Cobblers Everywhere

[therealpattcobb]

So where have we been?

My only forays outside of Europe

USA - New York, Philadelphia
CANADA - Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, Niagara, Quebec City, Ottawa

In Europe

France - Lille, Paris, Lyon, Marseille
Germany - Berlin, Hamburg, Munich, Frankfurt Cologne, Essen, Wupperthal, Dortmund, Marburg, Mainz, Munchegladbach, Koblenz
Belgium - Brussels, Bruges, Ghent, Antwerp, Leuven
Netherlands - Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague, Delph
Spain - Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Sitges, Girona
Italy - Milan, Como, Rome, Bologna, Pisa
Switzerland - Zurich
Austria - Salzberg, Vienna
Czechia-  Prague, Kutna Hora, Pilzen České Budějovice
Slovakia - Bratislava
Latvia - Riga

Granted some of these cities were day trips.

My favourite cities of those Cologne, Vancouver, Prague, Barcelona, Bruges
Least favourite Bratislava, Marseille

Most favourite city - Liverpool

New York is, well New York isn't it?

Greatest city in the World - London, for me knocks spots off them all including NYC how lucky that most of us live within an hour of this city!

As you can see I like a bit of civilisation, I dislike a beach holiday.
Also if needs must I have no qualms going in Macdonald's, Starbucks, Costa etc. Sometimes a new city is bewildering, stick to what you know eh?

[DrillingCobbler]

Great thread - love it! One to keep coming back to!

USA - NYC (got married there on central park), Vegas, Memphis
Canada - Toronto
Jamaica
Mexico
Cape Verde
Dominican Republic
Sri Lanka

Spain - loads of places
Germany - Berlin, Dortmund, Cologne, Hamburg, Dusseldorf (sure theres another one)
Finland - Lapland to be price to see the big man
Netherlands - Amsterdam
Canaries - Tenerife, Gran Canary, Lanzarotte, Feurteventura
Italy - Milan, Rome, Piza (day trip), Venice
France - Paris plus the usual day trip places on their north coast
Poland - Krakow
Hungary - Budapest
Belgium - Brussels
Denmark - Copenhagon
Portugal - quite a few beech places
Egypt
Czech Republic - Prague
Greece - a fair few holiday places - islands
Turkey - Marmaris
Gibralta - day trip

Favourite holiday/beech destination so far visited - Jamaica (been there 4 times I think)
Holiday I got the most out of - Sri Lanka
Fav European Country - Germany. Nicest folk as well.
Under-rated city - Copenhagon big time. Great place (bloody expensive though!)
Must do with young kids if you can - lapland!
Most thought provoking experience/outing - Auschwitz
One to tick off the box that is random - visiting Elvis's house! 

Country Id consider moving to that I've been to - Europe (Germany) and Canada.

Tough these days cuz my 14 year old goes to bloody school! But we try and squeeze stuff in. Last 12 months or so we've been Memphis (last October half term), Dusseldorf and Venice.

We've got a cruise booked for next summer which will tick a few Norwegian places off the list.

I/we want to go round Europe in a camper van and do tonnes of travelling once we are freed up to do so, in around 4 years time. Im 52 now and want to spend basically mid 50's - 60 being a traveller. I'm spending my time now making sure I can accommodate work with it (self employed).

[singcobb]

This is from my already fading memory.

Outside Europe.
Lived: Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, Philippines, Bahrain and Brazil.
Visited long stay: China, Taiwan, South Korea, Brunei, East Timor, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman, Morocco, UAE, Jordan and Syria.
Short stay or Holiday: Hong Kong, Macau, Iraq, Qatar and USA(Chicago and Florida).

Europe.
Currently living in Germany.
Lived: Hungary and Finland.
Visited: France, Belgium, Denmark, Malta, Cyprus, Sweden, Netherlands, Poland, Greece, Italy, Austria, Switzerland, Spain, Luxembourg, Liechtenstein, Estonia and Ireland.

Favourite cities: Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Budapest.
Least favourite city: Sao Paulo(Fecking s*** hole).

Favourite country: Malaysia(I'd move back tomorrow if I could).

Travel wishes: West Indies for an England tour and some fishing. I really fancy a motorbike ride from here to Singapore, but current political situations make that unfeasible, but I am considering a trip from one side of India to the other and then a boat to Thailand and continue south from there.

Travel regrets: Having lived for so long half way there that I didn't at least go for a holiday to Australia.

Favourite holiday: Anywhere I can soak up some sun whilst fishing on the beach and having some sundowners later in the day.

[BackOfTheNet]

Right, let's see...

US - NY (didn't get married there but did propose at the top of the Empire State Building), Miami, Orlando, Tampa, Cape Canaveral, Mineapolis, LA, San Francisco, Las Vegas, San Diego, Phoenix and quite a few smaller towns and cities in the western States.

Canada - Toronto, Niagara.

Mexico - Tijuana, Cancun/Riviera Maya

France - Paris, Normandy, Calais

Spain - Madrid, Fuengerola, Gran Canaria, Tenerife

Iceland - Rejkavik

Portugal - Lisbon, Cascais, Albufeira

Netherlands - Amsterdam

Belgium - Brussels,  Bruges

Czech Republic- Prague

Estonia - Talinn

Italy - Sorrento/Amalfi Coast, Venice

Cyprus  - Paphos

Turkey - Akbuk

Caribbean- St Lucia, Barbados, Cuba

Bahamas

I'm sure I'm missing some there but that's all that springs to mind. I've never really ventured much further east than Europe, not much appeals to me in that direction, to be honest!

Edit:

Ireland - Dublin
Scotland  - Edinburgh & Glasgow
Wales - Llandudno,  Snowdonia,  Cardiff, Swansea, Wrexham.

[Tabasco Kid]

My turn for post my CV.
US : Norfolk Virginia, Anchorage, Seattle, Honolulu.
Canada : Frobisher Bay (does six hours whilst refuelling count ? )
Caribbean: Grenada, Trinidad.
France : Paris, Calais Marseille
Netherlands: Amsterdam, Rotterdam
Sweden: Gothenburg.
Lichtenstein : Vaduz.
Switzerland : Zurich
Spain : Barcelona, Valencia, Cadiz, Palma, Gibraltar (I know, uk) San Antonia Ibiza.
Germany : Berlin, Hamburg, Wacken, and some little town for a wine festival. (cant remember the name)
Belgium : Bruges, Brussels.
Austria : Vienna
Czechia : Prague.
Algeria : Algiers
I turned down the chance to work in Los Angeles a couple of years back.
Favourite country is Germany, and the dodgiest place on the list is Marseille,which is "eye opening" after dark.

I cant wait to see Mannys list! 

[XVK]

USA. NYC and Atlantic City

Asia. India, Mumbai, Singapore( for 5 years) Thailand, Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Sukhothai, Koh Samui. Malaysia, Johor Bahru, Kota Tinggi, Jason’s Bay. Maldives, Gan atoll.

Middle East, Istanbul, Bahrain

Australia, Perth, Fremantle, Alice Springs, Cairns, Kuranda and Sydney

Europe, Netherlands, Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Edam, Volendam. France, Calais, Paris, Lyon, Toulouse, Perpignan. Spain, Barcelona, Girona, Valencia, Salou, Cambrils, Castelldefels, San Vinçenc de Calders, Vilafranca, Garraf, Sitges. Germany, Berlin. Italy, Florence, Pisa, Naples, Bari, Brindisi, Francavilla Fontana, Ostuni, Alberobello. Ireland, Dublin, Dundalk, Omeath


Northern Ireland, Belfast, Newry, Portadown, Kilkeel, Bangor, Banbridge, Newcastle, Warrenpoint, Portrush, Bushmills.

Wales, Cardiff, Swansea, Welshpool, Anglesey, Tintern, Chepstow, Prestatyn

I forgot the Isle of Man

[CobblerForever]

I'm shocked none of you have ever visited Ireland (the Republic or Northern Ireland). Scotland is uniquely different to England (and Wales) - I first visited there in 2000 so relatively recent - and Wales (where I was educated and brought up from aged 3 to 18 inclusive) has it's own distinct culture.

[XVK]

I'm shocked none of you have ever visited Ireland (the Republic or Northern Ireland). Scotland is uniquely different to England (and Wales) - I first visited there in 2000 so relatively recent - and Wales (where I was educated and brought up from aged 3 to 18 inclusive) has it's own distinct culture.

Errr see above!

[CobblerForever]

Errr see above!

Your message crossed in the post (I didn't see it until I'd published mine).

[XVK]

Your message crossed in the post (I didn't see it until I'd published mine).

Lots of  summer holidays in Newry when I was a kid

[BackOfTheNet]

Knew I'd forgotten somewhere!  I've added Ireland and a couple of home nation places too!

[singcobb]

I'm shocked none of you have ever visited Ireland (the Republic or Northern Ireland). Scotland is uniquely different to England (and Wales) - I first visited there in 2000 so relatively recent - and Wales (where I was educated and brought up from aged 3 to 18 inclusive) has it's own distinct culture.

Err see above.

[Tabasco Kid]

I'm shocked none of you have ever visited Ireland (the Republic or Northern Ireland). Scotland is uniquely different to England (and Wales) - I first visited there in 2000 so relatively recent - and Wales (where I was educated and brought up from aged 3 to 18 inclusive) has it's own distinct culture.

Forgot that, Courtown Wexford, and spent most of the weekend drinking in the Paddy blues in Gorey. And Douglas IOM.
Wales and Scotland dont count as theyre in the UK.  

[Manwork04]

Forgot that, Courtown Wexford, and spent most of the weekend drinking in the Paddy blues in Gorey. And Douglas IOM.
Wales and Scotland dont count as theyre in the UK.  

So is Northern Ireland 😉🇬🇧

[Tabasco Kid]

So is Northern Ireland 😉🇬🇧

Tis true, but you have to fly or get a ferry there. Unlike Wales or Scotland where I can just jump in my old Golf and trundle up the M6 or over the severn bridge.
I dont think that Pattcobb had Barry Island or Clydebank in mind, when he started the thread.

[Manwork04]

Tis true, but you have to fly or get a ferry there. Unlike Wales or Scotland where I can just jump in my old Golf and trundle up the M6 or over the severn bridge.
I dont think that Pattcobb had Barry Island or Clydebank in mind, when he started the thread.

Shame about Boris’s bridge.

[Melbourne Cobbler]

Most intimidating place, Tijuana for a Saturday night out on the piss over the boarder from San Diego. Long story but got separated and made a solo walk back from the clubs to the US border at 4am. Hands down the most bowel emptying experience ever. Later on I found out I was under the protection of the Cartel (as are tourists generally, not good for the money laundering operation to have them executed) but wasn’t aware at the time. Also worked in the Republic of Island on a project and drove up to Ballyconnell from Dublin via the Holyhead ferry. Stayed at the Slieve Russell Hotel when it was owned by Sean Quinn, sensational place with a top golf course. Best place for a night out, north San Diego around the Mission Beach area. Over-rated Dubai, LA and Las Vegas. Best Beaches Barbados (sorry Oz). Best place in Europe Kefalonia, especially Lourdas, incredible restaurant views, the scenery pretty much anywhere on the island is incredible. Best place for golf Scottsdale, Arizona. Best place to stay in Oz, probably Byron Bay, quiet, beautiful but less than a hour from the Gold Coast. Best non 5 star Hotels in Oz, The Emporium in Brisbane and The Pullman on Circular Quay Sydney. Best Sydney restaurant Cafe Sydney, get a table outside. Great place but pick when you go, Chicago, minus 28 in January when I was there. Best all rounder for a quick get away, New York. Best road trip, West Coast Road, South Island, New Zealand, beyond belief. That’s my travel tips.

[BackOfTheNet]

Most intimidating place, Tijuana for a Saturday night out on the piss over the boarder from San Diego. Long story but got separated and made a solo walk back from the clubs to the US border at 4am. Hands down the most bowel emptying experience ever. Later on I found out I was under the protection of the Cartel (as are tourists generally, not good for the money laundering operation to have them executed) but wasn’t aware at the time. Also worked in the Republic of Island on a project and drove up to Ballyconnell from Dublin via the Holyhead ferry. Stayed at the Slieve Russell Hotel when it was owned by Sean Quinn, sensational place with a top golf course. Best place for a night out, north San Diego around the Mission Beach area. Over-rated Dubai, LA and Las Vegas. Best Beaches Barbados (sorry Oz). Best place in Europe Kefalonia, especially Lourdas, incredible restaurant views, the scenery pretty much anywhere on the island is incredible. Best place for golf Scottsdale, Arizona. Best place to stay in Oz, probably Byron Bay, quiet, beautiful but less than a hour from the Gold Coast. Best non 5 star Hotels in Oz, The Emporium in Brisbane and The Pullman on Circular Quay Sydney. Best Sydney restaurant Cafe Sydney, get a table outside. Great place but pick when you go, Chicago, minus 28 in January when I was there. Best all rounder for a quick get away, New York. Best road trip, West Coast Road, South Island, New Zealand, beyond belief. That’s my travel tips.

I'd echo the Tijuana part. I was there during the day rather than at night and that was intimidating enough!

Really uncomfortable on the approach to the border as well - it was absolutely lined with people begging. Not complaining about them being there, it's just quite upsetting seeing the sheer level of poverty that exists that's quite different to what we see here. It makes you realise how lucky we are.

I'll never forget this horrible c**t who was on the same trip as us who deliberately kicked this little kid's McDonald's cup that she had in front of her, nor how she screamed in genuine anguish as she went scrambling after the pitiful amount of change in it that went spilling out along the path. I was quite young at the time and didn't say anything to him about it, I just gave her some money. I wish it had been the more confident me as I am now as I'd have told him exactly what I think of him. It's one of the very few regrets I have in life.

[Tabasco Kid]

If its intimidating that youre looking for, try Marseille for the 98 world cup, England v Tunisia. The city has a high Arabic / North African population at the best of times, but that appeared to have doubled overnight, and they were all out looking for England fans. The return flight was packed with walking wounded. I shall not be returning anytime soon.

[DavCobb]

Most intimidating place, Tijuana for a Saturday night out on the piss over the boarder from San Diego. Long story but got separated and made a solo walk back from the clubs to the US border at 4am. Hands down the most bowel emptying experience ever. Later on I found out I was under the protection of the Cartel (as are tourists generally, not good for the money laundering operation to have them executed) but wasn’t aware at the time. Also worked in the Republic of Island on a project and drove up to Ballyconnell from Dublin via the Holyhead ferry. Stayed at the Slieve Russell Hotel when it was owned by Sean Quinn, sensational place with a top golf course. Best place for a night out, north San Diego around the Mission Beach area. Over-rated Dubai, LA and Las Vegas. Best Beaches Barbados (sorry Oz). Best place in Europe Kefalonia, especially Lourdas, incredible restaurant views, the scenery pretty much anywhere on the island is incredible. Best place for golf Scottsdale, Arizona. Best place to stay in Oz, probably Byron Bay, quiet, beautiful but less than a hour from the Gold Coast. Best non 5 star Hotels in Oz, The Emporium in Brisbane and The Pullman on Circular Quay Sydney. Best Sydney restaurant Cafe Sydney, get a table outside. Great place but pick when you go, Chicago, minus 28 in January when I was there. Best all rounder for a quick get away, New York. Best road trip, West Coast Road, South Island, New Zealand, beyond belief. That’s my travel tips.

I liked Tijuana (character building!) and driven over the border a few times having successful relatives who live on Hollywood Boulevard in the hills, so LA is amazing place with local guides. San Diego is a better place to stop. I have personally enjoyed my time in San Francisco the most.
I have stories that would make some of Manny's escapades sound believable, including a house party with Jennifer Aniston and going to the baseball with George (Jason) from Seinfeld a couple of times.

I can't compete with some of the list on here though. Antigua the most exotic, lots around Europe but plans to start exploring next year, starting with Sri Lanka. Oz is on the list.