Vallerina 2 #1 December 2, 2003 I did it! I just bought my ticket to Barcelona! I'm leaving January 9th, and I'm coming home January 20th! I am really excited, but I'm nervous, too. What do I need to know? What do I need to take? How much cash should I carry on me? It's been so long since I've gone overseas, and the last time I did, I lived with a family who made sure I wasn't doing anything stupid. My friend Erin who's going with me will be the one to encourange me to do something stupid! Do they jump at Empuria Brava during the week at all in January? Also, what do I need to know about jumping over in Spain? Can anyone tell me some key words I'll need...like how to say "relative work" and "skydives"? I'm so excited!!!! Also, has anyone out there put together a really nice scrapbook/memory album or anything like that of a trip they've done? It's something I'd like to do, but I'm not a very creative person.There's a thin line between Saturday night and Sunday morning Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
alanab 0 #2 December 2, 2003 ohh youre leaving the same day i leave for london. what airport do you fly out of? shit, you better come visit me over there! just at least for a night to party it up oin the london pubs with me! hey, are you goin to the sgc party saturday? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
vt1977 0 #3 December 2, 2003 QuoteI did it! I just bought my ticket to Barcelona! I'm leaving January 9th, and I'm coming home January 20th! Awesome! You'll have a blast! QuoteI am really excited, but I'm nervous, too. What do I need to know? What do I need to take? How much cash should I carry on me? There are cash machines all over the place and the DZ accepts credit cards, cash or travellers cheques. Almost everywhere accepts cards too - so how much cash you choose to carry really is down to personal preference. As a guide, I normally take approx 20 euros a day (but this is entirely dependent on what you're planning to do, of course!) to be on the safe side, but I pay for most things by card and draw more cash if I need to. There is even a cash point at the DZ. QuoteDo they jump at Empuria Brava during the week at all in January? They certainly do! The weather might be a bit hit and miss at that time of year though... It's well worth making sure you do get to jump there though, as the views from altitude at Empuria are absolutely breathtaking! QuoteAlso, what do I need to know about jumping over in Spain? Can anyone tell me some key words I'll need...like how to say "relative work" and "skydives"? Don't worry about any of that stuff at the DZ - the dropzone is run in English and all the staff speak excellent English and the DZ is part owned by a Brit. If you want any tips about good places to stay (also not to stay! I've stayed in at least one flea pit there before... ), eat, shop etc. at Empuria, then drop me a PM. You're gonna have SO much fun! Vicki Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
vt1977 0 #4 December 2, 2003 Another thing – January is out of season for Empuria, so expect a fair number of the bars and restaurants to be closed although don’t worry, there will still be plenty of places to eat, drink and be merry! Empuria really is wonderful – excellent DZ, close to the town and beach – just the perfect mix of everything you want on holiday! Vicki Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WFFC 1 #5 December 2, 2003 QuoteWhat do I need to know? Two phrases: "Donde esta el bano?" "Dos mas cervezas por favor." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jib 0 #6 December 2, 2003 Check with you bank and credit card companies regarding fees and what not for overseas transactions. They were talking about passing a law re: it, but I don't know the status. Make copies of important docs before you go, e.g. passport, tickets, itinerary, credit cards, and traveler's checks. Give a set to your traveling companion and leave one at home. -------------------------------------------------- the depth of his depravity sickens me. -- Jerry Falwell, People v. Larry Flynt Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TheAnvil 0 #7 December 2, 2003 I've never been to Spain, but want to go there. I've always wanted to get a haircut in Seville and take a pleasant jog in Pamplona during the San Fermin festivities. I'd check Lonely Planet's recommendations and definitely head up to Andorra for some skiing. One thing I would DEFINITELY do is make a copy or two of your passport and keep them both separate from your actual one. Leave one with a reliable friend or family member here in the US too - that makes replacement easier. Traveller's Checks have saved me once or twice. I don't think you need any special immunizations to go into Spain. Blah blah blah. I'm jealous. Have fun. Vinny the AnvilVinny the Anvil Post Traumatic Didn't Make The Lakers Syndrome is REAL JACKASS POWER!!!!!! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Vallerina 2 #8 December 2, 2003 Cool, thanks for the tips. QuoteIt's well worth making sure you do get to jump there though, as the views from altitude at Empuria are absolutely breathtaking! That's what I keep hearing! QuoteIf you want any tips about good places to stay (also not to stay! I've stayed in at least one flea pit there before... ), eat, shop etc. at Empuria, then drop me a PM. Cool! I've weasled someone else into helping me figure stuff out! Thanks! Quotewhat airport do you fly out of? shit, you better come visit me over there! just at least for a night to party it up oin the london pubs with me! I'm flying out of O'Hare. I'm not sure if I'll get a chance to go to London, plus I've already been there, so I don't have quite the desire to see something I've already seen! You should join us when we hit Madrid for a night! I heard it's insane over there! Quotehey, are you goin to the sgc party saturday? That's undetermined. Quote"Dos mas cervezas por favor." You know me well! QuoteCheck with you bank and credit card companies regarding fees and what not for overseas transactions Thanks for the heads up. I'll look into that! There's a thin line between Saturday night and Sunday morning Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BikerBabe 0 #9 December 2, 2003 Oh, I am JEL. I spent three weeks in Spain after college, and I loved it. If you have a chance, do try to take a train over to San Sebastian...it is the hidden gem of Spain as far as I'm concerned...a beautiful city with friendly people (as long as you aren't Spanish), incredible food, and amazing scenery. The Basque people are warm and friendly, especially if you show an interest in their culture. Have FUN!Never meddle in the affairs of dragons, for you are crunchy and taste good with ketchup! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest #10 December 2, 2003 QuoteQuoteWhat do I need to know? Two phrases: "Donde esta el bano?" "Dos mas cervezas por favor." Don't you have those reversed? mh"The mouse does not know life until it is in the mouth of the cat." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
samhussey 0 #11 December 2, 2003 Are you taking a rig with you? If so it'll need a cypres. Apart from that all you need to know is that Im really jealous, and I wish I could go back right now!!!!!!!! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Remster 30 #12 December 2, 2003 Quotetry to take a train over to San Sebastian It is beautifull, but its also on the other side of the contry! lol Val: you need to go to Oasis in Empuria: its a restaurant owned bu Gaby Meis and Bruno Broken. They are kinda good vidiots Some awsome pics on the wall. That restaurant is where I had the best paella in Spain (its home made, as opposed to many of the forsen ready made one you get at all the small places in spain now). You need to call them the day before for them to prepare it. In Barca, have fun!Remster Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BikerBabe 0 #13 December 2, 2003 Well, she said she was going to Barcelona...it's not THAT far from there! yeesh.Never meddle in the affairs of dragons, for you are crunchy and taste good with ketchup! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SkydiveNFlorida 0 #14 December 2, 2003 Awesome, Val! I bet you'll have a great time!! :D QuoteAre you taking a rig with you? If so it'll need a cypres. Apart from that all you need to know is that Im really jealous, and I wish I could go back right now!!!!!!!! You have to have a Cypres to jump in Spain? Angela. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
gremlin 0 #15 December 3, 2003 Top tip is the pizza wagon which inhabits one of the supermarket carparks about 300m from the DZ. The 4 cheese one is fantastic and cheap. Good bar is the Orange Kiwi but much of the place will be closed. The views are superb.I'm drunk, you're drunk, lets go back to mine.... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dropoutdave 0 #16 December 3, 2003 Does anyone know how long it takes to drive from England to Spain? We're heading off on the 23rd and it's looking like we'll spend xmas in my mates car that smells of mouldy milk. I have people tell me it'll take from 16 hours to more than 24 hours? Any ideas guys? ------------------------------------------------------ May Contain Nut traces...... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ZoneRat 0 #17 December 3, 2003 Spain is a very enjoyable place to tour. Very european. I felt completely safe there. They take siestas during the day, so everything stays open until very late at night. (Does in the summer anyway). It was interesting to see entire families Mom, Dad, 13 yr old type pushing a stoller down the streets of Barcelona at 1:00am. Young girls walking about. You'd never want to see that in a US city that late. No billboards in Spain. The little white cities out in the country. Try to hit The Prado in Madrid. Some of the most important art on the planet resides in there. Heronymous Bosch, Goya, Reubens... Down the street there's another museum where Guernica and several other important Picasso's are kept. What else... There's an amazing amount of cool shit to see in Spain. Castles. Amories. Monestaries. I've got some pics on my machine. I'll slap em up on a quick makeshift website right quick... hang on... I'll post the url in a few minutes.“There are more things in Heaven and Earth, Horatio, than are dreamt of in your philosophies.” Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ZoneRat 0 #18 December 3, 2003 Well... Not a very impressive array of pics I'm afraid... I thought it'd be better... but for what it's worth, here it is: http://www.heyrobin.com/spain/index.htm Once you get past the cherubic angel page (cherubic angels make me laugh) there's a few interesting pics here and there. I went there with my eldest sister who's in a secular choir that tours a different country every few years. Can't carry a tune in a bucket myself, but they still let me tag along... (You'll likely have a much better time not going with a 50 year old sister and a choir... lol). Yeah. Spain rocked! Folk that already live in kick ass places like London or Paris, often go to Spain on holiday... So it can't be that bad, huh... You'll have a wonderful time!“There are more things in Heaven and Earth, Horatio, than are dreamt of in your philosophies.” Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WFFC 1 #19 December 3, 2003 QuoteDon't you have those reversed? mh Depends on the need. Beer sometimes has to take a back seat to natural functions... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Botellines 0 #20 December 3, 2003 Considering England is an island it would take a bit of time and a bit of luck to do it by car. Seriously, you would have to go thru the Tunnel to France and from there to Spain. It can take a whole day easily depending where you are in England and where you want to go in Spain and how much you need to rest. I would recomend doing it by plane. London Madrid is only a couple of hours and flights are very cheap. try Easy jet. It will certainly be cheaper doing it by plane than paying for gas in a car. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
samhussey 0 #21 December 3, 2003 Not as far as Im aware, just Empuria. Guess I shoulda been clearer Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
nacmacfeegle 0 #22 December 3, 2003 "Considering England is an island" With Scotland and Wales on the mainland? Like it a lot!-------------------- He who receives an idea from me, receives instruction himself without lessening mine; as he who lights his taper at mine, receives light without darkening me. Thomas Jefferson Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BikerBabe 0 #23 December 3, 2003 QuoteTry to hit The Prado in Madrid. Some of the most important art on the planet resides in there. Heronymous Bosch, Goya, Reubens... Down the street there's another museum where Guernica and several other important Picasso's are kept Museo de La Reina Sofia. It is the modern art version of the Prado, and has one of the best Picasso collections you'll find anywhere. Go see "Guernica" if you get a chance. The way they have it displayed makes seeing it one of the most incredible and powerful art experiences you'll ever have, hands down. Once you know the back story of the painting, it rips your heart out.Never meddle in the affairs of dragons, for you are crunchy and taste good with ketchup! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Vallerina 2 #24 December 3, 2003 Wow! Thank you so much for all of your tips/hints/advice! I love this! I love being able to feel not so overwhelmed! QuoteAre you taking a rig with you? If so it'll need a cypres. Yup, my rig is Cypres equipped. I'm not sure if I'll take it or just rent a rig for a few jumps. QuoteVal: you need to go to Oasis in Empuria: Thanks for the tip! I know that you would never lead me anywhere less than marvelous, right??? QuoteIf you have a chance, do try to take a train over to San Sebastian... wow! It looks incredible! I wanna go!!! QuoteNo billboards in Spain. The little white cities out in the country. That will be a nice change. QuoteTry to hit The Prado in Madrid. Some of the most important art on the planet resides in there. That's somewhere Erin will definitely want to go. She loves the arts. Thanks for sharing those pics as well! Gaudi's work looks amazing! I want to see it up close!!!! Thanks again, everyone!There's a thin line between Saturday night and Sunday morning Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
lazyfrog 0 #25 December 3, 2003 as vicki said, you'll have a blast. They jump 7 days a week (weather permitting) Empuria nightlife : Surf Inn, Oasis, Captain's Cabin, Orange Kiwi... These are teh 4 main places which ARE open and where you'll see all the same faces you already saw during the day... enjoy the trip. don't miss the Dali Museum in Figueres---------- Fumer tue, péter pue ------------- ourson #10, Mosquito Uno, CBT 579 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
