Greetings!

[Traveldaddy]

Hi there everyone!

I'm a new member to the Aardvark Travel forum, and just wanted to introduce myself. My name is Tom, but I go by the name Traveldaddy (I'll answer to either!)
I'm from the UK and do a fair amount of travel writing, both from my own experiences, and also writing on behalf of friends and family who have been to places that I have not yet visited (I wish money were limitless!)

Anyway, I wanted to get involved with this community and see if I can help out by offering advice or information. I have a lot of dealing with the African continent, and have been out to Kenya, South Africa, and Uganda over the past couple of years.
I also love the USA, and have had a lot of travel experience in the state of Florida. I plan on visiting New York in the not too distant future, and would love to go over to Los Angeles and San Francisco.

My most surprising travel experience was when I went over to Germany a year ago, (I used to be a teaching assistant at a high school for boys), and I was not really expecting Germany to be as nice and friendly as it turned out to be. (Being a British citizen, there is a certain underlying pre-conceived perception of Germany, thanks to the previous encounters our two great nations have had, both in terms of global conflict, and in terms of sporting events). I was genuinely and pleasantly surprised when I arrived in Cologne, and was absolutely blown away by the Christmas markets (I was visiting in December so don't worry, it's not like every day is Christmas out there!)
I'm actually in love with Germany now, and am desperately trying to arrange a visit back to Cologne (this time without 30 rowdy teenage boys causing me a massive headache or being sick on a coach!)

Anyway, I've rambled on enough for now, just wanted to say my hello's and hopefully make some great new friends here on Aardvark Travel.

Cheers for reading!

Traveldaddy

[paul]

Welcome to the forums, Tom, and thanks for posting such a thorough introduction.

I must say, I've not been to Germany much either (possibly passed through, but that's all). Not so much due to the history between ourselves and the UK which I suppose doesn't help perceptions, but more because I don't speak German and I prefer going to countries where I at least have a grasp of some of the basics.

Can you speak German and, if not, how did you get on?

Also... your travel writing... do you write for anyone in particular or is it more just a personal hobby?:

Paul
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[Traveldaddy]

Hi Paul,

No I don't speak German, however there is a really good grasp of the English language amongst the majority of German nationals, so combining my native tongue with some select phrases from a trusty pocket phrase book, or language app on my phone enabled me to get on really well with communications.

As for travel writing, I have done some travel writing for travel companies in the past, and sometimes get freelance work for these companies from time to time. I do it more as a hobby, and am in the process of starting up my own travel blog. (Details of which I will mention once it is ready to roll!)

I'd really recommend visiting Germany, hopefully my visits will become more regular as my wife's sister and her husband are based out in Hamlin (He works for the army and is stationed out there at this time). If you do go out there, I'd recommend going at Christmas time, as I honestly have never been anywhere that made me feel like I'd stepped into a Christmas wonderland. (In the UK we do our best to make our department stores look festive, but it pales into insignificance compared with what goes on in Germany).

I have heard that the Christmas markets come over to the South Bank in London every year, so would be interested to see how these fare when contrasted with the markets I visited in Cologne.

Anyway, thanks for replying, and I'm looking forward to getting involved in some great discussions.

All the best,

Tom

[paul]

I think Christmas markets are slowly growing in the UK but I suspect they still pale into insignificance with those in Germany.

I know there's a Frankfurt Market in Birmingham as well as this selection of European markets.

Those two links go to a blog I'm involved with, by the way. If you ever fancy guest blogging on there in order to help get your own blog off the ground, then feel free to get in touch.

Paul
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UK Hotels - UK Selfcatering - UK B&Bs - UK Attractions
Luxury Travel - Lake District Apartment

[katz]

Hi Tom

I replied to your post on my own introduction post before I read this - so I see that we have Cologne in common. I agree it is a lovely place and I also enjoyed the Christmas market as well as some yummy cake and coffee when I visited it a few years back.

Happy travelling!

Katz

[Dawn Patrol]

Welcome aboard Tom WOW, a bus trip with 30 rowdy teenage boys, you really do love adventure travel.
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A sense of humor is the pole that adds balance to your steps as you walk the tightrope of life--W.A. Ward