Latest Moan From You and Me 2024

Thanks for the suggestion, but we're flying into Bordeaux for a weekend short break. This isn't our summer holiday, it's just a weekend break. We won't be driving anywhere, and won't have time to explore beyond the city. I looked at alternative ways to get back to the UK simply because I panicked a bit when I read there'd been another air traffic controller's strike. The plan is to fly in, look around the city, and fly out again.

Later in the year, we might be visiting France again for our main summer holiday, but that's not planned at all yet, other than just the idea that we might go to France because despite being our nearest neighbour on mainland Europe, we've never really been there. I've passed through it by road when I was a kid (there's an excellent story there featuring fire and chaos and time in a French police station, but that's for another thread). My wife and kids have never been at all. My eldest son is learning French at school and is keen to test his skills, so it makes sense.

 

Just reading your link @pete , re the speeding fines. Why were manual signs not put in place, especially if there wasn't the overhead option, warning drivers that there was an upcoming change, just the same as those on motorways, or on any stretch of road where an accident or similar has happened? Ludicrous. No wonder folk are hacked off.
When I was coming home yesterday, there was an incident at/near the St. James interchange, which is near the [Glasgow] airport. Plenty of signage from well before it to indicate slower speeds etc. It surely wouldn't have been difficult. I hope the people affected get a proper resolution.

 

I think it's just another money making scam.

 

It sounds very much like that @pete . Despicable.
Wasn't there another case like that quite recently? There was a sudden drop - not as severe as this one, and people couldn't see the signage because of where it was placed. How convenient.
Not that I'm cynical or anything....

 

Not me, no way, no sirree....

 

Well, holidays are about making memories. Sounds like that one did.

 

Sometimes @Clueless 1 v2 I think you are well-named!

I know Bordeaux is a weekend thing and I know your son is researching the south of France for your summer hols. i'm suggesting you relocate the summer hols to the Atlantic coast cos it's easier to get to and from, cheaper, lots of sun and fun and good eats and has proper waves.

 

That's a bit rude, but I'll let it go.

I appreciate you trying to dictate our holiday plans, I'll take all suggests on board but when it comes to throwing insults becomes I'm not engaging in longer term holidays plans with a stranger on the internet, I might step back from that thank you.

 

Just pointing out there are alternatives which will be easier to get home from in case of a strike @Clueless 1 v2 and you seemed to be wilfully missing the point.

 

I see they are doing a trial in Venice to charge day trippers, cost €5 per person to enter. The trial started on Thursday and lasts to the 31st July, there will only be a charge on specific days, 30 days in total, the fee only applies for entrance between 8.30am to 16.00pm. Those who are stopped and have not paid the entrance fee face a fine of between €50 to €300. You either have paid or not, so why such the big gulf in fines, they could actually end up making more through the fines than those who paid the legitimate fee. It was on social media that an American couple were fined €100 each for failing to pay the entrance fee, but hadn't been made aware there was a fee. Many locals have been protesting, even clashing with the police as local residence's are even being stopped and asked for proof that they reside in Venice. According to the tourist industry, accommodation bookings to stay in Venice for 2023 were still 16% below pre-covid levels, stay vacation's was what governments urged to help after covid, they got what they asked for, now there going to charge us for it.

 

I think 5 euros is pretty reasonable. I went on a day trip to Venice in 1969. It was crowded then. Goodness knows what it is like now.