Stage 2

New information

Lesson #11: Always use different guidebooks.

It is indeed unfortunate that we learnt this lesson late, but it is better late than never.  I have been reading voraciously the last few days, trying 2 make up 4 lost time.  There is now so much information swirling around in my head, so many choices 2 make, that I feel like I’m on the edge of a bloody nervous breakdown.  I’m going 2 take a break 4 a few days, n leave u with this.  Make of it what u will.

But b4 that, I must say now that I don’t think we’re planning too much.  My friend tells me we should wing it, but he doesn’t know any better.  All these UK ppl just go 4 short, uninformed trips.  So if anyone says that 2 u, cuff the bloody idiot in the ears.  We’re gonna make the most of our time n money.

Back 2 the matter at hand, these r a few changes I propose (most of this is in Spain, the cheapest country):

Jason

1. Arcos de la Frontera – high up, hemmed in on 3 sides by the Guadalete River.  Vistas open 2 all sides.  J pls check Eyewitness Guide 4 pictures 2 confirm.  Examine possibility of daytrip from Seville if lodging too expensive.  However moonlit night spent up there is decidedly appealing.

2. Nerja – Mediterranean experience conspicuously lacking.  So instead of Nice or Marseilles, which r expensive n overcrowded, I propose this.  Fishing village, small town, resort, very famous caves in Spain.  Could be daytrip from Granada or overnight. Again, check Eyewiness 4 pictures.

3. Segovia – more cathedrals n castles etc.  This is the most convenient place 4 us 2 take a hot air balloon ride.  Imagine the view!  How better 2 see old castles, villages set between mountain ranges!  Cost-wise though, I think it will be a bit painful (cost not given) KIV

4. Gibraltar – this is becoming a bit of a pain.  Give it lower priority, ie. if u can’t fit it in, scrap it.

5. Granada – possibility of renting cave 2 sleep at nearby village of Galera.  I’ve done that in Aust, u might want the experience.

6. Barcelona – boat rides on nearby rivers.

Derek

1. La Tourette – another pain in the *&@#.  Pls confirm that both sexes r allowed 2 stay here.  I have info from LP France but forgot 2 check.  If we still want the monastic/ nunnery experience that r a couple of options 4 real, old monasteries / nunneries in Spain – but again, a pain. 

2. Pont-du-Gard & Arles – daytrips from Nimes or should Arles be base point n Nimes the daytrip?

3. Mont-Saint Michel – try 2 let us have a night view of the monastery.  It’s fantastic!

Pe Khai

1. Gimmerwald – the farm hse place.  Interlarken will only be jumping off point, 2 save $ (n if it’s not too cold), we’ll stay up here.  Don’t worry, they have B&B too.  At least 3 days in Switzerland, pls.

2. Lake Como – see if u can work this in.  Check Eyewitness guide 4 pictures.

3. Naples / Pompeii / Mt Vesuvius – something morbidly fascinating looking down the crater of a still active volcano after seeing the catastrophe it can cause.  See if u can work it in.