File :-(, x, )
Anonymous
My friend and I are going backpacking in France and Great Britain for 12 days. I'm fluent in both French and English, so language won't be a problem (unless we meet people who speak Gaelic, because I only know how to ask where the toliet is).

The schedule so far is:

Day 1 - Arrive in Manchester 9am
Day 2 - Leave for London in the am
Day 5 - Leave for Paris in the am
Day 8 - Fly to Dublin, take train to Belfast
Day 9 - Travel to Glasgow in am
Day 10 - Travel to Edinburgh in am
Day 11 - Travel to Manchester in am
Day 12 - Plane back home

Can anons give us advice of what to visit/where to stay? I've already scoured through wikitravel and have a few places in mind. We're planning on visiting Notre Dame de Paris, la Musée des Invalides and a few others in Paris, and so far we only have the Tower of London on our list for London and haven't picked out anything else yet. Obviously we're going to the castle in Edinburgh.

Comment too long. Clickhereto view the full text.
>> Anonymous
Nah.... Just keep a canadian flag somewhere on yer person to wave at attackers... that should help ye :P


Also "Cá bhfuil an leitris?"
Is "where is the restrooms?" in Gaelic.... just in case :P
>> Anonymous
>Also, we're Canadian and have been warned by a few English people there that people will think we're American shank us. They're joking, right?

Anything goes in Glasgow at night. Oh ho~

As long as you stay close to the center in Manchester you won't encounter any problems. Visit Chinatown, have a wander around the shops. Stop in Sinclairs Oyster Bar (I don't even think they sell Oysters, just ask for beer.) for a decent pint. (http://www.beerintheevening.com/pubs/s/11/1172/Sinclairs_Oyster_Bar/Manchester)

At night, i suppose you could go to the numerous bars and clubs in the city or take a trip down Canal Street, Manchester's Gay Community. Though theres more straight people that knock around there these days it's more like a circus. There might be a band on at the Academy/Apollo, worth checking beforehand on the dates you're going on.

http://www.visitmanchester.com

Theres regular trains going between Manchester Airport and Manchester Victoria.
>> Anonymous
>>43069
Thanks for all the advice, that's going to help us alot. We really didn't know of anything in Manchester (aside from the football team), we're in part just there because our plane lands and takes off there.

I'll be sure to check that bar out.
>> Anonymous
I can guarantee no one you meet will speak only Gaelic. Any city can be dangerous for women (and men) at night, Glasgow has a bad reputation but as long as you're sensible (i.e. don't wonder around alone) you'll be fine.

If you're planning on using the train to get from place to place prebook your tickets and you'll save a ton (with singles).

Also I'd be surprised if you got any hassle for having an American like accent as long as you aren't particularly rude and obnoxious.
>> Anonymous
>>43093
I really doubt I'll meet anyone who speaks it either.

I'm getting the British Consecutive Pass thing from Euro Rail, which lets me ride on all the trains in Scotland, England, and Wales as many times as I want for my stay. Anyone who has had it, do you call ahead and ask them to save you a seat?
>> Anonymous
>>43100Anyone who has had it, do you call ahead and ask them to save you a seat?
Yes.
>> Anonymous
>>43100
Maybe. I regularly travel British trains, and providing you travel terminal to terminal (ie don't try to get on at some pokey station), you will rarely have a problem finding a seat, and don't have to pay reservation fees. Unless you are travelling in a group or want a specific seat (ie window seat, centre coach), I say don't bother.

And I also recomend going to Oxford or Stratford on your way down to London (stop for a few hours or overnight), as they are really great places that get you away from that city feel, and will make you feel more Englishized. In fact, I doubly recomend it.
>> Anonymous
>>43143
I checked with the Eurorail people, apparently I just show up with my pass, it will be validated and then the dates are just filled in as I go along.

And thanks for the advice on what to visit, I'll do my best to stop by.
>> Anonymous
Oh, yes. If you're willing to venture a little out of the city (Manchester) head over to The Lowry on Salford Quays.
>> Anonymous
op - way too many places for 12 days. you should cut out a few places. otherwise, have fun spending 80% of your vacation at the airport and on trains.
>> Anonymous
>>43143
I prefer Cambridge to Oxford, both cool though.
>> Anonymous
Skip Glasgow and Belfast.