2 weeks in and around London
Jan 1st, 2009, 02:19 PM
#23
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Having seen this post on a parallel running London thread from sf7307:
"Have you considered building in to this incredibly (IMHO) overplanned schedule, any flexibility at all? [continues]..."
followed by two back to back posts (one from sf7307) that almost identically say:
"There are a lot of adults on this board who could take some lessons from you!"
one wonders what the motivation is here. It's in fact very easy to see this as yet another slam against those who prefer fully-packed itineraries from the tiresome "stop and smell the roses/just follow you nose and wander/you're over-planning and doing way too much" people. Preferences are fine, aspersion casting and being judgmental is something else.
"Have you considered building in to this incredibly (IMHO) overplanned schedule, any flexibility at all? [continues]..."
followed by two back to back posts (one from sf7307) that almost identically say:
"There are a lot of adults on this board who could take some lessons from you!"
one wonders what the motivation is here. It's in fact very easy to see this as yet another slam against those who prefer fully-packed itineraries from the tiresome "stop and smell the roses/just follow you nose and wander/you're over-planning and doing way too much" people. Preferences are fine, aspersion casting and being judgmental is something else.
Jan 1st, 2009, 03:09 PM
#24
And a Happy New Year to you as well!
Sheesh - not a single person attacked you or your post in ANY way. And especially I did not. Yet you singled me our to slam for some perceived slight. Now you've dropped me from your complaint and are concentrating on sf7307 who can fight his own battles I assume.
"<i> . . . one wonders what the motivation is here.</i>" Yep -
that is my question too. I suppose you must have <i>some</i> motivation.
Sheesh - not a single person attacked you or your post in ANY way. And especially I did not. Yet you singled me our to slam for some perceived slight. Now you've dropped me from your complaint and are concentrating on sf7307 who can fight his own battles I assume.
"<i> . . . one wonders what the motivation is here.</i>" Yep -
that is my question too. I suppose you must have <i>some</i> motivation.
Jan 1st, 2009, 03:19 PM
#25
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Hi joliane-
Happy new year to you too. Yes, probably 1 hour max for Dennis Severs House. If you go on a Sunday, I think it is a tour-it-yourself visit. Check its website to be sure it's open. On Monday nights, it offers a candlelight guided tour, and I think most people recommend that over a regular day visit. But I only had time for visit on a Sunday on my trip.
Another fabulous place worth visiting is the Spencer House, which is only open on Sundays. I think twice a year, the gardens are open as well, so you might want to check its website as well.
Happy new year to you too. Yes, probably 1 hour max for Dennis Severs House. If you go on a Sunday, I think it is a tour-it-yourself visit. Check its website to be sure it's open. On Monday nights, it offers a candlelight guided tour, and I think most people recommend that over a regular day visit. But I only had time for visit on a Sunday on my trip.
Another fabulous place worth visiting is the Spencer House, which is only open on Sundays. I think twice a year, the gardens are open as well, so you might want to check its website as well.
Jan 2nd, 2009, 06:31 AM
#26
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Right -- people never, ever, ever gang up or systematically post on this web site, especially to do such things as:
-push hard in favor of areas of town that are either questionable or not worth making a priority (excellent example, an earlier thread on Roxbury, MA, while another on West Roxbury MA may qualify).
-push hard for overrated sights or places to eat (most notably, Valle de los Caidos outside of Madrid and The Parker House in Boston).
-push hard against itineraries that are perceived as too crowded, especially when the OP says they like to reasonably see as much as possible during a trip and their itineraries are full but reasonable ("stop and smell the roses" and "just wander with no planning" -- several threads, including ones on Madrid, Paris, and London).
Perhaps two posts in a row is indeed just a coincidence. Or perhaps not. Have seen this around here several times before and have no problem speaking up about it, regardless.
-push hard in favor of areas of town that are either questionable or not worth making a priority (excellent example, an earlier thread on Roxbury, MA, while another on West Roxbury MA may qualify).
-push hard for overrated sights or places to eat (most notably, Valle de los Caidos outside of Madrid and The Parker House in Boston).
-push hard against itineraries that are perceived as too crowded, especially when the OP says they like to reasonably see as much as possible during a trip and their itineraries are full but reasonable ("stop and smell the roses" and "just wander with no planning" -- several threads, including ones on Madrid, Paris, and London).
Perhaps two posts in a row is indeed just a coincidence. Or perhaps not. Have seen this around here several times before and have no problem speaking up about it, regardless.
Jan 2nd, 2009, 07:13 AM
#27
OK - I get it, you were angry about some posts about Boston and Spain and decided joliane's thread was the best place to vent.
That makes sense??
"<i>Perhaps two posts in a row is indeed just a coincidence. Or perhaps not</i>"
What the hell does that mean?
(Everyone was very supportive of joliane and offered useful advice and suggestions. There is not one bossy/angry/attacking post - except for a couple of yours.)
<b>joliane: </b> I honestly do not have a clue what bachslunch's problem is, but I am sorry your thread was hijacked and sent down that road. I probably should not have responded to his posts but they seen just <u>totally</u> off base to me. Hopefully we can get back to talking about your plans.
That makes sense??
"<i>Perhaps two posts in a row is indeed just a coincidence. Or perhaps not</i>"
What the hell does that mean?
(Everyone was very supportive of joliane and offered useful advice and suggestions. There is not one bossy/angry/attacking post - except for a couple of yours.)
<b>joliane: </b> I honestly do not have a clue what bachslunch's problem is, but I am sorry your thread was hijacked and sent down that road. I probably should not have responded to his posts but they seen just <u>totally</u> off base to me. Hopefully we can get back to talking about your plans.
Jan 2nd, 2009, 09:59 AM
#28
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Janis, I assume the "two posts in a row" is directed at me, because I commented that joliane's obviously well-thought out itinerary was something some adults on this board could take some lessons from, whereas on another thread, I commented (perhaps a little sarcastically) that the poster's itinerary was not only not doable, but was "over-planned" (IMHO, bachslunch).
Joliane, I repeat, your plan looks fabulous, and I'm sure you'll have a great trip. You've made time for everything, with a good deal of flexibility built in, so if something tickles your fancy, you'll have time for it, without worrying that you'll be missing your scheduled stop somewhere else. Enjoy.
Joliane, I repeat, your plan looks fabulous, and I'm sure you'll have a great trip. You've made time for everything, with a good deal of flexibility built in, so if something tickles your fancy, you'll have time for it, without worrying that you'll be missing your scheduled stop somewhere else. Enjoy.
Jan 2nd, 2009, 11:07 AM
#29
sf7307: (side discussion between sf7307 and me - others can just ignore and move on 
)
You wrote >><i><font color="blue">There are a lot of adults on this board who could take some lessons from you! </font></i><<
Then right after that I posted >><i><font color="blue">You've put together a really good itinerary - a wonderful pace. Yes - a LOT of other posters could learn a lot from this.</font></i><<
Since I picked up on your comment, and agreed others could learn a thing or two, it appears our grouchy friend assumed we were attacking him. What a ridiculous stretch! I do not see where either of us addressed his post/points -- in fact I don't remember even reading his post.
I don't <i>think</i> we coordinated our "attack" - did we? In fact I don't even know who you are -- do I???
OK - back to talking <i>nice</i>
)You wrote >><i><font color="blue">There are a lot of adults on this board who could take some lessons from you! </font></i><<
Then right after that I posted >><i><font color="blue">You've put together a really good itinerary - a wonderful pace. Yes - a LOT of other posters could learn a lot from this.</font></i><<
Since I picked up on your comment, and agreed others could learn a thing or two, it appears our grouchy friend assumed we were attacking him. What a ridiculous stretch! I do not see where either of us addressed his post/points -- in fact I don't remember even reading his post.
I don't <i>think</i> we coordinated our "attack" - did we? In fact I don't even know who you are -- do I???
OK - back to talking <i>nice</i>
Jan 5th, 2009, 08:08 AM
#30
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Yes - a LOT of other posters could learn a lot from this.<<
jj - this type of value judgment - that if other posters do not feel the same about the pace - they have something to learn does grate on me and others i'm sure who do love a faster pace and do not like to be told we have a lot to learn.....
you give simply wonderful info but try to keep the judgmental attitude out of it and don't impugn everyone who does not agree as having something to learn.
Now for a nice New Year and talking sweet. (don't do smily faces but imagine one!)
jj - this type of value judgment - that if other posters do not feel the same about the pace - they have something to learn does grate on me and others i'm sure who do love a faster pace and do not like to be told we have a lot to learn.....
you give simply wonderful info but try to keep the judgmental attitude out of it and don't impugn everyone who does not agree as having something to learn.
Now for a nice New Year and talking sweet. (don't do smily faces but imagine one!)
Jan 5th, 2009, 09:33 AM
#31
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<i>jj - this type of value judgment - that if other posters do not feel the same about the pace - they have something to learn does grate on me and others i'm sure who do love a faster pace and do not like to be told we have a lot to learn.....</i>
It's Monday morning....here we go! PalenQ, this is not a "value judgment", it's an opinion. I also like a faster pace than janis does -- I like to look and move on -- but isn't janis entitled to her opinion (which, in this case, I agree with) that joliane's schedule is "a wonderful pace". Would you prefer that she just say "have fun"? OR "really, I don't think you've packed enough in. When are you eating lunch? I don't see that you scheduled 18 minutes for breakfast?", etc. It's her opinion that the pace is "wonderful", what the heck is wrong with that?
It's Monday morning....here we go! PalenQ, this is not a "value judgment", it's an opinion. I also like a faster pace than janis does -- I like to look and move on -- but isn't janis entitled to her opinion (which, in this case, I agree with) that joliane's schedule is "a wonderful pace". Would you prefer that she just say "have fun"? OR "really, I don't think you've packed enough in. When are you eating lunch? I don't see that you scheduled 18 minutes for breakfast?", etc. It's her opinion that the pace is "wonderful", what the heck is wrong with that?
Jan 5th, 2009, 09:37 AM
#32
PQ - Please read everything on this thread. Not one time did I mention or even infer that ANYONE posting on this thread could learn a lot - or a little for that matter. I was talking about threads we frequently see that have 12 destinations in 10 days - that sort of thing.
fer cryin' out loud! Because our angry friend had a bee up his bum over slights on other threads on other forums (which I wasn't even involved in) I am subjected to his attack.
There was absolutely no slight, "aspersion", or slam. Two of us happened to compliment joliane on a very well thought out plan and we get hit from all sides.
It is getting really REALLY difficult to even participate on here any more.
fer cryin' out loud! Because our angry friend had a bee up his bum over slights on other threads on other forums (which I wasn't even involved in) I am subjected to his attack.
There was absolutely no slight, "aspersion", or slam. Two of us happened to compliment joliane on a very well thought out plan and we get hit from all sides.
It is getting really REALLY difficult to even participate on here any more.
Jan 5th, 2009, 09:39 AM
#33
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Yes - a LOT of other posters could learn a lot from this.>
sf7307- opinions are of course great
but i am not even relating this to joliane's pace but the wording that ' a lot of other posters could learn a lot from this - that to me is simply being too judgmental - as one who obviously has a lot to learn from jj's saying i resent it.
I love fast-paced travel but i would never ever say that others have a lot to learn from me, etc.
sf7307- opinions are of course great
but i am not even relating this to joliane's pace but the wording that ' a lot of other posters could learn a lot from this - that to me is simply being too judgmental - as one who obviously has a lot to learn from jj's saying i resent it.
I love fast-paced travel but i would never ever say that others have a lot to learn from me, etc.
Jan 6th, 2009, 10:26 AM
#35
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I also think janisj is a Fodor's treasure - she knows more about Britain than anyone i've seen on Fodor's, including the Brits - so don't get me wrong. It's only the 'my way or the highway' attitude that i don't care for. But the information is just priceless.
Jan 6th, 2009, 01:20 PM
#36
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Regarding Trooping the Colour, if the official ceremony is on June 13, then you'll want to consider checking out one of the two dress rehearsals (they do the entire ceremony the same as on the actual day, just without the Queen and other royals) on June 6 and May 30. In particular, I would suggest that you consider doing the dress rehearsal on May 30 as (in the past at least) tickets for this event have been distributed free of charge (although you do have to go through application process). The actual ceremony and the last dress rehearsal require payment of a fee for tickets, and the catch for foreigners is that the tickets must be paid for by check drawn on a British bank in pounds sterling. When we went to the second dress rehearsal in 2007, we enlisted the help of our landlady to write the check.
You have to send in an application in January or February. When I made application in '07, the address was:
Brigade Major
HQ Household Division
Horse Guards
Whitehall
London SW1A 2AX
Great Britain
You need to tell them how many tickets you want, who will be attending, and provide two international reply coupons.
Now, you can see the procession to the ceremony, with the units parading up and down the Mall, without getting a ticket, but trust me, if you can get a ticket, you'll be very glad that you went. Anyone who is in London one of these three Saturdays and opts to go see changing of the guard rather than Trooping the Colour or the dress rehearsal (whether with a ticket in the grandstand at Horse Guards, or just by lining the Mall) is really missing out.
I posted my pictures from this event on Shutterfly, and I think you can see them here: http://tinyurl.com/7h3489
I also wrote about this in my trip report. I would also recommend that you check out this web site to see what the ceremony is all about:
http://www.trooping-the-colour.co.uk/
You have to send in an application in January or February. When I made application in '07, the address was:
Brigade Major
HQ Household Division
Horse Guards
Whitehall
London SW1A 2AX
Great Britain
You need to tell them how many tickets you want, who will be attending, and provide two international reply coupons.
Now, you can see the procession to the ceremony, with the units parading up and down the Mall, without getting a ticket, but trust me, if you can get a ticket, you'll be very glad that you went. Anyone who is in London one of these three Saturdays and opts to go see changing of the guard rather than Trooping the Colour or the dress rehearsal (whether with a ticket in the grandstand at Horse Guards, or just by lining the Mall) is really missing out.
I posted my pictures from this event on Shutterfly, and I think you can see them here: http://tinyurl.com/7h3489
I also wrote about this in my trip report. I would also recommend that you check out this web site to see what the ceremony is all about:
http://www.trooping-the-colour.co.uk/
Jan 6th, 2009, 01:45 PM
#37
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Forgot to mention that in addition to the 2 international reply coupons, your letter requesting tickets must be accompanied by a self-addresse return envelope (they will use the reply coupons to pay for the postage).
