Malu strikes again! (Why (not) travel?)

Member Name: Sarah_Louise

Product:	Why (not) travel?
Date:	05/12/03 (35 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: We're all going...., ....on a...., ....summer holiday!

Disadvantages: N/A

skip this first bit to be able to read the review with capital letters intact. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a.
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---WHAT MALU SAID---

"This is my christmas prezzie for you, my dears, I´ve posted it now so that you can complete it. I can give you only the first half, the second half must come from you. Do it before Christmas Day so that you can fill your coffers and have some dosh for your next holiday! Another reason for posting it before Christmas is that I want to read some of your answers; I`ll be away during the festive season on an excursion for travel guides, expenses covered by dooyoo.*

This challenge does not compete or interfere with the official guides` challenges.

* only kidding"
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= = = INTRO = = =

So, here I am! I'm a real sucker for challenge op's here and abroad (on "the other side"!)
I couldn't resist this one and like Malu rightly says, whilst dooyoo are offer 6p/read, why not take advantage of this rare treat?!

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Q: How many times a year do you travel?

A: This has altered somewhat since Spring 2003. Prior to Spring this year I would have said once or twice a year. We used to go on family holidays generally once or twice a year (normally during the Summer months and then perhaps again in Autumn for a short break).

However, this year's been different. My parents have been on holiday twice this year. Once to the Norfolk Broads and once to Jersey, the latter holiday was just a few months ago.
I decided not to join them this year. Not because I now consider myself too old (or cool!) to join them but because I've simply been too busy. This year has easily been the busiest year of my life so far. I have been run off my feet, literally in some instances!

However, because of the 'work' I now do I have been around the UK on a number of occasions. I've lost count how many trips I've been on this year in fact!

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Q: For how long do you go away?

A: Again, up until this year I'd have said from anywhere between 1-2 weeks per holiday. However, this years been different, most trips have been between 2 and 3 days in duration.

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Q: Do you stay in your home country or do you go abroad?

A: Sadly, so far in my 20 years of life I have yet to leave British soil. I've been to Jersey and Guernsey though so technically I've been nearer to France than I have been to mainland UK. But alas its still classed as British turf so I've yet to go abroad. I don't actually have a passport at the moment. Having never needed one. My parents, or more precisely, my mother, isn't keen on going abroad. Firstly she's not too keen about the prospect of flying and secondly she doesn't like hot weather. Now don't you agree with me that the latter reason is just the most feeble of excuses? We could always have gone to Lapland after all! :-)

Anyway. Now I'm well and truly old enough to go abroad by myself I intend on getting a passport shortly. I may not use it for a while but I definitely intend on seeing at least part of the world before I die.

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Q: Do you organise your holidays yourself or do you go to a travel agency?

A: Neither. Why? Because my parents have always organised proper holidays for me! They organise it all themselves though. I don't think we've ever used a a travel agent to be honest. Or not that I can recall anyway.
This year I've organised all my trips across the country on my own though. I've had to, no one else would do it for me!

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Q: Do you prepare your holidays in advance by reading guide books and studying maps?

A: I do like to know where I'm going, what time I'll be arriving
and leaving, etc, etc. I like to be as organised with things like this as far as possible.

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Q: Do you travel alone/with family or friends/with an organised group?

A. Like I say, up until this year its always been with family. Namely my mother and father. Many years ago we also used to take my Grandmother with us on holiday too (on my mothers side of the family). She has now passed away though so we obviously no longer take her with us! (Unless she comes in spirit form?!)

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Q: Do you prefer the sea / mountains / plains / cities as destinations?

A: When I was younger we mainly used to go to the seaside. All kids love the sea don't they? Playing on the beach is such fun when you're little!
However, I've now lived by the sea for coming up to 5 years so the novelty wears off somewhat!
I've always adored the Countryside though. My Grandparents (on my fathers side of the family) were farmers. I guess it must be hereditary as I adore the Countryside and would love to live on a farm. Prior to moving to the seaside we lived in the Conwy Valley (North Wales). This is a fairly remote area and is fairly mountainous. I adored it. I love mountains. I really do. So out of all of the above I'd choose mountains.

However. Plains. Now then, the African plains also hold an attraction for me personally - safari. Which is something I intend on experiencing when I've got a passport and some spare money!

I really aren't keen on cities so I'd never dream of going on holiday to one.

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Q: Do you mainly relax or are you an active holidayer?

A: A bit of both I guess. I like to relax just as much as the next person but I also like to try things. I've never been on an "activities" style holiday but would consider going on one.
Especially if it involved horse riding! :-)

One thing I don't do on holiday is lounge by the Hotels' pool for the whole time of the holiday. I can never understand that. Same with sunbathing on the beach. Yes, fine for a few hours but surely its a waste of money?!

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Q: If you go abroad do you learn at least some words of the foreign language?

A: Not applicable for me really but then again they do speak French in Jersey and Guernsey. To be honest I didn't learn any new words because I didn't realise it was going to be as French as it was the first time I went. I was quite taken aback when people spoke French in the shops and things! Fortunately I was in my second year of High School when I went to Jersey so I had very basic French. Not enough to hold a conversation though!
If I was going back to Jersey or indeed going anywhere truly abroad I would aim to learn the basics to get by and take a guide book with me! :-)

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Q: Are you interested in the cuisine of a foreign country?

A: Now then, this is where I have to say no! I'm far from adventurous when it comes to new food stuffs. In fact I am one of the fussiest people I know. I was *the* most fussy eater until I met my now best friend, Liz. She is far worse than me! But no, I'm afraid I probably wouldn't try a vast deal of foreign cuisine. However, I would try things if I was sure of the ingredients. If I knew there was no cheese (or similar) food and nothing obscure (e.g. dog, horse or any other lovely PET animal!) then I would probably try a VERY small amount!

When I'm forced to try it I generally relent!

However, I've had enough of odd food this year thank you very much. I ate some bizarre food at a Reiki weekend I attended in Summer. It was all healthy beans and the likes and it tasted, smelt and looked VILE
! I had to eat it on two consecutive days too. YUCK!

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Q: Which means of transportation do you prefer?

A: As I've never flown, I've only ever travelled in the following ways:

~ By car,
~ By train,
~ By bus,
~ By ferry (both the slow and fast varieties!)
~ On horseback

I'd have to choose horseback as being my favourite! :o)

So far as I'm aware I have nothing against flying. I certainly intend on trying it one day.

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Q: What kind of luggage do you take with you? Have you got problems packing? Do you tend to take too many / too few things with you?

A: I tend to pack just about right. When I used to travel on holiday with my parents, my mother tended to do my packing for me. She's one of those who always packs FAR too much. You know how it is. You're going away for 1 week and you've got enough clothes to last you 3 months!

Since packing for myself I have fortunately not picked up her genes on this one. I can pack light! In fact I can get everything I need (towels included!) for a duration of 3 days in the one backpack! (Which is quite an accomplishment in my opinion! - considering I'm female....!)

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Q: Do you send picture postcards to your family and friends?

A: We have done in the past yes. I do think its a bit pointless though. Not only do you often get home before they arrive at their destination (even if you're only in the UK yourself!) but:

~ The postmen can read them - nosey beggars!
~ Who ever writes anything interesting on them?

"Today we went to the Zoo. It was nice. Yesturday we went to the War Museum. It was very interesting. The weather has been lovely so far, it even got to 25 degree's C yesturday!"

Really. Not only is it a waste
of paper its also a waste of ink! (Unless you write it in pencil....!)


Merry Christmas and a happy new year to everyone reading this! :-)

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