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[wakingdream]

Let's face it, we all have expectations to some degree. maybe some of us would rather call those 'hopes'.

Tell us a bit about somewhere that didn't live up to your hopes or expectations....

[travelmonster]

I have to say New York - when I went last month, I think its the only place I've been (in my adult memory) that I really didn't enjoy and actually wanted to come home - actually not so much come home, if I could have moved on somewhere else that would have done too.

Then again, I really have no idea why I thought it would be a good idea for me to go there in the first place

[greekcypriot]

For me it was Glasgow.
Two or three months before visiting Glasgow we had a flight to Edinburgh. Well, I was thrilled with this place.
Both me and my husband were disappointed.

However, the country side, visiting the different Lochs was completely different and we loved it. - But the capital....no we were disappointed!




http://www.travelpod.com/members/greekcypriot



Read my recent entries/ Paris for my birthday
Stratford upon Avon
Gorge of Demosar
and the very last entry I made in ACHLADERI EVIA.

[wakingdream]

I can't think of anywhere particularly that I've been really disappointed. There have been some stops along the way that have been, for lack of a better word, "meh" but for the most part we've always found something good with the bad.

In Thailand, Songkla was a disappointment though. It was described to us as a colorful fishing village but it was BORING and dirty. Also, it was weird in that we had a few really not-so-nice experiences while just wandering around. One was that we stumbled upon two or three dogs just lying on the road, minus their heads! But, we did find the best liquor shop EVER! That was cool. We stayed a couple of days and then carried on.

I'd have to say that after a few days of the best of the bigger cities, I want OUT! Even though there's so much to see and do in alot of big cities it's just too much action for me

[starlagurl]

I am usually not disappointed in places...

I was disappointed that Quebec City was so cold in February during Carnavale...but...then again IT'S QUEBEC CITY DURING CARNAVALE! What was I expecting?!

Caribou can fix any disappointments no matter how big or small...

Haha.

[durnadupa]

I have to say New York - when I went last month, I think its the only place I've been (in my adult memory) that I really didn't enjoy and actually wanted to come home - actually not so much come home, if I could have moved on somewhere else that would have done too.

Then again, I really have no idea why I thought it would be a good idea for me to go there in the first place

The thing with NYC is that it is difficult to enjoy it if you're hitting the usual sights. I mean in reality, the Empire State Building is just a really tall building and Times Square is a lot of bright lights...nothing magical. To truly experience the city you have work a little harder, I find that you get a good feel for the city if you head into Soho, the East Village, China Town, and Little Italy. These areas pack in over a 100 elasticities into a few square blocks and gives you the feeling of multiculturalism that gives NYC that title of "capital of the world."

[aopaq]

Caribou can fix any disappointments no matter how big or small...

Haha.

Is there something I am missing here? I know caribou is quite tasty to eat.......

[starlagurl]

Haha! By caribou, I mean, a sugary wine drink, best served hot, sometimes chugged out of hollowed out plastic walking sticks at Carnevale in Quebec like so:

[spoonball]

"Road to Vistory", a World War II tour organized by World War II veterans. Really good historical content with the privilege of having the best of escorts ... 8 octogenarian vets. HOWEVER, the vets who organized the tour were far more concerned with content than with comfort.

• The itinerary was overstuffed and the days were way too long. No one can tolerate 12-hour touring days on a regular basis. Worst offense: arriving at Dachau after 5 pm; the gas chamber, the crematorium and the museum were all closed.
• Too many war museums. I know this was designed around the war, but one day we visited The D-Day Museum, the Omaha Beach Museum and the Normandy Invasion Museum. The tanks and war-wardrobed store mannequins all began to look alike.
• It was exactly 7 days before the bus departed on time. This group wandered aimlessly and was disrespectful of others. And no one took control of the situation.
• There was a virus making its way through the bus. Two vomited; four had intestinal issues; allergies were pervasive. And then there was the stench of the onboard lavatory.
• No time built in for ATM/cash exchange.
• No downtime, no shopping time
• Hotel service levels were often unacceptable
• Food was definitely a lowlight. There were 12 lunches and 12 dinners, but only four were good. Best meal of all was on the ferry to Calais.
• First bus driver hit a car, ran over curbs, cussed at other drivers and used rude gestures, talked on his cell phone while speeding down the interstate … and had no idea where he was going for the most part. He was replaced by a fellow who got two tickets. And all drivers (there were 3!) got lost multiple times. Have they heard of GPS?

Summary: If I had it to do over, I wouldn't.

[aopaq]

"Road to Vistory", a World War II tour organized by World War II veterans. Really good historical content with the privilege of having the best of escorts ... 8 octogenarian vets. HOWEVER, the vets who organized the tour were far more concerned with content than with comfort.

• The itinerary was overstuffed and the days were way too long. No one can tolerate 12-hour touring days on a regular basis. Worst offense: arriving at Dachau after 5 pm; the gas chamber, the crematorium and the museum were all closed.
• Too many war museums. I know this was designed around the war, but one day we visited The D-Day Museum, the Omaha Beach Museum and the Normandy Invasion Museum. The tanks and war-wardrobed store mannequins all began to look alike.
• It was exactly 7 days before the bus departed on time. This group wandered aimlessly and was disrespectful of others. And no one took control of the situation.
• There was a virus making its way through the bus. Two vomited; four had intestinal issues; allergies were pervasive. And then there was the stench of the onboard lavatory.
• No time built in for ATM/cash exchange.
• No downtime, no shopping time
• Hotel service levels were often unacceptable
• Food was definitely a lowlight. There were 12 lunches and 12 dinners, but only four were good. Best meal of all was on the ferry to Calais.
• First bus driver hit a car, ran over curbs, cussed at other drivers and used rude gestures, talked on his cell phone while speeding down the interstate … and had no idea where he was going for the most part. He was replaced by a fellow who got two tickets. And all drivers (there were 3!) got lost multiple times. Have they heard of GPS?

Summary: If I had it to do over, I wouldn't.

Sorry to hear your experience was so bad especially given that it was organized by veterans who I expect must be receiving all/some of the profits. I hope you were able to provide feedback to these organizers so they will hopefully make some adjustments. I am sure such tours could be very interesting, educational and definitely a much more positive experience than what you had!

[starlagurl]

That sounds terrible! I hate organized tours more than anything else. You pay a lot of money and sometimes you get nothing for it. Save your money and do it on your own schedule next time!

[darrenstravels]

Probably Sydney.

Thing is, by the time we got there, we had been traveling around Australia for four months, had gone from Perth to Darwin to Melbourne, so maybe we were jaded.

Either way, it didn't really compare to Melbourne for us. Don't really understand why so many people raved about it.

[sianeth]

I agree! Everyone does rave about Sydney, and I just didn't see it so much... Especially compared to Melbourne, as you said.

[findingnine]

I have to say New York - when I went last month, I think its the only place I've been (in my adult memory) that I really didn't enjoy and actually wanted to come home - actually not so much come home, if I could have moved on somewhere else that would have done too.

Then again, I really have no idea why I thought it would be a good idea for me to go there in the first place

I Loved New York! It was lively and so easy to get around. Having a traveling companion who offered no compassion and forced us to walk everywhere made it rough, but when we did rest or take the subway I was very impressed. I would definitely go again!

[wakingdream]

I have to say New York - when I went last month, I think its the only place I've been (in my adult memory) that I really didn't enjoy and actually wanted to come home - actually not so much come home, if I could have moved on somewhere else that would have done too.

Then again, I really have no idea why I thought it would be a good idea for me to go there in the first place

I Loved New York! It was lively and so easy to get around. Having a traveling companion who offered no compassion and forced us to walk everywhere made it rough, but when we did rest or take the subway I was very impressed. I would definitely go again!

NYC is cooo-ul!! I loved it too. I walked alot as well. Good times.

[findingnine]

Ottawa, now that's a disappointment.

I thought with so much in the way of arts and museums and such, this would be a great city to move to. I must say, I have never been in a less friendly town. People actually scowl or just turn away when you smile in the street. Every time I leave, I don't want to come back.

[starlagurl]

Ottawa is different that's all. There are lots of arts events, you just have to find them. For example, I am going to listen to some storytelling tonight, it's always a good time AND it's free.

On the party party side, yeah it's a disappointment and I regret that there's not more fun things to do in the winter.

But the festivals are great, I just immerse myself in them every year.

[greekcypriot]

When in New York, I had the feeling that the skyscrapers would fall on me if an earthquake happened!
When I saw the Twins falling down I was devastated.
But New York is one of the best places for shopping!
I had the chanch to visit many museums as well.
It is a city that has everything. The disappointing thing about it is that you see so many people sleeping in paper bags in the streets.
Reminds me of India sometimes!

But still I want to come back....probably soon!

[wakingdream]

Ottawa, now that's a disappointment.

I thought with so much in the way of arts and museums and such, this would be a great city to move to. I must say, I have never been in a less friendly town. People actually scowl or just turn away when you smile in the street. Every time I leave, I don't want to come back.

Dude, did you move to Ottawa??

[travelmonster]

I have to say New York - when I went last month, I think its the only place I've been (in my adult memory) that I really didn't enjoy and actually wanted to come home - actually not so much come home, if I could have moved on somewhere else that would have done too.

Then again, I really have no idea why I thought it would be a good idea for me to go there in the first place

I Loved New York! It was lively and so easy to get around. Having a traveling companion who offered no compassion and forced us to walk everywhere made it rough, but when we did rest or take the subway I was very impressed. I would definitely go again!

I guess its just one of those things, lots of people do rave about NYC, I'm just not a city girl at all really, hence my comment that I don't no why I thought it would be a good idea for me to go there

Actually I have enjoyed some cities come to think of it, I liked Barcelona - that was ace, but I think 2 days is enough city for me wherever it is.