Questions on visiting the UK (and France)

[(jdogric12)]

Hello there mates.

So my wife and I are thinking of visiting the UK and France for a couple of weeks about this time next year. We'd like to get to London (of course), Glasgow (despite the fact that Scotty lives there, we'll just have to deal with that), Paris, and Avignon.

The title of this thread is "questions..." but I don't even know what to start by asking.... let's see...

Is it best to travel by rail?

Which city should we fly in and out of?

We should tell people we're Canadian, right?

How much will a week's worth of groceries cost?

[(jps)]

We'd like to get to London (of course), Glasgow (despite the fact that Scotty lives there, we'll just have to deal with that), Paris, and Avignon.

Just don't tell him your going.

[(scotty)]

WWWWaaahahahahhahahahhaah evil laugh......Fly into Glasgow then travel South through England by train then through to France. In-between all that bring a 366

[(windchimp)]

We should tell people we're Canadian, right?

No, Hungarian. Remember to bring your "Hungarian Phrasebook".



"My hovercraft is full of eels"

[(antipodean)]

Strangely, Scotty's travel suggestion actually makes sense from a convenience point of view - fly into Glasgow - train to London, train to Paris, train to Avignon (TGV), then back to Paris and fly back to the US. It probably is the most economical arrangement as well, but you'll need to check that...

Rail travel between London and Paris and within France is definitely the way to go - within the UK it's a tougher call, but still probably the best bet. Driving in London or Paris is purely for locals and masochists (often indistinguishable).

I'm out of touch with grocery prices - but my memory is that groceries in London and Paris will cost you both arms, a leg and several internal organs. As an example, our weekly grocery bill in the UK in pounds was the same as our weekly grocery bill in Aussie dollars when we moved back home - and at the time there were three Aussie dollars to the pound! Prices may have moderated with the current economic climate.

For your sojourn across the channel, try to have a few French phrases ready - no self respecting French man or woman will admit to speaking English at first approach, even if they are reading the UK Financial Times at the time. A few halting words of pseudo-French will get them out of their shell, provided you haven't accidentally made a disparaging comment about their parentage or anything French. The problem with saying you are Canadian in this context is that they will expect you to be bilingual - and your cover will be quickly blown if your French isn't up to scratch!

[(jps)]

Driving in London ... is purely for locals and masochists (often indistinguishable).

Isn't that what Graham's for?

[(8mileshigh)]

Exactly!

My only advice........is bring a shed load of money, Europe ain't cheap!

[(jdogric12)]

LOL, thanks everyone!

Yes, we plan to spend the next 12 months learning enough French to get by, and then some, hopefully. My mom has been to France a couple times and gave me the whole rundown on how to act and whatnot.

[(scotty)]

Exactly!

My only advice........is bring a shed load of money, Europe ain't cheap!

+366

[(jps)]

Exactly!

My only advice........is bring a shed load of money, Europe ain't cheap!

+366

Scotty, you had your chance to acquire it recently when Jason had it up for grabs.....couldn't you talk the Mrs. into it?

[(scotty)]

couldnt afford it as i was in the middle of a expensive move at the time but maybe Jason could ditch the Mrs and put the guitar in her seat

[(jdogric12)]

Um.... no.

The 366 is officially "on hold" for a certain fella who shares a name with his home country!

[(scotty)]

[(paologregorio)]

I was in London for just over a week. I bought a pass for the Tube that made getting around cheaper, but it all depends on where you're staying.

If you or the missus wear shorts in London, everyone will know you're tourists.

Make sure to try some Black Pudding, preferably when you're out with Graham. . . and after he's had a few.

You've already met Scott in person, so I don't need to warn you about the 2 minute time lag after initiating conversation that your brain will need to adjust to "Northern" . . . or at least that's how long it takes me. . . when we chat by video. .. of course that might also be because it's usually 6:30 am in my time zone. . .