View Full Version : Off on my travels
Museum part of the Hotel James.
In person its very cool yeah, photos aren't as good but hey, they never are.
We went for a walk about outside this morning after breakfast, the Hotel overlooks the racetrack.
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Hoped to get onto the Track, but about a kilometer perimeter walk around the track to get to entrance gate, I thought naa...
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Next Stop
Kyoto, on the Shinkansen Bullet Train, should be fun. :)
Looks like an interesting place to view mt Fuji Gary? A hotel with benefits.
Kyoto is a "must visit". Some beautiful old buildings there; in fact the whole place is in a bit of a time warp. The women there still wear a kimono, young as well as old.
Have a great time and enjoy the bullet train. :)
Looks like an interesting place to view mt Fuji Gary? A hotel with benefits.
Yeah.... its kinda special this place.
Love the Motorsport angle as well.
My first memory of the Track...
:)
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Looks amazing, Gary, the Fuji hotel would be great but I doubt my wide and daughter would agree! Japan is definitely on my bucket list, and Fuji looks like it needs to be on the agenda!
Meanwhile I’m playing in the traffic, look kfc and people waiting to clean your windscreen!
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Pigmy Pony
05-07-2025, 12:26
I'm going to say a return visit to St Lucia.
I remember Roy mentioning the Caribbean - I’m going with Barbados.
Jamaica this time, here I am enjoying a very non veggie brekkers
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Pigmy Pony
05-07-2025, 22:03
Jamaica this time, here I am enjoying a very non veggie brekkers
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Could do with a fried egg (or poached). And a couple more sausages :)
Could do with a fried egg (or poached). And a couple more sausages :)
That's probably all the sausages they had on the island right there.
Gone all that way across the Atlantic to eat a traditional full English breakfast?
Pigmy Pony
06-07-2025, 07:44
That's probably all the sausages they had on the island right there.
:D You'd have to be up pretty early to beat Roy to it :) Probably has a 'sausages ready' alarm function on one of the watches.
Gone all that way across the Atlantic to eat a traditional full English breakfast?
Got to set yourself up right for the day ahead, can't do that with a croissant.
When I travel to "parts foreign", I will always eat the local food and drink the local booze. It's all part of the experience of travelling, otherwise you may as well stay at home.
When I travel to "parts foreign", I will always eat the local food and drink the local booze. It's all part of the experience of travelling, otherwise you may as well stay at home.
Sometimes there's no choice - France, for example. But Jamaica was British for a long time, I don't know if they have their own traditional breakfast.
Probably the other option is American since you get a lot of septics going there. Waffles with eggs and bacon, that's what I used to have over there. Or the short stack.
To be honest, the only time I have eaten 'British food' abroad was when having driven through Adalucia and eaten the local Spanish grub, we popped into Gibralter for a day.
It was a Sunday and having been amused at how British Gibraltar is with red pillar boxes, red telephone boxes and with all the shops we have here, it only seemed right to eat a traditional Sunday roast washed down with British ale.
To be honest, the only time I have eaten 'British food' abroad was when having driven through Adalucia and eaten the local Spanish grub, we popped into Gibralter for a day.
It was a Sunday and having been amused at how British Gibraltar is with red pillar boxes, red telephone boxes and with all the shops we have here, it only seemed right to eat a traditional Sunday roast washed down with British ale.
I don't eat British food even in Britain :) Although I do quite like a Sunday roast once in a while.
I'd usually go on holiday to places that have American food. So almost always America itself, or the Caribbean.
In Europe you don't really get the option, it's either the local food or McDonalds. I thought the food in Italy was very good.
Pigmy Pony
06-07-2025, 08:57
I had a day in Gibraltar a few years ago - nobody bothered to tell them that Britain doesn't look like that any more. They need more temporary traffic lights and stop painting stuff to get a real Brit experience.
Ok to try "local cuisine" when on holiday, but not if the effort not to gag on it is making your eyes water (happened to me). If it's taking you too far out of your comfort zone it'll stop feeling like a holiday and more like a challenge.
When dining in a hotel or at a restaurant I suppose you can get away with leaving stuff you find inedible, but last year we stayed at a boarding house in Calais, which took 'personal touch' to a new level (the hosts dined with us). I ended up hiding some stuff in my pocket to avoid causing offence :doh: For example the cheesecake they served was salty rather than sweet, and smelled slightly of poo. That was a real challenge.
Unless you go somewhere exotic (or France) the food's usually okay.
You have to draw the line somewhere - I wouldn't be trying the insects in Thailand or the scorpions on a stick in China. Or dog, or cat, or horse.
Tried shark once, it's revolting.
Unlike Barry I've never been to Africa or any of those places where the food is radically different. Did eat Nigerian food at university as I lived in a block with them, that was pretty good actually.
Pigmy Pony
06-07-2025, 09:24
Anita once had horse in Paris - I didn't bother telling her until she'd finished. Turned out she was fine with it. Used McDonalds quite a lot in France - Crap, but predictable and consistent crap, with real world opening hours :)
I've eaten all sorts of strange stuff whilst abroad, but only on a very few occasions have I been disgusted with what I have chosen to eat.
The only memorable item was tortoise which was a mistake: slimy texture with very little actual taste. There was also something I ate in Japan which was also slimy, but tasty. Forget what it was but the texture put me off.
I used to always eat meat from the local cattle: yak (in Tibet); water buffalo (Nepal); zebu (in Madagascar), and wilderbeest in Africa, as well as fowl: puffin (in Iceland).
Of course there are things to eat which IMO are not really worth the bother: frogs legs and snails come to mind, and stuff which is over-hyped, such as caviar.
I had caviar one time at a rich people's house warming party. I thought it was pretty good but never sought it out since.
There was also some flash champagne but that was terrible, don't really like champagne anyway.
With both champagne and caviar, you get what you pay for. I have sampled very expensive versions of both, but neither did much for me.
When I travel to "parts foreign", I will always eat the local food and drink the local booze. It's all part of the experience of travelling, otherwise you may as well stay at home.
There’s not much by way of a specific Jamaican breakfast Barry. I’ve already sampled curried goat, red bean rice, jerk chicken, oxtail, cows foot etc for dinner.
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I’ve already sampled curried goat, red bean rice, jerk chicken, oxtail, cows foot etc for dinner.
Give me Sausage Mountain any day! :lol:
And just had a late lunch of Mahi Mahi
Pigmy Pony
06-07-2025, 19:48
Give me Sausage Mountain any day! :lol:
They used to call it Brokeback Mountain you know, but I'm not judging.
They used to call it Brokeback Mountain you know, but I'm not judging.
I guess don't knock it until you try it, when in Rome, and all that!
Pigmy Pony
06-07-2025, 22:01
Back Bacon Mountain.
Squeal like a pig!
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Where in Jamaica are you staying Roy? Did you partner approve or "did jamaica"?
Sorry, but the old ones are the best. ;)
[emoji846]
Slumming it at the five star Riu Negril.
Not more reggae…. Headphones in!
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Ivan’s
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Enjoying a twelve year old Appleton’s
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Glad I’m on the first floor
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The 8:00am ‘Sunbed Stakes’
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This morning’s shady spot
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Looks wonderful, obviously a classy hotel.
Looks wonderful, obviously a classy hotel.
Optimistic four star, there are kids here (we’re here with partner’s daughter and her twelve year old) many of which seem magnetically attracted to my legs, I’ve managed not to flatten one yet. Food’s good and they’re generous with the booze.
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rmcin626
26-08-2025, 09:56
Under no circumstances will I get involved in that nonsense
Under no circumstances will I get involved in that nonsense
St Lucia in a couple of weeks to recover [emoji846]
rmcin626
26-08-2025, 10:12
St Lucia in a couple of weeks to recover [emoji846]
One of my pet hates is reserving sun beds
Pigmy Pony
26-08-2025, 11:42
One of my pet hates is reserving sun beds
Our holiday last month (Cape Verde) had a swim-up pool and our own personal sunbeds. You would have liked that Robin. Just a shame about the mosquitoes. By the end of the holiday I looked like this, but with red blobs.
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What's it like for mozzies in the Caribbean Roy? For Anita it would be a deal-breaker, she was more affected than me.
Pigmy Pony
26-08-2025, 11:45
One of my pet hates is reserving sun beds
Our holiday last month (Cape Verde) had a swim-up pool and our own personal sunbeds. You would have liked that Robin. Just a shame about the mosquitoes. By the end of the holiday I looked like this, but with red blobs.
https://dl6pgk4f88hky.cloudfront.net/2023/02/shutterstock_editorial_220143h.jpg
What's it like for mozzies in the Caribbean Roy? For Anita it would be a deal-breaker, she was more affected than me.
rmcin626
26-08-2025, 11:47
Our holiday last month (Cape Verde) had a swim-up pool and our own personal sunbeds. You would have liked that Robin. Just a shame about the mosquitoes. By the end of the holiday I looked like this, but with red blobs.
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What's it like for mozzies in the Caribbean Roy? For Anita it would be a deal-breaker, she was more affected than me.
A swim up room is usually good, had that on one of the trips to Mexico
One of my pet hates is reserving sun beds
Not an issue here unless you want to be a foot from the pool.
What's it like for mozzies in the Caribbean Roy? For Anita it would be a deal-breaker, she was more affected than me.
Not a problem in the places I've been.
Our holiday last month (Cape Verde) had a swim-up pool and our own personal sunbeds. You would have liked that Robin. Just a shame about the mosquitoes. By the end of the holiday I looked like this, but with red blobs.
https://dl6pgk4f88hky.cloudfront.net/2023/02/shutterstock_editorial_220143h.jpg
What's it like for mozzies in the Caribbean Roy? For Anita it would be a deal-breaker, she was more affected than me.
Not been troubled by mozzies either here in Gran Canaria or on our previous visits to the Caribbean but we do use a spray. This will be third year we’ve had the same room at Sandals.
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Seen a few Cockroaches.
Back to this dump
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It’s a tough job, Roy, but somebody’s got to do it! Bon voyage!
It’s a tough job, Roy, but somebody’s got to do it! Bon voyage!
My post was misleading, was just passing the liner en route to our resort. Current view.
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New friend, suspect the croissant helped.
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My post was misleading, was just passing the liner en route to our resort
Which is where? :scratch:
Which is where? :scratch:
I think St Lucia was mentioned?
I think St Lucia was mentioned?
Possibly - he's been there a few times in the past. Wherever it is - Bon voyage Roy.
I think St Lucia was mentioned?
Yes.
Thanks Barry.
Breakfast view
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Pigmy Pony
21-09-2025, 15:26
Don't be getting your cock out for the camera, this is a respectable family resort.
Lawrence001
21-09-2025, 17:01
Don't be getting your cock out for the camera, this is a respectable family resort.And a respectable forum.
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Lovely, spend the whole winter there if I could.
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Nice country pub and a pint or two
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if you can get a good pint of it I think Bass is a lovely bitter.
I don't know if that is Bass just assuming it is from the logo on the glass.
Nowhere round here does it though.
if you can get a good pint of it I think Bass is a lovely bitter.
I don't know if that is Bass just assuming it is from the logo on the glass.
Nowhere round here does it though.
There’s a Blackpool vlogger I follow who rates it, first time I’ve tried it, very easy drinking, a proper session beer. Two pints before I had to get bus back to Torquay where I had to make do with Wetherspoons Guinness.
Was struggling to work out where The Drum was, knew I'd been there, was thinking it was localish, now I know it was Torquay, it was our holiday to Devon in 2019! Enjoy the rest of your trip Roy.
I am just back from a week in Hammamet, Tunisia. The resort was ok, but not sure I would want to go back there again. It is a bit of a shock to see how “dirty” the area of Tunis is with discarded rubbish etc. It seems to be almost everywhere.
I was also told that this extends beyond the area of Tunis, so travelling through the countryside, admiring the views is difficult.
The weather was nice though.
Pigmy Pony
25-10-2025, 15:15
I am just back from a week in Hammamet, Tunisia. The resort was ok, but not sure I would want to go back there again. It is a bit of a shock to see how “dirty” the area of Tunis is with discarded rubbish etc. It seems to be almost everywhere.
I was also told that this extends beyond the area of Tunis, so travelling through the countryside, admiring the views is difficult.
The weather was nice though.
You could have got all that on a holiday to Britain. Apart from the nice weather bit.
I am just back from a week in Hammamet, Tunisia. The resort was ok, but not sure I would want to go back there again. It is a bit of a shock to see how “dirty” the area of Tunis is with discarded rubbish etc. It seems to be almost everywhere.
I was also told that this extends beyond the area of Tunis, so travelling through the countryside, admiring the views is difficult.
The weather was nice though.
Not somewhere I'd go myself although they have some great Roman ruins, plus the Star Wars place.
I visited Carthage. Unlike Roman ruins elsewhere, at Carthage you are free to climb all over them.
We also visited “Mos Espa” which was a bit of a coach ride from Hammamet to the Tozeur area.
Yes, the remains of Cathage is well worth the visit. Then go south towards the Sahara and visit the troglodyte dwellings which are still lived in and enjoy a cup of tea with the occupants.
Forget about the Star Wars film set; it's not really worth the effort.
Back in the Somerset hotel in Llandudno [emoji848]
Llandudno's great but it must be 40 years since I was last there. Or more.
We used to go every year. Sunny days go on the beach, not sunny - go up the Orme. So you'd go up the Orme at least 5 days out of the 7
We'd nag my dad to go on the cable car but he'd say it was too expensive and besides my mother wouldn't get on it.
One year my younger brothers broke his balls about it so much he agreed as long as my mother would go. She agreed but she jumped back out of the car just before it set off. But we got our ride. I think that's the only time I ever went on it.
Went up the orme last year, f**king freezing up there, nice little cafe though.
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Visited Llandudno a few years ago. You can see why it was popular in Victorian times.
However today parking is a pain, but there are some good shops and the Great Orme remains impressive.
North Wales is a beautiful place to visit, especially the north West and Anglesey.
Pigmy Pony
09-11-2025, 09:14
Went up the Orme a few years ago with Anita, went up in the car. Was the cafe up there owned by a famous boxer or wrestler or something? It was quite a while ago.
I'm not saying Llandudno is a town of dodgy morals, but I once did some work at a house in Preston where the customer's mother was 'house sitting', and she spent too much time being a little over-familiar and invading my personal space.
She ended up inviting me to visit her at her house (which was on the road up to the Orme) :eyebrows: I didn't take her up on her offer, and managed to complete the work unmolested. I did get plenty of biscuits with my brews though, which was nice :)
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You got me wanting to go back now.
I always wanted to stay in one of those hotels on the Orme overlooking the pier. We only ever stayed in a pretty grim self-catering flat.
Visited Llandudno a few years ago. You can see why it was popular in Victorian times.
However today parking is a pain, but there are some good shops and the Great Orme remains impressive.
North Wales is a beautiful place to visit, especially the north West and Anglesey.
We travelled by coach, picked us up in Brentwood. Half board hotel stay for four nights was around £140 each.
Hotel is about here
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We travelled by coach, picked us up in Brentwood. Half board hotel stay for four nights was around £140 each.
That's crazy cheap including food! Not been to North Wales since the mid 90's, but agree with Barry that it's a beautiful place to visit.
That's crazy cheap including food! Not been to North Wales since the mid 90's, but agree with Barry that it's a beautiful place to visit.
Tbh Alex it’s very ‘saga’ ish but you can do your own thing outside of mealtimes.
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Yes - been there and got the post card. :)
Pigmy Pony
11-11-2025, 22:40
Did you write on the postcard where you were sending it from? This place name is about as much as I could be bothered with. Though I've never been so it may be nothing worth writing home about.
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Yes - been there and got the post card. :)
I bought two jumpers
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Pringle Jumpers are well made, as are those made by The Edinburgh Woollen Company. I think they have a shop in Llandudno:
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Pringle Jumpers are well made, as are those made by The Edinburgh Woollen Company. I think they have a shop in Llandudno:
That pic was Betws-Y-Coed.
I was tempted by a Harris Tweed jacket but it was rather expensive and I couldn’t figure out when it would be appropriate wear.
I recognised it as somewhere I had visited in the past (I used to visit North Wales twice a year). Did you see the Swallow Falls? :)
I recognised it as somewhere I had visited in the past (I used to visit North Wales twice a year). Did you see the Swallow Falls? :)
They were too far from where our coach parked.
Better late than never
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Weymouth!
Never been, recognise the George III thingy.
Weymouth!
.
Worth a visit.
We’ve been a few times, travel company we use does bargain deals, this one was £139 + £15 for a sea view for four nights half board and return coach travel from a local pickup. You have to mix with senior citizens and compare notes about illnesses but that’s a small price to pay.
That's very cheap.
Not been on a coach since 1985 unless you count my day trip to Mexico, and that was more like a large minibus.
Pigmy Pony
01-02-2026, 12:21
Worth a visit.
We’ve been a few times, travel company we use does bargain deals, this one was £139 + £15 for a sea view for four nights half board and return coach travel from a local pickup. You have to mix with senior citizens and compare notes about illnesses but that’s a small price to pay.
You didn't have to sing 'On Mother Kelly's Doorstep' with the other passengers did you? And how many stops for a toilet break :)
You didn't have to sing 'On Mother Kelly's Doorstep' with the other passengers did you? And how many stops for a toilet break :)
These days it’s sweet Caroline (so good so good). There’s a wc on the coach but just for number ones unless you’re desperate. Average 2 hours between stops so equated to 2 stops for Weymouth as coach started from Colchester.
Tartan travel blankets optional or mandatory?
willbewill
01-02-2026, 14:29
Long time since I've been to Weymouth, went there as a child on holiday and later visited occasionally for meetings as we used to send our stonemasonry apprentices to Weymouth College - I worked for Cadw ( https://cadw.gov.wales/ ) and managed a lot of stonemasons.
I've been to many places in Dorset, but surprisingly I have never visited Weymouth on "The Jurassic Coast".
The first photo of the Italian eatery fooled me.
Pigmy Pony
01-02-2026, 15:28
Tartan travel blankets optional or mandatory?
As modelled by Rod Stewart these days, probably.
On the road again
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Nowhere I recognise.
Yorkshire, somewhere?
Weston-Super-Mare
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Pigmy Pony
02-03-2026, 07:06
Not that far from Cheddar Gorge then. Nice place to visit, get some posh cheese. In a posh bag, which we still use. And Wells, the smallest city in England I believe. Nice there too.
My God Mother lived in Weston Super Mare, so been there a few times (and Cheddar Gorge) - lovely part of the country. Have fun, Roy.
'Cheddar Man' is quite interesting:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cheddar_Man
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Where next? Bristol? It's only 35 miles W-NW from Aquae Sulis. :)
Pigmy Pony
04-03-2026, 22:37
Happy birthday Roy! :partytime: (Spotted it just in time). 67 eh? Or as the kids are saying (until us oldies make it uncool by using it too) six-seven... :)
(until us oldies make it uncool by using it too) six-seven...
We've already missed the boat, according to Wikipedia (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/6-7_meme#:~:text=6%2D7%20(pronounced%20%22six%20seve n%22%3B%20also,on%20TikTok%20and%20Instagram%20Ree ls.), although my kids still laugh when they get me to say it... "Some teenagers interviewed referred to the "Great Meme Reset," and that those who still used the 6-7 meme were asked mocking questions such as "Who left you in 2025?""
Anyway, happy birthday Roy! (Get any nice watches? :eyebrows: )
Cheers!
Cheddar and Wells today
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Where next? Bristol? It's only 35 miles W-NW from Aquae Sulis. :)
Hated Bristol
Anyway, happy birthday Roy! (Get any nice watches? :eyebrows: )
This break was for my birthday plus a few nice shirts.
Hated Bristol
Why? Too big, too busy?
Too sprawling with mainly designer type shops and little character.
Too sprawling with mainly designer type shops and little character.
Fair enough, but little character? Did you visit the Clifton area? - that's full of character.
Fair enough, but little character? Did you visit the Clifton area? - that's full of character.
To be fair we only had time to look round the shopping bit.
Which shopping bit?
I assume we are talking about Cabot Circus?
Bristol was badly bombed during the war, and places like the Broadmead shopping centre were quickly built back with little regard for architectural character. The shops in Park Street, running up from the centre of Bristol from the Council House and the cathedral, up to the Clifton area has some distinctive and good quality shops. The last time I was in Bristol was a couple of years ago, and whilst I did drive up Park Street, I concentrated on my driving rather than glance at the shops.
I assume we are talking about Cabot Circus?
Yes
[emoji106]
What is "emoji106"?
What is "emoji106"?
Barry - I think it happens if you use an emoji via Tapatalk that isn't recognised by the browser version of the forum - in this case, it's a "thumbs up".
Thanks for the birthday wishes Alex and Steve.
As other comments have been ever so slightly barbed I’ll knock this thread on the head.
I hope you are not referring to my question?
I was genuinely interested, as I was born and bred in Bristol.
The fact that I could tell which shopping centre you were talking about is funny.
Bristol is full of character, but unfortunately you went to one of the least interesting parts.
I hope you are not referring to my question?
I was genuinely interested, as I was born and bred in Bristol.
The fact that I could tell which shopping centre you were talking about is funny.
Bristol is full of character, but unfortunately you went to one of the least interesting parts.
So was I, which is why I asked why Roy "hated" Bristol. I was curious to know.
Ok I’ll qualify what I said, l hated the part of Bristol that our coach excursion took us to. We were due to visit the SS Great Britain but the majority of people just wanted to go shopping. IKB’s bridge was impressive.
It’s academic that there are nicer bits of Bristol than I saw as I won’t be heading back that way.
Apologies if I offended anyone but I do sometimes experience a patronising vibe on this forum, perhaps it’s just me being over sensitive?
See you around!
I've been on tours where half the party were there to visit sites of cultural or architectural importance, whereas the other half just wanted to go shopping. Since one can shop anywhere, why go to the trouble of going on a coach trip?
Shame you missed out on the SS Great Britain, but at least you were able to see Brunel's suspension bridge.
Ok I’ll qualify what I said, l hated the part of Bristol that our coach excursion took us to. We were due to visit the SS Great Britain but the majority of people just wanted to go shopping. IKB’s bridge was impressive.
It’s academic that there are nicer bits of Bristol than I saw as I won’t be heading back that way.
Apologies if I offended anyone but I do sometimes experience a patronising vibe on this forum, perhaps it’s just me being over sensitive?
See you around!
I hate parts of Bristol too. ;)
I can assure you though that I meant no harm.
rmcin626
25-05-2026, 09:22
A wee beach photo from the weekend
https://i.ibb.co/NnjCsDMj/IMG-0072.jpg (https://ibb.co/PzhjNXdh)
A wee beach photo from the weekend
https://i.ibb.co/NnjCsDMj/IMG-0072.jpg (https://ibb.co/PzhjNXdh)
Sun loungers not pictured.
rmcin626
25-05-2026, 09:58
Sun loungers not pictured.
Not a Sun lounger to be found, just a few tables and benches Martin
Where is it Robin? Or don't you want to say.
rmcin626
25-05-2026, 11:19
Where is it Robin? Or don't you want to say.
We were at Cladach Beach House, the home of Arran Botanicals, some nice cocktails and lots of beach for my grandson to explore, we could have spent several hours there but he was getting hungry and they don’t do food, we spent a lovely 3 days on the Isle of Arran, which was a delayed birthday celebration for the wife.
Maelstrom
25-05-2026, 15:15
Where is Roy S?
I miss his travel and watch posts, seems like they used to be a forum staple?
Did we miss his birthday? :scratch:
I hope he's well.
Where is Roy S?
I miss his travel and watch posts, seems like they used to be a forum staple?
Did we miss his birthday? :scratch:
I hope he's well.
His last visit was to the city of Bristol, which he did not enjoy. A couple of us who were born and raised in Bristol asked what it was he didn't like. It appeared he was on a coach trip which neglected to visit some of the more interesting historical and cultural aspects of Bristol. When this was posted as a possible explanation of his disappointment, Roy took umbrage, considering it to be personal criticism.
He said he no longer regarded the Art of Sound forum as the place for him, and left. We all miss him: hopefully he will return someday.
When it comes to watches, Alex UK is now our resident watch collector, and posts about his latest acquisitions.
That's the trouble with on line comms you can read in subtexts that aren't there. We've probably all done it.
Always enjoyed Roy's posts, it is a bit of a shame really.
Yes, we miss Roy, and hope he will return - my watches are nothing in comparison for a start!
His last visit was to the city of Bristol, which he did not enjoy. A couple of us who were born and raised in Bristol asked what it was he didn't like. It appeared he was on a coach trip which neglected to visit some of the more interesting historical and cultural aspects of Bristol. When this was posted as a possible explanation of his disappointment, Roy took umbrage, considering it to be personal criticism.
He said he no longer regarded the Art of Sound forum as the place for him, and left. We all miss him: hopefully he will return someday.
When it comes to watches, Alex UK is now our resident watch collector, and posts about his latest acquisitions.
That's a damn shame, Roy seemed a nice bloke, and contributed to the forum well.
His last visit was to the city of Bristol, which he did not enjoy. A couple of us who were born and raised in Bristol asked what it was he didn't like. It appeared he was on a coach trip which neglected to visit some of the more interesting historical and cultural aspects of Bristol. When this was posted as a possible explanation of his disappointment, Roy took umbrage, considering it to be personal criticism.
He said he no longer regarded the Art of Sound forum as the place for him, and left. We all miss him: hopefully he will return someday
.
I still visit the forum occasionally to see how everyone is.
It wasn’t just certain posts on this thread that phased me a little, I’ve experienced a patronising vibe on a number of occasions and, it would appear, been singularly ignored at times.
‘Taking umbrage’ is probably a bit strong and I don’t think I ever said that about the forum.
Thanks for all the plaudits, they’re really appreciated and I will still post but far more intermittently.
As far as watches are concerned I’ve taken Barry’s advice and put black leather straps on my entire collection!
Cheers you lot!
Good to see you back again Roy - I hope it is not just a fleeting visit. :)
It is true I don't always respond to your posts, but in posting one should not necessarily expect a response from anyone. You are well known here for your huge watch collection, so if I don't respond to what you are wearing at any one time, it is because I have nothing to say. If I like what you are wearing, I will say so, otherwise I keep quiet.
So no hard feelings? Apologies for any offense given.
Thanks Barry.
My comment about being ignored related to occasions when I’d taken time out to offer detailed advice or observations which weren’t even acknowledged, just plain rude really but then perhaps one’s expectations are based on your own standards?
Haven’t travelled much recently. We were due to go to Majorca in April but my better half needed a medical procedure so we postponed it till next year and we’re looking forwards to our trip to Sandals in September.
Good to hear from you, Roy, and hope the better half is on the mend.
(I’ve paused the watch buying, it was getting silly, now need to decide which ones I’m going to keep and get rid of the ones I don’t want before I buy any more! Famous last words!?)
Thanks Barry.
My comment about being ignored related to occasions when I’d taken time out to offer detailed advice or observations which weren’t even acknowledged, just plain rude really but then perhaps one’s expectations are based on your own standards?
Haven’t travelled much recently. We were due to go to Majorca in April but my better half needed a medical procedure so we postponed it till next year and we’re looking forwards to our trip to Sandals in September.
There have been times when I have also provided a detailed reply to a Member's question only to be ignored. It is rude, but fortunately not common.
Wishing your partner a speedy recovery.
ATB
Barry
She’s fine thanks Alex.
Following a tweak to my Parkinson’s medication after consulting a new neurologist my slightly obsessive watch buying has slowed down. At its peak I was buying two or three a week!
I still fixate about getting all the Citizen Tsuyosa models but I’m happy to wait till the price is right.
She’s fine thanks Alex.
Following a tweak to my Parkinson’s medication after consulting a new neurologist my slightly obsessive watch buying has slowed down. At its peak I was buying two or three a week!
I still fixate about getting all the Citizen Tsuyosa models but I’m happy to wait till the price is right.
I got a £300 voucher from work for my 30th anniversary and so nearly bought the Tsuyosa with the purple dial… but I needed a new ladder to fall off, so that won! [emoji853]
I got a £300 voucher from work for my 30th anniversary and so nearly bought the Tsuyosa with the purple dial… but I needed a new ladder to fall off, so that won! [emoji853]
Used examples are changing hands for £140ish? But the buggers have released a ‘Shore’ version with a rotating bezel, dive watch stylee, that have caught my eye.
Wishing your partner a speedy recovery.
ATB
Barry
Thanks Barry.
Used examples are changing hands for £140ish? But the buggers have released a ‘Shore’ version with a rotating bezel, dive watch stylee, that have caught my eye.
Yes, I saw that, the one with the teal dial and bezel looks very tasty…
Must. Not. Buy. More. Watches!
What are you thoughts on the Swatch/Audemars-Piguet pocket watch? It's become very fashionable, with stores selling out within a couple of hours.
I think it's sad to see such a famous Swiss watch company doing this, but I suppose they have to do it to survive.
What are you thoughts on the Swatch/Audemars-Piguet pocket watch? It's become very fashionable, with stores selling out within a couple of hours.
I think it's sad to see such a famous Swiss watch company doing this, but I suppose they have to do it to survive.
They’re just using the big name to promote sales of a quite inferior product , like the omega/swatch moonswatch of a few years back.
I certainly won’t be rushing out to buy the AP, but I have made a confession on the “anyone keen on watches” thread…
Pigmy Pony
30-05-2026, 05:15
They’re just using the big name to promote sales of a quite inferior product , like the omega/swatch moonswatch of a few years back.
I briefly considered a Moonswatch a couple of years ago, but your posts put me off them. I got a Seiko instead. See, I look like I'm not listening, but I am :) Welcome back Roy.
I briefly considered a Moonswatch a couple of years ago, but your posts put me off them. I got a Seiko instead. See, I look like I'm not listening, but I am :) Welcome back Roy.
Very wise and thanks
Off I go!
(Not Bristol)
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Eurostar? Exciting! I always wanted to go on that.
That would be my guess. I've been on the Eurostar train - about half the time you're in the darkness of the tunnel, so not so wonderful. The only advantage is it is the quickest way to get to Paris.
St Pancras was a red herring, was sitting outside King’s Cross
We fell for it alright!. Anyway have a great time in York, and don't forget to post some photos of your visit. :)
Lawrence001
05-07-2026, 21:08
Are there any members here with strong connections to York? Better be careful what you say if there are Roy.
Are there any members here with strong connections to York? Better be careful what you say if there are Roy.
I like York.
It’s more a convenience thing though as it’s just about equidistant between London and Edinburgh where my cousin lives. We’ve instituted an annual meet to explore our culinary and alcoholic excesses. Need a drink after the England game.
Lawrence001
06-07-2026, 22:12
I like York.
It’s more a convenience thing though as it’s just about equidistant between London and Edinburgh where my cousin lives. We’ve instituted an annual meet to explore our culinary and alcoholic excesses. Need a drink after the England game.Me too. I took my son there a few weeks ago for an overnight stay to make up for a weekend away that got cancelled due to COVID. Unfortunately he's grown out of trains since then so we didn't go to the railway museum but we did look around the city and go for a river cruise (the last time I did that I was the same age as him and my mum took me) so it was still a nice trip.
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Pigmy Pony
07-07-2026, 06:00
The couple in pic 3 are searching in vain for the best model shop in York. Should have gone to Specsavers.
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I like to see a High Street that's easily defensible.
I like to see a High Street that's easily defensible.
We were heading for the hole in the wall (on our third large rum. ) That’s my cousin in the grey shirt.
Just popped in here and listened to £140k Linn system, it was bloody awful [emoji38]
https://soundorg.co.uk/
Another day another beer garden
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Lawrence001
08-07-2026, 15:05
Just popped in here and listened to £140k Linn system, it was bloody awful [emoji38]
https://soundorg.co.uk/Didn't know they were still going. I had one of their racks about 25 years ago.
Didn't know they were still going. I had one of their racks about 25 years ago.
Don’t know how. The proprietor had a very superior air that put my back up immediately. He probably knew I was wasting his time but there were no other customers. I made him suffer a couple of my choices before I waddled off to the next pub.
Lawrence001
17-07-2026, 21:47
I got it from Superfi I think. I don't even know if it was the same company in the end. The early metal frame racks were the same company, they had the dots above the Os and were popular with flat earthers but by the time I bought mine they were pretty chunky with glass shelves and didn't have the dots any more so I wonder if they sold off the rack business and let them use the name.
Day out in Leigh on sea (mainly in pubs)
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That's only about 20 miles from me. Trust one of the pubs was the venue for lunch. :)
That's only about 20 miles from me. Trust one of the pubs was the venue for lunch. :)
Yes, the Peterboat (see lunch thread [emoji6]).
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Looking forward to heading back here next month
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Looks good. Where is it, Roy?:)
Marco.
Looks good. Where is it, Roy?:)
Marco.
That's St Lucia.
After a glut of holidays last year - March - Cyprus, April - Jersey, July - Jamaica, August - Gran Canaria, September - St Lucia and October - Torquay, we're reduced to just our trip to Sandal's in St Lucia this year.
We did have a trip to Majorca booked for April but had to cancel when my partner needed a medical procedure.
Nice one, Roy. Del's cousin's got a property in Marigot Bay.
Keep up the holidays, mate - you certainly know how to enjoy yourself!:cool:
Marco.
Nice one, Roy. Del's cousin's got a property in Marigot Bay.
.
Beautiful place.
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