Greenbank2 Posted March 5, 2019 Share Posted March 5, 2019 13 minutes ago, jonnothejambo said: Why don't people like Sydney ? IMO, Sydney is a massive urban sprawl. There are doubtless many great neighbourhoods, but you need to know where they are and how to get there. Like London, NYC etc they have urban villages, but unlike Greenwich (NYC), Shoreditch, Islington etc not as well known. I found the centre of Sydney attractive for the famous sites, but a real dearth of street culture, decent bars, hang-out places etc (which they have in abundance in the urban neighbourhoods but you have to find them). It begs the question on what makes a great city and I think it needs a balance of culture, history, architecture, some attractions, diverse shopping and entertainment, affordable (good) restaurants, distinct neighbourhoods which have their own ambiance........and you can reach all these things easily on foot. And it is safe. Just FYI the place I was thinking of when listing these attributes was DC. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeff Posted March 5, 2019 Share Posted March 5, 2019 I disliked Dubai but liked Abu Dhabi. Think it's because the people in Dubai don't like the flinstones but people in Abu Dhabi doooo Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Morgan Posted March 5, 2019 Share Posted March 5, 2019 1 minute ago, Jeff said: I disliked Dubai but liked Abu Dhabi. Think it's because the people in Dubai don't like the flinstones but people in Abu Dhabi doooo FFS Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
systemx Posted March 5, 2019 Share Posted March 5, 2019 Like Tranent Hate The Pans Never been anywhere else so cant comment on other "cities" Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AlphonseCapone Posted March 5, 2019 Share Posted March 5, 2019 2 hours ago, Boris said: I probably wouldn't argue with that comparison - Malmo is smaller compared to Copenhagen and is probably boring by that comparison, but I've been a few times as the wife's brother lives there. Went to a mental pop up rave on the outskirts, followed by a warehouse party in some industrial outskirt, so that has tainted my view no doubt! Would like to see more of Copenhagen so will pop that on the to do list next time we are over! We had reversed experiences to be fair. I only spent one day in Malmo and we knew someone in Copenhagen. It also snowed very heavily and their scheme was drowned in snow, was proper movie scene stuff. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AlphonseCapone Posted March 5, 2019 Share Posted March 5, 2019 8 minutes ago, Jeff said: I disliked Dubai but liked Abu Dhabi. Think it's because the people in Dubai don't like the flinstones but people in Abu Dhabi doooo awful but brilliant. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
doctor jambo Posted March 5, 2019 Share Posted March 5, 2019 1 hour ago, jonnothejambo said: Why don't people like Sydney ? Big, expensive, plastic , modern overpriced lego city full of Australians. And really "up themselves" Australians at that Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
doctor jambo Posted March 5, 2019 Share Posted March 5, 2019 Just now, jonnothejambo said: Feck sake. We are planning on going down under in November. Sydney is on the agenda. Feck it. I'll still go. cairns is amazing Gold coast is pretty cool surfers paradise is really nice Brisbane is tolerable Boat trip into Sydney harbour is good if you can tolerate all the bragging about how much the houses around the bay cost The Irish market is good for buying boomerangs/ roo skin hats. The issue I had is that the natives thought it was something it was not- the food/atmos/culture are OK - but the denizens never stopped going on about how world class it all is- I suspect because they have never been to a Rome/ Edinburgh/ Munich/Athens- you know- somewhere with a thousand years of culture, as opposed to "it was built by Persimmon homes" views Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Francis Albert Posted March 5, 2019 Share Posted March 5, 2019 (edited) 2 hours ago, Maple Leaf said: Favourites: Vancouver, Palm Springs, Phoenix. Bridgetown Barbados, Singapore. Least: Honolulu, Kingston Jamaica, any American city that has a 'no go' area. You like it hot! I only know Pheonix from a Paul McCartney concert when I was staying in ... the Palm Springs area, which I love. I suppose it counts as a "city" in America where everywhere with a four figure population counts as a city. Often derided as a waiting area for the grave it does also attract a younger crowd these days but remains the most relaxing place I know ... a million miles from LA. And the heat really is dry - 110deg more comfortable than 80 or 90 in NYC or London - and along with the sun, heat is 100% guaranteed. Barbados is nice but Bridgetown? Edited March 5, 2019 by Francis Albert Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pohang Jambo Posted March 5, 2019 Share Posted March 5, 2019 Favourite: Tokyo Hong Kong Seoul Barcelona San Francisco Amsterdam Melbourne Least Favourites: Bangkok LA Lima Kuala Lumpur Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Maple Leaf Posted March 5, 2019 Share Posted March 5, 2019 19 minutes ago, Francis Albert said: You like it hot! I only know Pheonix from a Paul McCartney concert when I was staying in ... the Palm Springs area, which I love. I suppose it counts as a "city" in America where everywhere with a four figure population counts as a city. Often derided as a waiting area for the grave it does also attract a younger crowd these days but remains the most relaxing place I know ... a million miles from LA. And the heat really is dry - 110deg more comfortable than 80 or 90 in NYC or London - and along with the sun, heat is 100% guaranteed. Barbados is nice but Bridgetown? Yeah, I wouldn't go to Palm Springs or Phoenix in June, July, or August. The heat is suffocating. The whole area around Palm Springs ... Palm Springs, Palm Desert, and Cathedral City ... is highly liveable. I threw in Bridgetown just to give Barbados a nod. Bridgetown itself is forgettable. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AlphonseCapone Posted March 5, 2019 Share Posted March 5, 2019 1 hour ago, jonnothejambo said: Feck sake. We are planning on going down under in November. Sydney is on the agenda. Feck it. I'll still go. I didn't mind Sydney. Wasn't my favourite Australian city and I was only there for a three days as part of my camper van tour (oh how I loved that, the freedom!) but we saw a lot of the main things and found it interesting enough. Bondi beach is over rated but there is a walk from Coogi beach to Bondi that's a great walk (not short though) with plenty spots to stop and go in the water. There's also a great sushi place near Coogi. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Morgan Posted March 5, 2019 Share Posted March 5, 2019 1 minute ago, AlphonseCapone said: I didn't mind Sydney. Wasn't my favourite Australian city and I was only there for a three days as part of my camper van tour (oh how I loved that, the freedom!) but we saw a lot of the main things and found it interesting enough. Bondi beach is over rated but there is a walk from Coogi beach to Bondi that's a great walk (not short though) with plenty spots to stop and go in the water. There's also a great sushi place near Coogi. Now, that sounds fun!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AlphonseCapone Posted March 5, 2019 Share Posted March 5, 2019 13 minutes ago, Morgan said: Now, that sounds fun!! One of the best experiences I've ever had, 9 days and we covered 1800 miles. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Morgan Posted March 5, 2019 Share Posted March 5, 2019 6 minutes ago, AlphonseCapone said: One of the best experiences I've ever had, 9 days and we covered 1800 miles. Crikey! What a brilliant time for you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
micole Posted March 5, 2019 Share Posted March 5, 2019 Fav for me Chicago,Berlin,Munich,Kracow,Tallin. Least Fav,Vegas, San Francisco, Rome , Amsterdam. Plenty more, maybe for later. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Geoff the Mince Posted March 5, 2019 Share Posted March 5, 2019 17 hours ago, The White Cockade said: Best Cape Town, Rome, Edinburgh and Nairobi Worst Amsterdam and Johannesburg Best small towns Simonstown, Franschoek, Hermanus, Malindi and North Berwick, St Andrews, Elie and South Queensferry I lived next to Simonstown for a while . No doubt you tasted some wine in the Stellenbosch area . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cruyff Turn Posted March 5, 2019 Share Posted March 5, 2019 Best - Hong Kong, so good I can barely remember.l it. Least - Gothenburg, lovely in the summer, horrible in the winter, possibly the most boring place on earth. The bursds though Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sharpie Posted March 5, 2019 Share Posted March 5, 2019 1 hour ago, jonnothejambo said: Feck sake. We are planning on going down under in November. Sydney is on the agenda. Feck it. I'll still go. I enjoyed Sydney, some thing so see, scenic with the harbour etc, the only thing with me was that I felt it was like Vancouver, harbour city, commercial, high rises people busy going to work etc. I also had no problem with Australians, they are independent and proud, like Canadians. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sharpie Posted March 5, 2019 Share Posted March 5, 2019 Its interesting just how different our taste of locale is. For myself I love new architecture high rises, modern buildings etc. I also love the heat,the ocean and sand, hence Hawaii, the deserts of Arizona, I love people watching hence Las Vegas. My wife and I have travelled quite a bit, but during my working years for about twelve years always fitted in a trip to Hawaii, particularly Waikiki. In retirement got on to the Vegas thing, always found time for a quick trip to Vegas. Settled in to driving to Vegas three times a year, loved walking the Strip in the hot weather, loved knowing where I was going and what I wanted to do, basically a routine, which I know is the last thing one should look for on a holiday, but I was on permanent holiday, golfing six or seven days a week, with temperatures in the nineties most of the summer. Vegas provided the much needed break i required.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thommo414 Posted March 5, 2019 Share Posted March 5, 2019 Yet to dislike a foreign city. Stirling (lived there for a few months) and Dundee are both absolute shiteholes. Belfast anywhere outwith the city centre wasn't too bonnie either. Visited Barcelona, Dusseldorf, Bergen. Loved all three Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
I P Knightley Posted March 5, 2019 Share Posted March 5, 2019 7 hours ago, the general said: Soft spot for Prague and Bucharest as visited both before and after their 'revolutions' Kiev was beautiful and pretty cheap I was there in 2007/8 and they were still having regular power cuts in the centre of the city. And the cops tried to shake down any tourist they could see. Whatever you do, don't buy Ukrainian underpants. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The White Cockade Posted March 5, 2019 Share Posted March 5, 2019 (edited) 1 hour ago, Geoff the Mince said: I lived next to Simonstown for a while . No doubt you tasted some wine in the Stellenbosch area . drove up most weekends during the summer where next to Simonstown We lived in Fish Hoek and Glencairn Edited March 5, 2019 by The White Cockade Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Paul Allen Posted March 5, 2019 Share Posted March 5, 2019 4 hours ago, Jeff said: I disliked Dubai but liked Abu Dhabi. Think it's because the people in Dubai don't like the flinstones but people in Abu Dhabi doooo And how exactly are you qualified to know that mate? Have you done a survey of all the people in the UAE to ask them? I don’t think so! Please think before posting such sweeping generalisations. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Governor Tarkin Posted March 5, 2019 Share Posted March 5, 2019 2 hours ago, AlphonseCapone said: One of the best experiences I've ever had, 9 days and we covered 1800 miles. Took me the best part of 6 months. Sad thing is we were so baked I have difficulty recalling specifics. Went back last year and did a 4 week road trip beween Melbourne and Brissie. All those weird hazy memories came drifting back. I'll tell you what though, hostels and campsites were MUCH more fun before smartphones and shagging apps. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Morgan Posted March 5, 2019 Share Posted March 5, 2019 14 minutes ago, Paul Allen said: And how exactly are you qualified to know that mate? Have you done a survey of all the people in the UAE to ask them? I don’t think so! Please think before posting such sweeping generalisations. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mikey1874 Posted March 5, 2019 Share Posted March 5, 2019 Edinburgh is hard to beat and I've been fortunate to live away so got the benefit of 'visiting' so seeing it afresh. Paris is a favourite though not been recently so not sure how it is now. Madrid, San Diego, Lisbon good. But I'll give a vote to smaller places San Sebastian and Salamanca. Maybe that's because I'm from Edinburgh. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Morgan Posted March 5, 2019 Share Posted March 5, 2019 Just now, Mikey1874 said: Edinburgh is hard to beat and I've been fortunate to live away so got the benefit of 'visiting' so seeing it afresh. Paris is a favourite though not been recently so not sure how it is now. Madrid, San Diego, Lisbon good. But I'll give a vote to smaller places San Sebastian and Salamanca. Maybe that's because I'm from Edinburgh. I completely agree with the content of your first sentence Mikey. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeff Posted March 5, 2019 Share Posted March 5, 2019 20 minutes ago, Paul Allen said: And how exactly are you qualified to know that mate? Have you done a survey of all the people in the UAE to ask them? I don’t think so! Please think before posting such sweeping generalisations. 32 minutes ago, Paul Allen said: And how exactly are you qualified to know that mate? Have you done a survey of all the people in the UAE to ask them? I don’t think so! Please think before posting such sweeping generalisations. Open University course Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Locky Posted March 5, 2019 Author Share Posted March 5, 2019 2 hours ago, Thommo414 said: Yet to dislike a foreign city. Stirling (lived there for a few months) and Dundee are both absolute shiteholes. Belfast anywhere outwith the city centre wasn't too bonnie either. Visited Barcelona, Dusseldorf, Bergen. Loved all three Dusseldorf is probably my favourite city. Been 4 times. Don't know if it's just cos it was the 1st foreign place I went but I love it. Never found a great deal to see or do I just really love the place, and like others have said, it's a place I could genuinely see myself living. Sitting on a warm day at the Rhein promenade with an ice cold German beer. Beautiful. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Peebo Posted March 5, 2019 Share Posted March 5, 2019 Work has taken to me some crap places (Midland, Texas; Macae, Brazil; Kampala) but the worst have been in Venezuela. Honorable mentions to Maracaibo and Puerto La Cruz, but Caracas is by far and away the biggest, most dangerous shithole I’ve ever been (four times, sadly). Favourite is probably New Orleans. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Maple Leaf Posted March 5, 2019 Share Posted March 5, 2019 1 hour ago, Paul Allen said: And how exactly are you qualified to know that mate? Have you done a survey of all the people in the UAE to ask them? I don’t think so! Please think before posting such sweeping generalisations. Read the post again. It was a joke. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
doctor jambo Posted March 5, 2019 Share Posted March 5, 2019 Hated Dubai Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Real Maroonblood Posted March 5, 2019 Share Posted March 5, 2019 5 hours ago, jonnothejambo said: Feck sake. We are planning on going down under in November. Sydney is on the agenda. Feck it. I'll still go. Spent a week in Sydney and stayed near the harbour. We really enjoyed it and found prices comparable with Edinburgh. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Geoff the Mince Posted March 5, 2019 Share Posted March 5, 2019 2 hours ago, The White Cockade said: drove up most weekends during the summer where next to Simonstown We lived in Fish Hoek and Glencairn it was Fish Hoek , also spent time in Hout Bay when living outside the city . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gershwin Posted March 5, 2019 Share Posted March 5, 2019 Had great times in Montreal, Melbourne, Chicago, Stockholm, Berlin and London. Not really a fan of Hamburg, Toronto, Barcelona and LA. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Craig_ Posted March 5, 2019 Share Posted March 5, 2019 Surprised how many people have said Amsterdam. Yes, it is quite commercialised and expensive these days, but get away from the main Damrak/Voorburgwal area and it's a truly beautiful city. Great bars, restaurants, clubs, plenty of culture and the locals have a tremendous dry sense of humour which you perhaps don't immediately appreciate. Oh, and it's full of beautiful women too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Morgan Posted March 5, 2019 Share Posted March 5, 2019 2 hours ago, Morgan said: 1 hour ago, Maple Leaf said: Read the post again. It was a joke. 3 hours ago, Paul Allen said: And how exactly are you qualified to know that mate? Have you done a survey of all the people in the UAE to ask them? I don’t think so! Please think before posting such sweeping generalisations. Oh my goodness, Paul. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The White Cockade Posted March 5, 2019 Share Posted March 5, 2019 1 hour ago, Geoff the Mince said: it was Fish Hoek , also spent time in Hout Bay when living outside the city . Yeah miss my time over there especially this time of year Sadly the crime rate is getting ridiculous now even in sleepy Fish Hoek and it’s not the same place now Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
davemclaren Posted March 5, 2019 Share Posted March 5, 2019 3 hours ago, Locky said: Dusseldorf is probably my favourite city. Been 4 times. Don't know if it's just cos it was the 1st foreign place I went but I love it. Never found a great deal to see or do I just really love the place, and like others have said, it's a place I could genuinely see myself living. Sitting on a warm day at the Rhein promenade with an ice cold German beer. Beautiful. A boat trip on the Rhine is worth doing. Got my camera pinched up the turm mind you. ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hugh Phamism Posted March 6, 2019 Share Posted March 6, 2019 I've been fortunate to have visited 48 US States and found most of them to have great large and small cities/towns, as well as a few toilets. Too many good ones to mention, but my least favourites so far have been Cleveland OH and Birmingham AL. Been to some really dodgy European cities that I wouldn't hurry back to. Alternatively, a long time favourite that's not had a mention so far is Dredsen. Small, very pretty and great bars. All time least favourite has got to be Delhi. What an absolute shitehole... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
weegranty Posted March 6, 2019 Share Posted March 6, 2019 Favourite place is Las Vegas,going back this year for our 9th visit. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ribble Posted March 6, 2019 Share Posted March 6, 2019 13 hours ago, Pohang Jambo said: Favourite: Tokyo Hong Kong Seoul Barcelona San Francisco Amsterdam Melbourne Least Favourites: Bangkok LA Lima Kuala Lumpur Really? Was in KL Thursday and Friday last week and fell in love with the city, easy to get around, amazing food, great hotel, very friendly and polite people. Would 100% go back for a longer visit! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Findlay Posted March 6, 2019 Share Posted March 6, 2019 For beautiful women. Gothenburg wins hands down. Biggest shitholes I've been in. Karachi and Alexandria. Fascinating from a historical point of view. Athens, Istanbul and Jerusalem. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Real Maroonblood Posted March 6, 2019 Share Posted March 6, 2019 5 hours ago, Hugh Phamism said: I've been fortunate to have visited 48 US States and found most of them to have great large and small cities/towns, as well as a few toilets. Too many good ones to mention, but my least favourites so far have been Cleveland OH and Birmingham AL. Been to some really dodgy European cities that I wouldn't hurry back to. Alternatively, a long time favourite that's not had a mention so far is Dredsen. Small, very pretty and great bars. All time least favourite has got to be Delhi. What an absolute shitehole... I agree about Dresden. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FWJ Posted March 6, 2019 Share Posted March 6, 2019 18 hours ago, jonnothejambo said: Why don't people like Sydney ? If you’re by the water (or on it) it’s lovely - the opera house, Harbour Bridge etc. Away from the water it’s just a big, hot, sprawling city. I’m glad I went, saw the bits I wanted to see, but wouldn’t rush back. (Bit like Las Vegas in that regard) Least favourite place in Oz was Katoomba in the Blue Mountains. Was going to spend 3 days there. Ended up less than 3 hours. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FWJ Posted March 6, 2019 Share Posted March 6, 2019 On 04/03/2019 at 23:30, The White Cockade said: Best Cape Town, Rome, Edinburgh and Nairobi Worst Amsterdam and Johannesburg Best small towns Simonstown, Franschoek, Hermanus, Malindi and North Berwick, St Andrews, Elie and South Queensferry Franschhoek is superb. Did you visit Greyton when you were in that area? Another really nice wee town but much lower key. If we’re allowed wee places I’d also say Margaret River in WA. It’s a bit like Franschhoek but with beaches instead of mountains.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
the general Posted March 6, 2019 Share Posted March 6, 2019 13 hours ago, Locky said: Dusseldorf is probably my favourite city. Been 4 times. Don't know if it's just cos it was the 1st foreign place I went but I love it. Never found a great deal to see or do I just really love the place, and like others have said, it's a place I could genuinely see myself living. Sitting on a warm day at the Rhein promenade with an ice cold German beer. Beautiful. Was there 2 weeks ago.. fifth visit I think .. love the old town and the riverside area Food and drink is phenomenal Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Paul Allen Posted March 6, 2019 Share Posted March 6, 2019 11 hours ago, Morgan said: Oh my goodness, Paul. Unbelievable Jeff! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
benny Posted March 6, 2019 Share Posted March 6, 2019 One of the best trips I have done is the Oslo to Bergen train journey.A brilliant experience. Bergen was great as well.The view of the city from the hill overlooking the city was great as well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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