Ben Haines
Oct 17th, 2003, 06:40 PM
#21
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Ben could be a three eyed green toad, or a spinster. Who cares. His advice is good. He is polite. Much more than can be said for some.
Anonymity can be good. Hiss waterloo.
Hi Ben. Thanks for the help you have given me in the past.
Anonymity can be good. Hiss waterloo.
Hi Ben. Thanks for the help you have given me in the past.
Oct 17th, 2003, 07:54 PM
#23
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When I first found Fodors a few years ago - I thought BH was too good to be true. Due to my natural cynicism, I could not believe he actually contacted local police stations to find out if there were dangerous streets in an area. And the local investigations he did - well he just had to be making it up or exaggerating.
Well - NOT! I came to understand he really does seek out the answers to all those obscure queries. He does not always see things from a tourist's point of view. But we could not ask for a better resource "on the ground" in London.
I raise my glass to you, Ben - a 12 year old Macallan tonight
Well - NOT! I came to understand he really does seek out the answers to all those obscure queries. He does not always see things from a tourist's point of view. But we could not ask for a better resource "on the ground" in London.
I raise my glass to you, Ben - a 12 year old Macallan tonight
Oct 17th, 2003, 08:50 PM
#24
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I am not a Ben Haines groupie, but I am one he was kind enough to help out.
I was trying to learn how to read the Thomas Cook timetable (of which he is very knowledgeable) and he helped me offline to understand it, and even too time to correct my self imposed "quiz". Mr Haines is not an angel...I'm sure he would agree. But he is a man who loves to travel, and loves to help those who love to travel.
I am still grateful for his help, even though I ended up taking the wrong train (sometimes, all the homework in the world doesn't help!)
I was trying to learn how to read the Thomas Cook timetable (of which he is very knowledgeable) and he helped me offline to understand it, and even too time to correct my self imposed "quiz". Mr Haines is not an angel...I'm sure he would agree. But he is a man who loves to travel, and loves to help those who love to travel.
I am still grateful for his help, even though I ended up taking the wrong train (sometimes, all the homework in the world doesn't help!)
Oct 17th, 2003, 08:53 PM
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In my mind, I see Ben as a very dignified older gentleman. Maybe a retired Ambassador from London.
Ben gave my family great advice for our trip to London and I am very grateful! He made our trip very special! P.S I would love to meet him someday.
Ben gave my family great advice for our trip to London and I am very grateful! He made our trip very special! P.S I would love to meet him someday.
Jan 18th, 2004, 02:24 PM
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While Big Ben in London has gotten all the glory, it is "little?" Ben Haines who has given me tons of help and advise. Three cheers for him.
Although he'll never be able to convince me of the joys of overnight train travel!
Although he'll never be able to convince me of the joys of overnight train travel!
Jan 18th, 2004, 09:52 PM
#28
Mr. Haines never had to convince me of the joys of overnight travel -- that is something we both share, along with a devoted passion to the Thomas Cook Timetable. Mr. Haines, I thank you for your time and devotion to this forum and for the immeasurable help you have provided me over the years.
I was hoping to meet up with Mr. Haines in London last summer -- unfortunately the heat had broken 100 degrees, and an old friend of mine in London was ailing, so duty called.
But I do know this: I will doubtless beg Mr. Haines's indulgence again in planning our trip this summer to Italy. Speaking of which, Mr. Haines, we need to get from Venice to Paris for Bastille Day -- actually, the night before, since we do enjoy the firehouse bals. The last Thomas Cook guide I have is from summer of 2002, since we did not use anything other than commuter trains last summer from Brentwood. Is there one overnight train from Venice to Paris? Do you know the accommodation types? And please let me know the route.
Much appreciation, SG
I was hoping to meet up with Mr. Haines in London last summer -- unfortunately the heat had broken 100 degrees, and an old friend of mine in London was ailing, so duty called.
But I do know this: I will doubtless beg Mr. Haines's indulgence again in planning our trip this summer to Italy. Speaking of which, Mr. Haines, we need to get from Venice to Paris for Bastille Day -- actually, the night before, since we do enjoy the firehouse bals. The last Thomas Cook guide I have is from summer of 2002, since we did not use anything other than commuter trains last summer from Brentwood. Is there one overnight train from Venice to Paris? Do you know the accommodation types? And please let me know the route.
Much appreciation, SG
Feb 14th, 2004, 06:39 AM
#29
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For Surfergirl,
Greetings. The February issue of the Thomas Cook European timetable says you leave Venice Santa Lucia at 1958 and reach Paris Gare de Bercy at 0823. You have single and double berths with shower eb suite, single and double berths with no shower, and 4 berth and 6 berth couchettes. The site www.seat61.com/Italy.htm describes the train.
You stop in Lombardy from Padua to Milan at 2330, again at Dijon at 0539, and so to Paris. You cross Switzerland, and may perhaps stop for an engine change.
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