GRcade Travel Topic

OnlyShallow wrote:

Red wrote:Spent a really great week in Split, Croatia earlier this month, can absolutely recommend it, especially if you like Roman archaeology (I was there for a Roman archaeology conference). Lovely weather, lovely food, amazing Roman and medieval architecture (Diocletian's palace is mindblowing), nice beaches, pretty towns and villages to travel to nearby, cheap, nicest Spar I've ever been in.

How was the frog museum?
That is my one regret in life, is not visiting the frog museum when I was in Split.

It's as bizarre as you'd imagine, made better with really poor English translations describing the various scenes the frogs were engaged in. Some of the frogs had seen better days and were patched up with duct tape. Entry fee was pretty steep but I'm glad I went in, because otherwise I would always have wondered...

I also went to the Krka national park, which was really nice.

Red wrote:I also went to the Krka national park, which was really nice.

I'm glad you made it there, lovely isn't it. I'd also recommend going to Zadar and Plitvice national park. It's like an even more amazing version of Krka.

Hey it's OS! Hello!

Victor Mildew wrote:Hey it's OS! Hello!

Alright, good to see you finally made it away

OnlyShallow wrote:

Victor Mildew wrote:Hey it's OS! Hello!

Alright, good to see you finally made it away

It was so good. We had a long weekend in Lisbon too which was lovely.

OnlyShallow wrote:

No:1 Final Fantasy Fan wrote:

OnlyShallow wrote:

No:1 Final Fantasy Fan wrote:who needs to go to the real Venice when you have the incredible Venetian resort?

You've never been to Venice, have you?

Yeah I haven't been to Venice

How insensitive of me, of course you haven't. Lots of raft danger around every corner.

I'll make sure that I wear a life jacket if I go on the gondolas in case it cap sizes.

Cap sizes

I'm going to Hamburg for a gig soon, and I'll be there for four days.

Anyone got any must-sees or do's?

Chocolate-Milk wrote:I'm going to Hamburg for a gig soon, and I'll be there for four days.

Anyone got any must-sees or do's?

Isn't Hamburg famous for its red light district? Apparently it's a walk in one, not sure how it compares to Amsterdam.

No:1 Final Fantasy Fan wrote:

Chocolate-Milk wrote:I'm going to Hamburg for a gig soon, and I'll be there for four days.

Anyone got any must-sees or do's?

Isn't Hamburg famous for its red light district? Apparently it's a walk in one, not sure how it compares to Amsterdam.

The Reeperbahn, yes. That had nothing to do with my decision to go there, though.

Miniature Wonderland
https://www.miniatur-wunderland.com/

It may not be your thing but I love models and especially model railways with my father always having one it’s something I grew up around and with it being the worlds largest if you are ever going to visit one then it’s worth visiting this one

Elbe Tunnel
https://www.hamburg-travel.com/see-expl ... be-tunnel/

It’s free and feels like a experience, if you are into photography then you will be able to take some great photos

Chocolate-Milk wrote:I'm going to Hamburg for a gig soon, and I'll be there for four days.

Anyone got any must-sees or do's?

I live in Hamburg so can give you some recommendations

There's not a huge amount of things to see in Hamburg, but it's just a nice, clean, chilled out city, and is really nice in the sunny months. If you are visiting from 1st June you should get the €9.99 monthly travel ticket that is being introduced across Germany for 3 months. Even tourist can take advantage of it. This will give you unlimited access to the bus and metro in Hamburg (a day pass is normally around €7). You can also use regional trains, so you could do a day trip for cheap.

The area around Landungsbrücken is nice for strolling around. It's the port area by the river Elbe, so lots of places to grab fish and a beer. It's also a short walk to the newish concert hall - the Elbphilharmonie. You can go inside the building which is cool and impressive, and there are a bunch of bars up there too. You also get a nice view out, especially if there is a sunset. This is also near Miniature Wonderland, which is great fun . I've not been there for a few years but whenever anyone visits we take them there and they always love it. It's so weird and there are lots of fun pop culture references to spot etc. The detail is also amazing. Its in the Speicherstadt area, which is an old warehouse district that is a UNESCO heritage site.

If the weather is nice then you can rent a pedalo or rowing boat and navigate around all the nice canals or go to the Alster lake. You can often row up to bars and buy beers without getting out which is fun. Prices are max €20 an hour depending on the boat type, so cheap if you are with others.

Neighbourhoods: Sternschanze and St. Pauli are the main nightlife areas, the latter of which is home to the Reeperbahn (red light district). Can be fun there, or gross depending on which street you venture down. These areas are where most of the best food places are too (excluding Reeperbahn). If you want a nicer area to walk around you can go to posh Blankenese, which locals call the Amalfi of Hamburg Very green and pretty there, and there are some nice restaurants overlooking the river.

Also, make sure you grab a Franzbrotchen from a bakery. It's a delicious local pastry.

Day trips - as you are there 4 days you can easily fit in a day trip to one of the old small towns nearby. Lubeck is probably the most famous and is where marzipan was invented (I think?). Lots of nice architecture that luckily wasn't bombed during the war. Luneburg is also nearby and is a smaller little quaint town. Both take less than an hour to get to.

You might miss the Hamburg summer DOM which starts July 21st. It's a massive fair held every 3 months.

Hopefully the weather holds up for when your here as its actually been quite nice recently.

Outrunner wrote:I wasn't sure whether to start a new thread for this since it's not really holiday related. If anyone would rather it not be here let me know and I'll start a new thread.

I'm hoping to be studying abroad next year. Japan (my preferred country) is officially off the cards now (thanks covid!) so I'm looking at other options. Has anyone lived or travelled to: Seoul, Hong Kong, Singapore or Auckland (a bit out of left field but they have some great modules).

I have been to Hong Kong but was only there for just under a week. I'd love to live there but I am a bit concerned about the current political climate. When it comes to Singapore my main concern would be the heat and humidity but I figure big chunks of my day will be in air conditioned lectures and libraries. I think with both Singapore and Hong Kong I am a bit worried that I won't be able to travel as easily since they're essentially city states (yes, I know HK isn't really but I'm not sure how easy it would be to travel to the mainland) I've never been to South Korea or New Zealand.

Where did you decide to study abroad in the end? And what was the most persuasive reason for choosing 1 location over the other?

RichardUK wrote:

SandyCoin wrote:

Much obliged, both. I'll be sure to put that belting write-up to good use.

We're going on 30th May so we won't get the full benefit of the monthly travel ticket, but getting one for the last two days will still work out cheaper than the normal 4-day Hamburg card.

I was a bit worried there wasn't much to do at first, but now I'm wondering how we'll fit it in!

Grumpy David wrote:

Outrunner wrote:I wasn't sure whether to start a new thread for this since it's not really holiday related. If anyone would rather it not be here let me know and I'll start a new thread.

I'm hoping to be studying abroad next year. Japan (my preferred country) is officially off the cards now (thanks covid!) so I'm looking at other options. Has anyone lived or travelled to: Seoul, Hong Kong, Singapore or Auckland (a bit out of left field but they have some great modules).

I have been to Hong Kong but was only there for just under a week. I'd love to live there but I am a bit concerned about the current political climate. When it comes to Singapore my main concern would be the heat and humidity but I figure big chunks of my day will be in air conditioned lectures and libraries. I think with both Singapore and Hong Kong I am a bit worried that I won't be able to travel as easily since they're essentially city states (yes, I know HK isn't really but I'm not sure how easy it would be to travel to the mainland) I've never been to South Korea or New Zealand.

Where did you decide to study abroad in the end? And what was the most persuasive reason for choosing 1 location over the other?

I'm going to the University of Hong Kong but applied to two universities in Hong Kong, one in Singapore and Yeungnam University in Korea. We applied through the exchange programme at the University here in the UK and they assigned us an exchange university. Which we then had to apply to directly. HKU was my first choice so I'm happy with that.

Ultimately it came down to module choices. At HKU I'm tripping over modules that I want to do, I'm spoilt for choice. Since I don't get to go to Japan (which would have been my first choice and, annoyingly, is now available for next years students to apply to) and I desperately want to study pre-modern Japanese history, Japanese Buddhism, Japanese popular culture I went for the university that would give me all those things. I also enjoyed Hong Kong when I was last there. Finally, two university friends are going to Hong Kong so that's a nice bonus. I suffer from anxiety and depression so having a mini support network in place if I need it is good.

Singapore was a close second preference, it offered me similar modules but less of them and there were more compromises. The size of Singapore put me off a bit. I know Hong Kong isn't huge but there are a lot of opportunities to get out into nature, there wasn't that same opportunity in Singapore.

New Zealand were only offering one place for students from my university and since I wasn't desperate to go to that country I left it off the list. I'd rather someone who would love it go rather than me just because it had a handful of modules I kinda liked.

Seoul had zero modules that I could apply to my course so that ruled Seoul out and Yeungnam had maybe 3 modules, tops, that I would have wanted to do. If they were offering better (or in Seouls case, any) modules the Korean universities would have ranked higher on my application. It's a shame because, purely based on having amazing cold winters, I would have liked to give Korea a try. But listing "snow and cold" as a priority would be a bit stupid and not something I would do

I'm actually filling in my risk assessment and visa applications for Hong Kong now. I love bureaucracy I'm looking forward to going and found out that my home university here in the UK is giving me £500 towards my plane tickets which was a nice surprise.

Outrunner wrote:

Grumpy David wrote:

Outrunner wrote:I wasn't sure whether to start a new thread for this since it's not really holiday related. If anyone would rather it not be here let me know and I'll start a new thread.

I'm hoping to be studying abroad next year. Japan (my preferred country) is officially off the cards now (thanks covid!) so I'm looking at other options. Has anyone lived or travelled to: Seoul, Hong Kong, Singapore or Auckland (a bit out of left field but they have some great modules).

I have been to Hong Kong but was only there for just under a week. I'd love to live there but I am a bit concerned about the current political climate. When it comes to Singapore my main concern would be the heat and humidity but I figure big chunks of my day will be in air conditioned lectures and libraries. I think with both Singapore and Hong Kong I am a bit worried that I won't be able to travel as easily since they're essentially city states (yes, I know HK isn't really but I'm not sure how easy it would be to travel to the mainland) I've never been to South Korea or New Zealand.

Where did you decide to study abroad in the end? And what was the most persuasive reason for choosing 1 location over the other?

I'm going to the University of Hong Kong but applied to two universities in Hong Kong, one in Singapore and Yeungnam University in Korea. We applied through the exchange programme at the University here in the UK and they assigned us an exchange university. Which we then had to apply to directly. HKU was my first choice so I'm happy with that.

Ultimately it came down to module choices. At HKU I'm tripping over modules that I want to do, I'm spoilt for choice. Since I don't get to go to Japan (which would have been my first choice and, annoyingly, is now available for next years students to apply to) and I desperately want to study pre-modern Japanese history, Japanese Buddhism, Japanese popular culture I went for the university that would give me all those things. I also enjoyed Hong Kong when I was last there. Finally, two university friends are going to Hong Kong so that's a nice bonus. I suffer from anxiety and depression so having a mini support network in place if I need it is good.

Singapore was a close second preference, it offered me similar modules but less of them and there were more compromises. The size of Singapore put me off a bit. I know Hong Kong isn't huge but there are a lot of opportunities to get out into nature, there wasn't that same opportunity in Singapore.

New Zealand were only offering one place for students from my university and since I wasn't desperate to go to that country I left it off the list. I'd rather someone who would love it go rather than me just because it had a handful of modules I kinda liked.

Seoul had zero modules that I could apply to my course so that ruled Seoul out and Yeungnam had maybe 3 modules, tops, that I would have wanted to do. If they were offering better (or in Seouls case, any) modules the Korean universities would have ranked higher on my application. It's a shame because, purely based on having amazing cold winters, I would have liked to give Korea a try. But listing "snow and cold" as a priority would be a bit stupid and not something I would do

I'm actually filling in my risk assessment and visa applications for Hong Kong now. I love bureaucracy I'm looking forward to going and found out that my home university here in the UK is giving me £500 towards my plane tickets which was a nice surprise.

Hit me up when you arrive man, we'll go bowling.

Outrunner wrote:

Grumpy David wrote:Where did you decide to study abroad in the end? And what was the most persuasive reason for choosing 1 location over the other?

I'm going to the University of Hong Kong but applied to two universities in Hong Kong, one in Singapore and Yeungnam University in Korea. We applied through the exchange programme at the University here in the UK and they assigned us an exchange university. Which we then had to apply to directly. HKU was my first choice so I'm happy with that.

Ultimately it came down to module choices. At HKU I'm tripping over modules that I want to do, I'm spoilt for choice. Since I don't get to go to Japan (which would have been my first choice and, annoyingly, is now available for next years students to apply to) and I desperately want to study pre-modern Japanese history, Japanese Buddhism, Japanese popular culture I went for the university that would give me all those things. I also enjoyed Hong Kong when I was last there. Finally, two university friends are going to Hong Kong so that's a nice bonus. I suffer from anxiety and depression so having a mini support network in place if I need it is good.

Singapore was a close second preference, it offered me similar modules but less of them and there were more compromises. The size of Singapore put me off a bit. I know Hong Kong isn't huge but there are a lot of opportunities to get out into nature, there wasn't that same opportunity in Singapore.

New Zealand were only offering one place for students from my university and since I wasn't desperate to go to that country I left it off the list. I'd rather someone who would love it go rather than me just because it had a handful of modules I kinda liked.

Seoul had zero modules that I could apply to my course so that ruled Seoul out and Yeungnam had maybe 3 modules, tops, that I would have wanted to do. If they were offering better (or in Seouls case, any) modules the Korean universities would have ranked higher on my application. It's a shame because, purely based on having amazing cold winters, I would have liked to give Korea a try. But listing "snow and cold" as a priority would be a bit stupid and not something I would do

I'm actually filling in my risk assessment and visa applications for Hong Kong now. I love bureaucracy I'm looking forward to going and found out that my home university here in the UK is giving me £500 towards my plane tickets which was a nice surprise.

Sounds great in terms of the modules available and far easier to adapt with 2 friends also joining you too. Made the decision very easy on that basis.

You'll have arrived too late to see the Pillar of Shame though. Does the University pay for the mandatory 7 days quarantine in a hotel? Might find the £500 goes towards that.

Personally think a HK winter sounds far more appealing than a Seoul winter, 16c and relatively dry in December is basically ideal.

Pretty sure Outrunner has said on here before that he prefers colder climates.

Skarjo wrote:Hit me up when you arrive man, we'll go bowling.

That's really cool of you, thanks! I'll be sure to when I arrive.

Grumpy David wrote:
Sounds great in terms of the modules available and far easier to adapt with 2 friends also joining you too. Made the decision very easy on that basis.

You'll have arrived too late to see the Pillar of Shame though. Does the University pay for the mandatory 7 days quarantine in a hotel? Might find the £500 goes towards that.

The university don't pay for the quarantine but I get extra money from my Maintenance Loan (an extra £2000), plus funding from the Turing scheme and an extra £1000 bursary from my home university because I'm from a zero income family (ie its just me). Plus a fairly reasonable amount of savings. Oh, and in terms of travel, I can claim back expenses after the first £400. I'm expecting to spend a lot while I'm out there but I'm not expecting to run into trouble financially.

Personally think a HK winter sounds far more appealing than a Seoul winter, 16c and relatively dry in December is basically ideal.

Drumstick wrote:Pretty sure Outrunner has said on here before that he prefers colder climates.

Absolutely this! I keep seeing tips like "make sure you bring a coat, it can drop as low as 12c". 12c is tshirt and shorts weather. If I could have got the module choice of HK in a country that guaranteed cold and snow I'd have jumped at the chance. Still, lecture theatres and libraries will have aircon so I'll (mostly) be ok

Out of interest, has anyone on here gone through the process of applying for a B2 American visa? I completed the required forms last night and scheduled my interview at the embassy in London. It's a six month wait at the minute

I'm just wondering what to expect from the interview. From what I've read online they are really just wanting to check the reason for your visit, and to make sure you are actually planning on coming back. If anyone has any first (or second) hand experience I'd be interested in hearing about it.

I've also heard that even if you get approved for the visa then, on arrival, border security in America have the final say on whether you get the full 6 months or whether they just grant you 90 days. However, I'm not sure how common that actually is. Or, if it's only happened in rare situations and then been reported online as a bit of scaremongering.