Most over-rated site?
Mar 3rd, 2005, 03:33 PM
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Most over-rated site?
In your European travels what has been the most over-rated, over-hyped attraction?
While I love Ireland and the Dingle Penninsula in particular, my pick is the Gallarus Oratory. So it's 1300 years old and the roof doesn't leak. Big deal, as if it's some great mystery how they made a roof that doesn't leak -- they kept jamming rocks into the roof until it stopped! There's no artwork of any kind and it's utterly devoid of historical value. Lots of buildings in Europe are older, still in tact, with lots of artwork and historical value -- and with leak-free roof.
While I love Ireland and the Dingle Penninsula in particular, my pick is the Gallarus Oratory. So it's 1300 years old and the roof doesn't leak. Big deal, as if it's some great mystery how they made a roof that doesn't leak -- they kept jamming rocks into the roof until it stopped! There's no artwork of any kind and it's utterly devoid of historical value. Lots of buildings in Europe are older, still in tact, with lots of artwork and historical value -- and with leak-free roof.
Mar 3rd, 2005, 03:49 PM
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The Mona Lisa at the Louvre in Paris. The Lourve is fantastic. The well protected Mona Lisa is something we have all seen so much, it becomes a letdown.
As far as cities, London comes to mind as being overrated. Of course, if you're into royality and mindless tabloids constantly "discussing" royality, you'll love the place.
As far as cities, London comes to mind as being overrated. Of course, if you're into royality and mindless tabloids constantly "discussing" royality, you'll love the place.
Mar 3rd, 2005, 04:11 PM
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well, I agree totally about the Mona Lisa but disagree all the way about London. I think the Leaning Tower of Pisa was kind of a let down. I peaked around the corner, took a look, and headed for a cafe. I feel that somehow I should not be confessing to this maybe?
Mar 3rd, 2005, 07:33 PM
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crefloors, the Leaning Tower of Pisa.
My daughter climbed to the top, and fell going down bless her heart. Thankfully she was not hurt. Her Dad went with her on the climb.
I went into to the Duomo and Bapistry.
So, two of us can confess the Tower was not a "big deal".
There are a few more places that did not send me into orbit but I will keep them to myself as I would probably get blasted if I listed them here.
My daughter climbed to the top, and fell going down bless her heart. Thankfully she was not hurt. Her Dad went with her on the climb.
I went into to the Duomo and Bapistry.
So, two of us can confess the Tower was not a "big deal".
There are a few more places that did not send me into orbit but I will keep them to myself as I would probably get blasted if I listed them here.
Mar 3rd, 2005, 08:40 PM
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Kissing the Blarney Stone!! You deserved that blister!! Seriously though, everyones phlegm is all over that stone, and to line up to kiss that disease ridden artifact, well I'd be spraying disinfectant before I gave that chunk of limestone a snog.
Mar 3rd, 2005, 11:38 PM
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How different perceptions can be! Down under in NZ, I often think back to visiting the Gallarus Oratory and its enduring quality and how it is just so right in its setting. Probably the most 'right' place I have visited! They did what they could with what they had to hand at the them. Please dont be put off going there, just go quietly and enjoy it for what it is! It will endure long after Edward2005, I think!
Mar 4th, 2005, 06:04 AM
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Another vote for the Blarney Stone! I literally got to the top of the castle, took one look at that blackened greasy spot I was supposed to kiss and the frail old man who was going to hold me as I leaned backwards, and decided I wanted no part of all that, and turned around and went back down....
Mar 4th, 2005, 06:11 AM
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I liked Lichtenstein! We drove from Zurich to Innsbruck and stoped in Lichtenstein to get our passports stamped and to use the rest of our french francs. the people were very nice
and the river there is a very beautiful
blue color.
and the river there is a very beautiful
blue color.
Mar 4th, 2005, 06:19 AM
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The Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam- They charged full price for a very truncated under-renovation museum. I might give it another try when it is fully open, but I felt ripped off.
Notre Dame in Paris- great building, totally ruined for me by swarming, rude tourists who don't understand the concept of "no flash photography". Thanks for helping to ruin the 800 year old art, jerk.
Notre Dame in Paris- great building, totally ruined for me by swarming, rude tourists who don't understand the concept of "no flash photography". Thanks for helping to ruin the 800 year old art, jerk.
