Merc & beth London & Northern Europe Tour! (Full Version)

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Mercnbeth -> Merc & beth London & Northern Europe Tour! (3/25/2009 7:45:32 AM)

Finalized plans for this year's Europe trip last night. Business in Italy went a lot faster than expected and needed less direct involvement than anticipated. We were anticipating 3 weeks worth of personal business only in Italy for finalizing my Italian citizenship application, but decided instead to let a lawyer deal with the paperwork. So now its only a couple of days for that and the rest is pure pleasure. We decided to go to Northern Europe and the UK to see the lands where beth's people originated.

We're heading to Amsterdam for 4 days then getting on a cruise ship in Rotterdam where for 10 days we'll be cruising to Scotland, Norway, Sweden, Poland, Denmark and Germany. At the end of the trip we're flying from Copenhagen to London and we'll be there for 4 nights. We want to take a day to go to Stonehenge, and of course need to see Buckingham Palace, but we're going to play it by ear after that. We'd LOVE to be able to go to a London lifestyle club or event. We'll be there June 12-17.

We'll be in Amsterdam from May 26-30 and need to be in Rotterdam to get on the ship on the 31st. We've never been there and look forward to seeing all that available to us; however we understand that it has gotten a lot more 'vanilla' than it used to be. beth's looking forward to seeing if they'll let her sit in one of the window seats in the 'red light' district!

These are all places where we either haven't been to, or haven't been to for a long time. We love to have some suggestions and "Don't miss this while you are there..." recommendations; vanilla and lifestyle.

Of course what we'd like the most would be to meet some of the great people we've come to know from CM in person.




RCdc -> RE: Merc & beth London & Northern Europe Tour! (3/25/2009 7:57:20 AM)

Hello Merc and of course beth (but its not gorgeous purple type and I tend to notice that sort of thing.)
 
If you are going to Stonehenge - leave plenty of time for the traffic that time of the year!  It's a good 3-4 hour drive from London depending what side you are staying.  I know in the past we have mentioned about meeting up when either make it across the pond, so this is going to be a no brainer.
I will look into dates and ask around and send you a list and sites of the 'events' for London, so I will cmail you in due course.
 
And of course, I would LOVE to photograph the two of you... but thats my own selfish request.[:D]
 
the.dark.




GreedyTop -> RE: Merc & beth London & Northern Europe Tour! (3/25/2009 8:15:20 AM)

*wishes I could be in the UK then.....*

friggin immigration....




rulemylife -> RE: Merc & beth London & Northern Europe Tour! (3/25/2009 8:31:43 AM)

The Heinekin Brewery in Amsterdam.

Don't know if you are a beer drinker, but it's completely different from what we get imported here.

It comes in brown bottles instead of green and is much smoother. 

I never liked the sharp taste of Heineken here, but it was a completely different beer there.




housesub4you -> RE: Merc & beth London & Northern Europe Tour! (3/25/2009 8:34:43 AM)

When in Amsterdam, the Anne Frank house is worth a short visit, I found the country side around Amsterdam to be worth traveling through.  The small towns are great, the people are more open letting you be the casual observer. 

The Red Light district not only has what it is famous for, but also some great little music clubs on the street.  It's been about 5 years since I have been there.  So I have heard things have changed with the "brown" bars (the ones where hash is offered) they will be the bars that have Brown signs, not the green or other colors. 

Wait till to taste the Real Hienken, not the crap they sell over here.  Huge difference in taste and quality

The museum has Nightwatch if you are into art and in front of the Royal Palace on weekends is a huge outdoor market

Also when in England, Holland or the foot country ask the front dersk where you are staying if there are any Volksmarchings taking place you could join.  They are 5K 10K walks through the country allowing you to get off the beaten path and see parts of the country you would have never known about.  I have taken about 30 of them when I travel to Europe, they are one of the best ways to meet the locals and get the flavor of the country 




GreedyTop -> RE: Merc & beth London & Northern Europe Tour! (3/25/2009 8:40:49 AM)

dont forget to visit the torture museum in Amsterdam LOL




Lucylastic -> RE: Merc & beth London & Northern Europe Tour! (3/25/2009 8:46:41 AM)

Oh wow what a trip. I wish you both a lot of fun, Im jelly, I would love to do the cruise of northern europe. have a wonderful time,  and enjoy all the "foreign" kink you can.
Are there going to be pictures?
Lucy





MadAxeman -> RE: Merc & beth London & Northern Europe Tour! (3/25/2009 8:57:46 AM)

http://www.sexmuseumamsterdam.nl/index2.html

I went here some time ago, be warned everything is in there.
Including police pictures of stuff unmentionable here.





philosophy -> RE: Merc & beth London & Northern Europe Tour! (3/25/2009 8:57:52 AM)

...forget Stonehenge. Go to Avebury instead and have a pint at the Red Lion.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Avebury




GoddessTeaze -> RE: Merc & beth London & Northern Europe Tour! (3/25/2009 9:03:18 AM)

Well Welcome to Holland,

Merc & beth.

It depends on what you want to see ofcourse in Amsterdam or Rotterdam, because there is so much to see, but feel free to email, if I could be of any help.

I wish you both enough.

Warm Greetingz

GoddezzT`

(damn the white which wouldn't show)




ThatDamnedPanda -> RE: Merc & beth London & Northern Europe Tour! (3/25/2009 9:15:00 AM)



quote:

ORIGINAL: GreedyTop

*wishes I could be in the UK then.....*

friggin immigration....


Oh, shit, you're not going to be over there yet? That was the first thing I thought of - that you were finally going to get a chance to meet them. Man, you can't catch a break, can you? You miss 'em in California, now you're going to miss them in the UK. I predict a Florida vacation for Merc and Beth about a week after you finally move across the pond.

Ironic thing is, I was tentatively planning a trip to Europe myself this year, but it wouldn't be until a few months later. It would have been interesting to catch up with them in Amsterdam or Rotterdam.




Rule -> RE: Merc & beth London & Northern Europe Tour! (3/25/2009 9:58:18 AM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: Mercnbeth
We'll be in Amsterdam from May 26-30

Hi Merc & beth. Let's meet.
In Amsterdam it will be easiest and safest to travel by public transport; buy tickets that are valid for several days. Keep your hand on your wallet (pick-pockets). I can show you a tiny bit of the centre of Amsterdam, but taking a professionally guided tour might be the better idea.
 
I also can direct you to (or accompany you on) a bicycle route through either the dunes (got to buy a cheap ticket) or along the IJsselmeer (with visits to fishing towns like Volendam and Edam); both about forty kilometres, so say five hours if you take it easy. Depending on the direction of the wind, either back by train or starting out by train and back by bike.




Mercnbeth -> RE: Merc & beth London & Northern Europe Tour! (3/25/2009 11:13:23 AM)

WE WANT TO DO IT ALL!

Lucy - Of course there's going to be pictures! Some even with beth wearing clothing.

Greedy - We can't believe you're not going to be there! We expected to see you and give you a wedding present! The 'Torture Museum' in Amsterdam is near the top of the list. The Heineken brewery is right there too - thanks for reminding me about that. 

housesub - We'll be walking for as long as beth's feet hold out. she's in better shape as a result of her surgery but still has issues if she walks long distance. I said to her today that I hear 'Rocky' music. (Meaning its time to go into 'training' to be in shape again for walking around European cities, especially Amsterdam.)

Rule: The bike idea is great! I assume we can rent them easily. Let us know which of the days we are there works out best for getting together.  

Re: Amsterdam - We've been recommended to use the Ambassador as a good central base of operations. Any comments?

Philo - Since beth believes that her ancestors, if not herself in past life, helped build Stonehenge I'm going to take the trip, but we'll add Avebury and try to get there too. I'm sure we'll have more than a few Red Lions. she also wants to see the old 'Roman Wall' in London where her ancestor, Queen Boudicca led a revolt which expelled the Roman, my ancestors, invaders.

Panda - Hell, my friend, you wouldn't belief the travel deal we got. If you can you should consider joining us - I'll hook you up with our cruise guy.

THANKS EVERYONE! - Keep those ideas coming!

How about a CM London 'pub crawl'?




MadAxeman -> RE: Merc & beth London & Northern Europe Tour! (3/25/2009 11:31:25 AM)

The Ambassador is a good hotel.
Prices are very reasonable for accomodation in Amsterdam, it depends how much you want to spoil yourself. Even the hostels are good. The people speak the best English outside the UK and are extremely tourist friendly.




Knite064 -> RE: Merc & beth London & Northern Europe Tour! (3/25/2009 5:49:39 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: Mercnbeth

WE WANT TO DO IT ALL!

Lucy - Of course there's going to be pictures! Some even with beth wearing clothing.

Greedy - We can't believe you're not going to be there! We expected to see you and give you a wedding present! The 'Torture Museum' in Amsterdam is near the top of the list. The Heineken brewery is right there too - thanks for reminding me about that. 

housesub - We'll be walking for as long as beth's feet hold out. she's in better shape as a result of her surgery but still has issues if she walks long distance. I said to her today that I hear 'Rocky' music. (Meaning its time to go into 'training' to be in shape again for walking around European cities, especially Amsterdam.)

Rule: The bike idea is great! I assume we can rent them easily. Let us know which of the days we are there works out best for getting together.  

Re: Amsterdam - We've been recommended to use the Ambassador as a good central base of operations. Any comments?

Philo - Since beth believes that her ancestors, if not herself in past life, helped build Stonehenge I'm going to take the trip, but we'll add Avebury and try to get there too. I'm sure we'll have more than a few Red Lions. she also wants to see the old 'Roman Wall' in London where her ancestor, Queen Boudicca led a revolt which expelled the Roman, my ancestors, invaders.

Panda - Hell, my friend, you wouldn't belief the travel deal we got. If you can you should consider joining us - I'll hook you up with our cruise guy.

THANKS EVERYONE! - Keep those ideas coming!

How about a CM London 'pub crawl'?


Ambassador is a nice hotel and central but if you dont mind paying extra then the Amstel is probably one of the most stunning hotels ive ever seen and stayed at.
If your in Scotland for a few days let me know and ill suggest some places to see.
Ps whilst here dont rule out Belfast as its a pretty cool city and only a 40 minute flight from edinburgh/glasgow(very easy day trip )




Owner59 -> RE: Merc & beth London & Northern Europe Tour! (3/25/2009 6:41:25 PM)

Amsterdam?.....[;)]




Owner59 -> RE: Merc & beth London & Northern Europe Tour! (3/25/2009 6:53:49 PM)

For beth,

Evebarry,20 miles from Stonehenge is the world`s largest known stone ring.

For both.

Plymouth.Where is all started.I have a descendant who was on the Mayflower.

Bath.One of the coolest towns in England.I stayed at B&Bs while there.

Windsor.Gotta check out Windsor Castle, the town shops and pubs.







ThatDamnedPanda -> RE: Merc & beth London & Northern Europe Tour! (3/25/2009 7:38:20 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: Owner59

Amsterdam?.....[;)]


I keep tellin' you guys, you don't know the real Merc. He's a much more complex man than you realize!




ThatDamnedPanda -> RE: Merc & beth London & Northern Europe Tour! (3/25/2009 8:06:46 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: Mercnbeth

Panda - Hell, my friend, you wouldn't belief the travel deal we got. If you can you should consider joining us - I'll hook you up with our cruise guy.


You know what - I may actually do just that. Could you hook me up? I was planning a 2 or 3 week trip in late summer/early fall to see Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, but I've never been on a cruise before. If it's cheap enough, I might divert some of the money I had budgeted for the longer trip, take the cruise, and take two shorter vacations instead of the one longer one. I'll have to price it out, but that may turn out to be the most appealing option. I wouldn't want to shortchange the longer vacation too much, but this is definitely worth considering.

One thing that concerns me, though...how hard is it to learn to play shuffleboard?




susie -> RE: Merc & beth London & Northern Europe Tour! (3/25/2009 11:44:16 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: philosophy

...forget Stonehenge. Go to Avebury instead and have a pint at the Red Lion.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Avebury



Agree. Stonehenge is interesting but now that you can't get anywhere near the stones it is not as fascinating. Add to that the fact that the stones are in the middle of nowhere. Avebury is just as good with the added bonus of beer at the Red Lion.




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