Holidays ..... 2009

Where is everyone going this year ... if anywhere?

I have just booked our second holiday in ten years :yho: and I'm being boring, boring ....

We are going back to Palmela Castle where we went last year as we never got to see the Palace nearby with ancient water gardens and we are looking forward to going back to the Arrabida National Park and Estuary where bottled-nosed dolphins breed. It's only a 2 1/2 hour drive from us up on the West Coast below Lisbon.



We then move onward and upward above Lisbon to the Silver Coast about another two hour drive and stay for two nights at Ã?bidos Castle which only has nine rooms plus restaurant and bar. It is situated in a walled city.



I have also booked our house/kitty sitter so are looking forward to our adventure ... and I'll have my new camera then and hopefully will know how to use it.

 

Enjoy..
We have been looking at cottages in Northumberland for a week away this late spring but the cost of the good ones seems to have rocketed since our last visit.
Still looking............................

 

I know I will Robert, thank you, and I'm sure you'll find something nice.

These are Pousadas (half private/half country run) places which are always castles, monasteries, palaces, places of historical interest, etc, When you are of a certain age, ie, 55 you get 40% discount. For some strange reason, we have the 40% discount this year plus an additional 25 Euros off per night the 'rack rate' ?????? Only at Palmela though ... Ã?bidos is not so generous but we don't care as it's the only time we'll go away so we do it in style ....

Just in case anyone is interested ....

www.pousadasofportugal.com

 

I'm sure you will enjoy a return visit Vicky:gnthb:, it looks a stunning place although you didn't say when you are going!

Robert, we went there year before last, stayed in Beadnel near Seahouses, it was advertised as a cottage but it really was a 1 bed reirement bungalow on an estate but it was ok. Watch out Nazimundo is the Lord of the Manor round those parts.:D

We are off to Madeira for 2 weeks in August. Quite a few people on GC have been but it's our first visit (tips anyone) and after last year's incredible but tiring trip we thought we would have a relaxing one.

 

Staying within Britain this year, New Forest seems the likeliest but we will be joining Hubby on his fishing competitions this year aswell so Scotland a few times and then Cornwall probably, but nothing booked-horror of horrors-he is looking at caravans on ebay to buy.

 

Noooo!!! Not a caravan!!

 

I`m afraid so Aaron-and I think he means it.

 

Actually....I quite like camper vans, the ones you drive....

 

Doesn't look or sound boring to me. It sounds great.

My brand new son will be about 8 or 9 months old when it gets round to the wife and my usual holiday time, so nothing too expensive or adventurous for us this year. Despite being from the North East, I have only ever once been as far up as Northumberland, but it sounds nice. We went to Cornwall last year (our first UK holiday ever) and that was nice. I am torn between going back to Cornwall (downside - long, long drive), the lakes, or Northumberland area. The wife keeps telling me it is too soon to think about holidays though so I'm not sure where we'll end up.

 

We are thinking of a short break somewhere different for our 3 year anniversary and a very special birthday. I want to go to Istanbul, OH is thinking about Bratislava, but it would only be for a few days in late April.

We are also thinking of splashing out and heading to New Zealand for Christmas this year, to stay with OH's brother and family. Perhaps do a recce of the country as well to check on emigrating possiblities

 

Now no longer tied or shackled we'll probably head north west in our mobile home in April or possibly March for a week or ten days. We wanted to get to the far NW corner of the UK last year but were beaten due to the fuel shortage and ended up abouit 100 miles short so are determined to do it in 2009.
Late March we head for Cambridge for a reunion with friends.
June we are off to Greece for three weeks to top up tans and live life al-fresco for a while. And after that we'll take it as it comes and flip the mental penny about a return to Greece in September.

 

Last week in April strongy ... when I get a year older again ... (sigh) ... but wiser .... :D

We can now go to Madeira by ferry from here .... so one day .... I'm looking forward to your experience ... are you staying in Funchal or where?

Lolli, like you, we are staying here and not going abroad .... t'other half won't fly any more as he is claustophobic ... but in a way that's good because we need to see this wonderful country we have adopted and live in. I pray for you it's not a caravan ..... s00k

clueless1 ... sorry but I don't think I've congratulated you and Mrs clueless on the birth of your son ... but obviously you had a clue about what was going on ..... :hehe:

I must say there are so many places in the UK that I wish I had visited ... unfortunately, work commitments and coming here hindered that ....

Gosh, Aaron ... there's lots of decisions to be made there ...... but no doubt you two will come to some agreement .... :ntwrth:

Anniversaries and birthdays .... mine are the same day .....

:flwsml:

 

Madeira....sigh....sounds absolutely wonderful. Might have to reconsider for April....

 

Madeira is a beautiful place, so much so we bought a timeshare about 6 years ago. Heres a little taster. 02
http://www.madeira-live.com/panorama.html