where I get my work done.
Title: Re: European travel recommendations
Post by: garbon on January 07, 2013, 09:05:39 PM
Quote from: Jacob on January 07, 2013, 06:42:03 PM
My one tip for Paris (and it could be out of date) is that if you're going to Versailles, you can buy a "train & entry" ticket at the station where you catch the train to Versailles. Buy it.

Once you arrive, you'll see a giant giant line-up of people waiting to buy tickets. You can then walk past that line which takes hours, and join the much smaller line where the wait is like 10 minutes.

... that was my experience anyhow. If you are interested in Versailles, I'd look into that.

Good to know. Yeah, I'm wondering whether or not I should go out to Versailles. Not sure if I have the time. Had been told to allot a good part of a day.
Title: Re: European travel recommendations
Post by: garbon on January 07, 2013, 09:07:34 PM
Quote from: Admiral Yi on January 07, 2013, 06:47:11 PM
In Marseilles check out the old port, then find a restaurant and eat some bouillabaise.

In Paris spend one day wandering the Latin Quarter + Notre Dame.

Oh good, that's actually right where I'm staying/working in Marseille.
Title: Re: European travel recommendations
Post by: CountDeMoney on January 07, 2013, 09:09:31 PM
Quote from: Brezel on January 07, 2013, 06:05:20 PM
I've been few hours in Hamburg once. The German customs museum is located ther but I remember it being about as exciting as it sounds.

:lol:

"...Und vee haff a customs steeker here...und a customs steeker zere..."
Title: Re: European travel recommendations
Post by: lustindarkness on January 07, 2013, 10:17:32 PM
I'll second Mainz, I spent half a day there, very nice.
Title: Re: European travel recommendations
Post by: Zanza on January 08, 2013, 12:00:19 AM
You could also go to Heidelberg if you have a whole day. Takes like an hour on the train from Frankfurt.
Title: Re: European travel recommendations
Post by: garbon on January 08, 2013, 12:11:39 AM
What's the draw of Heidelberg? I finish my work on a Monday night in Frankfurt and don't head to Hamburg until that Wednesday afternoon.
Title: Re: European travel recommendations
Post by: Eddie Teach on January 08, 2013, 12:14:40 AM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jZoYUQSU38E (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jZoYUQSU38E)
Title: Re: European travel recommendations
Post by: garbon on January 08, 2013, 12:15:30 AM
Quote from: Peter Wiggin on January 08, 2013, 12:14:40 AM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jZoYUQSU38E (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jZoYUQSU38E)

That's later this year for vacation.
Title: Re: European travel recommendations
Post by: Syt on January 08, 2013, 12:25:17 AM
Traditional stuff to do in Hamburg would be a boat trip through the harbor. I think there's English language tours available. Also, there's a Russian sub you can visit in the harbor. In the same general area there's the largest model train diorama.

The infamous Reeperbahn has become rather family friendly, but some of the side streets retain their seedy charms. Some nice bars and pubs to be found in that area.

If it were summer I would recommend having a coffee at the Alsterarkaden, but I don't think you want to sit outside in January. :lol:
Title: Re: European travel recommendations
Post by: garbon on January 08, 2013, 12:28:11 AM
:lol: Yeah unfortunately, I think I only have the morning to myself in Hamburg. Fly in right before work on the Weds and leave in the afternoon on Thursday.
Title: Re: European travel recommendations
Post by: alfred russel on January 08, 2013, 12:34:04 AM
Quote from: garbon on January 07, 2013, 05:27:55 PM
Hey all, I'm going to be traveling later this month for business to Marseille, Paris, Frankfurt and Hamburg.  2 days, 4 days, 1 and 0 days of free time respectively in each.  Anything I should do or see while there?

For Paris, given the time, I'll try and hit up some of the big touristy things but for Marseille / Frankfurt - haven't the foggiest.

For Marseille, you are in the south of France. There is a lot to see & do--if you have four days, maybe skip Marseille? Aside from the beach etc in the area, if you are more historically inclined there are lots of Roman ruins (such as the Pont du Gard) in the area, Avignon isn't too far (which also has good Roman ruins nearby), and though a bit further toward the atlantic coast (and with some access restrictions) there is some of the premier cave art in the world. I'd get a car and make it a driving tour.

If you just have 1 day in Frankfurt why not just stay where you are? Especially if you are working in the city, you will have local contacts that can give you good bar/restaurant recommendations, etc and maybe even show you around. Probably better than a daytrip somewhere else. Also probably better to use your travel energy in France.
Title: Re: European travel recommendations
Post by: Jacob on January 08, 2013, 12:41:04 AM
Quote from: garbon on January 07, 2013, 09:05:39 PMGood to know. Yeah, I'm wondering whether or not I should go out to Versailles. Not sure if I have the time. Had been told to allot a good part of a day.

Versailles is pretty spectacular. Definitely worth seeing, though there's enough to do in Paris that it can be left for next time if you have other priorities. I figure it's about a 3/4 day trip. If you head out in the morning (and I think it's worth it getting there with the early crowds rather than the later, even bigger crowds) you can probably head back in the early afternoon.
Title: Re: European travel recommendations
Post by: garbon on January 08, 2013, 01:29:51 AM
Quote from: alfred russel on January 08, 2013, 12:34:04 AM
For Marseille, you are in the south of France. There is a lot to see & do--if you have four days, maybe skip Marseille? Aside from the beach etc in the area, if you are more historically inclined there are lots of Roman ruins (such as the Pont du Gard) in the area, Avignon isn't too far (which also has good Roman ruins nearby), and though a bit further toward the atlantic coast (and with some access restrictions) there is some of the premier cave art in the world. I'd get a car and make it a driving tour.
Unfortunately as the trip is for business, I do have to actually be in Marseille for an evening. Have the Monday when I arrive - probably mostly a wash as I'll be out of the timezone, then Tuesday before evening work and then probably want to head to Paris on Weds or early Thurs for work on Thurs eve.

Quote
If you just have 1 day in Frankfurt why not just stay where you are? Especially if you are working in the city, you will have local contacts that can give you good bar/restaurant recommendations, etc and maybe even show you around. Probably better than a daytrip somewhere else. Also probably better to use your travel energy in France.

That was my original plan though admittedly I'll likely only see my contacts on Monday eve. Tuesday was originally booked for travel to Hamburg, but travel agency moved flight till Weds, so that Tuesday I'll just be remotely working offline for stuff for people in NYC.
Title: Re: European travel recommendations
Post by: garbon on January 08, 2013, 01:31:18 AM
Quote from: Jacob on January 08, 2013, 12:41:04 AM
Quote from: garbon on January 07, 2013, 09:05:39 PMGood to know. Yeah, I'm wondering whether or not I should go out to Versailles. Not sure if I have the time. Had been told to allot a good part of a day.

Versailles is pretty spectacular. Definitely worth seeing, though there's enough to do in Paris that it can be left for next time if you have other priorities. I figure it's about a 3/4 day trip. If you head out in the morning (and I think it's worth it getting there with the early crowds rather than the later, even bigger crowds) you can probably head back in the early afternoon.

Yeah I'd love to see it, I just wonder if it wouldn't be cramming too much in. On the other hand who knows when I'll be in Paris again for so many days.
Title: Re: European travel recommendations
Post by: Syt on January 08, 2013, 01:39:00 AM
Quote from: garbon on January 08, 2013, 12:28:11 AM
:lol: Yeah unfortunately, I think I only have the morning to myself in Hamburg. Fly in right before work on the Weds and leave in the afternoon on Thursday.

Ah. If it were on Sunday morning, you could go to the traditional Hamburg Fish Market (Sundays, starting 7am in winter half year, 5am in summer). :P
Title: Re: European travel recommendations
Post by: Jacob on January 08, 2013, 01:47:24 AM
Quote from: garbon on January 08, 2013, 01:31:18 AM
Yeah I'd love to see it, I just wonder if it wouldn't be cramming too much in. On the other hand who knows when I'll be in Paris again for so many days.

One of the good things about Versailles IMO, is that it's big enough, prestigious enough, and far enough away from the centre of Paris that it justifies taking a day of your itinerary. However, it doesn't quite take a whole day - at least it didn't when I went - so it feels pretty relaxing overall. Getting there isn't too bad either. So if you want to see it and commit to taking the day to get there, it's great. Whether that's worth it depends on whether you have something else you'd rather do with one day; but I don't think Versailles would be too much if you commit the day.
Title: Re: European travel recommendations
Post by: Gups on January 08, 2013, 04:02:40 AM
I had a few days in Versaille last Summer. I have to say that I enjoyed the gardens more than the interior (which was just wall to wall bling and rammed full of tourists). Away from the Palace, the town has some interesting buildings. 
Title: Re: European travel recommendations
Post by: Maladict on January 08, 2013, 04:31:58 AM
Yeah, if the palace, gardens and Trianons don't take a full day (and I can't see how they wouldn't), a visit to the town might be a nice addition. But if you only have 4 days to spare for a first time visit to Paris I'm not sure I'd sacrifice one for Versailles. The Louvre alone will take up 2 full days.
Title: Re: European travel recommendations
Post by: Martinus on January 08, 2013, 05:27:55 AM
I am not big on sight seeing, to be honest. I love reading on history of famous people and places, but when I see them in reality it's always some kind of a "meh" experience. My favourite trip to Paris was when we had a Languish meet there, stood for maybe half an hour in a queue to the Eiffel Tower, then gave up and decided to spend the rest of a day in an Irish pub.  :blush:

So my recommendation would be: go to places where you know people and will have fun? :unsure:
Title: Re: European travel recommendations
Post by: Pedrito on January 08, 2013, 05:42:06 AM
Paris, I'm fairly fresh, I've been there one month ago  ;)

The Louvre, if you go there early in the morning (it opens 9.30 IIRC) there are almost no queues to get in. Monday it's closed, don't go there in the weekend because the queues are impossible.  Mainly the egyptian and greek halls; the Italian masters (Veronese :wub:), and on the opposite corridor the french masters (The Raft of the Medusa :wub: :wub:); the collection of german, flemish and northern painters isn't as exceptional as the rest, IMO.

The Musée d'Orsay. Everything. Closed on mondays, too, IIRC, but check on the website.

The Musée Picasso, in the Marais, is incredible but it's actualy closed for renovation  :(

I don't remember if the Edward Hopper exhibition at the Grand Palais is still open, when are you going?

Notre Dame: wonderful, the queue to get in is long but really fast, not so much the one to get to the bell tower  <_<  On the Ile de la Cité, there's the Sainte Chapelle that's wonderful too.

The subway is excellent, but I advise to go strolling around, the city is beautiful. Taxis are relatively cheap for a big city.

Les Halles are closed for renovation, too.

Places to go: the Marais; boulevard St. Germain and surroundings, the Latin Quarter; The Triangle d'Or: Avenue Montaigne, Avenue George V, and Avenue des Champs Elysées: faint at the price tags in this area's boutiques.

I have plenty of addresses of shops and nice restaurants, PM me if you want more info  :)

L.
Title: Re: European travel recommendations
Post by: Maladict on January 08, 2013, 06:15:04 AM
All of the above.

Also:
Musée Marmottan-Monet, near Bois de Boulogne. I'm not too big on 'modern' painting but these Monets are fantastic.
Musée de Cluny   :wub:
The Invalides, obviously.
Title: Re: European travel recommendations
Post by: Brazen on January 08, 2013, 07:08:21 AM
If you fancy a mini-meet, given enough notice I could look into a cheap day return on Eurostar and meet you for a bit of city-centre sightseeing and dinner.  :bowler: :frog:

Edit: Oh, this month. Too soon, too broke :(
Title: Re: European travel recommendations
Post by: Duque de Bragança on January 08, 2013, 09:59:20 AM
Frankfurt, as far as I'm concerned, only has the Städel art museum (14th-20th century works) worthy of a visit. There's also a nice rebuilt Roman fort in Saalburg (not far from where Minsky used to live).
You can also visit Goethe's rebuilt house...
Heidelberg is a student town.
As for Marseille, you can visit the Vieux-Port and the "calanques" in the outskirts, otherwise that's not exactly visit-worthy but you can get some real champagne there too ;)

As for Paris, the same regional subway links the Eiffel Tower to Versailles. This line is not crowded, unlike others. So many museums in Paris, it's a question of taste. Right now there's an exhibition about les Enfants du Paradis at the Cinémathèque for instance.
Taxis are also definitively not cheap in Paris, unlike what Pedrito says.
Be careful though, winter sales are about to start and will last for 5 weeks so department stores and public transportation will be more crowded than usual till mid-February.

Title: Re: European travel recommendations
Post by: garbon on January 08, 2013, 05:31:56 PM
Quote from: Jacob on January 08, 2013, 01:47:24 AM
Quote from: garbon on January 08, 2013, 01:31:18 AM
Yeah I'd love to see it, I just wonder if it wouldn't be cramming too much in. On the other hand who knows when I'll be in Paris again for so many days.

One of the good things about Versailles IMO, is that it's big enough, prestigious enough, and far enough away from the centre of Paris that it justifies taking a day of your itinerary. However, it doesn't quite take a whole day - at least it didn't when I went - so it feels pretty relaxing overall. Getting there isn't too bad either. So if you want to see it and commit to taking the day to get there, it's great. Whether that's worth it depends on whether you have something else you'd rather do with one day; but I don't think Versailles would be too much if you commit the day.

Yeah I think I'd love to go but I think given the amount of time I have there / that it'll be cold and I'll be less adventurous (so like a desert tortoise), I'll probably save it for another time. :blush:
Title: Re: European travel recommendations
Post by: garbon on January 08, 2013, 05:34:15 PM
Quote from: Brazen on January 08, 2013, 07:08:21 AM
If you fancy a mini-meet, given enough notice I could look into a cheap day return on Eurostar and meet you for a bit of city-centre sightseeing and dinner.  :bowler: :frog:

Edit: Oh, this month. Too soon, too broke :(

I'm hoping to still make it out to England later this year. Got the vacation days allotted and have my free ticket to redeem on Virgin Atlantic. :hug:
Title: Re: European travel recommendations
Post by: Jacob on January 08, 2013, 05:41:11 PM
Quote from: garbon on January 08, 2013, 05:31:56 PM
Yeah I think I'd love to go but I think given the amount of time I have there / that it'll be cold and I'll be less adventurous (so like a desert tortoise), I'll probably save it for another time. :blush:

Makes perfect sense. I expect the weather would be less than ideal for enjoying the grounds.
Title: Re: European travel recommendations
Post by: alfred russel on January 08, 2013, 07:24:32 PM
Quote from: Maladict on January 08, 2013, 06:15:04 AM
All of the above.

Also:
Musée Marmottan-Monet, near Bois de Boulogne. I'm not too big on 'modern' painting but these Monets are fantastic.
Musée de Cluny   :wub:
The Invalides, obviously.


In the Louvre (and other Paris museums), I'll go and spend many hours in just one section, taking my time with each room's display. I seem to be the only one that does--everyone else is flying through. In the Musee de Cluny, I noticed almost everyone lingering in each room like me. The patrons there are my people.
Title: Re: European travel recommendations
Post by: The Brain on January 11, 2013, 01:22:27 PM
Quote from: garbon on January 07, 2013, 05:27:55 PM
Hey all, I'm going to be traveling later this month for business to Marseille, Paris, Frankfurt and Hamburg.  2 days, 4 days, 1 and 0 days of free time respectively in each.  Anything I should do or see while there?

For Paris, given the time, I'll try and hit up some of the big touristy things but for Marseille / Frankfurt - haven't the foggiest.

Is your business sex?
Title: Re: European travel recommendations
Post by: garbon on January 11, 2013, 01:29:01 PM
Why would I pick those cities if that was the case? :wacko:
Title: Re: European travel recommendations
Post by: The Brain on January 11, 2013, 01:43:15 PM
Quote from: garbon on January 11, 2013, 01:29:01 PM
Why would I pick those cities if that was the case? :wacko:

You like fags, scheisse and hookers?
Title: Re: European travel recommendations
Post by: garbon on January 13, 2013, 12:16:09 PM
As I finish up packing, I can't shake the feeling that I'm forgetting something. :hmm:
Title: Re: European travel recommendations
Post by: Eddie Teach on January 13, 2013, 12:25:34 PM
Jacket with maple leaf on it so you can pretend to be Canadian?
Title: Re: European travel recommendations
Post by: mongers on January 13, 2013, 12:38:47 PM
Quote from: garbon on January 13, 2013, 12:16:09 PM
As I finish up packing, I can't shake the feeling that I'm forgetting something. :hmm:

Remember to bring yourself ? :unsure:
Title: Re: European travel recommendations
Post by: garbon on January 13, 2013, 12:53:14 PM
Quote from: mongers on January 13, 2013, 12:38:47 PM
Quote from: garbon on January 13, 2013, 12:16:09 PM
As I finish up packing, I can't shake the feeling that I'm forgetting something. :hmm:

Remember to bring yourself ? :unsure:

:P
Title: Re: European travel recommendations
Post by: Admiral Yi on January 13, 2013, 01:23:24 PM
Passport and ATM/credit are the only absolute essentials.
Title: Re: European travel recommendations
Post by: mongers on January 13, 2013, 01:43:14 PM
Quote from: garbon on January 13, 2013, 12:53:14 PM
Quote from: mongers on January 13, 2013, 12:38:47 PM
Quote from: garbon on January 13, 2013, 12:16:09 PM
As I finish up packing, I can't shake the feeling that I'm forgetting something. :hmm:

Remember to bring yourself ? :unsure:

:P

Yeah, have a good one Gabby, hope you find some winter sunshine on the continent.  :)
Title: Re: European travel recommendations
Post by: The Brain on January 13, 2013, 01:53:52 PM
Quote from: garbon on January 13, 2013, 12:16:09 PM
As I finish up packing, I can't shake the feeling that I'm forgetting something. :hmm:

You're packing?
Title: Re: European travel recommendations
Post by: Jacob on January 14, 2013, 12:58:33 AM
Quote from: Admiral Yi on January 13, 2013, 01:23:24 PM
Passport and ATM/credit are the only absolute essentials.

Exactly.

Well, and some sort of proof of your ticket may come in handy.
Title: Re: European travel recommendations
Post by: garbon on January 14, 2013, 07:04:36 AM
Well my bag got lost in Spain. Hopefully it'll make it to me in Marseille!

Also tried to tip my cabbie and he stared at me blankly so I rescinded the offer.
Title: Re: European travel recommendations
Post by: Pedrito on January 14, 2013, 07:29:41 AM
a great start!  :lol:  :hug:

Bizarre behavior by the cabbie, usually they jump at every penny you hand them.

L.
Title: Re: European travel recommendations
Post by: Brazen on January 14, 2013, 07:59:33 AM
Quote from: garbon on January 08, 2013, 05:34:15 PM
I'm hoping to still make it out to England later this year. Got the vacation days allotted and have my free ticket to redeem on Virgin Atlantic. :hug:
:yeah: :bowler:
Title: Re: European travel recommendations
Post by: crazy canuck on January 15, 2013, 04:48:56 PM
Use the night you have in Hamburg before your work day to go out and see the Red Light District - it is something to see.
Title: Re: European travel recommendations
Post by: garbon on January 15, 2013, 05:10:52 PM
Quote from: crazy canuck on January 15, 2013, 04:48:56 PM
Use the night you have in Hamburg before your work day to go out and see the Red Light District - it is something to see.

:hmm:

Well I just found out that I'm going to be in at 3. So would it make sense to see in early eve or do I need to got at night, night? Had planned to go in opposite direction to St. Georg* but could always subway between (I'm in between both if I can read the map correctly).

*side note but interesting that wiki says this is where they have their annual Christopher Street Day parade. Even though Stonewall Inn is on Christopher never would have thought about have a parade for Christopher Street. Not the loveliest of streets in Manhattan. :D
Title: Re: European travel recommendations
Post by: crazy canuck on January 15, 2013, 05:22:57 PM
Quote from: garbon on January 15, 2013, 05:10:52 PM
Quote from: crazy canuck on January 15, 2013, 04:48:56 PM
Use the night you have in Hamburg before your work day to go out and see the Red Light District - it is something to see.

:hmm:

Well I just found out that I'm going to be in at 3. So would it make sense to see in early eve or do I need to got at night, night? Had planned to go in opposite direction to St. Georg* but could always subway between (I'm in between both if I can read the map correctly).

*side note but interesting that wiki says this is where they have their annual Christopher Street Day parade. Even though Stonewall Inn is on Christopher never would have thought about have a parade for Christopher Street. Not the loveliest of streets in Manhattan. :D

Going early will give you a sense of the place but the scene changes the later you stay.  It is kind of like an open air night club with a bordello attached.
Title: Re: European travel recommendations
Post by: mongers on January 15, 2013, 05:35:46 PM
Oh Gaby, just remembered, is there supposed to be one of the largest model railway displays in Hamburg; might be up your street if you like Transport Tycoon or Sid M.'s Railroad Tycoon ?


edit:
Details here:
http://www.miniatur-wunderland.com/ (http://www.miniatur-wunderland.com/)
Title: Re: European travel recommendations
Post by: garbon on January 15, 2013, 05:39:51 PM
Maybe I can pop by on Wednesday. Don't have to work till 6 that day - and it doesn't seem to far from my hotel. :hmm:
Title: Re: European travel recommendations
Post by: Syt on January 16, 2013, 12:05:40 AM
Re: Hamburg Reeperbahn: It's become very family friendly in recent years. Amsterdam it ain't. Still some nice bars in the side streets.
Title: Re: European travel recommendations
Post by: garbon on January 16, 2013, 09:45:23 AM
Just arrived on the train to Paris. Already I'm sensing a lot more hustle and bustle than I encountered in Marseille. :)
Title: Re: European travel recommendations
Post by: garbon on January 16, 2013, 12:07:02 PM
Had to use my french cell to put in call to office*. Me: not pleased. :angry:

*And Quebec of all places!
Title: Re: European travel recommendations
Post by: garbon on January 18, 2013, 11:26:59 AM
It is trite as I say it all the time when seeing famous works - but wow, I hadn't realized how big The Raft of the Medusa is. So impressive. I'd say much more so than the Mona Lisa. :D

Assyrian wing at Louvre was also really cool. Such high quality sculpture.
Title: Re: European travel recommendations
Post by: Eddie Teach on January 18, 2013, 11:34:29 AM
Quote from: garbon on January 18, 2013, 11:26:59 AM
It is trite as I say it all the time when seeing famous works - but wow, I hadn't realized how big The Raft of the Medusa is. So impressive. I'd say much more so than the Mona Lisa. :D

I think there are thousands if not millions of art works more impressive than the Mona Lisa. Possibly including some gracing Languish refrigerators.
Title: Re: European travel recommendations
Post by: Jacob on January 18, 2013, 11:56:13 AM
Yeah :)

With most art, it really does make a huge difference seeing them in real life.

As for the Mona Lisa... I think it's more about the mystique and mythology of the painting rather than something super amazing about the painting itself.
Title: Re: European travel recommendations
Post by: garbon on January 18, 2013, 01:13:55 PM
Quote from: Jacob on January 18, 2013, 11:56:13 AM
Yeah :)

With most art, it really does make a huge difference seeing them in real life.

Yeah, I think it is really hard to grasp the monumentality of some works from a slideshow/reel. :)

Quote from: Jacob on January 18, 2013, 11:56:13 AM
As for the Mona Lisa... I think it's more about the mystique and mythology of the painting rather than something super amazing about the painting itself.

Perhaps, though I think what also added to my "so what?" vibe was all the precautions they had around it (no one can get close - has its own system for lining up to view) when just outside its hall are famous works of immense scale. Presentation was over-hyped for what it is - though understandable given it is one of the first works even a art neophyte knows.
Title: Re: European travel recommendations
Post by: The Brain on January 18, 2013, 01:35:18 PM
Quote from: garbon on January 18, 2013, 01:13:55 PM
Quote from: Jacob on January 18, 2013, 11:56:13 AM
Yeah :)

With most art, it really does make a huge difference seeing them in real life.

Yeah, I think it is really hard to grasp the monumentality of some works from a slideshow/reel. :)

Quote from: Jacob on January 18, 2013, 11:56:13 AM
As for the Mona Lisa... I think it's more about the mystique and mythology of the painting rather than something super amazing about the painting itself.

Perhaps, though I think what also added to my "so what?" vibe was all the precautions they had around it (no one can get close - has its own system for lining up to view) when just outside its hall are famous works of immense scale. Presentation was over-hyped for what it is - though understandable given it is one of the first works even a art neophyte knows.

Yeah they shouldn't let threat levels dictate their precautions.  :rolleyes:
Title: Re: European travel recommendations
Post by: garbon on January 18, 2013, 01:39:10 PM
People be crazy.
Title: Re: European travel recommendations
Post by: Richard Hakluyt on January 18, 2013, 05:47:33 PM
Some pieces just have vast fame. The Rosetta Stone is a bit like that, can never see the damned thing because of the crowd of Japanese tourists that surround it  :hmm:
Title: Re: European travel recommendations
Post by: garbon on January 18, 2013, 05:50:59 PM
The Code of Hammurabi was great. No one around. :)
Title: Re: European travel recommendations
Post by: Richard Hakluyt on January 18, 2013, 05:54:54 PM
That's rather surprising, or maybe it hasn't reached into the popular culture the way the Rosetta stone has.

Sounds like you are having a good business trip btw. Four free days in Paris, that is really awesome for a business trip  :cool:

Title: Re: European travel recommendations
Post by: Malthus on January 18, 2013, 06:07:01 PM
Quote from: garbon on January 18, 2013, 05:50:59 PM
The Code of Hammurabi was great. No one around. :)

My favourite British Museum exhibit was the panel of the Siege of Lachish. I was interested in it because I visited Lachish (now a huge tel) when I was volunteering at a dig in Israel.

It's great for military history nerds - this panel has everything: some of the earliest siege warfare depictions in the world. Includes the (very nasty) fate of the losers - flaying alive, impaling, etc.

http://www.odysseyadventures.ca/articles/lachish_slides/lachish_text.htm
Title: Re: European travel recommendations
Post by: The Brain on January 19, 2013, 01:08:02 AM
Siege of Languish? And the very nasty fate of those losers?
Title: Re: European travel recommendations
Post by: garbon on January 21, 2013, 06:16:38 AM
I hope I can make my flight to Frankfurt. One of the few not cancelled flights currently. Was listed as delayed a few minutes ago but now back to on time. *fingers crossed*
Title: Re: European travel recommendations
Post by: Maladict on January 21, 2013, 06:45:39 AM
Quote from: garbon on January 21, 2013, 06:16:38 AM
I hope I can make my flight to Frankfurt. One of the few not cancelled flights currently. Was listed as delayed a few minutes ago but now back to on time. *fingers crossed*

Next time take the train instead.  :)
Title: Re: European travel recommendations
Post by: garbon on January 21, 2013, 06:49:41 AM
Perhaps but better is next time, I should avoid traveling to Europe in winter.

Monitor in terminal shows on time but online shows 15 minute delay. We shall see.
Title: Re: European travel recommendations
Post by: Duque de Bragança on January 21, 2013, 07:08:35 AM
Quote from: Maladict on January 21, 2013, 06:45:39 AM
Quote from: garbon on January 21, 2013, 06:16:38 AM
I hope I can make my flight to Frankfurt. One of the few not cancelled flights currently. Was listed as delayed a few minutes ago but now back to on time. *fingers crossed*

Next time take the train instead.  :)

Taking a plane for a 600 km trip when there is a high-speed rail link, at least in France  :D
The train would probably be late a bit though since the crappy ICE 3 seems to have been rushed by Siemens and very prone to bad weather trouble.
Title: Re: European travel recommendations
Post by: garbon on January 21, 2013, 07:20:20 AM
Hey I took a train from Marseille to Paris.
Title: Re: European travel recommendations
Post by: garbon on January 21, 2013, 07:35:19 AM
Woot plane is here - one small step down. :)
Title: Re: European travel recommendations
Post by: garbon on January 21, 2013, 08:32:53 AM
They told us in terminal they are waiting on authorization to fly. Online says till 4 now. It looks quite possible I could miss the interviews I was to watch in Frankfurt...
Title: Re: European travel recommendations
Post by: garbon on January 22, 2013, 08:04:07 AM
They took my bag at Frankfurt. They have now cancelled all flights and want to send me on train to Hamburg. My bag can no longer be located. Err...

Also this trip has become a train wreck. :D
Title: Re: European travel recommendations
Post by: Syt on January 22, 2013, 08:12:51 AM
Looking forward to the full AAR (in TBR?) once you have returned safely! :D
Title: Re: European travel recommendations
Post by: garbon on January 22, 2013, 08:35:54 AM
Yes will have to do especially as system now says my flight is on. Now back in terminal. Meowtf?
Title: Re: European travel recommendations
Post by: Maladict on January 22, 2013, 08:57:48 AM
Quote from: garbon on January 22, 2013, 08:04:07 AM
They took my bag at Frankfurt. They have now cancelled all flights and want to send me on train to Hamburg. My bag can no longer be located. Err...

Also this trip has become a train wreck. :D

Well if you keep insisting on flying when you shouldn't you deserve nothing less. :P
Title: Re: European travel recommendations
Post by: garbon on January 23, 2013, 09:28:16 AM
Just got back from Museum für Kunst und Gewerbe Hamburg. Basically a small art museum with a lot of cultural artifacts from around the world. Always interesting what detailed text they choose to also provide in English and what they don't.  Nice museum though in their antiquities bit seemed to not know where to put African objects, so there would be a random Subsaharan sculpture in a room of Greek art.

Have appreciated in Hamburg some of the efficiency things like off subway, escalator only starts when someone is on it (otherwise looks broken) and at museum there were rooms where display case lights only went on if someone was in the room.
Title: Re: European travel recommendations
Post by: Brazen on January 23, 2013, 10:13:03 AM
Quote from: garbon on January 23, 2013, 09:28:16 AM
Have appreciated in Hamburg some of the efficiency things like off subway, escalator only starts when someone is on it (otherwise looks broken) and at museum there were rooms where display case lights only went on if someone was in the room.
I was intrigued by that in parts of the continent too. It's a bit depressingly dark in some cities, as the shops all switch off their window display lights at night too.
Title: Re: European travel recommendations
Post by: garbon on January 24, 2013, 06:37:52 AM
I was very perplexed. I'd actually head for the stairs before I saw it start up when someone else walked to it. :D

Now, I'm home bound. Apparently I showed up too early as BA check-in wasn't even open when I got to the airport.  I'm now easily the youngest person in this airport lounge by at least 2 decades. :showoff:

Barring any unforeseen complications, I'll be in my own bed tonight. :cool:
Title: Re: European travel recommendations
Post by: merithyn on January 24, 2013, 07:00:57 AM
Sounds like a successful trip. Can't wait for the AAR and pics. :)
Title: Re: European travel recommendations
Post by: Duque de Bragança on January 24, 2013, 07:02:20 AM
Quote from: garbon on January 24, 2013, 06:37:52 AM
I was very perplexed. I'd actually head for the stairs before I saw it start up when someone else walked to it. :D

You're easily perplexed.  :D
Title: Re: European travel recommendations
Post by: merithyn on January 24, 2013, 07:22:19 AM
Quote from: Duque de Bragança on January 24, 2013, 07:02:20 AM
Quote from: garbon on January 24, 2013, 06:37:52 AM
I was very perplexed. I'd actually head for the stairs before I saw it start up when someone else walked to it. :D

You're easily perplexed.  :D

Not really. Around here, a non-moving escalator means it's broken.
Title: Re: European travel recommendations
Post by: Duque de Bragança on January 24, 2013, 07:36:57 AM
Quote from: merithyn on January 24, 2013, 07:22:19 AM
Quote from: Duque de Bragança on January 24, 2013, 07:02:20 AM
Quote from: garbon on January 24, 2013, 06:37:52 AM
I was very perplexed. I'd actually head for the stairs before I saw it start up when someone else walked to it. :D

You're easily perplexed.  :D

Not really. Around here, a non-moving escalator means it's broken.

Not really. Around here, you're not garbon.
Title: Re: European travel recommendations
Post by: garbon on January 24, 2013, 07:38:16 AM
Is this a word choice discussion? :yucky: