Och aye the noo, was the madges a meant!

I did the WHW about that time of year, and with plenty of DEET it was very tolerable, but I was told that later on in the year, it becomes many factors worse. Relying on those assurances, from folk that sounded as if they know, I've never actually tried July-August!

But at that time of year we did enjoy it, there were only a couple of spots where the midges were really bad. One time we woke up thinking it was quite dark, turns out about a squillion of the buggers had settled on the tent!

Just from my own experience I wouldn't put anybody off doing it early doors, we right enjoyed it.

I did it two years ago in June with a workmate and one of his relatives and we hardly saw a single midgie, I've still got an unused bottle Jungle Formula. I'm sure I've seen people recommending Avon so soft before, I might just take some. Thanks for the advice.

Funnily enough...

A combination of fear and lack of money stopped me traveling when I was younger. I'd get the brochures, and gaze wistfully at them for hours, but never do anything about it. As I said, partly a lack of money, but also fear.

Now I've just recently hit the big 50. And when tb did, three years ago, we did a special trip. So the big question for the last 12 months or so has been what would MY big trip be.

Well, I'm going to travel on my own. Finally. I feel that I actually [ineed[/i to do it – I need to prove, to myself, that I can. So, in spring this year, I'm going to toddle off on my own for a week to 10 days. First part is planned already pretty tightly, but the rest is not.

I'm going to go to Germany and ... wander.

I'm both looking forward to it – and bloody terrified already.

Interesting to see so many bemoaning austerity but planning foreign holidays already. Laughable.

Why all the fear of going abroad - xenophobia?

Is your inability to comprehend the idea of empathy long standing, Dally?



Not remotely. Just the fear that was, in many ways, taught me by my parents. That's what C/conservatives do, in my experience.

Yeah its an absolute travesty that we've had to wait for someone to die in the family for us to inherit the sort of money it costs for just two flights to the US (staying with family). Next time I'll default on the mortgage and use my state handouts to abroad.

Now calm down HWS. Dally thinks that, if you believe in fairness in society, that means that you should – I dunno – volunteer to give up some of your own money to support those on, say, lower pay. Not that their employer should do so, but you should. That's the real mark of believing in any idea of fairness. And if you don't do this, you're a hypocrite.

So either Dally himself does that, or he doesn't believe in any idea of fairness. I think you have to make up your own mind on that – and, indeed, on the intellect that effectively posits such an idea.

All you need remember that (in my experience and that of others I have spoken to) is that a German trait ("generalisation", I know) is being a bully. If they start taking the Mickey just stand up to them - they invariably back down.

Sorry I wasn't having a go at you (in fact I hadn't read your post - and still haven't) - it was just a general point on the thread. Apologies for any offence taken, though not intended.

You'll love it, I did the same in Edinburgh a few years ago although admittedly I did have the Fringe festival to occupy my mind but the thought of just wandering a city with money in your pocket and no other demands on your time is what holidays should be about.

No probs

I did that recently too in spite of the best efforts of a white van driver. No big trip for me (unless you count the West Highland Way) but I did treat myself to a 150-500mm Sigma lens.



Did you see Julia Bradbury walking through Germany in a short series a few years back?