The Best Place in the World
Dec 3rd, 2005, 12:24 PM
#261
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1.Brasov, Romania
2. Cairo, Egypt
3. Vilnius, Lithuania
4. Zakopane, Poland
5. Anywhere between Stavanger and Nordkapp in Norway
6. Korcula, Croatia
7. Gjirokaster, Albania
8. Crimea, Ukraine
9. Kotor, Montenegro
10. Brno, Czech Republic
All for different reasons.. considering that you are a family, I wold go for Korcula, Zakopane, Norway or Vilnius.
2. Cairo, Egypt
3. Vilnius, Lithuania
4. Zakopane, Poland
5. Anywhere between Stavanger and Nordkapp in Norway
6. Korcula, Croatia
7. Gjirokaster, Albania
8. Crimea, Ukraine
9. Kotor, Montenegro
10. Brno, Czech Republic
All for different reasons.. considering that you are a family, I wold go for Korcula, Zakopane, Norway or Vilnius.
Dec 6th, 2005, 08:19 PM
#263
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I have traveled to London, Paris, Brussels, Kenya, Tanzania, Thailand, Korea, China, Jamaica, Mexico, and Costa Rica, and this May 06 Italy. There are things I love about all of these countries, I guess I am a "love the one you are with" kind of traveler.
The best place in the world is the one I am lucky enough to be able to experiance. I hope for lots more experiances.
The best place in the world is the one I am lucky enough to be able to experiance. I hope for lots more experiances.
Dec 7th, 2005, 05:40 AM
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For me it would have to be Ireland. I've also been to Scotland, Australia, New Zealand, England, most of the US, and various parts of the Carribbean but Ireland is the one place I constantly yearn to go back to each year. For me no place else has the combination of scenery, history, friendly people, pubs, music, etc. like Ireland.
I'm totally biased in that direction.
Mark
I'm totally biased in that direction.
Mark
Dec 19th, 2005, 11:23 PM
#267
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>scenery, history, friendly people, pubs, music
OK well you've either never been to Ireland or you've never left Ireland.
The people are far from friendly, in fact they can be very rude or at best indiferent, customer service is non-existant and absolutely everything is overpriced. The weather is crap, the history is nothing special when compared to any other country in europe.
If you are ever lost in Dublin and you ask for directions, you'll usually be sent in the wrong direction.
There are places in the west of ireland that are more tourist friendly but there are also towns that despise tourists.
OK well you've either never been to Ireland or you've never left Ireland.
The people are far from friendly, in fact they can be very rude or at best indiferent, customer service is non-existant and absolutely everything is overpriced. The weather is crap, the history is nothing special when compared to any other country in europe.
If you are ever lost in Dublin and you ask for directions, you'll usually be sent in the wrong direction.
There are places in the west of ireland that are more tourist friendly but there are also towns that despise tourists.
Dec 21st, 2005, 11:55 AM
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No I wouldn't say it's a matter of opinion. I'd say it's a matter of perspective. As for the generalisation, 'the people are friendly' is also a generalisation. And a misnoma.
The general rule in Dublin particularly is, in any given customer service situation, expect to be treated with complete and utter contempt. Expect to be treated like you just killed the sales assistant's cat and you come back to shoot his dog.
The general rule in Dublin particularly is, in any given customer service situation, expect to be treated with complete and utter contempt. Expect to be treated like you just killed the sales assistant's cat and you come back to shoot his dog.
Dec 21st, 2005, 01:13 PM
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"OK well you've either never been to Ireland or you've never left Ireland."
I've been to Ireland 6 times to be exact. How many times have you been?
I did not use the generalizing phrase "the people are friendly". I did say that there are friendly people and by far that is what I encountered there. Are there rude people in Ireland. Sure and I've encountered a few of them, very few that is. Overall I've been treated extremely well with courtesy and hospitality even more so than other places I've been including Australia.
Perhaps you did not receive the same treatment as me because you are a rude and obnoxious a-hole just like you demonstrated with your reply to me. No wonder you were treated with disrespect. I praise the Irish for their excellent judge of character.
Mark
I've been to Ireland 6 times to be exact. How many times have you been?
I did not use the generalizing phrase "the people are friendly". I did say that there are friendly people and by far that is what I encountered there. Are there rude people in Ireland. Sure and I've encountered a few of them, very few that is. Overall I've been treated extremely well with courtesy and hospitality even more so than other places I've been including Australia.
Perhaps you did not receive the same treatment as me because you are a rude and obnoxious a-hole just like you demonstrated with your reply to me. No wonder you were treated with disrespect. I praise the Irish for their excellent judge of character.
Mark
Dec 22nd, 2005, 03:23 AM
#271
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No matter what country one is from (I am Irish), it would be hard not find offence in AustraliaZooIsGreat's comments. Although it is an opinion, if somewhat misguided, and I am not going to enter into a 'my country is better than yous' argument. If you’re so miserable here, maybe you should pack you bags and head back to Oz – it will be easier to find your away around the grid orientated streets there. To sum any country up in such broad statements is foolish – there is good and bad in every country. Yes, we have issues in Dublin, not like any other European cities. Dublin has become expensive, but we were under European averages for years and have gone from one of the poorest to wealthiest European countries, GDP wise, in a decade. This has caught every one by surprise, from our infrastructure, our public health service and society in general, although I think the fact that we don’t export people in the thousands anymore is a good thing. The fact we have had such an influx of immigrants here is positive and contributing to our success. I hope they can stay and integrate, as well as bringing the positive aspects of their unique cultures to Ireland to shape further and develop this country. Irish society had changed immeasurably, some for the good and some for the bad. This is bound to breed the rudeness and indifference mentioned in his post. Anyone that has travelled will tell is usually a fact of city life that people become indifferent, although I agree it is inexcusable.
There are still attractions here that are good value for money, some that are even free. If you hunt out the bargains you can have a good time here on little cash – last week myself and my wife dined in Bar Italia on the quay’s and were presently surprised by the bill at the end (as well as the efficient service and wonderful food). There are still areas where people are being plainly ripped off, this is sullying peoples perception of the country. No to condone high prices, Ireland has suffered from high inflation, the highest minimum wage in Europe, burgeoning insurance costs and high levels of indirect taxes (in terms of VAT and excise duty), all of which would have an impact on any visitor here and the price they pay. It is worth taking these points into consideration.
>scenery, history, friendly people, pubs, music
A few of the issues raised obviously show either a complete lack of understanding, participation in life or a poor education.
Scenery - the scenery is Ireland is undoubtedly beautiful and on par with anything else on this planet. However, I am always concerned about how Irish people themselves treat it. Our litter problem is huge, we are struggling with recycling and some people do not plainly give a damn about the environment here. A sunset in Clew Bay, a breezy day at the Giant’s Causeway or a spell in the Beara Peninsula will soon bring you back.
History – you must have landed off the plane from Australia and spent too much time drinking Castlemaine XXXX in Alice Springs or you’re plain illiterate. It would be hard to sum up the wonderful and varied history of our land in an internet posting. Dublin and Ireland in general is surrounded by history with influences from pagan pre-Christian, Viking, Norman, Medieval, Georgian & Victorian up to modern times and still figures in world history as it is develops today, from the UN, famine relief and human rights. For a small country on the periphery of Europe that is a great thing. Next time you’re passing the GPO in O’Connell Street, have a look in the bullet marks from where a band of rebels fought the might of the biggest Empire the world has seen and shaped a small island state in the early 20th century. Relatives of mine fought in some of the biggest conflicts the world has ever seen, from the trenches of France, the Boer War, Spanish Civil War and the second World War. They have also contributed to the peace and stability of Liberia, Cyprus, Kosovo and the middle East. How can that not be a sense of history? The fact that we have bred some Nobel Prize winning authors also says a lot about the country and luminaries such as Joyce, Bekkett and Shaw have put us on the world map. This tradition is also carried on by modern writers and poets such as Roddy Doyle and Seamus Heaney.
Friendly people - from the northern to southern hemisphere, Europe, the Americas to the orient I have come across good and bad in all countries I have visited. Human nature and behaviour is so complex it is impossible to generalise a country - I have come across helpful people in New York, Paris and London, cities some may say can be also rude and indifferent. I am a firm believer that you will be treated by others by your general approach and demeanour. Maybe there's food for thought here.
Pubs and music - we have 1200 pubs or so in Dublin, ranging from the best places on earth to enjoy the company and friendliness or others in a convivial environment through to dumps that I wouldn't send my worst enemy into. Irish music is unique and varied, from Sean Nós, Ceilí, ballads and modern. In fairness, Australia gave us Mean at Work and Rolf Harris ;-). Enough said.
There are still attractions here that are good value for money, some that are even free. If you hunt out the bargains you can have a good time here on little cash – last week myself and my wife dined in Bar Italia on the quay’s and were presently surprised by the bill at the end (as well as the efficient service and wonderful food). There are still areas where people are being plainly ripped off, this is sullying peoples perception of the country. No to condone high prices, Ireland has suffered from high inflation, the highest minimum wage in Europe, burgeoning insurance costs and high levels of indirect taxes (in terms of VAT and excise duty), all of which would have an impact on any visitor here and the price they pay. It is worth taking these points into consideration.
>scenery, history, friendly people, pubs, music
A few of the issues raised obviously show either a complete lack of understanding, participation in life or a poor education.
Scenery - the scenery is Ireland is undoubtedly beautiful and on par with anything else on this planet. However, I am always concerned about how Irish people themselves treat it. Our litter problem is huge, we are struggling with recycling and some people do not plainly give a damn about the environment here. A sunset in Clew Bay, a breezy day at the Giant’s Causeway or a spell in the Beara Peninsula will soon bring you back.
History – you must have landed off the plane from Australia and spent too much time drinking Castlemaine XXXX in Alice Springs or you’re plain illiterate. It would be hard to sum up the wonderful and varied history of our land in an internet posting. Dublin and Ireland in general is surrounded by history with influences from pagan pre-Christian, Viking, Norman, Medieval, Georgian & Victorian up to modern times and still figures in world history as it is develops today, from the UN, famine relief and human rights. For a small country on the periphery of Europe that is a great thing. Next time you’re passing the GPO in O’Connell Street, have a look in the bullet marks from where a band of rebels fought the might of the biggest Empire the world has seen and shaped a small island state in the early 20th century. Relatives of mine fought in some of the biggest conflicts the world has ever seen, from the trenches of France, the Boer War, Spanish Civil War and the second World War. They have also contributed to the peace and stability of Liberia, Cyprus, Kosovo and the middle East. How can that not be a sense of history? The fact that we have bred some Nobel Prize winning authors also says a lot about the country and luminaries such as Joyce, Bekkett and Shaw have put us on the world map. This tradition is also carried on by modern writers and poets such as Roddy Doyle and Seamus Heaney.
Friendly people - from the northern to southern hemisphere, Europe, the Americas to the orient I have come across good and bad in all countries I have visited. Human nature and behaviour is so complex it is impossible to generalise a country - I have come across helpful people in New York, Paris and London, cities some may say can be also rude and indifferent. I am a firm believer that you will be treated by others by your general approach and demeanour. Maybe there's food for thought here.
Pubs and music - we have 1200 pubs or so in Dublin, ranging from the best places on earth to enjoy the company and friendliness or others in a convivial environment through to dumps that I wouldn't send my worst enemy into. Irish music is unique and varied, from Sean Nós, Ceilí, ballads and modern. In fairness, Australia gave us Mean at Work and Rolf Harris ;-). Enough said.
Dec 22nd, 2005, 03:23 AM
#272
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No matter what country one is from (I am Irish), it would be hard not find offence in AustraliaZooIsGreat's comments. Although it is an opinion, if somewhat misguided, and I am not going to enter into a 'my country is better than yous' argument. If you’re so miserable here, maybe you should pack you bags and head back to Oz – it will be easier to find your away around the grid orientated streets there. To sum any country up in such broad statements is foolish – there is good and bad in every country. Yes, we have issues in Dublin, not like any other European cities. Dublin has become expensive, but we were under European averages for years and have gone from one of the poorest to wealthiest European countries, GDP wise, in a decade. This has caught every one by surprise, from our infrastructure, our public health service and society in general, although I think the fact that we don’t export people in the thousands anymore is a good thing. The fact we have had such an influx of immigrants here is positive and contributing to our success. I hope they can stay and integrate, as well as bringing the positive aspects of their unique cultures to Ireland to shape further and develop this country. Irish society had changed immeasurably, some for the good and some for the bad. This is bound to breed the rudeness and indifference mentioned in his post. Anyone that has travelled will tell is usually a fact of city life that people become indifferent, although I agree it is inexcusable.
There are still attractions here that are good value for money, some that are even free. If you hunt out the bargains you can have a good time here on little cash – last week myself and my wife dined in Bar Italia on the quay’s and were presently surprised by the bill at the end (as well as the efficient service and wonderful food). There are still areas where people are being plainly ripped off, this is sullying peoples perception of the country. No to condone high prices, Ireland has suffered from high inflation, the highest minimum wage in Europe, burgeoning insurance costs and high levels of indirect taxes (in terms of VAT and excise duty), all of which would have an impact on any visitor here and the price they pay. It is worth taking these points into consideration.
>scenery, history, friendly people, pubs, music
A few of the issues raised obviously show either a complete lack of understanding, participation in life or a poor education.
Scenery - the scenery is Ireland is undoubtedly beautiful and on par with anything else on this planet. However, I am always concerned about how Irish people themselves treat it. Our litter problem is huge, we are struggling with recycling and some people do not plainly give a damn about the environment here. A sunset in Clew Bay, a breezy day at the Giant’s Causeway or a spell in the Beara Peninsula will soon bring you back.
History – you must have landed off the plane from Australia and spent too much time drinking Castlemaine XXXX in Alice Springs or you’re plain illiterate. It would be hard to sum up the wonderful and varied history of our land in an internet posting. Dublin and Ireland in general is surrounded by history with influences from pagan pre-Christian, Viking, Norman, Medieval, Georgian & Victorian up to modern times and still figures in world history as it is develops today, from the UN, famine relief and human rights. For a small country on the periphery of Europe that is a great thing. Next time you’re passing the GPO in O’Connell Street, have a look in the bullet marks from where a band of rebels fought the might of the biggest Empire the world has seen and shaped a small island state in the early 20th century. Relatives of mine fought in some of the biggest conflicts the world has ever seen, from the trenches of France, the Boer War, Spanish Civil War and the second World War. They have also contributed to the peace and stability of Liberia, Cyprus, Kosovo and the middle East. How can that not be a sense of history? The fact that we have bred some Nobel Prize winning authors also says a lot about the country and luminaries such as Joyce, Bekkett and Shaw have put us on the world map. This tradition is also carried on by modern writers and poets such as Roddy Doyle and Seamus Heaney.
Friendly people - from the northern to southern hemisphere, Europe, the Americas to the orient I have come across good and bad in all countries I have visited. Human nature and behaviour is so complex it is impossible to generalise a country - I have come across helpful people in New York, Paris and London, cities some may say can be also rude and indifferent. I am a firm believer that you will be treated by others by your general approach and demeanour. Maybe there's food for thought here.
Pubs and music - we have 1200 pubs or so in Dublin, ranging from the best places on earth to enjoy the company and friendliness or others in a convivial environment through to dumps that I wouldn't send my worst enemy into. Irish music is unique and varied, from Sean Nós, Ceilí, ballads and modern. In fairness, Australia gave us Men at Work and Rolf Harris ;-). Enough said.
There are still attractions here that are good value for money, some that are even free. If you hunt out the bargains you can have a good time here on little cash – last week myself and my wife dined in Bar Italia on the quay’s and were presently surprised by the bill at the end (as well as the efficient service and wonderful food). There are still areas where people are being plainly ripped off, this is sullying peoples perception of the country. No to condone high prices, Ireland has suffered from high inflation, the highest minimum wage in Europe, burgeoning insurance costs and high levels of indirect taxes (in terms of VAT and excise duty), all of which would have an impact on any visitor here and the price they pay. It is worth taking these points into consideration.
>scenery, history, friendly people, pubs, music
A few of the issues raised obviously show either a complete lack of understanding, participation in life or a poor education.
Scenery - the scenery is Ireland is undoubtedly beautiful and on par with anything else on this planet. However, I am always concerned about how Irish people themselves treat it. Our litter problem is huge, we are struggling with recycling and some people do not plainly give a damn about the environment here. A sunset in Clew Bay, a breezy day at the Giant’s Causeway or a spell in the Beara Peninsula will soon bring you back.
History – you must have landed off the plane from Australia and spent too much time drinking Castlemaine XXXX in Alice Springs or you’re plain illiterate. It would be hard to sum up the wonderful and varied history of our land in an internet posting. Dublin and Ireland in general is surrounded by history with influences from pagan pre-Christian, Viking, Norman, Medieval, Georgian & Victorian up to modern times and still figures in world history as it is develops today, from the UN, famine relief and human rights. For a small country on the periphery of Europe that is a great thing. Next time you’re passing the GPO in O’Connell Street, have a look in the bullet marks from where a band of rebels fought the might of the biggest Empire the world has seen and shaped a small island state in the early 20th century. Relatives of mine fought in some of the biggest conflicts the world has ever seen, from the trenches of France, the Boer War, Spanish Civil War and the second World War. They have also contributed to the peace and stability of Liberia, Cyprus, Kosovo and the middle East. How can that not be a sense of history? The fact that we have bred some Nobel Prize winning authors also says a lot about the country and luminaries such as Joyce, Bekkett and Shaw have put us on the world map. This tradition is also carried on by modern writers and poets such as Roddy Doyle and Seamus Heaney.
Friendly people - from the northern to southern hemisphere, Europe, the Americas to the orient I have come across good and bad in all countries I have visited. Human nature and behaviour is so complex it is impossible to generalise a country - I have come across helpful people in New York, Paris and London, cities some may say can be also rude and indifferent. I am a firm believer that you will be treated by others by your general approach and demeanour. Maybe there's food for thought here.
Pubs and music - we have 1200 pubs or so in Dublin, ranging from the best places on earth to enjoy the company and friendliness or others in a convivial environment through to dumps that I wouldn't send my worst enemy into. Irish music is unique and varied, from Sean Nós, Ceilí, ballads and modern. In fairness, Australia gave us Men at Work and Rolf Harris ;-). Enough said.
Dec 22nd, 2005, 06:38 AM
#273
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Great post gavan!
I don't have a problem with someone having a different opinion than mine based on their experience. But what I found so obnoxious about AustraliaZoolsGreat response to my post was the attitude that my positive experience couldn't possibly be legitimate since his experience was different.
What can I say? Out of every place that I've visited Ireland is the one that I have fallen in love with the most. Everyone is different. Most people I know wouldn't feel the same way. For instance, my brother would probably hate it. He'd rather be in the sunny Carribbean scuba diving and hanging around a beach.
As for me the ideal vacation goes something like: a day tour taking a scenic drive in the countryside in some place like Connemara, Achill Island, or Beara Penninsula, waiting for sheep to cross the road, having lunch and a pint at a pub along the way, visiting historical sites, maybe play some golf, finish the day in some quiet village pub with a pint of Guinness and some smoked Salmon or plate of mussels, and then onto a pub at night to catch a traditional music session. Call me crazy but that is a perfect vacation day spent and there is no other place in the world like Ireland to do it. The place is just absolutely brilliant if you know what to look for, where to go, and you enjoy those sorts of things.
Mark
I don't have a problem with someone having a different opinion than mine based on their experience. But what I found so obnoxious about AustraliaZoolsGreat response to my post was the attitude that my positive experience couldn't possibly be legitimate since his experience was different.
What can I say? Out of every place that I've visited Ireland is the one that I have fallen in love with the most. Everyone is different. Most people I know wouldn't feel the same way. For instance, my brother would probably hate it. He'd rather be in the sunny Carribbean scuba diving and hanging around a beach.
As for me the ideal vacation goes something like: a day tour taking a scenic drive in the countryside in some place like Connemara, Achill Island, or Beara Penninsula, waiting for sheep to cross the road, having lunch and a pint at a pub along the way, visiting historical sites, maybe play some golf, finish the day in some quiet village pub with a pint of Guinness and some smoked Salmon or plate of mussels, and then onto a pub at night to catch a traditional music session. Call me crazy but that is a perfect vacation day spent and there is no other place in the world like Ireland to do it. The place is just absolutely brilliant if you know what to look for, where to go, and you enjoy those sorts of things.
Mark
Jan 16th, 2006, 02:38 AM
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I am shocked that the most beautiful and friendliest country Australia is not on the forum.
Sydney, Melbourne or Perth are all located in Australia and between them they have the best beaches, restuarants, weather and safe holiday experience.
You should go down under.
Sydney, Melbourne or Perth are all located in Australia and between them they have the best beaches, restuarants, weather and safe holiday experience.
You should go down under.
Jan 16th, 2006, 02:52 AM
#276
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I did not see this discussion till now; I saw the title and my first answer (without thinking a second) was AUSTRALIA.
It was nice to see that Davie answered just before me , the same thing!
I travel a lot, for me is alsways difficult to say what country / city / region I like more. Each place has its charm.
However, when I was in Australia, it was the first time in my life (and maybe the last) when I was thinking: I would like to live here!
Very beautiful nature, nice towns, friendly people, the people like to live well, to have fun, to travel. They enjoy their vacations and do not seem to rush all day and all days like other.
It was nice to see that Davie answered just before me , the same thing!
I travel a lot, for me is alsways difficult to say what country / city / region I like more. Each place has its charm.
However, when I was in Australia, it was the first time in my life (and maybe the last) when I was thinking: I would like to live here!
Very beautiful nature, nice towns, friendly people, the people like to live well, to have fun, to travel. They enjoy their vacations and do not seem to rush all day and all days like other.
Jan 16th, 2006, 01:26 PM
#277
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Why are we still talking about the
"best place in the world?" for a family planning a vacation five years ago? First answer already said there's no place like home and this is followed by alot of dream places in Italy, Ireland, Tahiti, Canadian Rockies, what have you. Doesn't it all depend on best place for what? If this really was a family vacation planned by Jen back in 2001, then she may have polled those teens and hubby who TOLD her where to go!
I don't see that Jen ever reported back on where the family went and if they all came back in one piece!
ozarksbill
"best place in the world?" for a family planning a vacation five years ago? First answer already said there's no place like home and this is followed by alot of dream places in Italy, Ireland, Tahiti, Canadian Rockies, what have you. Doesn't it all depend on best place for what? If this really was a family vacation planned by Jen back in 2001, then she may have polled those teens and hubby who TOLD her where to go!
I don't see that Jen ever reported back on where the family went and if they all came back in one piece!
ozarksbill
Jan 17th, 2006, 01:24 AM
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gavan, 'AustraliaZoolsGreat' has also popped up on the Australia forum a few times. I had the impression he was Irish, but I suppose that's too much to hope for. He's probably a denizen of the state of Queensland, which might explain things.
Jan 17th, 2006, 01:51 AM
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What are you on about Ozarksbill?!!!Nothing wrong with a bit of dreaming even if it doesnt help Jen.
As long as it makes us appreciate places abroad and makes us think outside of the standard tourist cities than that is worth it I say!
Valtor and Neil OZ have the right idea!!
Happy Holidaying.
Davie Out.
As long as it makes us appreciate places abroad and makes us think outside of the standard tourist cities than that is worth it I say!
Valtor and Neil OZ have the right idea!!
Happy Holidaying.
Davie Out.
