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UK |
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Lake District. The Linthwaite
House Hotel on Lake Windermere. It is really exceptional. Patrick D |
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AFRICA |
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Zanzibar.
Matamwe Bungalows -
http://www.matemwe.com Amazing retreat, diving and
fishing on-hand, excellent seafood and very quiet. It's not just
honeymooners either!
Angus N |
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The holiday to the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Game Park; the visit to
Namibia; and the return through Botswana were all experiences not soon
to be forgotten. Herewith some observations of note:
Kgalagadi. The Park which is 38,000 square kilometres is one of the largest parks in the world and almost twice the size of the Kruger National Park. Gemsbuck, Springbuck, Blue Wildebeest, can be seen in vast numbers. Giraffes, Eland and other species of antelope are also to be seen as are the predators such as Lions, Leopards, Cheetahs, Hyenas Jackals, etc. What was really significant was the great variety and number of birds. Animals and birds are very easy to spot due to the openness of the terrain. A 4x4 is required for most of the park. The KNP on the other hand is densely vegetated, with an excellent system of roads.
Namibia. This is truly a beautiful semi-desert country.
Of significance is the fact that although the South African
Forces relieved it from German occupation in 1915, a town such as
Swakopmund is to this day very German in its orientation. Most
people speak German, and most of the architecture displays a strong
German atmosphere. Unfortunately (my opinion), most of the street names
have been Africanized; however, the names of the towns have been
retained for the present.
Botswana. This is one of the richest of Africa's generally
poor countries. Of interest is the fact that the excellent
highway connecting Namibia with South Africa over rural Botswana farming
area, (800 km) has very little if any fencing. Cattle, donkeys, sheep,
goats, horses, and even ostriches, cross the highway at will. Needless
to say driving through the country at night is like flying a Buccaneer
blindfolded at low level.
Jan GEditor's Note: Jan operates a small safari company and would gladly guide 2-4 people who may be interested in visiting the KNP, The Battle Fields, Pretoria, or any other venue of their choice at any time (jan@guytnet.co.za). |
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CANARIES |
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Tenerife. I can thoroughly recommend the Hotel
Botanico. It is a leading hotel of the world, and the
only one of its type that I now know of which gives an airline discount of
25%. It is a spa hotel. John K |
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CARIBBEAN |
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Barbados.
I can tell you the best meal I've ever had. It was in 'The Cliff' in
Barbados and is worth anyone's money! Beautiful location; cliffside
terraces overlooking the water, torchlit, wonderful grub, and reasonable
wine. You can starwatch if you want, but the view is better than any bono or sting ! Give it a try if you fancy splashing out sometime. Sandy E |
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Cayman Islands. A great
place for an expensive, but very enjoyable time.
Charlie C
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DOWN UNDER |
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Australia. My best holiday was at Lizard Island on the Barrier Reef
www.lizardisland.com.au Tim P |
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EUROPE |
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France. Chateau de Labessiere.
Enjoyed every minute of it, laid back, casual & relaxed. Visited the River,
Verdun & battlefield memorials & on to the Champagne region Dave S Italy. I would like to suggest to all your members a beautiful island in Italy that
is not so famous abroad. A 1700 harbour, still as it was, a fantastic
Mediterranean architecture, no construction permits allowed for 50 years,
beautiful clean blue sea and very convenient position between Rome and
Naples. New hydrofoils from Fiumicino (10 mins from Rome airport).
Look at www.ponza.it, and for
accommodations - www.turistcasa.it .
Best seasons May, June and September. Scandanavia. Last September my wife and I went on The Most
Beautiful voyage in the World, " Hurtigruten", on the Coastal Express from
Bergen to Kirkenes and return in 14 days and 2500 miles. Excellent food,
scenery and comfort on M/S Nordkapp. |
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FAR EAST |
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Borneo. Wildlife expedition in Sabah (Malaysian Borneo) - excellent value! Andy L |
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Maldives. I just loved Soneva Fushi in the Maldives for sheer luxury and romance - it
was the epitome of decadence and indulgence. Gloria P |
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Thailand. Ko Taio island in the Gulf of Thailand is an unspoilt paradise for those who
want an adventure - you have to get a boat there - there is plenty of
accommodation, and it has fantastic beaches, fresh fish, BBQ on the beach,
and excellent scuba. Jim G |
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INDIA |
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Park Hyatt Hotel in Goa (absolutely first class), along with local taxi
driver, Lonnie Fernandez! Nick B |
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MADEIRA |
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For getting away from it all, I can thoroughly recommend
Atrio, a retreat in
the hills of Madeira. We spent a few days there last November and it
really is a great place to relax and unwind. About an hour's drive from
Funchal, car hire is essential, lots of good walks locally and about twenty
minutes drive from the sea. It's owned and managed by very friendly,
English-speaking Germans, and staffed by locals. Setting, accommodation and food all first class. Jim K |
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MEDITERRANEAN |
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Cyprus. My
wife and I just had an excellent week at
Pyla Palms, which is an
ideal location for a quiet and relaxing holiday on the
eastern coast of Cyprus – 15 minutes drive north of Larnaca,
and about 30 minutes from the airport. The apartment is
extremely well appointed with high quality furnishings and a
modern kitchen with all mod cons, including a washer/tumbler
(your wife will know what that is). The daily temperature
while we were there was in the high 30s (max 38) but the air
conditioning in the apartment coped admirably and it was a
great refuge at the peak of the day. The accommodation also
has a full satellite ‘techno’ suite for those who don’t want
to miss their sport (we watched the Wimbledon Finals), but
you usually have to tune the radio to BFBS to get an English
soundtrack. A DVD player and CD player are also provided as
well as a comprehensive collection of DVDs. There is a good
sized swimming pool with sunbeds around. Pyla village lies
just inside the UN Buffer Zone, however, that fact presents
no issue to the rationally minded! The village is also well
within striking distance of a long and quiet (even in July)
but sandy and gently shelving beach. There are many local
restaurants and taverns in Pyla and its neighbour Oriklini
some 10 miles south. The apartment is about 30 minutes from
Ayia Napa should you wish to sample the delights of those
who enjoy the Club 18-30 lifestyle! Capo Greko is another 10
minutes beyond should you fancy a bit of snorkelling or
scuba diving. Larnaca offers all the delights of Cypriot
life and is the hub of this Greek Cypriot corner of Cyprus
with good supermarkets if you wish to self-cater. Nicosia,
which I had never been to despite many visits to RAF
Akrotiri in a previous life, is a very interesting city with
a strong UN presence and a ‘dividing line’ that has been
there for 45 years! You can travel on foot into the Turkish
area of Nicosia but you must have your passport with you to
do so. So Pyla Palms is the place for you if you are missing
the delights of a Greek Mezze and are after a quiet,
relaxing and sun-kissed retreat. By the way, at the price
that Sean & Serena charge for a week’s rent it has to be
excellent value for money. David Herriot, Nottingham Greek Island Blog An American-Irish expatriate couple share their Greek island experience by offering lodging and information including maps and photos. They provide content and links for Paros, the Cyclades, Greece and the world of living abroad. |
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USA |
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Arizona. For my money, Sedona is the most beautiful spot I've ever found.
So much so, that when I retire from the service, I hope to settle down
there. A very nice bed & breakfast that we've enjoyed (and usually encountered at least one UK couple, sometimes more, on holiday there) is www.adobe-hacienda.com. This site has numerous views of the surrounding countryside. Brick E |
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HOLIDAY COMPANIES |
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Kuoni. We
have used them to go to Florida and Sri Lanka; both extremely well packaged. Gordon Mc |
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SAILING |
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I had only been for day sails in the Solent, but I saw an advert for
Challenge Business doing a run to the Fastnet, so I signed up not knowing
what to expect. The most fun sailing I have ever had - watch rotation,
cooking in force 7, no showers, complete strangers - I never laughed so
much! Was so good to push myself and do things I didn't think I was
capable of. But that's sailing, eh? Gregor C |
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TOURING |
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Canada.
Rocky Mountaineer coach/train from Calgary to Vancouver, then Whale watching
cruise to Alaska. Had 3 days in Calgary to time adjust, with a further
3 days in Vancouver to chill. Rocky Mountaineer worth going for Gold Leaf
Service for observation car and food advantages - lobster/caviar etc, and
that was breakfast! Cruise also impressive - Holland America line - to
the extent we have two further ones booked! Keith H .... hired a motor caravan and toured the Rockies. Apart from the terrific
scenery it was particularly poignant, especially when we got to Banff, as I
was there back in 1943, enjoying a few days leave after gaining my "Wings"
at RAF Penhold in Alberta. The other holiday, again with our younger son
and, again in a motor caravan, was in 1981 when we toured North Island New
Zealand - a beautiful country and wonderful people. I doubt if much has
changed in either country since then and I thoroughly recommend them as
destinations. |
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UNCLASSIFIED |
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The best holiday was probably an involuntary one during the war, when I did
my OTU at Nassau in the Bahamas. Apart from the flying, long sailing
and fishing weekends, eating, social occasions at the yacht club, and
exploring other islands, made it most memorable. More recently, 16
days in China, and later in Thailand would qualify. Solly J |