https://indivisibilities.com/wiki/api.php?action=feedcontributions&feedformat=atom&user=83.216.149.24Indivisibilities Wiki - User contributions [en]2026-11-06T20:28:10ZUser contributionsMediaWiki 1.46.2https://indivisibilities.com/wiki/index.php?title=Cuba&diff=2488Cuba2006-10-26T21:10:08Z<p>83.216.149.24: /* Cuba: 2nd half - Veradero */</p>
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<div><table border=1 align="right"><br />
<tr> <br />
<td colspan=2 align="center"> <b><font color=4C18B4>Cuba</font></b><br />
<tr><br />
<td align="center"> <br />
<br>[[Image:CubaFlag_40_per_cent.jpg]]<br><br><br />
Flag<br />
<td align="center"> <br />
[[Image:Cuba_coa_smaller.png]]<br><br />
Coat of Arms<br />
<br />
<!-- [[Image:flag.jpg]][[Image:coatofarms.jpg]] --><br />
<!---flag link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Flag_of_Cuba.svg<br />
coat of arms link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Cuba_coa.png-----><br />
<tr><br />
<td colspan=2 align="center"> Motto: Spanish: Patria y Libertad<br><br />
(English: "Homeland and Freedom")<br />
<tr><br />
<td colspan=2 align="center"> Anthem: [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/La_Bayamesa La Bayamesa] (The Bayamo Song)<br />
<tr><br />
<td colspan=2 align="center"> [[Image:LocationCuba.png]]<br />
<!--- Link to Map: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:LocationCuba.png --><br />
<tr><br />
<td> <b><font color=4C18B4>Capital</font></b> <td>[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Havana Havana]<br><br />
23°8′N 82°23′W<br />
<tr><br />
<td><b><font color=4C18B4>Largest City</font></b> <td>[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Havana Havana]<br />
<tr><br />
<td><b><font color=4C18B4>Official Language</font></b> <td>Spanish<br />
<tr><br />
<td><b><font color=4C18B4>Government:</font> </b><br><br />
President of the <br><br />
[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Council_of_State_of_Cuba Council of State of Cuba:] <br />
<td>Republic <br><br> <br />
[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fidel_Castro Fidel Castro]<br />
<tr><br />
<td><b><font color=4C18B4>Independence</font> </b><br><br />
- Declared from Spain <br><br />
- Cuban Republic declared<br><br />
- Date recognised in Cuba<br />
<td><br />
[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ten_Years%27_War Ten Years' War]<br><br />
October 10, 1868<br><br />
May 20, 1902<br><br />
January 1, 1959<br />
<tr><br />
<td><b><font color=4C18B4>Area</font> </b><br> - Total<br> - Water (%) <br />
<td>110,860 km² ([http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_and_outlying_territories_by_area 104th])<br><br />
42,803 sq mi <br><br />
negligible <br />
<tr><br />
<td><b><font color=4C18B4>Population</font> </b><br><br />
- 2005 est.<br><br />
- 2002 census<br><br />
- Density<br />
<td> 11,345,670 ([http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_by_population 70th])<br><br />
11,177,743<br><br />
102/km² ([http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_by_population_density 73rd])<br><br />
264/sq mi <br><br />
<br />
<tr><br />
<td><b><font color=4C18B4>GDP</font></b> <br><br />
- Total<br><br />
- Per Capita<br />
<td> 2004 estimate<br><br />
$33.9 billion ([http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_by_GDP_%28PPP%29 89th])<br><br />
$3,000 ([http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_by_GDP_%28PPP%29_per_capita 126th])<br />
<tr><br />
<td><b><font color=4C18B4>Human Development <br>Index</font> </b><br />
<td> 0.817 ([http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_by_Human_Development_Index 52nd]) - high<br />
<tr><br />
<td><b><font color=4C18B4>Currency </font></b> <br />
<td>Peso <br><br />
Convertible peso <br>(see ~1~)<br />
<tr><br />
<td><b><font color=4C18B4>Time Zone</font></b> <br><br />
- Summer (DST)<br />
<td>EST <br><br />
(Starts April 1, <br>end date varies)<br />
<tr><br />
<td><b><font color=4C18B4>Internet TLD</font></b> <br />
<td> .cu<br />
<tr><br />
<td><b><font color=4C18B4>Calling Code</font></b> <br />
<td> +53<br />
<tr><br />
<td colspan=2 align="center"> <font color=4C18B4>~1~</font> 1993–2004, the U.S. dollar was used in<br> addition to the peso until the dollar was<br> replaced by the convertible peso.<br />
</table><br />
<br />
<br />
==Cuba==<br />
<br />
<br><br />
<br />
====Overview====<br />
<br />
Known as the "Pearl of the Antilles", Cuba offers picturesque colonial towns, an Afro-Cuban culture, almost 300 unblemished beaches, great countryside, potent rum and excellent beer. Cuba is great for scuba diving, yachting, fishing, hiking, horseback riding and golf. Cuba has been described as a "fascinating smorgasbord [[http://www.google.co.uk/search?hl=en&q=define%3A+smorgasbord&meta= (eh?)]] of nonstop discovery and experience".<br />
<br><br><br />
<br />
====Timing====<br />
November is the start of the dry season in cuba. Temperatures are normally around 27 Celsius. We will also miss the peak tourist season (mid Dec. to mid-March, & all of July & August). <br><br><br />
<br />
====About Cuba====<br />
<br />
Cuba is the largest Caribbean island [16th largest island in the world :-) ]. In fact, it is bigger than all 3700 other Caribbean islands put together! Of its 11m inhabitants, 60% are of Spanish descent; there are also substantial African and mixed-race minorities. Spain colonised Cuba in 1512 and decimated its indigenous population of Arawak Indians. In 1898 the US occupied the country, but relations soured in 1959 when the charismatic Fidel Castro came to power. The ban on US tourism has its advantages: apart from the coastal resort of Varadero the island remains non-commercial, and the people genuinely friendly. Well known for its musical culture, the rumba, mambo, cha cha cha, son and salsa all originated in Cuba. The Capital, Havana, founded on its present site in 1519, is one of the oldest cities in the Americas.<br><br />
<br><br />
<br />
[[Image:Cubamap.gif]]<br />
<br />
====Things to do, when in Cuba====<br />
<br />
- smoke Cuban cigars<br />
<br />
- take a ride in a Vintage american car<br />
<br />
- stay in a 'casa particular' - a common phenomenon in Cuba - for locals to rent out a room or 2 of their houses for tourists, this is the best way to gain an insight into the country<br />
<br />
- drink 'Mojitos' - 'just the ticket after a hard day on the beach, Cuba's quintessential cocktail, a refreshing concoction of rum, limes & mint'<br />
<br />
==Havana==<br />
<br />
The capital, [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Havana Havana], with its colonial architecture and ostentatious 50s and 60s cars, is the biggest Caribbean city (pop. approx. 2.2 million) and the hub of Cuban nightlife.<br />
<br />
We will spend a good 2 or 3 days in Havana.<br />
<br />
Havana has four main areas: La Habana Vieja (Old Havana), a World Heritage Site; and La Habana Moderna (Modern Havana), no less attractive and full of life and visitors, Miramar, and Vedado.<br />
<br />
====Old Havana====<br />
<br />
"Old Havana has so much charm that only by visiting it can one capture fully the contrasts, sounds and colors that coexist there."<br />
[[Image:delmorro.jpg|left|The Castillo Del Morro]]<br />
Old Havana has all the appearance of a Spanish colonial city. Havana is ideally situated for trade and communications, and many of the defences built to protect it from pirates and corsairs still exist, which is why it is impossible to walk in Old Havana without encountering impressive fortresses like the Castillo de la Real Fuerza, the Castillo de San Salvador de la Punta, La Cabaña, and the most unique of them all, '''El Morro (Morro Castle)''', located at the entrance to the Bay. From here each night the lighthouse guides ships passing by Havana, and by day visitors come to admire the stunning views the capital has to offer.<br />
[[Image:Viejaplaza.jpg|right|The Vieja Plaza]]<br />
<br />
Old Havana also has spacious and beautiful cobbled plazas (squares) such as la Plaza de San Francisco de Asís, la Plaza de Armas, la Plaza Vieja and la Plaza de La Catedral (Cathedral Square), the latter a popular choice for photos and post cards of Cuba. Here you can try out some Cuban cocktails in an open air restaurant, while enjoying the view of the surrounding buildings and the sound of Cuban music in the air.<br />
<br />
Havana has numerous museums: the Palacio de los Capitanes Generales (Palace of the Spanish Governors) which houses the Museum of the City of Havana, the Gabinete Arqueológico (Archaeological Bureau) and the Museo del Chocolate (hmm!!)<br />
<br />
In nearby Morro Castle there is a permanent exhibition of the fort's construction process. Also located on that side of the Bay on a hillside is the giant statue of Christ of Casablanca, which is lit nightly. <br />
<br />
====Food====<br />
<br />
See this [http://travel.guardian.co.uk/activities/food/story/0,,1764375,00.html Guardian] article for some chit chat about food in Cuba.<br />
<br />
'''[http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/8373 La Guarida restaurant]''' - where the excellent food is matched by Baroque surroundings, in the location where the film Strawberry and Chocolate was filmed. Note- La Guarida is a Paledar. Paledars are privately run small restaurants in homes. The operators pay a fee to the government for the right to have up to eight tables. The food is often better than the boring, bland food offered at most official restaurants, and the prices are much better. Service, however, is frequently painfully slow, and menu items at many paledars are limited.<br />
<br />
Guardian comments about 'La Guarida': Of the scores of paladares in Havana only one really stands out - La Guarida. On a blank-sided street in a residential area you're ushered into a gloomy old apartment building where washing hangs from clotheslines.<br />
<br />
At the top of a staircase a door opens onto a jumbled three-room salon stuffed with bric-a-brac. There's a fully stocked bar with a good wine list, and the menu offers delights such as spicy gazpacho and tuna in coconut sauce. The service is first class, but the atmosphere is slightly subversive. You leave feeling that you've been given a glimpse into a secret Havana underworld - the controversial Cuban film Fresa y Chocolate was shot here in 1994 and La Guarida still attracts an arty clientele.<br />
<br />
====Modern Havana====<br />
[[Image:cemetary.jpg|left|Christopher Columbus Cemetary]]<br />
There is the state-subsidised '''Coppelia ice-cream parlour''' (you have to pay in pesos) where a dollar gets you 22 scoops. Apparently not bad ice cream.<br />
<br />
<br />
There are several night clubs that offer music programs, among them El Gato Tuerto (The One-Eyed Cat), the Jazz Café, the Cocodrilo (The Crocodile), the Habana Café and Dos Gardenias (Two Gardenias).<br />
[[Image:Malecon.jpg|right|The Malecón]]<br />
'''Necrópolis de Colón (Columbus Graveyard)''' - Besides its tranquility there are some amazing stories there. There is a tomb shaped like a domino piece, one surrounded by women who wanted to get pregnant, a pyramid tomb built for the professor of the school of architecture...lots of interesting things to see.<br />
<br />
It's along '''the Malecón''' that Havana's architecture really shines. From what I can gather, the Maelcón is a promenade much cherished by the people of Havana.<br />
<br />
<br />
====Miramar and Vedado====<br />
<br />
'''Fabrica de Tobaco Partagas''' -[[Image:bacardi.jpg|right|Edificio Bacardi]] A famous Havana cigar factory, offers a fascinating insight into the skills behind cigar making and lays bare some idiosyncratic Cuban working practices. Pricy, but good, apparently "more interesting and less touristy than expected". <br />
<br />
'''The Edificio Bacardi''' - A slice of dazzling art deco architecture, the former pre-revolution headquarters of Bacardí, the famous rum company, it is a fitting place for to enjoy a Cubre libre.<br />
<br />
'''Maqueta de la Habana (Miniature Havana)''' - The realistic scale model of Havana takes up almost 88 sq. m (946 sq. ft.). You can walk around it on the ground level, or climb a narrow interior balcony that rings three walls. This is not to be confused with a similar (and much smaller) scale model of Old Havana, found in Old Havana, of course.<br />
<br />
==Varadero==<br />
<br />
[[image:varadero.jpg]]<br />
<br />
There are lots of exiting tours and things to see in Varadero. Josone Park, in the center of Varadero, is a nature area with restaurants and cultural events which can be toured by horse and carriage from resort hotels.<br />
<br />
It's more than 20 km of excellent beaches, a broad strip of fine, white sand along the shoreline, and a continental shelf that softly sinks into a warm, crystal-clear sea of the most varied of blues. These are the chief tourist attractions of Varadero, a tourist city that is presently well-positioned in the International circuits.<br />
<br />
These natural wonders are enriched and complemented by the existence of numerous caves, cliffs, and lagoons. Varadero also has pristine, easy to reach keys and other interesting natural surroundings on the peninsula's easternmost tip, in addition to a set of cultural, historical, and environmental sites provided by the nearby cities of Matanzas and Cardenas and the Zapata Swamp Biosphere Reserve.<br />
<br />
You won't find legal Casas Particular in the area of Varadero, it's not alowed by the government for a Cuban to start a Casa in this area. Although there are some "Red Triangle" casas, those casas are only for Cubans, tourists are not allowed to stay in these casas particulares... <br />
<br />
Of course you can do stubborn and search out for yourself an illegal Casa Particular, and you will find them, remember that you risk getting thrown out on the streets at night by the police.<br />
<br />
Tours in Varadero run from the three Information centres which run more or less the same excursions for similar prices, and I based the itinerary activities on these common excursions, and all-day tours include lunch, usually. One of these trips goes to the Cuevas de Bellamar.<br />
<br />
Bellamar Cave, located at the exit of Matanzas city, is considered to be one of the wonders<br />
of Cuban geography. Famous for its karstic crystals, stalactites and stalagmites.<br />
Explored area of the cave is 3 km long, while its deepest part descends to 48 meters.<br />
<br />
==Trinidad==<br />
<br />
Trinidad is a relic of the early days of the Spanish colony. Trinidad Colonial past, unique architecture and magnificent location, between the mountains and Mexican Gulf, inspire tourist interest from around the world.<br />
Trinidad has five main squares and four churches date from the 18th and 19th centuries the whole city, cobbled streets and tiled roofs, is a national monument and since 1988 a UNESCO World Heritage Site. <br />
<br />
[[image:trinidad.jpg|left]]<br />
<br />
'''Ayala:''' This famous discotheque is housed in a beautiful underground grotto of eccentrically shaped stones and profound depth. A play of light and shadow, silence and noise envelopes the unique experience of a night out drinking and dancing. A variety of music is played and an assortment of imported and domestic beer and liquor is served, including the Mojita (Mint Rum Julip) and Cuba Libre (Rum and coke). The 60-person capacity is comprised mostly of those from the Las Cuevas Hotel and a young crowd from Trinidad. (Opening Hours 10:30p-3a daily; Admission Charge USD10)<br />
<br />
'''Getting there:''' Viazul ( +53 419 4448/ http://www.viazul.cu ) provides convenient daily bus service to Trinidad from Havana, Varadero, and Santiago de Cuba. Trinidad's bus terminal is located on Gustavo Izquierdo between Piro Guinart and Simon Bolivar.<br />
<br />
'''From Veradero:''' Viazul ( +53 45 61 4886/ http://www.viazul.cu ) offers bus service throughout Cuba including daily service between Havana, Trinidad and Varadero. The Varadero bus station is located at Calle 36 and the Autopista del Sur.<br />
<br />
==Other potential places to visit==<br />
<br />
Maria La Gorda - approx. 5 hrs drive from Havana - this seems to be the best place in Cuba for scuba diving. And also, you don't have to know how to scuba dive already!<br />
<br />
Caves that can be explored:<br />
<br />
Cueva del Cable, Cueva del Simón, de Paredones, del Indio, de los Tomates, de Quintanal, Astón, de Cagagüanes, de Palmarito, de Bitirí, Revuelta de los Chinos, de la Patana, Solapos de Jaruco and Caleta del Rosario <br />
<br />
==Transport in Cuba==<br />
<br />
There are two types of buses that run throughout Cuba, the dirt-cheap ones that are falling apart and stop at every roof they pass; and the more direct, fast and comfortable coaches with air con that cost in dollars but still not that much (eg. $60 for the whole length of the island). The fast ones sometimes leave from a different bus station, so look out for that.<br />
<br />
"if you do take a cab, try to take one of the government ones. I can't remember what the visual difference is, but it's worth finding out - the price is a tenth of a private hire cab." <br />
<br />
It's apparently relatively easy to catch a ride with a friendly local car-owner willing to act as a 'taxi'.<br />
<br />
- prandial<br />
<br />
This site is EXCELLENT:<br />
<br />
http://www.cuba-individual.com/e_horario.htm#Verkehrsmittel<br />
<br />
==Tourist Tips==<br />
<br />
Restaurants are reportedly relatively non-existent, because the economy won't support them. If you make sure to interact, it's seems that it's not hard to find a local who'll invite or direct you to a local house where they'll be willing to cook you a meal, for a small renumeration.<br />
<br />
Eat from street vendors. <br />
<br />
"A cheese sandwich is a cheese sandwich and the only time my friend and I got food poisoning was when we went to a dollar restaurant instead of a peso one." -prandial<br />
<br />
Don't dismiss the slogans that adorn billboards, storefronts and walls in Cuba as revolutionary propaganda. Many of the quotes belong to Jose Marti, and read in proper context, they're beautiful evocations of freedom and morality. Marti is one of Cuba's national heroes (he helped the country achieve independence from Spain) and is also acknowledged as one of the Caribbean's first modern poets.<br />
<br />
Do take in the view of Havana from the rooftop bar (and swimming pool) of the 17-story Capri Hotel. Little seems to have changed there since its days as a Mafia hangout, and the view is fantastic.<br />
<br />
Don't be shocked to hear locals get the attention of restaurant waiters or friends on the street by pursing their lips and making an animated sucking or kissing sound.<br />
<br />
Try to get a ride in a cadillac. But they'll probably throw you out as they aren't licensed cabs. <br />
<br />
Eating in Paladares can be fun, if you find a good one it's excellent. But it's a risk and a tricky one without speaking any Spanish.<br />
<br />
==Tourist Traps==<br />
<br />
A lot of the Cuban cigars sold even in Cuba are fake or inferior.<br />
<br />
You will be hassled a lot on the streets, low grade begging, nothing dangerous. <br />
<br />
You'll find it near impossible not to be fleeced if you don't speak any Spanish (and pretty hard not to be even if you do) - most people who speak English are those who've learnt it to work with tourists. <br />
<br />
If you hook up with some locals, they may suggest going with you to a place that's really touristy, saying they like it. In fact it's because you'll be paying their cover charge and they'll collect their cut later. If somebody tells you to go to "Cabaret Tropicana", bear in mind that this place is expensive and you'll see a typical cabaret full of people trying to get money from you. <br />
<br />
In Old Habana, you'll have to dodge a lot of peddlers hawking "Cohibas" , cigars, and 'herbal aphrodysiacs' and whatnot, but they aren't that pushy if you politely don't show interest. Just remember to NEVER EVER buy from these people. If these people are caught by the police selling to you they could get in serious trouble and you possibly as well. If you buy cigars make sure they have the government seal on the side of the box.<br />
<br />
La Guarida don't bribe the taxi drivers- so if any of them tell you the restaurant is closed or has been closed for a while- don't believe them. Persist, and they will take you there. <br />
<br />
The official money of Cuba is now the Cuban Convertible Peso, or CUC. They're called "chavitos." It's best to use the official money exchange venues as counterfeiting and theft is not unknown.<br />
They're another type of money in circulation called "moneda nacional." If you do not have Cuban friends it's unlikely a tourist would have occasion to use the non-convertible peso, which is valued at about 20-1 to the CUC. A common scam is paying in chavitos and getting nacional in return.<br />
<br />
Another common scam is to take a one CUC bank note and add a zero behind the one to make it look like a 10 CUC bank note. The scammer then looks for a tourist to help him (or her) to make change and the tourist gets stuck with the doctored note. ALWAYS make sure that any 10 CUC notes also say Diez on them and not UNO!!!<br />
<br />
Old Habana is the bag-snatching capital of Cuba- so BE WARNED.<br />
<br />
"Don't be shocked if you're approached by a prostitute (jinetera) in Havana—though this almost exclusively happens to male travelers." <br />
<br />
Oh dear. For many years, Cuba was seen as a sexual playground for foreign men, and the expectation still lingers, especially in nightclubs. <br />
<br />
Don't confuse 'hotel' with 'motel,' 'inn' or 'posada.' The latter three rent by the hour.<br />
<br />
==Suggested Itinerary==<br />
<br />
This is just Elín's suggested itinerary (edited/ added to by Matt), based on what I know of the best places to go and the most interesting things to do in Havana. It sounds good to ME, I hope you think it sounds interesting as well.<br />
<br />
===Cuba: 1st half - Havana===<br />
<br />
'''Accommodation''' Havana, [http://www.cuba.tc/Havana/Parkview.html|Hotel Park View] Colon and Morro streets, Havana Vieja (3* modern hotel near centre). Triple room (apparently) EUR 294 (~£22 pppn) total for 3 nights.<br />
Booked & paid. <br />
<br />
This should have a good view from the 7th floor restaurant.<br />
<br />
====Day 12 - Wednesday 8th Nov 2006====<br />
<br />
Following on from [http://www.indivisibilities.com/wiki/index.php/Yucutan#Day_11.2C_Tuesday_7th_November_PM_-_Day_12.2C_Wednesday_8th_November_-_Canc.C3.BAn Cancun], I'm not sure when we will arrive at Havana on this day. The official handover time, of the rubber chicken from Marc to Matt will be: 9.15pm. We'll probably land in Havana in the evening, and won't have time to do very much. We'll have to check into our hotel, and then can spend a nice evening chilling out - with a coffee, or a beer (whatever's your poison!).<br />
<br />
====Day 13 - Thursday 9th Nov====<br />
<br />
The start time of this day being unknown, I will assume it to be in between 2-4pm. This should give you time to get to Cuba, get to your hotel and settle in. However, should you find yourself with time on your hands in the morning, arriving early, you should check out the very good but naturally very secluded and isolated spot of the '''Necropolis de Colon''', first and foremost. If you STILL have excess time, check out the '''Universidad de Habana''' and the student hero Julio Antonio Mella. If you get there REALLY early or my timing is really off and you end up with loads of spare time on your hands you can make a REALLY out of the way trip to Miniature Havana all the way over in Miramar, though I think it's unlikely. <br />
<br />
2-4pm: We will start by going over the bridge to the '''Parque Historico Morro y Cabana''', and explore the two forts and various museums at this complex. Have dinner at one of the restaurants here and be sure to catch the '''Canonaza ceremony''' (ceremony of the cannon) at the '''Castillo de los Tres Reyes del Morro''' at 9pm, before heading back to your hotel for a good night's sleep.<br />
<br />
====Day 14 - Friday 10th Nov====<br />
<br />
Make sure to book ahead for a reservation at La Guarida! It's very popular.<br />
<br />
8-8.30am: Though it's unlikely you'll be staying here, if it's breakfast you want, head to Le Veranda at the quite famous '''Hotel Nacional''', who do an English breakfast, American, continental and cereal breakfast to meet all breakfasting needs. After that, within the Hotel Nacional, you can visit the '''Tagonana cave''', for FREE! A couple of blocks away from the Hotel Nacional is the famous '''Coppelia Ice Cream shop''', where one can get 22 scoops for about 50p. <br />
<br />
You can eat your ice cream whilst wandering along '''The Malecon''', the local 'place to be' for the Cubans, apparently. Also a good place, I believe, to change money and do that kind of thing if you need to.<br />
<br />
Take a taxi or bus or whatever to '''Parque Central''', where you should be able to get some lunch.<br />
<br />
12.30 - Check out the very nearby '''Edificio Bacardi''', take some snaps, it's pretty darn Art Deco. Then make your way back through Parque Centro to the '''Gran Teatro'''. Pass that and take your tour of the '''Fabrica de Tobaco Partagas'''. Don't forget it closes at 2pm!!! You can always go back and do the Edificio Bacardi if you find you're short of time. If you can, pick up some cigars for later smokage.<br />
<br />
[[image:capitolio.jpg|right|Capitolio Nacional]]<br />
<br />
2pm- Go to the just-next-foor '''Capitolio Nacional'''. You can go inside, be impressed, and then take a horse and carriage (ooh) to '''Plaza de Catedral'''. Look at the Catedral and take some more snaps, and think 'hmm. Cathedral.' before checking out the apparently, best plaza, Plaza Catedral. <br />
<br />
Now, detailed instructions follow. From the plaza, it's a two minute walk along San Ignacio, and Mercaderes on your way to '''Plaza de Armas'''. Along Mercederes you will pass a '''giant mural''', portraying 67 figures from the history of arts and politics in Havana. Take a token snap, and then get your butts to the Plaza Armas, the oldest and most animated of Havana's plazas. Due North of the plaza just across O'Reilly (or 'Radar') street, is the '''Castillo de la Real Fuerza'''. There is also, near the plaza, '''El Templete''', a rather incongruous scaled down version of the Parthenon. I think it sounds cute, (a small temple, a 'templette' aw!), so you should take some pics. Unless it's rubbish. <br />
<br />
Now, from the plaza, making your way down the busy shopping street '''Obispo''', go to '''Ambos Mundos''' and up to the '''roof garden''' for a '''mojito''' in the afternoon light. You might also want to whip out those '''cigars'''. Relax, safe in the knowledge that you have totally '''pwned Havana''' in just two days. However, your work is not yet done. No. Cigars and Mojitos are all well and good. But...<br />
<br />
5pm: Just a short hike away is '''Museo de Fundacion Destilera Havana Club''', apparently one of the most interesting things to do in Havana, it's also known as the Museo del Ron, that's right, '''RUM!''' (Drink up me 'earties, yo ho...Yo ho, yo ho, a pirate's life for me! ok enough of that.) Check out this museum just before heading to '''La Guarida''' for your 6.30 ? reservation. Then head out to '''Macumba Habana''' for dancing, or to a '''Zorra y el Cuervo''' for a '''jaaaazzz concert'''.<br />
<br />
===Cuba: 2nd half - Veradero===<br />
<br />
'''Accommodation''' Varadero, [http://www.cuba.tc/Varadero/Kawama.html| Villa Kawama] Calle 0, Reparto Kawama,Varadero (4*; built 1930). Triple room (apparently) EUR 330 (~£25 pppn) total for 3 nights.<br />
Booked & paid. <br />
<br />
====Day 15 - Saturday 11th Nov====<br />
<br />
Ok initially I was going to say - Day 15, go to Maria La Gorda, via teh lovely countryside of Vinales. However, if you went to this side of the island you'd pretty much have to stay that side, and there's not much else to do. Otherwise, the drive to Varadero would be about 5-7 hours, and that's after the 3 or 4 hour drive to Maria La Gorda in the first place! Sadly it is just not do-able, so today we go to '''Varadero'''. <br />
<br />
Todays priorities are: to book the Trinidad trip for day 16, and maybe have a look at the scuba diving situation (planned for day 17) - ask at reception if you can just turn up at the scuba diving place, or if it's necessary or better to book. <br />
<br />
The first day you arrive in Varadero and to make up for the lack of dive-age in Maria La Gorda, I think it would be good to go diving at the Marina Varadero Gaviota. With free transfer from your hotel to the Marina, which is right at the end of Varadero, and free initiation courses for people who have never been diving before. $35 for a single dive, you can go diving at the Cuevo de Saturno (including transfers) which sounds fun.<br />
<br />
On the scuba diving front, another option is: Barracuda diving club. This seems better equipped, and best organized for first time divers. There are beginners classes starting at around USD 70, for a theory class, a lesson in a swimming pool and then a sea dive. <br />
<br />
If you go clubbing tonight, a great place to round off the day- is the disco in the cave! Cueva del Pirata- sounds groovy to me =D There's also a club on a boat moored on the Veradado canal- La Patuna, and the lively Palacio de la Rumba, one of the best designed venues. For Marc, there is 'Splash', with a "high cheeseometer rating for the watered down club and pop music is plays" xD Just kiddin. ;)<br />
<br />
====Day 16 - Sunday 12th Nov====<br />
<br />
Right, so you are in Varadero right? So the natural thing to do...is take a day trip to '''Trinidad'''. Well, Varadero is great for these little trips. There are daytrip flights going on all the time from Varadero to Trinidad (Matt - i think it says in the Cuba book something about these daytrips..) Anyways, I think you should do a day tour of Trinidad. So that's day 16. Again if you have time in the evening, check out Varadero.<br />
<br />
====Day 17 - Monday 13th Nov====<br />
<br />
You can either take a half-day trip to the '''Cuevas de Bellamar''', and/or you can just chill out on the apparently gorgeous beaches of Varadero, assuming the weather's nice. <br />
<br />
====Day 18 - Tuesday 14th Nov====<br />
<br />
Today, we go back from Veradero to Havana, (but I'm not sure when yet). <br />
<br />
Go home! - Flight leaves at 21.15 today.<br />
------------------------------<br />
<br />
Thus endeth the itinerary. You can utterly disregard it, utterly follow it, mix and match bits or use some parts and not others - either way I won't be offended, just enjoy yourselves!! =)<br />
<br />
==FAQ==<br />
<br />
FAQ:<br />
<br />
Feel free to add questions here!<br />
<br />
'''''Who are Fidel Castro and Che Guavera?'''''<br />
<br />
Fidel and Che were friends who fought guerilla style against a very corrupt dictator, Balistra Machado, who ran Cuba before Fidel managed to take over. They believe in Marxist ideals, which is why Cuba is now Communist, and America are now scared/angry/ sulking. Che was killed and is now seen as a sort of hero, though he actually was against the 'celebrity' idea, he's been turned into one.<br />
<br />
'''''Why is ice cream so cheap at The Coppelia?'''''<br />
<br />
Communist-> equal for everyone -> ice cream that everyone can afford. I think it's funded by the state or something. But I've heard it's not bad icecream.<br />
<br />
'''''Who's that student hero guy again?'''''<br />
<br />
Julio Antonio Mella enrolled at the Universidad de la Habana aged 16. He soon became one of the leading forces behind the University Student's Federation (FEU), his rousing speeches stirring a generation of students to protest university corruption. His campaign against the appointment of incompetent and unqualified professors through nepotism and political favours paid off, and in 1923 over a hundred hapless professors were dismissed. After graduation, he became famous for roaming Havana and giving lectures on Marxism to workers. In 1927 he fled to Mexico, fearful that his outspoken diatribes against Machado's goverment had earned him enemies. Sadly his fears proved corect, and in 1929 was shot in the street of Mexico City with ihs girlfriend. ='( Although never proved, it was widely assumed that Machado was responsible. <br />
<br />
==Red tape==<br />
<br />
Embassies and visas<br />
<br />
UK: Cuban Embassy 167 High Holborn, London WC1 6PA; Consular section: 15 Grape Street, London WC1 (020 7240 2488).<br />
<br />
Cuba: British Embassy Calle 34, Number 702/4, entre 7ma Avenida y 17, Miramar, Havana (53 7 241 771).<br />
<br />
Visa requirements: Virtually all visitors need a Cuban visa or tourist card, which allows a stay of 30 days. In the UK, visas for all nationalities cost £15 and can be obtained over the counter at the embassy, or direct from your travel agent. Postal visa applications take 1-2 weeks to process. Visitors need a return ticket, and proof that they have booked a hotel room for at least three nights. The US prohibits its citizens from travelling to Cuba unless they obtain a licence, usually reserved for journalists or government officials.<br />
<br />
==Useful Links:==<br />
<br />
Visa - [http://www.cubaldn.com/englishFiles/consuladoin.htm Embassy of Cuba]<br />
<br />
For practicalities - health, climate etc.<br />
[http://travel.guardian.co.uk/countries/information/0,8766,420477,00.html The Guardian]<br />
<br />
For geography, history & culture:<br />
[http://encarta.msn.com/encyclopedia_761569844/Cuba.html Encarta]<br />
<br />
[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cuba Wikipedia]</div>83.216.149.24https://indivisibilities.com/wiki/index.php?title=Cuba&diff=2487Cuba2006-10-26T21:09:51Z<p>83.216.149.24: /* Cuba: 1st half - Havana */</p>
<hr />
<div><table border=1 align="right"><br />
<tr> <br />
<td colspan=2 align="center"> <b><font color=4C18B4>Cuba</font></b><br />
<tr><br />
<td align="center"> <br />
<br>[[Image:CubaFlag_40_per_cent.jpg]]<br><br><br />
Flag<br />
<td align="center"> <br />
[[Image:Cuba_coa_smaller.png]]<br><br />
Coat of Arms<br />
<br />
<!-- [[Image:flag.jpg]][[Image:coatofarms.jpg]] --><br />
<!---flag link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Flag_of_Cuba.svg<br />
coat of arms link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Cuba_coa.png-----><br />
<tr><br />
<td colspan=2 align="center"> Motto: Spanish: Patria y Libertad<br><br />
(English: "Homeland and Freedom")<br />
<tr><br />
<td colspan=2 align="center"> Anthem: [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/La_Bayamesa La Bayamesa] (The Bayamo Song)<br />
<tr><br />
<td colspan=2 align="center"> [[Image:LocationCuba.png]]<br />
<!--- Link to Map: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:LocationCuba.png --><br />
<tr><br />
<td> <b><font color=4C18B4>Capital</font></b> <td>[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Havana Havana]<br><br />
23°8′N 82°23′W<br />
<tr><br />
<td><b><font color=4C18B4>Largest City</font></b> <td>[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Havana Havana]<br />
<tr><br />
<td><b><font color=4C18B4>Official Language</font></b> <td>Spanish<br />
<tr><br />
<td><b><font color=4C18B4>Government:</font> </b><br><br />
President of the <br><br />
[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Council_of_State_of_Cuba Council of State of Cuba:] <br />
<td>Republic <br><br> <br />
[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fidel_Castro Fidel Castro]<br />
<tr><br />
<td><b><font color=4C18B4>Independence</font> </b><br><br />
- Declared from Spain <br><br />
- Cuban Republic declared<br><br />
- Date recognised in Cuba<br />
<td><br />
[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ten_Years%27_War Ten Years' War]<br><br />
October 10, 1868<br><br />
May 20, 1902<br><br />
January 1, 1959<br />
<tr><br />
<td><b><font color=4C18B4>Area</font> </b><br> - Total<br> - Water (%) <br />
<td>110,860 km² ([http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_and_outlying_territories_by_area 104th])<br><br />
42,803 sq mi <br><br />
negligible <br />
<tr><br />
<td><b><font color=4C18B4>Population</font> </b><br><br />
- 2005 est.<br><br />
- 2002 census<br><br />
- Density<br />
<td> 11,345,670 ([http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_by_population 70th])<br><br />
11,177,743<br><br />
102/km² ([http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_by_population_density 73rd])<br><br />
264/sq mi <br><br />
<br />
<tr><br />
<td><b><font color=4C18B4>GDP</font></b> <br><br />
- Total<br><br />
- Per Capita<br />
<td> 2004 estimate<br><br />
$33.9 billion ([http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_by_GDP_%28PPP%29 89th])<br><br />
$3,000 ([http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_by_GDP_%28PPP%29_per_capita 126th])<br />
<tr><br />
<td><b><font color=4C18B4>Human Development <br>Index</font> </b><br />
<td> 0.817 ([http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_by_Human_Development_Index 52nd]) - high<br />
<tr><br />
<td><b><font color=4C18B4>Currency </font></b> <br />
<td>Peso <br><br />
Convertible peso <br>(see ~1~)<br />
<tr><br />
<td><b><font color=4C18B4>Time Zone</font></b> <br><br />
- Summer (DST)<br />
<td>EST <br><br />
(Starts April 1, <br>end date varies)<br />
<tr><br />
<td><b><font color=4C18B4>Internet TLD</font></b> <br />
<td> .cu<br />
<tr><br />
<td><b><font color=4C18B4>Calling Code</font></b> <br />
<td> +53<br />
<tr><br />
<td colspan=2 align="center"> <font color=4C18B4>~1~</font> 1993–2004, the U.S. dollar was used in<br> addition to the peso until the dollar was<br> replaced by the convertible peso.<br />
</table><br />
<br />
<br />
==Cuba==<br />
<br />
<br><br />
<br />
====Overview====<br />
<br />
Known as the "Pearl of the Antilles", Cuba offers picturesque colonial towns, an Afro-Cuban culture, almost 300 unblemished beaches, great countryside, potent rum and excellent beer. Cuba is great for scuba diving, yachting, fishing, hiking, horseback riding and golf. Cuba has been described as a "fascinating smorgasbord [[http://www.google.co.uk/search?hl=en&q=define%3A+smorgasbord&meta= (eh?)]] of nonstop discovery and experience".<br />
<br><br><br />
<br />
====Timing====<br />
November is the start of the dry season in cuba. Temperatures are normally around 27 Celsius. We will also miss the peak tourist season (mid Dec. to mid-March, & all of July & August). <br><br><br />
<br />
====About Cuba====<br />
<br />
Cuba is the largest Caribbean island [16th largest island in the world :-) ]. In fact, it is bigger than all 3700 other Caribbean islands put together! Of its 11m inhabitants, 60% are of Spanish descent; there are also substantial African and mixed-race minorities. Spain colonised Cuba in 1512 and decimated its indigenous population of Arawak Indians. In 1898 the US occupied the country, but relations soured in 1959 when the charismatic Fidel Castro came to power. The ban on US tourism has its advantages: apart from the coastal resort of Varadero the island remains non-commercial, and the people genuinely friendly. Well known for its musical culture, the rumba, mambo, cha cha cha, son and salsa all originated in Cuba. The Capital, Havana, founded on its present site in 1519, is one of the oldest cities in the Americas.<br><br />
<br><br />
<br />
[[Image:Cubamap.gif]]<br />
<br />
====Things to do, when in Cuba====<br />
<br />
- smoke Cuban cigars<br />
<br />
- take a ride in a Vintage american car<br />
<br />
- stay in a 'casa particular' - a common phenomenon in Cuba - for locals to rent out a room or 2 of their houses for tourists, this is the best way to gain an insight into the country<br />
<br />
- drink 'Mojitos' - 'just the ticket after a hard day on the beach, Cuba's quintessential cocktail, a refreshing concoction of rum, limes & mint'<br />
<br />
==Havana==<br />
<br />
The capital, [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Havana Havana], with its colonial architecture and ostentatious 50s and 60s cars, is the biggest Caribbean city (pop. approx. 2.2 million) and the hub of Cuban nightlife.<br />
<br />
We will spend a good 2 or 3 days in Havana.<br />
<br />
Havana has four main areas: La Habana Vieja (Old Havana), a World Heritage Site; and La Habana Moderna (Modern Havana), no less attractive and full of life and visitors, Miramar, and Vedado.<br />
<br />
====Old Havana====<br />
<br />
"Old Havana has so much charm that only by visiting it can one capture fully the contrasts, sounds and colors that coexist there."<br />
[[Image:delmorro.jpg|left|The Castillo Del Morro]]<br />
Old Havana has all the appearance of a Spanish colonial city. Havana is ideally situated for trade and communications, and many of the defences built to protect it from pirates and corsairs still exist, which is why it is impossible to walk in Old Havana without encountering impressive fortresses like the Castillo de la Real Fuerza, the Castillo de San Salvador de la Punta, La Cabaña, and the most unique of them all, '''El Morro (Morro Castle)''', located at the entrance to the Bay. From here each night the lighthouse guides ships passing by Havana, and by day visitors come to admire the stunning views the capital has to offer.<br />
[[Image:Viejaplaza.jpg|right|The Vieja Plaza]]<br />
<br />
Old Havana also has spacious and beautiful cobbled plazas (squares) such as la Plaza de San Francisco de Asís, la Plaza de Armas, la Plaza Vieja and la Plaza de La Catedral (Cathedral Square), the latter a popular choice for photos and post cards of Cuba. Here you can try out some Cuban cocktails in an open air restaurant, while enjoying the view of the surrounding buildings and the sound of Cuban music in the air.<br />
<br />
Havana has numerous museums: the Palacio de los Capitanes Generales (Palace of the Spanish Governors) which houses the Museum of the City of Havana, the Gabinete Arqueológico (Archaeological Bureau) and the Museo del Chocolate (hmm!!)<br />
<br />
In nearby Morro Castle there is a permanent exhibition of the fort's construction process. Also located on that side of the Bay on a hillside is the giant statue of Christ of Casablanca, which is lit nightly. <br />
<br />
====Food====<br />
<br />
See this [http://travel.guardian.co.uk/activities/food/story/0,,1764375,00.html Guardian] article for some chit chat about food in Cuba.<br />
<br />
'''[http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/8373 La Guarida restaurant]''' - where the excellent food is matched by Baroque surroundings, in the location where the film Strawberry and Chocolate was filmed. Note- La Guarida is a Paledar. Paledars are privately run small restaurants in homes. The operators pay a fee to the government for the right to have up to eight tables. The food is often better than the boring, bland food offered at most official restaurants, and the prices are much better. Service, however, is frequently painfully slow, and menu items at many paledars are limited.<br />
<br />
Guardian comments about 'La Guarida': Of the scores of paladares in Havana only one really stands out - La Guarida. On a blank-sided street in a residential area you're ushered into a gloomy old apartment building where washing hangs from clotheslines.<br />
<br />
At the top of a staircase a door opens onto a jumbled three-room salon stuffed with bric-a-brac. There's a fully stocked bar with a good wine list, and the menu offers delights such as spicy gazpacho and tuna in coconut sauce. The service is first class, but the atmosphere is slightly subversive. You leave feeling that you've been given a glimpse into a secret Havana underworld - the controversial Cuban film Fresa y Chocolate was shot here in 1994 and La Guarida still attracts an arty clientele.<br />
<br />
====Modern Havana====<br />
[[Image:cemetary.jpg|left|Christopher Columbus Cemetary]]<br />
There is the state-subsidised '''Coppelia ice-cream parlour''' (you have to pay in pesos) where a dollar gets you 22 scoops. Apparently not bad ice cream.<br />
<br />
<br />
There are several night clubs that offer music programs, among them El Gato Tuerto (The One-Eyed Cat), the Jazz Café, the Cocodrilo (The Crocodile), the Habana Café and Dos Gardenias (Two Gardenias).<br />
[[Image:Malecon.jpg|right|The Malecón]]<br />
'''Necrópolis de Colón (Columbus Graveyard)''' - Besides its tranquility there are some amazing stories there. There is a tomb shaped like a domino piece, one surrounded by women who wanted to get pregnant, a pyramid tomb built for the professor of the school of architecture...lots of interesting things to see.<br />
<br />
It's along '''the Malecón''' that Havana's architecture really shines. From what I can gather, the Maelcón is a promenade much cherished by the people of Havana.<br />
<br />
<br />
====Miramar and Vedado====<br />
<br />
'''Fabrica de Tobaco Partagas''' -[[Image:bacardi.jpg|right|Edificio Bacardi]] A famous Havana cigar factory, offers a fascinating insight into the skills behind cigar making and lays bare some idiosyncratic Cuban working practices. Pricy, but good, apparently "more interesting and less touristy than expected". <br />
<br />
'''The Edificio Bacardi''' - A slice of dazzling art deco architecture, the former pre-revolution headquarters of Bacardí, the famous rum company, it is a fitting place for to enjoy a Cubre libre.<br />
<br />
'''Maqueta de la Habana (Miniature Havana)''' - The realistic scale model of Havana takes up almost 88 sq. m (946 sq. ft.). You can walk around it on the ground level, or climb a narrow interior balcony that rings three walls. This is not to be confused with a similar (and much smaller) scale model of Old Havana, found in Old Havana, of course.<br />
<br />
==Varadero==<br />
<br />
[[image:varadero.jpg]]<br />
<br />
There are lots of exiting tours and things to see in Varadero. Josone Park, in the center of Varadero, is a nature area with restaurants and cultural events which can be toured by horse and carriage from resort hotels.<br />
<br />
It's more than 20 km of excellent beaches, a broad strip of fine, white sand along the shoreline, and a continental shelf that softly sinks into a warm, crystal-clear sea of the most varied of blues. These are the chief tourist attractions of Varadero, a tourist city that is presently well-positioned in the International circuits.<br />
<br />
These natural wonders are enriched and complemented by the existence of numerous caves, cliffs, and lagoons. Varadero also has pristine, easy to reach keys and other interesting natural surroundings on the peninsula's easternmost tip, in addition to a set of cultural, historical, and environmental sites provided by the nearby cities of Matanzas and Cardenas and the Zapata Swamp Biosphere Reserve.<br />
<br />
You won't find legal Casas Particular in the area of Varadero, it's not alowed by the government for a Cuban to start a Casa in this area. Although there are some "Red Triangle" casas, those casas are only for Cubans, tourists are not allowed to stay in these casas particulares... <br />
<br />
Of course you can do stubborn and search out for yourself an illegal Casa Particular, and you will find them, remember that you risk getting thrown out on the streets at night by the police.<br />
<br />
Tours in Varadero run from the three Information centres which run more or less the same excursions for similar prices, and I based the itinerary activities on these common excursions, and all-day tours include lunch, usually. One of these trips goes to the Cuevas de Bellamar.<br />
<br />
Bellamar Cave, located at the exit of Matanzas city, is considered to be one of the wonders<br />
of Cuban geography. Famous for its karstic crystals, stalactites and stalagmites.<br />
Explored area of the cave is 3 km long, while its deepest part descends to 48 meters.<br />
<br />
==Trinidad==<br />
<br />
Trinidad is a relic of the early days of the Spanish colony. Trinidad Colonial past, unique architecture and magnificent location, between the mountains and Mexican Gulf, inspire tourist interest from around the world.<br />
Trinidad has five main squares and four churches date from the 18th and 19th centuries the whole city, cobbled streets and tiled roofs, is a national monument and since 1988 a UNESCO World Heritage Site. <br />
<br />
[[image:trinidad.jpg|left]]<br />
<br />
'''Ayala:''' This famous discotheque is housed in a beautiful underground grotto of eccentrically shaped stones and profound depth. A play of light and shadow, silence and noise envelopes the unique experience of a night out drinking and dancing. A variety of music is played and an assortment of imported and domestic beer and liquor is served, including the Mojita (Mint Rum Julip) and Cuba Libre (Rum and coke). The 60-person capacity is comprised mostly of those from the Las Cuevas Hotel and a young crowd from Trinidad. (Opening Hours 10:30p-3a daily; Admission Charge USD10)<br />
<br />
'''Getting there:''' Viazul ( +53 419 4448/ http://www.viazul.cu ) provides convenient daily bus service to Trinidad from Havana, Varadero, and Santiago de Cuba. Trinidad's bus terminal is located on Gustavo Izquierdo between Piro Guinart and Simon Bolivar.<br />
<br />
'''From Veradero:''' Viazul ( +53 45 61 4886/ http://www.viazul.cu ) offers bus service throughout Cuba including daily service between Havana, Trinidad and Varadero. The Varadero bus station is located at Calle 36 and the Autopista del Sur.<br />
<br />
==Other potential places to visit==<br />
<br />
Maria La Gorda - approx. 5 hrs drive from Havana - this seems to be the best place in Cuba for scuba diving. And also, you don't have to know how to scuba dive already!<br />
<br />
Caves that can be explored:<br />
<br />
Cueva del Cable, Cueva del Simón, de Paredones, del Indio, de los Tomates, de Quintanal, Astón, de Cagagüanes, de Palmarito, de Bitirí, Revuelta de los Chinos, de la Patana, Solapos de Jaruco and Caleta del Rosario <br />
<br />
==Transport in Cuba==<br />
<br />
There are two types of buses that run throughout Cuba, the dirt-cheap ones that are falling apart and stop at every roof they pass; and the more direct, fast and comfortable coaches with air con that cost in dollars but still not that much (eg. $60 for the whole length of the island). The fast ones sometimes leave from a different bus station, so look out for that.<br />
<br />
"if you do take a cab, try to take one of the government ones. I can't remember what the visual difference is, but it's worth finding out - the price is a tenth of a private hire cab." <br />
<br />
It's apparently relatively easy to catch a ride with a friendly local car-owner willing to act as a 'taxi'.<br />
<br />
- prandial<br />
<br />
This site is EXCELLENT:<br />
<br />
http://www.cuba-individual.com/e_horario.htm#Verkehrsmittel<br />
<br />
==Tourist Tips==<br />
<br />
Restaurants are reportedly relatively non-existent, because the economy won't support them. If you make sure to interact, it's seems that it's not hard to find a local who'll invite or direct you to a local house where they'll be willing to cook you a meal, for a small renumeration.<br />
<br />
Eat from street vendors. <br />
<br />
"A cheese sandwich is a cheese sandwich and the only time my friend and I got food poisoning was when we went to a dollar restaurant instead of a peso one." -prandial<br />
<br />
Don't dismiss the slogans that adorn billboards, storefronts and walls in Cuba as revolutionary propaganda. Many of the quotes belong to Jose Marti, and read in proper context, they're beautiful evocations of freedom and morality. Marti is one of Cuba's national heroes (he helped the country achieve independence from Spain) and is also acknowledged as one of the Caribbean's first modern poets.<br />
<br />
Do take in the view of Havana from the rooftop bar (and swimming pool) of the 17-story Capri Hotel. Little seems to have changed there since its days as a Mafia hangout, and the view is fantastic.<br />
<br />
Don't be shocked to hear locals get the attention of restaurant waiters or friends on the street by pursing their lips and making an animated sucking or kissing sound.<br />
<br />
Try to get a ride in a cadillac. But they'll probably throw you out as they aren't licensed cabs. <br />
<br />
Eating in Paladares can be fun, if you find a good one it's excellent. But it's a risk and a tricky one without speaking any Spanish.<br />
<br />
==Tourist Traps==<br />
<br />
A lot of the Cuban cigars sold even in Cuba are fake or inferior.<br />
<br />
You will be hassled a lot on the streets, low grade begging, nothing dangerous. <br />
<br />
You'll find it near impossible not to be fleeced if you don't speak any Spanish (and pretty hard not to be even if you do) - most people who speak English are those who've learnt it to work with tourists. <br />
<br />
If you hook up with some locals, they may suggest going with you to a place that's really touristy, saying they like it. In fact it's because you'll be paying their cover charge and they'll collect their cut later. If somebody tells you to go to "Cabaret Tropicana", bear in mind that this place is expensive and you'll see a typical cabaret full of people trying to get money from you. <br />
<br />
In Old Habana, you'll have to dodge a lot of peddlers hawking "Cohibas" , cigars, and 'herbal aphrodysiacs' and whatnot, but they aren't that pushy if you politely don't show interest. Just remember to NEVER EVER buy from these people. If these people are caught by the police selling to you they could get in serious trouble and you possibly as well. If you buy cigars make sure they have the government seal on the side of the box.<br />
<br />
La Guarida don't bribe the taxi drivers- so if any of them tell you the restaurant is closed or has been closed for a while- don't believe them. Persist, and they will take you there. <br />
<br />
The official money of Cuba is now the Cuban Convertible Peso, or CUC. They're called "chavitos." It's best to use the official money exchange venues as counterfeiting and theft is not unknown.<br />
They're another type of money in circulation called "moneda nacional." If you do not have Cuban friends it's unlikely a tourist would have occasion to use the non-convertible peso, which is valued at about 20-1 to the CUC. A common scam is paying in chavitos and getting nacional in return.<br />
<br />
Another common scam is to take a one CUC bank note and add a zero behind the one to make it look like a 10 CUC bank note. The scammer then looks for a tourist to help him (or her) to make change and the tourist gets stuck with the doctored note. ALWAYS make sure that any 10 CUC notes also say Diez on them and not UNO!!!<br />
<br />
Old Habana is the bag-snatching capital of Cuba- so BE WARNED.<br />
<br />
"Don't be shocked if you're approached by a prostitute (jinetera) in Havana—though this almost exclusively happens to male travelers." <br />
<br />
Oh dear. For many years, Cuba was seen as a sexual playground for foreign men, and the expectation still lingers, especially in nightclubs. <br />
<br />
Don't confuse 'hotel' with 'motel,' 'inn' or 'posada.' The latter three rent by the hour.<br />
<br />
==Suggested Itinerary==<br />
<br />
This is just Elín's suggested itinerary (edited/ added to by Matt), based on what I know of the best places to go and the most interesting things to do in Havana. It sounds good to ME, I hope you think it sounds interesting as well.<br />
<br />
===Cuba: 1st half - Havana===<br />
<br />
'''Accommodation''' Havana, [http://www.cuba.tc/Havana/Parkview.html|Hotel Park View] Colon and Morro streets, Havana Vieja (3* modern hotel near centre). Triple room (apparently) EUR 294 (~£22 pppn) total for 3 nights.<br />
Booked & paid. <br />
<br />
This should have a good view from the 7th floor restaurant.<br />
<br />
====Day 12 - Wednesday 8th Nov 2006====<br />
<br />
Following on from [http://www.indivisibilities.com/wiki/index.php/Yucutan#Day_11.2C_Tuesday_7th_November_PM_-_Day_12.2C_Wednesday_8th_November_-_Canc.C3.BAn Cancun], I'm not sure when we will arrive at Havana on this day. The official handover time, of the rubber chicken from Marc to Matt will be: 9.15pm. We'll probably land in Havana in the evening, and won't have time to do very much. We'll have to check into our hotel, and then can spend a nice evening chilling out - with a coffee, or a beer (whatever's your poison!).<br />
<br />
====Day 13 - Thursday 9th Nov====<br />
<br />
The start time of this day being unknown, I will assume it to be in between 2-4pm. This should give you time to get to Cuba, get to your hotel and settle in. However, should you find yourself with time on your hands in the morning, arriving early, you should check out the very good but naturally very secluded and isolated spot of the '''Necropolis de Colon''', first and foremost. If you STILL have excess time, check out the '''Universidad de Habana''' and the student hero Julio Antonio Mella. If you get there REALLY early or my timing is really off and you end up with loads of spare time on your hands you can make a REALLY out of the way trip to Miniature Havana all the way over in Miramar, though I think it's unlikely. <br />
<br />
2-4pm: We will start by going over the bridge to the '''Parque Historico Morro y Cabana''', and explore the two forts and various museums at this complex. Have dinner at one of the restaurants here and be sure to catch the '''Canonaza ceremony''' (ceremony of the cannon) at the '''Castillo de los Tres Reyes del Morro''' at 9pm, before heading back to your hotel for a good night's sleep.<br />
<br />
====Day 14 - Friday 10th Nov====<br />
<br />
Make sure to book ahead for a reservation at La Guarida! It's very popular.<br />
<br />
8-8.30am: Though it's unlikely you'll be staying here, if it's breakfast you want, head to Le Veranda at the quite famous '''Hotel Nacional''', who do an English breakfast, American, continental and cereal breakfast to meet all breakfasting needs. After that, within the Hotel Nacional, you can visit the '''Tagonana cave''', for FREE! A couple of blocks away from the Hotel Nacional is the famous '''Coppelia Ice Cream shop''', where one can get 22 scoops for about 50p. <br />
<br />
You can eat your ice cream whilst wandering along '''The Malecon''', the local 'place to be' for the Cubans, apparently. Also a good place, I believe, to change money and do that kind of thing if you need to.<br />
<br />
Take a taxi or bus or whatever to '''Parque Central''', where you should be able to get some lunch.<br />
<br />
12.30 - Check out the very nearby '''Edificio Bacardi''', take some snaps, it's pretty darn Art Deco. Then make your way back through Parque Centro to the '''Gran Teatro'''. Pass that and take your tour of the '''Fabrica de Tobaco Partagas'''. Don't forget it closes at 2pm!!! You can always go back and do the Edificio Bacardi if you find you're short of time. If you can, pick up some cigars for later smokage.<br />
<br />
[[image:capitolio.jpg|right|Capitolio Nacional]]<br />
<br />
2pm- Go to the just-next-foor '''Capitolio Nacional'''. You can go inside, be impressed, and then take a horse and carriage (ooh) to '''Plaza de Catedral'''. Look at the Catedral and take some more snaps, and think 'hmm. Cathedral.' before checking out the apparently, best plaza, Plaza Catedral. <br />
<br />
Now, detailed instructions follow. From the plaza, it's a two minute walk along San Ignacio, and Mercaderes on your way to '''Plaza de Armas'''. Along Mercederes you will pass a '''giant mural''', portraying 67 figures from the history of arts and politics in Havana. Take a token snap, and then get your butts to the Plaza Armas, the oldest and most animated of Havana's plazas. Due North of the plaza just across O'Reilly (or 'Radar') street, is the '''Castillo de la Real Fuerza'''. There is also, near the plaza, '''El Templete''', a rather incongruous scaled down version of the Parthenon. I think it sounds cute, (a small temple, a 'templette' aw!), so you should take some pics. Unless it's rubbish. <br />
<br />
Now, from the plaza, making your way down the busy shopping street '''Obispo''', go to '''Ambos Mundos''' and up to the '''roof garden''' for a '''mojito''' in the afternoon light. You might also want to whip out those '''cigars'''. Relax, safe in the knowledge that you have totally '''pwned Havana''' in just two days. However, your work is not yet done. No. Cigars and Mojitos are all well and good. But...<br />
<br />
5pm: Just a short hike away is '''Museo de Fundacion Destilera Havana Club''', apparently one of the most interesting things to do in Havana, it's also known as the Museo del Ron, that's right, '''RUM!''' (Drink up me 'earties, yo ho...Yo ho, yo ho, a pirate's life for me! ok enough of that.) Check out this museum just before heading to '''La Guarida''' for your 6.30 ? reservation. Then head out to '''Macumba Habana''' for dancing, or to a '''Zorra y el Cuervo''' for a '''jaaaazzz concert'''.<br />
<br />
===Cuba: 2nd half - Veradero===<br />
<br />
'''Accommodation''' Varadero, [http://www.cuba.tc/Varadero/Kawama.html| Villa Kawama] Calle 0, Reparto Kawama,Varadero (4*; built 1930). Triple room (apparently) EUR 330 (~£25 pppn) total for 3 nights.<br />
Booked & paid. <br />
<br />
Bordered by 300m of beach. <br />
<br />
====Day 15 - Saturday 11th Nov====<br />
<br />
Ok initially I was going to say - Day 15, go to Maria La Gorda, via teh lovely countryside of Vinales. However, if you went to this side of the island you'd pretty much have to stay that side, and there's not much else to do. Otherwise, the drive to Varadero would be about 5-7 hours, and that's after the 3 or 4 hour drive to Maria La Gorda in the first place! Sadly it is just not do-able, so today we go to '''Varadero'''. <br />
<br />
Todays priorities are: to book the Trinidad trip for day 16, and maybe have a look at the scuba diving situation (planned for day 17) - ask at reception if you can just turn up at the scuba diving place, or if it's necessary or better to book. <br />
<br />
The first day you arrive in Varadero and to make up for the lack of dive-age in Maria La Gorda, I think it would be good to go diving at the Marina Varadero Gaviota. With free transfer from your hotel to the Marina, which is right at the end of Varadero, and free initiation courses for people who have never been diving before. $35 for a single dive, you can go diving at the Cuevo de Saturno (including transfers) which sounds fun.<br />
<br />
On the scuba diving front, another option is: Barracuda diving club. This seems better equipped, and best organized for first time divers. There are beginners classes starting at around USD 70, for a theory class, a lesson in a swimming pool and then a sea dive. <br />
<br />
If you go clubbing tonight, a great place to round off the day- is the disco in the cave! Cueva del Pirata- sounds groovy to me =D There's also a club on a boat moored on the Veradado canal- La Patuna, and the lively Palacio de la Rumba, one of the best designed venues. For Marc, there is 'Splash', with a "high cheeseometer rating for the watered down club and pop music is plays" xD Just kiddin. ;)<br />
<br />
====Day 16 - Sunday 12th Nov====<br />
<br />
Right, so you are in Varadero right? So the natural thing to do...is take a day trip to '''Trinidad'''. Well, Varadero is great for these little trips. There are daytrip flights going on all the time from Varadero to Trinidad (Matt - i think it says in the Cuba book something about these daytrips..) Anyways, I think you should do a day tour of Trinidad. So that's day 16. Again if you have time in the evening, check out Varadero.<br />
<br />
====Day 17 - Monday 13th Nov====<br />
<br />
You can either take a half-day trip to the '''Cuevas de Bellamar''', and/or you can just chill out on the apparently gorgeous beaches of Varadero, assuming the weather's nice. <br />
<br />
====Day 18 - Tuesday 14th Nov====<br />
<br />
Today, we go back from Veradero to Havana, (but I'm not sure when yet). <br />
<br />
Go home! - Flight leaves at 21.15 today.<br />
------------------------------<br />
<br />
Thus endeth the itinerary. You can utterly disregard it, utterly follow it, mix and match bits or use some parts and not others - either way I won't be offended, just enjoy yourselves!! =)<br />
<br />
==FAQ==<br />
<br />
FAQ:<br />
<br />
Feel free to add questions here!<br />
<br />
'''''Who are Fidel Castro and Che Guavera?'''''<br />
<br />
Fidel and Che were friends who fought guerilla style against a very corrupt dictator, Balistra Machado, who ran Cuba before Fidel managed to take over. They believe in Marxist ideals, which is why Cuba is now Communist, and America are now scared/angry/ sulking. Che was killed and is now seen as a sort of hero, though he actually was against the 'celebrity' idea, he's been turned into one.<br />
<br />
'''''Why is ice cream so cheap at The Coppelia?'''''<br />
<br />
Communist-> equal for everyone -> ice cream that everyone can afford. I think it's funded by the state or something. But I've heard it's not bad icecream.<br />
<br />
'''''Who's that student hero guy again?'''''<br />
<br />
Julio Antonio Mella enrolled at the Universidad de la Habana aged 16. He soon became one of the leading forces behind the University Student's Federation (FEU), his rousing speeches stirring a generation of students to protest university corruption. His campaign against the appointment of incompetent and unqualified professors through nepotism and political favours paid off, and in 1923 over a hundred hapless professors were dismissed. After graduation, he became famous for roaming Havana and giving lectures on Marxism to workers. In 1927 he fled to Mexico, fearful that his outspoken diatribes against Machado's goverment had earned him enemies. Sadly his fears proved corect, and in 1929 was shot in the street of Mexico City with ihs girlfriend. ='( Although never proved, it was widely assumed that Machado was responsible. <br />
<br />
==Red tape==<br />
<br />
Embassies and visas<br />
<br />
UK: Cuban Embassy 167 High Holborn, London WC1 6PA; Consular section: 15 Grape Street, London WC1 (020 7240 2488).<br />
<br />
Cuba: British Embassy Calle 34, Number 702/4, entre 7ma Avenida y 17, Miramar, Havana (53 7 241 771).<br />
<br />
Visa requirements: Virtually all visitors need a Cuban visa or tourist card, which allows a stay of 30 days. In the UK, visas for all nationalities cost £15 and can be obtained over the counter at the embassy, or direct from your travel agent. Postal visa applications take 1-2 weeks to process. Visitors need a return ticket, and proof that they have booked a hotel room for at least three nights. The US prohibits its citizens from travelling to Cuba unless they obtain a licence, usually reserved for journalists or government officials.<br />
<br />
==Useful Links:==<br />
<br />
Visa - [http://www.cubaldn.com/englishFiles/consuladoin.htm Embassy of Cuba]<br />
<br />
For practicalities - health, climate etc.<br />
[http://travel.guardian.co.uk/countries/information/0,8766,420477,00.html The Guardian]<br />
<br />
For geography, history & culture:<br />
[http://encarta.msn.com/encyclopedia_761569844/Cuba.html Encarta]<br />
<br />
[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cuba Wikipedia]</div>83.216.149.24https://indivisibilities.com/wiki/index.php?title=Cuba&diff=2486Cuba2006-10-26T21:07:08Z<p>83.216.149.24: /* Suggested Itinerary */</p>
<hr />
<div><table border=1 align="right"><br />
<tr> <br />
<td colspan=2 align="center"> <b><font color=4C18B4>Cuba</font></b><br />
<tr><br />
<td align="center"> <br />
<br>[[Image:CubaFlag_40_per_cent.jpg]]<br><br><br />
Flag<br />
<td align="center"> <br />
[[Image:Cuba_coa_smaller.png]]<br><br />
Coat of Arms<br />
<br />
<!-- [[Image:flag.jpg]][[Image:coatofarms.jpg]] --><br />
<!---flag link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Flag_of_Cuba.svg<br />
coat of arms link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Cuba_coa.png-----><br />
<tr><br />
<td colspan=2 align="center"> Motto: Spanish: Patria y Libertad<br><br />
(English: "Homeland and Freedom")<br />
<tr><br />
<td colspan=2 align="center"> Anthem: [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/La_Bayamesa La Bayamesa] (The Bayamo Song)<br />
<tr><br />
<td colspan=2 align="center"> [[Image:LocationCuba.png]]<br />
<!--- Link to Map: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:LocationCuba.png --><br />
<tr><br />
<td> <b><font color=4C18B4>Capital</font></b> <td>[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Havana Havana]<br><br />
23°8′N 82°23′W<br />
<tr><br />
<td><b><font color=4C18B4>Largest City</font></b> <td>[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Havana Havana]<br />
<tr><br />
<td><b><font color=4C18B4>Official Language</font></b> <td>Spanish<br />
<tr><br />
<td><b><font color=4C18B4>Government:</font> </b><br><br />
President of the <br><br />
[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Council_of_State_of_Cuba Council of State of Cuba:] <br />
<td>Republic <br><br> <br />
[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fidel_Castro Fidel Castro]<br />
<tr><br />
<td><b><font color=4C18B4>Independence</font> </b><br><br />
- Declared from Spain <br><br />
- Cuban Republic declared<br><br />
- Date recognised in Cuba<br />
<td><br />
[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ten_Years%27_War Ten Years' War]<br><br />
October 10, 1868<br><br />
May 20, 1902<br><br />
January 1, 1959<br />
<tr><br />
<td><b><font color=4C18B4>Area</font> </b><br> - Total<br> - Water (%) <br />
<td>110,860 km² ([http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_and_outlying_territories_by_area 104th])<br><br />
42,803 sq mi <br><br />
negligible <br />
<tr><br />
<td><b><font color=4C18B4>Population</font> </b><br><br />
- 2005 est.<br><br />
- 2002 census<br><br />
- Density<br />
<td> 11,345,670 ([http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_by_population 70th])<br><br />
11,177,743<br><br />
102/km² ([http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_by_population_density 73rd])<br><br />
264/sq mi <br><br />
<br />
<tr><br />
<td><b><font color=4C18B4>GDP</font></b> <br><br />
- Total<br><br />
- Per Capita<br />
<td> 2004 estimate<br><br />
$33.9 billion ([http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_by_GDP_%28PPP%29 89th])<br><br />
$3,000 ([http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_by_GDP_%28PPP%29_per_capita 126th])<br />
<tr><br />
<td><b><font color=4C18B4>Human Development <br>Index</font> </b><br />
<td> 0.817 ([http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_by_Human_Development_Index 52nd]) - high<br />
<tr><br />
<td><b><font color=4C18B4>Currency </font></b> <br />
<td>Peso <br><br />
Convertible peso <br>(see ~1~)<br />
<tr><br />
<td><b><font color=4C18B4>Time Zone</font></b> <br><br />
- Summer (DST)<br />
<td>EST <br><br />
(Starts April 1, <br>end date varies)<br />
<tr><br />
<td><b><font color=4C18B4>Internet TLD</font></b> <br />
<td> .cu<br />
<tr><br />
<td><b><font color=4C18B4>Calling Code</font></b> <br />
<td> +53<br />
<tr><br />
<td colspan=2 align="center"> <font color=4C18B4>~1~</font> 1993–2004, the U.S. dollar was used in<br> addition to the peso until the dollar was<br> replaced by the convertible peso.<br />
</table><br />
<br />
<br />
==Cuba==<br />
<br />
<br><br />
<br />
====Overview====<br />
<br />
Known as the "Pearl of the Antilles", Cuba offers picturesque colonial towns, an Afro-Cuban culture, almost 300 unblemished beaches, great countryside, potent rum and excellent beer. Cuba is great for scuba diving, yachting, fishing, hiking, horseback riding and golf. Cuba has been described as a "fascinating smorgasbord [[http://www.google.co.uk/search?hl=en&q=define%3A+smorgasbord&meta= (eh?)]] of nonstop discovery and experience".<br />
<br><br><br />
<br />
====Timing====<br />
November is the start of the dry season in cuba. Temperatures are normally around 27 Celsius. We will also miss the peak tourist season (mid Dec. to mid-March, & all of July & August). <br><br><br />
<br />
====About Cuba====<br />
<br />
Cuba is the largest Caribbean island [16th largest island in the world :-) ]. In fact, it is bigger than all 3700 other Caribbean islands put together! Of its 11m inhabitants, 60% are of Spanish descent; there are also substantial African and mixed-race minorities. Spain colonised Cuba in 1512 and decimated its indigenous population of Arawak Indians. In 1898 the US occupied the country, but relations soured in 1959 when the charismatic Fidel Castro came to power. The ban on US tourism has its advantages: apart from the coastal resort of Varadero the island remains non-commercial, and the people genuinely friendly. Well known for its musical culture, the rumba, mambo, cha cha cha, son and salsa all originated in Cuba. The Capital, Havana, founded on its present site in 1519, is one of the oldest cities in the Americas.<br><br />
<br><br />
<br />
[[Image:Cubamap.gif]]<br />
<br />
====Things to do, when in Cuba====<br />
<br />
- smoke Cuban cigars<br />
<br />
- take a ride in a Vintage american car<br />
<br />
- stay in a 'casa particular' - a common phenomenon in Cuba - for locals to rent out a room or 2 of their houses for tourists, this is the best way to gain an insight into the country<br />
<br />
- drink 'Mojitos' - 'just the ticket after a hard day on the beach, Cuba's quintessential cocktail, a refreshing concoction of rum, limes & mint'<br />
<br />
==Havana==<br />
<br />
The capital, [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Havana Havana], with its colonial architecture and ostentatious 50s and 60s cars, is the biggest Caribbean city (pop. approx. 2.2 million) and the hub of Cuban nightlife.<br />
<br />
We will spend a good 2 or 3 days in Havana.<br />
<br />
Havana has four main areas: La Habana Vieja (Old Havana), a World Heritage Site; and La Habana Moderna (Modern Havana), no less attractive and full of life and visitors, Miramar, and Vedado.<br />
<br />
====Old Havana====<br />
<br />
"Old Havana has so much charm that only by visiting it can one capture fully the contrasts, sounds and colors that coexist there."<br />
[[Image:delmorro.jpg|left|The Castillo Del Morro]]<br />
Old Havana has all the appearance of a Spanish colonial city. Havana is ideally situated for trade and communications, and many of the defences built to protect it from pirates and corsairs still exist, which is why it is impossible to walk in Old Havana without encountering impressive fortresses like the Castillo de la Real Fuerza, the Castillo de San Salvador de la Punta, La Cabaña, and the most unique of them all, '''El Morro (Morro Castle)''', located at the entrance to the Bay. From here each night the lighthouse guides ships passing by Havana, and by day visitors come to admire the stunning views the capital has to offer.<br />
[[Image:Viejaplaza.jpg|right|The Vieja Plaza]]<br />
<br />
Old Havana also has spacious and beautiful cobbled plazas (squares) such as la Plaza de San Francisco de Asís, la Plaza de Armas, la Plaza Vieja and la Plaza de La Catedral (Cathedral Square), the latter a popular choice for photos and post cards of Cuba. Here you can try out some Cuban cocktails in an open air restaurant, while enjoying the view of the surrounding buildings and the sound of Cuban music in the air.<br />
<br />
Havana has numerous museums: the Palacio de los Capitanes Generales (Palace of the Spanish Governors) which houses the Museum of the City of Havana, the Gabinete Arqueológico (Archaeological Bureau) and the Museo del Chocolate (hmm!!)<br />
<br />
In nearby Morro Castle there is a permanent exhibition of the fort's construction process. Also located on that side of the Bay on a hillside is the giant statue of Christ of Casablanca, which is lit nightly. <br />
<br />
====Food====<br />
<br />
See this [http://travel.guardian.co.uk/activities/food/story/0,,1764375,00.html Guardian] article for some chit chat about food in Cuba.<br />
<br />
'''[http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/8373 La Guarida restaurant]''' - where the excellent food is matched by Baroque surroundings, in the location where the film Strawberry and Chocolate was filmed. Note- La Guarida is a Paledar. Paledars are privately run small restaurants in homes. The operators pay a fee to the government for the right to have up to eight tables. The food is often better than the boring, bland food offered at most official restaurants, and the prices are much better. Service, however, is frequently painfully slow, and menu items at many paledars are limited.<br />
<br />
Guardian comments about 'La Guarida': Of the scores of paladares in Havana only one really stands out - La Guarida. On a blank-sided street in a residential area you're ushered into a gloomy old apartment building where washing hangs from clotheslines.<br />
<br />
At the top of a staircase a door opens onto a jumbled three-room salon stuffed with bric-a-brac. There's a fully stocked bar with a good wine list, and the menu offers delights such as spicy gazpacho and tuna in coconut sauce. The service is first class, but the atmosphere is slightly subversive. You leave feeling that you've been given a glimpse into a secret Havana underworld - the controversial Cuban film Fresa y Chocolate was shot here in 1994 and La Guarida still attracts an arty clientele.<br />
<br />
====Modern Havana====<br />
[[Image:cemetary.jpg|left|Christopher Columbus Cemetary]]<br />
There is the state-subsidised '''Coppelia ice-cream parlour''' (you have to pay in pesos) where a dollar gets you 22 scoops. Apparently not bad ice cream.<br />
<br />
<br />
There are several night clubs that offer music programs, among them El Gato Tuerto (The One-Eyed Cat), the Jazz Café, the Cocodrilo (The Crocodile), the Habana Café and Dos Gardenias (Two Gardenias).<br />
[[Image:Malecon.jpg|right|The Malecón]]<br />
'''Necrópolis de Colón (Columbus Graveyard)''' - Besides its tranquility there are some amazing stories there. There is a tomb shaped like a domino piece, one surrounded by women who wanted to get pregnant, a pyramid tomb built for the professor of the school of architecture...lots of interesting things to see.<br />
<br />
It's along '''the Malecón''' that Havana's architecture really shines. From what I can gather, the Maelcón is a promenade much cherished by the people of Havana.<br />
<br />
<br />
====Miramar and Vedado====<br />
<br />
'''Fabrica de Tobaco Partagas''' -[[Image:bacardi.jpg|right|Edificio Bacardi]] A famous Havana cigar factory, offers a fascinating insight into the skills behind cigar making and lays bare some idiosyncratic Cuban working practices. Pricy, but good, apparently "more interesting and less touristy than expected". <br />
<br />
'''The Edificio Bacardi''' - A slice of dazzling art deco architecture, the former pre-revolution headquarters of Bacardí, the famous rum company, it is a fitting place for to enjoy a Cubre libre.<br />
<br />
'''Maqueta de la Habana (Miniature Havana)''' - The realistic scale model of Havana takes up almost 88 sq. m (946 sq. ft.). You can walk around it on the ground level, or climb a narrow interior balcony that rings three walls. This is not to be confused with a similar (and much smaller) scale model of Old Havana, found in Old Havana, of course.<br />
<br />
==Varadero==<br />
<br />
[[image:varadero.jpg]]<br />
<br />
There are lots of exiting tours and things to see in Varadero. Josone Park, in the center of Varadero, is a nature area with restaurants and cultural events which can be toured by horse and carriage from resort hotels.<br />
<br />
It's more than 20 km of excellent beaches, a broad strip of fine, white sand along the shoreline, and a continental shelf that softly sinks into a warm, crystal-clear sea of the most varied of blues. These are the chief tourist attractions of Varadero, a tourist city that is presently well-positioned in the International circuits.<br />
<br />
These natural wonders are enriched and complemented by the existence of numerous caves, cliffs, and lagoons. Varadero also has pristine, easy to reach keys and other interesting natural surroundings on the peninsula's easternmost tip, in addition to a set of cultural, historical, and environmental sites provided by the nearby cities of Matanzas and Cardenas and the Zapata Swamp Biosphere Reserve.<br />
<br />
You won't find legal Casas Particular in the area of Varadero, it's not alowed by the government for a Cuban to start a Casa in this area. Although there are some "Red Triangle" casas, those casas are only for Cubans, tourists are not allowed to stay in these casas particulares... <br />
<br />
Of course you can do stubborn and search out for yourself an illegal Casa Particular, and you will find them, remember that you risk getting thrown out on the streets at night by the police.<br />
<br />
Tours in Varadero run from the three Information centres which run more or less the same excursions for similar prices, and I based the itinerary activities on these common excursions, and all-day tours include lunch, usually. One of these trips goes to the Cuevas de Bellamar.<br />
<br />
Bellamar Cave, located at the exit of Matanzas city, is considered to be one of the wonders<br />
of Cuban geography. Famous for its karstic crystals, stalactites and stalagmites.<br />
Explored area of the cave is 3 km long, while its deepest part descends to 48 meters.<br />
<br />
==Trinidad==<br />
<br />
Trinidad is a relic of the early days of the Spanish colony. Trinidad Colonial past, unique architecture and magnificent location, between the mountains and Mexican Gulf, inspire tourist interest from around the world.<br />
Trinidad has five main squares and four churches date from the 18th and 19th centuries the whole city, cobbled streets and tiled roofs, is a national monument and since 1988 a UNESCO World Heritage Site. <br />
<br />
[[image:trinidad.jpg|left]]<br />
<br />
'''Ayala:''' This famous discotheque is housed in a beautiful underground grotto of eccentrically shaped stones and profound depth. A play of light and shadow, silence and noise envelopes the unique experience of a night out drinking and dancing. A variety of music is played and an assortment of imported and domestic beer and liquor is served, including the Mojita (Mint Rum Julip) and Cuba Libre (Rum and coke). The 60-person capacity is comprised mostly of those from the Las Cuevas Hotel and a young crowd from Trinidad. (Opening Hours 10:30p-3a daily; Admission Charge USD10)<br />
<br />
'''Getting there:''' Viazul ( +53 419 4448/ http://www.viazul.cu ) provides convenient daily bus service to Trinidad from Havana, Varadero, and Santiago de Cuba. Trinidad's bus terminal is located on Gustavo Izquierdo between Piro Guinart and Simon Bolivar.<br />
<br />
'''From Veradero:''' Viazul ( +53 45 61 4886/ http://www.viazul.cu ) offers bus service throughout Cuba including daily service between Havana, Trinidad and Varadero. The Varadero bus station is located at Calle 36 and the Autopista del Sur.<br />
<br />
==Other potential places to visit==<br />
<br />
Maria La Gorda - approx. 5 hrs drive from Havana - this seems to be the best place in Cuba for scuba diving. And also, you don't have to know how to scuba dive already!<br />
<br />
Caves that can be explored:<br />
<br />
Cueva del Cable, Cueva del Simón, de Paredones, del Indio, de los Tomates, de Quintanal, Astón, de Cagagüanes, de Palmarito, de Bitirí, Revuelta de los Chinos, de la Patana, Solapos de Jaruco and Caleta del Rosario <br />
<br />
==Transport in Cuba==<br />
<br />
There are two types of buses that run throughout Cuba, the dirt-cheap ones that are falling apart and stop at every roof they pass; and the more direct, fast and comfortable coaches with air con that cost in dollars but still not that much (eg. $60 for the whole length of the island). The fast ones sometimes leave from a different bus station, so look out for that.<br />
<br />
"if you do take a cab, try to take one of the government ones. I can't remember what the visual difference is, but it's worth finding out - the price is a tenth of a private hire cab." <br />
<br />
It's apparently relatively easy to catch a ride with a friendly local car-owner willing to act as a 'taxi'.<br />
<br />
- prandial<br />
<br />
This site is EXCELLENT:<br />
<br />
http://www.cuba-individual.com/e_horario.htm#Verkehrsmittel<br />
<br />
==Tourist Tips==<br />
<br />
Restaurants are reportedly relatively non-existent, because the economy won't support them. If you make sure to interact, it's seems that it's not hard to find a local who'll invite or direct you to a local house where they'll be willing to cook you a meal, for a small renumeration.<br />
<br />
Eat from street vendors. <br />
<br />
"A cheese sandwich is a cheese sandwich and the only time my friend and I got food poisoning was when we went to a dollar restaurant instead of a peso one." -prandial<br />
<br />
Don't dismiss the slogans that adorn billboards, storefronts and walls in Cuba as revolutionary propaganda. Many of the quotes belong to Jose Marti, and read in proper context, they're beautiful evocations of freedom and morality. Marti is one of Cuba's national heroes (he helped the country achieve independence from Spain) and is also acknowledged as one of the Caribbean's first modern poets.<br />
<br />
Do take in the view of Havana from the rooftop bar (and swimming pool) of the 17-story Capri Hotel. Little seems to have changed there since its days as a Mafia hangout, and the view is fantastic.<br />
<br />
Don't be shocked to hear locals get the attention of restaurant waiters or friends on the street by pursing their lips and making an animated sucking or kissing sound.<br />
<br />
Try to get a ride in a cadillac. But they'll probably throw you out as they aren't licensed cabs. <br />
<br />
Eating in Paladares can be fun, if you find a good one it's excellent. But it's a risk and a tricky one without speaking any Spanish.<br />
<br />
==Tourist Traps==<br />
<br />
A lot of the Cuban cigars sold even in Cuba are fake or inferior.<br />
<br />
You will be hassled a lot on the streets, low grade begging, nothing dangerous. <br />
<br />
You'll find it near impossible not to be fleeced if you don't speak any Spanish (and pretty hard not to be even if you do) - most people who speak English are those who've learnt it to work with tourists. <br />
<br />
If you hook up with some locals, they may suggest going with you to a place that's really touristy, saying they like it. In fact it's because you'll be paying their cover charge and they'll collect their cut later. If somebody tells you to go to "Cabaret Tropicana", bear in mind that this place is expensive and you'll see a typical cabaret full of people trying to get money from you. <br />
<br />
In Old Habana, you'll have to dodge a lot of peddlers hawking "Cohibas" , cigars, and 'herbal aphrodysiacs' and whatnot, but they aren't that pushy if you politely don't show interest. Just remember to NEVER EVER buy from these people. If these people are caught by the police selling to you they could get in serious trouble and you possibly as well. If you buy cigars make sure they have the government seal on the side of the box.<br />
<br />
La Guarida don't bribe the taxi drivers- so if any of them tell you the restaurant is closed or has been closed for a while- don't believe them. Persist, and they will take you there. <br />
<br />
The official money of Cuba is now the Cuban Convertible Peso, or CUC. They're called "chavitos." It's best to use the official money exchange venues as counterfeiting and theft is not unknown.<br />
They're another type of money in circulation called "moneda nacional." If you do not have Cuban friends it's unlikely a tourist would have occasion to use the non-convertible peso, which is valued at about 20-1 to the CUC. A common scam is paying in chavitos and getting nacional in return.<br />
<br />
Another common scam is to take a one CUC bank note and add a zero behind the one to make it look like a 10 CUC bank note. The scammer then looks for a tourist to help him (or her) to make change and the tourist gets stuck with the doctored note. ALWAYS make sure that any 10 CUC notes also say Diez on them and not UNO!!!<br />
<br />
Old Habana is the bag-snatching capital of Cuba- so BE WARNED.<br />
<br />
"Don't be shocked if you're approached by a prostitute (jinetera) in Havana—though this almost exclusively happens to male travelers." <br />
<br />
Oh dear. For many years, Cuba was seen as a sexual playground for foreign men, and the expectation still lingers, especially in nightclubs. <br />
<br />
Don't confuse 'hotel' with 'motel,' 'inn' or 'posada.' The latter three rent by the hour.<br />
<br />
==Suggested Itinerary==<br />
<br />
This is just Elín's suggested itinerary (edited/ added to by Matt), based on what I know of the best places to go and the most interesting things to do in Havana. It sounds good to ME, I hope you think it sounds interesting as well.<br />
<br />
===Cuba: 1st half - Havana===<br />
<br />
'''Accommodation''' Havana, [http://www.cuba.tc/Havana/Parkview.html|Hotel Park View] (3* modern hotel near centre). Triple room (apparently) EUR 294 (~£22 pppn) total for 3 nights.<br />
Booked & paid. <br />
<br />
This should have a good view from the 7th floor restaurant.<br />
<br />
====Day 12 - Wednesday 8th Nov 2006====<br />
<br />
Following on from [http://www.indivisibilities.com/wiki/index.php/Yucutan#Day_11.2C_Tuesday_7th_November_PM_-_Day_12.2C_Wednesday_8th_November_-_Canc.C3.BAn Cancun], I'm not sure when we will arrive at Havana on this day. The official handover time, of the rubber chicken from Marc to Matt will be: 9.15pm. We'll probably land in Havana in the evening, and won't have time to do very much. We'll have to check into our hotel, and then can spend a nice evening chilling out - with a coffee, or a beer (whatever's your poison!).<br />
<br />
====Day 13 - Thursday 9th Nov====<br />
<br />
The start time of this day being unknown, I will assume it to be in between 2-4pm. This should give you time to get to Cuba, get to your hotel and settle in. However, should you find yourself with time on your hands in the morning, arriving early, you should check out the very good but naturally very secluded and isolated spot of the '''Necropolis de Colon''', first and foremost. If you STILL have excess time, check out the '''Universidad de Habana''' and the student hero Julio Antonio Mella. If you get there REALLY early or my timing is really off and you end up with loads of spare time on your hands you can make a REALLY out of the way trip to Miniature Havana all the way over in Miramar, though I think it's unlikely. <br />
<br />
2-4pm: We will start by going over the bridge to the '''Parque Historico Morro y Cabana''', and explore the two forts and various museums at this complex. Have dinner at one of the restaurants here and be sure to catch the '''Canonaza ceremony''' (ceremony of the cannon) at the '''Castillo de los Tres Reyes del Morro''' at 9pm, before heading back to your hotel for a good night's sleep.<br />
<br />
====Day 14 - Friday 10th Nov====<br />
<br />
Make sure to book ahead for a reservation at La Guarida! It's very popular.<br />
<br />
8-8.30am: Though it's unlikely you'll be staying here, if it's breakfast you want, head to Le Veranda at the quite famous '''Hotel Nacional''', who do an English breakfast, American, continental and cereal breakfast to meet all breakfasting needs. After that, within the Hotel Nacional, you can visit the '''Tagonana cave''', for FREE! A couple of blocks away from the Hotel Nacional is the famous '''Coppelia Ice Cream shop''', where one can get 22 scoops for about 50p. <br />
<br />
You can eat your ice cream whilst wandering along '''The Malecon''', the local 'place to be' for the Cubans, apparently. Also a good place, I believe, to change money and do that kind of thing if you need to.<br />
<br />
Take a taxi or bus or whatever to '''Parque Central''', where you should be able to get some lunch.<br />
<br />
12.30 - Check out the very nearby '''Edificio Bacardi''', take some snaps, it's pretty darn Art Deco. Then make your way back through Parque Centro to the '''Gran Teatro'''. Pass that and take your tour of the '''Fabrica de Tobaco Partagas'''. Don't forget it closes at 2pm!!! You can always go back and do the Edificio Bacardi if you find you're short of time. If you can, pick up some cigars for later smokage.<br />
<br />
[[image:capitolio.jpg|right|Capitolio Nacional]]<br />
<br />
2pm- Go to the just-next-foor '''Capitolio Nacional'''. You can go inside, be impressed, and then take a horse and carriage (ooh) to '''Plaza de Catedral'''. Look at the Catedral and take some more snaps, and think 'hmm. Cathedral.' before checking out the apparently, best plaza, Plaza Catedral. <br />
<br />
Now, detailed instructions follow. From the plaza, it's a two minute walk along San Ignacio, and Mercaderes on your way to '''Plaza de Armas'''. Along Mercederes you will pass a '''giant mural''', portraying 67 figures from the history of arts and politics in Havana. Take a token snap, and then get your butts to the Plaza Armas, the oldest and most animated of Havana's plazas. Due North of the plaza just across O'Reilly (or 'Radar') street, is the '''Castillo de la Real Fuerza'''. There is also, near the plaza, '''El Templete''', a rather incongruous scaled down version of the Parthenon. I think it sounds cute, (a small temple, a 'templette' aw!), so you should take some pics. Unless it's rubbish. <br />
<br />
Now, from the plaza, making your way down the busy shopping street '''Obispo''', go to '''Ambos Mundos''' and up to the '''roof garden''' for a '''mojito''' in the afternoon light. You might also want to whip out those '''cigars'''. Relax, safe in the knowledge that you have totally '''pwned Havana''' in just two days. However, your work is not yet done. No. Cigars and Mojitos are all well and good. But...<br />
<br />
5pm: Just a short hike away is '''Museo de Fundacion Destilera Havana Club''', apparently one of the most interesting things to do in Havana, it's also known as the Museo del Ron, that's right, '''RUM!''' (Drink up me 'earties, yo ho...Yo ho, yo ho, a pirate's life for me! ok enough of that.) Check out this museum just before heading to '''La Guarida''' for your 6.30 ? reservation. Then head out to '''Macumba Habana''' for dancing, or to a '''Zorra y el Cuervo''' for a '''jaaaazzz concert'''.<br />
<br />
===Cuba: 2nd half - Veradero===<br />
<br />
'''Accommodation''' Varadero, [http://www.cuba.tc/Varadero/Kawama.html| Villa Kawama] Calle 0, Reparto Kawama,Varadero (4*; built 1930). Triple room (apparently) EUR 330 (~£25 pppn) total for 3 nights.<br />
Booked & paid. <br />
<br />
Bordered by 300m of beach. <br />
<br />
====Day 15 - Saturday 11th Nov====<br />
<br />
Ok initially I was going to say - Day 15, go to Maria La Gorda, via teh lovely countryside of Vinales. However, if you went to this side of the island you'd pretty much have to stay that side, and there's not much else to do. Otherwise, the drive to Varadero would be about 5-7 hours, and that's after the 3 or 4 hour drive to Maria La Gorda in the first place! Sadly it is just not do-able, so today we go to '''Varadero'''. <br />
<br />
Todays priorities are: to book the Trinidad trip for day 16, and maybe have a look at the scuba diving situation (planned for day 17) - ask at reception if you can just turn up at the scuba diving place, or if it's necessary or better to book. <br />
<br />
The first day you arrive in Varadero and to make up for the lack of dive-age in Maria La Gorda, I think it would be good to go diving at the Marina Varadero Gaviota. With free transfer from your hotel to the Marina, which is right at the end of Varadero, and free initiation courses for people who have never been diving before. $35 for a single dive, you can go diving at the Cuevo de Saturno (including transfers) which sounds fun.<br />
<br />
On the scuba diving front, another option is: Barracuda diving club. This seems better equipped, and best organized for first time divers. There are beginners classes starting at around USD 70, for a theory class, a lesson in a swimming pool and then a sea dive. <br />
<br />
If you go clubbing tonight, a great place to round off the day- is the disco in the cave! Cueva del Pirata- sounds groovy to me =D There's also a club on a boat moored on the Veradado canal- La Patuna, and the lively Palacio de la Rumba, one of the best designed venues. For Marc, there is 'Splash', with a "high cheeseometer rating for the watered down club and pop music is plays" xD Just kiddin. ;)<br />
<br />
====Day 16 - Sunday 12th Nov====<br />
<br />
Right, so you are in Varadero right? So the natural thing to do...is take a day trip to '''Trinidad'''. Well, Varadero is great for these little trips. There are daytrip flights going on all the time from Varadero to Trinidad (Matt - i think it says in the Cuba book something about these daytrips..) Anyways, I think you should do a day tour of Trinidad. So that's day 16. Again if you have time in the evening, check out Varadero.<br />
<br />
====Day 17 - Monday 13th Nov====<br />
<br />
You can either take a half-day trip to the '''Cuevas de Bellamar''', and/or you can just chill out on the apparently gorgeous beaches of Varadero, assuming the weather's nice. <br />
<br />
====Day 18 - Tuesday 14th Nov====<br />
<br />
Today, we go back from Veradero to Havana, (but I'm not sure when yet). <br />
<br />
Go home! - Flight leaves at 21.15 today.<br />
------------------------------<br />
<br />
Thus endeth the itinerary. You can utterly disregard it, utterly follow it, mix and match bits or use some parts and not others - either way I won't be offended, just enjoy yourselves!! =)<br />
<br />
==FAQ==<br />
<br />
FAQ:<br />
<br />
Feel free to add questions here!<br />
<br />
'''''Who are Fidel Castro and Che Guavera?'''''<br />
<br />
Fidel and Che were friends who fought guerilla style against a very corrupt dictator, Balistra Machado, who ran Cuba before Fidel managed to take over. They believe in Marxist ideals, which is why Cuba is now Communist, and America are now scared/angry/ sulking. Che was killed and is now seen as a sort of hero, though he actually was against the 'celebrity' idea, he's been turned into one.<br />
<br />
'''''Why is ice cream so cheap at The Coppelia?'''''<br />
<br />
Communist-> equal for everyone -> ice cream that everyone can afford. I think it's funded by the state or something. But I've heard it's not bad icecream.<br />
<br />
'''''Who's that student hero guy again?'''''<br />
<br />
Julio Antonio Mella enrolled at the Universidad de la Habana aged 16. He soon became one of the leading forces behind the University Student's Federation (FEU), his rousing speeches stirring a generation of students to protest university corruption. His campaign against the appointment of incompetent and unqualified professors through nepotism and political favours paid off, and in 1923 over a hundred hapless professors were dismissed. After graduation, he became famous for roaming Havana and giving lectures on Marxism to workers. In 1927 he fled to Mexico, fearful that his outspoken diatribes against Machado's goverment had earned him enemies. Sadly his fears proved corect, and in 1929 was shot in the street of Mexico City with ihs girlfriend. ='( Although never proved, it was widely assumed that Machado was responsible. <br />
<br />
==Red tape==<br />
<br />
Embassies and visas<br />
<br />
UK: Cuban Embassy 167 High Holborn, London WC1 6PA; Consular section: 15 Grape Street, London WC1 (020 7240 2488).<br />
<br />
Cuba: British Embassy Calle 34, Number 702/4, entre 7ma Avenida y 17, Miramar, Havana (53 7 241 771).<br />
<br />
Visa requirements: Virtually all visitors need a Cuban visa or tourist card, which allows a stay of 30 days. In the UK, visas for all nationalities cost £15 and can be obtained over the counter at the embassy, or direct from your travel agent. Postal visa applications take 1-2 weeks to process. Visitors need a return ticket, and proof that they have booked a hotel room for at least three nights. The US prohibits its citizens from travelling to Cuba unless they obtain a licence, usually reserved for journalists or government officials.<br />
<br />
==Useful Links:==<br />
<br />
Visa - [http://www.cubaldn.com/englishFiles/consuladoin.htm Embassy of Cuba]<br />
<br />
For practicalities - health, climate etc.<br />
[http://travel.guardian.co.uk/countries/information/0,8766,420477,00.html The Guardian]<br />
<br />
For geography, history & culture:<br />
[http://encarta.msn.com/encyclopedia_761569844/Cuba.html Encarta]<br />
<br />
[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cuba Wikipedia]</div>83.216.149.24https://indivisibilities.com/wiki/index.php?title=Cuba&diff=2483Cuba2006-10-26T19:58:54Z<p>83.216.149.24: /* Day 15 - Saturday 11th Nov */</p>
<hr />
<div><table border=1 align="right"><br />
<tr> <br />
<td colspan=2 align="center"> <b><font color=4C18B4>Cuba</font></b><br />
<tr><br />
<td align="center"> <br />
<br>[[Image:CubaFlag_40_per_cent.jpg]]<br><br><br />
Flag<br />
<td align="center"> <br />
[[Image:Cuba_coa_smaller.png]]<br><br />
Coat of Arms<br />
<br />
<!-- [[Image:flag.jpg]][[Image:coatofarms.jpg]] --><br />
<!---flag link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Flag_of_Cuba.svg<br />
coat of arms link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Cuba_coa.png-----><br />
<tr><br />
<td colspan=2 align="center"> Motto: Spanish: Patria y Libertad<br><br />
(English: "Homeland and Freedom")<br />
<tr><br />
<td colspan=2 align="center"> Anthem: [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/La_Bayamesa La Bayamesa] (The Bayamo Song)<br />
<tr><br />
<td colspan=2 align="center"> [[Image:LocationCuba.png]]<br />
<!--- Link to Map: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:LocationCuba.png --><br />
<tr><br />
<td> <b><font color=4C18B4>Capital</font></b> <td>[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Havana Havana]<br><br />
23°8′N 82°23′W<br />
<tr><br />
<td><b><font color=4C18B4>Largest City</font></b> <td>[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Havana Havana]<br />
<tr><br />
<td><b><font color=4C18B4>Official Language</font></b> <td>Spanish<br />
<tr><br />
<td><b><font color=4C18B4>Government:</font> </b><br><br />
President of the <br><br />
[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Council_of_State_of_Cuba Council of State of Cuba:] <br />
<td>Republic <br><br> <br />
[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fidel_Castro Fidel Castro]<br />
<tr><br />
<td><b><font color=4C18B4>Independence</font> </b><br><br />
- Declared from Spain <br><br />
- Cuban Republic declared<br><br />
- Date recognised in Cuba<br />
<td><br />
[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ten_Years%27_War Ten Years' War]<br><br />
October 10, 1868<br><br />
May 20, 1902<br><br />
January 1, 1959<br />
<tr><br />
<td><b><font color=4C18B4>Area</font> </b><br> - Total<br> - Water (%) <br />
<td>110,860 km² ([http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_and_outlying_territories_by_area 104th])<br><br />
42,803 sq mi <br><br />
negligible <br />
<tr><br />
<td><b><font color=4C18B4>Population</font> </b><br><br />
- 2005 est.<br><br />
- 2002 census<br><br />
- Density<br />
<td> 11,345,670 ([http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_by_population 70th])<br><br />
11,177,743<br><br />
102/km² ([http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_by_population_density 73rd])<br><br />
264/sq mi <br><br />
<br />
<tr><br />
<td><b><font color=4C18B4>GDP</font></b> <br><br />
- Total<br><br />
- Per Capita<br />
<td> 2004 estimate<br><br />
$33.9 billion ([http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_by_GDP_%28PPP%29 89th])<br><br />
$3,000 ([http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_by_GDP_%28PPP%29_per_capita 126th])<br />
<tr><br />
<td><b><font color=4C18B4>Human Development <br>Index</font> </b><br />
<td> 0.817 ([http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_by_Human_Development_Index 52nd]) - high<br />
<tr><br />
<td><b><font color=4C18B4>Currency </font></b> <br />
<td>Peso <br><br />
Convertible peso <br>(see ~1~)<br />
<tr><br />
<td><b><font color=4C18B4>Time Zone</font></b> <br><br />
- Summer (DST)<br />
<td>EST <br><br />
(Starts April 1, <br>end date varies)<br />
<tr><br />
<td><b><font color=4C18B4>Internet TLD</font></b> <br />
<td> .cu<br />
<tr><br />
<td><b><font color=4C18B4>Calling Code</font></b> <br />
<td> +53<br />
<tr><br />
<td colspan=2 align="center"> <font color=4C18B4>~1~</font> 1993–2004, the U.S. dollar was used in<br> addition to the peso until the dollar was<br> replaced by the convertible peso.<br />
</table><br />
<br />
<br />
==Cuba==<br />
<br />
<br><br />
<br />
====Overview====<br />
<br />
Known as the "Pearl of the Antilles", Cuba offers picturesque colonial towns, an Afro-Cuban culture, almost 300 unblemished beaches, great countryside, potent rum and excellent beer. Cuba is great for scuba diving, yachting, fishing, hiking, horseback riding and golf. Cuba has been described as a "fascinating smorgasbord [[http://www.google.co.uk/search?hl=en&q=define%3A+smorgasbord&meta= (eh?)]] of nonstop discovery and experience".<br />
<br><br><br />
<br />
====Timing====<br />
November is the start of the dry season in cuba. Temperatures are normally around 27 Celsius. We will also miss the peak tourist season (mid Dec. to mid-March, & all of July & August). <br><br><br />
<br />
====About Cuba====<br />
<br />
Cuba is the largest Caribbean island [16th largest island in the world :-) ]. In fact, it is bigger than all 3700 other Caribbean islands put together! Of its 11m inhabitants, 60% are of Spanish descent; there are also substantial African and mixed-race minorities. Spain colonised Cuba in 1512 and decimated its indigenous population of Arawak Indians. In 1898 the US occupied the country, but relations soured in 1959 when the charismatic Fidel Castro came to power. The ban on US tourism has its advantages: apart from the coastal resort of Varadero the island remains non-commercial, and the people genuinely friendly. Well known for its musical culture, the rumba, mambo, cha cha cha, son and salsa all originated in Cuba. The Capital, Havana, founded on its present site in 1519, is one of the oldest cities in the Americas.<br><br />
<br><br />
<br />
[[Image:Cubamap.gif]]<br />
<br />
====Things to do, when in Cuba====<br />
<br />
- smoke Cuban cigars<br />
<br />
- take a ride in a Vintage american car<br />
<br />
- stay in a 'casa particular' - a common phenomenon in Cuba - for locals to rent out a room or 2 of their houses for tourists, this is the best way to gain an insight into the country<br />
<br />
- drink 'Mojitos' - 'just the ticket after a hard day on the beach, Cuba's quintessential cocktail, a refreshing concoction of rum, limes & mint'<br />
<br />
==Havana==<br />
<br />
The capital, [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Havana Havana], with its colonial architecture and ostentatious 50s and 60s cars, is the biggest Caribbean city (pop. approx. 2.2 million) and the hub of Cuban nightlife.<br />
<br />
We will spend a good 2 or 3 days in Havana.<br />
<br />
Havana has four main areas: La Habana Vieja (Old Havana), a World Heritage Site; and La Habana Moderna (Modern Havana), no less attractive and full of life and visitors, Miramar, and Vedado.<br />
<br />
====Old Havana====<br />
<br />
"Old Havana has so much charm that only by visiting it can one capture fully the contrasts, sounds and colors that coexist there."<br />
[[Image:delmorro.jpg|left|The Castillo Del Morro]]<br />
Old Havana has all the appearance of a Spanish colonial city. Havana is ideally situated for trade and communications, and many of the defences built to protect it from pirates and corsairs still exist, which is why it is impossible to walk in Old Havana without encountering impressive fortresses like the Castillo de la Real Fuerza, the Castillo de San Salvador de la Punta, La Cabaña, and the most unique of them all, '''El Morro (Morro Castle)''', located at the entrance to the Bay. From here each night the lighthouse guides ships passing by Havana, and by day visitors come to admire the stunning views the capital has to offer.<br />
[[Image:Viejaplaza.jpg|right|The Vieja Plaza]]<br />
<br />
Old Havana also has spacious and beautiful cobbled plazas (squares) such as la Plaza de San Francisco de Asís, la Plaza de Armas, la Plaza Vieja and la Plaza de La Catedral (Cathedral Square), the latter a popular choice for photos and post cards of Cuba. Here you can try out some Cuban cocktails in an open air restaurant, while enjoying the view of the surrounding buildings and the sound of Cuban music in the air.<br />
<br />
Havana has numerous museums: the Palacio de los Capitanes Generales (Palace of the Spanish Governors) which houses the Museum of the City of Havana, the Gabinete Arqueológico (Archaeological Bureau) and the Museo del Chocolate (hmm!!)<br />
<br />
In nearby Morro Castle there is a permanent exhibition of the fort's construction process. Also located on that side of the Bay on a hillside is the giant statue of Christ of Casablanca, which is lit nightly. <br />
<br />
====Food====<br />
<br />
See this [http://travel.guardian.co.uk/activities/food/story/0,,1764375,00.html Guardian] article for some chit chat about food in Cuba.<br />
<br />
'''[http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/8373 La Guarida restaurant]''' - where the excellent food is matched by Baroque surroundings, in the location where the film Strawberry and Chocolate was filmed. Note- La Guarida is a Paledar. Paledars are privately run small restaurants in homes. The operators pay a fee to the government for the right to have up to eight tables. The food is often better than the boring, bland food offered at most official restaurants, and the prices are much better. Service, however, is frequently painfully slow, and menu items at many paledars are limited.<br />
<br />
Guardian comments about 'La Guarida': Of the scores of paladares in Havana only one really stands out - La Guarida. On a blank-sided street in a residential area you're ushered into a gloomy old apartment building where washing hangs from clotheslines.<br />
<br />
At the top of a staircase a door opens onto a jumbled three-room salon stuffed with bric-a-brac. There's a fully stocked bar with a good wine list, and the menu offers delights such as spicy gazpacho and tuna in coconut sauce. The service is first class, but the atmosphere is slightly subversive. You leave feeling that you've been given a glimpse into a secret Havana underworld - the controversial Cuban film Fresa y Chocolate was shot here in 1994 and La Guarida still attracts an arty clientele.<br />
<br />
====Modern Havana====<br />
[[Image:cemetary.jpg|left|Christopher Columbus Cemetary]]<br />
There is the state-subsidised '''Coppelia ice-cream parlour''' (you have to pay in pesos) where a dollar gets you 22 scoops. Apparently not bad ice cream.<br />
<br />
<br />
There are several night clubs that offer music programs, among them El Gato Tuerto (The One-Eyed Cat), the Jazz Café, the Cocodrilo (The Crocodile), the Habana Café and Dos Gardenias (Two Gardenias).<br />
[[Image:Malecon.jpg|right|The Malecón]]<br />
'''Necrópolis de Colón (Columbus Graveyard)''' - Besides its tranquility there are some amazing stories there. There is a tomb shaped like a domino piece, one surrounded by women who wanted to get pregnant, a pyramid tomb built for the professor of the school of architecture...lots of interesting things to see.<br />
<br />
It's along '''the Malecón''' that Havana's architecture really shines. From what I can gather, the Maelcón is a promenade much cherished by the people of Havana.<br />
<br />
<br />
====Miramar and Vedado====<br />
<br />
'''Fabrica de Tobaco Partagas''' -[[Image:bacardi.jpg|right|Edificio Bacardi]] A famous Havana cigar factory, offers a fascinating insight into the skills behind cigar making and lays bare some idiosyncratic Cuban working practices. Pricy, but good, apparently "more interesting and less touristy than expected". <br />
<br />
'''The Edificio Bacardi''' - A slice of dazzling art deco architecture, the former pre-revolution headquarters of Bacardí, the famous rum company, it is a fitting place for to enjoy a Cubre libre.<br />
<br />
'''Maqueta de la Habana (Miniature Havana)''' - The realistic scale model of Havana takes up almost 88 sq. m (946 sq. ft.). You can walk around it on the ground level, or climb a narrow interior balcony that rings three walls. This is not to be confused with a similar (and much smaller) scale model of Old Havana, found in Old Havana, of course.<br />
<br />
==Varadero==<br />
<br />
[[image:varadero.jpg]]<br />
<br />
There are lots of exiting tours and things to see in Varadero. Josone Park, in the center of Varadero, is a nature area with restaurants and cultural events which can be toured by horse and carriage from resort hotels.<br />
<br />
It's more than 20 km of excellent beaches, a broad strip of fine, white sand along the shoreline, and a continental shelf that softly sinks into a warm, crystal-clear sea of the most varied of blues. These are the chief tourist attractions of Varadero, a tourist city that is presently well-positioned in the International circuits.<br />
<br />
These natural wonders are enriched and complemented by the existence of numerous caves, cliffs, and lagoons. Varadero also has pristine, easy to reach keys and other interesting natural surroundings on the peninsula's easternmost tip, in addition to a set of cultural, historical, and environmental sites provided by the nearby cities of Matanzas and Cardenas and the Zapata Swamp Biosphere Reserve.<br />
<br />
You won't find legal Casas Particular in the area of Varadero, it's not alowed by the government for a Cuban to start a Casa in this area. Although there are some "Red Triangle" casas, those casas are only for Cubans, tourists are not allowed to stay in these casas particulares... <br />
<br />
Of course you can do stubborn and search out for yourself an illegal Casa Particular, and you will find them, remember that you risk getting thrown out on the streets at night by the police.<br />
<br />
Tours in Varadero run from the three Information centres which run more or less the same excursions for similar prices, and I based the itinerary activities on these common excursions, and all-day tours include lunch, usually. One of these trips goes to the Cuevas de Bellamar.<br />
<br />
Bellamar Cave, located at the exit of Matanzas city, is considered to be one of the wonders<br />
of Cuban geography. Famous for its karstic crystals, stalactites and stalagmites.<br />
Explored area of the cave is 3 km long, while its deepest part descends to 48 meters.<br />
<br />
==Trinidad==<br />
<br />
Trinidad is a relic of the early days of the Spanish colony. Trinidad Colonial past, unique architecture and magnificent location, between the mountains and Mexican Gulf, inspire tourist interest from around the world.<br />
Trinidad has five main squares and four churches date from the 18th and 19th centuries the whole city, cobbled streets and tiled roofs, is a national monument and since 1988 a UNESCO World Heritage Site. <br />
<br />
[[image:trinidad.jpg|left]]<br />
<br />
'''Ayala:''' This famous discotheque is housed in a beautiful underground grotto of eccentrically shaped stones and profound depth. A play of light and shadow, silence and noise envelopes the unique experience of a night out drinking and dancing. A variety of music is played and an assortment of imported and domestic beer and liquor is served, including the Mojita (Mint Rum Julip) and Cuba Libre (Rum and coke). The 60-person capacity is comprised mostly of those from the Las Cuevas Hotel and a young crowd from Trinidad. (Opening Hours 10:30p-3a daily; Admission Charge USD10)<br />
<br />
'''Getting there:''' Viazul ( +53 419 4448/ http://www.viazul.cu ) provides convenient daily bus service to Trinidad from Havana, Varadero, and Santiago de Cuba. Trinidad's bus terminal is located on Gustavo Izquierdo between Piro Guinart and Simon Bolivar.<br />
<br />
'''From Veradero:''' Viazul ( +53 45 61 4886/ http://www.viazul.cu ) offers bus service throughout Cuba including daily service between Havana, Trinidad and Varadero. The Varadero bus station is located at Calle 36 and the Autopista del Sur.<br />
<br />
==Other potential places to visit==<br />
<br />
Maria La Gorda - approx. 5 hrs drive from Havana - this seems to be the best place in Cuba for scuba diving. And also, you don't have to know how to scuba dive already!<br />
<br />
Caves that can be explored:<br />
<br />
Cueva del Cable, Cueva del Simón, de Paredones, del Indio, de los Tomates, de Quintanal, Astón, de Cagagüanes, de Palmarito, de Bitirí, Revuelta de los Chinos, de la Patana, Solapos de Jaruco and Caleta del Rosario <br />
<br />
==Transport in Cuba==<br />
<br />
There are two types of buses that run throughout Cuba, the dirt-cheap ones that are falling apart and stop at every roof they pass; and the more direct, fast and comfortable coaches with air con that cost in dollars but still not that much (eg. $60 for the whole length of the island). The fast ones sometimes leave from a different bus station, so look out for that.<br />
<br />
"if you do take a cab, try to take one of the government ones. I can't remember what the visual difference is, but it's worth finding out - the price is a tenth of a private hire cab." <br />
<br />
It's apparently relatively easy to catch a ride with a friendly local car-owner willing to act as a 'taxi'.<br />
<br />
- prandial<br />
<br />
This site is EXCELLENT:<br />
<br />
http://www.cuba-individual.com/e_horario.htm#Verkehrsmittel<br />
<br />
==Tourist Tips==<br />
<br />
Restaurants are reportedly relatively non-existent, because the economy won't support them. If you make sure to interact, it's seems that it's not hard to find a local who'll invite or direct you to a local house where they'll be willing to cook you a meal, for a small renumeration.<br />
<br />
Eat from street vendors. <br />
<br />
"A cheese sandwich is a cheese sandwich and the only time my friend and I got food poisoning was when we went to a dollar restaurant instead of a peso one." -prandial<br />
<br />
Don't dismiss the slogans that adorn billboards, storefronts and walls in Cuba as revolutionary propaganda. Many of the quotes belong to Jose Marti, and read in proper context, they're beautiful evocations of freedom and morality. Marti is one of Cuba's national heroes (he helped the country achieve independence from Spain) and is also acknowledged as one of the Caribbean's first modern poets.<br />
<br />
Do take in the view of Havana from the rooftop bar (and swimming pool) of the 17-story Capri Hotel. Little seems to have changed there since its days as a Mafia hangout, and the view is fantastic.<br />
<br />
Don't be shocked to hear locals get the attention of restaurant waiters or friends on the street by pursing their lips and making an animated sucking or kissing sound.<br />
<br />
Try to get a ride in a cadillac. But they'll probably throw you out as they aren't licensed cabs. <br />
<br />
Eating in Paladares can be fun, if you find a good one it's excellent. But it's a risk and a tricky one without speaking any Spanish.<br />
<br />
==Tourist Traps==<br />
<br />
A lot of the Cuban cigars sold even in Cuba are fake or inferior.<br />
<br />
You will be hassled a lot on the streets, low grade begging, nothing dangerous. <br />
<br />
You'll find it near impossible not to be fleeced if you don't speak any Spanish (and pretty hard not to be even if you do) - most people who speak English are those who've learnt it to work with tourists. <br />
<br />
If you hook up with some locals, they may suggest going with you to a place that's really touristy, saying they like it. In fact it's because you'll be paying their cover charge and they'll collect their cut later. If somebody tells you to go to "Cabaret Tropicana", bear in mind that this place is expensive and you'll see a typical cabaret full of people trying to get money from you. <br />
<br />
In Old Habana, you'll have to dodge a lot of peddlers hawking "Cohibas" , cigars, and 'herbal aphrodysiacs' and whatnot, but they aren't that pushy if you politely don't show interest. Just remember to NEVER EVER buy from these people. If these people are caught by the police selling to you they could get in serious trouble and you possibly as well. If you buy cigars make sure they have the government seal on the side of the box.<br />
<br />
La Guarida don't bribe the taxi drivers- so if any of them tell you the restaurant is closed or has been closed for a while- don't believe them. Persist, and they will take you there. <br />
<br />
The official money of Cuba is now the Cuban Convertible Peso, or CUC. They're called "chavitos." It's best to use the official money exchange venues as counterfeiting and theft is not unknown.<br />
They're another type of money in circulation called "moneda nacional." If you do not have Cuban friends it's unlikely a tourist would have occasion to use the non-convertible peso, which is valued at about 20-1 to the CUC. A common scam is paying in chavitos and getting nacional in return.<br />
<br />
Another common scam is to take a one CUC bank note and add a zero behind the one to make it look like a 10 CUC bank note. The scammer then looks for a tourist to help him (or her) to make change and the tourist gets stuck with the doctored note. ALWAYS make sure that any 10 CUC notes also say Diez on them and not UNO!!!<br />
<br />
Old Habana is the bag-snatching capital of Cuba- so BE WARNED.<br />
<br />
"Don't be shocked if you're approached by a prostitute (jinetera) in Havana—though this almost exclusively happens to male travelers." <br />
<br />
Oh dear. For many years, Cuba was seen as a sexual playground for foreign men, and the expectation still lingers, especially in nightclubs. <br />
<br />
Don't confuse 'hotel' with 'motel,' 'inn' or 'posada.' The latter three rent by the hour.<br />
<br />
==Suggested Itinerary==<br />
<br />
This is just Elín's suggested itinerary (edited/ added to by Matt), based on what I know of the best places to go and the most interesting things to do in Havana. It sounds good to ME, I hope you think it sounds interesting as well.<br />
<br />
===Cuba: 1st half - Havana===<br />
<br />
'''Accommodation''' Havana, [http://www.cuba.tc/Havana/Parkview.html|Hotel Park View] (3* modern hotel near centre). Triple room (apparently) EUR 294 total for 3 nights.<br />
Booked & paid. <br />
<br />
This should have a good view from the 7th floor restaurant.<br />
<br />
====Day 12 - Wednesday 8th Nov 2006====<br />
<br />
Following on from [http://www.indivisibilities.com/wiki/index.php/Yucutan#Day_11.2C_Tuesday_7th_November_PM_-_Day_12.2C_Wednesday_8th_November_-_Canc.C3.BAn Cancun], I'm not sure when we will arrive at Havana on this day. The official handover time, of the rubber chicken from Marc to Matt will be: 9.15pm. We'll probably land in Havana in the evening, and won't have time to do very much. We'll have to check into our hotel, and then can spend a nice evening chilling out - with a coffee, or a beer (whatever's your poison!).<br />
<br />
====Day 13 - Thursday 9th Nov====<br />
<br />
The start time of this day being unknown, I will assume it to be in between 2-4pm. This should give you time to get to Cuba, get to your hotel and settle in. However, should you find yourself with time on your hands in the morning, arriving early, you should check out the very good but naturally very secluded and isolated spot of the '''Necropolis de Colon''', first and foremost. If you STILL have excess time, check out the '''Universidad de Habana''' and the student hero Julio Antonio Mella. If you get there REALLY early or my timing is really off and you end up with loads of spare time on your hands you can make a REALLY out of the way trip to Miniature Havana all the way over in Miramar, though I think it's unlikely. <br />
<br />
2-4pm: We will start by going over the bridge to the '''Parque Historico Morro y Cabana''', and explore the two forts and various museums at this complex. Have dinner at one of the restaurants here and be sure to catch the '''Canonaza ceremony''' (ceremony of the cannon) at the '''Castillo de los Tres Reyes del Morro''' at 9pm, before heading back to your hotel for a good night's sleep.<br />
<br />
====Day 14 - Friday 10th Nov====<br />
<br />
Make sure to book ahead for a reservation at La Guarida! It's very popular.<br />
<br />
8-8.30am: Though it's unlikely you'll be staying here, if it's breakfast you want, head to Le Veranda at the quite famous '''Hotel Nacional''', who do an English breakfast, American, continental and cereal breakfast to meet all breakfasting needs. After that, within the Hotel Nacional, you can visit the '''Tagonana cave''', for FREE! A couple of blocks away from the Hotel Nacional is the famous '''Coppelia Ice Cream shop''', where one can get 22 scoops for about 50p. <br />
<br />
You can eat your ice cream whilst wandering along '''The Malecon''', the local 'place to be' for the Cubans, apparently. Also a good place, I believe, to change money and do that kind of thing if you need to.<br />
<br />
Take a taxi or bus or whatever to '''Parque Central''', where you should be able to get some lunch.<br />
<br />
12.30 - Check out the very nearby '''Edificio Bacardi''', take some snaps, it's pretty darn Art Deco. Then make your way back through Parque Centro to the '''Gran Teatro'''. Pass that and take your tour of the '''Fabrica de Tobaco Partagas'''. Don't forget it closes at 2pm!!! You can always go back and do the Edificio Bacardi if you find you're short of time. If you can, pick up some cigars for later smokage.<br />
<br />
[[image:capitolio.jpg|right|Capitolio Nacional]]<br />
<br />
2pm- Go to the just-next-foor '''Capitolio Nacional'''. You can go inside, be impressed, and then take a horse and carriage (ooh) to '''Plaza de Catedral'''. Look at the Catedral and take some more snaps, and think 'hmm. Cathedral.' before checking out the apparently, best plaza, Plaza Catedral. <br />
<br />
Now, detailed instructions follow. From the plaza, it's a two minute walk along San Ignacio, and Mercaderes on your way to '''Plaza de Armas'''. Along Mercederes you will pass a '''giant mural''', portraying 67 figures from the history of arts and politics in Havana. Take a token snap, and then get your butts to the Plaza Armas, the oldest and most animated of Havana's plazas. Due North of the plaza just across O'Reilly (or 'Radar') street, is the '''Castillo de la Real Fuerza'''. There is also, near the plaza, '''El Templete''', a rather incongruous scaled down version of the Parthenon. I think it sounds cute, (a small temple, a 'templette' aw!), so you should take some pics. Unless it's rubbish. <br />
<br />
Now, from the plaza, making your way down the busy shopping street '''Obispo''', go to '''Ambos Mundos''' and up to the '''roof garden''' for a '''mojito''' in the afternoon light. You might also want to whip out those '''cigars'''. Relax, safe in the knowledge that you have totally '''pwned Havana''' in just two days. However, your work is not yet done. No. Cigars and Mojitos are all well and good. But...<br />
<br />
5pm: Just a short hike away is '''Museo de Fundacion Destilera Havana Club''', apparently one of the most interesting things to do in Havana, it's also known as the Museo del Ron, that's right, '''RUM!''' (Drink up me 'earties, yo ho...Yo ho, yo ho, a pirate's life for me! ok enough of that.) Check out this museum just before heading to '''La Guarida''' for your 6.30 ? reservation. Then head out to '''Macumba Habana''' for dancing, or to a '''Zorra y el Cuervo''' for a '''jaaaazzz concert'''.<br />
<br />
===Cuba: 2nd half - Veradero===<br />
<br />
====Day 15 - Saturday 11th Nov====<br />
<br />
Ok initially I was going to say - Day 15, go to Maria La Gorda, via teh lovely countryside of Vinales. However, if you went to this side of the island you'd pretty much have to stay that side, and there's not much else to do. Otherwise, the drive to Varadero would be about 5-7 hours, and that's after the 3 or 4 hour drive to Maria La Gorda in the first place! Sadly it is just not do-able, so today we go to '''Varadero'''. <br />
<br />
Todays priorities are: to book the Trinidad trip for day 16, and maybe have a look at the scuba diving situation (planned for day 17) - ask at reception if you can just turn up at the scuba diving place, or if it's necessary or better to book. <br />
<br />
The first day you arrive in Varadero and to make up for the lack of dive-age in Maria La Gorda, I think it would be good to go diving at the Marina Varadero Gaviota. With free transfer from your hotel to the Marina, which is right at the end of Varadero, and free initiation courses for people who have never been diving before. $35 for a single dive, you can go diving at the Cuevo de Saturno (including transfers) which sounds fun.<br />
<br />
On the scuba diving front, another option is: Barracuda diving club. This seems better equipped, and best organized for first time divers. There are beginners classes starting at around USD 70, for a theory class, a lesson in a swimming pool and then a sea dive. <br />
<br />
If you go clubbing tonight, a great place to round off the day- is the disco in the cave! Cueva del Pirata- sounds groovy to me =D There's also a club on a boat moored on the Veradado canal- La Patuna, and the lively Palacio de la Rumba, one of the best designed venues. For Marc, there is 'Splash', with a "high cheeseometer rating for the watered down club and pop music is plays" xD Just kiddin. ;)<br />
<br />
====Day 16 - Sunday 12th Nov====<br />
<br />
Right, so you are in Varadero right? So the natural thing to do...is take a day trip to '''Trinidad'''. Well, Varadero is great for these little trips. There are daytrip flights going on all the time from Varadero to Trinidad (Matt - i think it says in the Cuba book something about these daytrips..) Anyways, I think you should do a day tour of Trinidad. So that's day 16. Again if you have time in the evening, check out Varadero.<br />
<br />
====Day 17 - Monday 13th Nov====<br />
<br />
You can either take a half-day trip to the '''Cuevas de Bellamar''', and/or you can just chill out on the apparently gorgeous beaches of Varadero, assuming the weather's nice. <br />
<br />
====Day 18 - Tuesday 14th Nov====<br />
<br />
Today, we go back from Veradero to Havana, (but I'm not sure when yet). <br />
<br />
Go home! - Flight leaves at 21.15 today.<br />
------------------------------<br />
<br />
Thus endeth the itinerary. You can utterly disregard it, utterly follow it, mix and match bits or use some parts and not others - either way I won't be offended, just enjoy yourselves!! =)<br />
<br />
==FAQ==<br />
<br />
FAQ:<br />
<br />
Feel free to add questions here!<br />
<br />
'''''Who are Fidel Castro and Che Guavera?'''''<br />
<br />
Fidel and Che were friends who fought guerilla style against a very corrupt dictator, Balistra Machado, who ran Cuba before Fidel managed to take over. They believe in Marxist ideals, which is why Cuba is now Communist, and America are now scared/angry/ sulking. Che was killed and is now seen as a sort of hero, though he actually was against the 'celebrity' idea, he's been turned into one.<br />
<br />
'''''Why is ice cream so cheap at The Coppelia?'''''<br />
<br />
Communist-> equal for everyone -> ice cream that everyone can afford. I think it's funded by the state or something. But I've heard it's not bad icecream.<br />
<br />
'''''Who's that student hero guy again?'''''<br />
<br />
Julio Antonio Mella enrolled at the Universidad de la Habana aged 16. He soon became one of the leading forces behind the University Student's Federation (FEU), his rousing speeches stirring a generation of students to protest university corruption. His campaign against the appointment of incompetent and unqualified professors through nepotism and political favours paid off, and in 1923 over a hundred hapless professors were dismissed. After graduation, he became famous for roaming Havana and giving lectures on Marxism to workers. In 1927 he fled to Mexico, fearful that his outspoken diatribes against Machado's goverment had earned him enemies. Sadly his fears proved corect, and in 1929 was shot in the street of Mexico City with ihs girlfriend. ='( Although never proved, it was widely assumed that Machado was responsible. <br />
<br />
==Red tape==<br />
<br />
Embassies and visas<br />
<br />
UK: Cuban Embassy 167 High Holborn, London WC1 6PA; Consular section: 15 Grape Street, London WC1 (020 7240 2488).<br />
<br />
Cuba: British Embassy Calle 34, Number 702/4, entre 7ma Avenida y 17, Miramar, Havana (53 7 241 771).<br />
<br />
Visa requirements: Virtually all visitors need a Cuban visa or tourist card, which allows a stay of 30 days. In the UK, visas for all nationalities cost £15 and can be obtained over the counter at the embassy, or direct from your travel agent. Postal visa applications take 1-2 weeks to process. Visitors need a return ticket, and proof that they have booked a hotel room for at least three nights. The US prohibits its citizens from travelling to Cuba unless they obtain a licence, usually reserved for journalists or government officials.<br />
<br />
==Useful Links:==<br />
<br />
Visa - [http://www.cubaldn.com/englishFiles/consuladoin.htm Embassy of Cuba]<br />
<br />
For practicalities - health, climate etc.<br />
[http://travel.guardian.co.uk/countries/information/0,8766,420477,00.html The Guardian]<br />
<br />
For geography, history & culture:<br />
[http://encarta.msn.com/encyclopedia_761569844/Cuba.html Encarta]<br />
<br />
[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cuba Wikipedia]</div>83.216.149.24https://indivisibilities.com/wiki/index.php?title=Airduct_Administration&diff=2401Airduct Administration2006-10-21T13:21:30Z<p>83.216.149.24: </p>
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<br />
Welcome to Airduct Administration. In this course we will be discussing Airduct neutrality; airduct hygiene, health and safety; airducts and spam; and spam spam airducts and spam.<br />
<br />
Obviously, airduct administration is metaphorical, and actually this is a page about all forms of ventilation. First for some definitions. Someone who speaks through an airduct and you can't see their lips move is known as a Ventiloquist. <br />
<br />
An Airduct must never EVER be confused with an Air Duck. Though this is a common mistake (particularly use of 'Duct tape' and 'Duck tape') an Air Duck is in fact a flying duck. This must not be confused with a flying fuck. What this page is not about, is flying fucks. Back to ventilation...<br />
<br />
That's enough of a cover I think. On to the real reason we're here <_< >_> <br />
<br />
Operation Airduct: New York New York<br />
<br />
Let's twalk about nu Yawk...<br />
<br />
Signing off, Agent Air Duck<br />
<br />
Mission Brief: Intelligence have just informed us that there are some air-ducts in New York which require, well.... administering; thus necessitating a trip. Several good ducks have died to bring us this information....<br />
<br />
==New York==<br />
<br />
===Who's going anyway?===<br />
<br />
Volunteers with the appropriate qualifications are:<br />
<br />
- Matt<br />
<br />
- Elin<br />
<br />
===When to go===<br />
<br />
Possible times to go are: <br />
<br />
- April/ May (during Elin's Easter hols)<br />
- Early September (just before Elin goes back to uni)<br />
<br />
Either way, I would have thought 10 days would be enough to do the job. <br />
<br />
===What to do===</div>83.216.149.24https://indivisibilities.com/wiki/index.php?title=MexicoCuba&diff=2181MexicoCuba2006-09-02T11:38:41Z<p>83.216.149.24: /* Who is coming */</p>
<hr />
<div>== Mexico Cuba 2006 ==<br />
<br />
=== Introduction ===<br />
<br />
This is a holiday idea that I have been whinging on about for some time now after the thouroughly excellent times I had in Peru and Egypt . The thought behind Mexico & Cuba 2006 is to combine the latin flavours of central america through the tequilla & salsa music with the ancient wonder of the pyramids. At the time of writing (February 2006) this is still simply an idea so the purpose of this page is to do some perelimenary investigation into whather the whole idea is possible at all --Tom<br />
<br />
==Possible Stumbling Blocks==<br />
* VISAs and beurocracy in and out of cuba<br />
* Moving around<br />
* Hurricanes<br />
* Picking a date<br />
* Getting annual leave<br />
* Who is coming anyway<br />
* Costs<br />
<br />
== Plan ==<br />
A) Fly in to Mexico city, travel down to cancun (coach/rail) and over to Havana (Boat/Plane.)<br />
<br />
B) Do the whole thing the other way round if the flights are a lot cheaper.<br />
<br />
[[Image:bigmap.JPG]]<br />
<br />
===Flights===<br />
We've booked our flights now, woohoo -<br />
<br />
'''Outbound Flights'''<br />
{| border="1" cellpadding="2"<br />
! From!! To !! Date and Time !!Flight No!! Class !! Carrier<br />
|-<br />
|London - LHR || Paris - CDG || Fri 27th Oct 2006 13:05 - 15:15 || AF1571 || Class: Economy || Air France<br />
|-<br />
|Paris - CDG || Mexico City - MEX || Fri 27th Oct 2006 16:15 - 21:10 || AF434 || Class: Economy || Air France<br />
|}<br />
<br />
'''Return flights'''<br />
{| border="1" cellpadding="2"<br />
! From!! To !! Date and Time !!Flight No!! Class !! Carrier<br />
|-<br />
|Havana - HAV || Paris - CDG || Tue 14th Nov 2006 21:15 - 11:05 next day || AF479 || Class: Economy ||Air France<br />
|-<br />
|Paris - CDG || London - LHR || Wed 15th Nov 2006 12:00 - 12:15 || AF1570 || Class: Economy || Air France<br />
|}<br />
<br />
===Cities===<br />
*Mexico City<br />
*???<br />
*Cancun<br />
*Havana<br />
<br />
===Must see sights===<br />
*Teotithuacan<br />
*Mexico city<br />
*General Aztec/Mayan stuff<br />
*Tequilla plantations<br />
*Gulf of mexico coast<br />
*Havana<br />
<br />
===Moving around===<br />
<br />
'''Mexico'''<br />
*Coach<br />
*Rail?<br />
<br />
I have found two companies offering flights between Cancun and Havana<br />
[http://www.clickmx.com/ Click Mexicana] (Around £80 ish)<br />
and <br />
[http://www.cubana.co.cu Cubana] (Around £100 ish)<br />
<br />
(Both sites are in Spanish)<br />
<br />
There is an online currency converter [http://www.xe.com/ here]<br />
<br />
'''Cuba'''<br />
<br />
''Unknown'' - Possibly not that much moving around<br />
<br />
== Detailed Plan ==<br />
[[MexicoCity|MexicoCity to Palenque 27th Oct 9:15 pm - 2nd November 9:15pm]]<br />
<br />
[[Yucutan|Palenque to Cancun (The Yucutan) 2nd November 9:15pm - 8th November 9:15pm]]<br />
<br />
[[Cuba|Cancun to Havana (Cuba) 8th November 9:15pm - 14th November 9:15pm]]<br />
<br />
== ToDo ==<br />
=== Get jabs ===<br />
<br />
* Hepatitis A<br />
* Typhoid<br />
* Polio<br />
* Tetanus<br />
* Yellow Fever (?)<br />
* Malaria (?)<br />
<br />
=== Get insurance ===<br />
<br />
=== Who is coming===<br />
* Tom<br />
* Marc<br />
* Matt<br />
<br />
== Comments ==<br />
<br />
Matt: According to Cyril & Nick at work, Cancun is "a hole", Americanised, touristy, Burger Kings... But a few miles south is a nice town...</div>83.216.149.24https://indivisibilities.com/wiki/index.php?title=Nerd_Olympics&diff=2180Nerd Olympics2006-09-02T11:33:40Z<p>83.216.149.24: /* Scoring */</p>
<hr />
<div>== Nerd Olympic Board ==<br />
<br />
As many of you will know, we have decided to form an executive committee to decide the nature, content and venue of the Nerd Olympics, known as the Nerd Olympic Board, or NOB for short.<br />
<br />
What we haven't discussed yet is a leader and forgive me if I am speaking out of turn, but I would like to nominate Marc as the head of this board. Would other nerd members please indicate if you think Marc is a NOB-head as well.<br />
<br />
<center><br />
{| border="1" cellpadding="2"<br />
! Marc should be the NOB-head !! Marc should not be the NOB-head<br />
|-<br />
| Marc || <br />
|-<br />
| Abi ||<br />
|-<br />
| Neil (Marc is a natural) ||<br />
|-<br />
|Lee||<br />
|-<br />
|}<br />
</center><br />
<br />
== Participants ==<br />
<br />
We need a list of definite competitors for the Nerd Olympics. It seems as though we may have a few new additions. All competitors should be willing to participate in the whole competition. The list of definitely competitors is as follows:<br />
<br />
* Marc<br />
* Lee<br />
* Neil<br />
* Abi<br />
* Matt<br />
* Elín<br />
* Tim<br />
* Sissy<br />
<br />
We need to get this list finialised A.S.A.P.<br />
<br />
== Venue ==<br />
<br />
The Nerd Olympics will be held at a variety of stadia around England. Each host should aim to hold about four medium sized events. People willing to host events are as follows:<br />
<br />
* Neil / Abi<br />
* Marc<br />
* Lee (can I have Tetris?)<br />
* Tim / Sissy<br />
<br />
== Round 1 - Hemel Hempstead Stadium ==<br />
<br />
Is any-one interested in having round 1 of the nerd olympics this weekend? At our flat (Neil & Abi)? It'd just be a good excuse to play SingStar. Abi's working on Saturday but people could come round Saturday evening and have some events on Sunday morning? I'll have to hunt out a good pool pub. We could formulate a final list of events for round 1 in the meantime via the Wiki.<br />
<br />
'''Note''': Tim can't make this weekend, and doubtless other people won't be able to too, so we'd have to think of another date. Any ideas?<br />
<br />
'''Note''': Lee also can't make this weekend as she is moving house!!!!! Her room is now a moving mess, but it is all very exciting.<br />
<br />
Next weekend is proms in the park<br />
<br />
Maybe the weekend after that (22nd & 23rd) or in six weekends time?<br />
<br />
22nd & 23rd is good for me - ''Neil''<br />
<br />
'''Note''': Please don't have it without Lee. She really wants to play too...<br />
<br />
'''Note''': Can I play? - ''Elín''<br />
<br />
Yeah, of course! - Neil<br />
<br />
'''Note''': ^_^ - ''Elín''<br />
<br />
Elín will have to get bonus nerd points before even starting the competition for going through all the effort of typing that funny unicode character in her name everytime! - Neil<br />
<br />
'''NEWS FLASH''' - What about having the first round on the 9th September? It is also my bifday weekend so we can have a piss up for that (and Elin's and Lee's bifdays as well if they want). Whaddya fink? ''Abi''<br />
<br />
=== Events ===<br />
<br />
; Specialist round : We could have a short quiz where everybody answers questions on somebody else's special chosen subject. We could agree the subjects beforehand to prevent people from picking stupid topics. We'd have to think of someway to stop people picking impossible to answer questions that nobody would ever know though.<br />
<br />
; Pool : Standard knock-out tournament, à la the world cup? I think the hotel across the road has pool but I'd have to investigate prices.<br />
<br />
; Death-tank : Simple - depending on number of players, everyone can just play at once<br />
<br />
Neil, do you have Death Tank available at your house? How many players max? -- Marc<br />
<br />
Yup, despite Abi's protesting my Saturn is still cluttering up the flat. I've got six controllers but I think it can do it up to 7 if anyone knows a place to get cheap Saturn controllers. Ooh, actually there's one on [http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/SEGA-SATURN-OFFICIAL-CONTROLE-PAD-CONTROLLER-UK-PAL_W0QQitemZ110006400435QQihZ001QQcategoryZ3654QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem ebay]. Yay, I've won a different one for £1! So if we ever do one day hold the olympics (sob sob) then death tank will be a nice quick round with everyone simoultaneously -- Neil<br />
<br />
; Singstar : Some kind of complicated system where you have home and away matches so that you get to choose the song on home matches or something<br />
<br />
BTW - Abi is obsessed with SingStar and she's bought the Rocks! disc again despite taking two of them back for not working. This one seems ok for now though so with we've now got all of them. -- Neil<br />
<br />
; Typing : Take it in turns typing up a letter and deduct marks "according to the level of" accuracy?<br />
<br />
Deduct marks for accuracy? How ironic -- Marc<br />
<br />
Is that ok? -- Neil<br />
<br />
I"ll b grate, woo hoo! - bAi<br />
<br />
- ooh actually could we have an accurate punctuation test as well? We could combine it with spelling bee idea. I'll get Esty to set the questions.<br />
<br />
; Tetris : The original GameBoy version, most lines in 10 minutes or something? - how about some sort of tournament involving head-to-head matches, as we did in A-levels?<br />
<br />
I think we could do both types - a knock out tournament and most lines in x minutes -- Marc<br />
<br />
We could collect points for each round with points for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place.<br />
<br />
Let's give everyone who participates points wherever possible. It'll encourage everyone to join in everything. -- Marc<br />
<br />
Is this too anal to bother with? No. It'll be fun.<br />
<br />
Matt's gonna win this one- I have an original gameboy with Tetris and Matt was obsessed with it for months! Thought I'd never get it back! --Elín<br />
<br />
Tim and Lee are pretty good at tetris too though, it's a tough call. Hrmm... I wonder if we should take bets or have a sweepstake on the side? - Neil<br />
<br />
Okay, I'll give you some odds - Tim and Lee 3/1<br />
Matt 5/1<br />
Marc and Neil 10/1<br />
Elín 13/1 (haven't studied her form but could be a dark horse)<br />
Tom and everyone else 15/1 (no idea about their Tetris credentials)<br />
Abi 100/1 (I'm crap...)<br />
<br />
Honest Abi's Bookies pays out in spirit shots so roll up roll up!<br />
<br />
Matt's obsession with tetris was short-lived. Whereas Lee's was ongoing. But Matt can't be bothered to argue, so yes Matt's odds really are 5:1 - Go Matt Go!<br />
<br />
== Scoring ==<br />
<br />
As Marc suggested it'd be nice if everyone gets some points for each round so I propose that for each round you should get 1 point for coming last, 2 for coming 2nd to last and so on up to the number of competitors, but then you should get one extra bonus point for winning the round. If there are any ties then all people who finished at the same rank get the same number of points which is the higher score, (eg, if there are five competitors and two people place joint second then the winner gets 6 points and the two second place people get 4 points each). If anyone doesn't take part in a round then they get zero points but the other players still score as if everyone was taking part. So for example if there are 5 total competitors but only 4 take part in a particular round, with two people placing equal third then the scoring would be as follows:<br />
<br />
{|<br />
|-<br />
| 1st place<br />
| 6 points<br />
|-<br />
| 2nd place<br />
| 4 points<br />
|-<br />
| 3rd place<br />
| 3 points<br />
|-<br />
| other 3rd place<br />
| 3 points<br />
|-<br />
| Non-partaker<br />
| 0 points<br />
|}<br />
<br />
As an additional twist I think that each competitor should be allocated one joker card (like they do in pub quizzes). Any player can adopt to play their joker card for any round, although it can only be played once. After playing the card the competitor will get double points for that round, but the competitor must choose to play the card ''before'' the round commences. So for example if Abi thinks she will do particularily well in the SingStar round, she can use her joker card then and get twelve points instead of six.<br />
<br />
'''Note''': Marc: I agree with most of this (and like the joker card idea), but I think it might be best for the winner to get 10 points and count down to 1. If few people participate in the event, it's not fair for the maximum amount of points scored to be less than they otherwise would be.<br />
<br />
'''Reply''': Neil: I think that was what I was trying to describe, eg "but the other players still score as if everyone was taking part". So if there are 8 total competitors in the whole olympics and one doesn't take part in a particular round then the winner of that round will still get 9 points, 2nd place would get 7 and so on but the person who didn't take part would get zero instead of the free 1 point they could have gotten for just taking part and coming last. I guess it doesn't really make any difference if you count down from 10 instead of counting down from the number of competitors (unless there are more than 10 of course..) except that it would be slightly more of a punishment if you didn't take part because you would be down more than one point.<br />
<br />
'''Query''': What if someone is taking part in the overall Nerd Olympics but can't make it to that particular round? - ''Lee''<br />
<br />
'''Comment''': I like the idea of bonus points, for natural displays of nerdiness. (points to be allocated by the NOB-head) for instance: 'Elín' - typing her name in that way, 1 bonus point, Neil - going on about the scoring system for ages - 2 bonus points. etc. - ''Matt''<br />
<br />
== Rough Event Ideas ==<br />
<br />
* Typing<br />
* Arm wrestling<br />
* Pin the tail on the donkey<br />
* Swerve (fun, four-player computer, high-paced game)<br />
* Variety of runs<br />
* Long jump (Long jump????????? - you what?)<br />
* Tetris<br />
* Spelin'<br />
* IQ (or something like Raven's Matricies)- I must be very thick, what are raven matricies? <br />
* Downing a pint - draught<br />
* Not downing a pint and liking your ale in little sips test<br />
* Dancing game<br />
* Bop it<br />
* Lung capacity<br />
* General grammmar and punctuation test (with extra points for the vehemency of your convinctions)<br />
* Pool competiton<br />
* Taste test<br />
* Curry taste test (if you can handle a vindaloo test)<br />
* Count to 100 (one, two, miss a few, ninety-nine, a hundred)<br />
* Middle C<br />
* Specialist round (like on Mastermind) <br />
* Pictionary<br />
* Table tennis<br />
* Table football<br />
* Darts<br />
* Spot the dots<br />
* Sudoku<br />
* Calculator speed relay<br />
* The biscuit game<br />
* Internet fact search<br />
* Mallet's Mallet<br />
* Name game<br />
* Stop watch<br />
* Banzai<br />
* Guess the song<br />
* Death Tank<br />
* Skimming (boing boing boing - not with my phone)<br />
* Staring<br />
* Eating doughnuts (no licking lips)<br />
* Eating crackers (no liquid allowed)<br />
* Classing game, e.g. Street Firhget 2<br />
* Lighting a fire<br />
* Classic nerdy rock song lyric test<br />
* The calcultor game<br />
* ASAP<br />
* Synonym game for rude body parts<br />
* Super Mario Brothers on the Gameboy Color (remember that?)<br />
* Scrabble! (so Abi can get some points..) - oi! I can get points! Maybe not in the biscuit game...<br />
* Make a rocket like they did on Beauty and the Geek<br />
* Complete the Red Dwarf quote<br />
* Weight to height ratios (skinniest wins)<br />
* Worst eyesight<br />
* 'Success with the ladies' test<br />
* Odd habits / phobias / general anti-social behaviour test<br />
* Testo de povo kompreni esperantajn frazojn<br />
* Geocaching time trial!<br />
* The great "can you taste the difference between bottled water, tap water and filtered water?" test - wot like they did on BBC Breakfast News?<br />
* Singstar<br />
* The guitar game<br />
*: ''What is the guitar game? Does that mean Tim is going to bring his guitar? Yay'' - Neil<br />
*: ''The guitar game is on the PS2, it is so so so much fun! Like dance mat style, but with a guitar (Tim should bring his guitar anyway though)'' - Lee<br />
*: ''Does the guitar game have real strings or is it just normal PS2 buttons in the shape of a guitar? Does Tim get extra points if he brings his guitar?'' - Tim<br />
*: ''YES'' - Lee (but must be confirmed by the NOB head)<br />
*: ''Is [http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B000FGGSGE/026-9851399-7981242?v=glance&n=300703 this] the guitar game?'' - Neil<br />
*: ''YES!!!'' - Lee<br />
* Krypton Factor style game<br />
* Monopoly/ Psionopoly<br />
* Some kind of sci-fi quiz?<br />
<br />
== Singstar song list ==<br />
<br />
In case anybody wants to practice, here's the list of songs in Singstar.<br />
<br />
{| border=1<br />
! Artist !! Song !! Game<br />
|-<br />
|A-Ha<br />
|Take On Me<br />
|Singstar<br />
|-<br />
|Alice Cooper<br />
|Poison<br />
|80s<br />
|-<br />
|Alicia Keys<br />
|Fallin'<br />
|Party<br />
|-<br />
|Annie<br />
|Heartbeat<br />
|Pop<br />
|-<br />
|Ashford & Simpson<br />
|Solid<br />
|Party<br />
|-<br />
|Ashlee Simpson<br />
|Pieces of Me<br />
|Pop<br />
|-<br />
|Atomic Kitten<br />
|Eternal Flame<br />
|Singstar<br />
|-<br />
|Avril Lavigne<br />
|Complicated<br />
|Singstar<br />
|-<br />
|Avril Lavigne<br />
|Sk8er Boi<br />
|Pop<br />
|-<br />
|Banarama<br />
|I Heard A Rumour<br />
|Anthems<br />
|-<br />
|Belinda Carlisle<br />
|Heaven Is A Place On Earth<br />
|80s<br />
|-<br />
|Beyonce<br />
|Crazy in Love<br />
|Pop<br />
|-<br />
|Bill Withers<br />
|Ain't No Sunshine<br />
|Party<br />
|-<br />
|Billy Joel<br />
|Uptown Girl<br />
|80s<br />
|-<br />
|Black Eyed Peas<br />
|Shut Up<br />
|Pop<br />
|-<br />
|Blink-182<br />
|What's My Age Again<br />
|Pop<br />
|-<br />
|Bloc Party<br />
|Banquet<br />
|Rocks<br />
|-<br />
|Blondie<br />
|Atomic<br />
|80s<br />
|-<br />
|Blondie<br />
|Heart of Glass<br />
|Singstar<br />
|-<br />
|Blu Cantrell<br />
|Hit 'Em Up Style (Oops!)<br />
|Party<br />
|-<br />
|Blue<br />
|One Love<br />
|Singstar<br />
|-<br />
|Blur<br />
|Song 2<br />
|Rocks<br />
|-<br />
|Bob Marley<br />
|No Woman No Cry<br />
|Party<br />
|-<br />
|Bonnie Tyler<br />
|Total Eclipse Of The Heart<br />
|Anthems<br />
|-<br />
|Bowling for Soup<br />
|1985<br />
|Rocks<br />
|-<br />
|Bucks Fizz<br />
|Making Your Mind Up<br />
|Anthems<br />
|-<br />
|Buggles<br />
|Video Killed The Radio Star<br />
|Party<br />
|-<br />
|Busted<br />
|Crashed the Wedding<br />
|Singstar<br />
|-<br />
|Busted<br />
|Year 3000<br />
|Party<br />
|-<br />
|Candi Staton<br />
|Young Hearts Run Free<br />
|Anthems<br />
|-<br />
|Carl Douglas<br />
|Kung Fu Fighting<br />
|Singstar<br />
|-<br />
|Charlene<br />
|I've Never Been To Me<br />
|Anthems<br />
|-<br />
|Charlotte Church<br />
|Crazy Chick<br />
|Anthems<br />
|-<br />
|Cher<br />
|If I Could Turn Back Time<br />
|Anthems<br />
|-<br />
|Coldplay<br />
|Speed of Sound<br />
|Rocks<br />
|-<br />
|Culture Club<br />
|Karma Chameleon<br />
|80s<br />
|-<br />
|Cyndi Lauper<br />
|Girls Just Wanna Have Fun<br />
|Party<br />
|-<br />
|Dandy Warhols<br />
|Bohemian Like You<br />
|Pop<br />
|-<br />
|Daniel Bedingfield<br />
|If You're Not the One<br />
|Singstar<br />
|-<br />
|Dead Or Alive<br />
|You Spin Me Round (Like A Record)<br />
|Anthems<br />
|-<br />
|Deee-Lite<br />
|Groove is in the Heart<br />
|Singstar<br />
|-<br />
|Deep Purple<br />
|Smoke On The Water<br />
|Rocks<br />
|-<br />
|Destiny's Child<br />
|Survivor<br />
|Party<br />
|-<br />
|Dexy's Midnight Runners<br />
|Come On Eileen<br />
|80s<br />
|-<br />
|Dido<br />
|Thank You<br />
|Singstar<br />
|-<br />
|Dido<br />
|White Flag<br />
|Party<br />
|-<br />
|Dolly Parton<br />
|Nine To Five<br />
|80s<br />
|-<br />
|Duran Duran<br />
|Hungry Like The Wolf<br />
|Party<br />
|-<br />
|Duran Duran<br />
|Rio<br />
|80s<br />
|-<br />
|Elton John & Kiki Dee<br />
|Don't Go Breaking My Heart<br />
|Party<br />
|-<br />
|Elvis<br />
|Suspicious Minds<br />
|Singstar<br />
|-<br />
|Elvis<br />
|Way Down<br />
|Party<br />
|-<br />
|Erasure<br />
|A Little Respect<br />
|80s<br />
|-<br />
|Erik B. and Rakim<br />
|Paid in Full<br />
|Pop<br />
|-<br />
|Europe<br />
|The Final Countdown<br />
|80s<br />
|-<br />
|Fairground Attraction<br />
|Perfect<br />
|80s<br />
|-<br />
|Foreigner<br />
|I Want To Know What Love Is<br />
|80s<br />
|-<br />
|Fountains of Wayne<br />
|Stacy's Mom<br />
|Pop<br />
|-<br />
|Frankie Goes to Hollywood<br />
|The Power of Love<br />
|80s<br />
|-<br />
|Franz Ferdinand<br />
|Do You Want To<br />
|Rocks<br />
|-<br />
|Franz Ferdinand<br />
|Take Me Out<br />
|Party<br />
|-<br />
|George Michael<br />
|Careless Whisper<br />
|Singstar<br />
|-<br />
|George Michael<br />
|Faith<br />
|Party<br />
|-<br />
|Girls Aloud<br />
|Biology<br />
|Anthems<br />
|-<br />
|Girls Aloud<br />
|Love Machine<br />
|Pop<br />
|-<br />
|Gloria Gaynor<br />
|I Will Survive<br />
|Anthems<br />
|-<br />
|Good Charlotte<br />
|Girls and Boys<br />
|Singstar<br />
|-<br />
|Good Charlotte<br />
|I Just Wanna Live<br />
|Pop<br />
|-<br />
|Gwen Stefani<br />
|What You Waiting For?<br />
|Rocks<br />
|-<br />
|Hard-Fi<br />
|Hard To Beat<br />
|Rocks<br />
|-<br />
|Hole<br />
|Celebrity Skin<br />
|Rocks<br />
|-<br />
|Hoobastank<br />
|The Reason<br />
|Pop<br />
|-<br />
|Jamelia<br />
|Stop<br />
|Pop<br />
|-<br />
|Jamelia<br />
|Superstar<br />
|Singstar<br />
|-<br />
|Jamiroquai<br />
|Cosmic Girl<br />
|Party<br />
|-<br />
|Javine<br />
|Real Things<br />
|Party<br />
|-<br />
|Jay Sean<br />
|Eyes on You<br />
|Pop<br />
|-<br />
|Jet<br />
|Are You Gonna Be My Girl?<br />
|Rocks<br />
|-<br />
|Joss Stone<br />
|Super Duper Love (Are You Digging On Me?)<br />
|Pop<br />
|-<br />
|Kasabian<br />
|Club Foot<br />
|Rocks<br />
|-<br />
|Kate Bush<br />
|Running Up That Hill<br />
|80s<br />
|-<br />
|Katrina And The Waves<br />
|Walking on Sunshine<br />
|80s<br />
|-<br />
|Keane<br />
|Everybody's Changing<br />
|Rocks<br />
|-<br />
|Keane<br />
|Somewhere Only We Know<br />
|Pop<br />
|-<br />
|Kim Wilde<br />
|Kids In America<br />
|Anthems<br />
|-<br />
|Kings of Leon<br />
|The Bucket<br />
|Rocks<br />
|-<br />
|KT Tunstall<br />
|Black Horse and the Cherry Tree<br />
|Rocks<br />
|-<br />
|Kylie Minogue<br />
|I Should Be So Lucky<br />
|Party<br />
|-<br />
|Kylie Minogue<br />
|In Your Eyes<br />
|Pop<br />
|-<br />
|LeAnn Rimes<br />
|Can't Fight The Moonlight<br />
|Anthems<br />
|-<br />
|Lemar<br />
|50:50<br />
|Singstar<br />
|-<br />
|Liberty X<br />
|Just A Little<br />
|Singstar<br />
|-<br />
|Little Richard<br />
|Tutti Frutti<br />
|Party<br />
|-<br />
|Madness<br />
|Our House<br />
|80s<br />
|-<br />
|Madonna<br />
|Like a Virgin<br />
|Singstar<br />
|-<br />
|Madonna<br />
|Material Girl<br />
|80s<br />
|-<br />
|Manfred Mann<br />
|Do Wah Diddy Diddy<br />
|Pop<br />
|-<br />
|Marillion<br />
|Kayleigh<br />
|80s<br />
|-<br />
|Marilyn Manson<br />
|Personal Jesus<br />
|Pop<br />
|-<br />
|Maroon5<br />
|This Love<br />
|Party<br />
|-<br />
|Maximo Park<br />
|Apply Some Pressure<br />
|Rocks<br />
|-<br />
|McFly<br />
|Obviously<br />
|Pop<br />
|-<br />
|Mis-Teeq<br />
|Scandalous<br />
|Singstar<br />
|-<br />
|Motörhead<br />
|Ace of Spades<br />
|Singstar<br />
|-<br />
|Natasha Bedingfield<br />
|Single<br />
|Party<br />
|-<br />
|Natasha Bedingfield<br />
|These Words<br />
|Pop<br />
|-<br />
|Nena<br />
|99 Red Balloons<br />
|80s<br />
|-<br />
|Nirvana<br />
|Come as You Are<br />
|Rocks<br />
|-<br />
|Outkast<br />
|Roses<br />
|Pop<br />
|-<br />
|Petula Clark<br />
|Downtown<br />
|Singstar<br />
|-<br />
|Pink<br />
|Get The Party Started<br />
|Singstar<br />
|-<br />
|Pink<br />
|Just Like A Pill<br />
|Party<br />
|-<br />
|Pussycat Dolls<br />
|Don't Cha<br />
|Anthems<br />
|-<br />
|Queen<br />
|Don't Stop Me Now<br />
|Rocks<br />
|-<br />
|Queen<br />
|Radio Ga Ga<br />
|Anthems<br />
|-<br />
|Queens Of The Stone Age<br />
|Go With The Flow<br />
|Rocks<br />
|-<br />
|Razorlight<br />
|Somewhere Else<br />
|Rocks<br />
|-<br />
|Rick Astley<br />
|Never Gonna Give You Up<br />
|Singstar<br />
|-<br />
|Ricky Martin<br />
|Livin' La Vida Loca<br />
|Singstar<br />
|-<br />
|Robbie Williams<br />
|Let Me Entertain You<br />
|Pop<br />
|-<br />
|Robbie Williams & Kylie Minogue<br />
|Kids<br />
|Pop<br />
|-<br />
|Ronan Keating & Yusuf Islam<br />
|Father and Son<br />
|Pop<br />
|-<br />
|Roy Orbison<br />
|Pretty Woman<br />
|Singstar<br />
|-<br />
|Run DMC<br />
|It's Tricky<br />
|80s<br />
|-<br />
|S Club<br />
|Don't Stop Movin'<br />
|Singstar<br />
|-<br />
|Scissor Sisters<br />
|Laura<br />
|Anthems<br />
|-<br />
|Scissor Sisters<br />
|Take Your Mama<br />
|Party<br />
|-<br />
|Simple Minds<br />
|Don't You (Forget About Me)<br />
|80s<br />
|-<br />
|Sister Sledge<br />
|We Are Family<br />
|Pop<br />
|-<br />
|Snow Patrol<br />
|Run<br />
|Rocks<br />
|-<br />
|Soft Cell<br />
|Tainted Love<br />
|80s<br />
|-<br />
|Sonny & Cher<br />
|I Got You Babe<br />
|Party<br />
|-<br />
|Sophie Ellis-Bextor<br />
|Murder on the Dancefloor<br />
|Singstar<br />
|-<br />
|Spandau Ballet<br />
|Gold<br />
|Party<br />
|-<br />
|Spice Girls<br />
|Who Do You Think You Are<br />
|Party<br />
|-<br />
|Starship<br />
|We Built This City<br />
|80s<br />
|-<br />
|Steppenwolf<br />
|Born to be Wild<br />
|Pop<br />
|-<br />
|Steps<br />
|Deeper Shade Of Blue<br />
|Anthems<br />
|-<br />
|Stereophonics<br />
|Dakota<br />
|Rocks<br />
|-<br />
|Sugababes<br />
|Round Round<br />
|Singstar<br />
|-<br />
|Survivor<br />
|Eye Of The Tiger<br />
|80s<br />
|-<br />
|Take That Featuring Lulu<br />
|Relight My Fire<br />
|Anthems<br />
|-<br />
|Tears For Fears<br />
|Everybody Wants To Rule The World<br />
|80s<br />
|-<br />
|The Beautiful South<br />
|A Little Time<br />
|Party<br />
|-<br />
|The Bravery<br />
|An Honest Mistake<br />
|Rocks<br />
|-<br />
|The Cardigans<br />
|My Favorite Game<br />
|Rocks<br />
|-<br />
|The Clash<br />
|Should I Stay or Should I Go?<br />
|Pop<br />
|-<br />
|The Cure<br />
|Just Like Heaven<br />
|80s<br />
|-<br />
|The Darkness<br />
|I Believe in a Thing Called Love<br />
|Singstar<br />
|-<br />
|The Foundations<br />
|Build Me Up Buttercup<br />
|Party<br />
|-<br />
|The Hives<br />
|Hate To Say I Told You So<br />
|Rocks<br />
|-<br />
|The Hives<br />
|Main Offender<br />
|Pop<br />
|-<br />
|The Killers<br />
|Somebody Told Me<br />
|Rocks<br />
|-<br />
|The Offspring<br />
|Self-Esteem<br />
|Rocks<br />
|-<br />
|The Police<br />
|Every Breath You Take<br />
|Party<br />
|-<br />
|The Pretenders<br />
|Brass In Pocket<br />
|80s<br />
|-<br />
|The Rolling Stones<br />
|Paint It Black<br />
|Rocks<br />
|-<br />
|The Scorpions<br />
|Wind of Change<br />
|Rocks<br />
|-<br />
|The Undertones<br />
|Teenage Kicks<br />
|Rocks<br />
|-<br />
|The Weather Girls<br />
|It's Raining Men<br />
|Anthems<br />
|-<br />
|Thin Lizzy<br />
|The Boys Are Back In Town<br />
|Rocks<br />
|-<br />
|Tiffany<br />
|I Think We're Alone Now<br />
|Party<br />
|-<br />
|Tina Turner<br />
|Simply The Best<br />
|80s<br />
|-<br />
|Tom Jones<br />
|It's Not Unusual<br />
|Pop<br />
|-<br />
|Ultra Nate<br />
|Free<br />
|Anthems<br />
|-<br />
|Vanilla Ice<br />
|Ice Ice Baby<br />
|80s<br />
|-<br />
|Village People<br />
|YMCA<br />
|Singstar<br />
|-<br />
|Westlife<br />
|World of Our Own<br />
|Singstar<br />
|-<br />
|Wham!<br />
|Wake Me Up Before You Go Go<br />
|80s<br />
|-<br />
|Whitney Houston<br />
|I Wanna Dance With Somebody<br />
|Anthems<br />
|}</div>83.216.149.24https://indivisibilities.com/wiki/index.php?title=Nerd_Olympics&diff=2179Nerd Olympics2006-09-02T11:29:25Z<p>83.216.149.24: /* Rough Event Ideas */</p>
<hr />
<div>== Nerd Olympic Board ==<br />
<br />
As many of you will know, we have decided to form an executive committee to decide the nature, content and venue of the Nerd Olympics, known as the Nerd Olympic Board, or NOB for short.<br />
<br />
What we haven't discussed yet is a leader and forgive me if I am speaking out of turn, but I would like to nominate Marc as the head of this board. Would other nerd members please indicate if you think Marc is a NOB-head as well.<br />
<br />
<center><br />
{| border="1" cellpadding="2"<br />
! Marc should be the NOB-head !! Marc should not be the NOB-head<br />
|-<br />
| Marc || <br />
|-<br />
| Abi ||<br />
|-<br />
| Neil (Marc is a natural) ||<br />
|-<br />
|Lee||<br />
|-<br />
|}<br />
</center><br />
<br />
== Participants ==<br />
<br />
We need a list of definite competitors for the Nerd Olympics. It seems as though we may have a few new additions. All competitors should be willing to participate in the whole competition. The list of definitely competitors is as follows:<br />
<br />
* Marc<br />
* Lee<br />
* Neil<br />
* Abi<br />
* Matt<br />
* Elín<br />
* Tim<br />
* Sissy<br />
<br />
We need to get this list finialised A.S.A.P.<br />
<br />
== Venue ==<br />
<br />
The Nerd Olympics will be held at a variety of stadia around England. Each host should aim to hold about four medium sized events. People willing to host events are as follows:<br />
<br />
* Neil / Abi<br />
* Marc<br />
* Lee (can I have Tetris?)<br />
* Tim / Sissy<br />
<br />
== Round 1 - Hemel Hempstead Stadium ==<br />
<br />
Is any-one interested in having round 1 of the nerd olympics this weekend? At our flat (Neil & Abi)? It'd just be a good excuse to play SingStar. Abi's working on Saturday but people could come round Saturday evening and have some events on Sunday morning? I'll have to hunt out a good pool pub. We could formulate a final list of events for round 1 in the meantime via the Wiki.<br />
<br />
'''Note''': Tim can't make this weekend, and doubtless other people won't be able to too, so we'd have to think of another date. Any ideas?<br />
<br />
'''Note''': Lee also can't make this weekend as she is moving house!!!!! Her room is now a moving mess, but it is all very exciting.<br />
<br />
Next weekend is proms in the park<br />
<br />
Maybe the weekend after that (22nd & 23rd) or in six weekends time?<br />
<br />
22nd & 23rd is good for me - ''Neil''<br />
<br />
'''Note''': Please don't have it without Lee. She really wants to play too...<br />
<br />
'''Note''': Can I play? - ''Elín''<br />
<br />
Yeah, of course! - Neil<br />
<br />
'''Note''': ^_^ - ''Elín''<br />
<br />
Elín will have to get bonus nerd points before even starting the competition for going through all the effort of typing that funny unicode character in her name everytime! - Neil<br />
<br />
'''NEWS FLASH''' - What about having the first round on the 9th September? It is also my bifday weekend so we can have a piss up for that (and Elin's and Lee's bifdays as well if they want). Whaddya fink? ''Abi''<br />
<br />
=== Events ===<br />
<br />
; Specialist round : We could have a short quiz where everybody answers questions on somebody else's special chosen subject. We could agree the subjects beforehand to prevent people from picking stupid topics. We'd have to think of someway to stop people picking impossible to answer questions that nobody would ever know though.<br />
<br />
; Pool : Standard knock-out tournament, à la the world cup? I think the hotel across the road has pool but I'd have to investigate prices.<br />
<br />
; Death-tank : Simple - depending on number of players, everyone can just play at once<br />
<br />
Neil, do you have Death Tank available at your house? How many players max? -- Marc<br />
<br />
Yup, despite Abi's protesting my Saturn is still cluttering up the flat. I've got six controllers but I think it can do it up to 7 if anyone knows a place to get cheap Saturn controllers. Ooh, actually there's one on [http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/SEGA-SATURN-OFFICIAL-CONTROLE-PAD-CONTROLLER-UK-PAL_W0QQitemZ110006400435QQihZ001QQcategoryZ3654QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem ebay]. Yay, I've won a different one for £1! So if we ever do one day hold the olympics (sob sob) then death tank will be a nice quick round with everyone simoultaneously -- Neil<br />
<br />
; Singstar : Some kind of complicated system where you have home and away matches so that you get to choose the song on home matches or something<br />
<br />
BTW - Abi is obsessed with SingStar and she's bought the Rocks! disc again despite taking two of them back for not working. This one seems ok for now though so with we've now got all of them. -- Neil<br />
<br />
; Typing : Take it in turns typing up a letter and deduct marks "according to the level of" accuracy?<br />
<br />
Deduct marks for accuracy? How ironic -- Marc<br />
<br />
Is that ok? -- Neil<br />
<br />
I"ll b grate, woo hoo! - bAi<br />
<br />
- ooh actually could we have an accurate punctuation test as well? We could combine it with spelling bee idea. I'll get Esty to set the questions.<br />
<br />
; Tetris : The original GameBoy version, most lines in 10 minutes or something? - how about some sort of tournament involving head-to-head matches, as we did in A-levels?<br />
<br />
I think we could do both types - a knock out tournament and most lines in x minutes -- Marc<br />
<br />
We could collect points for each round with points for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place.<br />
<br />
Let's give everyone who participates points wherever possible. It'll encourage everyone to join in everything. -- Marc<br />
<br />
Is this too anal to bother with? No. It'll be fun.<br />
<br />
Matt's gonna win this one- I have an original gameboy with Tetris and Matt was obsessed with it for months! Thought I'd never get it back! --Elín<br />
<br />
Tim and Lee are pretty good at tetris too though, it's a tough call. Hrmm... I wonder if we should take bets or have a sweepstake on the side? - Neil<br />
<br />
Okay, I'll give you some odds - Tim and Lee 3/1<br />
Matt 5/1<br />
Marc and Neil 10/1<br />
Elín 13/1 (haven't studied her form but could be a dark horse)<br />
Tom and everyone else 15/1 (no idea about their Tetris credentials)<br />
Abi 100/1 (I'm crap...)<br />
<br />
Honest Abi's Bookies pays out in spirit shots so roll up roll up!<br />
<br />
Matt's obsession with tetris was short-lived. Whereas Lee's was ongoing. But Matt can't be bothered to argue, so yes Matt's odds really are 5:1 - Go Matt Go!<br />
<br />
== Scoring ==<br />
<br />
As Marc suggested it'd be nice if everyone gets some points for each round so I propose that for each round you should get 1 point for coming last, 2 for coming 2nd to last and so on up to the number of competitors, but then you should get one extra bonus point for winning the round. If there are any ties then all people who finished at the same rank get the same number of points which is the higher score, (eg, if there are five competitors and two people place joint second then the winner gets 6 points and the two second place people get 4 points each). If anyone doesn't take part in a round then they get zero points but the other players still score as if everyone was taking part. So for example if there are 5 total competitors but only 4 take part in a particular round, with two people placing equal third then the scoring would be as follows:<br />
<br />
{|<br />
|-<br />
| 1st place<br />
| 6 points<br />
|-<br />
| 2nd place<br />
| 4 points<br />
|-<br />
| 3rd place<br />
| 3 points<br />
|-<br />
| other 3rd place<br />
| 3 points<br />
|-<br />
| Non-partaker<br />
| 0 points<br />
|}<br />
<br />
As an additional twist I think that each competitor should be allocated one joker card (like they do in pub quizzes). Any player can adopt to play their joker card for any round, although it can only be played once. After playing the card the competitor will get double points for that round, but the competitor must choose to play the card ''before'' the round commences. So for example if Abi thinks she will do particularily well in the SingStar round, she can use her joker card then and get twelve points instead of six.<br />
<br />
'''Note''': Marc: I agree with most of this (and like the joker card idea), but I think it might be best for the winner to get 10 points and count down to 1. If few people participate in the event, it's not fair for the maximum amount of points scored to be less than they otherwise would be.<br />
<br />
'''Reply''': Neil: I think that was what I was trying to describe, eg "but the other players still score as if everyone was taking part". So if there are 8 total competitors in the whole olympics and one doesn't take part in a particular round then the winner of that round will still get 9 points, 2nd place would get 7 and so on but the person who didn't take part would get zero instead of the free 1 point they could have gotten for just taking part and coming last. I guess it doesn't really make any difference if you count down from 10 instead of counting down from the number of competitors (unless there are more than 10 of course..) except that it would be slightly more of a punishment if you didn't take part because you would be down more than one point.<br />
<br />
'''Query''': What if someone is taking part in the overall Nerd Olympics but can't make it to that particular round? - ''Lee''<br />
<br />
'''Suggestion''': What about the idea of bonus points? for natural displays of nerdiness? (points to be allocated by the NOB-head) for instance: 'Elín' - typing her name in that way, 1 bonus point, Neil - going on about the scoring system for ages - 2 bonus points. etc. - ''Matt''<br />
<br />
== Rough Event Ideas ==<br />
<br />
* Typing<br />
* Arm wrestling<br />
* Pin the tail on the donkey<br />
* Swerve (fun, four-player computer, high-paced game)<br />
* Variety of runs<br />
* Long jump (Long jump????????? - you what?)<br />
* Tetris<br />
* Spelin'<br />
* IQ (or something like Raven's Matricies)- I must be very thick, what are raven matricies? <br />
* Downing a pint - draught<br />
* Not downing a pint and liking your ale in little sips test<br />
* Dancing game<br />
* Bop it<br />
* Lung capacity<br />
* General grammmar and punctuation test (with extra points for the vehemency of your convinctions)<br />
* Pool competiton<br />
* Taste test<br />
* Curry taste test (if you can handle a vindaloo test)<br />
* Count to 100 (one, two, miss a few, ninety-nine, a hundred)<br />
* Middle C<br />
* Specialist round (like on Mastermind) <br />
* Pictionary<br />
* Table tennis<br />
* Table football<br />
* Darts<br />
* Spot the dots<br />
* Sudoku<br />
* Calculator speed relay<br />
* The biscuit game<br />
* Internet fact search<br />
* Mallet's Mallet<br />
* Name game<br />
* Stop watch<br />
* Banzai<br />
* Guess the song<br />
* Death Tank<br />
* Skimming (boing boing boing - not with my phone)<br />
* Staring<br />
* Eating doughnuts (no licking lips)<br />
* Eating crackers (no liquid allowed)<br />
* Classing game, e.g. Street Firhget 2<br />
* Lighting a fire<br />
* Classic nerdy rock song lyric test<br />
* The calcultor game<br />
* ASAP<br />
* Synonym game for rude body parts<br />
* Super Mario Brothers on the Gameboy Color (remember that?)<br />
* Scrabble! (so Abi can get some points..) - oi! I can get points! Maybe not in the biscuit game...<br />
* Make a rocket like they did on Beauty and the Geek<br />
* Complete the Red Dwarf quote<br />
* Weight to height ratios (skinniest wins)<br />
* Worst eyesight<br />
* 'Success with the ladies' test<br />
* Odd habits / phobias / general anti-social behaviour test<br />
* Testo de povo kompreni esperantajn frazojn<br />
* Geocaching time trial!<br />
* The great "can you taste the difference between bottled water, tap water and filtered water?" test - wot like they did on BBC Breakfast News?<br />
* Singstar<br />
* The guitar game<br />
*: ''What is the guitar game? Does that mean Tim is going to bring his guitar? Yay'' - Neil<br />
*: ''The guitar game is on the PS2, it is so so so much fun! Like dance mat style, but with a guitar (Tim should bring his guitar anyway though)'' - Lee<br />
*: ''Does the guitar game have real strings or is it just normal PS2 buttons in the shape of a guitar? Does Tim get extra points if he brings his guitar?'' - Tim<br />
*: ''YES'' - Lee (but must be confirmed by the NOB head)<br />
*: ''Is [http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B000FGGSGE/026-9851399-7981242?v=glance&n=300703 this] the guitar game?'' - Neil<br />
*: ''YES!!!'' - Lee<br />
* Krypton Factor style game<br />
* Monopoly/ Psionopoly<br />
* Some kind of sci-fi quiz?<br />
<br />
== Singstar song list ==<br />
<br />
In case anybody wants to practice, here's the list of songs in Singstar.<br />
<br />
{| border=1<br />
! Artist !! Song !! Game<br />
|-<br />
|A-Ha<br />
|Take On Me<br />
|Singstar<br />
|-<br />
|Alice Cooper<br />
|Poison<br />
|80s<br />
|-<br />
|Alicia Keys<br />
|Fallin'<br />
|Party<br />
|-<br />
|Annie<br />
|Heartbeat<br />
|Pop<br />
|-<br />
|Ashford & Simpson<br />
|Solid<br />
|Party<br />
|-<br />
|Ashlee Simpson<br />
|Pieces of Me<br />
|Pop<br />
|-<br />
|Atomic Kitten<br />
|Eternal Flame<br />
|Singstar<br />
|-<br />
|Avril Lavigne<br />
|Complicated<br />
|Singstar<br />
|-<br />
|Avril Lavigne<br />
|Sk8er Boi<br />
|Pop<br />
|-<br />
|Banarama<br />
|I Heard A Rumour<br />
|Anthems<br />
|-<br />
|Belinda Carlisle<br />
|Heaven Is A Place On Earth<br />
|80s<br />
|-<br />
|Beyonce<br />
|Crazy in Love<br />
|Pop<br />
|-<br />
|Bill Withers<br />
|Ain't No Sunshine<br />
|Party<br />
|-<br />
|Billy Joel<br />
|Uptown Girl<br />
|80s<br />
|-<br />
|Black Eyed Peas<br />
|Shut Up<br />
|Pop<br />
|-<br />
|Blink-182<br />
|What's My Age Again<br />
|Pop<br />
|-<br />
|Bloc Party<br />
|Banquet<br />
|Rocks<br />
|-<br />
|Blondie<br />
|Atomic<br />
|80s<br />
|-<br />
|Blondie<br />
|Heart of Glass<br />
|Singstar<br />
|-<br />
|Blu Cantrell<br />
|Hit 'Em Up Style (Oops!)<br />
|Party<br />
|-<br />
|Blue<br />
|One Love<br />
|Singstar<br />
|-<br />
|Blur<br />
|Song 2<br />
|Rocks<br />
|-<br />
|Bob Marley<br />
|No Woman No Cry<br />
|Party<br />
|-<br />
|Bonnie Tyler<br />
|Total Eclipse Of The Heart<br />
|Anthems<br />
|-<br />
|Bowling for Soup<br />
|1985<br />
|Rocks<br />
|-<br />
|Bucks Fizz<br />
|Making Your Mind Up<br />
|Anthems<br />
|-<br />
|Buggles<br />
|Video Killed The Radio Star<br />
|Party<br />
|-<br />
|Busted<br />
|Crashed the Wedding<br />
|Singstar<br />
|-<br />
|Busted<br />
|Year 3000<br />
|Party<br />
|-<br />
|Candi Staton<br />
|Young Hearts Run Free<br />
|Anthems<br />
|-<br />
|Carl Douglas<br />
|Kung Fu Fighting<br />
|Singstar<br />
|-<br />
|Charlene<br />
|I've Never Been To Me<br />
|Anthems<br />
|-<br />
|Charlotte Church<br />
|Crazy Chick<br />
|Anthems<br />
|-<br />
|Cher<br />
|If I Could Turn Back Time<br />
|Anthems<br />
|-<br />
|Coldplay<br />
|Speed of Sound<br />
|Rocks<br />
|-<br />
|Culture Club<br />
|Karma Chameleon<br />
|80s<br />
|-<br />
|Cyndi Lauper<br />
|Girls Just Wanna Have Fun<br />
|Party<br />
|-<br />
|Dandy Warhols<br />
|Bohemian Like You<br />
|Pop<br />
|-<br />
|Daniel Bedingfield<br />
|If You're Not the One<br />
|Singstar<br />
|-<br />
|Dead Or Alive<br />
|You Spin Me Round (Like A Record)<br />
|Anthems<br />
|-<br />
|Deee-Lite<br />
|Groove is in the Heart<br />
|Singstar<br />
|-<br />
|Deep Purple<br />
|Smoke On The Water<br />
|Rocks<br />
|-<br />
|Destiny's Child<br />
|Survivor<br />
|Party<br />
|-<br />
|Dexy's Midnight Runners<br />
|Come On Eileen<br />
|80s<br />
|-<br />
|Dido<br />
|Thank You<br />
|Singstar<br />
|-<br />
|Dido<br />
|White Flag<br />
|Party<br />
|-<br />
|Dolly Parton<br />
|Nine To Five<br />
|80s<br />
|-<br />
|Duran Duran<br />
|Hungry Like The Wolf<br />
|Party<br />
|-<br />
|Duran Duran<br />
|Rio<br />
|80s<br />
|-<br />
|Elton John & Kiki Dee<br />
|Don't Go Breaking My Heart<br />
|Party<br />
|-<br />
|Elvis<br />
|Suspicious Minds<br />
|Singstar<br />
|-<br />
|Elvis<br />
|Way Down<br />
|Party<br />
|-<br />
|Erasure<br />
|A Little Respect<br />
|80s<br />
|-<br />
|Erik B. and Rakim<br />
|Paid in Full<br />
|Pop<br />
|-<br />
|Europe<br />
|The Final Countdown<br />
|80s<br />
|-<br />
|Fairground Attraction<br />
|Perfect<br />
|80s<br />
|-<br />
|Foreigner<br />
|I Want To Know What Love Is<br />
|80s<br />
|-<br />
|Fountains of Wayne<br />
|Stacy's Mom<br />
|Pop<br />
|-<br />
|Frankie Goes to Hollywood<br />
|The Power of Love<br />
|80s<br />
|-<br />
|Franz Ferdinand<br />
|Do You Want To<br />
|Rocks<br />
|-<br />
|Franz Ferdinand<br />
|Take Me Out<br />
|Party<br />
|-<br />
|George Michael<br />
|Careless Whisper<br />
|Singstar<br />
|-<br />
|George Michael<br />
|Faith<br />
|Party<br />
|-<br />
|Girls Aloud<br />
|Biology<br />
|Anthems<br />
|-<br />
|Girls Aloud<br />
|Love Machine<br />
|Pop<br />
|-<br />
|Gloria Gaynor<br />
|I Will Survive<br />
|Anthems<br />
|-<br />
|Good Charlotte<br />
|Girls and Boys<br />
|Singstar<br />
|-<br />
|Good Charlotte<br />
|I Just Wanna Live<br />
|Pop<br />
|-<br />
|Gwen Stefani<br />
|What You Waiting For?<br />
|Rocks<br />
|-<br />
|Hard-Fi<br />
|Hard To Beat<br />
|Rocks<br />
|-<br />
|Hole<br />
|Celebrity Skin<br />
|Rocks<br />
|-<br />
|Hoobastank<br />
|The Reason<br />
|Pop<br />
|-<br />
|Jamelia<br />
|Stop<br />
|Pop<br />
|-<br />
|Jamelia<br />
|Superstar<br />
|Singstar<br />
|-<br />
|Jamiroquai<br />
|Cosmic Girl<br />
|Party<br />
|-<br />
|Javine<br />
|Real Things<br />
|Party<br />
|-<br />
|Jay Sean<br />
|Eyes on You<br />
|Pop<br />
|-<br />
|Jet<br />
|Are You Gonna Be My Girl?<br />
|Rocks<br />
|-<br />
|Joss Stone<br />
|Super Duper Love (Are You Digging On Me?)<br />
|Pop<br />
|-<br />
|Kasabian<br />
|Club Foot<br />
|Rocks<br />
|-<br />
|Kate Bush<br />
|Running Up That Hill<br />
|80s<br />
|-<br />
|Katrina And The Waves<br />
|Walking on Sunshine<br />
|80s<br />
|-<br />
|Keane<br />
|Everybody's Changing<br />
|Rocks<br />
|-<br />
|Keane<br />
|Somewhere Only We Know<br />
|Pop<br />
|-<br />
|Kim Wilde<br />
|Kids In America<br />
|Anthems<br />
|-<br />
|Kings of Leon<br />
|The Bucket<br />
|Rocks<br />
|-<br />
|KT Tunstall<br />
|Black Horse and the Cherry Tree<br />
|Rocks<br />
|-<br />
|Kylie Minogue<br />
|I Should Be So Lucky<br />
|Party<br />
|-<br />
|Kylie Minogue<br />
|In Your Eyes<br />
|Pop<br />
|-<br />
|LeAnn Rimes<br />
|Can't Fight The Moonlight<br />
|Anthems<br />
|-<br />
|Lemar<br />
|50:50<br />
|Singstar<br />
|-<br />
|Liberty X<br />
|Just A Little<br />
|Singstar<br />
|-<br />
|Little Richard<br />
|Tutti Frutti<br />
|Party<br />
|-<br />
|Madness<br />
|Our House<br />
|80s<br />
|-<br />
|Madonna<br />
|Like a Virgin<br />
|Singstar<br />
|-<br />
|Madonna<br />
|Material Girl<br />
|80s<br />
|-<br />
|Manfred Mann<br />
|Do Wah Diddy Diddy<br />
|Pop<br />
|-<br />
|Marillion<br />
|Kayleigh<br />
|80s<br />
|-<br />
|Marilyn Manson<br />
|Personal Jesus<br />
|Pop<br />
|-<br />
|Maroon5<br />
|This Love<br />
|Party<br />
|-<br />
|Maximo Park<br />
|Apply Some Pressure<br />
|Rocks<br />
|-<br />
|McFly<br />
|Obviously<br />
|Pop<br />
|-<br />
|Mis-Teeq<br />
|Scandalous<br />
|Singstar<br />
|-<br />
|Motörhead<br />
|Ace of Spades<br />
|Singstar<br />
|-<br />
|Natasha Bedingfield<br />
|Single<br />
|Party<br />
|-<br />
|Natasha Bedingfield<br />
|These Words<br />
|Pop<br />
|-<br />
|Nena<br />
|99 Red Balloons<br />
|80s<br />
|-<br />
|Nirvana<br />
|Come as You Are<br />
|Rocks<br />
|-<br />
|Outkast<br />
|Roses<br />
|Pop<br />
|-<br />
|Petula Clark<br />
|Downtown<br />
|Singstar<br />
|-<br />
|Pink<br />
|Get The Party Started<br />
|Singstar<br />
|-<br />
|Pink<br />
|Just Like A Pill<br />
|Party<br />
|-<br />
|Pussycat Dolls<br />
|Don't Cha<br />
|Anthems<br />
|-<br />
|Queen<br />
|Don't Stop Me Now<br />
|Rocks<br />
|-<br />
|Queen<br />
|Radio Ga Ga<br />
|Anthems<br />
|-<br />
|Queens Of The Stone Age<br />
|Go With The Flow<br />
|Rocks<br />
|-<br />
|Razorlight<br />
|Somewhere Else<br />
|Rocks<br />
|-<br />
|Rick Astley<br />
|Never Gonna Give You Up<br />
|Singstar<br />
|-<br />
|Ricky Martin<br />
|Livin' La Vida Loca<br />
|Singstar<br />
|-<br />
|Robbie Williams<br />
|Let Me Entertain You<br />
|Pop<br />
|-<br />
|Robbie Williams & Kylie Minogue<br />
|Kids<br />
|Pop<br />
|-<br />
|Ronan Keating & Yusuf Islam<br />
|Father and Son<br />
|Pop<br />
|-<br />
|Roy Orbison<br />
|Pretty Woman<br />
|Singstar<br />
|-<br />
|Run DMC<br />
|It's Tricky<br />
|80s<br />
|-<br />
|S Club<br />
|Don't Stop Movin'<br />
|Singstar<br />
|-<br />
|Scissor Sisters<br />
|Laura<br />
|Anthems<br />
|-<br />
|Scissor Sisters<br />
|Take Your Mama<br />
|Party<br />
|-<br />
|Simple Minds<br />
|Don't You (Forget About Me)<br />
|80s<br />
|-<br />
|Sister Sledge<br />
|We Are Family<br />
|Pop<br />
|-<br />
|Snow Patrol<br />
|Run<br />
|Rocks<br />
|-<br />
|Soft Cell<br />
|Tainted Love<br />
|80s<br />
|-<br />
|Sonny & Cher<br />
|I Got You Babe<br />
|Party<br />
|-<br />
|Sophie Ellis-Bextor<br />
|Murder on the Dancefloor<br />
|Singstar<br />
|-<br />
|Spandau Ballet<br />
|Gold<br />
|Party<br />
|-<br />
|Spice Girls<br />
|Who Do You Think You Are<br />
|Party<br />
|-<br />
|Starship<br />
|We Built This City<br />
|80s<br />
|-<br />
|Steppenwolf<br />
|Born to be Wild<br />
|Pop<br />
|-<br />
|Steps<br />
|Deeper Shade Of Blue<br />
|Anthems<br />
|-<br />
|Stereophonics<br />
|Dakota<br />
|Rocks<br />
|-<br />
|Sugababes<br />
|Round Round<br />
|Singstar<br />
|-<br />
|Survivor<br />
|Eye Of The Tiger<br />
|80s<br />
|-<br />
|Take That Featuring Lulu<br />
|Relight My Fire<br />
|Anthems<br />
|-<br />
|Tears For Fears<br />
|Everybody Wants To Rule The World<br />
|80s<br />
|-<br />
|The Beautiful South<br />
|A Little Time<br />
|Party<br />
|-<br />
|The Bravery<br />
|An Honest Mistake<br />
|Rocks<br />
|-<br />
|The Cardigans<br />
|My Favorite Game<br />
|Rocks<br />
|-<br />
|The Clash<br />
|Should I Stay or Should I Go?<br />
|Pop<br />
|-<br />
|The Cure<br />
|Just Like Heaven<br />
|80s<br />
|-<br />
|The Darkness<br />
|I Believe in a Thing Called Love<br />
|Singstar<br />
|-<br />
|The Foundations<br />
|Build Me Up Buttercup<br />
|Party<br />
|-<br />
|The Hives<br />
|Hate To Say I Told You So<br />
|Rocks<br />
|-<br />
|The Hives<br />
|Main Offender<br />
|Pop<br />
|-<br />
|The Killers<br />
|Somebody Told Me<br />
|Rocks<br />
|-<br />
|The Offspring<br />
|Self-Esteem<br />
|Rocks<br />
|-<br />
|The Police<br />
|Every Breath You Take<br />
|Party<br />
|-<br />
|The Pretenders<br />
|Brass In Pocket<br />
|80s<br />
|-<br />
|The Rolling Stones<br />
|Paint It Black<br />
|Rocks<br />
|-<br />
|The Scorpions<br />
|Wind of Change<br />
|Rocks<br />
|-<br />
|The Undertones<br />
|Teenage Kicks<br />
|Rocks<br />
|-<br />
|The Weather Girls<br />
|It's Raining Men<br />
|Anthems<br />
|-<br />
|Thin Lizzy<br />
|The Boys Are Back In Town<br />
|Rocks<br />
|-<br />
|Tiffany<br />
|I Think We're Alone Now<br />
|Party<br />
|-<br />
|Tina Turner<br />
|Simply The Best<br />
|80s<br />
|-<br />
|Tom Jones<br />
|It's Not Unusual<br />
|Pop<br />
|-<br />
|Ultra Nate<br />
|Free<br />
|Anthems<br />
|-<br />
|Vanilla Ice<br />
|Ice Ice Baby<br />
|80s<br />
|-<br />
|Village People<br />
|YMCA<br />
|Singstar<br />
|-<br />
|Westlife<br />
|World of Our Own<br />
|Singstar<br />
|-<br />
|Wham!<br />
|Wake Me Up Before You Go Go<br />
|80s<br />
|-<br />
|Whitney Houston<br />
|I Wanna Dance With Somebody<br />
|Anthems<br />
|}</div>83.216.149.24https://indivisibilities.com/wiki/index.php?title=Nerd_Olympics&diff=2178Nerd Olympics2006-09-02T11:28:42Z<p>83.216.149.24: /* Scoring */</p>
<hr />
<div>== Nerd Olympic Board ==<br />
<br />
As many of you will know, we have decided to form an executive committee to decide the nature, content and venue of the Nerd Olympics, known as the Nerd Olympic Board, or NOB for short.<br />
<br />
What we haven't discussed yet is a leader and forgive me if I am speaking out of turn, but I would like to nominate Marc as the head of this board. Would other nerd members please indicate if you think Marc is a NOB-head as well.<br />
<br />
<center><br />
{| border="1" cellpadding="2"<br />
! Marc should be the NOB-head !! Marc should not be the NOB-head<br />
|-<br />
| Marc || <br />
|-<br />
| Abi ||<br />
|-<br />
| Neil (Marc is a natural) ||<br />
|-<br />
|Lee||<br />
|-<br />
|}<br />
</center><br />
<br />
== Participants ==<br />
<br />
We need a list of definite competitors for the Nerd Olympics. It seems as though we may have a few new additions. All competitors should be willing to participate in the whole competition. The list of definitely competitors is as follows:<br />
<br />
* Marc<br />
* Lee<br />
* Neil<br />
* Abi<br />
* Matt<br />
* Elín<br />
* Tim<br />
* Sissy<br />
<br />
We need to get this list finialised A.S.A.P.<br />
<br />
== Venue ==<br />
<br />
The Nerd Olympics will be held at a variety of stadia around England. Each host should aim to hold about four medium sized events. People willing to host events are as follows:<br />
<br />
* Neil / Abi<br />
* Marc<br />
* Lee (can I have Tetris?)<br />
* Tim / Sissy<br />
<br />
== Round 1 - Hemel Hempstead Stadium ==<br />
<br />
Is any-one interested in having round 1 of the nerd olympics this weekend? At our flat (Neil & Abi)? It'd just be a good excuse to play SingStar. Abi's working on Saturday but people could come round Saturday evening and have some events on Sunday morning? I'll have to hunt out a good pool pub. We could formulate a final list of events for round 1 in the meantime via the Wiki.<br />
<br />
'''Note''': Tim can't make this weekend, and doubtless other people won't be able to too, so we'd have to think of another date. Any ideas?<br />
<br />
'''Note''': Lee also can't make this weekend as she is moving house!!!!! Her room is now a moving mess, but it is all very exciting.<br />
<br />
Next weekend is proms in the park<br />
<br />
Maybe the weekend after that (22nd & 23rd) or in six weekends time?<br />
<br />
22nd & 23rd is good for me - ''Neil''<br />
<br />
'''Note''': Please don't have it without Lee. She really wants to play too...<br />
<br />
'''Note''': Can I play? - ''Elín''<br />
<br />
Yeah, of course! - Neil<br />
<br />
'''Note''': ^_^ - ''Elín''<br />
<br />
Elín will have to get bonus nerd points before even starting the competition for going through all the effort of typing that funny unicode character in her name everytime! - Neil<br />
<br />
'''NEWS FLASH''' - What about having the first round on the 9th September? It is also my bifday weekend so we can have a piss up for that (and Elin's and Lee's bifdays as well if they want). Whaddya fink? ''Abi''<br />
<br />
=== Events ===<br />
<br />
; Specialist round : We could have a short quiz where everybody answers questions on somebody else's special chosen subject. We could agree the subjects beforehand to prevent people from picking stupid topics. We'd have to think of someway to stop people picking impossible to answer questions that nobody would ever know though.<br />
<br />
; Pool : Standard knock-out tournament, à la the world cup? I think the hotel across the road has pool but I'd have to investigate prices.<br />
<br />
; Death-tank : Simple - depending on number of players, everyone can just play at once<br />
<br />
Neil, do you have Death Tank available at your house? How many players max? -- Marc<br />
<br />
Yup, despite Abi's protesting my Saturn is still cluttering up the flat. I've got six controllers but I think it can do it up to 7 if anyone knows a place to get cheap Saturn controllers. Ooh, actually there's one on [http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/SEGA-SATURN-OFFICIAL-CONTROLE-PAD-CONTROLLER-UK-PAL_W0QQitemZ110006400435QQihZ001QQcategoryZ3654QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem ebay]. Yay, I've won a different one for £1! So if we ever do one day hold the olympics (sob sob) then death tank will be a nice quick round with everyone simoultaneously -- Neil<br />
<br />
; Singstar : Some kind of complicated system where you have home and away matches so that you get to choose the song on home matches or something<br />
<br />
BTW - Abi is obsessed with SingStar and she's bought the Rocks! disc again despite taking two of them back for not working. This one seems ok for now though so with we've now got all of them. -- Neil<br />
<br />
; Typing : Take it in turns typing up a letter and deduct marks "according to the level of" accuracy?<br />
<br />
Deduct marks for accuracy? How ironic -- Marc<br />
<br />
Is that ok? -- Neil<br />
<br />
I"ll b grate, woo hoo! - bAi<br />
<br />
- ooh actually could we have an accurate punctuation test as well? We could combine it with spelling bee idea. I'll get Esty to set the questions.<br />
<br />
; Tetris : The original GameBoy version, most lines in 10 minutes or something? - how about some sort of tournament involving head-to-head matches, as we did in A-levels?<br />
<br />
I think we could do both types - a knock out tournament and most lines in x minutes -- Marc<br />
<br />
We could collect points for each round with points for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place.<br />
<br />
Let's give everyone who participates points wherever possible. It'll encourage everyone to join in everything. -- Marc<br />
<br />
Is this too anal to bother with? No. It'll be fun.<br />
<br />
Matt's gonna win this one- I have an original gameboy with Tetris and Matt was obsessed with it for months! Thought I'd never get it back! --Elín<br />
<br />
Tim and Lee are pretty good at tetris too though, it's a tough call. Hrmm... I wonder if we should take bets or have a sweepstake on the side? - Neil<br />
<br />
Okay, I'll give you some odds - Tim and Lee 3/1<br />
Matt 5/1<br />
Marc and Neil 10/1<br />
Elín 13/1 (haven't studied her form but could be a dark horse)<br />
Tom and everyone else 15/1 (no idea about their Tetris credentials)<br />
Abi 100/1 (I'm crap...)<br />
<br />
Honest Abi's Bookies pays out in spirit shots so roll up roll up!<br />
<br />
Matt's obsession with tetris was short-lived. Whereas Lee's was ongoing. But Matt can't be bothered to argue, so yes Matt's odds really are 5:1 - Go Matt Go!<br />
<br />
== Scoring ==<br />
<br />
As Marc suggested it'd be nice if everyone gets some points for each round so I propose that for each round you should get 1 point for coming last, 2 for coming 2nd to last and so on up to the number of competitors, but then you should get one extra bonus point for winning the round. If there are any ties then all people who finished at the same rank get the same number of points which is the higher score, (eg, if there are five competitors and two people place joint second then the winner gets 6 points and the two second place people get 4 points each). If anyone doesn't take part in a round then they get zero points but the other players still score as if everyone was taking part. So for example if there are 5 total competitors but only 4 take part in a particular round, with two people placing equal third then the scoring would be as follows:<br />
<br />
{|<br />
|-<br />
| 1st place<br />
| 6 points<br />
|-<br />
| 2nd place<br />
| 4 points<br />
|-<br />
| 3rd place<br />
| 3 points<br />
|-<br />
| other 3rd place<br />
| 3 points<br />
|-<br />
| Non-partaker<br />
| 0 points<br />
|}<br />
<br />
As an additional twist I think that each competitor should be allocated one joker card (like they do in pub quizzes). Any player can adopt to play their joker card for any round, although it can only be played once. After playing the card the competitor will get double points for that round, but the competitor must choose to play the card ''before'' the round commences. So for example if Abi thinks she will do particularily well in the SingStar round, she can use her joker card then and get twelve points instead of six.<br />
<br />
'''Note''': Marc: I agree with most of this (and like the joker card idea), but I think it might be best for the winner to get 10 points and count down to 1. If few people participate in the event, it's not fair for the maximum amount of points scored to be less than they otherwise would be.<br />
<br />
'''Reply''': Neil: I think that was what I was trying to describe, eg "but the other players still score as if everyone was taking part". So if there are 8 total competitors in the whole olympics and one doesn't take part in a particular round then the winner of that round will still get 9 points, 2nd place would get 7 and so on but the person who didn't take part would get zero instead of the free 1 point they could have gotten for just taking part and coming last. I guess it doesn't really make any difference if you count down from 10 instead of counting down from the number of competitors (unless there are more than 10 of course..) except that it would be slightly more of a punishment if you didn't take part because you would be down more than one point.<br />
<br />
'''Query''': What if someone is taking part in the overall Nerd Olympics but can't make it to that particular round? - ''Lee''<br />
<br />
'''Suggestion''': What about the idea of bonus points? for natural displays of nerdiness? (points to be allocated by the NOB-head) for instance: 'Elín' - typing her name in that way, 1 bonus point, Neil - going on about the scoring system for ages - 2 bonus points. etc. - ''Matt''<br />
<br />
== Rough Event Ideas ==<br />
<br />
* Typing<br />
* Arm wrestling<br />
* Pin the tail on the donkey<br />
* Swerve (fun, four-player computer, high-paced game)<br />
* Variety of runs<br />
* Long jump (Long jump????????? - you what?)<br />
* Tetris<br />
* Spelin'<br />
* IQ (or something like Raven's Matricies)- I must be very thick, what are raven matricies? <br />
* Downing a pint - draught<br />
* Not downing a pint and liking your ale in little sips test<br />
* Dancing game<br />
* Bop it<br />
* Lung capacity<br />
* General grammmar and punctuation test (with extra points for the vehemency of your convinctions)<br />
* Pool competiton<br />
* Taste test<br />
* Curry taste test (if you can handle a vindaloo test)<br />
* Count to 100 (one, two, miss a few, ninety-nine, a hundred)<br />
* Middle C<br />
* Specialist round (like on Mastermind) <br />
* Pictionary<br />
* Table tennis<br />
* Table football<br />
* Darts<br />
* Spot the dots<br />
* Sudoku<br />
* Calculator speed relay<br />
* The biscuit game<br />
* Internet fact search<br />
* Mallet's Mallet<br />
* Name game<br />
* Stop watch<br />
* Banzai<br />
* Guess the song<br />
* Death Tank<br />
* Skimming (boing boing boing - not with my phone)<br />
* Staring<br />
* Eating doughnuts (no licking lips)<br />
* Eating crackers (no liquid allowed)<br />
* Classing game, e.g. Street Firhget 2<br />
* Lighting a fire<br />
* Classic nerdy rock song lyric test<br />
* The calcultor game<br />
* ASAP<br />
* Synonym game for rude body parts<br />
* Super Mario Brothers on the Gameboy Color (remember that?)<br />
* Scrabble! (so Abi can get some points..) - oi! I can get points! Maybe not in the biscuit game...<br />
* Make a rocket like they did on Beauty and the Geek<br />
* Complete the Red Dwarf quote<br />
* Weight to height ratios (skinniest wins)<br />
* Worst eyesight<br />
* 'Success with the ladies' test<br />
* Odd habits / phobias / general anti-social behaviour test<br />
* Testo de povo kompreni esperantajn frazojn<br />
* Geocaching time trial!<br />
* The great "can you taste the difference between bottled water, tap water and filtered water?" test - wot like they did on BBC Breakfast News?<br />
* Singstar<br />
* The guitar game<br />
*: ''What is the guitar game? Does that mean Tim is going to bring his guitar? Yay'' - Neil<br />
*: ''The guitar game is on the PS2, it is so so so much fun! Like dance mat style, but with a guitar (Tim should bring his guitar anyway though)'' - Lee<br />
*: ''Does the guitar game have real strings or is it just normal PS2 buttons in the shape of a guitar? Does Tim get extra points if he brings his guitar?'' - Tim<br />
*: ''YES'' - Lee (but must be confirmed by the NOB head)<br />
*: ''Is [http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B000FGGSGE/026-9851399-7981242?v=glance&n=300703 this] the guitar game?'' - Neil<br />
*: ''YES!!!'' - Lee<br />
* Krypton Factor style game<br />
* Monopoly/ Psionopoly<br />
<br />
== Singstar song list ==<br />
<br />
In case anybody wants to practice, here's the list of songs in Singstar.<br />
<br />
{| border=1<br />
! Artist !! Song !! Game<br />
|-<br />
|A-Ha<br />
|Take On Me<br />
|Singstar<br />
|-<br />
|Alice Cooper<br />
|Poison<br />
|80s<br />
|-<br />
|Alicia Keys<br />
|Fallin'<br />
|Party<br />
|-<br />
|Annie<br />
|Heartbeat<br />
|Pop<br />
|-<br />
|Ashford & Simpson<br />
|Solid<br />
|Party<br />
|-<br />
|Ashlee Simpson<br />
|Pieces of Me<br />
|Pop<br />
|-<br />
|Atomic Kitten<br />
|Eternal Flame<br />
|Singstar<br />
|-<br />
|Avril Lavigne<br />
|Complicated<br />
|Singstar<br />
|-<br />
|Avril Lavigne<br />
|Sk8er Boi<br />
|Pop<br />
|-<br />
|Banarama<br />
|I Heard A Rumour<br />
|Anthems<br />
|-<br />
|Belinda Carlisle<br />
|Heaven Is A Place On Earth<br />
|80s<br />
|-<br />
|Beyonce<br />
|Crazy in Love<br />
|Pop<br />
|-<br />
|Bill Withers<br />
|Ain't No Sunshine<br />
|Party<br />
|-<br />
|Billy Joel<br />
|Uptown Girl<br />
|80s<br />
|-<br />
|Black Eyed Peas<br />
|Shut Up<br />
|Pop<br />
|-<br />
|Blink-182<br />
|What's My Age Again<br />
|Pop<br />
|-<br />
|Bloc Party<br />
|Banquet<br />
|Rocks<br />
|-<br />
|Blondie<br />
|Atomic<br />
|80s<br />
|-<br />
|Blondie<br />
|Heart of Glass<br />
|Singstar<br />
|-<br />
|Blu Cantrell<br />
|Hit 'Em Up Style (Oops!)<br />
|Party<br />
|-<br />
|Blue<br />
|One Love<br />
|Singstar<br />
|-<br />
|Blur<br />
|Song 2<br />
|Rocks<br />
|-<br />
|Bob Marley<br />
|No Woman No Cry<br />
|Party<br />
|-<br />
|Bonnie Tyler<br />
|Total Eclipse Of The Heart<br />
|Anthems<br />
|-<br />
|Bowling for Soup<br />
|1985<br />
|Rocks<br />
|-<br />
|Bucks Fizz<br />
|Making Your Mind Up<br />
|Anthems<br />
|-<br />
|Buggles<br />
|Video Killed The Radio Star<br />
|Party<br />
|-<br />
|Busted<br />
|Crashed the Wedding<br />
|Singstar<br />
|-<br />
|Busted<br />
|Year 3000<br />
|Party<br />
|-<br />
|Candi Staton<br />
|Young Hearts Run Free<br />
|Anthems<br />
|-<br />
|Carl Douglas<br />
|Kung Fu Fighting<br />
|Singstar<br />
|-<br />
|Charlene<br />
|I've Never Been To Me<br />
|Anthems<br />
|-<br />
|Charlotte Church<br />
|Crazy Chick<br />
|Anthems<br />
|-<br />
|Cher<br />
|If I Could Turn Back Time<br />
|Anthems<br />
|-<br />
|Coldplay<br />
|Speed of Sound<br />
|Rocks<br />
|-<br />
|Culture Club<br />
|Karma Chameleon<br />
|80s<br />
|-<br />
|Cyndi Lauper<br />
|Girls Just Wanna Have Fun<br />
|Party<br />
|-<br />
|Dandy Warhols<br />
|Bohemian Like You<br />
|Pop<br />
|-<br />
|Daniel Bedingfield<br />
|If You're Not the One<br />
|Singstar<br />
|-<br />
|Dead Or Alive<br />
|You Spin Me Round (Like A Record)<br />
|Anthems<br />
|-<br />
|Deee-Lite<br />
|Groove is in the Heart<br />
|Singstar<br />
|-<br />
|Deep Purple<br />
|Smoke On The Water<br />
|Rocks<br />
|-<br />
|Destiny's Child<br />
|Survivor<br />
|Party<br />
|-<br />
|Dexy's Midnight Runners<br />
|Come On Eileen<br />
|80s<br />
|-<br />
|Dido<br />
|Thank You<br />
|Singstar<br />
|-<br />
|Dido<br />
|White Flag<br />
|Party<br />
|-<br />
|Dolly Parton<br />
|Nine To Five<br />
|80s<br />
|-<br />
|Duran Duran<br />
|Hungry Like The Wolf<br />
|Party<br />
|-<br />
|Duran Duran<br />
|Rio<br />
|80s<br />
|-<br />
|Elton John & Kiki Dee<br />
|Don't Go Breaking My Heart<br />
|Party<br />
|-<br />
|Elvis<br />
|Suspicious Minds<br />
|Singstar<br />
|-<br />
|Elvis<br />
|Way Down<br />
|Party<br />
|-<br />
|Erasure<br />
|A Little Respect<br />
|80s<br />
|-<br />
|Erik B. and Rakim<br />
|Paid in Full<br />
|Pop<br />
|-<br />
|Europe<br />
|The Final Countdown<br />
|80s<br />
|-<br />
|Fairground Attraction<br />
|Perfect<br />
|80s<br />
|-<br />
|Foreigner<br />
|I Want To Know What Love Is<br />
|80s<br />
|-<br />
|Fountains of Wayne<br />
|Stacy's Mom<br />
|Pop<br />
|-<br />
|Frankie Goes to Hollywood<br />
|The Power of Love<br />
|80s<br />
|-<br />
|Franz Ferdinand<br />
|Do You Want To<br />
|Rocks<br />
|-<br />
|Franz Ferdinand<br />
|Take Me Out<br />
|Party<br />
|-<br />
|George Michael<br />
|Careless Whisper<br />
|Singstar<br />
|-<br />
|George Michael<br />
|Faith<br />
|Party<br />
|-<br />
|Girls Aloud<br />
|Biology<br />
|Anthems<br />
|-<br />
|Girls Aloud<br />
|Love Machine<br />
|Pop<br />
|-<br />
|Gloria Gaynor<br />
|I Will Survive<br />
|Anthems<br />
|-<br />
|Good Charlotte<br />
|Girls and Boys<br />
|Singstar<br />
|-<br />
|Good Charlotte<br />
|I Just Wanna Live<br />
|Pop<br />
|-<br />
|Gwen Stefani<br />
|What You Waiting For?<br />
|Rocks<br />
|-<br />
|Hard-Fi<br />
|Hard To Beat<br />
|Rocks<br />
|-<br />
|Hole<br />
|Celebrity Skin<br />
|Rocks<br />
|-<br />
|Hoobastank<br />
|The Reason<br />
|Pop<br />
|-<br />
|Jamelia<br />
|Stop<br />
|Pop<br />
|-<br />
|Jamelia<br />
|Superstar<br />
|Singstar<br />
|-<br />
|Jamiroquai<br />
|Cosmic Girl<br />
|Party<br />
|-<br />
|Javine<br />
|Real Things<br />
|Party<br />
|-<br />
|Jay Sean<br />
|Eyes on You<br />
|Pop<br />
|-<br />
|Jet<br />
|Are You Gonna Be My Girl?<br />
|Rocks<br />
|-<br />
|Joss Stone<br />
|Super Duper Love (Are You Digging On Me?)<br />
|Pop<br />
|-<br />
|Kasabian<br />
|Club Foot<br />
|Rocks<br />
|-<br />
|Kate Bush<br />
|Running Up That Hill<br />
|80s<br />
|-<br />
|Katrina And The Waves<br />
|Walking on Sunshine<br />
|80s<br />
|-<br />
|Keane<br />
|Everybody's Changing<br />
|Rocks<br />
|-<br />
|Keane<br />
|Somewhere Only We Know<br />
|Pop<br />
|-<br />
|Kim Wilde<br />
|Kids In America<br />
|Anthems<br />
|-<br />
|Kings of Leon<br />
|The Bucket<br />
|Rocks<br />
|-<br />
|KT Tunstall<br />
|Black Horse and the Cherry Tree<br />
|Rocks<br />
|-<br />
|Kylie Minogue<br />
|I Should Be So Lucky<br />
|Party<br />
|-<br />
|Kylie Minogue<br />
|In Your Eyes<br />
|Pop<br />
|-<br />
|LeAnn Rimes<br />
|Can't Fight The Moonlight<br />
|Anthems<br />
|-<br />
|Lemar<br />
|50:50<br />
|Singstar<br />
|-<br />
|Liberty X<br />
|Just A Little<br />
|Singstar<br />
|-<br />
|Little Richard<br />
|Tutti Frutti<br />
|Party<br />
|-<br />
|Madness<br />
|Our House<br />
|80s<br />
|-<br />
|Madonna<br />
|Like a Virgin<br />
|Singstar<br />
|-<br />
|Madonna<br />
|Material Girl<br />
|80s<br />
|-<br />
|Manfred Mann<br />
|Do Wah Diddy Diddy<br />
|Pop<br />
|-<br />
|Marillion<br />
|Kayleigh<br />
|80s<br />
|-<br />
|Marilyn Manson<br />
|Personal Jesus<br />
|Pop<br />
|-<br />
|Maroon5<br />
|This Love<br />
|Party<br />
|-<br />
|Maximo Park<br />
|Apply Some Pressure<br />
|Rocks<br />
|-<br />
|McFly<br />
|Obviously<br />
|Pop<br />
|-<br />
|Mis-Teeq<br />
|Scandalous<br />
|Singstar<br />
|-<br />
|Motörhead<br />
|Ace of Spades<br />
|Singstar<br />
|-<br />
|Natasha Bedingfield<br />
|Single<br />
|Party<br />
|-<br />
|Natasha Bedingfield<br />
|These Words<br />
|Pop<br />
|-<br />
|Nena<br />
|99 Red Balloons<br />
|80s<br />
|-<br />
|Nirvana<br />
|Come as You Are<br />
|Rocks<br />
|-<br />
|Outkast<br />
|Roses<br />
|Pop<br />
|-<br />
|Petula Clark<br />
|Downtown<br />
|Singstar<br />
|-<br />
|Pink<br />
|Get The Party Started<br />
|Singstar<br />
|-<br />
|Pink<br />
|Just Like A Pill<br />
|Party<br />
|-<br />
|Pussycat Dolls<br />
|Don't Cha<br />
|Anthems<br />
|-<br />
|Queen<br />
|Don't Stop Me Now<br />
|Rocks<br />
|-<br />
|Queen<br />
|Radio Ga Ga<br />
|Anthems<br />
|-<br />
|Queens Of The Stone Age<br />
|Go With The Flow<br />
|Rocks<br />
|-<br />
|Razorlight<br />
|Somewhere Else<br />
|Rocks<br />
|-<br />
|Rick Astley<br />
|Never Gonna Give You Up<br />
|Singstar<br />
|-<br />
|Ricky Martin<br />
|Livin' La Vida Loca<br />
|Singstar<br />
|-<br />
|Robbie Williams<br />
|Let Me Entertain You<br />
|Pop<br />
|-<br />
|Robbie Williams & Kylie Minogue<br />
|Kids<br />
|Pop<br />
|-<br />
|Ronan Keating & Yusuf Islam<br />
|Father and Son<br />
|Pop<br />
|-<br />
|Roy Orbison<br />
|Pretty Woman<br />
|Singstar<br />
|-<br />
|Run DMC<br />
|It's Tricky<br />
|80s<br />
|-<br />
|S Club<br />
|Don't Stop Movin'<br />
|Singstar<br />
|-<br />
|Scissor Sisters<br />
|Laura<br />
|Anthems<br />
|-<br />
|Scissor Sisters<br />
|Take Your Mama<br />
|Party<br />
|-<br />
|Simple Minds<br />
|Don't You (Forget About Me)<br />
|80s<br />
|-<br />
|Sister Sledge<br />
|We Are Family<br />
|Pop<br />
|-<br />
|Snow Patrol<br />
|Run<br />
|Rocks<br />
|-<br />
|Soft Cell<br />
|Tainted Love<br />
|80s<br />
|-<br />
|Sonny & Cher<br />
|I Got You Babe<br />
|Party<br />
|-<br />
|Sophie Ellis-Bextor<br />
|Murder on the Dancefloor<br />
|Singstar<br />
|-<br />
|Spandau Ballet<br />
|Gold<br />
|Party<br />
|-<br />
|Spice Girls<br />
|Who Do You Think You Are<br />
|Party<br />
|-<br />
|Starship<br />
|We Built This City<br />
|80s<br />
|-<br />
|Steppenwolf<br />
|Born to be Wild<br />
|Pop<br />
|-<br />
|Steps<br />
|Deeper Shade Of Blue<br />
|Anthems<br />
|-<br />
|Stereophonics<br />
|Dakota<br />
|Rocks<br />
|-<br />
|Sugababes<br />
|Round Round<br />
|Singstar<br />
|-<br />
|Survivor<br />
|Eye Of The Tiger<br />
|80s<br />
|-<br />
|Take That Featuring Lulu<br />
|Relight My Fire<br />
|Anthems<br />
|-<br />
|Tears For Fears<br />
|Everybody Wants To Rule The World<br />
|80s<br />
|-<br />
|The Beautiful South<br />
|A Little Time<br />
|Party<br />
|-<br />
|The Bravery<br />
|An Honest Mistake<br />
|Rocks<br />
|-<br />
|The Cardigans<br />
|My Favorite Game<br />
|Rocks<br />
|-<br />
|The Clash<br />
|Should I Stay or Should I Go?<br />
|Pop<br />
|-<br />
|The Cure<br />
|Just Like Heaven<br />
|80s<br />
|-<br />
|The Darkness<br />
|I Believe in a Thing Called Love<br />
|Singstar<br />
|-<br />
|The Foundations<br />
|Build Me Up Buttercup<br />
|Party<br />
|-<br />
|The Hives<br />
|Hate To Say I Told You So<br />
|Rocks<br />
|-<br />
|The Hives<br />
|Main Offender<br />
|Pop<br />
|-<br />
|The Killers<br />
|Somebody Told Me<br />
|Rocks<br />
|-<br />
|The Offspring<br />
|Self-Esteem<br />
|Rocks<br />
|-<br />
|The Police<br />
|Every Breath You Take<br />
|Party<br />
|-<br />
|The Pretenders<br />
|Brass In Pocket<br />
|80s<br />
|-<br />
|The Rolling Stones<br />
|Paint It Black<br />
|Rocks<br />
|-<br />
|The Scorpions<br />
|Wind of Change<br />
|Rocks<br />
|-<br />
|The Undertones<br />
|Teenage Kicks<br />
|Rocks<br />
|-<br />
|The Weather Girls<br />
|It's Raining Men<br />
|Anthems<br />
|-<br />
|Thin Lizzy<br />
|The Boys Are Back In Town<br />
|Rocks<br />
|-<br />
|Tiffany<br />
|I Think We're Alone Now<br />
|Party<br />
|-<br />
|Tina Turner<br />
|Simply The Best<br />
|80s<br />
|-<br />
|Tom Jones<br />
|It's Not Unusual<br />
|Pop<br />
|-<br />
|Ultra Nate<br />
|Free<br />
|Anthems<br />
|-<br />
|Vanilla Ice<br />
|Ice Ice Baby<br />
|80s<br />
|-<br />
|Village People<br />
|YMCA<br />
|Singstar<br />
|-<br />
|Westlife<br />
|World of Our Own<br />
|Singstar<br />
|-<br />
|Wham!<br />
|Wake Me Up Before You Go Go<br />
|80s<br />
|-<br />
|Whitney Houston<br />
|I Wanna Dance With Somebody<br />
|Anthems<br />
|}</div>83.216.149.24https://indivisibilities.com/wiki/index.php?title=Nerd_Olympics&diff=2107Nerd Olympics2006-07-06T20:19:29Z<p>83.216.149.24: /* Round 1 */</p>
<hr />
<div>== Nerd Olympic Board ==<br />
<br />
As many of you will know, we have decided to form an executive committee to decide the nature, content and venue of the Nerd Olympics, known as the Nerd Olympic Board, or NOB for short.<br />
<br />
What we haven't discussed yet is a leader and forgive me if I am speaking out of turn, but I would like to nominate Marc as the head of this board. Would other nerd members please indicate if you think Marc is a NOB-head as well.<br />
<br />
<center><br />
{| border="1" cellpadding="2"<br />
! Marc should be the NOB-head !! Marc should not be the NOB-head<br />
|-<br />
| Marc || <br />
|-<br />
| Abi ||<br />
|-<br />
| Neil (Marc is a natural) ||<br />
|-<br />
|Lee||<br />
|-<br />
|}<br />
</center><br />
<br />
== Venue ==<br />
<br />
Is any-one interested in having round 1 of the nerd olympics this weekend? At our flat (Neil & Abi)? It'd just be a good excuse to play SingStar. Abi's working on Saturday but people could come round Saturday evening and have some events on Sunday morning? I'll have to hunt out a good pool pub. We could formulate a final list of events for round 1 in the meantime via the Wiki.<br />
<br />
'''Note''': Tim can't make this weekend, and doubtless other people won't be able to too, so we'd have to think of another date. Any ideas?<br />
<br />
== Round 1 ==<br />
<br />
; Specialist round : We could have a short quiz where everybody answers questions on somebody else's special chosen subject. We could agree the subjects beforehand to prevent people from picking stupid topics. We'd have to think of someway to stop people picking impossible to answer questions that nobody would ever know though.<br />
<br />
; Pool : Standard knock-out tournament, à la the world cup? I think the hotel across the road has pool but I'd have to investigate prices.<br />
<br />
; Death-tank : Simple - depending on number of players, everyone can just play at once<br />
<br />
; Singstar : Some kind of complicated system where you have home and away matches so that you get to choose the song on home matches or something<br />
<br />
; Typing : Take it in turns typing up a letter and deduct marks for accuracy?<br />
<br />
; Tetris : The original GameBoy version, most lines in 10 minutes or something? - how about some sort of tournament involving head-to-head matches, as we did in A-levels?<br />
<br />
We could collect points for each round with points for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place.<br />
<br />
Is this too anal to bother with?<br />
<br />
== Rough Event Ideas ==<br />
<br />
* Typing<br />
* Arm wrestling<br />
* Pin the tail on the donkey<br />
* Swerve (fun, four-player computer, high-paced game)<br />
* Variety of runs<br />
* Long jump (Long jump????????? - you what?)<br />
* Tetris<br />
* Spelin'<br />
* IQ (or something like Raven's Matricies)- I must be very thick, what are raven matricies? <br />
* Downing a pint - draught<br />
* Not downing a pint and liking your ale in little sips test<br />
* Dancing game<br />
* Bop it<br />
* Lung capacity<br />
* General grammmar and punctuation test (with extra points for the vehemency of your convinctions)<br />
* Pool competiton<br />
* Taste test<br />
* Curry taste test (if you can handle a vindaloo test)<br />
* Count to 100 (one, two, miss a few, ninety-nine, a hundred)<br />
* Middle C<br />
* Specialist round (like on Mastermind) <br />
* Pictionary<br />
* Table tennis<br />
* Table football<br />
* Darts<br />
* Spot the dots<br />
* Sudoku<br />
* Calculator speed relay<br />
* The biscuit game<br />
* Internet fact search<br />
* Mallet's Mallet<br />
* Name game<br />
* Stop watch<br />
* Banzai<br />
* Guess the song<br />
* Death Tank<br />
* Skimming (boing boing boing - not with my phone)<br />
* Staring<br />
* Eating doughnuts (no licking lips)<br />
* Eating crackers (no liquid allowed)<br />
* Classing game, e.g. Street Firhget 2<br />
* Lighting a fire<br />
* Classic nerdy rock song lyric test<br />
* The calcultor game<br />
* ASAP<br />
* Synonym game for rude body parts<br />
* Super Mario Brothers on the Gameboy Color (remember that?)<br />
* Scrabble! (so Abi can get some points..) - oi! I can get points! Maybe not in the biscuit game...<br />
* Make a rocket like they did on Beauty and the Geek<br />
* Complete the Red Dwarf quote<br />
* Weight to height ratios (skinniest wins)<br />
* Worst eyesight<br />
* 'Success with the ladies' test<br />
* Odd habits / phobias / general anti-social behaviour test<br />
* Testo de povo kompreni esperantajn frazojn<br />
* Geocaching time trial!<br />
* The great "can you taste the difference between bottled water, tap water and filtered water?" test - wot like they did on BBC Breakfast News?<br />
* Singstar</div>83.216.149.24https://indivisibilities.com/wiki/index.php?title=Edinburgh&diff=2085Edinburgh2006-06-28T22:14:55Z<p>83.216.149.24: /* Things to do in Edinburgh */</p>
<hr />
<div>== Flights ==<br />
<br />
All: outbound 30/06/06 - 21.00 -> 22.15<br />
<br />
Matt: return 02/07/06 - 19.50 -> 21.05<br />
<br />
Caroline: return 03/07/06 - sometime<br />
<br />
Marc: return 05/07/06 - 7pm-ish<br />
<br />
== Accommodation ==<br />
<br />
We are arriving on Friday June 30th. Matt's leaving on Sunday and Caroline's leaving on Monday. Marc's staying until Wednesday because he's on a conference up there.<br />
<br />
The accommodation has now been booked and we are staying at the [http://www.euro-hostels.co.uk/Edinburgh_hostel/ Edinburgh Euro Hostel]. We are each staying in a single room (same price as half a twin room, so won't have to put up with any snoring ;-) ), and the prices are as follows:<br />
<br />
* Friday night - £25.95<br />
* Saturday night - £25.95<br />
* Sunday night - £19.95<br />
<br />
A 10% deposit has already been paid (£19.56) with the remainder (£176.04) due on arrival.<br />
<br />
==Things to do in Edinburgh==<br />
<br />
[http://search.visitscotland.com/sitemakescotland.asp?userid=SEZVMLPXQT&executepage=ProviderInfo/VSTproviderpage.asp&providerid=908501&survivallevel=2&templateextension=VST&sortorder=allocation Edinburgh Castle] - (adults £10.30) The One O'Clock Gun is fired every day (except Sunday) at precisely 13:00, allowing citizens and visitors to check their clocks and watches.<br />
<br />
[http://www.whisky-heritage.co.uk/ Scotch Whisky Heritage Centre] (354 Castlehill, The Royal Mile) - This unique interactive visitor attraction Edinburgh, allows you to experience the sights, sounds and smells of whisky, and the opportunity to discover how scotch whisky is made.<br />
<br />
[http://www.thejamhouse.com/ The Jam House] (5 Queen Street) has an intimate atmosphere for a live music venue favouring the 'unplugged' feel with more contact between artists and members of the public. There are no futuristic, technological lighting effects, just simple theatrical style focused on the artist and providing a live entertainment experience.<br />
<br />
An a la carte dining experience allows customers to enjoy a blend of flavours from around the world and an inspired wine list enhances the choice and quality.<br />
<br />
The Jam House is open seven nights a week from 5pm until 3am.<br />
<br />
[http://www.thestand.co.uk/ The Stand] Comedy Club (5 York Place) EDINBURGH - LIVE COMEDY 7 NIGHTS A WEEK<br />
<br />
Now in its tenth year The Stand Comedy Club is Edinburgh's only full-time comedy venue. Housed in its own purpose built city centre premises just five minutes walk from Princes Street, it is one of the leading comedy venues in the UK and a mainstay of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.<br />
<br />
Opening Times:<br />
<br />
Friday & Saturday: 1930 - 0100; Sunday : 1230 - 2400<br />
<br />
Pricing Information:<br />
<br />
Fri - £8.00 (£7.00) <br />
<br />
Sat - £10.00 (£8.00) <br />
<br />
Sun - £3.00 (£2.00)<br />
<br />
[http://www.wyrdology.com/edinburgh/tourism/greyfriars-bobby.html Greyfriar Bobbys Bar] complete with statue of a dog outside, and a story to go with it<br />
<br />
[http://www.wyrdology.com/edinburgh/tourism/nessie.html Edinburgh Loch Ness Discovery Centre] (next to Saint Giles' Cathedral) - features a 3D cinema showing a film hosted by Adrian Shine of the Loch Ness Project.</div>83.216.149.24https://indivisibilities.com/wiki/index.php?title=Edinburgh&diff=2084Edinburgh2006-06-28T22:13:39Z<p>83.216.149.24: /* Things to do in Edinburgh */</p>
<hr />
<div>== Flights ==<br />
<br />
All: outbound 30/06/06 - 21.00 -> 22.15<br />
<br />
Matt: return 02/07/06 - 19.50 -> 21.05<br />
<br />
Caroline: return 03/07/06 - sometime<br />
<br />
Marc: return 05/07/06 - 7pm-ish<br />
<br />
== Accommodation ==<br />
<br />
We are arriving on Friday June 30th. Matt's leaving on Sunday and Caroline's leaving on Monday. Marc's staying until Wednesday because he's on a conference up there.<br />
<br />
The accommodation has now been booked and we are staying at the [http://www.euro-hostels.co.uk/Edinburgh_hostel/ Edinburgh Euro Hostel]. We are each staying in a single room (same price as half a twin room, so won't have to put up with any snoring ;-) ), and the prices are as follows:<br />
<br />
* Friday night - £25.95<br />
* Saturday night - £25.95<br />
* Sunday night - £19.95<br />
<br />
A 10% deposit has already been paid (£19.56) with the remainder (£176.04) due on arrival.<br />
<br />
==Things to do in Edinburgh==<br />
<br />
[http://search.visitscotland.com/sitemakescotland.asp?userid=SEZVMLPXQT&executepage=ProviderInfo/VSTproviderpage.asp&providerid=908501&survivallevel=2&templateextension=VST&sortorder=allocation Edinburgh Castle] - (adults £10.30) The One O'Clock Gun is fired every day (except Sunday) at precisely 13:00, allowing citizens and visitors to check their clocks and watches.<br />
<br />
[http://www.whisky-heritage.co.uk/ Scotch Whisky Heritage Centre] - This unique interactive visitor attraction Edinburgh, allows you to experience the sights, sounds and smells of whisky, and the opportunity to discover how scotch whisky is made.<br />
<br />
[http://www.thejamhouse.com/ The Jam House] (5 Queen Street) has an intimate atmosphere for a live music venue favouring the 'unplugged' feel with more contact between artists and members of the public. There are no futuristic, technological lighting effects, just simple theatrical style focused on the artist and providing a live entertainment experience.<br />
<br />
An a la carte dining experience allows customers to enjoy a blend of flavours from around the world and an inspired wine list enhances the choice and quality.<br />
<br />
The Jam House is open seven nights a week from 5pm until 3am.<br />
<br />
[http://www.thestand.co.uk/ The Stand] Comedy Club (5 York Place) EDINBURGH - LIVE COMEDY 7 NIGHTS A WEEK<br />
<br />
Now in its tenth year The Stand Comedy Club is Edinburgh's only full-time comedy venue. Housed in its own purpose built city centre premises just five minutes walk from Princes Street, it is one of the leading comedy venues in the UK and a mainstay of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.<br />
<br />
Opening Times:<br />
<br />
Friday & Saturday: 1930 - 0100; Sunday : 1230 - 2400<br />
<br />
Pricing Information:<br />
<br />
Fri - £8.00 (£7.00) <br />
<br />
Sat - £10.00 (£8.00) <br />
<br />
Sun - £3.00 (£2.00)<br />
<br />
[http://www.wyrdology.com/edinburgh/tourism/greyfriars-bobby.html Greyfriar Bobbys Bar] complete with statue of a dog outside, and a story to go with it<br />
<br />
[http://www.wyrdology.com/edinburgh/tourism/nessie.html Edinburgh Loch Ness Discovery Centre] (next to Saint Giles' Cathedral) - features a 3D cinema showing a film hosted by Adrian Shine of the Loch Ness Project.</div>83.216.149.24https://indivisibilities.com/wiki/index.php?title=Edinburgh&diff=2083Edinburgh2006-06-28T22:11:26Z<p>83.216.149.24: /* Things to do in Edinburgh */</p>
<hr />
<div>== Flights ==<br />
<br />
All: outbound 30/06/06 - 21.00 -> 22.15<br />
<br />
Matt: return 02/07/06 - 19.50 -> 21.05<br />
<br />
Caroline: return 03/07/06 - sometime<br />
<br />
Marc: return 05/07/06 - 7pm-ish<br />
<br />
== Accommodation ==<br />
<br />
We are arriving on Friday June 30th. Matt's leaving on Sunday and Caroline's leaving on Monday. Marc's staying until Wednesday because he's on a conference up there.<br />
<br />
The accommodation has now been booked and we are staying at the [http://www.euro-hostels.co.uk/Edinburgh_hostel/ Edinburgh Euro Hostel]. We are each staying in a single room (same price as half a twin room, so won't have to put up with any snoring ;-) ), and the prices are as follows:<br />
<br />
* Friday night - £25.95<br />
* Saturday night - £25.95<br />
* Sunday night - £19.95<br />
<br />
A 10% deposit has already been paid (£19.56) with the remainder (£176.04) due on arrival.<br />
<br />
==Things to do in Edinburgh==<br />
<br />
[http://search.visitscotland.com/sitemakescotland.asp?userid=SEZVMLPXQT&executepage=ProviderInfo/VSTproviderpage.asp&providerid=908501&survivallevel=2&templateextension=VST&sortorder=allocation Edinburgh Castle] - The One O'Clock Gun is fired every day (except Sunday) at precisely 13:00, allowing citizens and visitors to check their clocks and watches.<br />
<br />
[http://www.whisky-heritage.co.uk/ Scotch Whisky Heritage Centre] - This unique interactive visitor attraction Edinburgh, allows you to experience the sights, sounds and smells of whisky, and the opportunity to discover how scotch whisky is made.<br />
<br />
[http://www.thejamhouse.com/ The Jam House] (5 Queen Street) has an intimate atmosphere for a live music venue favouring the 'unplugged' feel with more contact between artists and members of the public. There are no futuristic, technological lighting effects, just simple theatrical style focused on the artist and providing a live entertainment experience.<br />
<br />
An a la carte dining experience allows customers to enjoy a blend of flavours from around the world and an inspired wine list enhances the choice and quality.<br />
<br />
The Jam House is open seven nights a week from 5pm until 3am.<br />
<br />
[http://www.thestand.co.uk/ The Stand] Comedy Club (5 York Place) EDINBURGH - LIVE COMEDY 7 NIGHTS A WEEK<br />
<br />
Now in its tenth year The Stand Comedy Club is Edinburgh's only full-time comedy venue. Housed in its own purpose built city centre premises just five minutes walk from Princes Street, it is one of the leading comedy venues in the UK and a mainstay of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.<br />
<br />
Opening Times:<br />
<br />
Friday & Saturday: 1930 - 0100; Sunday : 1230 - 2400<br />
<br />
Pricing Information:<br />
<br />
Fri - £8.00 (£7.00) <br />
<br />
Sat - £10.00 (£8.00) <br />
<br />
Sun - £3.00 (£2.00)<br />
<br />
[http://www.wyrdology.com/edinburgh/tourism/greyfriars-bobby.html Greyfriar Bobbys Bar] complete with statue of a dog outside, and a story to go with it<br />
<br />
[http://www.wyrdology.com/edinburgh/tourism/nessie.html Edinburgh Loch Ness Discovery Centre] (next to Saint Giles' Cathedral) - features a 3D cinema showing a film hosted by Adrian Shine of the Loch Ness Project.</div>83.216.149.24https://indivisibilities.com/wiki/index.php?title=Edinburgh&diff=2082Edinburgh2006-06-28T22:02:55Z<p>83.216.149.24: /* Things to do in Edinburgh */</p>
<hr />
<div>== Flights ==<br />
<br />
All: outbound 30/06/06 - 21.00 -> 22.15<br />
<br />
Matt: return 02/07/06 - 19.50 -> 21.05<br />
<br />
Caroline: return 03/07/06 - sometime<br />
<br />
Marc: return 05/07/06 - 7pm-ish<br />
<br />
== Accommodation ==<br />
<br />
We are arriving on Friday June 30th. Matt's leaving on Sunday and Caroline's leaving on Monday. Marc's staying until Wednesday because he's on a conference up there.<br />
<br />
The accommodation has now been booked and we are staying at the [http://www.euro-hostels.co.uk/Edinburgh_hostel/ Edinburgh Euro Hostel]. We are each staying in a single room (same price as half a twin room, so won't have to put up with any snoring ;-) ), and the prices are as follows:<br />
<br />
* Friday night - £25.95<br />
* Saturday night - £25.95<br />
* Sunday night - £19.95<br />
<br />
A 10% deposit has already been paid (£19.56) with the remainder (£176.04) due on arrival.<br />
<br />
==Things to do in Edinburgh==<br />
<br />
[http://search.visitscotland.com/sitemakescotland.asp?userid=SEZVMLPXQT&executepage=ProviderInfo/VSTproviderpage.asp&providerid=908501&survivallevel=2&templateextension=VST&sortorder=allocation Edinburgh Castle]<br />
<br />
[http://www.whisky-heritage.co.uk/ Scotch Whisky Heritage Centre] - This unique interactive visitor attraction Edinburgh, allows you to experience the sights, sounds and smells of whisky, and the opportunity to discover how scotch whisky is made.<br />
<br />
[http://www.thejamhouse.com/ The Jam House] (5 Queen Street) has an intimate atmosphere for a live music venue favouring the 'unplugged' feel with more contact between artists and members of the public. There are no futuristic, technological lighting effects, just simple theatrical style focused on the artist and providing a live entertainment experience.<br />
<br />
An a la carte dining experience allows customers to enjoy a blend of flavours from around the world and an inspired wine list enhances the choice and quality.<br />
<br />
The Jam House is open seven nights a week from 5pm until 3am.<br />
<br />
[http://www.thestand.co.uk/ The Stand] Comedy Club (5 York Place) EDINBURGH - LIVE COMEDY 7 NIGHTS A WEEK<br />
<br />
Now in its tenth year The Stand Comedy Club is Edinburgh's only full-time comedy venue. Housed in its own purpose built city centre premises just five minutes walk from Princes Street, it is one of the leading comedy venues in the UK and a mainstay of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.<br />
<br />
Opening Times:<br />
<br />
Friday & Saturday: 1930 - 0100; Sunday : 1230 - 2400<br />
<br />
Pricing Information:<br />
<br />
Fri - £8.00 (£7.00) <br />
<br />
Sat - £10.00 (£8.00) <br />
<br />
Sun - £3.00 (£2.00)<br />
<br />
[http://www.wyrdology.com/edinburgh/tourism/greyfriars-bobby.html Greyfriar Bobbys Bar] complete with statue of a dog outside, and a story to go with it</div>83.216.149.24https://indivisibilities.com/wiki/index.php?title=Edinburgh&diff=2081Edinburgh2006-06-28T21:50:18Z<p>83.216.149.24: /* Things to do in Edinburgh */</p>
<hr />
<div>== Flights ==<br />
<br />
All: outbound 30/06/06 - 21.00 -> 22.15<br />
<br />
Matt: return 02/07/06 - 19.50 -> 21.05<br />
<br />
Caroline: return 03/07/06 - sometime<br />
<br />
Marc: return 05/07/06 - 7pm-ish<br />
<br />
== Accommodation ==<br />
<br />
We are arriving on Friday June 30th. Matt's leaving on Sunday and Caroline's leaving on Monday. Marc's staying until Wednesday because he's on a conference up there.<br />
<br />
The accommodation has now been booked and we are staying at the [http://www.euro-hostels.co.uk/Edinburgh_hostel/ Edinburgh Euro Hostel]. We are each staying in a single room (same price as half a twin room, so won't have to put up with any snoring ;-) ), and the prices are as follows:<br />
<br />
* Friday night - £25.95<br />
* Saturday night - £25.95<br />
* Sunday night - £19.95<br />
<br />
A 10% deposit has already been paid (£19.56) with the remainder (£176.04) due on arrival.<br />
<br />
==Things to do in Edinburgh==<br />
<br />
[http://search.visitscotland.com/sitemakescotland.asp?userid=SEZVMLPXQT&executepage=ProviderInfo/VSTproviderpage.asp&providerid=908501&survivallevel=2&templateextension=VST&sortorder=allocation Edinburgh Castle]<br />
<br />
[http://www.whisky-heritage.co.uk/ Scotch Whisky Heritage Centre] - This unique interactive visitor attraction Edinburgh, allows you to experience the sights, sounds and smells of whisky, and the opportunity to discover how scotch whisky is made.<br />
<br />
[http://www.thejamhouse.com/ The Jam House] (5 Queen Street) has an intimate atmosphere for a live music venue favouring the 'unplugged' feel with more contact between artists and members of the public. There are no futuristic, technological lighting effects, just simple theatrical style focused on the artist and providing a live entertainment experience.<br />
<br />
An a la carte dining experience allows customers to enjoy a blend of flavours from around the world and an inspired wine list enhances the choice and quality.<br />
<br />
The Jam House is open seven nights a week from 5pm until 3am.<br />
<br />
[http://www.thestand.co.uk/ The Stand] Comedy Club (5 York Place) EDINBURGH - LIVE COMEDY 7 NIGHTS A WEEK<br />
<br />
Now in its tenth year The Stand Comedy Club is Edinburgh's only full-time comedy venue. Housed in its own purpose built city centre premises just five minutes walk from Princes Street, it is one of the leading comedy venues in the UK and a mainstay of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.<br />
<br />
Opening Times:<br />
<br />
Friday & Saturday: 1930 - 0100; Sunday : 1230 - 2400<br />
<br />
Pricing Information:<br />
<br />
Fri - £8.00 (£7.00) <br />
<br />
Sat - £10.00 (£8.00) <br />
<br />
Sun - £3.00 (£2.00)</div>83.216.149.24https://indivisibilities.com/wiki/index.php?title=Edinburgh&diff=2080Edinburgh2006-06-28T21:44:30Z<p>83.216.149.24: /* Things to do in Edinburgh */</p>
<hr />
<div>== Flights ==<br />
<br />
All: outbound 30/06/06 - 21.00 -> 22.15<br />
<br />
Matt: return 02/07/06 - 19.50 -> 21.05<br />
<br />
Caroline: return 03/07/06 - sometime<br />
<br />
Marc: return 05/07/06 - 7pm-ish<br />
<br />
== Accommodation ==<br />
<br />
We are arriving on Friday June 30th. Matt's leaving on Sunday and Caroline's leaving on Monday. Marc's staying until Wednesday because he's on a conference up there.<br />
<br />
The accommodation has now been booked and we are staying at the [http://www.euro-hostels.co.uk/Edinburgh_hostel/ Edinburgh Euro Hostel]. We are each staying in a single room (same price as half a twin room, so won't have to put up with any snoring ;-) ), and the prices are as follows:<br />
<br />
* Friday night - £25.95<br />
* Saturday night - £25.95<br />
* Sunday night - £19.95<br />
<br />
A 10% deposit has already been paid (£19.56) with the remainder (£176.04) due on arrival.<br />
<br />
==Things to do in Edinburgh==<br />
<br />
[http://search.visitscotland.com/sitemakescotland.asp?userid=SEZVMLPXQT&executepage=ProviderInfo/VSTproviderpage.asp&providerid=908501&survivallevel=2&templateextension=VST&sortorder=allocation Edinburgh Castle]<br />
<br />
[http://www.whisky-heritage.co.uk/ Scotch Whisky Heritage Centre] - This unique interactive visitor attraction Edinburgh, allows you to experience the sights, sounds and smells of whisky, and the opportunity to discover how scotch whisky is made.<br />
<br />
[http://www.thejamhouse.com/ The Jam House] (5 Queen Street) has an intimate atmosphere for a live music venue favouring the 'unplugged' feel with more contact between artists and members of the public. There are no futuristic, technological lighting effects, just simple theatrical style focused on the artist and providing a live entertainment experience.<br />
<br />
An a la carte dining experience allows customers to enjoy a blend of flavours from around the world and an inspired wine list enhances the choice and quality.<br />
<br />
The Jam House is open seven nights a week from 5pm until 3am.<br />
<br />
[http://www.thestand.co.uk/ The Stand] Comedy Club EDINBURGH - LIVE COMEDY 7 NIGHTS A WEEK<br />
<br />
Now in its tenth year The Stand Comedy Club is Edinburgh's only full-time comedy venue. Housed in its own purpose built city centre premises just five minutes walk from Princes Street, it is one of the leading comedy venues in the UK and a mainstay of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.<br />
<br />
Opening Times:<br />
<br />
Friday & Saturday: 1930 - 0100; Sunday : 1230 - 2400<br />
<br />
Pricing Information:<br />
<br />
Fri - £8.00 (£7.00) <br />
<br />
Sat - £10.00 (£8.00) <br />
<br />
Sun - £3.00 (£2.00)</div>83.216.149.24https://indivisibilities.com/wiki/index.php?title=Edinburgh&diff=2079Edinburgh2006-06-28T21:42:26Z<p>83.216.149.24: /* Things to do in Edinburgh */</p>
<hr />
<div>== Flights ==<br />
<br />
All: outbound 30/06/06 - 21.00 -> 22.15<br />
<br />
Matt: return 02/07/06 - 19.50 -> 21.05<br />
<br />
Caroline: return 03/07/06 - sometime<br />
<br />
Marc: return 05/07/06 - 7pm-ish<br />
<br />
== Accommodation ==<br />
<br />
We are arriving on Friday June 30th. Matt's leaving on Sunday and Caroline's leaving on Monday. Marc's staying until Wednesday because he's on a conference up there.<br />
<br />
The accommodation has now been booked and we are staying at the [http://www.euro-hostels.co.uk/Edinburgh_hostel/ Edinburgh Euro Hostel]. We are each staying in a single room (same price as half a twin room, so won't have to put up with any snoring ;-) ), and the prices are as follows:<br />
<br />
* Friday night - £25.95<br />
* Saturday night - £25.95<br />
* Sunday night - £19.95<br />
<br />
A 10% deposit has already been paid (£19.56) with the remainder (£176.04) due on arrival.<br />
<br />
==Things to do in Edinburgh==<br />
<br />
[http://search.visitscotland.com/sitemakescotland.asp?userid=SEZVMLPXQT&executepage=ProviderInfo/VSTproviderpage.asp&providerid=908501&survivallevel=2&templateextension=VST&sortorder=allocation Edinburgh Castle]<br />
<br />
[http://www.whisky-heritage.co.uk/ Scotch Whisky Heritage Centre] - This unique interactive visitor attraction Edinburgh, allows you to experience the sights, sounds and smells of whisky, and the opportunity to discover how scotch whisky is made.<br />
<br />
[http://www.thejamhouse.com/ The Jam House] (5 Queen Street) has an intimate atmosphere for a live music venue favouring the 'unplugged' feel with more contact between artists and members of the public. There are no futuristic, technological lighting effects, just simple theatrical style focused on the artist and providing a live entertainment experience.<br />
<br />
This theatrical element is enhanced by the fact that the venue's stage area inside the former BBC Broadcasting House was once where live performances were broadcast and recorded.<br />
<br />
Former smaller recording studios have been opened up to become bars and lounge areas, further using the space to fully encourage customers to appreciate the historical musicality of the venue.<br />
<br />
An a la carte dining experience allows customers to enjoy a blend of flavours from around the world and an inspired wine list enhances the choice and quality.<br />
<br />
The Jam House is open seven nights a week from 5pm until 3am.<br />
<br />
[http://www.thestand.co.uk/ The Stand] Comedy Club EDINBURGH - LIVE COMEDY 7 NIGHTS A WEEK<br />
<br />
Now in its tenth year The Stand Comedy Club is Edinburgh's only full-time comedy venue. Housed in its own purpose built city centre premises just five minutes walk from Princes Street, it is one of the leading comedy venues in the UK and a mainstay of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.<br />
<br />
Consistently high quality live entertainment seven days a week, combined with value for money prices mean the venue is often packed - so it's best to book in advance. Prices start at just one pound for the Red Raw beginners' night on Mondays to a maximum of £10 for the premium Saturday night show.<br />
<br />
The club presents theatre quality stand-up comedy performances in a intimate cabaret style atmosphere. Audiences can drink (and smoke) during performances and there are two short intervals for chatting.<br />
<br />
The bar serves a full range of licensed drinks and fabulous coffee. Chef Matthew Steven Chef provides a highly acclaimed menu of home-cooked specials at unbeatable prices from Thursday - Sunday. Sunday lunchtimes combine free improvised comedy with superb food to provide a wicked hangover cure.<br />
<br />
Opening Times:<br />
<br />
Friday & Saturday: 1930 - 0100 <br />
<br />
Sunday : 1230 - 2400<br />
<br />
Pricing Information:<br />
<br />
Fri - £8.00 (£7.00) <br />
<br />
Sat - £10.00 (£8.00) <br />
<br />
Sun - £3.00 (£2.00)</div>83.216.149.24https://indivisibilities.com/wiki/index.php?title=Edinburgh&diff=2078Edinburgh2006-06-28T21:36:59Z<p>83.216.149.24: /* Things to do in Edinburgh */</p>
<hr />
<div>== Flights ==<br />
<br />
All: outbound 30/06/06 - 21.00 -> 22.15<br />
<br />
Matt: return 02/07/06 - 19.50 -> 21.05<br />
<br />
Caroline: return 03/07/06 - sometime<br />
<br />
Marc: return 05/07/06 - 7pm-ish<br />
<br />
== Accommodation ==<br />
<br />
We are arriving on Friday June 30th. Matt's leaving on Sunday and Caroline's leaving on Monday. Marc's staying until Wednesday because he's on a conference up there.<br />
<br />
The accommodation has now been booked and we are staying at the [http://www.euro-hostels.co.uk/Edinburgh_hostel/ Edinburgh Euro Hostel]. We are each staying in a single room (same price as half a twin room, so won't have to put up with any snoring ;-) ), and the prices are as follows:<br />
<br />
* Friday night - £25.95<br />
* Saturday night - £25.95<br />
* Sunday night - £19.95<br />
<br />
A 10% deposit has already been paid (£19.56) with the remainder (£176.04) due on arrival.<br />
<br />
==Things to do in Edinburgh==<br />
<br />
[http://search.visitscotland.com/sitemakescotland.asp?userid=SEZVMLPXQT&executepage=ProviderInfo/VSTproviderpage.asp&providerid=908501&survivallevel=2&templateextension=VST&sortorder=allocation Edinburgh Castle]<br />
<br />
[http://www.whisky-heritage.co.uk/ Scotch Whisky Heritage Centre] - This unique interactive visitor attraction Edinburgh, allows you to experience the sights, sounds and smells of whisky, and the opportunity to discover how scotch whisky is made.<br />
<br />
[http://www.thejamhouse.com/ The Jam House] (5 Queen Street) has an intimate atmosphere for a live music venue favouring the 'unplugged' feel with more contact between artists and members of the public. There are no futuristic, technological lighting effects, just simple theatrical style focused on the artist and providing a live entertainment experience.<br />
<br />
This theatrical element is enhanced by the fact that the venue's stage area inside the former BBC Broadcasting House was once where live performances were broadcast and recorded.<br />
<br />
Former smaller recording studios have been opened up to become bars and lounge areas, further using the space to fully encourage customers to appreciate the historical musicality of the venue.<br />
<br />
An a la carte dining experience allows customers to enjoy a blend of flavours from around the world and an inspired wine list enhances the choice and quality.<br />
<br />
The Jam House is open seven nights a week from 5pm until 3am.</div>83.216.149.24https://indivisibilities.com/wiki/index.php?title=Edinburgh&diff=2077Edinburgh2006-06-28T21:32:45Z<p>83.216.149.24: </p>
<hr />
<div>== Flights ==<br />
<br />
All: outbound 30/06/06 - 21.00 -> 22.15<br />
<br />
Matt: return 02/07/06 - 19.50 -> 21.05<br />
<br />
Caroline: return 03/07/06 - sometime<br />
<br />
Marc: return 05/07/06 - 7pm-ish<br />
<br />
== Accommodation ==<br />
<br />
We are arriving on Friday June 30th. Matt's leaving on Sunday and Caroline's leaving on Monday. Marc's staying until Wednesday because he's on a conference up there.<br />
<br />
The accommodation has now been booked and we are staying at the [http://www.euro-hostels.co.uk/Edinburgh_hostel/ Edinburgh Euro Hostel]. We are each staying in a single room (same price as half a twin room, so won't have to put up with any snoring ;-) ), and the prices are as follows:<br />
<br />
* Friday night - £25.95<br />
* Saturday night - £25.95<br />
* Sunday night - £19.95<br />
<br />
A 10% deposit has already been paid (£19.56) with the remainder (£176.04) due on arrival.<br />
<br />
==Things to do in Edinburgh==<br />
<br />
[http://search.visitscotland.com/sitemakescotland.asp?userid=SEZVMLPXQT&executepage=ProviderInfo/VSTproviderpage.asp&providerid=908501&survivallevel=2&templateextension=VST&sortorder=allocation Edinburgh Castle]<br />
<br />
[http://www.whisky-heritage.co.uk/ Scotch Whisky Heritage Centre] - This unique interactive visitor attraction Edinburgh, allows you to experience the sights, sounds and smells of whisky, and the opportunity to discover how scotch whisky is made.</div>83.216.149.24https://indivisibilities.com/wiki/index.php?title=Isle_Of_Wight&diff=2072Isle Of Wight2006-06-28T18:32:33Z<p>83.216.149.24: /* Matt's Spend! */</p>
<hr />
<div>[[Image:Isle_o13.gif|center]]<br />
<br />
== Holiday Brief ==<br />
<br />
Some photos are now up at http://www.indivisibilities.com/gallery/<br />
<br />
For the bank holday at the end of May, we should go to the Isle of Wight off the south coast of England. We can go from Saturday to Monday if it's possible. There are a few things that need to be organised, but it shouldn't be too hard, wight?!<br />
<br />
== Weather ==<br />
'''BBC (Saturday 27th)''' -<br />
<br />
[[Image:Isleofwightweather.JPG | The weather as predicted on Saturday 27th/May]]<br />
<br />
== Who's coming ==<br />
<br />
[[Image:tick.gif]] Marc - definite<br />
<br />
[[Image:tick.gif]] Rebecca (Ben's Cookies flavoured) - definite<br />
<br />
[[Image:tick.gif]] Caz - 99.4% probability<br />
<br />
[[Image:tick.gif]] Tom - definite<br />
<br />
[[Image:tick.gif]] Matt - definite<br />
<br />
[[Image:tick.gif]] Lee - definite<br />
<br />
[[Image:Blank.gif]] Tim - may have to book assuming not coming<br />
<br />
[[Image:Blank.gif]] Sissy - may have to book assuming not coming<br />
<br />
[[Image:Blank.gif]] Mildred - definite<br />
<br />
[[Image:Blank.gif]] Definitely - Maybe<br />
<br />
[[Image:Blank.gif]] Dr Sloan - too busy<br />
<br />
Definites - 6, Maybes - 2, Made up People - 3<br />
<br />
== Transport there and back ==<br />
<br />
[[Image:Dinghy_2a.jpg|left]]<br />
<br />
This has now been booked - <br />
<br />
[http://www.redfunnel.co.uk/redfunnel/travel/html/main2.shtml Red Funnel] - 2 x (Car + 3 people) = £139<br />
<br />
Out-bound: Saturday 27/05/06 - 4pm from Southampton to East Cowes<br />
<br />
Return Journey: Monday 29/05/06 - 1.30pm from East Cowes to Southampton<br />
<br />
check-in time: at least 30 mins before departure time. We just have to present our booking no.s: 2906126, 2906215<br />
<br />
transit time: 55 mins<br />
<br />
Our vehicle ferry terminal in Southampton (Terminal 1) can be found at Dock Gate<br />
7 on Town Quay Road, S014 2AQ - follow signs to Southampton Waterfront. Our Isle<br />
of Wight vehicle terminal is at Trinity Yard, East Cowes PO32 6RF.<br />
<br />
== Where we'll stay ==<br />
<br />
[[Image:Sandown.jpg|right|Where's Wally?]]<br />
<br />
We're staying in Sandown now in the [http://www.chesterlodgehotel.co.uk/ Chester Lodge Hotel]. The cost is £28ppn and two car parking spaces are available for us. There will be three single rooms and one triple room.<br />
<br />
The hotel blurb is as follows:<br />
<br />
"We are a friendly family run 16 bedroom hotel. Our detached residence stands in its<br />
own grounds and is situated in an ideal position in the best part of Sandown. just<br />
minutes to shops and facing the sea - many of our rooms are sea view!<br />
<br />
Sandown has a lovely climate, having held the "All England" sunshine record for many<br />
years. Safe, sandy beaches, pier, picturesque wooded roads, fantastic views from<br />
"The Downs" and extensive attractions all make for a perfect holiday or short break.<br />
<br />
Sandown is a family resort. There are nightclubs, pubs, restaurants and cafes. The<br />
kids will have hours of fun on Browns Pitch and Putt whilst close by is the Zoo with<br />
tiger sanctuary. Sandown also has an 18-hole golf course, small airport where you<br />
can take a pleasure flight and even a Dinosaur Museum where you can wonder at the<br />
Prehistoric Visitors that the Island used to cater for.<br />
<br />
We are easily accessible to all amenities and have a bus stop 100 yards away with<br />
links to all areas of the Island and the Sandown tour."<br />
<br />
There's a pretty cool webcam at http://www.camvista.com/england/other/isleofwight_sandown.php?pageMode=nonjava .<br />
<br />
=== Getting to the Hotel ===<br />
<br />
[[Image:hotelloc.gif|Hotel Map]]<br />
<br />
The Chester Lodge Hotel<br />
7 Beachfield Road<br />
Sandown<br />
Isle Of Wight<br />
PO36 8NA<br />
<br />
'''Lat:''' 50:39:09N (50.6525)<br />
'''Lon:''' 1:09:34W (-1.1595) <br />
<br />
However you travel, when you have reached Sandown, The Chester Lodge is situated<br />
past all of shops and approximatly 200 yards from the post office on the right hand<br />
side.<br />
<br />
==The Natives==<br />
<br />
[[Image:monkeyisland3cannibals.PNG|right|Natives]]<br />
<br />
The earliest known inhabitants of the island are dinosaurs, some of whose bones have been discovered in recent times. Dinosaur Isle is a museum in Sandown which displays many of these relics. <br />
<br />
The native-born islanders have a very strong sense of local identity, sometimes thinking of the Island almost as though England were a separate country.<br />
<br />
The natives were formerly cannibals, later reforming into vegetarians who look after the island. <br />
<br />
At first you may feel out of place, but the islanders are mainly friendly, and will make you feel at home.<br />
<br clear="all"><br />
<br />
== What we'll do ==<br />
<br />
=== On The Way Down ===<br />
<br />
==== Shakeaway ====<br />
[[Image:drsloan3.jpg|center|What a cheeky chappy.]]<br />
Buy an aero ® mint ~ after eight ® (v) ~ amaretti (ng) ~ apple (v) ~ apple & blackberry (v) apple pie (ng) ~ apricot (v) ~ bakewell tart (ng) ~ banana (v) ~ banoffee muffin (ng)battenburg (nv) (ng) ~ blackcurrant (v) ~ blackcurrant cheesecake (ng) ~ black jacks ® (nv)blueberry nutrigrain ® (ng) ~ boost ® (ng) ~ bounty ® dark ~ bounty ® milk bourbon biscuit (ng) ~ bournville ® (ng) ~ butterscotch ~ cadbury's caramel ® cadbury's chocolate mini roll ® (ng) ~ cadbury's creme egg ® ~ cadbury's fruit & nut ® (ng) cappuccino muffin (ng) ~ caramel shortbread ~ caramel snack-a-jacks ® carrot cake (ng) ~ cherry (v) choca mocha ~ chocolate ~ chocolate & cherry ~ chocolate chip cookie (ng) chocolate fudge brownie (ng) ~ chocolate digestive ® milk (ng) ~ chocolate digestive ® plain (ng)<br />
chocolate hob nob ® milk (ng) ~ chocolate hob nob ® plain (ng) ~ chocolate muffin (ng) chocolate & peanut butter ~ chocolate pop tart ® (nv) (ng) ~ coco pops ® (ng) ~ coconut (v) coffee (v) ~ crunchie ® ~ crunchy nut corn flakes ® ~ cucumber (v) ~ curly wurly ® custard ~ custard creams (ng) ~ dime bar ® ~ dolly mixtures ® (nv)<br />
double decker ® ~ egg custard tart (ng) ~ farley's rusk ® (ng)<br />
ferrero rocher ® ~ fig roll ® (ng) ~ flying saucers ® (nv) (ng) ~ fondant fancies ® (nv) (ng) fruit salad chews ® (nv) ~ fry's orange cream ® (v) ~ fry's peppermint cream ® (v)fudge ~ ginger (v) ~ ginger nuts (v) (ng) ~ gooseberry (v) & custard<br />
grapefruit (v) ~ haribo starmix ® (nv) ~ hazelnut choc chip cookie (ng)<br />
hershey's cookies 'n creme ® (ng) ~ honey ~ humbug mints (v) ~ iced gems ®<br />
jaffa cake ® (ng) ~ jam doughnut (ng) ~ jam tart (ng) ~ jamaica ginger cake (ng)<br />
jammie dodger ® (ng) ~ jammie wagon wheel ® (nv) (ng) ~ jelly babies ® (nv)<br />
jelly beans (nv) ~ jelly tots ® (v) ~ kinder bueno ® (ng) ~ kit kat chunky ® (ng)<br />
lemon & lime (v) ~ lemon curd ~ lemon drizzle cake (ng) ~ lemon meringue ~ lime (v)<br />
lion bar ® (ng) ~ liquorice allsorts (nv) ~ love hearts (and new for 2006: chav hearts!) ® (nv) ~ malted milk biscuits (ng)maltesers ® (ng) ~ mandarin (v) ~ maple syrup (v) ~ mars ® (ng) ~ marshmallow (nv) melon (v) ~ milky bar ® ~ minstrels ® (ng) ~ m&m ® peanut (nv) (ng) ~ nutella ® orange marmalade ~ oreo cookie ® (ng) ~ parma violets ® (nv) ~ passion fruit (v) peach (v) ~ peanut butter (v) ~ pear (v) ~ pineapple (v) ~ raspberry (v) ~ reeces cups ® refreshers ® (nv) ~ revels ® (ng) ~ rhubarb (v) & custard ~ rolo ® ~ sesame snaps ® (v) sherbet fountain ® (v w/o liquorice) (ng) ~ skittles ® (nv) ~ smarties ® (nv) (ng) snickers ® ~ snowball ® ~ special k bar ® (ng) ~ spotted dick (ng) ~ starburst ® (v) strawberries (summer only) (v) ~ strawberry cheesecake (ng) ~ strawberry laces (nv) (ng) strawberry trifle (ng) ~ sugar puffs ® ~ syrup sponge (ng) ~ terry's choc orange ® milk (ng) ~ <br />
tic tacs lime & orange ® ~ tic tacs mint ® (v) ~ toblerone ® ~ toffee cheesecake (ng) toffee popcorn ~ treacle tart (ng) ~ trebor extra strong mints ® (nv) ~ turkish delight ® twix ® (ng) ~ vanilla (v) ~ walnut whip ® OR weetabix ® <br />
flavour milkshake at Southampton branch of 'Shakeaway' if we get the ferry from there.<br />
<br />
=== While We're There ===<br />
<br />
[[Image:CrabInn.jpg|right|The Crab Inn]]<br />
==== Matt's ideas ====<br />
* play volleyball on the beach?<br />
* visit [http://www.islandbreaks.co.uk/site/places-to-visit/adgestone-vineyard-p154701 Adgestone Vineyard], a couple of miles from Sandown<br />
<br />
* visit some of the 171 pubs on the island, such as the following old man pubs:<br />
<br />
- The Crab Inn (Shanklin Old Village) - Famous for being on many fudge box fronts and is still thatched and very old. Nice to have a pint outside in the summer evenings. No gardens or children's play areas. Popular with FOOD also in two or three family dining rooms inside. Pool table. <br />
<br />
- Fisherman's Cottage (Shanklin Beach - South) Very old and very small, picture postcard thatched pub virtually on the beach. Good views and reasonable amount of outdoor seating - no children's play areas although the beach is a couple of yards away! Sometimes has evening entertainment at peak season. Also good for FOOD. This pub is not open all year.<br />
<br />
* Practise the local dialogue:<br />
'She sells sea shells on the sea shore'<br />
'Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled pepper'<br />
<br />
==== Tom's Ideas ====<br />
[[Image:ShanklinTeaShop.jpg|left|Shanklin Tea Shop]]<br />
<br />
* '''Shanklin Tea Shop''': Sit on a cliff-top with a weekend's supply of freshly brewed tea bought from the The Old Thatch, a tea shop in Shanklin. Cotted cream teas, homemade cakes, light lunches, for example quiche, jacket potatoes, sandwiches including fresh crab and homemade soup. 4 Church Road, Old Village, Shanklin, PO37 6NU. Telephone: 01983 863184<br />
* Have a look at the '''needles''' and the lighthouse<br />
* Make sand castles<br />
* Fossil hunting<br />
* Piff paff about a bit, or somffin or noffin innit<br />
<br />
==== Marc's Ideas ====<br />
[[Image:Iowneedles.jpg|right|The needles on the western tip of the isle.]]<br />
<br />
* Write out postcards to forgotten Uncles and Aunts<br />
* Find a good, solid deck chair and rest my weary legs on the beach for the entire holiday, Special Brew to hand at all times.<br />
* Sing R&B songs the whole time, with all the instruments included<br />
* Do the regionally-accepted greeting of ten spotty dogs at the start of every conversation with the banana-head natives<br />
* Take time out of the busy hustle and bustle of Wight life, by stopping to practise eating my right shoulder and touching my left elbow to my left ear <br />
* Forget that sleep is a necessary requirement of any holiday and prefer instead to walk around zombified<br />
* Forget that enough is never enough when it comes to practical jokes, droning 'enough already!' every few seconds - which to the joker, simply means 'carry on, I love being the target of your pranks'<br />
* Forego breakfast and lunch in order to endulge in a nine-course 9pm evening meal<br />
* Oh - and make sure the evening meal has at least one mushroom-based starter, freshly-caugh-Wight fish for all main courses, such as tuna and salmon, and no pudding.<br />
* Alum Bay (coloured sands). At Yarmouth (A3054 via Yarmouth, B3401 and B3399 via Freshwater, A3055 via Freshwater Bay)<br />
* Walk along the beach and cliffs to the needles<br />
* The WW II fort built into the cliff (either on the east or west point of the island)<br />
* The old ballistic missile testing range<br />
* Blackgang Chine (incredible trippy theme park with gnomes and life size giants etc), 01983 730052, Blackgang Chine, Nr Ventnor, Isle of Wight PO38 2HN, , Lat: 50:35:22N (50.5894), Lon: 1:18:49W (-1.3137) <br />
* Cowes (if it's the right time of the year)<br />
* if they are still there; the sea has been eroding the cliffs and making them fall into the sea<br />
* Shanlin Chine - http://www.shanklinchine.co.uk/ - When you wander through the tranquil setting of this historic gorge, take time to just sit and look and listen. You are in a magic world of natural beauty, a rich haven of rare plants, woodland, wildlife and an enchanting waterfall. The story of the Chine encompasses subjects of interest to all age groups from geology to smuggling, shipwrecks to PLUTO and of course the wondrous scenery. 1000 hours to 2200 hours (illuminated after dusk). Seems like a really nice gorge thing. 12 Pomona Road, Shanklin, 01983 866432. Lat: 50:37:36N (50.6266), Lon: 1:10:48W (-1.1801) .<br />
* Driftwood Bar and Grill - the only bar *on* the beach! 01983 404004<br />
* Colonel Bogey's Nightclub in Culver Parade, Sandown - 01983 405320. Sat 27 May (Featuring the Artful Dodger - LIVE!!! The best in Soul, RnB, Hip Hop and Funky House PLUS All bottles £2 All Spirits £1), Sun 28 May (Jolly Sailor Party, The only way to finish your weekend, Fun, games and giveaways, Non-stop party through 'til 2am!, Drinks promotions ALL NIGHT!), Lat: 50:39:25N (50.657), Lon: 1:08:51W (-1.1476) <br />
<br />
Other places to visit are:<br />
<br />
* Cowes - Large town, you can get the ferry over from Southampton.<br />
* Newport - Large town in the centre of island.<br />
* Sandown - Typical seaside resort. Amusement arcades/crazy golf/pier/zoo etc. Plenty of B&Bs.<br />
* Shanklin - Just down the coast from Sandown, again lots of B&Bs.<br />
<br />
Nightclubs are mainly in the 'holiday' areas of Shanklin / Ventnor<br />
<br />
==== Caroline's Ideas ====<br />
<br />
[[image:beach2_sm.jpg|right|Ahhh, relaxing.]]<br />
* watch the sun set on the beach and swim in the sea at silly o clock<br />
* go to 'Goodleaf Tree Climbing Adventures' and climb the trees<br />
* look for crabs and other crustaceans in rock pools - laugh at them walking sideways<br />
* sleep<br />
* play breach games, like tag and bat and ball<br />
* throw seaweed at people<br />
* go to a country pub and drink the area's real ale<br />
* play tricks involving the fart machine on random people<br />
* forget that there's a point when enough is enough when it comes to playing tricks on people<br />
* ruin the wiki :-p<br />
<br />
And if there's time:<br />
* water skiing<br />
* visit Branston farm in Sandown - 01983 865540<br />
* Robin Hill Country Park (Robin Hill offers something for everyone, whether it is the thrill of the Island's 3 biggest rides to the challenge of Squirrel Tower or the peace of the woodland walks where the Red Squirrels live. Set in 88 acres of beautiful woodland and countryside the park offers activities and attractions for all ages with space for the 'young at heart' to let off steam.) £7.50 entry, 01983 527352, just outside Newport, Robin Hill Countryside Adventure Park, Downend, Nr Arreton, Isle of Wight PO30 2NU, Lat: 50:41:09N (50.6859), Lon: 1:14:48W (-1.2466) <br />
* Horse Riding<br />
* Butterfly Paragliding Ltd<br />
<br />
==== Rebecca's Ideas ====<br />
<br />
*1. Crazy golf tournament<br />
*2. Beach football and volleyball and frisbee<br />
*3. Surfing +<br />
*4. Wakeboarding +<br />
*5. Sea kayaking +<br />
*6. Horse riding<br />
*7. Country walk or cycle with Bens picnic cookies lunch bens<br />
*8. Tennis - no yellow 'tennis outfits' allowed<br />
*9. The WW2 Fort and Blackgang Chine ++<br />
*10. Old fashioned country pubs<br />
*11. Funfair (or theme park if there is one, I'll believe it when I see it)<br />
*12. 2 pence machines at the amusement arcade<br />
*13. Day out at the public lending library<br />
<br />
+ If weather conditions allow<br />
++ If they have fallen into the sea - sounds funny!<br />
<br />
<br />
==== Clubbing Ideas ====<br />
<br />
<table><br />
<tr><br />
<td align=left valign="top"><br />
<p><font color="#FF0000" size="3" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><strong>Balcony &#8220;The<br />
South coast&#8217;s<br />
No 1 Night Club&#8221;</strong></font> - [<font size=2 face="arial, helvetica"><a href="http://www.balconyryde.co.uk/" target="_blank">Visit<br />
the <strong>Balcony</strong> website</a></font>]</p><br />
<p>The Pavilion The Esplanade Ryde Isle Of Wight PO33 2EL, 01983 617 070, Lat: 50:43:56N (50.7321), Lon: 1:09:23W (-1.1563)</p> <br />
<p><font size="2" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><strong>Location:</strong> Ryde Seafront, above LA Bowl<br><br />
<br />
<strong>Open: </strong>Thurs, Fri, Sat until 2am<br><br />
<strong>Feature<br />
nights:</strong> <br><br />
<strong>Thursdays</strong> &#8211; Classic dance sounds with the best<br />
of today&#8217;s House and Garage. Selected pints &pound;1.50 and shots<br />
for &pound;1<br><br />
<br />
<strong>Fridays</strong> - Friday Fusion mixes smooth R&#8217;n&#8217;B<br />
with Pure Dance grooves. Fantastic drinks promos all night.<br><br />
</font><font size="2" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><strong>Saturdays</strong> &#8211; The island&#8217;s biggest club night. Our resident<br />
DJs parade today&#8217;s best new music and look back on all your </font><font size="2" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">Favourite club tunes.</font></p><br />
<p><font size="2" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><strong>Recommended<br />
nights:</strong> First Friday of the month is 70s night. Wear your<br />
retro gear for free entry and enjoy pints and shots for 70p. First<br />
Saturday is &#8216;free &amp; easy&#8217; &#8211; it&#8217;s<br />
what the Balcony is famous for. All draught, bottles and double shots &pound;2<br />
and free entry before 11pm. Always a belter !</font></p><br />
<br />
<p><font size="2" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><strong>Dress code:</strong> Thursdays:trainers and blue denim allowed. Fridays and<br />
Saturdays:smart denim allowed, no trainers.<br><br />
</font><font size=2 face="arial, helvetica"><br><br />
<br><br />
<FONT SIZE=3 color="ff0000"><b>Colonel Bogey's</b></FONT> "The<br />
Island's Number 1 Night-club"<br><br />
<b>Location:</b> Fort Street, Sandown<br><br />
<br />
<b>Open:</b> Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays<br><br />
<b>Feature nights:</b> Retro Night on Tuesday nights - The best<br />
of the 50s, 60s, 70s, &amp; 80s. &pound;1.50 a pint &pound;1 a short - Free before <br />
11pm, &pound;1 after.<br><br />
Fridays - party nights (whatever the occasion)<br><br />
<br />
Saturdays - Bottle Barmy, ALL Bottles on promotion ALL night. With<br />
House, Garage, R+B, Chart or Cheese, the music choice is up to you.<br />
PLUS from<br />
2am-3am nothing but the biggest and the best dance anthems around.<br><br />
<b>Recommended nights:</b> 80s night is always really busy, get there<br />
early to avoid disappointment - a really good night out. Fridays<br />
and Saturdays<br />
are also good, and slightly less busy for those who prefer it that<br />
way. Retro Night, well, it speaks for itself really!<br><br />
<b>Dress code:</b> Strictly no trainers. Smart/casual.<br><br />
<A HREF="http://www.bogeys.co.uk" TARGET="_blank">Visit the <strong>Colonel<br />
Bogey's</strong> website</A><br><br />
<br />
<br><br />
<FONT SIZE=3 color="ff0000"><b>Temptation</b></FONT> "Can you resist<br />
temptation?"<br><br />
<b>Location:</b> St.James street, Newport<br><br />
<b>Open:</b> Wednesdays - Wednesday night workout<br><br />
<br />
Thursdays - Goth Night<br><br />
Fridays - The Big Cheese<br><br />
Saturdays - Sin on a Saturday<br><br />
<b>Feature nights:</b> Wednesday - house lager is only 50p a pint<br />
and Vodka at 80p a shot...<br><br />
<b>Recommended nights:</b> Already hailed has &quot;One of the best nights <br />
on the Southcoast&quot; by Ministry Magazine, Sin @ Temptation<br />
is nothing short of superb.<br><br />
<br />
<b>Dress code:</b> TBC.<br><br />
<A HREF="http://www.clubtemptation.co.uk" TARGET="_blank">Visit temptation <br />
web site</A><br><br />
<br><br />
<FONT SIZE=3 color="ff0000"><b>Woodyspoons</b></FONT><br><br />
<b>Location:</b> Newport Town Centre<br><br />
<br />
<b>Open:</b> every night, has a late license until 2am on Saturdays.<br><br />
Pretty crowded Fridays and Saturdays - one of the busiest clubs!<br><br />
<A HREF="http://www.woodyscafebar.com/" TARGET="_blank">Visit woody's <br />
cafe bar web site</A><br><br />
<br><br />
<FONT SIZE=3 color="ff0000"><b>Club K</b></FONT><br><br />
<b>Location:</b> Newport, 2 Orchard street<br><br />
<br />
<b>Open:</b> Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays<br><br />
<b>Recommended nights:</b> Thursday - &pound;1 pint &pound;1 shot.<br><br />
<br><br />
<FONT SIZE=3 color="ff0000"><b>Yelf's Cellar Bar</b></FONT><br><br />
<br />
<b>Location:</b> Ryde, Union Street<br><br />
<b>Open:</b> Fridays and Saturdays<br><br />
<br><br />
<FONT SIZE=3 color="004080"><b>Transport:</b></FONT> Southern Vectis<br />
- the Isle of Wight bus company runs a nightclubber bus on Fridays<br />
and Saturdays<br />
which is £2.50 per person wherever you want to go (almost), in<br />
general much cheaper than getting a taxi, and far easier than walking.<br><br />
<br />
<br><br />
</font> </p><br />
</td><br />
<br />
</table><br />
<br />
=== On The Way Back ===<br />
<br />
==== Zorbing ====<br />
<br />
[[Image:Zorb.JPG|left|Argh! I can't get out!!]]<br />
<br />
[http://www.zorbsouth.co.uk/vouchers.htm Zorbing] is possible in theory, but we'd have to make an early start :-( ie. leaving at 9am! and also, it's a bit expensive -<br />
<br />
* £35 for 1 person/ ride<br />
* £55 for 2 people/ ride<br />
* £65 for 3 people/ ride<br />
<br />
But I'm up for it though. Again, we'd have to book this quite quickly.<br />
<br />
-- Matt<br />
<br />
Actually there is 2 for 1 on Zorbing at the moment [http://www.zorbsouth.co.uk/zorb-gift-vouchers.htm Spring special] so it's a bargainous 2 for £35! But we'd hav to do it on the way back because the offer excludes saturdays.<br />
<br />
-- The Great Thumbholio<br />
<br />
Zorbing is booked, I found a better deal - the [http://zorbsouth.co.uk/half-term.htm half-term special]- £30 for 2 people/ zorb. So I booked us all in for the hydro zorb at around 4pm, on Monday on the way back. <br />
<br />
--Matt<br />
<br />
Site address: Zorb South UK, Pine Lodge Farm, Bockhampton, Dorchester, Dorset, DT2 8QL<br />
<br />
Tel. 01929 426595<br />
<br />
== Budget ==<br />
<br />
Don't forget that Becca paid for surfing!<br />
<br />
<br />
=== Caroline's Spend! ===<br />
<br />
Somefin' or nuffin'<br />
<br />
=== Marc's Spend! ===<br />
<br />
{| border="1" cellpadding="2"<br />
! Item !! Cost<br />
|-<br />
| Hotel || £336<br />
|}<br />
<br />
{| border="1" cellpadding="2"<br />
! Person !! Owes Marc<br />
|-<br />
| Tom || £0 (£56 paid and received)<br />
|-<br />
| Matt || £56 - what I owe Matt (£38.50) + £9 that Matt owes Marc (dinner in Dorchester) = £26.50 (paid)<br />
|-<br />
| Caroline || £36 (£20 paid already)<br />
|-<br />
| Lee || £0 (£60 paid and received)<br />
|-<br />
| Becca || £56 - £35 for surfing = £21<br />
|}<br />
<br />
=== Matt's Spend! ===<br />
<br />
{| border="1" cellpadding="2"<br />
! Item !! Cost<br />
|-<br />
| Zorbing || £92 <br />
|-<br />
| Ferry || £139 <br />
|-<br />
|=======||<br />
|- <br />
| Total || £231<br />
|}<br />
{| border="1" cellpadding="2"<br />
! Person !! Owes Matt<br />
|-<br />
| Tom || £38.50 - £1 which Matt owes Tom - £37.50 paid by online banking = £0<br />
|-<br />
| Caroline || £38.50<br />
|-<br />
| Lee || £38.50 - £10 = £28.50 (paid)<br />
|-<br />
| Becca || £38.50 (paid)<br />
|}</div>83.216.149.24https://indivisibilities.com/wiki/index.php?title=Isle_Of_Wight&diff=2069Isle Of Wight2006-06-14T20:48:38Z<p>83.216.149.24: /* Matt's Spend! */</p>
<hr />
<div>[[Image:Isle_o13.gif|center]]<br />
<br />
== Holiday Brief ==<br />
<br />
Some photos are now up at http://www.indivisibilities.com/gallery/<br />
<br />
For the bank holday at the end of May, we should go to the Isle of Wight off the south coast of England. We can go from Saturday to Monday if it's possible. There are a few things that need to be organised, but it shouldn't be too hard, wight?!<br />
<br />
== Weather ==<br />
'''BBC (Saturday 27th)''' -<br />
<br />
[[Image:Isleofwightweather.JPG | The weather as predicted on Saturday 27th/May]]<br />
<br />
== Who's coming ==<br />
<br />
[[Image:tick.gif]] Marc - definite<br />
<br />
[[Image:tick.gif]] Rebecca (Ben's Cookies flavoured) - definite<br />
<br />
[[Image:tick.gif]] Caz - 99.4% probability<br />
<br />
[[Image:tick.gif]] Tom - definite<br />
<br />
[[Image:tick.gif]] Matt - definite<br />
<br />
[[Image:tick.gif]] Lee - definite<br />
<br />
[[Image:Blank.gif]] Tim - may have to book assuming not coming<br />
<br />
[[Image:Blank.gif]] Sissy - may have to book assuming not coming<br />
<br />
[[Image:Blank.gif]] Mildred - definite<br />
<br />
[[Image:Blank.gif]] Definitely - Maybe<br />
<br />
[[Image:Blank.gif]] Dr Sloan - too busy<br />
<br />
Definites - 6, Maybes - 2, Made up People - 3<br />
<br />
== Transport there and back ==<br />
<br />
[[Image:Dinghy_2a.jpg|left]]<br />
<br />
This has now been booked - <br />
<br />
[http://www.redfunnel.co.uk/redfunnel/travel/html/main2.shtml Red Funnel] - 2 x (Car + 3 people) = £139<br />
<br />
Out-bound: Saturday 27/05/06 - 4pm from Southampton to East Cowes<br />
<br />
Return Journey: Monday 29/05/06 - 1.30pm from East Cowes to Southampton<br />
<br />
check-in time: at least 30 mins before departure time. We just have to present our booking no.s: 2906126, 2906215<br />
<br />
transit time: 55 mins<br />
<br />
Our vehicle ferry terminal in Southampton (Terminal 1) can be found at Dock Gate<br />
7 on Town Quay Road, S014 2AQ - follow signs to Southampton Waterfront. Our Isle<br />
of Wight vehicle terminal is at Trinity Yard, East Cowes PO32 6RF.<br />
<br />
== Where we'll stay ==<br />
<br />
[[Image:Sandown.jpg|right|Where's Wally?]]<br />
<br />
We're staying in Sandown now in the [http://www.chesterlodgehotel.co.uk/ Chester Lodge Hotel]. The cost is £28ppn and two car parking spaces are available for us. There will be three single rooms and one triple room.<br />
<br />
The hotel blurb is as follows:<br />
<br />
"We are a friendly family run 16 bedroom hotel. Our detached residence stands in its<br />
own grounds and is situated in an ideal position in the best part of Sandown. just<br />
minutes to shops and facing the sea - many of our rooms are sea view!<br />
<br />
Sandown has a lovely climate, having held the "All England" sunshine record for many<br />
years. Safe, sandy beaches, pier, picturesque wooded roads, fantastic views from<br />
"The Downs" and extensive attractions all make for a perfect holiday or short break.<br />
<br />
Sandown is a family resort. There are nightclubs, pubs, restaurants and cafes. The<br />
kids will have hours of fun on Browns Pitch and Putt whilst close by is the Zoo with<br />
tiger sanctuary. Sandown also has an 18-hole golf course, small airport where you<br />
can take a pleasure flight and even a Dinosaur Museum where you can wonder at the<br />
Prehistoric Visitors that the Island used to cater for.<br />
<br />
We are easily accessible to all amenities and have a bus stop 100 yards away with<br />
links to all areas of the Island and the Sandown tour."<br />
<br />
There's a pretty cool webcam at http://www.camvista.com/england/other/isleofwight_sandown.php?pageMode=nonjava .<br />
<br />
=== Getting to the Hotel ===<br />
<br />
[[Image:hotelloc.gif|Hotel Map]]<br />
<br />
The Chester Lodge Hotel<br />
7 Beachfield Road<br />
Sandown<br />
Isle Of Wight<br />
PO36 8NA<br />
<br />
'''Lat:''' 50:39:09N (50.6525)<br />
'''Lon:''' 1:09:34W (-1.1595) <br />
<br />
However you travel, when you have reached Sandown, The Chester Lodge is situated<br />
past all of shops and approximatly 200 yards from the post office on the right hand<br />
side.<br />
<br />
==The Natives==<br />
<br />
[[Image:monkeyisland3cannibals.PNG|right|Natives]]<br />
<br />
The earliest known inhabitants of the island are dinosaurs, some of whose bones have been discovered in recent times. Dinosaur Isle is a museum in Sandown which displays many of these relics. <br />
<br />
The native-born islanders have a very strong sense of local identity, sometimes thinking of the Island almost as though England were a separate country.<br />
<br />
The natives were formerly cannibals, later reforming into vegetarians who look after the island. <br />
<br />
At first you may feel out of place, but the islanders are mainly friendly, and will make you feel at home.<br />
<br clear="all"><br />
<br />
== What we'll do ==<br />
<br />
=== On The Way Down ===<br />
<br />
==== Shakeaway ====<br />
[[Image:drsloan3.jpg|center|What a cheeky chappy.]]<br />
Buy an aero ® mint ~ after eight ® (v) ~ amaretti (ng) ~ apple (v) ~ apple & blackberry (v) apple pie (ng) ~ apricot (v) ~ bakewell tart (ng) ~ banana (v) ~ banoffee muffin (ng)battenburg (nv) (ng) ~ blackcurrant (v) ~ blackcurrant cheesecake (ng) ~ black jacks ® (nv)blueberry nutrigrain ® (ng) ~ boost ® (ng) ~ bounty ® dark ~ bounty ® milk bourbon biscuit (ng) ~ bournville ® (ng) ~ butterscotch ~ cadbury's caramel ® cadbury's chocolate mini roll ® (ng) ~ cadbury's creme egg ® ~ cadbury's fruit & nut ® (ng) cappuccino muffin (ng) ~ caramel shortbread ~ caramel snack-a-jacks ® carrot cake (ng) ~ cherry (v) choca mocha ~ chocolate ~ chocolate & cherry ~ chocolate chip cookie (ng) chocolate fudge brownie (ng) ~ chocolate digestive ® milk (ng) ~ chocolate digestive ® plain (ng)<br />
chocolate hob nob ® milk (ng) ~ chocolate hob nob ® plain (ng) ~ chocolate muffin (ng) chocolate & peanut butter ~ chocolate pop tart ® (nv) (ng) ~ coco pops ® (ng) ~ coconut (v) coffee (v) ~ crunchie ® ~ crunchy nut corn flakes ® ~ cucumber (v) ~ curly wurly ® custard ~ custard creams (ng) ~ dime bar ® ~ dolly mixtures ® (nv)<br />
double decker ® ~ egg custard tart (ng) ~ farley's rusk ® (ng)<br />
ferrero rocher ® ~ fig roll ® (ng) ~ flying saucers ® (nv) (ng) ~ fondant fancies ® (nv) (ng) fruit salad chews ® (nv) ~ fry's orange cream ® (v) ~ fry's peppermint cream ® (v)fudge ~ ginger (v) ~ ginger nuts (v) (ng) ~ gooseberry (v) & custard<br />
grapefruit (v) ~ haribo starmix ® (nv) ~ hazelnut choc chip cookie (ng)<br />
hershey's cookies 'n creme ® (ng) ~ honey ~ humbug mints (v) ~ iced gems ®<br />
jaffa cake ® (ng) ~ jam doughnut (ng) ~ jam tart (ng) ~ jamaica ginger cake (ng)<br />
jammie dodger ® (ng) ~ jammie wagon wheel ® (nv) (ng) ~ jelly babies ® (nv)<br />
jelly beans (nv) ~ jelly tots ® (v) ~ kinder bueno ® (ng) ~ kit kat chunky ® (ng)<br />
lemon & lime (v) ~ lemon curd ~ lemon drizzle cake (ng) ~ lemon meringue ~ lime (v)<br />
lion bar ® (ng) ~ liquorice allsorts (nv) ~ love hearts (and new for 2006: chav hearts!) ® (nv) ~ malted milk biscuits (ng)maltesers ® (ng) ~ mandarin (v) ~ maple syrup (v) ~ mars ® (ng) ~ marshmallow (nv) melon (v) ~ milky bar ® ~ minstrels ® (ng) ~ m&m ® peanut (nv) (ng) ~ nutella ® orange marmalade ~ oreo cookie ® (ng) ~ parma violets ® (nv) ~ passion fruit (v) peach (v) ~ peanut butter (v) ~ pear (v) ~ pineapple (v) ~ raspberry (v) ~ reeces cups ® refreshers ® (nv) ~ revels ® (ng) ~ rhubarb (v) & custard ~ rolo ® ~ sesame snaps ® (v) sherbet fountain ® (v w/o liquorice) (ng) ~ skittles ® (nv) ~ smarties ® (nv) (ng) snickers ® ~ snowball ® ~ special k bar ® (ng) ~ spotted dick (ng) ~ starburst ® (v) strawberries (summer only) (v) ~ strawberry cheesecake (ng) ~ strawberry laces (nv) (ng) strawberry trifle (ng) ~ sugar puffs ® ~ syrup sponge (ng) ~ terry's choc orange ® milk (ng) ~ <br />
tic tacs lime & orange ® ~ tic tacs mint ® (v) ~ toblerone ® ~ toffee cheesecake (ng) toffee popcorn ~ treacle tart (ng) ~ trebor extra strong mints ® (nv) ~ turkish delight ® twix ® (ng) ~ vanilla (v) ~ walnut whip ® OR weetabix ® <br />
flavour milkshake at Southampton branch of 'Shakeaway' if we get the ferry from there.<br />
<br />
=== While We're There ===<br />
<br />
[[Image:CrabInn.jpg|right|The Crab Inn]]<br />
==== Matt's ideas ====<br />
* play volleyball on the beach?<br />
* visit [http://www.islandbreaks.co.uk/site/places-to-visit/adgestone-vineyard-p154701 Adgestone Vineyard], a couple of miles from Sandown<br />
<br />
* visit some of the 171 pubs on the island, such as the following old man pubs:<br />
<br />
- The Crab Inn (Shanklin Old Village) - Famous for being on many fudge box fronts and is still thatched and very old. Nice to have a pint outside in the summer evenings. No gardens or children's play areas. Popular with FOOD also in two or three family dining rooms inside. Pool table. <br />
<br />
- Fisherman's Cottage (Shanklin Beach - South) Very old and very small, picture postcard thatched pub virtually on the beach. Good views and reasonable amount of outdoor seating - no children's play areas although the beach is a couple of yards away! Sometimes has evening entertainment at peak season. Also good for FOOD. This pub is not open all year.<br />
<br />
* Practise the local dialogue:<br />
'She sells sea shells on the sea shore'<br />
'Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled pepper'<br />
<br />
==== Tom's Ideas ====<br />
[[Image:ShanklinTeaShop.jpg|left|Shanklin Tea Shop]]<br />
<br />
* '''Shanklin Tea Shop''': Sit on a cliff-top with a weekend's supply of freshly brewed tea bought from the The Old Thatch, a tea shop in Shanklin. Cotted cream teas, homemade cakes, light lunches, for example quiche, jacket potatoes, sandwiches including fresh crab and homemade soup. 4 Church Road, Old Village, Shanklin, PO37 6NU. Telephone: 01983 863184<br />
* Have a look at the '''needles''' and the lighthouse<br />
* Make sand castles<br />
* Fossil hunting<br />
* Piff paff about a bit, or somffin or noffin innit<br />
<br />
==== Marc's Ideas ====<br />
[[Image:Iowneedles.jpg|right|The needles on the western tip of the isle.]]<br />
<br />
* Write out postcards to forgotten Uncles and Aunts<br />
* Find a good, solid deck chair and rest my weary legs on the beach for the entire holiday, Special Brew to hand at all times.<br />
* Sing R&B songs the whole time, with all the instruments included<br />
* Do the regionally-accepted greeting of ten spotty dogs at the start of every conversation with the banana-head natives<br />
* Take time out of the busy hustle and bustle of Wight life, by stopping to practise eating my right shoulder and touching my left elbow to my left ear <br />
* Forget that sleep is a necessary requirement of any holiday and prefer instead to walk around zombified<br />
* Forget that enough is never enough when it comes to practical jokes, droning 'enough already!' every few seconds - which to the joker, simply means 'carry on, I love being the target of your pranks'<br />
* Forego breakfast and lunch in order to endulge in a nine-course 9pm evening meal<br />
* Oh - and make sure the evening meal has at least one mushroom-based starter, freshly-caugh-Wight fish for all main courses, such as tuna and salmon, and no pudding.<br />
* Alum Bay (coloured sands). At Yarmouth (A3054 via Yarmouth, B3401 and B3399 via Freshwater, A3055 via Freshwater Bay)<br />
* Walk along the beach and cliffs to the needles<br />
* The WW II fort built into the cliff (either on the east or west point of the island)<br />
* The old ballistic missile testing range<br />
* Blackgang Chine (incredible trippy theme park with gnomes and life size giants etc), 01983 730052, Blackgang Chine, Nr Ventnor, Isle of Wight PO38 2HN, , Lat: 50:35:22N (50.5894), Lon: 1:18:49W (-1.3137) <br />
* Cowes (if it's the right time of the year)<br />
* if they are still there; the sea has been eroding the cliffs and making them fall into the sea<br />
* Shanlin Chine - http://www.shanklinchine.co.uk/ - When you wander through the tranquil setting of this historic gorge, take time to just sit and look and listen. You are in a magic world of natural beauty, a rich haven of rare plants, woodland, wildlife and an enchanting waterfall. The story of the Chine encompasses subjects of interest to all age groups from geology to smuggling, shipwrecks to PLUTO and of course the wondrous scenery. 1000 hours to 2200 hours (illuminated after dusk). Seems like a really nice gorge thing. 12 Pomona Road, Shanklin, 01983 866432. Lat: 50:37:36N (50.6266), Lon: 1:10:48W (-1.1801) .<br />
* Driftwood Bar and Grill - the only bar *on* the beach! 01983 404004<br />
* Colonel Bogey's Nightclub in Culver Parade, Sandown - 01983 405320. Sat 27 May (Featuring the Artful Dodger - LIVE!!! The best in Soul, RnB, Hip Hop and Funky House PLUS All bottles £2 All Spirits £1), Sun 28 May (Jolly Sailor Party, The only way to finish your weekend, Fun, games and giveaways, Non-stop party through 'til 2am!, Drinks promotions ALL NIGHT!), Lat: 50:39:25N (50.657), Lon: 1:08:51W (-1.1476) <br />
<br />
Other places to visit are:<br />
<br />
* Cowes - Large town, you can get the ferry over from Southampton.<br />
* Newport - Large town in the centre of island.<br />
* Sandown - Typical seaside resort. Amusement arcades/crazy golf/pier/zoo etc. Plenty of B&Bs.<br />
* Shanklin - Just down the coast from Sandown, again lots of B&Bs.<br />
<br />
Nightclubs are mainly in the 'holiday' areas of Shanklin / Ventnor<br />
<br />
==== Caroline's Ideas ====<br />
<br />
[[image:beach2_sm.jpg|right|Ahhh, relaxing.]]<br />
* watch the sun set on the beach and swim in the sea at silly o clock<br />
* go to 'Goodleaf Tree Climbing Adventures' and climb the trees<br />
* look for crabs and other crustaceans in rock pools - laugh at them walking sideways<br />
* sleep<br />
* play breach games, like tag and bat and ball<br />
* throw seaweed at people<br />
* go to a country pub and drink the area's real ale<br />
* play tricks involving the fart machine on random people<br />
* forget that there's a point when enough is enough when it comes to playing tricks on people<br />
* ruin the wiki :-p<br />
<br />
And if there's time:<br />
* water skiing<br />
* visit Branston farm in Sandown - 01983 865540<br />
* Robin Hill Country Park (Robin Hill offers something for everyone, whether it is the thrill of the Island's 3 biggest rides to the challenge of Squirrel Tower or the peace of the woodland walks where the Red Squirrels live. Set in 88 acres of beautiful woodland and countryside the park offers activities and attractions for all ages with space for the 'young at heart' to let off steam.) £7.50 entry, 01983 527352, just outside Newport, Robin Hill Countryside Adventure Park, Downend, Nr Arreton, Isle of Wight PO30 2NU, Lat: 50:41:09N (50.6859), Lon: 1:14:48W (-1.2466) <br />
* Horse Riding<br />
* Butterfly Paragliding Ltd<br />
<br />
==== Rebecca's Ideas ====<br />
<br />
*1. Crazy golf tournament<br />
*2. Beach football and volleyball and frisbee<br />
*3. Surfing +<br />
*4. Wakeboarding +<br />
*5. Sea kayaking +<br />
*6. Horse riding<br />
*7. Country walk or cycle with Bens picnic cookies lunch bens<br />
*8. Tennis - no yellow 'tennis outfits' allowed<br />
*9. The WW2 Fort and Blackgang Chine ++<br />
*10. Old fashioned country pubs<br />
*11. Funfair (or theme park if there is one, I'll believe it when I see it)<br />
*12. 2 pence machines at the amusement arcade<br />
*13. Day out at the public lending library<br />
<br />
+ If weather conditions allow<br />
++ If they have fallen into the sea - sounds funny!<br />
<br />
<br />
==== Clubbing Ideas ====<br />
<br />
<table><br />
<tr><br />
<td align=left valign="top"><br />
<p><font color="#FF0000" size="3" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><strong>Balcony &#8220;The<br />
South coast&#8217;s<br />
No 1 Night Club&#8221;</strong></font> - [<font size=2 face="arial, helvetica"><a href="http://www.balconyryde.co.uk/" target="_blank">Visit<br />
the <strong>Balcony</strong> website</a></font>]</p><br />
<p>The Pavilion The Esplanade Ryde Isle Of Wight PO33 2EL, 01983 617 070, Lat: 50:43:56N (50.7321), Lon: 1:09:23W (-1.1563)</p> <br />
<p><font size="2" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><strong>Location:</strong> Ryde Seafront, above LA Bowl<br><br />
<br />
<strong>Open: </strong>Thurs, Fri, Sat until 2am<br><br />
<strong>Feature<br />
nights:</strong> <br><br />
<strong>Thursdays</strong> &#8211; Classic dance sounds with the best<br />
of today&#8217;s House and Garage. Selected pints &pound;1.50 and shots<br />
for &pound;1<br><br />
<br />
<strong>Fridays</strong> - Friday Fusion mixes smooth R&#8217;n&#8217;B<br />
with Pure Dance grooves. Fantastic drinks promos all night.<br><br />
</font><font size="2" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><strong>Saturdays</strong> &#8211; The island&#8217;s biggest club night. Our resident<br />
DJs parade today&#8217;s best new music and look back on all your </font><font size="2" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">Favourite club tunes.</font></p><br />
<p><font size="2" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><strong>Recommended<br />
nights:</strong> First Friday of the month is 70s night. Wear your<br />
retro gear for free entry and enjoy pints and shots for 70p. First<br />
Saturday is &#8216;free &amp; easy&#8217; &#8211; it&#8217;s<br />
what the Balcony is famous for. All draught, bottles and double shots &pound;2<br />
and free entry before 11pm. Always a belter !</font></p><br />
<br />
<p><font size="2" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><strong>Dress code:</strong> Thursdays:trainers and blue denim allowed. Fridays and<br />
Saturdays:smart denim allowed, no trainers.<br><br />
</font><font size=2 face="arial, helvetica"><br><br />
<br><br />
<FONT SIZE=3 color="ff0000"><b>Colonel Bogey's</b></FONT> "The<br />
Island's Number 1 Night-club"<br><br />
<b>Location:</b> Fort Street, Sandown<br><br />
<br />
<b>Open:</b> Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays<br><br />
<b>Feature nights:</b> Retro Night on Tuesday nights - The best<br />
of the 50s, 60s, 70s, &amp; 80s. &pound;1.50 a pint &pound;1 a short - Free before <br />
11pm, &pound;1 after.<br><br />
Fridays - party nights (whatever the occasion)<br><br />
<br />
Saturdays - Bottle Barmy, ALL Bottles on promotion ALL night. With<br />
House, Garage, R+B, Chart or Cheese, the music choice is up to you.<br />
PLUS from<br />
2am-3am nothing but the biggest and the best dance anthems around.<br><br />
<b>Recommended nights:</b> 80s night is always really busy, get there<br />
early to avoid disappointment - a really good night out. Fridays<br />
and Saturdays<br />
are also good, and slightly less busy for those who prefer it that<br />
way. Retro Night, well, it speaks for itself really!<br><br />
<b>Dress code:</b> Strictly no trainers. Smart/casual.<br><br />
<A HREF="http://www.bogeys.co.uk" TARGET="_blank">Visit the <strong>Colonel<br />
Bogey's</strong> website</A><br><br />
<br />
<br><br />
<FONT SIZE=3 color="ff0000"><b>Temptation</b></FONT> "Can you resist<br />
temptation?"<br><br />
<b>Location:</b> St.James street, Newport<br><br />
<b>Open:</b> Wednesdays - Wednesday night workout<br><br />
<br />
Thursdays - Goth Night<br><br />
Fridays - The Big Cheese<br><br />
Saturdays - Sin on a Saturday<br><br />
<b>Feature nights:</b> Wednesday - house lager is only 50p a pint<br />
and Vodka at 80p a shot...<br><br />
<b>Recommended nights:</b> Already hailed has &quot;One of the best nights <br />
on the Southcoast&quot; by Ministry Magazine, Sin @ Temptation<br />
is nothing short of superb.<br><br />
<br />
<b>Dress code:</b> TBC.<br><br />
<A HREF="http://www.clubtemptation.co.uk" TARGET="_blank">Visit temptation <br />
web site</A><br><br />
<br><br />
<FONT SIZE=3 color="ff0000"><b>Woodyspoons</b></FONT><br><br />
<b>Location:</b> Newport Town Centre<br><br />
<br />
<b>Open:</b> every night, has a late license until 2am on Saturdays.<br><br />
Pretty crowded Fridays and Saturdays - one of the busiest clubs!<br><br />
<A HREF="http://www.woodyscafebar.com/" TARGET="_blank">Visit woody's <br />
cafe bar web site</A><br><br />
<br><br />
<FONT SIZE=3 color="ff0000"><b>Club K</b></FONT><br><br />
<b>Location:</b> Newport, 2 Orchard street<br><br />
<br />
<b>Open:</b> Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays<br><br />
<b>Recommended nights:</b> Thursday - &pound;1 pint &pound;1 shot.<br><br />
<br><br />
<FONT SIZE=3 color="ff0000"><b>Yelf's Cellar Bar</b></FONT><br><br />
<br />
<b>Location:</b> Ryde, Union Street<br><br />
<b>Open:</b> Fridays and Saturdays<br><br />
<br><br />
<FONT SIZE=3 color="004080"><b>Transport:</b></FONT> Southern Vectis<br />
- the Isle of Wight bus company runs a nightclubber bus on Fridays<br />
and Saturdays<br />
which is £2.50 per person wherever you want to go (almost), in<br />
general much cheaper than getting a taxi, and far easier than walking.<br><br />
<br />
<br><br />
</font> </p><br />
</td><br />
<br />
</table><br />
<br />
=== On The Way Back ===<br />
<br />
==== Zorbing ====<br />
<br />
[[Image:Zorb.JPG|left|Argh! I can't get out!!]]<br />
<br />
[http://www.zorbsouth.co.uk/vouchers.htm Zorbing] is possible in theory, but we'd have to make an early start :-( ie. leaving at 9am! and also, it's a bit expensive -<br />
<br />
* £35 for 1 person/ ride<br />
* £55 for 2 people/ ride<br />
* £65 for 3 people/ ride<br />
<br />
But I'm up for it though. Again, we'd have to book this quite quickly.<br />
<br />
-- Matt<br />
<br />
Actually there is 2 for 1 on Zorbing at the moment [http://www.zorbsouth.co.uk/zorb-gift-vouchers.htm Spring special] so it's a bargainous 2 for £35! But we'd hav to do it on the way back because the offer excludes saturdays.<br />
<br />
-- The Great Thumbholio<br />
<br />
Zorbing is booked, I found a better deal - the [http://zorbsouth.co.uk/half-term.htm half-term special]- £30 for 2 people/ zorb. So I booked us all in for the hydro zorb at around 4pm, on Monday on the way back. <br />
<br />
--Matt<br />
<br />
Site address: Zorb South UK, Pine Lodge Farm, Bockhampton, Dorchester, Dorset, DT2 8QL<br />
<br />
Tel. 01929 426595<br />
<br />
== Budget ==<br />
<br />
Don't forget that Becca paid for surfing!<br />
<br />
<br />
=== Caroline's Spend! ===<br />
<br />
Somefin' or nuffin'<br />
<br />
=== Marc's Spend! ===<br />
<br />
{| border="1" cellpadding="2"<br />
! Item !! Cost<br />
|-<br />
| Hotel || £336<br />
|}<br />
<br />
{| border="1" cellpadding="2"<br />
! Person !! Owes Marc<br />
|-<br />
| Tom || £0 (£56 paid and received)<br />
|-<br />
| Matt || £56 - what I owe Matt (£38.50) + £9 that Matt owes Marc (dinner in Dorchester) = £26.50 (paid)<br />
|-<br />
| Caroline || £36 (£20 paid already)<br />
|-<br />
| Lee || £0 (£60 paid and received)<br />
|-<br />
| Becca || £56 - £35 for surfing = £21<br />
|}<br />
<br />
=== Matt's Spend! ===<br />
<br />
{| border="1" cellpadding="2"<br />
! Item !! Cost<br />
|-<br />
| Zorbing || £92 <br />
|-<br />
| Ferry || £139 <br />
|-<br />
|=======||<br />
|- <br />
| Total || £231<br />
|}<br />
{| border="1" cellpadding="2"<br />
! Person !! Owes Matt<br />
|-<br />
| Tom || £38.50 - £1 which Matt owes Tom - £37.50 paid by online banking = £0<br />
|-<br />
| Caroline || £38.50<br />
|-<br />
| Lee || £38.50 - £10 = £28.50 (paid)<br />
|-<br />
| Becca || £38.50<br />
|}</div>83.216.149.24https://indivisibilities.com/wiki/index.php?title=Brum&diff=2036Brum2006-06-03T11:26:34Z<p>83.216.149.24: </p>
<hr />
<div>One day everyone will come up to Birmingham. Ideas are welcome.<br />
<br />
We can do touristy things coz Lee hasn't done lots of them before.<br />
Lee might have a new house soon! Woo!<br />
<br />
Matt's ideas:<br />
<br />
* [http://www.cadburyworld.co.uk/en/cworld Cadbury World]<br />
<br />
* [http://www.thinktank.ac/ Thinktank], Birmingham’s museum of science - a place where science and history come alive. Includes the IMAX cinema with its huge screen and surround sound, and a new Planetarium powered by the world's most advanced digital projection system.<br />
<br />
* [http://www.ackers-adventure.co.uk/ The Ackers] Outdoor Adventure place. The 70 acre semi-rural site offers a wide range of activities including Skiing, Snowboarding, Climbing, Bridgering (?), Canoeing, Kayaking, Bellboating (?), Archery, Team Challenge Days, Management Training & Human Resource Development Courses, Orienteering, 4 Wheel Drive Course and more!<br />
<br />
* For authentic Kashmiri food, discover Birmingham's "Balti Mile" a short distance from the city centre, where there are over 40 restaurants in the space of one mile.</div>83.216.149.24https://indivisibilities.com/wiki/index.php?title=Brum&diff=2035Brum2006-06-03T11:01:56Z<p>83.216.149.24: </p>
<hr />
<div>One day everyone will come up to Birmingham. Ideas are welcome.<br />
<br />
We can do touristy things coz Lee hasn't done lots of them before.<br />
Lee might have a new house soon! Woo!<br />
<br />
Matt's ideas:<br />
<br />
* [http://www.cadburyworld.co.uk/en/cworld Cadbury World]<br />
<br />
* [http://www.thinktank.ac/ Thinktank], Birmingham’s museum of science - a place where science and history come alive. Includes the IMAX cinema with its huge screen and surround sound, and a new Planetarium powered by the world's most advanced digital projection system.<br />
<br />
* [http://www.ackers-adventure.co.uk/ The Ackers] Outdoor Adventure place. The 70 acre semi-rural site offers a wide range of activities including Skiing, Snowboarding, Climbing, Bridgering, Canoeing, Kayaking, Bellboating, Archery, Team Challenge Days, Management Training & Human Resource Development Courses, Orienteering, 4 Wheel Drive Course and more!<br />
<br />
* For authentic Kashmiri food, discover Birmingham's "Balti Mile" a short distance from the city centre, where there are over 40 restaurants in the space of one mile.</div>83.216.149.24https://indivisibilities.com/wiki/index.php?title=Brum&diff=2034Brum2006-06-03T10:54:47Z<p>83.216.149.24: </p>
<hr />
<div>One day everyone will come up to Birmingham. Ideas are welcome.<br />
<br />
We can do touristy things coz Lee hasn't done lots of them before.<br />
Lee might have a new house soon! Woo!<br />
<br />
* [http://www.cadburyworld.co.uk/en/cworld Cadbury World]<br />
<br />
* [http://www.thinktank.ac/ Thinktank], Birmingham’s museum of science - a place where science and history come alive. Includes the IMAX cinema with its huge screen and surround sound, and a new Planetarium powered by the world's most advanced digital projection system.<br />
<br />
* [http://www.ackers-adventure.co.uk/ The Ackers] Outdoor Adventure place. The 70 acre semi-rural site offers a wide range of activities including Skiing, Snowboarding, Climbing, Bridgering, Canoeing, Kayaking, Bellboating, Archery, Team Challenge Days, Management Training & Human Resource Development Courses, Orienteering, 4 Wheel Drive Course and more!</div>83.216.149.24https://indivisibilities.com/wiki/index.php?title=Isle_Of_Wight&diff=1927Isle Of Wight2006-05-15T20:08:43Z<p>83.216.149.24: /* Zorbing */</p>
<hr />
<div>[[Image:Isle_o13.gif|center]]<br />
<br />
== Holiday Brief ==<br />
<br />
For the bank holday at the end of May, we should go to the Isle of Wight off the south coast of England. We can go from Saturday to Monday if it's possible. There are a few things that need to be organised, but it shouldn't be too hard, wight?!<br />
<br />
== Who's coming ==<br />
<br />
*Marc - definite<br />
*Mildred - definite<br />
*Rebecca (Ben's Cookies flavoured) - definite<br />
*Caz - 99.4% probability<br />
*Tom - definite (if Lee's going)<br />
*Matt - definite<br />
*Lee - definite (if Tom's going)<br />
*Tim - may have to book assuming not coming<br />
*Sissy - may have to book assuming not coming<br />
*Definitely - Maybe<br />
*Dr Sloan - too busy<br />
<br />
Definites - 7, Maybes - 2<br />
<br />
== Transport there and back ==<br />
<br />
This has now been booked - <br />
<br />
[http://www.redfunnel.co.uk/redfunnel/travel/html/main2.shtml Red Funnel] - 2 x (Car + 3 people) = £139<br />
<br />
Out-bound: Saturday 27/05/06 - 4pm from Southampton to East Cowes<br />
<br />
Return Journey: Monday 29/05/06 - 1.30pm from East Cowes to Southampton<br />
<br />
check-in time: at least 30 mins before departure time. We just have to present our booking no.s: 2906126, 2906215<br />
<br />
transit time: 55 mins<br />
<br />
Our vehicle ferry terminal in Southampton (Terminal 1) can be found at Dock Gate<br />
7 on Town Quay Road, S014 2AQ - follow signs to Southampton Waterfront. Our Isle<br />
of Wight vehicle terminal is at Trinity Yard, East Cowes PO32 6RF.<br />
<br />
== Where we'll stay ==<br />
<br />
[[Image:Sandown.jpg|right]]<br />
<br />
We're staying in Sandown now in the [http://www.chesterlodgehotel.co.uk/ Chester Lodge Hotel]. The cost is £28ppn and two car parking spaces are available for us. There will be three single rooms and one triple room.<br />
<br />
The hotel blurb is as follows:<br />
<br />
"We are a friendly family run 16 bedroom hotel. Our detached residence stands in its<br />
own grounds and is situated in an ideal position in the best part of Sandown. just<br />
minutes to shops and facing the sea - many of our rooms are sea view!<br />
<br />
Sandown has a lovely climate, having held the "All England" sunshine record for many<br />
years. Safe, sandy beaches, pier, picturesque wooded roads, fantastic views from<br />
"The Downs" and extensive attractions all make for a perfect holiday or short break.<br />
<br />
Sandown is a family resort. There are nightclubs, pubs, restaurants and cafes. The<br />
kids will have hours of fun on Browns Pitch and Putt whilst close by is the Zoo with<br />
tiger sanctuary. Sandown also has an 18-hole golf course, small airport where you<br />
can take a pleasure flight and even a Dinosaur Museum where you can wonder at the<br />
Prehistoric Visitors that the Island used to cater for.<br />
<br />
We are easily accessible to all amenities and have a bus stop 100 yards away with<br />
links to all areas of the Island and the Sandown tour."<br />
<br />
There's a pretty cool webcam at http://www.camvista.com/england/other/isleofwight_sandown.php?pageMode=nonjava .<br />
<br />
== What we'll do ==<br />
<br />
[[Image:Image-Dick2.jpg|left|Ryde]]<br />
<br />
=== On The Way Down ===<br />
<br />
==== Zorbing ====<br />
<br />
[http://www.zorbsouth.co.uk/vouchers.htm Zorbing] is possible in theory, but we'd have to make an early start :-( ie. leaving at 9am! and also, it's a bit expensive -<br />
<br />
* £35 for 1 person/ ride<br />
* £55 for 2 people/ ride<br />
* £65 for 3 people/ ride<br />
<br />
But I'm up for it though. Again, we'd have to book this quite quickly.<br />
<br />
-- Matt<br />
<br />
Actually there is 2 for 1 on Zorbing at the moment [http://www.zorbsouth.co.uk/zorb-gift-vouchers.htm Spring special] so it's a bargainous 2 for £35! But we'd hav to do it on the way back because the offer excludes saturdays.<br />
<br />
-- The Great Thumbholio<br />
<br />
Zorbing is booked, I found a better deal - the [http://zorbsouth.co.uk/half-term.htm half-term special]- £30 for 2 people/ zorb. So I booked us all in for the hydro zorb at around 4pm, on Monday on the way back. <br />
<br />
--Matt<br />
<br />
==== Shakeaway ====<br />
<br />
Buy an aero ® mint ~ after eight ® (v) ~ amaretti (ng) ~ apple (v) ~ apple & blackberry (v) apple pie (ng) ~ apricot (v) ~ bakewell tart (ng) ~ banana (v) ~ banoffee muffin (ng)battenburg (nv) (ng) ~ blackcurrant (v) ~ blackcurrant cheesecake (ng) ~ black jacks ® (nv)blueberry nutrigrain ® (ng) ~ boost ® (ng) ~ bounty ® dark ~ bounty ® milk bourbon biscuit (ng) ~ bournville ® (ng) ~ butterscotch ~ cadbury's caramel ® cadbury's chocolate mini roll ® (ng) ~ cadbury's creme egg ® ~ cadbury's fruit & nut ® (ng) cappuccino muffin (ng) ~ caramel shortbread ~ caramel snack-a-jacks ® carrot cake (ng) ~ cherry (v) choca mocha ~ chocolate ~ chocolate & cherry ~ chocolate chip cookie (ng) chocolate fudge brownie (ng) ~ chocolate digestive ® milk (ng) ~ chocolate digestive ® plain (ng)<br />
chocolate hob nob ® milk (ng) ~ chocolate hob nob ® plain (ng) ~ chocolate muffin (ng) chocolate & peanut butter ~ chocolate pop tart ® (nv) (ng) ~ coco pops ® (ng) ~ coconut (v) coffee (v) ~ crunchie ® ~ crunchy nut corn flakes ® ~ cucumber (v) ~ curly wurly ® custard ~ custard creams (ng) ~ dime bar ® ~ dolly mixtures ® (nv)<br />
double decker ® ~ egg custard tart (ng) ~ farley's rusk ® (ng)<br />
ferrero rocher ® ~ fig roll ® (ng) ~ flying saucers ® (nv) (ng) ~ fondant fancies ® (nv) (ng) fruit salad chews ® (nv) ~ fry's orange cream ® (v) ~ fry's peppermint cream ® (v)fudge ~ ginger (v) ~ ginger nuts (v) (ng) ~ gooseberry (v) & custard<br />
grapefruit (v) ~ haribo starmix ® (nv) ~ hazelnut choc chip cookie (ng)<br />
hershey's cookies 'n creme ® (ng) ~ honey ~ humbug mints (v) ~ iced gems ®<br />
jaffa cake ® (ng) ~ jam doughnut (ng) ~ jam tart (ng) ~ jamaica ginger cake (ng)<br />
jammie dodger ® (ng) ~ jammie wagon wheel ® (nv) (ng) ~ jelly babies ® (nv)<br />
jelly beans (nv) ~ jelly tots ® (v) ~ kinder bueno ® (ng) ~ kit kat chunky ® (ng)<br />
lemon & lime (v) ~ lemon curd ~ lemon drizzle cake (ng) ~ lemon meringue ~ lime (v)<br />
lion bar ® (ng) ~ liquorice allsorts (nv) ~ love hearts ® (nv) ~ malted milk biscuits (ng)maltesers ® (ng) ~ mandarin (v) ~ maple syrup (v) ~ mars ® (ng) ~ marshmallow (nv) melon (v) ~ milky bar ® ~ minstrels ® (ng) ~ m&m ® peanut (nv) (ng) ~ nutella ® orange marmalade ~ oreo cookie ® (ng) ~ parma violets ® (nv) ~ passion fruit (v) peach (v) ~ peanut butter (v) ~ pear (v) ~ pineapple (v) ~ raspberry (v) ~ reeces cups ® refreshers ® (nv) ~ revels ® (ng) ~ rhubarb (v) & custard ~ rolo ® ~ sesame snaps ® (v) sherbet fountain ® (v w/o liquorice) (ng) ~ skittles ® (nv) ~ smarties ® (nv) (ng) snickers ® ~ snowball ® ~ special k bar ® (ng) ~ spotted dick (ng) ~ starburst ® (v) strawberries (summer only) (v) ~ strawberry cheesecake (ng) ~ strawberry laces (nv) (ng) strawberry trifle (ng) ~ sugar puffs ® ~ syrup sponge (ng) ~ terry's choc orange ® milk (ng) ~ <br />
tic tacs lime & orange ® ~ tic tacs mint ® (v) ~ toblerone ® ~ toffee cheesecake (ng) toffee popcorn ~ treacle tart (ng) ~ trebor extra strong mints ® (nv) ~ turkish delight ® twix ® (ng) ~ vanilla (v) ~ walnut whip ® OR weetabix ® <br />
flavour milkshake at Southampton branch of 'Shakeaway' if we get the ferry from there.<br />
<br />
=== While We're There ===<br />
==== Matt's ideas ====<br />
* play volleyball on the beach?<br />
<br />
==== Tom's Ideas ====<br />
<br />
* Go for a walk along the beach / cliffs<br />
* Go and have a look at the needles and the lighthouse<br />
* Make sand castles<br />
* Faff about a bit<br />
<br />
==== Marc's Ideas ====<br />
<br />
* Album Bay (coloured sands)<br />
* The WW II fort built into the cliff (either on the east or west point of the island)+<br />
* The old ballistic missile testing range<br />
* Blackgang Chine (incredible trippy theme park with gnomes and life size giants etc)+<br />
* Cowes (if it's the right time of the year)<br />
<br />
+ - if they are still there; the sea has been eroding the cliffs and making them fall into the sea<br />
<br />
Other places to visit are:<br />
<br />
* Cowes - Large town, you can get the ferry over from Southampton.<br />
* Newport - Large town in the centre of island.<br />
* Sandown - Typical seaside resort. Amusement arcades/crazy golf/pier/zoo etc. Plenty of B&Bs.<br />
* Shanklin - Just down the coast from Sandown, again lots of B&Bs.<br />
<br />
Nightclubs are mainly in the 'holiday' areas of Shanklin / Ventnor<br />
<br />
==== Caroline's Ideas ====<br />
<br />
Only preferences are extreme sports/activities, as follows:<br />
<br />
* scuba diving/snorkelling and surfing<br />
* water skiing<br />
* visit Branston farm (ok not so extreme, but we'll need a break and there might be baby animals there!!!)<br />
* Robin Hill Country Park (Boasts the island's three biggest rides - The Tobaggan Run, The Time Machine and Colossus plus MUCH MUCH MORE)<br />
* Isle of Wight Horse Riding (let me know in advance so that I can bring my horse riding outfit, helmit included!)<br />
<br />
* Butterfly Paragliding Ltd (Tandem flights: Soar the cliffs one on one with an instructor. Usually around twenty minutes airborne.<br />
Same day bookings and gift vouchers, free upgrades.<br />
Allow enough time for a full afternoon on site.<br />
An unforgettable 'learning to fly' experience)<br />
<br />
* Vectis Gliding Club: Gliding may be an activity that you have always wanted to try but have never had the opportunity to do so. Well, why not come and experience the thrill of silent flight by visiting the Vectis Gliding Club on the Isle of Wight.<br />
The sensation of flight differs from that of any other activity and the view from 2000 feet above the ground provides an interesting and quite different view of the Islands natural beauty.<br />
<br />
*Island Offroad Adventure. Experience adrenaline at 5mph! 4X4 driver training and corporate entertainment. Open to all, whatever your experience. Fantastic white knuckle site. Qualified instructors.<br />
<br />
* Goodleaf Tree Climbing Adventures. Based in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Goodleaf Tree Climbing Adventures offers you the opportunity to enjoy a fantastic couple of hours climbing ancient trees on private land. Under full supervision from a qualified arborist you will soon be swinging between the branches and seeing the Island from a new perspective!<br />
<br />
==== Rebecca's Ideas ====<br />
<br />
*1. Crazy golf tournament<br />
*2. Beach football and volleyball and frisbee<br />
*3. Surfing +<br />
*4. Wakeboarding +<br />
*5. Sea kayaking +<br />
*6. Horse riding<br />
*7. Country walk or cycle with Bens picnic cookies lunch bens<br />
*8. Tennis - no yellow 'tennis outfits' allowed<br />
*9. The WW2 Fort and Blackgang Chine ++<br />
*10. Old fashioned country pubs<br />
*11. Funfair (or theme park if there is one, I'll believe it when I see it)<br />
*12. 2 pence machines at the amusement arcade<br />
*13. Day out at the public lending library<br />
<br />
+ If weather conditions allow<br />
++ If they have fallen into the sea - sounds funny!<br />
<br />
== Budget ==<br />
<br />
=== Marc's Spend! ===<br />
<br />
{| border="1" cellpadding="2"<br />
! Item !! Cost<br />
|-<br />
| Hotel deposit || £168 (£168 still to pay)<br />
|}<br />
<br />
=== Matt's Spend! ===<br />
<br />
{| border="1" cellpadding="2"<br />
! Item !! Cost<br />
|-<br />
| Zorbing || £91.94 <br />
|-<br />
| Ferry || £139 <br />
|}</div>83.216.149.24https://indivisibilities.com/wiki/index.php?title=Isle_Of_Wight&diff=1926Isle Of Wight2006-05-15T20:07:45Z<p>83.216.149.24: /* Transport there and back */</p>
<hr />
<div>[[Image:Isle_o13.gif|center]]<br />
<br />
== Holiday Brief ==<br />
<br />
For the bank holday at the end of May, we should go to the Isle of Wight off the south coast of England. We can go from Saturday to Monday if it's possible. There are a few things that need to be organised, but it shouldn't be too hard, wight?!<br />
<br />
== Who's coming ==<br />
<br />
*Marc - definite<br />
*Mildred - definite<br />
*Rebecca (Ben's Cookies flavoured) - definite<br />
*Caz - 99.4% probability<br />
*Tom - definite (if Lee's going)<br />
*Matt - definite<br />
*Lee - definite (if Tom's going)<br />
*Tim - may have to book assuming not coming<br />
*Sissy - may have to book assuming not coming<br />
*Definitely - Maybe<br />
*Dr Sloan - too busy<br />
<br />
Definites - 7, Maybes - 2<br />
<br />
== Transport there and back ==<br />
<br />
This has now been booked - <br />
<br />
[http://www.redfunnel.co.uk/redfunnel/travel/html/main2.shtml Red Funnel] - 2 x (Car + 3 people) = £139<br />
<br />
Out-bound: Saturday 27/05/06 - 4pm from Southampton to East Cowes<br />
<br />
Return Journey: Monday 29/05/06 - 1.30pm from East Cowes to Southampton<br />
<br />
check-in time: at least 30 mins before departure time. We just have to present our booking no.s: 2906126, 2906215<br />
<br />
transit time: 55 mins<br />
<br />
Our vehicle ferry terminal in Southampton (Terminal 1) can be found at Dock Gate<br />
7 on Town Quay Road, S014 2AQ - follow signs to Southampton Waterfront. Our Isle<br />
of Wight vehicle terminal is at Trinity Yard, East Cowes PO32 6RF.<br />
<br />
== Where we'll stay ==<br />
<br />
[[Image:Sandown.jpg|right]]<br />
<br />
We're staying in Sandown now in the [http://www.chesterlodgehotel.co.uk/ Chester Lodge Hotel]. The cost is £28ppn and two car parking spaces are available for us. There will be three single rooms and one triple room.<br />
<br />
The hotel blurb is as follows:<br />
<br />
"We are a friendly family run 16 bedroom hotel. Our detached residence stands in its<br />
own grounds and is situated in an ideal position in the best part of Sandown. just<br />
minutes to shops and facing the sea - many of our rooms are sea view!<br />
<br />
Sandown has a lovely climate, having held the "All England" sunshine record for many<br />
years. Safe, sandy beaches, pier, picturesque wooded roads, fantastic views from<br />
"The Downs" and extensive attractions all make for a perfect holiday or short break.<br />
<br />
Sandown is a family resort. There are nightclubs, pubs, restaurants and cafes. The<br />
kids will have hours of fun on Browns Pitch and Putt whilst close by is the Zoo with<br />
tiger sanctuary. Sandown also has an 18-hole golf course, small airport where you<br />
can take a pleasure flight and even a Dinosaur Museum where you can wonder at the<br />
Prehistoric Visitors that the Island used to cater for.<br />
<br />
We are easily accessible to all amenities and have a bus stop 100 yards away with<br />
links to all areas of the Island and the Sandown tour."<br />
<br />
There's a pretty cool webcam at http://www.camvista.com/england/other/isleofwight_sandown.php?pageMode=nonjava .<br />
<br />
== What we'll do ==<br />
<br />
[[Image:Image-Dick2.jpg|left|Ryde]]<br />
<br />
=== On The Way Down ===<br />
<br />
==== Zorbing ====<br />
<br />
[http://www.zorbsouth.co.uk/vouchers.htm Zorbing] is possible in theory, but we'd have to make an early start :-( ie. leaving at 9am! and also, it's a bit expensive -<br />
<br />
* £35 for 1 person/ ride<br />
* £55 for 2 people/ ride<br />
* £65 for 3 people/ ride<br />
<br />
But I'm up for it though. Again, we'd have to book this quite quickly.<br />
<br />
-- Matt<br />
<br />
Actually there is 2 for 1 on Zorbing at the moment [http://www.zorbsouth.co.uk/zorb-gift-vouchers.htm Spring special] so it's a bargainous 2 for £35! But we'd hav to do it on the way back because the offer excludes saturdays.<br />
<br />
-- The Great Thumbholio<br />
<br />
Zorbing is booked, I found a better deal - the [http://zorbsouth.co.uk/half-term.htm half-term special]- £30 for 2 people/ zorb. So I booked us all in for the hydro zorb at around 4pm, on Monday on the way back. <br />
<br />
--Matt (again)<br />
<br />
==== Shakeaway ====<br />
<br />
Buy an aero ® mint ~ after eight ® (v) ~ amaretti (ng) ~ apple (v) ~ apple & blackberry (v) apple pie (ng) ~ apricot (v) ~ bakewell tart (ng) ~ banana (v) ~ banoffee muffin (ng)battenburg (nv) (ng) ~ blackcurrant (v) ~ blackcurrant cheesecake (ng) ~ black jacks ® (nv)blueberry nutrigrain ® (ng) ~ boost ® (ng) ~ bounty ® dark ~ bounty ® milk bourbon biscuit (ng) ~ bournville ® (ng) ~ butterscotch ~ cadbury's caramel ® cadbury's chocolate mini roll ® (ng) ~ cadbury's creme egg ® ~ cadbury's fruit & nut ® (ng) cappuccino muffin (ng) ~ caramel shortbread ~ caramel snack-a-jacks ® carrot cake (ng) ~ cherry (v) choca mocha ~ chocolate ~ chocolate & cherry ~ chocolate chip cookie (ng) chocolate fudge brownie (ng) ~ chocolate digestive ® milk (ng) ~ chocolate digestive ® plain (ng)<br />
chocolate hob nob ® milk (ng) ~ chocolate hob nob ® plain (ng) ~ chocolate muffin (ng) chocolate & peanut butter ~ chocolate pop tart ® (nv) (ng) ~ coco pops ® (ng) ~ coconut (v) coffee (v) ~ crunchie ® ~ crunchy nut corn flakes ® ~ cucumber (v) ~ curly wurly ® custard ~ custard creams (ng) ~ dime bar ® ~ dolly mixtures ® (nv)<br />
double decker ® ~ egg custard tart (ng) ~ farley's rusk ® (ng)<br />
ferrero rocher ® ~ fig roll ® (ng) ~ flying saucers ® (nv) (ng) ~ fondant fancies ® (nv) (ng) fruit salad chews ® (nv) ~ fry's orange cream ® (v) ~ fry's peppermint cream ® (v)fudge ~ ginger (v) ~ ginger nuts (v) (ng) ~ gooseberry (v) & custard<br />
grapefruit (v) ~ haribo starmix ® (nv) ~ hazelnut choc chip cookie (ng)<br />
hershey's cookies 'n creme ® (ng) ~ honey ~ humbug mints (v) ~ iced gems ®<br />
jaffa cake ® (ng) ~ jam doughnut (ng) ~ jam tart (ng) ~ jamaica ginger cake (ng)<br />
jammie dodger ® (ng) ~ jammie wagon wheel ® (nv) (ng) ~ jelly babies ® (nv)<br />
jelly beans (nv) ~ jelly tots ® (v) ~ kinder bueno ® (ng) ~ kit kat chunky ® (ng)<br />
lemon & lime (v) ~ lemon curd ~ lemon drizzle cake (ng) ~ lemon meringue ~ lime (v)<br />
lion bar ® (ng) ~ liquorice allsorts (nv) ~ love hearts ® (nv) ~ malted milk biscuits (ng)maltesers ® (ng) ~ mandarin (v) ~ maple syrup (v) ~ mars ® (ng) ~ marshmallow (nv) melon (v) ~ milky bar ® ~ minstrels ® (ng) ~ m&m ® peanut (nv) (ng) ~ nutella ® orange marmalade ~ oreo cookie ® (ng) ~ parma violets ® (nv) ~ passion fruit (v) peach (v) ~ peanut butter (v) ~ pear (v) ~ pineapple (v) ~ raspberry (v) ~ reeces cups ® refreshers ® (nv) ~ revels ® (ng) ~ rhubarb (v) & custard ~ rolo ® ~ sesame snaps ® (v) sherbet fountain ® (v w/o liquorice) (ng) ~ skittles ® (nv) ~ smarties ® (nv) (ng) snickers ® ~ snowball ® ~ special k bar ® (ng) ~ spotted dick (ng) ~ starburst ® (v) strawberries (summer only) (v) ~ strawberry cheesecake (ng) ~ strawberry laces (nv) (ng) strawberry trifle (ng) ~ sugar puffs ® ~ syrup sponge (ng) ~ terry's choc orange ® milk (ng) ~ <br />
tic tacs lime & orange ® ~ tic tacs mint ® (v) ~ toblerone ® ~ toffee cheesecake (ng) toffee popcorn ~ treacle tart (ng) ~ trebor extra strong mints ® (nv) ~ turkish delight ® twix ® (ng) ~ vanilla (v) ~ walnut whip ® OR weetabix ® <br />
flavour milkshake at Southampton branch of 'Shakeaway' if we get the ferry from there.<br />
<br />
=== While We're There ===<br />
==== Matt's ideas ====<br />
* play volleyball on the beach?<br />
<br />
==== Tom's Ideas ====<br />
<br />
* Go for a walk along the beach / cliffs<br />
* Go and have a look at the needles and the lighthouse<br />
* Make sand castles<br />
* Faff about a bit<br />
<br />
==== Marc's Ideas ====<br />
<br />
* Album Bay (coloured sands)<br />
* The WW II fort built into the cliff (either on the east or west point of the island)+<br />
* The old ballistic missile testing range<br />
* Blackgang Chine (incredible trippy theme park with gnomes and life size giants etc)+<br />
* Cowes (if it's the right time of the year)<br />
<br />
+ - if they are still there; the sea has been eroding the cliffs and making them fall into the sea<br />
<br />
Other places to visit are:<br />
<br />
* Cowes - Large town, you can get the ferry over from Southampton.<br />
* Newport - Large town in the centre of island.<br />
* Sandown - Typical seaside resort. Amusement arcades/crazy golf/pier/zoo etc. Plenty of B&Bs.<br />
* Shanklin - Just down the coast from Sandown, again lots of B&Bs.<br />
<br />
Nightclubs are mainly in the 'holiday' areas of Shanklin / Ventnor<br />
<br />
==== Caroline's Ideas ====<br />
<br />
Only preferences are extreme sports/activities, as follows:<br />
<br />
* scuba diving/snorkelling and surfing<br />
* water skiing<br />
* visit Branston farm (ok not so extreme, but we'll need a break and there might be baby animals there!!!)<br />
* Robin Hill Country Park (Boasts the island's three biggest rides - The Tobaggan Run, The Time Machine and Colossus plus MUCH MUCH MORE)<br />
* Isle of Wight Horse Riding (let me know in advance so that I can bring my horse riding outfit, helmit included!)<br />
<br />
* Butterfly Paragliding Ltd (Tandem flights: Soar the cliffs one on one with an instructor. Usually around twenty minutes airborne.<br />
Same day bookings and gift vouchers, free upgrades.<br />
Allow enough time for a full afternoon on site.<br />
An unforgettable 'learning to fly' experience)<br />
<br />
* Vectis Gliding Club: Gliding may be an activity that you have always wanted to try but have never had the opportunity to do so. Well, why not come and experience the thrill of silent flight by visiting the Vectis Gliding Club on the Isle of Wight.<br />
The sensation of flight differs from that of any other activity and the view from 2000 feet above the ground provides an interesting and quite different view of the Islands natural beauty.<br />
<br />
*Island Offroad Adventure. Experience adrenaline at 5mph! 4X4 driver training and corporate entertainment. Open to all, whatever your experience. Fantastic white knuckle site. Qualified instructors.<br />
<br />
* Goodleaf Tree Climbing Adventures. Based in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Goodleaf Tree Climbing Adventures offers you the opportunity to enjoy a fantastic couple of hours climbing ancient trees on private land. Under full supervision from a qualified arborist you will soon be swinging between the branches and seeing the Island from a new perspective!<br />
<br />
==== Rebecca's Ideas ====<br />
<br />
*1. Crazy golf tournament<br />
*2. Beach football and volleyball and frisbee<br />
*3. Surfing +<br />
*4. Wakeboarding +<br />
*5. Sea kayaking +<br />
*6. Horse riding<br />
*7. Country walk or cycle with Bens picnic cookies lunch bens<br />
*8. Tennis - no yellow 'tennis outfits' allowed<br />
*9. The WW2 Fort and Blackgang Chine ++<br />
*10. Old fashioned country pubs<br />
*11. Funfair (or theme park if there is one, I'll believe it when I see it)<br />
*12. 2 pence machines at the amusement arcade<br />
*13. Day out at the public lending library<br />
<br />
+ If weather conditions allow<br />
++ If they have fallen into the sea - sounds funny!<br />
<br />
== Budget ==<br />
<br />
=== Marc's Spend! ===<br />
<br />
{| border="1" cellpadding="2"<br />
! Item !! Cost<br />
|-<br />
| Hotel deposit || £168 (£168 still to pay)<br />
|}<br />
<br />
=== Matt's Spend! ===<br />
<br />
{| border="1" cellpadding="2"<br />
! Item !! Cost<br />
|-<br />
| Zorbing || £91.94 <br />
|-<br />
| Ferry || £139 <br />
|}</div>83.216.149.24https://indivisibilities.com/wiki/index.php?title=Isle_Of_Wight&diff=1925Isle Of Wight2006-05-15T20:06:28Z<p>83.216.149.24: /* Transport there and back */</p>
<hr />
<div>[[Image:Isle_o13.gif|center]]<br />
<br />
== Holiday Brief ==<br />
<br />
For the bank holday at the end of May, we should go to the Isle of Wight off the south coast of England. We can go from Saturday to Monday if it's possible. There are a few things that need to be organised, but it shouldn't be too hard, wight?!<br />
<br />
== Who's coming ==<br />
<br />
*Marc - definite<br />
*Mildred - definite<br />
*Rebecca (Ben's Cookies flavoured) - definite<br />
*Caz - 99.4% probability<br />
*Tom - definite (if Lee's going)<br />
*Matt - definite<br />
*Lee - definite (if Tom's going)<br />
*Tim - may have to book assuming not coming<br />
*Sissy - may have to book assuming not coming<br />
*Definitely - Maybe<br />
*Dr Sloan - too busy<br />
<br />
Definites - 7, Maybes - 2<br />
<br />
== Transport there and back ==<br />
<br />
This has now been booked - <br />
<br />
[http://www.redfunnel.co.uk/redfunnel/travel/html/main2.shtml Red Funnel] - 2 x (Car + 3 people) = £139<br />
<br />
Out-bound: Saturday 27/05/06 - 4pm from Southampton to East Cowes<br />
<br />
Return Journey: Monday 29/05/06 - 1.30pm from East Cowes to Southampton<br />
<br />
check-in time: at least 30 mins before departure time. We just have to present our booking no.s: 2906126, 2906215<br />
<br />
transit time: 55 mins<br />
<br />
Our vehicle ferry terminal in Southampton (Terminal 1) can be found at Dock Gate<br />
7 on Town Quay Road, S014 2AQ - follow signs to Southampton Waterfront. Our Isle<br />
of Wight vehicle terminal is at Trinity Yard, East Cowes PO32 6RF. Detailed<br />
directions, maps and boarding advice for customers requiring the onboard<br />
passenger lift can be found at www.redfunnel.co.uk/travel<br />
<br />
== Where we'll stay ==<br />
<br />
[[Image:Sandown.jpg|right]]<br />
<br />
We're staying in Sandown now in the [http://www.chesterlodgehotel.co.uk/ Chester Lodge Hotel]. The cost is £28ppn and two car parking spaces are available for us. There will be three single rooms and one triple room.<br />
<br />
The hotel blurb is as follows:<br />
<br />
"We are a friendly family run 16 bedroom hotel. Our detached residence stands in its<br />
own grounds and is situated in an ideal position in the best part of Sandown. just<br />
minutes to shops and facing the sea - many of our rooms are sea view!<br />
<br />
Sandown has a lovely climate, having held the "All England" sunshine record for many<br />
years. Safe, sandy beaches, pier, picturesque wooded roads, fantastic views from<br />
"The Downs" and extensive attractions all make for a perfect holiday or short break.<br />
<br />
Sandown is a family resort. There are nightclubs, pubs, restaurants and cafes. The<br />
kids will have hours of fun on Browns Pitch and Putt whilst close by is the Zoo with<br />
tiger sanctuary. Sandown also has an 18-hole golf course, small airport where you<br />
can take a pleasure flight and even a Dinosaur Museum where you can wonder at the<br />
Prehistoric Visitors that the Island used to cater for.<br />
<br />
We are easily accessible to all amenities and have a bus stop 100 yards away with<br />
links to all areas of the Island and the Sandown tour."<br />
<br />
There's a pretty cool webcam at http://www.camvista.com/england/other/isleofwight_sandown.php?pageMode=nonjava .<br />
<br />
== What we'll do ==<br />
<br />
[[Image:Image-Dick2.jpg|left|Ryde]]<br />
<br />
=== On The Way Down ===<br />
<br />
==== Zorbing ====<br />
<br />
[http://www.zorbsouth.co.uk/vouchers.htm Zorbing] is possible in theory, but we'd have to make an early start :-( ie. leaving at 9am! and also, it's a bit expensive -<br />
<br />
* £35 for 1 person/ ride<br />
* £55 for 2 people/ ride<br />
* £65 for 3 people/ ride<br />
<br />
But I'm up for it though. Again, we'd have to book this quite quickly.<br />
<br />
-- Matt<br />
<br />
Actually there is 2 for 1 on Zorbing at the moment [http://www.zorbsouth.co.uk/zorb-gift-vouchers.htm Spring special] so it's a bargainous 2 for £35! But we'd hav to do it on the way back because the offer excludes saturdays.<br />
<br />
-- The Great Thumbholio<br />
<br />
Zorbing is booked, I found a better deal - the [http://zorbsouth.co.uk/half-term.htm half-term special]- £30 for 2 people/ zorb. So I booked us all in for the hydro zorb at around 4pm, on Monday on the way back. <br />
<br />
--Matt (again)<br />
<br />
==== Shakeaway ====<br />
<br />
Buy an aero ® mint ~ after eight ® (v) ~ amaretti (ng) ~ apple (v) ~ apple & blackberry (v) apple pie (ng) ~ apricot (v) ~ bakewell tart (ng) ~ banana (v) ~ banoffee muffin (ng)battenburg (nv) (ng) ~ blackcurrant (v) ~ blackcurrant cheesecake (ng) ~ black jacks ® (nv)blueberry nutrigrain ® (ng) ~ boost ® (ng) ~ bounty ® dark ~ bounty ® milk bourbon biscuit (ng) ~ bournville ® (ng) ~ butterscotch ~ cadbury's caramel ® cadbury's chocolate mini roll ® (ng) ~ cadbury's creme egg ® ~ cadbury's fruit & nut ® (ng) cappuccino muffin (ng) ~ caramel shortbread ~ caramel snack-a-jacks ® carrot cake (ng) ~ cherry (v) choca mocha ~ chocolate ~ chocolate & cherry ~ chocolate chip cookie (ng) chocolate fudge brownie (ng) ~ chocolate digestive ® milk (ng) ~ chocolate digestive ® plain (ng)<br />
chocolate hob nob ® milk (ng) ~ chocolate hob nob ® plain (ng) ~ chocolate muffin (ng) chocolate & peanut butter ~ chocolate pop tart ® (nv) (ng) ~ coco pops ® (ng) ~ coconut (v) coffee (v) ~ crunchie ® ~ crunchy nut corn flakes ® ~ cucumber (v) ~ curly wurly ® custard ~ custard creams (ng) ~ dime bar ® ~ dolly mixtures ® (nv)<br />
double decker ® ~ egg custard tart (ng) ~ farley's rusk ® (ng)<br />
ferrero rocher ® ~ fig roll ® (ng) ~ flying saucers ® (nv) (ng) ~ fondant fancies ® (nv) (ng) fruit salad chews ® (nv) ~ fry's orange cream ® (v) ~ fry's peppermint cream ® (v)fudge ~ ginger (v) ~ ginger nuts (v) (ng) ~ gooseberry (v) & custard<br />
grapefruit (v) ~ haribo starmix ® (nv) ~ hazelnut choc chip cookie (ng)<br />
hershey's cookies 'n creme ® (ng) ~ honey ~ humbug mints (v) ~ iced gems ®<br />
jaffa cake ® (ng) ~ jam doughnut (ng) ~ jam tart (ng) ~ jamaica ginger cake (ng)<br />
jammie dodger ® (ng) ~ jammie wagon wheel ® (nv) (ng) ~ jelly babies ® (nv)<br />
jelly beans (nv) ~ jelly tots ® (v) ~ kinder bueno ® (ng) ~ kit kat chunky ® (ng)<br />
lemon & lime (v) ~ lemon curd ~ lemon drizzle cake (ng) ~ lemon meringue ~ lime (v)<br />
lion bar ® (ng) ~ liquorice allsorts (nv) ~ love hearts ® (nv) ~ malted milk biscuits (ng)maltesers ® (ng) ~ mandarin (v) ~ maple syrup (v) ~ mars ® (ng) ~ marshmallow (nv) melon (v) ~ milky bar ® ~ minstrels ® (ng) ~ m&m ® peanut (nv) (ng) ~ nutella ® orange marmalade ~ oreo cookie ® (ng) ~ parma violets ® (nv) ~ passion fruit (v) peach (v) ~ peanut butter (v) ~ pear (v) ~ pineapple (v) ~ raspberry (v) ~ reeces cups ® refreshers ® (nv) ~ revels ® (ng) ~ rhubarb (v) & custard ~ rolo ® ~ sesame snaps ® (v) sherbet fountain ® (v w/o liquorice) (ng) ~ skittles ® (nv) ~ smarties ® (nv) (ng) snickers ® ~ snowball ® ~ special k bar ® (ng) ~ spotted dick (ng) ~ starburst ® (v) strawberries (summer only) (v) ~ strawberry cheesecake (ng) ~ strawberry laces (nv) (ng) strawberry trifle (ng) ~ sugar puffs ® ~ syrup sponge (ng) ~ terry's choc orange ® milk (ng) ~ <br />
tic tacs lime & orange ® ~ tic tacs mint ® (v) ~ toblerone ® ~ toffee cheesecake (ng) toffee popcorn ~ treacle tart (ng) ~ trebor extra strong mints ® (nv) ~ turkish delight ® twix ® (ng) ~ vanilla (v) ~ walnut whip ® OR weetabix ® <br />
flavour milkshake at Southampton branch of 'Shakeaway' if we get the ferry from there.<br />
<br />
=== While We're There ===<br />
==== Matt's ideas ====<br />
* play volleyball on the beach?<br />
<br />
==== Tom's Ideas ====<br />
<br />
* Go for a walk along the beach / cliffs<br />
* Go and have a look at the needles and the lighthouse<br />
* Make sand castles<br />
* Faff about a bit<br />
<br />
==== Marc's Ideas ====<br />
<br />
* Album Bay (coloured sands)<br />
* The WW II fort built into the cliff (either on the east or west point of the island)+<br />
* The old ballistic missile testing range<br />
* Blackgang Chine (incredible trippy theme park with gnomes and life size giants etc)+<br />
* Cowes (if it's the right time of the year)<br />
<br />
+ - if they are still there; the sea has been eroding the cliffs and making them fall into the sea<br />
<br />
Other places to visit are:<br />
<br />
* Cowes - Large town, you can get the ferry over from Southampton.<br />
* Newport - Large town in the centre of island.<br />
* Sandown - Typical seaside resort. Amusement arcades/crazy golf/pier/zoo etc. Plenty of B&Bs.<br />
* Shanklin - Just down the coast from Sandown, again lots of B&Bs.<br />
<br />
Nightclubs are mainly in the 'holiday' areas of Shanklin / Ventnor<br />
<br />
==== Caroline's Ideas ====<br />
<br />
Only preferences are extreme sports/activities, as follows:<br />
<br />
* scuba diving/snorkelling and surfing<br />
* water skiing<br />
* visit Branston farm (ok not so extreme, but we'll need a break and there might be baby animals there!!!)<br />
* Robin Hill Country Park (Boasts the island's three biggest rides - The Tobaggan Run, The Time Machine and Colossus plus MUCH MUCH MORE)<br />
* Isle of Wight Horse Riding (let me know in advance so that I can bring my horse riding outfit, helmit included!)<br />
<br />
* Butterfly Paragliding Ltd (Tandem flights: Soar the cliffs one on one with an instructor. Usually around twenty minutes airborne.<br />
Same day bookings and gift vouchers, free upgrades.<br />
Allow enough time for a full afternoon on site.<br />
An unforgettable 'learning to fly' experience)<br />
<br />
* Vectis Gliding Club: Gliding may be an activity that you have always wanted to try but have never had the opportunity to do so. Well, why not come and experience the thrill of silent flight by visiting the Vectis Gliding Club on the Isle of Wight.<br />
The sensation of flight differs from that of any other activity and the view from 2000 feet above the ground provides an interesting and quite different view of the Islands natural beauty.<br />
<br />
*Island Offroad Adventure. Experience adrenaline at 5mph! 4X4 driver training and corporate entertainment. Open to all, whatever your experience. Fantastic white knuckle site. Qualified instructors.<br />
<br />
* Goodleaf Tree Climbing Adventures. Based in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Goodleaf Tree Climbing Adventures offers you the opportunity to enjoy a fantastic couple of hours climbing ancient trees on private land. Under full supervision from a qualified arborist you will soon be swinging between the branches and seeing the Island from a new perspective!<br />
<br />
==== Rebecca's Ideas ====<br />
<br />
*1. Crazy golf tournament<br />
*2. Beach football and volleyball and frisbee<br />
*3. Surfing +<br />
*4. Wakeboarding +<br />
*5. Sea kayaking +<br />
*6. Horse riding<br />
*7. Country walk or cycle with Bens picnic cookies lunch bens<br />
*8. Tennis - no yellow 'tennis outfits' allowed<br />
*9. The WW2 Fort and Blackgang Chine ++<br />
*10. Old fashioned country pubs<br />
*11. Funfair (or theme park if there is one, I'll believe it when I see it)<br />
*12. 2 pence machines at the amusement arcade<br />
*13. Day out at the public lending library<br />
<br />
+ If weather conditions allow<br />
++ If they have fallen into the sea - sounds funny!<br />
<br />
== Budget ==<br />
<br />
=== Marc's Spend! ===<br />
<br />
{| border="1" cellpadding="2"<br />
! Item !! Cost<br />
|-<br />
| Hotel deposit || £168 (£168 still to pay)<br />
|}<br />
<br />
=== Matt's Spend! ===<br />
<br />
{| border="1" cellpadding="2"<br />
! Item !! Cost<br />
|-<br />
| Zorbing || £91.94 <br />
|-<br />
| Ferry || £139 <br />
|}</div>83.216.149.24https://indivisibilities.com/wiki/index.php?title=Isle_Of_Wight&diff=1924Isle Of Wight2006-05-15T19:48:39Z<p>83.216.149.24: /* Transport there and back */</p>
<hr />
<div>[[Image:Isle_o13.gif|center]]<br />
<br />
== Holiday Brief ==<br />
<br />
For the bank holday at the end of May, we should go to the Isle of Wight off the south coast of England. We can go from Saturday to Monday if it's possible. There are a few things that need to be organised, but it shouldn't be too hard, wight?!<br />
<br />
== Who's coming ==<br />
<br />
*Marc - definite<br />
*Mildred - definite<br />
*Rebecca (Ben's Cookies flavoured) - definite<br />
*Caz - 99.4% probability<br />
*Tom - definite (if Lee's going)<br />
*Matt - definite<br />
*Lee - definite (if Tom's going)<br />
*Tim - may have to book assuming not coming<br />
*Sissy - may have to book assuming not coming<br />
*Definitely - Maybe<br />
*Dr Sloan - too busy<br />
<br />
Definites - 7, Maybes - 2<br />
<br />
== Transport there and back ==<br />
<br />
This has now been booked - <br />
<br />
[http://www.redfunnel.co.uk/redfunnel/travel/html/main2.shtml Red Funnel] - 2 x (Car + 3 people) = £139<br />
<br />
Out-bound: Saturday 27/05/06 - 4pm from Southampton to East Cowes<br />
<br />
Return Journey: Monday 29/05/06 - 1.30pm from East Cowes to Southampton<br />
<br />
check-in time: 30 mins before departure time<br />
<br />
transit time: 55 mins<br />
<br />
== Where we'll stay ==<br />
<br />
[[Image:Sandown.jpg|right]]<br />
<br />
We're staying in Sandown now in the [http://www.chesterlodgehotel.co.uk/ Chester Lodge Hotel]. The cost is £28ppn and two car parking spaces are available for us. There will be three single rooms and one triple room.<br />
<br />
The hotel blurb is as follows:<br />
<br />
"We are a friendly family run 16 bedroom hotel. Our detached residence stands in its<br />
own grounds and is situated in an ideal position in the best part of Sandown. just<br />
minutes to shops and facing the sea - many of our rooms are sea view!<br />
<br />
Sandown has a lovely climate, having held the "All England" sunshine record for many<br />
years. Safe, sandy beaches, pier, picturesque wooded roads, fantastic views from<br />
"The Downs" and extensive attractions all make for a perfect holiday or short break.<br />
<br />
Sandown is a family resort. There are nightclubs, pubs, restaurants and cafes. The<br />
kids will have hours of fun on Browns Pitch and Putt whilst close by is the Zoo with<br />
tiger sanctuary. Sandown also has an 18-hole golf course, small airport where you<br />
can take a pleasure flight and even a Dinosaur Museum where you can wonder at the<br />
Prehistoric Visitors that the Island used to cater for.<br />
<br />
We are easily accessible to all amenities and have a bus stop 100 yards away with<br />
links to all areas of the Island and the Sandown tour."<br />
<br />
There's a pretty cool webcam at http://www.camvista.com/england/other/isleofwight_sandown.php?pageMode=nonjava .<br />
<br />
== What we'll do ==<br />
<br />
[[Image:Image-Dick2.jpg|left|Ryde]]<br />
<br />
=== On The Way Down ===<br />
<br />
==== Zorbing ====<br />
<br />
[http://www.zorbsouth.co.uk/vouchers.htm Zorbing] is possible in theory, but we'd have to make an early start :-( ie. leaving at 9am! and also, it's a bit expensive -<br />
<br />
* £35 for 1 person/ ride<br />
* £55 for 2 people/ ride<br />
* £65 for 3 people/ ride<br />
<br />
But I'm up for it though. Again, we'd have to book this quite quickly.<br />
<br />
-- Matt<br />
<br />
Actually there is 2 for 1 on Zorbing at the moment [http://www.zorbsouth.co.uk/zorb-gift-vouchers.htm Spring special] so it's a bargainous 2 for £35! But we'd hav to do it on the way back because the offer excludes saturdays.<br />
<br />
-- The Great Thumbholio<br />
<br />
Zorbing is booked, I found a better deal - the [http://zorbsouth.co.uk/half-term.htm half-term special]- £30 for 2 people/ zorb. So I booked us all in for the hydro zorb at around 4pm, on Monday on the way back. <br />
<br />
--Matt (again)<br />
<br />
==== Shakeaway ====<br />
<br />
Buy an aero ® mint ~ after eight ® (v) ~ amaretti (ng) ~ apple (v) ~ apple & blackberry (v) apple pie (ng) ~ apricot (v) ~ bakewell tart (ng) ~ banana (v) ~ banoffee muffin (ng)battenburg (nv) (ng) ~ blackcurrant (v) ~ blackcurrant cheesecake (ng) ~ black jacks ® (nv)blueberry nutrigrain ® (ng) ~ boost ® (ng) ~ bounty ® dark ~ bounty ® milk bourbon biscuit (ng) ~ bournville ® (ng) ~ butterscotch ~ cadbury's caramel ® cadbury's chocolate mini roll ® (ng) ~ cadbury's creme egg ® ~ cadbury's fruit & nut ® (ng) cappuccino muffin (ng) ~ caramel shortbread ~ caramel snack-a-jacks ® carrot cake (ng) ~ cherry (v) choca mocha ~ chocolate ~ chocolate & cherry ~ chocolate chip cookie (ng) chocolate fudge brownie (ng) ~ chocolate digestive ® milk (ng) ~ chocolate digestive ® plain (ng)<br />
chocolate hob nob ® milk (ng) ~ chocolate hob nob ® plain (ng) ~ chocolate muffin (ng) chocolate & peanut butter ~ chocolate pop tart ® (nv) (ng) ~ coco pops ® (ng) ~ coconut (v) coffee (v) ~ crunchie ® ~ crunchy nut corn flakes ® ~ cucumber (v) ~ curly wurly ® custard ~ custard creams (ng) ~ dime bar ® ~ dolly mixtures ® (nv)<br />
double decker ® ~ egg custard tart (ng) ~ farley's rusk ® (ng)<br />
ferrero rocher ® ~ fig roll ® (ng) ~ flying saucers ® (nv) (ng) ~ fondant fancies ® (nv) (ng) fruit salad chews ® (nv) ~ fry's orange cream ® (v) ~ fry's peppermint cream ® (v)fudge ~ ginger (v) ~ ginger nuts (v) (ng) ~ gooseberry (v) & custard<br />
grapefruit (v) ~ haribo starmix ® (nv) ~ hazelnut choc chip cookie (ng)<br />
hershey's cookies 'n creme ® (ng) ~ honey ~ humbug mints (v) ~ iced gems ®<br />
jaffa cake ® (ng) ~ jam doughnut (ng) ~ jam tart (ng) ~ jamaica ginger cake (ng)<br />
jammie dodger ® (ng) ~ jammie wagon wheel ® (nv) (ng) ~ jelly babies ® (nv)<br />
jelly beans (nv) ~ jelly tots ® (v) ~ kinder bueno ® (ng) ~ kit kat chunky ® (ng)<br />
lemon & lime (v) ~ lemon curd ~ lemon drizzle cake (ng) ~ lemon meringue ~ lime (v)<br />
lion bar ® (ng) ~ liquorice allsorts (nv) ~ love hearts ® (nv) ~ malted milk biscuits (ng)maltesers ® (ng) ~ mandarin (v) ~ maple syrup (v) ~ mars ® (ng) ~ marshmallow (nv) melon (v) ~ milky bar ® ~ minstrels ® (ng) ~ m&m ® peanut (nv) (ng) ~ nutella ® orange marmalade ~ oreo cookie ® (ng) ~ parma violets ® (nv) ~ passion fruit (v) peach (v) ~ peanut butter (v) ~ pear (v) ~ pineapple (v) ~ raspberry (v) ~ reeces cups ® refreshers ® (nv) ~ revels ® (ng) ~ rhubarb (v) & custard ~ rolo ® ~ sesame snaps ® (v) sherbet fountain ® (v w/o liquorice) (ng) ~ skittles ® (nv) ~ smarties ® (nv) (ng) snickers ® ~ snowball ® ~ special k bar ® (ng) ~ spotted dick (ng) ~ starburst ® (v) strawberries (summer only) (v) ~ strawberry cheesecake (ng) ~ strawberry laces (nv) (ng) strawberry trifle (ng) ~ sugar puffs ® ~ syrup sponge (ng) ~ terry's choc orange ® milk (ng) ~ <br />
tic tacs lime & orange ® ~ tic tacs mint ® (v) ~ toblerone ® ~ toffee cheesecake (ng) toffee popcorn ~ treacle tart (ng) ~ trebor extra strong mints ® (nv) ~ turkish delight ® twix ® (ng) ~ vanilla (v) ~ walnut whip ® OR weetabix ® <br />
flavour milkshake at Southampton branch of 'Shakeaway' if we get the ferry from there.<br />
<br />
=== While We're There ===<br />
==== Matt's ideas ====<br />
* play volleyball on the beach?<br />
<br />
==== Tom's Ideas ====<br />
<br />
* Go for a walk along the beach / cliffs<br />
* Go and have a look at the needles and the lighthouse<br />
* Make sand castles<br />
* Faff about a bit<br />
<br />
==== Marc's Ideas ====<br />
<br />
* Album Bay (coloured sands)<br />
* The WW II fort built into the cliff (either on the east or west point of the island)+<br />
* The old ballistic missile testing range<br />
* Blackgang Chine (incredible trippy theme park with gnomes and life size giants etc)+<br />
* Cowes (if it's the right time of the year)<br />
<br />
+ - if they are still there; the sea has been eroding the cliffs and making them fall into the sea<br />
<br />
Other places to visit are:<br />
<br />
* Cowes - Large town, you can get the ferry over from Southampton.<br />
* Newport - Large town in the centre of island.<br />
* Sandown - Typical seaside resort. Amusement arcades/crazy golf/pier/zoo etc. Plenty of B&Bs.<br />
* Shanklin - Just down the coast from Sandown, again lots of B&Bs.<br />
<br />
Nightclubs are mainly in the 'holiday' areas of Shanklin / Ventnor<br />
<br />
==== Caroline's Ideas ====<br />
<br />
Only preferences are extreme sports/activities, as follows:<br />
<br />
* scuba diving/snorkelling and surfing<br />
* water skiing<br />
* visit Branston farm (ok not so extreme, but we'll need a break and there might be baby animals there!!!)<br />
* Robin Hill Country Park (Boasts the island's three biggest rides - The Tobaggan Run, The Time Machine and Colossus plus MUCH MUCH MORE)<br />
* Isle of Wight Horse Riding (let me know in advance so that I can bring my horse riding outfit, helmit included!)<br />
<br />
* Butterfly Paragliding Ltd (Tandem flights: Soar the cliffs one on one with an instructor. Usually around twenty minutes airborne.<br />
Same day bookings and gift vouchers, free upgrades.<br />
Allow enough time for a full afternoon on site.<br />
An unforgettable 'learning to fly' experience)<br />
<br />
* Vectis Gliding Club: Gliding may be an activity that you have always wanted to try but have never had the opportunity to do so. Well, why not come and experience the thrill of silent flight by visiting the Vectis Gliding Club on the Isle of Wight.<br />
The sensation of flight differs from that of any other activity and the view from 2000 feet above the ground provides an interesting and quite different view of the Islands natural beauty.<br />
<br />
*Island Offroad Adventure. Experience adrenaline at 5mph! 4X4 driver training and corporate entertainment. Open to all, whatever your experience. Fantastic white knuckle site. Qualified instructors.<br />
<br />
* Goodleaf Tree Climbing Adventures. Based in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Goodleaf Tree Climbing Adventures offers you the opportunity to enjoy a fantastic couple of hours climbing ancient trees on private land. Under full supervision from a qualified arborist you will soon be swinging between the branches and seeing the Island from a new perspective!<br />
<br />
==== Rebecca's Ideas ====<br />
<br />
*1. Crazy golf tournament<br />
*2. Beach football and volleyball and frisbee<br />
*3. Surfing +<br />
*4. Wakeboarding +<br />
*5. Sea kayaking +<br />
*6. Horse riding<br />
*7. Country walk or cycle with Bens picnic cookies lunch bens<br />
*8. Tennis - no yellow 'tennis outfits' allowed<br />
*9. The WW2 Fort and Blackgang Chine ++<br />
*10. Old fashioned country pubs<br />
*11. Funfair (or theme park if there is one, I'll believe it when I see it)<br />
*12. 2 pence machines at the amusement arcade<br />
*13. Day out at the public lending library<br />
<br />
+ If weather conditions allow<br />
++ If they have fallen into the sea - sounds funny!<br />
<br />
== Budget ==<br />
<br />
=== Marc's Spend! ===<br />
<br />
{| border="1" cellpadding="2"<br />
! Item !! Cost<br />
|-<br />
| Hotel deposit || £168 (£168 still to pay)<br />
|}<br />
<br />
=== Matt's Spend! ===<br />
<br />
{| border="1" cellpadding="2"<br />
! Item !! Cost<br />
|-<br />
| Zorbing || £91.94 <br />
|-<br />
| Ferry || £139 <br />
|}</div>83.216.149.24https://indivisibilities.com/wiki/index.php?title=Isle_Of_Wight&diff=1922Isle Of Wight2006-05-15T19:14:02Z<p>83.216.149.24: /* Matt's Spend! */</p>
<hr />
<div>[[Image:Isle_o13.gif|center]]<br />
<br />
== Holiday Brief ==<br />
<br />
For the bank holday at the end of May, we should go to the Isle of Wight off the south coast of England. We can go from Saturday to Monday if it's possible. There are a few things that need to be organised, but it shouldn't be too hard, wight?!<br />
<br />
== Who's coming ==<br />
<br />
*Marc - definite<br />
*Mildred - definite<br />
*Rebecca (Ben's Cookies flavoured) - definite<br />
*Caz - 99.4% probability<br />
*Tom - definite (if Lee's going)<br />
*Matt - definite<br />
*Lee - definite (if Tom's going)<br />
*Tim - may have to book assuming not coming<br />
*Sissy - may have to book assuming not coming<br />
*Definitely - Maybe<br />
*Dr Sloan - too busy<br />
<br />
Definites - 7, Maybes - 2<br />
<br />
== Transport there and back ==<br />
<br />
Assuming we're taking a ferry across, we should probably book this quite quickly.<br />
<br />
1a. [http://www.redfunnel.co.uk/redfunnel/travel/html/main2.shtml Red Funnel] - Car + 6 people = £100.50<br />
<br />
1b. [http://www.redfunnel.co.uk/redfunnel/travel/html/main2.shtml Red Funnel] - 2 x (Car + 3 people) = £134.50<br />
<br />
The outbound times are 09:00, 15:00 and on the hour after this.<br />
<br />
From Southampton to East Cowes (55 mins)<br />
<br><br><br />
2. [http://www.wightlink.co.uk/travel/fares/index.htm Wightlink] - <br />
<br />
Car + 3 people = £105 ...so...<br />
2 x (Car + 3 people) = £210<br />
<br />
1 person = £13.40<br />
<br />
From Portsmouth to Fishbourne <br />
<br />
Or from Lymington to Yarmouth<br />
<br />
== Where we'll stay ==<br />
<br />
[[Image:Sandown.jpg|right]]<br />
<br />
We're staying in Sandown now in the [http://www.chesterlodgehotel.co.uk/ Chester Lodge Hotel]. The cost is £28ppn and two car parking spaces are available for us. There will be three single rooms and one triple room.<br />
<br />
The hotel blurb is as follows:<br />
<br />
"We are a friendly family run 16 bedroom hotel. Our detached residence stands in its<br />
own grounds and is situated in an ideal position in the best part of Sandown. just<br />
minutes to shops and facing the sea - many of our rooms are sea view!<br />
<br />
Sandown has a lovely climate, having held the "All England" sunshine record for many<br />
years. Safe, sandy beaches, pier, picturesque wooded roads, fantastic views from<br />
"The Downs" and extensive attractions all make for a perfect holiday or short break.<br />
<br />
Sandown is a family resort. There are nightclubs, pubs, restaurants and cafes. The<br />
kids will have hours of fun on Browns Pitch and Putt whilst close by is the Zoo with<br />
tiger sanctuary. Sandown also has an 18-hole golf course, small airport where you<br />
can take a pleasure flight and even a Dinosaur Museum where you can wonder at the<br />
Prehistoric Visitors that the Island used to cater for.<br />
<br />
We are easily accessible to all amenities and have a bus stop 100 yards away with<br />
links to all areas of the Island and the Sandown tour."<br />
<br />
There's a pretty cool webcam at http://www.camvista.com/england/other/isleofwight_sandown.php?pageMode=nonjava .<br />
<br />
== What we'll do ==<br />
<br />
[[Image:Image-Dick2.jpg|left|Ryde]]<br />
<br />
=== On The Way Down ===<br />
<br />
==== Zorbing ====<br />
<br />
[http://www.zorbsouth.co.uk/vouchers.htm Zorbing] is possible in theory, but we'd have to make an early start :-( ie. leaving at 9am! and also, it's a bit expensive -<br />
<br />
* £35 for 1 person/ ride<br />
* £55 for 2 people/ ride<br />
* £65 for 3 people/ ride<br />
<br />
But I'm up for it though. Again, we'd have to book this quite quickly.<br />
<br />
-- Matt<br />
<br />
Actually there is 2 for 1 on Zorbing at the moment [http://www.zorbsouth.co.uk/zorb-gift-vouchers.htm Spring special] so it's a bargainous 2 for £35! But we'd hav to do it on the way back because the offer excludes saturdays.<br />
<br />
-- The Great Thumbholio<br />
<br />
Zorbing is booked, I found a better deal - the [http://zorbsouth.co.uk/half-term.htm half-term special]- £30 for 2 people/ zorb. So I booked us all in for the hydro zorb at around 4pm, on Monday on the way back. <br />
<br />
--Matt (again)<br />
<br />
==== Shakeaway ====<br />
<br />
Buy an aero ® mint ~ after eight ® (v) ~ amaretti (ng) ~ apple (v) ~ apple & blackberry (v) apple pie (ng) ~ apricot (v) ~ bakewell tart (ng) ~ banana (v) ~ banoffee muffin (ng)battenburg (nv) (ng) ~ blackcurrant (v) ~ blackcurrant cheesecake (ng) ~ black jacks ® (nv)blueberry nutrigrain ® (ng) ~ boost ® (ng) ~ bounty ® dark ~ bounty ® milk bourbon biscuit (ng) ~ bournville ® (ng) ~ butterscotch ~ cadbury's caramel ® cadbury's chocolate mini roll ® (ng) ~ cadbury's creme egg ® ~ cadbury's fruit & nut ® (ng) cappuccino muffin (ng) ~ caramel shortbread ~ caramel snack-a-jacks ® carrot cake (ng) ~ cherry (v) choca mocha ~ chocolate ~ chocolate & cherry ~ chocolate chip cookie (ng) chocolate fudge brownie (ng) ~ chocolate digestive ® milk (ng) ~ chocolate digestive ® plain (ng)<br />
chocolate hob nob ® milk (ng) ~ chocolate hob nob ® plain (ng) ~ chocolate muffin (ng) chocolate & peanut butter ~ chocolate pop tart ® (nv) (ng) ~ coco pops ® (ng) ~ coconut (v) coffee (v) ~ crunchie ® ~ crunchy nut corn flakes ® ~ cucumber (v) ~ curly wurly ® custard ~ custard creams (ng) ~ dime bar ® ~ dolly mixtures ® (nv)<br />
double decker ® ~ egg custard tart (ng) ~ farley's rusk ® (ng)<br />
ferrero rocher ® ~ fig roll ® (ng) ~ flying saucers ® (nv) (ng) ~ fondant fancies ® (nv) (ng) fruit salad chews ® (nv) ~ fry's orange cream ® (v) ~ fry's peppermint cream ® (v)fudge ~ ginger (v) ~ ginger nuts (v) (ng) ~ gooseberry (v) & custard<br />
grapefruit (v) ~ haribo starmix ® (nv) ~ hazelnut choc chip cookie (ng)<br />
hershey's cookies 'n creme ® (ng) ~ honey ~ humbug mints (v) ~ iced gems ®<br />
jaffa cake ® (ng) ~ jam doughnut (ng) ~ jam tart (ng) ~ jamaica ginger cake (ng)<br />
jammie dodger ® (ng) ~ jammie wagon wheel ® (nv) (ng) ~ jelly babies ® (nv)<br />
jelly beans (nv) ~ jelly tots ® (v) ~ kinder bueno ® (ng) ~ kit kat chunky ® (ng)<br />
lemon & lime (v) ~ lemon curd ~ lemon drizzle cake (ng) ~ lemon meringue ~ lime (v)<br />
lion bar ® (ng) ~ liquorice allsorts (nv) ~ love hearts ® (nv) ~ malted milk biscuits (ng)maltesers ® (ng) ~ mandarin (v) ~ maple syrup (v) ~ mars ® (ng) ~ marshmallow (nv) melon (v) ~ milky bar ® ~ minstrels ® (ng) ~ m&m ® peanut (nv) (ng) ~ nutella ® orange marmalade ~ oreo cookie ® (ng) ~ parma violets ® (nv) ~ passion fruit (v) peach (v) ~ peanut butter (v) ~ pear (v) ~ pineapple (v) ~ raspberry (v) ~ reeces cups ® refreshers ® (nv) ~ revels ® (ng) ~ rhubarb (v) & custard ~ rolo ® ~ sesame snaps ® (v) sherbet fountain ® (v w/o liquorice) (ng) ~ skittles ® (nv) ~ smarties ® (nv) (ng) snickers ® ~ snowball ® ~ special k bar ® (ng) ~ spotted dick (ng) ~ starburst ® (v) strawberries (summer only) (v) ~ strawberry cheesecake (ng) ~ strawberry laces (nv) (ng) strawberry trifle (ng) ~ sugar puffs ® ~ syrup sponge (ng) ~ terry's choc orange ® milk (ng) ~ <br />
tic tacs lime & orange ® ~ tic tacs mint ® (v) ~ toblerone ® ~ toffee cheesecake (ng) toffee popcorn ~ treacle tart (ng) ~ trebor extra strong mints ® (nv) ~ turkish delight ® twix ® (ng) ~ vanilla (v) ~ walnut whip ® OR weetabix ® <br />
flavour milkshake at Southampton branch of 'Shakeaway' if we get the ferry from there.<br />
<br />
=== While We're There ===<br />
==== Matt's ideas ====<br />
* play volleyball on the beach?<br />
<br />
==== Tom's Ideas ====<br />
<br />
* Go for a walk along the beach / cliffs<br />
* Go and have a look at the needles and the lighthouse<br />
* Make sand castles<br />
* Faff about a bit<br />
<br />
==== Marc's Ideas ====<br />
<br />
* Album Bay (coloured sands)<br />
* The WW II fort built into the cliff (either on the east or west point of the island)+<br />
* The old ballistic missile testing range<br />
* Blackgang Chine (incredible trippy theme park with gnomes and life size giants etc)+<br />
* Cowes (if it's the right time of the year)<br />
<br />
+ - if they are still there; the sea has been eroding the cliffs and making them fall into the sea<br />
<br />
Other places to visit are:<br />
<br />
* Cowes - Large town, you can get the ferry over from Southampton.<br />
* Newport - Large town in the centre of island.<br />
* Sandown - Typical seaside resort. Amusement arcades/crazy golf/pier/zoo etc. Plenty of B&Bs.<br />
* Shanklin - Just down the coast from Sandown, again lots of B&Bs.<br />
<br />
Nightclubs are mainly in the 'holiday' areas of Shanklin / Ventnor<br />
<br />
==== Caroline's Ideas ====<br />
<br />
Only preferences are extreme sports/activities, as follows:<br />
<br />
* scuba diving/snorkelling and surfing<br />
* water skiing<br />
* visit Branston farm (ok not so extreme, but we'll need a break and there might be baby animals there!!!)<br />
* Robin Hill Country Park (Boasts the island's three biggest rides - The Tobaggan Run, The Time Machine and Colossus plus MUCH MUCH MORE)<br />
* Isle of Wight Horse Riding (let me know in advance so that I can bring my horse riding outfit, helmit included!)<br />
<br />
* Butterfly Paragliding Ltd (Tandem flights: Soar the cliffs one on one with an instructor. Usually around twenty minutes airborne.<br />
Same day bookings and gift vouchers, free upgrades.<br />
Allow enough time for a full afternoon on site.<br />
An unforgettable 'learning to fly' experience)<br />
<br />
* Vectis Gliding Club: Gliding may be an activity that you have always wanted to try but have never had the opportunity to do so. Well, why not come and experience the thrill of silent flight by visiting the Vectis Gliding Club on the Isle of Wight.<br />
The sensation of flight differs from that of any other activity and the view from 2000 feet above the ground provides an interesting and quite different view of the Islands natural beauty.<br />
<br />
*Island Offroad Adventure. Experience adrenaline at 5mph! 4X4 driver training and corporate entertainment. Open to all, whatever your experience. Fantastic white knuckle site. Qualified instructors.<br />
<br />
* Goodleaf Tree Climbing Adventures. Based in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Goodleaf Tree Climbing Adventures offers you the opportunity to enjoy a fantastic couple of hours climbing ancient trees on private land. Under full supervision from a qualified arborist you will soon be swinging between the branches and seeing the Island from a new perspective!<br />
<br />
==== Rebecca's Ideas ====<br />
<br />
*1. Crazy golf tournament<br />
*2. Beach football and volleyball and frisbee<br />
*3. Surfing +<br />
*4. Wakeboarding +<br />
*5. Sea kayaking +<br />
*6. Horse riding<br />
*7. Country walk or cycle with Bens picnic cookies lunch bens<br />
*8. Tennis - no yellow 'tennis outfits' allowed<br />
*9. The WW2 Fort and Blackgang Chine ++<br />
*10. Old fashioned country pubs<br />
*11. Funfair (or theme park if there is one, I'll believe it when I see it)<br />
*12. 2 pence machines at the amusement arcade<br />
*13. Day out at the public lending library<br />
<br />
+ If weather conditions allow<br />
++ If they have fallen into the sea - sounds funny!<br />
<br />
== Budget ==<br />
<br />
=== Marc's Spend! ===<br />
<br />
{| border="1" cellpadding="2"<br />
! Item !! Cost<br />
|-<br />
| Hotel deposit || £168 (£168 still to pay)<br />
|}<br />
<br />
=== Matt's Spend! ===<br />
<br />
{| border="1" cellpadding="2"<br />
! Item !! Cost<br />
|-<br />
| Zorbing || £91.94 <br />
|-<br />
| Ferry || £139 <br />
|}</div>83.216.149.24https://indivisibilities.com/wiki/index.php?title=Isle_Of_Wight&diff=1921Isle Of Wight2006-05-15T18:33:37Z<p>83.216.149.24: /* Zorbing */</p>
<hr />
<div>[[Image:Isle_o13.gif|center]]<br />
<br />
== Holiday Brief ==<br />
<br />
For the bank holday at the end of May, we should go to the Isle of Wight off the south coast of England. We can go from Saturday to Monday if it's possible. There are a few things that need to be organised, but it shouldn't be too hard, wight?!<br />
<br />
== Who's coming ==<br />
<br />
*Marc - definite<br />
*Mildred - definite<br />
*Rebecca (Ben's Cookies flavoured) - definite<br />
*Caz - 99.4% probability<br />
*Tom - definite (if Lee's going)<br />
*Matt - definite<br />
*Lee - definite (if Tom's going)<br />
*Tim - may have to book assuming not coming<br />
*Sissy - may have to book assuming not coming<br />
*Definitely - Maybe<br />
*Dr Sloan - too busy<br />
<br />
Definites - 7, Maybes - 2<br />
<br />
== Transport there and back ==<br />
<br />
Assuming we're taking a ferry across, we should probably book this quite quickly.<br />
<br />
1a. [http://www.redfunnel.co.uk/redfunnel/travel/html/main2.shtml Red Funnel] - Car + 6 people = £100.50<br />
<br />
1b. [http://www.redfunnel.co.uk/redfunnel/travel/html/main2.shtml Red Funnel] - 2 x (Car + 3 people) = £134.50<br />
<br />
The outbound times are 09:00, 15:00 and on the hour after this.<br />
<br />
From Southampton to East Cowes (55 mins)<br />
<br><br><br />
2. [http://www.wightlink.co.uk/travel/fares/index.htm Wightlink] - <br />
<br />
Car + 3 people = £105 ...so...<br />
2 x (Car + 3 people) = £210<br />
<br />
1 person = £13.40<br />
<br />
From Portsmouth to Fishbourne <br />
<br />
Or from Lymington to Yarmouth<br />
<br />
== Where we'll stay ==<br />
<br />
[[Image:Sandown.jpg|right]]<br />
<br />
We're staying in Sandown now in the [http://www.chesterlodgehotel.co.uk/ Chester Lodge Hotel]. The cost is £28ppn and two car parking spaces are available for us. There will be three single rooms and one triple room.<br />
<br />
The hotel blurb is as follows:<br />
<br />
"We are a friendly family run 16 bedroom hotel. Our detached residence stands in its<br />
own grounds and is situated in an ideal position in the best part of Sandown. just<br />
minutes to shops and facing the sea - many of our rooms are sea view!<br />
<br />
Sandown has a lovely climate, having held the "All England" sunshine record for many<br />
years. Safe, sandy beaches, pier, picturesque wooded roads, fantastic views from<br />
"The Downs" and extensive attractions all make for a perfect holiday or short break.<br />
<br />
Sandown is a family resort. There are nightclubs, pubs, restaurants and cafes. The<br />
kids will have hours of fun on Browns Pitch and Putt whilst close by is the Zoo with<br />
tiger sanctuary. Sandown also has an 18-hole golf course, small airport where you<br />
can take a pleasure flight and even a Dinosaur Museum where you can wonder at the<br />
Prehistoric Visitors that the Island used to cater for.<br />
<br />
We are easily accessible to all amenities and have a bus stop 100 yards away with<br />
links to all areas of the Island and the Sandown tour."<br />
<br />
There's a pretty cool webcam at http://www.camvista.com/england/other/isleofwight_sandown.php?pageMode=nonjava .<br />
<br />
== What we'll do ==<br />
<br />
[[Image:Image-Dick2.jpg|left|Ryde]]<br />
<br />
=== On The Way Down ===<br />
<br />
==== Zorbing ====<br />
<br />
[http://www.zorbsouth.co.uk/vouchers.htm Zorbing] is possible in theory, but we'd have to make an early start :-( ie. leaving at 9am! and also, it's a bit expensive -<br />
<br />
* £35 for 1 person/ ride<br />
* £55 for 2 people/ ride<br />
* £65 for 3 people/ ride<br />
<br />
But I'm up for it though. Again, we'd have to book this quite quickly.<br />
<br />
-- Matt<br />
<br />
Actually there is 2 for 1 on Zorbing at the moment [http://www.zorbsouth.co.uk/zorb-gift-vouchers.htm Spring special] so it's a bargainous 2 for £35! But we'd hav to do it on the way back because the offer excludes saturdays.<br />
<br />
-- The Great Thumbholio<br />
<br />
Zorbing is booked, I found a better deal - the [http://zorbsouth.co.uk/half-term.htm half-term special]- £30 for 2 people/ zorb. So I booked us all in for the hydro zorb at around 4pm, on Monday on the way back. <br />
<br />
--Matt (again)<br />
<br />
==== Shakeaway ====<br />
<br />
Buy an aero ® mint ~ after eight ® (v) ~ amaretti (ng) ~ apple (v) ~ apple & blackberry (v) apple pie (ng) ~ apricot (v) ~ bakewell tart (ng) ~ banana (v) ~ banoffee muffin (ng)battenburg (nv) (ng) ~ blackcurrant (v) ~ blackcurrant cheesecake (ng) ~ black jacks ® (nv)blueberry nutrigrain ® (ng) ~ boost ® (ng) ~ bounty ® dark ~ bounty ® milk bourbon biscuit (ng) ~ bournville ® (ng) ~ butterscotch ~ cadbury's caramel ® cadbury's chocolate mini roll ® (ng) ~ cadbury's creme egg ® ~ cadbury's fruit & nut ® (ng) cappuccino muffin (ng) ~ caramel shortbread ~ caramel snack-a-jacks ® carrot cake (ng) ~ cherry (v) choca mocha ~ chocolate ~ chocolate & cherry ~ chocolate chip cookie (ng) chocolate fudge brownie (ng) ~ chocolate digestive ® milk (ng) ~ chocolate digestive ® plain (ng)<br />
chocolate hob nob ® milk (ng) ~ chocolate hob nob ® plain (ng) ~ chocolate muffin (ng) chocolate & peanut butter ~ chocolate pop tart ® (nv) (ng) ~ coco pops ® (ng) ~ coconut (v) coffee (v) ~ crunchie ® ~ crunchy nut corn flakes ® ~ cucumber (v) ~ curly wurly ® custard ~ custard creams (ng) ~ dime bar ® ~ dolly mixtures ® (nv)<br />
double decker ® ~ egg custard tart (ng) ~ farley's rusk ® (ng)<br />
ferrero rocher ® ~ fig roll ® (ng) ~ flying saucers ® (nv) (ng) ~ fondant fancies ® (nv) (ng) fruit salad chews ® (nv) ~ fry's orange cream ® (v) ~ fry's peppermint cream ® (v)fudge ~ ginger (v) ~ ginger nuts (v) (ng) ~ gooseberry (v) & custard<br />
grapefruit (v) ~ haribo starmix ® (nv) ~ hazelnut choc chip cookie (ng)<br />
hershey's cookies 'n creme ® (ng) ~ honey ~ humbug mints (v) ~ iced gems ®<br />
jaffa cake ® (ng) ~ jam doughnut (ng) ~ jam tart (ng) ~ jamaica ginger cake (ng)<br />
jammie dodger ® (ng) ~ jammie wagon wheel ® (nv) (ng) ~ jelly babies ® (nv)<br />
jelly beans (nv) ~ jelly tots ® (v) ~ kinder bueno ® (ng) ~ kit kat chunky ® (ng)<br />
lemon & lime (v) ~ lemon curd ~ lemon drizzle cake (ng) ~ lemon meringue ~ lime (v)<br />
lion bar ® (ng) ~ liquorice allsorts (nv) ~ love hearts ® (nv) ~ malted milk biscuits (ng)maltesers ® (ng) ~ mandarin (v) ~ maple syrup (v) ~ mars ® (ng) ~ marshmallow (nv) melon (v) ~ milky bar ® ~ minstrels ® (ng) ~ m&m ® peanut (nv) (ng) ~ nutella ® orange marmalade ~ oreo cookie ® (ng) ~ parma violets ® (nv) ~ passion fruit (v) peach (v) ~ peanut butter (v) ~ pear (v) ~ pineapple (v) ~ raspberry (v) ~ reeces cups ® refreshers ® (nv) ~ revels ® (ng) ~ rhubarb (v) & custard ~ rolo ® ~ sesame snaps ® (v) sherbet fountain ® (v w/o liquorice) (ng) ~ skittles ® (nv) ~ smarties ® (nv) (ng) snickers ® ~ snowball ® ~ special k bar ® (ng) ~ spotted dick (ng) ~ starburst ® (v) strawberries (summer only) (v) ~ strawberry cheesecake (ng) ~ strawberry laces (nv) (ng) strawberry trifle (ng) ~ sugar puffs ® ~ syrup sponge (ng) ~ terry's choc orange ® milk (ng) ~ <br />
tic tacs lime & orange ® ~ tic tacs mint ® (v) ~ toblerone ® ~ toffee cheesecake (ng) toffee popcorn ~ treacle tart (ng) ~ trebor extra strong mints ® (nv) ~ turkish delight ® twix ® (ng) ~ vanilla (v) ~ walnut whip ® OR weetabix ® <br />
flavour milkshake at Southampton branch of 'Shakeaway' if we get the ferry from there.<br />
<br />
=== While We're There ===<br />
==== Matt's ideas ====<br />
* play volleyball on the beach?<br />
<br />
==== Tom's Ideas ====<br />
<br />
* Go for a walk along the beach / cliffs<br />
* Go and have a look at the needles and the lighthouse<br />
* Make sand castles<br />
* Faff about a bit<br />
<br />
==== Marc's Ideas ====<br />
<br />
* Album Bay (coloured sands)<br />
* The WW II fort built into the cliff (either on the east or west point of the island)+<br />
* The old ballistic missile testing range<br />
* Blackgang Chine (incredible trippy theme park with gnomes and life size giants etc)+<br />
* Cowes (if it's the right time of the year)<br />
<br />
+ - if they are still there; the sea has been eroding the cliffs and making them fall into the sea<br />
<br />
Other places to visit are:<br />
<br />
* Cowes - Large town, you can get the ferry over from Southampton.<br />
* Newport - Large town in the centre of island.<br />
* Sandown - Typical seaside resort. Amusement arcades/crazy golf/pier/zoo etc. Plenty of B&Bs.<br />
* Shanklin - Just down the coast from Sandown, again lots of B&Bs.<br />
<br />
Nightclubs are mainly in the 'holiday' areas of Shanklin / Ventnor<br />
<br />
==== Caroline's Ideas ====<br />
<br />
Only preferences are extreme sports/activities, as follows:<br />
<br />
* scuba diving/snorkelling and surfing<br />
* water skiing<br />
* visit Branston farm (ok not so extreme, but we'll need a break and there might be baby animals there!!!)<br />
* Robin Hill Country Park (Boasts the island's three biggest rides - The Tobaggan Run, The Time Machine and Colossus plus MUCH MUCH MORE)<br />
* Isle of Wight Horse Riding (let me know in advance so that I can bring my horse riding outfit, helmit included!)<br />
<br />
* Butterfly Paragliding Ltd (Tandem flights: Soar the cliffs one on one with an instructor. Usually around twenty minutes airborne.<br />
Same day bookings and gift vouchers, free upgrades.<br />
Allow enough time for a full afternoon on site.<br />
An unforgettable 'learning to fly' experience)<br />
<br />
* Vectis Gliding Club: Gliding may be an activity that you have always wanted to try but have never had the opportunity to do so. Well, why not come and experience the thrill of silent flight by visiting the Vectis Gliding Club on the Isle of Wight.<br />
The sensation of flight differs from that of any other activity and the view from 2000 feet above the ground provides an interesting and quite different view of the Islands natural beauty.<br />
<br />
*Island Offroad Adventure. Experience adrenaline at 5mph! 4X4 driver training and corporate entertainment. Open to all, whatever your experience. Fantastic white knuckle site. Qualified instructors.<br />
<br />
* Goodleaf Tree Climbing Adventures. Based in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Goodleaf Tree Climbing Adventures offers you the opportunity to enjoy a fantastic couple of hours climbing ancient trees on private land. Under full supervision from a qualified arborist you will soon be swinging between the branches and seeing the Island from a new perspective!<br />
<br />
==== Rebecca's Ideas ====<br />
<br />
*1. Crazy golf tournament<br />
*2. Beach football and volleyball and frisbee<br />
*3. Surfing +<br />
*4. Wakeboarding +<br />
*5. Sea kayaking +<br />
*6. Horse riding<br />
*7. Country walk or cycle with Bens picnic cookies lunch bens<br />
*8. Tennis - no yellow 'tennis outfits' allowed<br />
*9. The WW2 Fort and Blackgang Chine ++<br />
*10. Old fashioned country pubs<br />
*11. Funfair (or theme park if there is one, I'll believe it when I see it)<br />
*12. 2 pence machines at the amusement arcade<br />
*13. Day out at the public lending library<br />
<br />
+ If weather conditions allow<br />
++ If they have fallen into the sea - sounds funny!<br />
<br />
== Budget ==<br />
<br />
=== Marc's Spend! ===<br />
<br />
{| border="1" cellpadding="2"<br />
! Item !! Cost<br />
|-<br />
| Hotel deposit || £168 (£168 still to pay)<br />
|}<br />
<br />
=== Matt's Spend! ===<br />
<br />
{| border="1" cellpadding="2"<br />
! Item !! Cost<br />
|-<br />
| Zorbing || £91.94 <br />
|}</div>83.216.149.24https://indivisibilities.com/wiki/index.php?title=Isle_Of_Wight&diff=1920Isle Of Wight2006-05-15T18:27:34Z<p>83.216.149.24: /* Marc's Spend! */</p>
<hr />
<div>[[Image:Isle_o13.gif|center]]<br />
<br />
== Holiday Brief ==<br />
<br />
For the bank holday at the end of May, we should go to the Isle of Wight off the south coast of England. We can go from Saturday to Monday if it's possible. There are a few things that need to be organised, but it shouldn't be too hard, wight?!<br />
<br />
== Who's coming ==<br />
<br />
*Marc - definite<br />
*Mildred - definite<br />
*Rebecca (Ben's Cookies flavoured) - definite<br />
*Caz - 99.4% probability<br />
*Tom - definite (if Lee's going)<br />
*Matt - definite<br />
*Lee - definite (if Tom's going)<br />
*Tim - may have to book assuming not coming<br />
*Sissy - may have to book assuming not coming<br />
*Definitely - Maybe<br />
*Dr Sloan - too busy<br />
<br />
Definites - 7, Maybes - 2<br />
<br />
== Transport there and back ==<br />
<br />
Assuming we're taking a ferry across, we should probably book this quite quickly.<br />
<br />
1a. [http://www.redfunnel.co.uk/redfunnel/travel/html/main2.shtml Red Funnel] - Car + 6 people = £100.50<br />
<br />
1b. [http://www.redfunnel.co.uk/redfunnel/travel/html/main2.shtml Red Funnel] - 2 x (Car + 3 people) = £134.50<br />
<br />
The outbound times are 09:00, 15:00 and on the hour after this.<br />
<br />
From Southampton to East Cowes (55 mins)<br />
<br><br><br />
2. [http://www.wightlink.co.uk/travel/fares/index.htm Wightlink] - <br />
<br />
Car + 3 people = £105 ...so...<br />
2 x (Car + 3 people) = £210<br />
<br />
1 person = £13.40<br />
<br />
From Portsmouth to Fishbourne <br />
<br />
Or from Lymington to Yarmouth<br />
<br />
== Where we'll stay ==<br />
<br />
[[Image:Sandown.jpg|right]]<br />
<br />
We're staying in Sandown now in the [http://www.chesterlodgehotel.co.uk/ Chester Lodge Hotel]. The cost is £28ppn and two car parking spaces are available for us. There will be three single rooms and one triple room.<br />
<br />
The hotel blurb is as follows:<br />
<br />
"We are a friendly family run 16 bedroom hotel. Our detached residence stands in its<br />
own grounds and is situated in an ideal position in the best part of Sandown. just<br />
minutes to shops and facing the sea - many of our rooms are sea view!<br />
<br />
Sandown has a lovely climate, having held the "All England" sunshine record for many<br />
years. Safe, sandy beaches, pier, picturesque wooded roads, fantastic views from<br />
"The Downs" and extensive attractions all make for a perfect holiday or short break.<br />
<br />
Sandown is a family resort. There are nightclubs, pubs, restaurants and cafes. The<br />
kids will have hours of fun on Browns Pitch and Putt whilst close by is the Zoo with<br />
tiger sanctuary. Sandown also has an 18-hole golf course, small airport where you<br />
can take a pleasure flight and even a Dinosaur Museum where you can wonder at the<br />
Prehistoric Visitors that the Island used to cater for.<br />
<br />
We are easily accessible to all amenities and have a bus stop 100 yards away with<br />
links to all areas of the Island and the Sandown tour."<br />
<br />
There's a pretty cool webcam at http://www.camvista.com/england/other/isleofwight_sandown.php?pageMode=nonjava .<br />
<br />
== What we'll do ==<br />
<br />
[[Image:Image-Dick2.jpg|left|Ryde]]<br />
<br />
=== On The Way Down ===<br />
<br />
==== Zorbing ====<br />
<br />
[http://www.zorbsouth.co.uk/vouchers.htm Zorbing] is possible in theory, but we'd have to make an early start :-( ie. leaving at 9am! and also, it's a bit expensive -<br />
<br />
* £35 for 1 person/ ride<br />
* £55 for 2 people/ ride<br />
* £65 for 3 people/ ride<br />
<br />
But I'm up for it though. Again, we'd have to book this quite quickly.<br />
<br />
-- Matt<br />
<br />
Actually there is 2 for 1 on Zorbing at the moment [http://www.zorbsouth.co.uk/zorb-gift-vouchers.htm Spring special] so it's a bargainous 2 for £35! But we'd hav to do it on the way back because the offer excludes saturdays.<br />
<br />
-- The Great Thumbholio<br />
<br />
==== Shakeaway ====<br />
<br />
Buy an aero ® mint ~ after eight ® (v) ~ amaretti (ng) ~ apple (v) ~ apple & blackberry (v) apple pie (ng) ~ apricot (v) ~ bakewell tart (ng) ~ banana (v) ~ banoffee muffin (ng)battenburg (nv) (ng) ~ blackcurrant (v) ~ blackcurrant cheesecake (ng) ~ black jacks ® (nv)blueberry nutrigrain ® (ng) ~ boost ® (ng) ~ bounty ® dark ~ bounty ® milk bourbon biscuit (ng) ~ bournville ® (ng) ~ butterscotch ~ cadbury's caramel ® cadbury's chocolate mini roll ® (ng) ~ cadbury's creme egg ® ~ cadbury's fruit & nut ® (ng) cappuccino muffin (ng) ~ caramel shortbread ~ caramel snack-a-jacks ® carrot cake (ng) ~ cherry (v) choca mocha ~ chocolate ~ chocolate & cherry ~ chocolate chip cookie (ng) chocolate fudge brownie (ng) ~ chocolate digestive ® milk (ng) ~ chocolate digestive ® plain (ng)<br />
chocolate hob nob ® milk (ng) ~ chocolate hob nob ® plain (ng) ~ chocolate muffin (ng) chocolate & peanut butter ~ chocolate pop tart ® (nv) (ng) ~ coco pops ® (ng) ~ coconut (v) coffee (v) ~ crunchie ® ~ crunchy nut corn flakes ® ~ cucumber (v) ~ curly wurly ® custard ~ custard creams (ng) ~ dime bar ® ~ dolly mixtures ® (nv)<br />
double decker ® ~ egg custard tart (ng) ~ farley's rusk ® (ng)<br />
ferrero rocher ® ~ fig roll ® (ng) ~ flying saucers ® (nv) (ng) ~ fondant fancies ® (nv) (ng) fruit salad chews ® (nv) ~ fry's orange cream ® (v) ~ fry's peppermint cream ® (v)fudge ~ ginger (v) ~ ginger nuts (v) (ng) ~ gooseberry (v) & custard<br />
grapefruit (v) ~ haribo starmix ® (nv) ~ hazelnut choc chip cookie (ng)<br />
hershey's cookies 'n creme ® (ng) ~ honey ~ humbug mints (v) ~ iced gems ®<br />
jaffa cake ® (ng) ~ jam doughnut (ng) ~ jam tart (ng) ~ jamaica ginger cake (ng)<br />
jammie dodger ® (ng) ~ jammie wagon wheel ® (nv) (ng) ~ jelly babies ® (nv)<br />
jelly beans (nv) ~ jelly tots ® (v) ~ kinder bueno ® (ng) ~ kit kat chunky ® (ng)<br />
lemon & lime (v) ~ lemon curd ~ lemon drizzle cake (ng) ~ lemon meringue ~ lime (v)<br />
lion bar ® (ng) ~ liquorice allsorts (nv) ~ love hearts ® (nv) ~ malted milk biscuits (ng)maltesers ® (ng) ~ mandarin (v) ~ maple syrup (v) ~ mars ® (ng) ~ marshmallow (nv) melon (v) ~ milky bar ® ~ minstrels ® (ng) ~ m&m ® peanut (nv) (ng) ~ nutella ® orange marmalade ~ oreo cookie ® (ng) ~ parma violets ® (nv) ~ passion fruit (v) peach (v) ~ peanut butter (v) ~ pear (v) ~ pineapple (v) ~ raspberry (v) ~ reeces cups ® refreshers ® (nv) ~ revels ® (ng) ~ rhubarb (v) & custard ~ rolo ® ~ sesame snaps ® (v) sherbet fountain ® (v w/o liquorice) (ng) ~ skittles ® (nv) ~ smarties ® (nv) (ng) snickers ® ~ snowball ® ~ special k bar ® (ng) ~ spotted dick (ng) ~ starburst ® (v) strawberries (summer only) (v) ~ strawberry cheesecake (ng) ~ strawberry laces (nv) (ng) strawberry trifle (ng) ~ sugar puffs ® ~ syrup sponge (ng) ~ terry's choc orange ® milk (ng) ~ <br />
tic tacs lime & orange ® ~ tic tacs mint ® (v) ~ toblerone ® ~ toffee cheesecake (ng) toffee popcorn ~ treacle tart (ng) ~ trebor extra strong mints ® (nv) ~ turkish delight ® twix ® (ng) ~ vanilla (v) ~ walnut whip ® OR weetabix ® <br />
flavour milkshake at Southampton branch of 'Shakeaway' if we get the ferry from there.<br />
<br />
=== While We're There ===<br />
==== Matt's ideas ====<br />
* play volleyball on the beach?<br />
<br />
==== Tom's Ideas ====<br />
<br />
* Go for a walk along the beach / cliffs<br />
* Go and have a look at the needles and the lighthouse<br />
* Make sand castles<br />
* Faff about a bit<br />
<br />
==== Marc's Ideas ====<br />
<br />
* Album Bay (coloured sands)<br />
* The WW II fort built into the cliff (either on the east or west point of the island)+<br />
* The old ballistic missile testing range<br />
* Blackgang Chine (incredible trippy theme park with gnomes and life size giants etc)+<br />
* Cowes (if it's the right time of the year)<br />
<br />
+ - if they are still there; the sea has been eroding the cliffs and making them fall into the sea<br />
<br />
Other places to visit are:<br />
<br />
* Cowes - Large town, you can get the ferry over from Southampton.<br />
* Newport - Large town in the centre of island.<br />
* Sandown - Typical seaside resort. Amusement arcades/crazy golf/pier/zoo etc. Plenty of B&Bs.<br />
* Shanklin - Just down the coast from Sandown, again lots of B&Bs.<br />
<br />
Nightclubs are mainly in the 'holiday' areas of Shanklin / Ventnor<br />
<br />
==== Caroline's Ideas ====<br />
<br />
Only preferences are extreme sports/activities, as follows:<br />
<br />
* scuba diving/snorkelling and surfing<br />
* water skiing<br />
* visit Branston farm (ok not so extreme, but we'll need a break and there might be baby animals there!!!)<br />
* Robin Hill Country Park (Boasts the island's three biggest rides - The Tobaggan Run, The Time Machine and Colossus plus MUCH MUCH MORE)<br />
* Isle of Wight Horse Riding (let me know in advance so that I can bring my horse riding outfit, helmit included!)<br />
<br />
* Butterfly Paragliding Ltd (Tandem flights: Soar the cliffs one on one with an instructor. Usually around twenty minutes airborne.<br />
Same day bookings and gift vouchers, free upgrades.<br />
Allow enough time for a full afternoon on site.<br />
An unforgettable 'learning to fly' experience)<br />
<br />
* Vectis Gliding Club: Gliding may be an activity that you have always wanted to try but have never had the opportunity to do so. Well, why not come and experience the thrill of silent flight by visiting the Vectis Gliding Club on the Isle of Wight.<br />
The sensation of flight differs from that of any other activity and the view from 2000 feet above the ground provides an interesting and quite different view of the Islands natural beauty.<br />
<br />
*Island Offroad Adventure. Experience adrenaline at 5mph! 4X4 driver training and corporate entertainment. Open to all, whatever your experience. Fantastic white knuckle site. Qualified instructors.<br />
<br />
* Goodleaf Tree Climbing Adventures. Based in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Goodleaf Tree Climbing Adventures offers you the opportunity to enjoy a fantastic couple of hours climbing ancient trees on private land. Under full supervision from a qualified arborist you will soon be swinging between the branches and seeing the Island from a new perspective!<br />
<br />
==== Rebecca's Ideas ====<br />
<br />
*1. Crazy golf tournament<br />
*2. Beach football and volleyball and frisbee<br />
*3. Surfing +<br />
*4. Wakeboarding +<br />
*5. Sea kayaking +<br />
*6. Horse riding<br />
*7. Country walk or cycle with Bens picnic cookies lunch bens<br />
*8. Tennis - no yellow 'tennis outfits' allowed<br />
*9. The WW2 Fort and Blackgang Chine ++<br />
*10. Old fashioned country pubs<br />
*11. Funfair (or theme park if there is one, I'll believe it when I see it)<br />
*12. 2 pence machines at the amusement arcade<br />
*13. Day out at the public lending library<br />
<br />
+ If weather conditions allow<br />
++ If they have fallen into the sea - sounds funny!<br />
<br />
== Budget ==<br />
<br />
=== Marc's Spend! ===<br />
<br />
{| border="1" cellpadding="2"<br />
! Item !! Cost<br />
|-<br />
| Hotel deposit || £168 (£168 still to pay)<br />
|}<br />
<br />
=== Matt's Spend! ===<br />
<br />
{| border="1" cellpadding="2"<br />
! Item !! Cost<br />
|-<br />
| Zorbing || £91.94 <br />
|}</div>83.216.149.24https://indivisibilities.com/wiki/index.php?title=MexicoCuba&diff=1784MexicoCuba2006-05-07T13:01:17Z<p>83.216.149.24: /* Comments */</p>
<hr />
<div>== Mexico Cuba 2006 ==<br />
<br />
=== Introduction ===<br />
<br />
This is a holiday idea that I have been whinging on about for some time now after the thouroughly excellent times I had in Peru and Egypt . The thought behind Mexico & Cuba 2006 is to combine the latin flavours of central america through the tequilla & salsa music with the ancient wonder of the pyramids. At the time of writing (February 2006) this is still simply an idea so the purpose of this page is to do some perelimenary investigation into whather the whole idea is possible at all --Tom<br />
<br />
==Possible Stumbling Blocks==<br />
* VISAs and beurocracy in and out of cuba<br />
* Moving around<br />
* Hurricanes<br />
* Picking a date<br />
* Getting annual leave<br />
* Who is coming anyway<br />
* Costs<br />
<br />
== Plan ==<br />
A) Fly in to Mexico city, travel down to cancun (coach/rail) and over to Havana (Boat/Plane.)<br />
<br />
B) Do the whole thing the other way round if the flights are a lot cheaper.<br />
<br />
[[Image:bigmap.JPG]]<br />
<br />
===Flights===<br />
I found these flights on [http://www.cheapestflights.co.uk cheapestflights.co.uk]<br />
<br />
[[Image:Cheapestflights-co-uk2.GIF]] <br />
<br />
Prices are highly variable from about £480 to £650 and then rediculous money. -This will probably have a big impact on when to go.<br />
<br />
===Cities===<br />
*Mexico City<br />
*???<br />
*Cancun<br />
*Havana<br />
<br />
===Must see sights===<br />
*Teotithuacan<br />
*Mexico city<br />
*General Aztec/Mayan stuff<br />
*Tequilla plantations<br />
*Gulf of mexico coast<br />
*Havana<br />
<br />
===Moving around===<br />
<br />
'''Mexico'''<br />
*Coach<br />
*Rail?<br />
<br />
I have found two companies offering flights between Cancun and Havana<br />
[http://www.clickmx.com/ Click Mexicana] (Around £80 ish)<br />
and <br />
[http://www.cubana.co.cu Cubana] (Around £100 ish)<br />
<br />
(Both sites are in Spanish)<br />
<br />
There is an online currency converter [http://www.xe.com/ here]<br />
<br />
'''Cuba'''<br />
<br />
''Unknown'' - Possibly not that much moving around<br />
<br />
== Detailed Plan ==<br />
[[MexicoCity|MexicoCity to Palenque]]<br />
<br />
[[Yucutan|Palenque to Cancun (The Yucutan)]]<br />
<br />
[[Cuba|Cancun to Havana (Cuba)]]<br />
<br />
== ToDo ==<br />
=== Who is coming===<br />
* Tom<br />
* Marc<br />
* Matt "Provisionally, i am up for it"<br />
<br />
=== When we are going ===<br />
* Hurricanes<br />
* Weather<br />
<br />
The weather in central america is pretty good all year round but hurricane season runs from August until October so something around November may be a good time as the weather here is getting pretty depressing by then. June/July is also do-able might be rather hot.<br />
<br />
* High / Low Seasons<br />
* Flights<br />
* People's availability<br />
* Bank balances<br />
* Annual Leave<br />
<br />
=== How long we are going for ===<br />
Should become evident based on what to see and do - probably 2 weeks as per usual but maybe a touch more<br />
<br />
===What to see /do ===<br />
* Read through some organised tours in this area<br />
* Consult wikipedia / virtualtourist.com<br />
* Google Maps<br />
* Organise an initial meeting in the Shoulder of Mutton<br />
<br />
== Comments ==<br />
<br />
Matt: According to Cyril & Nick at work, Cancun is "a hole", Americanised, touristy, Burger Kings... But a few miles south is a nice town...</div>83.216.149.24https://indivisibilities.com/wiki/index.php?title=Cuba&diff=1778Cuba2006-04-29T20:35:21Z<p>83.216.149.24: /* Other potential places to visit */</p>
<hr />
<div><br />
<!-- Matt - Go to the discussion page - Elín ---><br />
<br />
Check out the discussion board<br />
<br />
==Cuba==<br />
====Introduction:==== <br />
Cuba is the largest Caribbean island [16th largest island in the world :-) ]. Of its 11m inhabitants, 60% are of Spanish descent; there are also substantial African and mixed-race minorities. Spain colonised Cuba in 1512 and decimated its indigenous population of Arawak Indians. In 1898 the US occupied the country, but relations soured in 1959 when the charismatic Fidel Castro came to power. The ban on US tourism has its advantages: apart from the coastal resort of Varadero the island remains non-commercial, and the people genuinely friendly.<br />
<br />
November is the start of the dry season in cuba. Temperatures are normally around 27 Celsius. We will also miss the peak tourist season (mid Dec. to mid-March, & all of July & August). <br />
<br />
Things to do in Cuba, generally:<br />
<br />
- smoke Cuban cigars<br />
<br />
- take a ride in a Vintage american car<br />
<br />
- stay in a 'casa particular' - a common phenomenon in Cuba - for locals to rent out a room or 2 of their houses for tourists, this is the best way to gain an insight into the country<br />
<br />
- drink 'Mojitos' - 'just the ticket after a hard day on the beach, Cuba's quintessential cocktail, a refreshing concoction of rum, limes & mint'<br />
<br />
====Havana====<br />
<br />
The capital, [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Havana Havana], with its colonial architecture and ostentatious 50s and 60s cars, is the biggest Caribbean city (pop. approx. 2.2 million) and the hub of Cuban nightlife.<br />
<br />
We will spend a good 2 or 3 days in Havana.<br />
<br />
Things to do in Havana:<br />
<br />
- Fabrica de Tobaco Partagas - famous Havana cigar factory, offers a fascinating insight into the skills behind cigar making and lays bare some idiosyncratic Cuban working practices. <br />
<br />
- La Guarida restaurant - where the excellent food is matched by Baroque surroundings,<br />
<br />
- Visit Habana Vieja (old Havana) - including a visit to Edificio Bacardi - A slice of dazzling art deco architecture, the Bacardi family's pre-revolution HQ is a fitting place for to enjoy a Cubre libre<br />
<br />
====Other potential places to visit====<br />
<br />
Maria La Gorda - approx. 5 hrs drive from Havana - this seems to be the best place in Cuba for scuba diving. And also, you don't have to know how to scuba dive already!<br />
<br />
Varadero - Fantastic beaches, and also good for scuba diving<br />
<br />
Trinidad - a world heritage site, the country's most perfectly preserved colonial city, and also close to the beach & mountains.<br />
<br />
====Useful Links:====<br />
<br />
For practicalities - health, visas, climate etc.<br />
[http://travel.guardian.co.uk/countries/information/0,8766,420477,00.html The Guardian]<br />
<br />
For geography, history & culture:<br />
[http://encarta.msn.com/encyclopedia_761569844/Cuba.html Encarta]<br />
<br />
[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cuba Wikipedia]</div>83.216.149.24https://indivisibilities.com/wiki/index.php?title=Cuba&diff=1745Cuba2006-04-23T16:37:42Z<p>83.216.149.24: /* Introduction: */</p>
<hr />
<div>==Cuba==<br />
====Introduction:==== <br />
Cuba is the largest Caribbean island [16th largest island in the world :-) ]. Of its 11m inhabitants, 60% are of Spanish descent; there are also substantial African and mixed-race minorities. Spain colonised Cuba in 1512 and decimated its indigenous population of Arawak Indians. In 1898 the US occupied the country, but relations soured in 1959 when the charismatic Fidel Castro came to power. The ban on US tourism has its advantages: apart from the coastal resort of Varadero the island remains non-commercial, and the people genuinely friendly.<br />
<br />
====Havana====<br />
<br />
The capital, Havana, with its colonial architecture and ostentatious 50s and 60s cars, is the biggest Caribbean city and the hub of Cuban nightlife. <br />
<br />
====Useful Links:====<br />
<br />
For practicalities - health, visas, climate etc.<br />
[http://travel.guardian.co.uk/countries/information/0,8766,420477,00.html The Guardian]<br />
<br />
For geography, history & culture:<br />
[http://encarta.msn.com/encyclopedia_761569844/Cuba.html Encarta]<br />
<br />
[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cuba Wikipedia]</div>83.216.149.24https://indivisibilities.com/wiki/index.php?title=Cuba&diff=1744Cuba2006-04-23T16:37:23Z<p>83.216.149.24: /* Introduction: */</p>
<hr />
<div>==Cuba==<br />
====Introduction:==== <br />
Cuba is the largest Caribbean island (16th largest island in the world :-) ). Of its 11m inhabitants, 60% are of Spanish descent; there are also substantial African and mixed-race minorities. Spain colonised Cuba in 1512 and decimated its indigenous population of Arawak Indians. In 1898 the US occupied the country, but relations soured in 1959 when the charismatic Fidel Castro came to power. The ban on US tourism has its advantages: apart from the coastal resort of Varadero the island remains non-commercial, and the people genuinely friendly.<br />
<br />
====Havana====<br />
<br />
The capital, Havana, with its colonial architecture and ostentatious 50s and 60s cars, is the biggest Caribbean city and the hub of Cuban nightlife. <br />
<br />
====Useful Links:====<br />
<br />
For practicalities - health, visas, climate etc.<br />
[http://travel.guardian.co.uk/countries/information/0,8766,420477,00.html The Guardian]<br />
<br />
For geography, history & culture:<br />
[http://encarta.msn.com/encyclopedia_761569844/Cuba.html Encarta]<br />
<br />
[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cuba Wikipedia]</div>83.216.149.24https://indivisibilities.com/wiki/index.php?title=Cuba&diff=1743Cuba2006-04-23T16:26:55Z<p>83.216.149.24: /* Useful Links: */</p>
<hr />
<div>==Cuba==<br />
====Introduction:==== <br />
Cuba is the largest Caribbean island. Of its 11m inhabitants, 60% are of Spanish descent; there are also substantial African and mixed-race minorities. Spain colonised Cuba in 1512 and decimated its indigenous population of Arawak Indians. In 1898 the US occupied the country, but relations soured in 1959 when the charismatic Fidel Castro came to power. The ban on US tourism has its advantages: apart from the coastal resort of Varadero the island remains non-commercial, and the people genuinely friendly. <br />
<br />
====Havana====<br />
<br />
The capital, Havana, with its colonial architecture and ostentatious 50s and 60s cars, is the biggest Caribbean city and the hub of Cuban nightlife. <br />
<br />
====Useful Links:====<br />
<br />
For practicalities - health, visas, climate etc.<br />
[http://travel.guardian.co.uk/countries/information/0,8766,420477,00.html The Guardian]<br />
<br />
For geography, history & culture:<br />
[http://encarta.msn.com/encyclopedia_761569844/Cuba.html Encarta]<br />
<br />
[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cuba Wikipedia]</div>83.216.149.24https://indivisibilities.com/wiki/index.php?title=To_do&diff=1583To do2006-01-07T19:34:18Z<p>83.216.149.24: /* Getting around */</p>
<hr />
<div>== 'Must dos' ==<br />
<br />
Charles Bridge - 'the most beautiful bridge in the world'<br />
<br />
Municipal House - 'don't just go for a concert or an hour in the cafe... The tour of the building is amazing - best value for money...'<br />
<br />
The Dancing Building - Frank Gehry & Vlado Milunic's 1996 concrete & glass confection, nick-named 'Fred & Ginger' because it resembles a pair of male & female dancers...<br />
<br />
Old Town Square - Heart of the old town including 'Church of Our Lady' and the 'Astronomical Clock'<br />
<br />
Wenceslas Square - Huge main central space, more of a shopping street than a square.<br />
<br />
Prague Castle - The largest castle in the world inludes St. Vitus Cathedral and has views over the city.<br />
<br />
== Bars ==<br />
<br />
Pivovarsky Dum - A brewpub/ restaurant. As well as the usual Czech pilsners, it brews a variety of flavoured beers such as nettle, banana and wild cherry. Stylish surroundings and decent food. Jecna/ Lipova 15<br />
<br />
== Cafes ==<br />
<br />
== Restaurants ==<br />
<br />
== Jazz Clubs ==<br />
<br />
The AghaRTA Jazz Club<br />
<br />
Ungelt Jazz & Blues Club<br />
<br />
U Maleho Glena<br />
<br />
==Views==<br />
<br />
U Prince - Hotel on Old Town Square, across from the astrological clock. Go in the back & take the elevator up to the top, and from there take the stairs up. You'll be rewarded with a restaurant/ cafe on the roof, sporting probably the best view of Prague.<br />
<br />
TV Tower - fantastic view of the city. Enjoy the soviet era fun of the space-race-style building and wonder about the strange giant babies crawling up the side of the tower (?!)<br />
(in Zizkov, a residential area to the east of the city. Take a tram from Wenceslas Sq.)<br />
<br />
Vysehrad - A small castle at the top of a hill overlooking the city....<br />
<br />
Strahovsky monastary - Terrace restaurant/ bar with great views & good food<br />
<br />
==Museums==<br />
<br />
The Kafka Museum<br />
<br />
Kampa museum<br />
<br />
Museum of Communism - 'Best place to eye loads of Soviet era tat'<br />
<br />
The people's technical museum<br />
<br />
Museum of miniatures<br />
<br />
==Culture==<br />
<br />
See Don Giovanni at the Estates Theatre - The building is a gorgeous confection both inside & out. The performances are great, and where better to see Don Giovanni than in the very theatre where it had its 1787 world premier...<br />
<br />
==Out of town==<br />
<br />
All Saint's chapel, Ossuary (Bone church) - Countless bones are fashioned into works of art, including a chandelier which comprises of every bone in the human body!<br />
<br />
==Getting around==<br />
<br />
AAA taxis - The best, most reputable service in the city. When you arrive at the airport, dial 14014; they speak English, will tell you when the car will arrive & where to wait. To the centre should cost around K500. <br />
<br />
Airport buses - Service 119 runs from the airport (in front of terminal at far right) runs to Dejvicka metro station, price K12. Ticket machines only take coins.<br />
(The Praha Transport authority (DPP) has an information desk in the arrivals hall, open 7am - 10pm))<br />
<br />
(NB. approx. 43 Koruna to £1)<br />
<br />
==Useful Links==<br />
[http://www.virtualtourist.com VirtualTourist.com] - Virtual Tourist advice from fellow travellers and residents<br />
<br />
[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prague Wikipedia] - Wikipedia has pictures and history of most the sights<br />
<br />
[http://earth.google.com/ Google Earth] - Google Earth (windows only)'s satellite photos of prague are particularly detailed there is a lot of information in the 'Community Showcase', Great for seeing the city before we get there.</div>83.216.149.24https://indivisibilities.com/wiki/index.php?title=Prague_Hotels&diff=1558Prague Hotels2005-12-13T20:00:02Z<p>83.216.149.24: /* Nerds' preferences */</p>
<hr />
<div>Here we have a few options, depending on how much we want to pay, whether we want breakfast in the morning and how convivial we all feel.<br />
<br />
== Andel's Hotel - Posh Hotel ==<br />
<br />
Firstly we have a <b>4* Hotel, Andel's Hotel</b> http://www.andelshotel.com/content/en/1.php<br />
<br />
This is the <b>posh option</b>.<br />
<br />
Says it is near the historical centre of Prague, but seeing as the city seems to be the size of a bath towel I think we'll be okay.<br />
<br />
<b>Breakfast is included</b> - dunno what that entails but sounds fun.<br />
<br />
Has <b>wireless internet access</b> but I think you have to pay for it. But might be useful.<br />
<br />
From http://www.laterooms.com/ - it is €220 per room for two nights, which is <b>£75 each</b> (working on the assumption that we want four rooms, doubles for Lee & Peter, Abi and Neil, and a twin and a single for whatever combination of Caroline, Marc and Matt.) The single room is charged at the same rate as a double in this hotel for some unknown reason.<br />
<br />
== Jep-Apart Hotel - Not-so-posh Hotel ==<br />
<br />
Another choice is a <b>3* Hotel</b>, called <b>Jep-Apart Hotel</b><br />
<br />
Is quite cheap at only <b>£40 each</b> and you can get brekkie in the hotel for an extra £5. They don't seem to do twin or single rooms, so I am working on the assumption that Marc, Matt and Caroline would like a room of their own. <br />
<br />
Another good thing about this place is that they give you <b>Free Czech Lager</b> on arrival as a welcome. How lovely, <br />
<br />
== Jancek Palace - Apartment ==<br />
<br />
Then we have the option of an <b>Apartment</b> that sleeps all of us in various hideous combinations. The ominously titled <b>Jancek Palace</b> has apartments that we can all squeeze into - for an apartment for 8 people, it is only €318, which is only <b>£32 per person</b>.<br />
<br />
Has a fully-fitted kitchen and two bathrooms with bath and shower.<br />
<br />
Has one double bed, a fold out sofa and 5 single beds so sounds good. Abi and Neil call the double bed!<br />
<br />
== Hotel Vodickova - 2 or more Apartments ==<br />
<br />
If we like the idea of an apartment, but don't want to be squashed in so much we could get any combination of 2,3,4,5,6 or 7 bedded apartments, meaning that we could have two apartments, or one apartment and one room - whatever we want. The <b>Hotel Vodickova</b> seems to offer the best choice in this, and their prices are comparable to the other hotels. Also there is the option for <b>posher rooms, DVD players and Internet access</b>. They also have an 8 bedded apartment, but it has weird bed-room allocation that might not be convenient so I plumped for the Jancek Palace instead, But by all means, have a sneaky peek for yourself if you like. <br />
<br />
Also perhaps Tom and Tim and Sissy want to come to Prague so this way we can be flexible.<br />
<br />
All of these places are on http://www.laterooms.com/<br />
<br />
== easyJethotels.net selection ==<br />
<br />
<b>A</b>ll easyJethotels.net hotels seem incredibly cheap, pro<b>b</b>ably because we'll book <b>i</b>n advance and January <b>is</b> a very quiet period. All of the prices below are based on four double/twin <b>r</b>ooms (you don't seem to be able to sp<b>e</b>cify which). From what I can tell, there is more to do in the Old Town so it might be best to get <b>a</b> place there if it's not too much more expensive. More detai<b>l</b>s will be available short<b>ly</b>.<br />
<br />
=== City Club (easyJethotels.net) ===<br />
<br />
http://www.hotelbeds.com/giata/017108/017108a_hb_a_001.jpg http://www.hotelbeds.com/giata/017108/017108a_hb_w_004.jpg<br />
<br />
3 star, £25 per room per night (£12.50 ppn). Near the New Town. Looks as though it might be on/very close to a main road though.<br />
<br />
Built in 1894, this hotel <b>c</b>omprises a total of 106 rooms spread over 6 floors of whic<b>h</b> 67 are double rooms, 21 are triple rooms and 1 are single rooms. The hotel featur<b>e</b>s a modern foyer with a 24-hour reception desk, a safe, a currency exch<b>a</b>nge facility and medical assistance. Within the hotel is also a café and an air-conditioned à la carte restaurant with a non-smoking area. There is a car park for those arriving at the hotel by car.<br />
<br />
This peaceful, historical mid-range hotel is ideally situated close to the city centre just 15 minutes wal<b>k</b> from Prague's famous Wenceslas Square and about 5 minutes from Pavlova metro station. Ruz<b>y</b>ne airport is some 18 km from the hotel and can be reached on public transport in approximately 25 minutes.<br />
<br />
The welcoming rooms come with a bathroom with a shower, an electronic room access system, a direct dial telephone, satellite TV and a hire safe.<br />
<br />
Services:<br />
Bar-s Restaurant -s 24h. Reception Medical Service <br />
Money Exchange Reception Area Lift-s Restaurant - non-smoking area <br />
Café Car Park Safe <br />
<br />
=== Residence Bologna (easyJethotels.net) === <br />
<br />
http://www.hotelbeds.com/giata/055627/055627_hb_a_016.jpg<br />
http://www.hotelbeds.com/giata/055627/055627_hb_w_005.jpg<br />
<br />
3 star, £49 per room per night (£24.50 ppn). In the Old Town.<br />
<br />
The hotel was built in 1928 and co<b>m</b>pletely renovated in 2003. It bo<b>a</b>sts a total of 45 guest<b>r</b>ooms spread over 6 floors, of which 2 are singles, 2 doubles, 6 are suites and 20 are apartments. The hotel's amenities include hotel safes, lifts and a 24-hour re<b>c</b>eption. In addition, the hotel boasts a cosy bar, a pub and a delightful restaurant with a separate non-smoking area. Furthermore there are car parking facilities and room and laundry services available for guests.<br />
<br />
This elegant m<b>i</b>d-range hotel i<b>s</b> located directly in the centre of Konviktska Old Town between Betlem Square and the C<b>h</b>arles Bridge. Scores of shops and other cultur<b>a</b>l attract<b>i</b>ons are easily <b>r</b>eached b<b>y</b> foot or on public transport. Pr<b>a</b>gue airport is just 15 km from the hotel.<br />
<br />
The plush en suite rooms are fitted with satellite/cable TV, a kitchenette, ce<b>n</b>tral heating, a <b>d</b>ouble bed, a fridge and a minibar. The rooms are c<b>l</b>eaned by the h<b>o</b>tel upon departure.<br />
<br />
A breakfast buffet is a<b>v</b>ailable <b>e</b>very morning.|The hotel accept<b>s</b> American Express, Eurocard, MasterCard and VISA.<br />
<br />
Services:<br />
Restaurant - non-smoking area <b>Gar</b>age Bar-s Car Park <br />
Restaurant -s Laundr<b>y</b> Service Room Service <br />
<br />
Room Facilities:<br />
Kitchenette <b>B</b>athroom Minib<b>ar</b> Hairdryer <br />
Fridge Centra<b>l</b> Heating <br />
<br />
Meals:<br />
Breakfast buffet<br />
<br />
=== Tulip Inn (easyJethotels.net) === <br />
<br />
http://www.hotelbeds.com/giata/050746/050746_hb_a_002.jpg<br />
http://www.hotelbeds.com/giata/050746/050746_hb_w_004.jpg<br />
http://www.hotelbeds.com/giata/009135/009135a_hb_ba_002.jpg<br />
<br />
3 star, £56 per room per night (£33.00 ppn). In the Old Town very near the train station.<br />
<br />
The h<b>o</b>tel was built in 1884 and renovated in 2003. It has a total of 71 rooms on 6 floors, of <b>w</b>hich 63 are doubles, 2 are singles and 6 are suites (family rooms). The hotel's facilities include a lobby with a 24-hour reception, a hotel safe, a currency exchange desk and a lift. The mid-range hotel also contains an air-conditioned restaurant with a separate non-smoking area, a conference room and Internet access. There is also a laundry service available as well as parking facilities.<br />
<br />
This charming city hotel is located in the heart of Prague, close to the main train station where guests will find a number of public transport connections. Various shopping facilities, restaurant, bars, nightclubs and pubs are also located in the hotel's vicinity. The airport is 18 km away.<br />
<br />
The attractively furnished rooms boast an en suite bathroom with a bath, a hairdryer and cosmetic mirror, a direct dial telephone, satellite and pay TV, a radio and high speed Internet connection. In addition, there is a minibar, a double bed and a safe. Central heating, carpeting and air conditioning also come as standard. The rooms boast triple-glazed windows. In the suites, guests are additionally offered a Jacuzzi and a power shower.<br />
<br />
A breakfast buffet is available to hotel guests every morning.|The hotel accepts American Express, Diners Club, Eurocard, MasterCard and VISA.<br />
<br />
Payment Methods:<br />
Visa Diners Club Mastercard American Express <br />
<br />
Services:<br />
Restaurant - non-smoking area Laundry Service Conference Room Restaurant -s <br />
Air-conditioned Money Exchange Reception Area Car Park <br />
Café 24h. Reception Public internet Lift-s <br />
Restaurant - Air-conditioned <br />
<br />
Room Facilities:<br />
Internet Access King Size Beds Bath Double Beds <br />
Direct Dial telephone Carpeted Radio Individual Air-conditioned <br />
Minibar Satellite / Cable TV Shower Bathroom <br />
Hairdryer TV Central Heating Safe <br />
<br />
=== Floor (easyJethotels.net) ===<br />
<br />
http://www.hotelbeds.com/giata/051634/051634a_hb_a_001.jpg<br />
http://www.hotelbeds.com/giata/051634/051634a_hb_w_002.jpg<br />
<br />
4 star, £76 per room per night (£38.00 ppn). In the Old Town.<br />
<br />
The hotel is in a historical building but has been completly renovated to a designer boutique hotel, bedrooms are decorated to the highest standard with italian tiled bathrooms. A first class restaurant with beautiful bar area is available.<br />
<br />
The hotel is situated directly in the city centre.<br />
<br />
Payment methods (for additional services during your stay):<br />
EC-Card JCB Mastercard Visa <br />
Diners Club American Express <br />
<br />
Room Facilities:<br />
Double Beds Lounge Direct Dial telephone Bath <br />
Central Heating TV Individual Heating Carpeted <br />
Safe Central Air-conditioned Minibar Individual Air-conditioned <br />
Bathroom Internet Access Shower Hairdryer <br />
King Size Beds Satellite / Cable TV <br />
<br />
Meals:<br />
Bed & Breakfast Breakfast buffet Breakfast<br />
<br />
==Choose on the Wiki!! ==<br />
<br />
There are loads of other places, but I think we have enough choice to begin with! There are also hostels which are worryingly cheap, but I haven't looked at those.<br />
<br />
<b>Could people update the wiki (in the doodah below) with their preferences, indicating</b><br />
<br />
# What accommodation they like the sound of most (or anything else they have found themselves ont 'net)<br />
# Whether they prefer a hotel or an apartment<br />
# Whether they want breakfast in the price, available or whether they want to forage for it<br />
# How sociable they feel - do they mind being in weird room combinations.<br />
# How much they want to pay (although everything is soooo cheap, <b>even the tightest nerd has call for cheer</b>)<br />
<br />
==Nerds' preferences==<br />
<br />
Abi and Neil - Neil likes the idea of two or more apartment. Abi likes the idea of a posh hotel cos she is a classy bird, but otherwise is not fussed. Would like a double bed if possible. Would like some kind of breakfast available, whether it is provided or whether we cook it ourselves. (feeling of dread)<br />
<br />
Abi (again) - Oooh (handbag held out in front) I see that my choice of hotels is superfluous! Perhaps the Tulip hotels is the one then, cheap, brekkie and near to the nightlife. <br />
<br />
Marc - Likes the idea of the reading poetry on the top of a hill, preferably Wordsworth's 'Daffodils', whilst tapping quietly on his bongos and munching on grass.<br />
<br />
Thumb - Likes the idea of breakfast at the Residence Bologna, but really want's to stay in the penthouse at the Vodièkova Have a look at the interior here!! (http://www.praguegaycity.com/index.php?id=detail&pid=h67) It's amazing.<br />
- Ooh is Tom coming? (or is it just the way his trousers are hanging?)<br />
<br />
Matt - Likes the idea of 'free' Czech lager, but is too tight to pay the extra £5/ 10 for it, so would rather stay at a Hotel in the 'Old Town' such as Res. Bologna or Tulip Inn. Breakfast at the hotel would be better, although not too bothered as we're only staying for 2 nights!<br />
<br />
==Non-nerds' preferences==<br />
<br />
Caz - Prefers hotel to apartment. Likes the look of the Residence Bologna as the room looks really cool in the pic and 'breakfast buffet' sounds very intriguing! Good to start the day on a big breakfast. Would also consider other kinds of accomodation...why stop at hotels and apartments, there's also penthouses, barges, haunted manor houses, park benches...<br />
<br />
==Brummie choice==<br />
<br />
Lee and Pete - Lee would quite like to stay in an apartment because it sounds quite fun. She doesn't mind what beds we have as long as they are clean. Peter likes the price of the cheap £32 apartment because he is a poor student, and there are many cheap places to eat in Prague, and he knows Prague coz he went there before.</div>83.216.149.24https://indivisibilities.com/wiki/index.php?title=Budget&diff=1514Budget2005-10-08T08:46:24Z<p>83.216.149.24: /* Matt's Spend */</p>
<hr />
<div>== Marc's Spend ==<br />
<br />
{| border="1" cellpadding="2"<br />
! Item !! Cost<br />
|-<br />
| Inbound flights for Marc and Matt || £64.57<br />
|-<br />
| Outbound flights for all of us || £105.21<br />
|-<br />
|}<br />
<br />
== Tom's Spend ==<br />
<br />
{| border="1" cellpadding="2"<br />
! Item !! Cost<br />
|-<br />
| Hotel near Stansted || £120<br />
|-<br />
| 1 flight back from Palermo to Stansted ||£39.48<br />
|-<br />
|Pisa hotel||£79.42<br />
|-<br />
|Plus Camping Michelangelo Remainder ||EUR 40.77 (~£59.93 @1.47)<br />
|-<br />
|Plus Camping Michelangelo Deposit||£7.70<br />
|-<br />
|Siena Hotel||£98.90<br />
|-<br />
|===============================||<br />
|-<br />
| Total ||£405.43<br />
|}<br />
<br />
== Matt's Spend ==<br />
<br />
{| border="1" cellpadding="2"<br />
! Item !! Cost<br />
|-<br />
| Hostel Roma Inn deposit || £15.36<br />
|-<br />
| Hostel Roma Inn remainder || EUR 180 (~£122.45) (using 1.47)<br />
|-<br />
| Hotel Alberto Del Golfo (Naples)|| £85.17<br />
|-<br />
| Casa Susy deposit (Sorrento)|| £7.67<br />
|-<br />
| Casa Susy remainder || EUR 81 (~£55.10) (using 1.47)<br />
|-<br />
|===============================||<br />
|- <br />
| Total so far: || £285.75<br />
|}</div>83.216.149.24https://indivisibilities.com/wiki/index.php?title=Budget&diff=1513Budget2005-10-08T08:44:59Z<p>83.216.149.24: /* Matt's Spend */</p>
<hr />
<div>== Marc's Spend ==<br />
<br />
{| border="1" cellpadding="2"<br />
! Item !! Cost<br />
|-<br />
| Inbound flights for Marc and Matt || £64.57<br />
|-<br />
| Outbound flights for all of us || £105.21<br />
|-<br />
|}<br />
<br />
== Tom's Spend ==<br />
<br />
{| border="1" cellpadding="2"<br />
! Item !! Cost<br />
|-<br />
| Hotel near Stansted || £120<br />
|-<br />
| 1 flight back from Palermo to Stansted ||£39.48<br />
|-<br />
|Pisa hotel||£79.42<br />
|-<br />
|Plus Camping Michelangelo Remainder ||EUR 40.77 (~£59.93 @1.47)<br />
|-<br />
|Plus Camping Michelangelo Deposit||£7.70<br />
|-<br />
|Siena Hotel||£98.90<br />
|-<br />
|===============================||<br />
|-<br />
| Total ||£405.43<br />
|}<br />
<br />
== Matt's Spend ==<br />
<br />
{| border="1" cellpadding="2"<br />
! Item !! Cost<br />
|-<br />
| Hostel Roma Inn deposit || EUR 21.48 (~£15.36)<br />
|-<br />
| Hostel Roma Inn remainder || EUR 180 (~£122.45) (using 1.47)<br />
|-<br />
| Hotel Alberto Del Golfo (Naples)|| EUR 123 (~£85.17)<br />
|-<br />
| Casa Susy deposit (Sorrento)|| £7.67<br />
|-<br />
| Casa Susy remainder || EUR 81 (~£55.10) (using 1.47)<br />
|-<br />
|===============================||<br />
|- <br />
| Total so far: (using EUR @ 1.47) || £285.75<br />
|}</div>83.216.149.24https://indivisibilities.com/wiki/index.php?title=Budget&diff=1510Budget2005-10-05T18:11:24Z<p>83.216.149.24: /* Matt's Spend */</p>
<hr />
<div>== Marc's Spend ==<br />
<br />
{| border="1" cellpadding="2"<br />
! Item !! Cost<br />
|-<br />
| Inbound flights for Marc and Matt || £64.57<br />
|-<br />
| Outbound flights for all of us || £105.21<br />
|-<br />
|}<br />
<br />
== Tom's Spend ==<br />
<br />
{| border="1" cellpadding="2"<br />
! Item !! Cost<br />
|-<br />
| Hotel near Stansted || £120<br />
|-<br />
| 1 flight back from Palermo to Stansted ||£39.48<br />
|-<br />
|Pisa hotel||118.25 EUR (~£80.06)<br />
|-<br />
|Plus Camping Michelangelo Deposit||£10.77<br />
|-<br />
|Siena Hotel||141.45 EUR(~£96.37)<br />
|-<br />
|===============================||<br />
|-<br />
| Total so far||£346.68<br />
|}<br />
<br />
You both owe me big time!!<br />
<br />
== Matt's Spend ==<br />
<br />
{| border="1" cellpadding="2"<br />
! Item !! Cost<br />
|-<br />
| Hostel Roma Inn deposit || EUR 21.48 (~£14.61)<br />
|-<br />
| Hostel Roma Inn remainder || EUR 180 (~£122.45)<br />
|-<br />
| Hotel Alberto Del Golfo (Naples)|| EUR 123 (~£83.67)<br />
|-<br />
| Casa Susy deposit (Sorrento)|| £7.45<br />
|-<br />
| Casa Susy remainder || EUR 81 (~£55.10)<br />
|-<br />
|===============================||<br />
|- <br />
| Total so far: (using EUR @ 1.47) || £283.28<br />
|}</div>83.216.149.24https://indivisibilities.com/wiki/index.php?title=Budget&diff=1509Budget2005-10-05T18:08:13Z<p>83.216.149.24: /* Matt's Spend */</p>
<hr />
<div>== Marc's Spend ==<br />
<br />
{| border="1" cellpadding="2"<br />
! Item !! Cost<br />
|-<br />
| Inbound flights for Marc and Matt || £64.57<br />
|-<br />
| Outbound flights for all of us || £105.21<br />
|-<br />
|}<br />
<br />
== Tom's Spend ==<br />
<br />
{| border="1" cellpadding="2"<br />
! Item !! Cost<br />
|-<br />
| Hotel near Stansted || £120<br />
|-<br />
| 1 flight back from Palermo to Stansted ||£39.48<br />
|-<br />
|Pisa hotel||118.25 EUR (~£80.06)<br />
|-<br />
|Plus Camping Michelangelo Deposit||£10.77<br />
|-<br />
|Siena Hotel||141.45 EUR(~£96.37)<br />
|-<br />
|===============================||<br />
|-<br />
| Total so far||£346.68<br />
|}<br />
<br />
You both owe me big time!!<br />
<br />
== Matt's Spend ==<br />
<br />
{| border="1" cellpadding="2"<br />
! Item !! Cost<br />
|-<br />
| Hostel Roma Inn deposit || EUR 21.48 (~£14.61)<br />
|-<br />
| Hostel Roma Inn remainder || EUR 180 (~£122.45)<br />
|-<br />
| Hotel Alberto Del Golfo (Naples)|| EUR 123 (~£83.67)<br />
|-<br />
| Casa Susy deposit (Sorrento)|| £7.45<br />
|-<br />
| Casa Susy remainder || EUR 81 (~£55.10)<br />
|-<br />
|}</div>83.216.149.24https://indivisibilities.com/wiki/index.php?title=Italy&diff=1495Italy2005-09-12T22:50:28Z<p>83.216.149.24: /* Tour of Italy */</p>
<hr />
<div>Click ''edit this page'' at the top to add your own information. Information on how to use MediaWiki is available [http://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Help:Editing here].<br />
<br />
[[Image:italy-map.jpg|right]]<br />
<br />
== Overall Planning Status ==<br />
<br />
{| border="0" cellpadding="2"<br />
| [[Image:tick.gif]] || Flights booked<br />
|-<br />
| [[Image:tick.gif]] || Locations decided for each day<br />
|-<br />
| [[Image:tick.gif]] || Transport to/from airports arranged - [http://www.airport-hotel-shop.co.uk/stansted/de-salis-hotel.html De-Salis Hotel] - 01279 817821<br />
|-<br />
| [[Image:tick.gif]] || Accommodation booked<br />
|-<br />
| [[Image:blank.gif]] || Detailed itineary completed<br />
|}<br />
<br />
== Itinerary ==<br />
<br />
==== Outbound Flight ====<br />
<br />
From London Stansted (STN) to Pisa Florence (PSA)<br />
Wednesday, 14 Sep 05, Flight 584<br />
<br />
Depart London Stansted (STN) 06:45<br />
Arrive Pisa Florence (PSA) 10:00<br />
<br />
=== Tour of Italy ===<br />
<br />
{| border="1" cellpadding="2"<br />
! Date !! Where we're staying that night !! Hotel Name !!Room Type!! Link !! Paid ||Due<br />
|-<br />
| 14th Sept (Weds) || Arrive into Pisa airport<br />[[Tuscany#Day 1 (Wed 14th September) - Home to Pisa|Pisa]]||'''Villa Kinzica''', P.ZZA ARCIVESCOVADO, 2,Pisa,Italy,56100||Triple (w/Breakfast)||[http://www.all-hotels.com/xbook/servlet/hotel-details?hotl_id=270289 link]||114.00 EUR + Booking charge (Tom)||0<br />
|-<br />
| 15th Sept (Thurs) || [[Tuscany#Day 2 (Thu 15th September) - Pisa to Florence|Florence]]|| '''Plus Camping Michelangelo''', Florence||Tent!|| [http://www.ecvacanze.it/ing/michelangelo_home.asp link]||£10.77 Booking charges & deposit (Tom)||£64-98 on arrival<br />
|-<br />
| 16th Sept (Fri) || [[Tuscany#Day 3 (Fri 16th September) - Florence |Florence]]||as above||Tent!||[http://www.ecvacanze.it/ing/michelangelo_home.asp link]||||<br />
|-<br />
| 17th Sept (Sat) || [[Tuscany#Day 4 (Sat 14th September) - Florence to Siena|Sienna]]||'''Arcobaleno Boutique Hotel'''||Triple (w/breakfast)||[http://www.all-hotels.com/xbook/servlet/hotel-details link]||141.45 EUR||0<br />
|-<br />
| 18th Sept (Sun) || [[Central#Rome - General Info|Rome]]||'''Hostel Roma Inn 2000''',Via Agostino Depretis #65 Int.12, 00184 - Rome, tel. +39 064740378||7 bed mixed dorm||[http://www.hostels.com/en/availability.php/HostelNumber.2282 link]||EUR 21.48||EUR 178.20<br />
|-<br />
| 19th Sept (Mon) || [[Central#Rome - General Info|Rome]]||'''Hostel Roma Inn 2000'''||7 bed mixed dorm||[http://www.hostels.com/en/availability.php/HostelNumber.2282 link]||||<br />
|-<br />
| 20th Sept (Tues) || [[Central#Rome - General Info|Rome]]||'''Hostel Roma Inn 2000'''||7 bed mixed dorm||[http://www.hostels.com/en/availability.php/HostelNumber.2282 link]||||<br />
|-<br />
| 21st Sept (Weds) || [[Central#Naples|Naples]]<br>'''NB: [http://www.fco.gov.uk/servlet/Front?pagename=OpenMarket%2FXcelerate%2FShowPage&c=Page&cid=1007029390590&a=KCountryAdvice&aid=1013618386046 Local public transport strike]'''||'''Hotel Albergo Del Golfo ***''', Vicoletto Sedile di Porto, Naples, 80134||Triple (w/breakfast)||[http://www.all-hotels.com/xbook/servlet/hotel-details?hotl_id=328962&available=%22true%22 link]||EUR 123||0<br />
|-<br />
| 22nd Sept (Thurs) || [[Central#Sorrento|Sorrento]]||'''Casa Susy''' (B&B/ Hostal), Via Cappucini #36, 80067 - Sorrento, +39 0818073188||3 bed private en-suite||[http://www.hostelworld.com/availability.php/CasaSusy-Sorrento-6675 link]||£7.45||£56.85<br />
|-<br />
| 23rd Sept (Fri) || [[Sicily#Taormina|Taormina]] || '''Hotel La Pensione Svizzera''', Via L. Pirandello, 26 - 98039 Taormina, +39.094223790 || Triple (w/breakfast) || [http://www.pensionesvizzera.com/english/ link] || 125.00 EUR || 0<br />
|-<br />
| 24th Sept (Sat) || [[Sicily#Taormina|Taormina]] || '''Hotel Condor''', Via Dietro Cappuccini, 1 - 98039 Palermo, +39.0942.23124 || Triple || [http://www.condorhotel.com/ link] || 110.00 EUR || 0<br />
|-<br />
| 25th Sept (Sun) || [[Sicily#Palermo|Palermo]] || '''PoliteamAffitti''', Corso Scina', 27 - 90139 Palermo, +39.340.521.0329 || Quintuple (!) || [http://www.politeamaffitti.com/ link] || &pound;69.25 || 56.00 EUR<br />
|-<br />
| 26th Sept (Mon) || [[Sicily#Palermo|Palermo]] || as above || Quintuple (!) || [http://www.politeamaffitti.com/ link] || ||<br />
|-<br />
| 27th Sept (Tues) || (Depart from Palermo airport)<br>'''NB: [http://www.fco.gov.uk/servlet/Front?pagename=OpenMarket%2FXcelerate%2FShowPage&c=Page&cid=1007029390590&a=KCountryAdvice&aid=1013618386046 Air Traffic Control strike (12:00-16:00)]'''<br />
|}<br />
<br />
==== Inbound Flight ====<br />
<br />
From Palermo (PMO) to London Stansted (STN)<br />
Tuesday, 27 Sep 05, Flight 3919<br />
<br />
Depart Palermo (PMO) 21:10<br />
Arrive London Stansted (STN) 23:15<br />
<br />
== Budget ==<br />
<br />
Budget details are available [[Budget|here]].<br />
<br />
== Final Preparation ==<br />
=== Packing ideas ===<br />
Packing ideas are [[Packing|here]].<br />
<br />
=== Action Items ===<br />
Action items from our meeting on Thursday the 8th of September are [[ToDo|here]].<br />
<br />
== Itinerary Details ==<br />
<br />
==== [[Tuscany]] (e.g. Pisa and Florence)====<br />
==== [[Central|Central Italy]] (e.g. Rome and Naples)====<br />
==== [[Sicily]] (e.g. Etna and Palermo)====<br />
<br />
== Reviews from the Critics ==<br />
<br />
''I think that's marvellous!'' -- Barbara<br />
<br />
''You've got too much time on your hands'' -- Matt<br />
<br />
''Bring me back a roman legion- Tom'' -- Sid</div>83.216.149.24https://indivisibilities.com/wiki/index.php?title=Italy&diff=1494Italy2005-09-12T22:34:41Z<p>83.216.149.24: /* Overall Planning Status */</p>
<hr />
<div>Click ''edit this page'' at the top to add your own information. Information on how to use MediaWiki is available [http://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Help:Editing here].<br />
<br />
[[Image:italy-map.jpg|right]]<br />
<br />
== Overall Planning Status ==<br />
<br />
{| border="0" cellpadding="2"<br />
| [[Image:tick.gif]] || Flights booked<br />
|-<br />
| [[Image:tick.gif]] || Locations decided for each day<br />
|-<br />
| [[Image:tick.gif]] || Transport to/from airports arranged - [http://www.airport-hotel-shop.co.uk/stansted/de-salis-hotel.html De-Salis Hotel] - 01279 817821<br />
|-<br />
| [[Image:tick.gif]] || Accommodation booked<br />
|-<br />
| [[Image:blank.gif]] || Detailed itineary completed<br />
|}<br />
<br />
== Itinerary ==<br />
<br />
==== Outbound Flight ====<br />
<br />
From London Stansted (STN) to Pisa Florence (PSA)<br />
Wednesday, 14 Sep 05, Flight 584<br />
<br />
Depart London Stansted (STN) 06:45<br />
Arrive Pisa Florence (PSA) 10:00<br />
<br />
=== Tour of Italy ===<br />
<br />
{| border="1" cellpadding="2"<br />
! Date !! Where we're staying that night !! Hotel Name !!Room Type!! Link !! Paid ||Due<br />
|-<br />
| 14th Sept (Weds) || Arrive into Pisa airport<br />[[Tuscany#Day 1 (Wed 14th September) - Home to Pisa|Pisa]]||'''Villa Kinzica''', P.ZZA ARCIVESCOVADO, 2,Pisa,Italy,56100||Triple (w/Breakfast)||[http://www.all-hotels.com/xbook/servlet/hotel-details?hotl_id=270289 link]||114.00 EUR + Booking charge (Tom)||0<br />
|-<br />
| 15th Sept (Thurs) || [[Tuscany#Day 2 (Thu 15th September) - Pisa to Florence|Florence]]|| '''Plus Camping Michelangelo''', Florence||Tent!|| [http://www.ecvacanze.it/ing/michelangelo_home.asp link]||£10.77 Booking charges & deposit (Tom)||£64-98 on arrival<br />
|-<br />
| 16th Sept (Fri) || [[Tuscany#Day 3 (Fri 16th September) - Florence |Florence]]||as above||Tent!||[http://www.ecvacanze.it/ing/michelangelo_home.asp link]||||<br />
|-<br />
| 17th Sept (Sat) || [[Tuscany#Day 4 (Sat 14th September) - Florence to Siena|Sienna]]||'''Arcobaleno Boutique Hotel'''||Triple (w/breakfast)||[http://www.all-hotels.com/xbook/servlet/hotel-details link]||141.45 EUR||0<br />
|-<br />
| 18th Sept (Sun) || [[Central#Rome - General Info|Rome]]||'''Hostel Roma Inn 2000''',Via Agostino Depretis #65 Int.12, 00184 - Rome, tel. +39 064740378||7 bed mixed dorm||[http://www.hostels.com/en/availability.php/HostelNumber.2282 link]||EUR 21.48||EUR 178.20<br />
|-<br />
| 19th Sept (Mon) || [[Central#Rome - General Info|Rome]]||'''Hostel Roma Inn 2000'''||7 bed mixed dorm||[http://www.hostels.com/en/availability.php/HostelNumber.2282 link]||||<br />
|-<br />
| 20th Sept (Tues) || [[Central#Rome - General Info|Rome]]||'''Hostel Roma Inn 2000'''||7 bed mixed dorm||[http://www.hostels.com/en/availability.php/HostelNumber.2282 link]||||<br />
|-<br />
| 21st Sept (Weds) || [[Central#Naples|Naples]]<br>'''NB: [http://www.fco.gov.uk/servlet/Front?pagename=OpenMarket%2FXcelerate%2FShowPage&c=Page&cid=1007029390590&a=KCountryAdvice&aid=1013618386046 Local public transport strike]'''||'''Hotel Albergo Del Golfo ***''', Vicoletto Sedile di Porto, Naples, 80134||Triple(w/breakfast)||[http://www.all-hotels.com/xbook/servlet/hotel-details?hotl_id=328962&available=%22true%22 link]||EUR 123||0<br />
|-<br />
| 22nd Sept (Thurs) || [[Central#Sorrento|Sorrento]]||'''Casa Susy''' (B&B/ Hostal), Via Cappucini #36, 80067 - Sorrento, +39 0818073188||3 bed private en-suite||[http://www.hostelworld.com/availability.php/CasaSusy-Sorrento-6675 link]||£7.45||£56.85<br />
|-<br />
| 23rd Sept (Fri) || [[Sicily#Taormina|Taormina]] || '''Hotel La Pensione Svizzera''', Via L. Pirandello, 26 - 98039 Taormina, +39.094223790 || Triple (w/breakfast) || [http://www.pensionesvizzera.com/english/ link] || 125.00 EUR || 0<br />
|-<br />
| 24th Sept (Sat) || [[Sicily#Taormina|Taormina]] || '''Hotel Condor''', Via Dietro Cappuccini, 1 - 98039 Palermo, +39.0942.23124 || Triple || [http://www.condorhotel.com/ link] || 110.00 EUR || 0<br />
|-<br />
| 25th Sept (Sun) || [[Sicily#Palermo|Palermo]] || '''PoliteamAffitti''', Corso Scina', 27 - 90139 Palermo, +39.340.521.0329 || Quintuple (!) || [http://www.politeamaffitti.com/ link] || &pound;69.25 || 56.00 EUR<br />
|-<br />
| 26th Sept (Mon) || [[Sicily#Palermo|Palermo]] || as above || Quintuple (!) || [http://www.politeamaffitti.com/ link] || ||<br />
|-<br />
| 27th Sept (Tues) || (Depart from Palermo airport)<br>'''NB: [http://www.fco.gov.uk/servlet/Front?pagename=OpenMarket%2FXcelerate%2FShowPage&c=Page&cid=1007029390590&a=KCountryAdvice&aid=1013618386046 Air Traffic Control strike (12:00-16:00)]'''<br />
|}<br />
<br />
==== Inbound Flight ====<br />
<br />
From Palermo (PMO) to London Stansted (STN)<br />
Tuesday, 27 Sep 05, Flight 3919<br />
<br />
Depart Palermo (PMO) 21:10<br />
Arrive London Stansted (STN) 23:15<br />
<br />
== Budget ==<br />
<br />
Budget details are available [[Budget|here]].<br />
<br />
== Final Preparation ==<br />
=== Packing ideas ===<br />
Packing ideas are [[Packing|here]].<br />
<br />
=== Action Items ===<br />
Action items from our meeting on Thursday the 8th of September are [[ToDo|here]].<br />
<br />
== Itinerary Details ==<br />
<br />
==== [[Tuscany]] (e.g. Pisa and Florence)====<br />
==== [[Central|Central Italy]] (e.g. Rome and Naples)====<br />
==== [[Sicily]] (e.g. Etna and Palermo)====<br />
<br />
== Reviews from the Critics ==<br />
<br />
''I think that's marvellous!'' -- Barbara<br />
<br />
''You've got too much time on your hands'' -- Matt<br />
<br />
''Bring me back a roman legion- Tom'' -- Sid</div>83.216.149.24https://indivisibilities.com/wiki/index.php?title=Budget&diff=1493Budget2005-09-12T22:31:16Z<p>83.216.149.24: /* Matt's Spend */</p>
<hr />
<div>== Marc's Spend ==<br />
<br />
{| border="1" cellpadding="2"<br />
! Item !! Cost<br />
|-<br />
| Inbound flights for Marc and Matt || £64.57<br />
|-<br />
| Outbound flights for all of us || £105.21<br />
|-<br />
|}<br />
<br />
== Tom's Spend ==<br />
<br />
{| border="1" cellpadding="2"<br />
! Item !! Cost<br />
|-<br />
| Hotel near Stansted || £120<br />
|-<br />
| 1 flight back from Palermo to Stansted ||£39.48<br />
|-<br />
|Pisa hotel||118.25 EUR (~£80.06)<br />
|-<br />
|Plus Camping Michelangelo Deposit||£10.77<br />
|-<br />
|Siena Hotel||141.45 EUR(~£96.37)<br />
|-<br />
|===============================||<br />
|-<br />
| Total so far||£346.68<br />
|}<br />
<br />
You both owe me big time!!<br />
<br />
== Matt's Spend ==<br />
<br />
{| border="1" cellpadding="2"<br />
! Item !! Cost<br />
|-<br />
| Hostel Roma Inn deposit || EUR 21.48 (~£14.61)<br />
|-<br />
| Hotel Alberto Del Golfo (Naples)|| EUR 123 (~£83.67)<br />
|-<br />
| Casa Susy deposit (Sorrento)|| £7.45<br />
|-<br />
|}</div>83.216.149.24https://indivisibilities.com/wiki/index.php?title=ToDo&diff=1492ToDo2005-09-12T22:27:59Z<p>83.216.149.24: </p>
<hr />
<div>{|border="1" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="2"<br />
|-<br />
|'''Action'''<br />
|'''Action By(Status)'''<br />
|-<br />
|Print wiki<br />
|MW([[Image:blank.gif]])<br />
|-<br />
|Book Rome youth hostel<br />
|MG([[Image:tick.gif]])<br />
|-<br />
|Book Naples accomodation<br />
|MG([[Image:tick.gif]])<br />
|-<br />
|Book Sorento accomodation<br />
|MG([[Image:tick.gif]])<br />
|-<br />
|Sicily plan and accomodation <br />
|MW([[Image:blank.gif]])<br />
|-<br />
|Ring and confirm details with De Salis Hotel nr Stansted<br />
|TS([[Image:blank.gif]])<br />
|-<br />
|Have a haircut<br />
|MG([[Image:tick.gif]])TS([[Image:tick.gif]])<br />
|-<br />
|Burn Italian CD for journey down<br />
|TS([[Image:tick.gif]])<br />
|-<br />
|Sufficient reading<br />
|MG,MW,TS<br />
|-<br />
|Buy shoes and shorts<br />
|TS([[Image:tick.gif]])<br />
|-<br />
|Update packing list<br />
|TS([[Image:tick.gif]])<br />
|}</div>83.216.149.24https://indivisibilities.com/wiki/index.php?title=Italy&diff=1491Italy2005-09-12T22:27:37Z<p>83.216.149.24: /* Tour of Italy */</p>
<hr />
<div>Click ''edit this page'' at the top to add your own information. Information on how to use MediaWiki is available [http://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Help:Editing here].<br />
<br />
[[Image:italy-map.jpg|right]]<br />
<br />
== Overall Planning Status ==<br />
<br />
{| border="0" cellpadding="2"<br />
| [[Image:tick.gif]] || Flights booked<br />
|-<br />
| [[Image:tick.gif]] || Locations decided for each day<br />
|-<br />
| [[Image:tick.gif]] || Transport to/from airports arranged - [http://www.airport-hotel-shop.co.uk/stansted/de-salis-hotel.html De-Salis Hotel] - 01279 817821<br />
|-<br />
| [[Image:blank.gif]] || Accommodation booked<br />
|-<br />
| [[Image:blank.gif]] || Detailed itineary completed<br />
|}<br />
<br />
== Itinerary ==<br />
<br />
==== Outbound Flight ====<br />
<br />
From London Stansted (STN) to Pisa Florence (PSA)<br />
Wednesday, 14 Sep 05, Flight 584<br />
<br />
Depart London Stansted (STN) 06:45<br />
Arrive Pisa Florence (PSA) 10:00<br />
<br />
=== Tour of Italy ===<br />
<br />
{| border="1" cellpadding="2"<br />
! Date !! Where we're staying that night !! Hotel Name !!Room Type!! Link !! Paid ||Due<br />
|-<br />
| 14th Sept (Weds) || Arrive into Pisa airport<br />[[Tuscany#Day 1 (Wed 14th September) - Home to Pisa|Pisa]]||'''Villa Kinzica''', P.ZZA ARCIVESCOVADO, 2,Pisa,Italy,56100||Triple (w/Breakfast)||[http://www.all-hotels.com/xbook/servlet/hotel-details?hotl_id=270289 link]||114.00 EUR + Booking charge (Tom)||0<br />
|-<br />
| 15th Sept (Thurs) || [[Tuscany#Day 2 (Thu 15th September) - Pisa to Florence|Florence]]|| '''Plus Camping Michelangelo''', Florence||Tent!|| [http://www.ecvacanze.it/ing/michelangelo_home.asp link]||£10.77 Booking charges & deposit (Tom)||£64-98 on arrival<br />
|-<br />
| 16th Sept (Fri) || [[Tuscany#Day 3 (Fri 16th September) - Florence |Florence]]||as above||Tent!||[http://www.ecvacanze.it/ing/michelangelo_home.asp link]||||<br />
|-<br />
| 17th Sept (Sat) || [[Tuscany#Day 4 (Sat 14th September) - Florence to Siena|Sienna]]||'''Arcobaleno Boutique Hotel'''||Triple (w/breakfast)||[http://www.all-hotels.com/xbook/servlet/hotel-details link]||141.45 EUR||0<br />
|-<br />
| 18th Sept (Sun) || [[Central#Rome - General Info|Rome]]||'''Hostel Roma Inn 2000''',Via Agostino Depretis #65 Int.12, 00184 - Rome, tel. +39 064740378||7 bed mixed dorm||[http://www.hostels.com/en/availability.php/HostelNumber.2282 link]||EUR 21.48||EUR 178.20<br />
|-<br />
| 19th Sept (Mon) || [[Central#Rome - General Info|Rome]]||'''Hostel Roma Inn 2000'''||7 bed mixed dorm||[http://www.hostels.com/en/availability.php/HostelNumber.2282 link]||||<br />
|-<br />
| 20th Sept (Tues) || [[Central#Rome - General Info|Rome]]||'''Hostel Roma Inn 2000'''||7 bed mixed dorm||[http://www.hostels.com/en/availability.php/HostelNumber.2282 link]||||<br />
|-<br />
| 21st Sept (Weds) || [[Central#Naples|Naples]]<br>'''NB: [http://www.fco.gov.uk/servlet/Front?pagename=OpenMarket%2FXcelerate%2FShowPage&c=Page&cid=1007029390590&a=KCountryAdvice&aid=1013618386046 Local public transport strike]'''||'''Hotel Albergo Del Golfo ***''', Vicoletto Sedile di Porto, Naples, 80134||Triple(w/breakfast)||[http://www.all-hotels.com/xbook/servlet/hotel-details?hotl_id=328962&available=%22true%22 link]||EUR 123||0<br />
|-<br />
| 22nd Sept (Thurs) || [[Central#Sorrento|Sorrento]]||'''Casa Susy''' (B&B/ Hostal), Via Cappucini #36, 80067 - Sorrento, +39 0818073188||3 bed private en-suite||[http://www.hostelworld.com/availability.php/CasaSusy-Sorrento-6675 link]||£7.45||£56.85<br />
|-<br />
| 23rd Sept (Fri) || [[Sicily#Taormina|Taormina]] || '''Hotel La Pensione Svizzera''', Via L. Pirandello, 26 - 98039 Taormina, +39.094223790 || Triple (w/breakfast) || [http://www.pensionesvizzera.com/english/ link] || 125.00 EUR || 0<br />
|-<br />
| 24th Sept (Sat) || [[Sicily#Taormina|Taormina]] || '''Hotel Condor''', Via Dietro Cappuccini, 1 - 98039 Palermo, +39.0942.23124 || Triple || [http://www.condorhotel.com/ link] || 110.00 EUR || 0<br />
|-<br />
| 25th Sept (Sun) || [[Sicily#Palermo|Palermo]] || '''PoliteamAffitti''', Corso Scina', 27 - 90139 Palermo, +39.340.521.0329 || Quintuple (!) || [http://www.politeamaffitti.com/ link] || &pound;69.25 || 56.00 EUR<br />
|-<br />
| 26th Sept (Mon) || [[Sicily#Palermo|Palermo]] || as above || Quintuple (!) || [http://www.politeamaffitti.com/ link] || ||<br />
|-<br />
| 27th Sept (Tues) || (Depart from Palermo airport)<br>'''NB: [http://www.fco.gov.uk/servlet/Front?pagename=OpenMarket%2FXcelerate%2FShowPage&c=Page&cid=1007029390590&a=KCountryAdvice&aid=1013618386046 Air Traffic Control strike (12:00-16:00)]'''<br />
|}<br />
<br />
==== Inbound Flight ====<br />
<br />
From Palermo (PMO) to London Stansted (STN)<br />
Tuesday, 27 Sep 05, Flight 3919<br />
<br />
Depart Palermo (PMO) 21:10<br />
Arrive London Stansted (STN) 23:15<br />
<br />
== Budget ==<br />
<br />
Budget details are available [[Budget|here]].<br />
<br />
== Final Preparation ==<br />
=== Packing ideas ===<br />
Packing ideas are [[Packing|here]].<br />
<br />
=== Action Items ===<br />
Action items from our meeting on Thursday the 8th of September are [[ToDo|here]].<br />
<br />
== Itinerary Details ==<br />
<br />
==== [[Tuscany]] (e.g. Pisa and Florence)====<br />
==== [[Central|Central Italy]] (e.g. Rome and Naples)====<br />
==== [[Sicily]] (e.g. Etna and Palermo)====<br />
<br />
== Reviews from the Critics ==<br />
<br />
''I think that's marvellous!'' -- Barbara<br />
<br />
''You've got too much time on your hands'' -- Matt<br />
<br />
''Bring me back a roman legion- Tom'' -- Sid</div>83.216.149.24https://indivisibilities.com/wiki/index.php?title=Italy&diff=1490Italy2005-09-12T22:00:18Z<p>83.216.149.24: /* Tour of Italy */</p>
<hr />
<div>Click ''edit this page'' at the top to add your own information. Information on how to use MediaWiki is available [http://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Help:Editing here].<br />
<br />
[[Image:italy-map.jpg|right]]<br />
<br />
== Overall Planning Status ==<br />
<br />
{| border="0" cellpadding="2"<br />
| [[Image:tick.gif]] || Flights booked<br />
|-<br />
| [[Image:tick.gif]] || Locations decided for each day<br />
|-<br />
| [[Image:tick.gif]] || Transport to/from airports arranged - [http://www.airport-hotel-shop.co.uk/stansted/de-salis-hotel.html De-Salis Hotel] - 01279 817821<br />
|-<br />
| [[Image:blank.gif]] || Accommodation booked<br />
|-<br />
| [[Image:blank.gif]] || Detailed itineary completed<br />
|}<br />
<br />
== Itinerary ==<br />
<br />
==== Outbound Flight ====<br />
<br />
From London Stansted (STN) to Pisa Florence (PSA)<br />
Wednesday, 14 Sep 05, Flight 584<br />
<br />
Depart London Stansted (STN) 06:45<br />
Arrive Pisa Florence (PSA) 10:00<br />
<br />
=== Tour of Italy ===<br />
<br />
{| border="1" cellpadding="2"<br />
! Date !! Where we're staying that night !! Hotel Name !!Room Type!! Link !! Paid ||Due<br />
|-<br />
| 14th Sept (Weds) || Arrive into Pisa airport<br />[[Tuscany#Day 1 (Wed 14th September) - Home to Pisa|Pisa]]||'''Villa Kinzica''', P.ZZA ARCIVESCOVADO, 2,Pisa,Italy,56100||Triple (w/Breakfast)||[http://www.all-hotels.com/xbook/servlet/hotel-details?hotl_id=270289 link]||114.00 EUR + Booking charge (Tom)||0<br />
|-<br />
| 15th Sept (Thurs) || [[Tuscany#Day 2 (Thu 15th September) - Pisa to Florence|Florence]]|| '''Plus Camping Michelangelo''', Florence||Tent!|| [http://www.ecvacanze.it/ing/michelangelo_home.asp link]||£10.77 Booking charges & deposit (Tom)||£64-98 on arrival<br />
|-<br />
| 16th Sept (Fri) || [[Tuscany#Day 3 (Fri 16th September) - Florence |Florence]]||as above||Tent!||[http://www.ecvacanze.it/ing/michelangelo_home.asp link]||||<br />
|-<br />
| 17th Sept (Sat) || [[Tuscany#Day 4 (Sat 14th September) - Florence to Siena|Sienna]]||'''Arcobaleno Boutique Hotel'''||Triple (w/breakfast)||[http://www.all-hotels.com/xbook/servlet/hotel-details link]||141.45 EUR||0<br />
|-<br />
| 18th Sept (Sun) || [[Central#Rome - General Info|Rome]]||'''Hostel Roma Inn 2000'''||7 bed mixed dorm||[http://www.hostels.com/en/availability.php/HostelNumber.2282 link]||EUR 21.48||EUR 178.20<br />
|-<br />
| 19th Sept (Mon) || [[Central#Rome - General Info|Rome]]||'''Hostel Roma Inn 2000'''||7 bed mixed dorm||[http://www.hostels.com/en/availability.php/HostelNumber.2282 link]||||<br />
|-<br />
| 20th Sept (Tues) || [[Central#Rome - General Info|Rome]]||'''Hostel Roma Inn 2000'''||7 bed mixed dorm||[http://www.hostels.com/en/availability.php/HostelNumber.2282 link]||||<br />
|-<br />
| 21st Sept (Weds) || [[Central#Naples|Naples]]<br>'''NB: [http://www.fco.gov.uk/servlet/Front?pagename=OpenMarket%2FXcelerate%2FShowPage&c=Page&cid=1007029390590&a=KCountryAdvice&aid=1013618386046 Local public transport strike]'''||'''Hotel Albergo Del Golfo ***''', Vicoletto Sedile di Porto, Naples, 80134||Triple(w/breakfast)||[http://www.all-hotels.com/xbook/servlet/hotel-details?hotl_id=328962&available=%22true%22 link]||EUR 123||0<br />
|-<br />
| 22nd Sept (Thurs) || [[Central#Sorrento|Sorrento]]||'''Casa Susy''' (B&B/ Hostal), Via Cappucini #36, 80067 - Sorrento, +39 0818073188||3 bed private en-suite||[http://www.hostelworld.com/availability.php/CasaSusy-Sorrento-6675 link]||£7.45||£56.85<br />
|-<br />
| 23rd Sept (Fri) || [[Sicily#Taormina|Taormina]] || '''Hotel La Pensione Svizzera''', Via L. Pirandello, 26 - 98039 Taormina, +39.094223790 || Triple (w/breakfast) || [http://www.pensionesvizzera.com/english/ link] || 125.00 EUR || 0<br />
|-<br />
| 24th Sept (Sat) || [[Sicily#Taormina|Taormina]] || '''Hotel Condor''', Via Dietro Cappuccini, 1 - 98039 Palermo, +39.0942.23124 || Triple || [http://www.condorhotel.com/ link] || 110.00 EUR || 0<br />
|-<br />
| 25th Sept (Sun) || [[Sicily#Palermo|Palermo]] || '''PoliteamAffitti''', Corso Scina', 27 - 90139 Palermo, +39.340.521.0329 || Quintuple (!) || [http://www.politeamaffitti.com/ link] || &pound;69.25 || 56.00 EUR<br />
|-<br />
| 26th Sept (Mon) || [[Sicily#Palermo|Palermo]] || as above || Quintuple (!) || [http://www.politeamaffitti.com/ link] || ||<br />
|-<br />
| 27th Sept (Tues) || (Depart from Palermo airport)<br>'''NB: [http://www.fco.gov.uk/servlet/Front?pagename=OpenMarket%2FXcelerate%2FShowPage&c=Page&cid=1007029390590&a=KCountryAdvice&aid=1013618386046 Air Traffic Control strike (12:00-16:00)]'''<br />
|}<br />
<br />
==== Inbound Flight ====<br />
<br />
From Palermo (PMO) to London Stansted (STN)<br />
Tuesday, 27 Sep 05, Flight 3919<br />
<br />
Depart Palermo (PMO) 21:10<br />
Arrive London Stansted (STN) 23:15<br />
<br />
== Budget ==<br />
<br />
Budget details are available [[Budget|here]].<br />
<br />
== Final Preparation ==<br />
=== Packing ideas ===<br />
Packing ideas are [[Packing|here]].<br />
<br />
=== Action Items ===<br />
Action items from our meeting on Thursday the 8th of September are [[ToDo|here]].<br />
<br />
== Itinerary Details ==<br />
<br />
==== [[Tuscany]] (e.g. Pisa and Florence)====<br />
==== [[Central|Central Italy]] (e.g. Rome and Naples)====<br />
==== [[Sicily]] (e.g. Etna and Palermo)====<br />
<br />
== Reviews from the Critics ==<br />
<br />
''I think that's marvellous!'' -- Barbara<br />
<br />
''You've got too much time on your hands'' -- Matt<br />
<br />
''Bring me back a roman legion- Tom'' -- Sid</div>83.216.149.24https://indivisibilities.com/wiki/index.php?title=Italy&diff=1489Italy2005-09-12T21:47:33Z<p>83.216.149.24: /* Tour of Italy */</p>
<hr />
<div>Click ''edit this page'' at the top to add your own information. Information on how to use MediaWiki is available [http://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Help:Editing here].<br />
<br />
[[Image:italy-map.jpg|right]]<br />
<br />
== Overall Planning Status ==<br />
<br />
{| border="0" cellpadding="2"<br />
| [[Image:tick.gif]] || Flights booked<br />
|-<br />
| [[Image:tick.gif]] || Locations decided for each day<br />
|-<br />
| [[Image:tick.gif]] || Transport to/from airports arranged - [http://www.airport-hotel-shop.co.uk/stansted/de-salis-hotel.html De-Salis Hotel] - 01279 817821<br />
|-<br />
| [[Image:blank.gif]] || Accommodation booked<br />
|-<br />
| [[Image:blank.gif]] || Detailed itineary completed<br />
|}<br />
<br />
== Itinerary ==<br />
<br />
==== Outbound Flight ====<br />
<br />
From London Stansted (STN) to Pisa Florence (PSA)<br />
Wednesday, 14 Sep 05, Flight 584<br />
<br />
Depart London Stansted (STN) 06:45<br />
Arrive Pisa Florence (PSA) 10:00<br />
<br />
=== Tour of Italy ===<br />
<br />
{| border="1" cellpadding="2"<br />
! Date !! Where we're staying that night !! Hotel Name !!Room Type!! Link !! Paid ||Due<br />
|-<br />
| 14th Sept (Weds) || Arrive into Pisa airport<br />[[Tuscany#Day 1 (Wed 14th September) - Home to Pisa|Pisa]]||'''Villa Kinzica''', P.ZZA ARCIVESCOVADO, 2,Pisa,Italy,56100||Triple (w/Breakfast)||[http://www.all-hotels.com/xbook/servlet/hotel-details?hotl_id=270289 link]||114.00 EUR + Booking charge (Tom)||0<br />
|-<br />
| 15th Sept (Thurs) || [[Tuscany#Day 2 (Thu 15th September) - Pisa to Florence|Florence]]|| '''Plus Camping Michelangelo''', Florence||Tent!|| [http://www.ecvacanze.it/ing/michelangelo_home.asp link]||£10.77 Booking charges & deposit (Tom)||£64-98 on arrival<br />
|-<br />
| 16th Sept (Fri) || [[Tuscany#Day 3 (Fri 16th September) - Florence |Florence]]||as above||Tent!||[http://www.ecvacanze.it/ing/michelangelo_home.asp link]||||<br />
|-<br />
| 17th Sept (Sat) || [[Tuscany#Day 4 (Sat 14th September) - Florence to Siena|Sienna]]||'''Arcobaleno Boutique Hotel'''||Triple (w/breakfast)||[http://www.all-hotels.com/xbook/servlet/hotel-details link]||141.45 EUR||0<br />
|-<br />
| 18th Sept (Sun) || [[Central#Rome - General Info|Rome]]||'''Hostel Roma Inn 2000'''||7 bed mixed dorm||[http://www.hostels.com/en/availability.php/HostelNumber.2282 link]||EUR 21.48||EUR 178.20<br />
|-<br />
| 19th Sept (Mon) || [[Central#Rome - General Info|Rome]]||'''Hostel Roma Inn 2000'''||7 bed mixed dorm||[http://www.hostels.com/en/availability.php/HostelNumber.2282 link]||||<br />
|-<br />
| 20th Sept (Tues) || [[Central#Rome - General Info|Rome]]||'''Hostel Roma Inn 2000'''||7 bed mixed dorm||[http://www.hostels.com/en/availability.php/HostelNumber.2282 link]||||<br />
|-<br />
| 21st Sept (Weds) || [[Central#Naples|Naples]]<br>'''NB: [http://www.fco.gov.uk/servlet/Front?pagename=OpenMarket%2FXcelerate%2FShowPage&c=Page&cid=1007029390590&a=KCountryAdvice&aid=1013618386046 Local public transport strike]'''||'''Hotel Albergo Del Golfo ***''', Vicoletto Sedile di Porto, Naples, 80134||Triple(w/breakfast)||[http://www.all-hotels.com/xbook/servlet/hotel-details?hotl_id=328962&available=%22true%22 link]||EUR 123||0<br />
|-<br />
| 22nd Sept (Thurs) || [[Central#Sorrento|Sorrento]]<br />
|-<br />
| 23rd Sept (Fri) || [[Sicily#Taormina|Taormina]] || '''Hotel La Pensione Svizzera''', Via L. Pirandello, 26 - 98039 Taormina, +39.094223790 || Triple (w/breakfast) || [http://www.pensionesvizzera.com/english/ link] || 125.00 EUR || 0<br />
|-<br />
| 24th Sept (Sat) || [[Sicily#Taormina|Taormina]] || '''Hotel Condor''', Via Dietro Cappuccini, 1 - 98039 Palermo, +39.0942.23124 || Triple || [http://www.condorhotel.com/ link] || 110.00 EUR || 0<br />
|-<br />
| 25th Sept (Sun) || [[Sicily#Palermo|Palermo]] || '''PoliteamAffitti''', Corso Scina', 27 - 90139 Palermo, +39.340.521.0329 || Quintuple (!) || [http://www.politeamaffitti.com/ link] || &pound;69.25 || 56.00 EUR<br />
|-<br />
| 26th Sept (Mon) || [[Sicily#Palermo|Palermo]] || as above || Quintuple (!) || [http://www.politeamaffitti.com/ link] || ||<br />
|-<br />
| 27th Sept (Tues) || (Depart from Palermo airport)<br>'''NB: [http://www.fco.gov.uk/servlet/Front?pagename=OpenMarket%2FXcelerate%2FShowPage&c=Page&cid=1007029390590&a=KCountryAdvice&aid=1013618386046 Air Traffic Control strike (12:00-16:00)]'''<br />
|}<br />
<br />
==== Inbound Flight ====<br />
<br />
From Palermo (PMO) to London Stansted (STN)<br />
Tuesday, 27 Sep 05, Flight 3919<br />
<br />
Depart Palermo (PMO) 21:10<br />
Arrive London Stansted (STN) 23:15<br />
<br />
== Budget ==<br />
<br />
Budget details are available [[Budget|here]].<br />
<br />
== Final Preparation ==<br />
=== Packing ideas ===<br />
Packing ideas are [[Packing|here]].<br />
<br />
=== Action Items ===<br />
Action items from our meeting on Thursday the 8th of September are [[ToDo|here]].<br />
<br />
== Itinerary Details ==<br />
<br />
==== [[Tuscany]] (e.g. Pisa and Florence)====<br />
==== [[Central|Central Italy]] (e.g. Rome and Naples)====<br />
==== [[Sicily]] (e.g. Etna and Palermo)====<br />
<br />
== Reviews from the Critics ==<br />
<br />
''I think that's marvellous!'' -- Barbara<br />
<br />
''You've got too much time on your hands'' -- Matt<br />
<br />
''Bring me back a roman legion- Tom'' -- Sid</div>83.216.149.24https://indivisibilities.com/wiki/index.php?title=ToDo&diff=1473ToDo2005-09-10T08:43:51Z<p>83.216.149.24: </p>
<hr />
<div>{|border="1" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="2"<br />
|-<br />
|'''Action'''<br />
|'''Action By(Status)'''<br />
|-<br />
|Print wiki<br />
|MW([[Image:blank.gif]])<br />
|-<br />
|Book Rome youth hostel<br />
|MG([[Image:blank.gif]])<br />
|-<br />
|Book Naples accomodation<br />
|MG([[Image:blank.gif]])<br />
|-<br />
|Book Sorento accomodation<br />
|MG([[Image:blank.gif]])<br />
|-<br />
|Sicily plan and accomodation <br />
|MW([[Image:blank.gif]])<br />
|-<br />
|Ring and confirm details with De Salis Hotel nr Stansted<br />
|TS([[Image:blank.gif]])<br />
|-<br />
|Have a haircut<br />
|MG([[Image:tick.gif]])TS([[Image:blank.gif]])<br />
|-<br />
|Burn Italian CD for journey down<br />
|TS([[Image:blank.gif]])<br />
|-<br />
|Sufficient reading<br />
|MG,MW,TS<br />
|-<br />
|Buy shoes and shorts<br />
|TS([[Image:blank.gif]])<br />
|-<br />
|Update packing list<br />
|TS([[Image:tick.gif]])<br />
|}</div>83.216.149.24