[Thelomen Toblerone]

Messremb, on 12 June 2011 - 11:13 PM, said:

Illuyankas, on 12 June 2011 - 12:38 AM, said:

I was originally going to debut my BBQ sword, Excaliburger, at the BBQ this year. Then while carrying it in a backpack I kind of accidentally stabbed myself in the back walking home from a full day of exhausting shenanigans and barbeques. Now I'm not so sure.

So long as you don't poke holes in the train or my car I don't see any problems. Hold it in your hand. Slash at chavs.

*runs*

[Macros]

flights booked.
oh yes

[alt146]

Fid, on 13 June 2011 - 10:08 AM, said:

alt146, on 13 June 2011 - 07:10 AM, said:

Fid, on 11 June 2011 - 04:26 PM, said:

Looking at the Avis UK FAQ it seems ok about not having to have an international driving licence and just using your normal licence - South Africa is mentioned specifically - so probably not an issue - though you can get an International drivers licence - just visit the AA office in Sandton - can't remember how much they charged me back in 2005 and I converted my SA licence back to a UK one anyway once I moved over again.

We did a number of distilleries in the area a couple of years ago - if you go to Elgin then visit Gordon McPhail's whisky shop - a mega emporium of single malt. They have almost every bottling under the sun - and lots of unique ones that they have created. We visited a very small distillery near Elgin - Benromach that is very friendly and with some very nice expressions - the malts up that way are less peaty than our taste - we did Islay last year and prefer peat levels of 25-50 ppm but as ever it is a highly personal thing. PM me, Alt if you want any more info.

We were also thinking of renting at Iverness, but seeing as we have rail passes, we woul like to use the trains as much as possibly possible to cut down on costs. I will phone around when I have arrived in the UK to see what will be the cheapest, I was more concerned with making sure my licence will be valid. I am debating getting an IDP - I don't need one, but I get the impression it helps. Getting through to Sandton to organise one is a bit of a mission at this point, do you remember how long it takes them to issue one? If it's instant I might be able to stop there on my way to the airport.

As for specific distilleries the must see for us is Glenfiddich (my favourite), with anything else on the way there/back a bonus. We prefer less peaty whiskys, and most of our favourite whiskys come from Speyside so it's really going to be a case of driving through to Glenfiddich, then stopping at whatever else looks interesting on the way back until we run out of time. If you know a good site that summarises tour costs and times that would help, I haven't been able to find anything. I will make sure we stop in a McPhails, it sounds interesting.

On the IDP - I recall that I was able to get it done on the spot but needed quite a few documents - visit http://www.aa.co.za/...driving-permits to see what you need - interestingly you can get it done at Menlyn, which might be more accessible? Not sure where in PTA you are.

http://www.maltwhiskytrail.com/ has got all of the distilleries that you might find of interest on an impressive site - lots on the locations etc and also links to the specific distilleries for tour details - Glenfiddich goes from £10 for 90 minutes to £50 for half a day - per person of course.

We might just have to share a wee dram at Mal and Hetan's.... Shall see what bottles are close to finishing - though ours might be a wee bit peaty for some.

Thanks again for your google-fu. Menlyn is about 10 minutes drive and I might have to stop by there sometime this weekend anyway, so that will suit me fine.

If you're anywhere in Islay it will probably be too peaty, but everywhere else will probably be fine

[Fid]

alt146, on 15 June 2011 - 09:51 AM, said:

Thanks again for your google-fu. Menlyn is about 10 minutes drive and I might have to stop by there sometime this weekend anyway, so that will suit me fine.

If you're anywhere in Islay it will probably be too peaty, but everywhere else will probably be fine

Glad to help and hope that you get everything sorted ok - and look forward to seeing you @Hetan & Mal's - should be a great time - shall see if we can rustle up some Windhoek as well - but no Klippies. Safe travel

[Mott]

I might be able to come, I think I have managed to find a train that would get me there without having to go through London but it would involve leaving Glasgow very early so I have to wait to see if I can arrange lifts and stuff but I the days off work! This is of course also depending on me catching the right train...I have been known to take accidental detours before and that's just in Scotland, I am practically asking for it this time.

[Shiara]

Mott, on 16 June 2011 - 04:44 PM, said:

I might be able to come, I think I have managed to find a train that would get me there without having to go through London but it would involve leaving Glasgow very early so I have to wait to see if I can arrange lifts and stuff but I the days off work! This is of course also depending on me catching the right train...I have been known to take accidental detours before and that's just in Scotland, I am practically asking for it this time.

I hereby volunteer Coco to give you lifts

[Cougar]

Macros, on 14 June 2011 - 08:32 PM, said:

flights booked.
oh yes

It's fucking on then. I'm bringing us pint glasses this year.

Right bitches, I need to start getting some info on train times etc so I know when y'all gonna get there, also we need to know who'll be turning up at the station. You're usually pretty good at co-ordinating yourselves, so do it. I will make a run to the trainstation and Hetan normally does dependent on numbers.

[Macros]

stealing my thunder for fuck sake cougar!
I had a glorious plan all worked out to steal pint glasses from the queen to produce at the bar-b-que to widespread acclaim.
bastard

[Messremb]

I probably shouldn't mention that I have about 50 pint glasses hanging around then...?

[Cougar]

Macros specifically requested Guinness glasses, which I have been securing for us for this year.

[Macros]

well the nice peroni glass was confiscated due to illys godawful jokes

[Cougar]

The nice Peroni glass was confiscated because you were too pissed to hold onto it anymore, darling.

[Macros]

not how I recall events going down

[Macros]

oh and I nominated Toby to tell me where and when to be for trains

[alt146]

Visa is approved, so that's the last of the planning out the way. Looking forward to seeing everyone. I'll avoid hijacking this thread any more with planning the rest of our trip, better go dig up my original post on the matter.

[Cyphon]

I'm now officially out, friends decided that the weekend they want to come and visit.

[Illuyankas]

Kill your friends, turn up anyway.

[Dutch]

I've got to change the probable to not able come, mixed up the date and I promised my Niece a while ago that I would take care of her house and pets next week thinking that the bbq would be the week after.

Bummer.

Just found out the mixup when looking for tickets.

[Mott]

I'm going to have to go with unsure for the moment, the train thing is not going to work out after all since my lift is going to be working in the western isles or up north somewhere. I might be able to get the national express but it would be a long overnight ride. Anyone know of any good hotels nearby that wouldn't be too extortionate?

[Illuyankas]

Hetan and Mal's toilet floor is pretty comfortable.