Eglesbrech

It may well be now, I was just highlighting that initially it was not.

A discussion on another thread has reminded me of a bit of nostalgia. Do you remember going to new ports and the welcome you got back when ships were seen as a very welcome addition to the local economy. The first time we went to Cartagena we were given a flower from ladies in costume and there was a band. Frederica we had music, costumes and were given sweets. One port in Iceland, I can’t remember which, gave us some sort of soused fish. I don’t recall the port but the fish was shall we say unique. Closer to home in the early days Invergorden put on a full pipe band and highland dancers (don’t know if that was the local chamber of commerce or Celebrity). Any memorable “welcomes”

The first time we went there they really had the red carpet out, the free bus, lots of local tourist staff with maps, music etc. Presumably as more and more ships went in did not feel the need to make such an effort (or like other ports felt that the spend in local shops perhaps did not justify the cost).

The bus was provided by the local business community and yes it was initially offered as a free service. So you are correct, not a P&O cutback.

On Aurora a few weeks ago they provided reusable heavy plastic take away cups with lids which you just returned (or the cabin steward cleared them). No additional charge and yes they would fill your own. As you say proper cups if sitting in.

Yes, we looked at it for September one year when parking at the port was all gone. They charge you more than they would if you were just leaving the car for a flight and that’s more taking account of the additional cost of the transfers to and from the port. You can’t just book the car park at the standard rate and get a taxi, or at least you couldn’t when we looked as you needed a flight reference. May have changed.

Good morning all. Another lovely day here. There is a black bird bouncing around in the back garden picking up worms. The apple trees are in full bloom and look really pretty. Have a good day all.

It’s 2% of all U.K. exports but 26% of U.K. food and drink. It’s one of the largest net contributors to U.K. balance of trade.

Hope you get over it completely soon. These bugs take time to shake.

Anyone been watching the Eurovision knock out rounds. Some interesting offerings to say the least.

2% of a massif market, £278m in 2023.

Many thanks, I’ll look out for that. India is one of the biggest markets for whisky in the world, good fo our exports!

I like some of the Penderyn range and tried them while in Wales. The St George English has some interesting offerings too. I’ll look out for the Norfolk, do you have a name (might be St George?) I’ve tried numerous Japanese but haven’t found one quite to my taste. We were in Ireland last year and came across Red Breast whiskey while trying a tasting flight in Galloway City. We had the 12 year old Pot and it was excellent. We asked mine host if the 25 year old would be better and the honest man said no, just more expensive but not better. Had several bottles since. And don’t get me started on Scottish offerings as I can (and have) bored people for hours in on the subject. We had Cullen skink for dinner on Sunday as I managed to get fresh Arbroath Smokies and had a dram of Smokehead (cheap and cheerful from the Macleod stable of distillery’s) so it’s doesn’t have to be expensive to be good if paired with the right food!

@daz1107 I didn’t want to go off topic on the drinks thread but as a fellow whisky (and whiskey) enthusiast can I recommend one from a fairly new distillery. We were in Fife last year and visited Kingsbarns which is less than a decade old. Their Balcomie Sherry matured malt is really good and very well priced for the quality, I’d say cheap for the flavour profile. Rosebank is also opening again in June after 25 years sleeping so looking forward to going for a tour there. You are correct, the selection is pretty safe and pedestrian for anyone who knows and enjoys their whisky.

ICF has not been around much recently, unless I have missed posts.