Where Would You Go?

Since this is my second trip to Edinburgh I am looking for some non tourist things to do. I know my wife wants to spend some time in the pubs for the music and beer. When my daughter and I did the West Highland Way, I only sampled whisky one evening although I can't say the same for the local beer. I plan on changing that this trip.

I don't see any reason to take my super fast lenses like the 35f1.2 or 501.1 to save weight. Can anyone see something that I don't about lenses as the 35f2.8 C Biogon and 50 Summicron would go instead. And I am really leaning toward 25/50/135 instead of my usual 35/90 combo for travel.
 
Well I'm just back from a very warm Scotland' west coast (with very few midges for once) after visiting Arran (Island), Loch Fyne, Oban and Moidart. The base problem in Scotland is that there are too many places to explore and once you are off the beaten track, single track roads with passing places are delightful but slow. I'd suggest Oban for sure and visiting some of the islands although the pace will again be slow - you can travel by ferry and hop on, hop off with some tickets. I took 21/35/90/135 lenses with an M9 and used all - take one fast lens though because there are innumerable twilight opportunities
 
Merlijn53 said:
When in Glasgow, have a look at Necropolis, a graveyard on a hill, full of atmosphere and the Kelvingrove Art Gallery.
Regards,
Frank
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I second the Kelvingrove Art Gallery. Fabulous collection, especially the Glasgow Boys.


As a warm-up for your hike, you should climb Arthur's Seat. We started from the south and descended to Holyroodhouse.


Best wishes,
 
Just out of curiosity does anyone know how camera (Leica) prices are in Great Britain vs the US? It was pointed out to me that Ffordes is really close to Inverness? Doing a quick currency conversion, they seem pretty close to US prices. I am guessing that VAT is not included in the prices listed on Ffordes website. And am I correct that VAT is refundable when you leave the country?
 
ktmrider said:
Just out of curiosity does anyone know how camera (Leica) prices are in Great Britain vs the US? It was pointed out to me that Ffordes is really close to Inverness? Doing a quick currency conversion, they seem pretty close to US prices. I am guessing that VAT is not included in the prices listed on Ffordes website. And am I correct that VAT is refundable when you leave the country?
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The prices at Ffordes, like about 99.99% of UK retailers, includes VAT upfront (http://ffordes.com/terms_and_conditions) - but you claim it back leaving the country with the receipts and relevant paperwork.
 
not sure where You stayed on your last visit
My two favorite places in Edinburgh ...

~ The Gkass House
Boutique Style Hotel , Tres Artsy, An old stone church facade mixed with a Modern Glass facade ... Art work adorns all the Walls from local Artists, have a cocktail at the 'Honor Bar ' where You mix your own and pay what you will.

~The Balmoral
Old World & Classic
met the Scottish Author 'Murial Sparks' in the lobby one day . She was in town to do a talk at the Fringe which I was so lucky to attend
 
We have an apartment through AirBnB about a half mile from the castle in Edinburgh. When doing a trip with Absolute Escapes, it is usually a great b&b.

I just had a friend who spent two weeks hiking the West Highland Way and he said it did not rain even once. May I be so lucky as last year hiking the C2C in northern England, it rained 13 out of 15 days. And four years ago, my daughter and I had to buy extra pile while hiking the West Highland Way in August. I never realized the north coast of Scotland is as far north as Anchorage.

I tried haggis last visit. This visit I plan on sampling various whisky and bringing a couple bottles back for Xmas gifts. Am trying to educate my new son-in-law on scotch vs bourbon. And I wonder if he would wear a kilt?
 
Sandy Bell's near Greyfriars is the place for traditional music and beer in Edinburgh. Craft brewing is big in Scotland so plenty of pubs have a good selection of interesting IPAs , pilsners, porters , saisons etc.

For film needs Cameratiks in Morningside has a good supplies in all current formats. It also has a wide selection of film cameras, lenses. Only a small amount of Leica gear but plenty of Rolleis , half frame etc. Prices are on the higher end of the normal range. It should be noted that they service film cameras so you can buy with confidence. I've had my YashicaMat , Leotax and a plethora of MF folders CLA'd there.
 
Hi,

I've nothing but praise for Ffordes but be warned you'll be tempted and may well fall; an email to them about VAT should get you a prompt reply.

If you like whisky then visit Islay, I think you can do it on a trip driving to Oban and go on to the Mull of Kintyre via the islands and then drive back to Glsgow or Edinburgh.

Anyway, enjoy your holiday.

Regards, David
 
Am fairly certain MP240 with 25/50/135 or 25/35/90 leaving the Fuji X70 at home. May throw the M5 body in the luggage just for a backup. Film will go in carry on bag.
 
Where Would You Go?

I have been retired for ten years and have traveled a lot. My wife just retired in June and we are headed to Scotland for a long walk at the end of September. We enjoy the outdoors and keeping active.

After we return from Scotland, we will be going to Alaska in October. My wife will be there three months (trying to decide if one can go home again). Then she is heading to Baja for New Years. I would like to do another trip with her in February. We have traveled extensively through Europe and North America. She has never been to Asia or South America.

If you could go anywhere, where would it be? I am offering her trips to SE Asia (Ankor Wat and Bangkok), Peru (Machu Picchu) or New Zealand or Australia. Neither of us has been to India or Japan (away from US military bases anyway).

And of course I would like it if the destination was "photo worthy."

So where is the one destination you were struck with or you would go back to again and again? For me, it would be Alaska or perhaps Istanbul if picking a city.

Thanks in advance for the comments.
 
I like your walking approach. I'm not much of a tourist and prefer settling down somewhere for weeks or months and getting into the flow of life. And, to my mind, any place with people is photo worthy. If there's one thing I've learned about street photography, it's that there's no telling where or when the next good photo will offer itself.

Since you like walking, how about the hike from Cusco to Machu Picchu? A friend did it and said it was life-changing for him. I think it's about a week's walk. (I took the train.)

The place at the top of my list is Bhutan.

John
 
I would love to return to Madagascar.

Friendly people, stunning, varied scenery and wonderfully colorful, photogenic architecture.
 
What's important to you? I do not know your desired level of comfort and budget. I'd say if you want breathtaking landscapes while maintaining a western level of comfort (prices included) go to New Zealand and/or Australia. The cities over there might me very nice, but I assume they are rather similar to what you already know.

If you are more the city lurking type who want to take photos of interesting people in city/street environments, go to SE Asia or Peru. The experience there is probably more raw and might be further out of your comfort zone, which might be more creatively challenging.
 
No recommendation, just a suggestion to include seasonal climate in your consideration. Some nice places can be pretty uncomfortable in February, depending on your personal tolerance. Sydney, for example, would be very warm to hot (30-42C) and humid in February.
 
Every December and/or January I go to the north of Japan... just love the snow country. Been to Hokkaido many times and over the years have visited most areas in that prefecture... one visit found me spending one month in Sapporo and traveling the area by train (December). I visit the mountains and forests of Nagano 4-5 times a year... January 2018 I was in Niigata where we had 1 meter of snow in one day... it was great ; ). I can also recommend Aomori and this winter I am headed for Akita and Yamagata... what can I say, I love the snow.

Last month I was ten days shooting in the rice fields of Batad and Banaue, about nine hours drive north of Manila... beautiful. Driver and guide recommended.

I loved Chandigarh and state of Punjab, but for some reason India get mixed reviews.

Can't go wrong with New Zealand, and for something different Germany, Czech Republic, and Sweden are my picks for Europe... oh and Austria ; )

Have fun...
 
Ktmrider
"So where is the one destination you were struck with or you would go back to again and again"
It sounds like you've got some great trips lined up. Living, working & travelling I spend a lot of time in the mountains. As far as cities 'again & again ?' I enjoy Paris every time. If I could only ever visit one country? I'd pick Italy without hesitation, especially the northern part bordering on France, Switzerland & Austria; the Dolomites, great climate, wine & food.
 
ktm--you're a motorcyclist--get on the bike and go! Plenty of roads here in the USA and lots of overseas organized tours. My riding friend and I did 3500 miles in June from here to Quebec City and back. Lot of sights and sites! No excuses! GO!! :)
Paul
 
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