Holidays 2025.

[Glam]

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Right, this is where I show my naivety, or indeed my ignorance. Don't you have to be careful buying souvenirs from these markets, owing to the materials used? Or is that just in those countries where Ivory is harvested/ butchered?

 

[Trumpet]

We saw a bargain cruise round the Arabian Penninsula, too good to turn down so off we went.
The cruise started off in Dubai, not a place that we would usually choose for a holiday but we had two night there before the cruise to explore. I’d last been 16 years ago with work and hardly recognised the place, so much building had gone on since my last visit.

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Always thought that the light show on The Burj Khalifa was laser projected, then found out it is squillions of computer controlled LEDs.

 

[LilyWoo]

Just provisionally booked a cottage in Anstruther and a cottage in Reedham for the Superbikes at Knockhill and Snetterton next year.

Only problem is they're only two weeks apart, in late June and early July,which is a little annoying.

Also planning a few nights in Holland for the Assen round in September.

Went to Egypt in February and killed my hair by swimming in the Red Sea. Snorkled and relaxed and ate yummy food. Unfortunately, brought a load of cash back with us which I just found out we can't exchange because it shouldn't have left the country. Be aware, if you're going this year.

It was bloody gorgeous though. And I saw a cuttlefish!

 

[Carole]

Right, this is where I show my naivety, or indeed my ignorance. Don't you have to be careful buying souvenirs from these markets, owing to the materials used? Or is that just in those countries where Ivory is harvested/ butchered?

@Glam , the illegal ivory trade is mainly in Africa and Asia.

In the Middle East because the penalties for being dishonest / disobeying the rules are so high, everywhere is safe and above board.
There is practically zero crime anywhere.
So it was lovely to browse the souks without being hassled (unlike Tangiers last year) and just stroll along enjoying the sights, sounds and wonderful spice smells.
I was particularly taken with the beautiful fabrics amongst other things.
Quite a lot of stuff is the usual tourist tat, the only thing that we bought was a Christmas decoration. We buy a bauble from every country we visit.

 

[Glam]

@Glam , the illegal ivory trade is mainly in Africa and Asia.

In the Middle East because the penalties for being dishonest / disobeying the rules are so high, everywhere is safe and above board.
There is practically zero crime anywhere.
So it was lovely to browse the souks without being hassled (unlike Tangiers last year) and just stroll along enjoying the sights, sounds and wonderful spice smells.
I was particularly taken with the beautiful fabrics amongst other things.
Quite a lot of stuff is the usual tourist tat, the only thing that we bought was a Christmas decoration. We buy a bauble from every country we visit.


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Thank you. As I say, naivety, or ignorance, I'm not aware. Looks like you had a very enjoyable time.

 

[Trumpet]

@Glam , the illegal ivory trade is mainly in Africa and Asia.

In the Middle East because the penalties for being dishonest / disobeying the rules are so high, everywhere is safe and above board.
There is practically zero crime anywhere.
So it was lovely to browse the souks without being hassled (unlike Tangiers last year) and just stroll along enjoying the sights, sounds and wonderful spice smells.
I was particularly taken with the beautiful fabrics amongst other things.
Quite a lot of stuff is the usual tourist tat, the only thing that we bought was a Christmas decoration. We buy a bauble from every country we visit.


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Are the taxis still ridiculously cheap? May be visiting later this year.

 

[staffordjas]

Torquay and Exmouth booked so far.

 

[Carole]

Are the taxis still ridiculously cheap? May be visiting later this year.

Yes.

Put it this way, in Abu Dhabi we went from Yas Island to The Emirates Palace Hotel which was about a 35 minute drive.
The taxi cost less than the 2 coffees and an orange juice that we’d bought from a cafe earlier.

 

[kilmaccumsey]

anyone been to Menorca. I'm. looking at Spain for a short break any recommendations. not too hilly though. thanks