"Enjoy and respect the culture of others." charlesracine's Profile

It has been interesting to visit other cultures while traveling. Also, it is enjoyable to occasionally relax and just enjoy the sights, restaurants and bars within short walking distance of the hotel rather than the stress of running from one spot to another.

For many European destinations I have found it far easier and less expensive to travel by train and using a taxi when arriving at the destination rather than renting a car. Further, it is more convenient as you don’t need to know exactly where your destination is located. Also, no hassle driving, getting lost or trying to find & pay for parking and saving money while doing so. With this approach I prefer hotels that are in a good location and in general a short proximity of the main train station or subway connections making it easy to walk or a short taxi ride when practical.

Remote not frequented and not so popular spots have a certain draw for me.

In Belgium;
Verviers, a small town, east of Liege in the direction of Aachen, Germany with nice friendly people and a favorite small hotel adjacent to the train station.
Eupen between Verviers and Aachen, German speaking area of Belgium has an interesting history story and is not a normal tourist stop.
In Germany:
Dusseldorf, a fashionable & my favorite large city and the Alt Bier too. Schumacher Alt is my favorite.
Munich and staying at or near the main train station for the convenience of traveling onwards or as a base for day trips.
Smaller German villages such as, Assmannshausen (next to Ruedesheim) am Rhine, smaller, quieter and much less touristy than Ruedesheim but close enough (3km/3 min. by train) to easily visit both.
Rothenburg odt, very touristy also but, after 5:00 PM most of the tour buses have gone and the town is less crowded more enjoyable. After 8:00pm you almost have the town to yourself and a couple of others staying in town.
In the UK:
London has plenty to keep one busy. Edinburgh is my UK favorite overall.
In France:
Paris is the only (non industrial) city I have visited and it is basically nice and the Eifel is impressive and makes a visit worthwhile in itself.
Ireland:
Everything was enjoyable and if I had to pick only one city, I would say Galway.
Northern Ireland:
Historically it was interesting though Belfast itself seemed sterile, once was enough. Should you go, avoid July especially the 12th. We were there in June 2010, no problems though, when in the pubs, don’t say what you may feel about the British occupation of Ireland.
Derry was an interesting old walled city with quite a bit more of a cultured look to it. Here too we were advised to keep our opinions to ourselves.
AVOID Ireland during the World Football/Soccer playoffs if you are not really (or at all) interested and especially if you would like to hear some traditional Irish Music in the pubs. The TVs were all on and the noise from the horns, sounded more like bumble bees, was annoying. We were there in June 2010 and they are really fans of the game and it takes p residence over everything! Though, it was nice to hear the Irish chanting USA, USA, USA..... Even in Derry one pub had a big go USA sign outside.

No mater what name you choose to use for god, presuming one exists, there is only one with one set of values. Be respectful and tolerant of the beliefs of others, god would want it that way. Really, there may only be one commandment; do on to others as you would have them do on to you.