One Challenge (Europe) 2008

[andybarton]

Whilst in Berlin, the gathered throng were asked to suggest suitable venues for next year's Challenge.

Rather than choose on the day, we decided that democracy should rule, and that a vote on the forum should be taken.

So, here are the top 5 locations as proposed by those of us who could make it to Berlin, placed in alphabetical order.

Please cast your vote for next year's venue. And if there are any volunteers for next year's organiser, say "I"

[carstenw]

Wow, great choices. I would be happy with all of those, especially the first three, none of which I have been to and all of which I would like to visit.

[erl]

Been to all except Krakow. My agony is, ALL are fantastic for this style of 'competition' shooting. I am assuming confidently that Krakow does conform! So, do I vote for returning to any of thre fantastic cities, or do I vote for a new experience? Tough decision. I will abstain for a while and consider.

I can only reinforce that whichever city is the final choice, it will be a "bobby dazzler".

[Eoin]

They say you miss the beauty in front of your own nose. Dublin perhaps would prove an easy location for me but a little stale perhaps. I've been elsewhere on the list and all I feel would prove more stimulating than here. However the Lonely Planet guide book people have just named Ireland in it's blue list as the friendliest place on Earth right now........ something to do with our black sense of humor if you believe that!.

Anyway the beer is good, Guinness can't travel outside of Ireland and taste so creamy, it's also ridiculously expensive (as is everything else) but there is lots of crack and fun to be had by day & night. It's also pretty safe. Time of year is important, I just hate those gray skies in October. I'll vote for home and who knows, perhaps I'll be greeting you all next year with a "cead mile failte"

[earleygallery]

Erl, I visited Krakow last year and it's an amazing city with lots of interest and a street life culture so plenty of photo opportunities. Its also very inexpensive and the beer is good I definately want to return soon but I've voted for another city on the list -tactical voting for my 2nd choice.

I'm looking forward to next year already and I've not yet submitted my photo for this year!

[erl]

James, you are persuading me to vote Krakow with your brief insight. However, as the journey to anywhere in Europe is so long for me (20 - 30hrs), I must make it (the challenge) as the means of a 'stopover' either to or from some other destination where I spend 2 or 3 weeks, justifying the journey.

My choice is still on hold. Probably toss a coin. One gamble I can't 'lose'.

[stunsworth]

Well if you chose Barcelona, you could hire a car and then spend two weeks exploring Catalonia and Languedoc/Provence in France. Barcelona to Perpignan is just two hours or so.

[spylaw4]

Originally Posted by stunsworth

Well if you chose Barcelona, you could hire a car and then spend two weeks exploring Catalonia and Languedoc/Provence in France. Barcelona to Perpignan is just two hours or so.

That is if you haven't had your wallet/documents/camera gear nicked!

[michael_boylan]

I'm very surprised Krakow hasn't had more votes. My IIIf took me there last year and it's a great place for photographers: unusual, photogenic, very friendly and cheap cheap cheap Krakow visit Nov 2006

Dublin, on the other hand, I have a vested interest in. It certainly isn't cheap - but as a Dubliner I get free accommodation with family Bring it on.

[michael_boylan]

Originally Posted by spylaw4

That is if you haven't had your wallet/documents/camera gear nicked!

True. Our rental car was broken into just south of Barcelona - credit cards, everything, nicked. They were in the car because there is nowhere else to put them when rock-climbing. The toe-rag thieves obviously know this too and target the climbing areas. Everyone I know who has been to Barcelona has a variation of this story

[robert_parker]

I've just voted for Krakow, having heard superb things about the city from those who have been there - Barcelona sounds nice, too !!

[erl]

I just voted for Krakow, couldn't resist the beckon of a 'new face'.

For those intrigued by Barcelona (easy to understand that emotion), you may wish to look at my visit there last year on the way to the 'Paris Challenge'. I found it, as always safe and easy, even up dark alleys at night. Never got threatened, but I was received in a freindly manner.

Go here for my 'postcard' on Barcelona,
Invitation to Travel
or navigate from my website.

[stunsworth]

I posted a question on the LUG about security in Barcelona, and so far most of the responses have been that provided you take the usual precautions for an area filled with tourists there shouldn't be a problem. The one major dissent was from someone who suggested lining your camera bag with chicken wire and threading a steel wire though the strap if you were ever going to shoot away from home - note this was general advice not Barcelona specific and I think he was being serious.

[andybarton]

The steel wire is likely to take your head off if a scally on a moped grabs the bag and tries to make off with it.

Insurance is probably the answer here... (which reminds me...)

[erl]

So far, it is looking like Barcelona, but it is early days yet! If, I repeat if that is the case, I can assure participants of a thoroughly fantastic, and safe event. I have visited Barcelona three times, each time just arriving and taking my chances with accommodation, events, meals, pictures, etc. Everything is soooo easy and exciting. Give over to the flow. It is very rewarding. Sounds like I am talking myself into going back, again.

But Krakow would be fun and exciting, I am sure, hint to voters.

[earleygallery]

I've been to Barcelona a few times now (which is also why I've voted for another of the cities, wonderful as it is) with my Leica's and haven't had any problems, even when wandering through some of the rougher parts of town. The usual rules and commonsense apply.

Pickpockets are said to be rife along Las Ramblas - although I've never lost anything.

[andybarton]

Pickpockets are rife in London, New York, Tokyo, Madrid, [enter your crowded city here]...

I had some concerns over security in Barcelona (and my vote went elsewhere too), as it does have a reputation, but Rome was supposed to be a hot-bed of crime, and we didn't see any on the two occasions we have been there in the last two years. It's just a case of sensible precautions, as always.

[bill]

I'd do any of the above, and have been to most. The one I found least engaging was Vienna - I was there for the New Year a couple of years ago. Went to the Ball in the Hofburg Palace. Generally found the city quite dull, even at that time of year.

Regards,

Bill

[stunsworth]

Bill, I have to say Vienna was bottom of my list, but I'll be there next year if it wins <grin>

[chouhsin]

Of all these cities, only Barcelona and Vienna are in the Schengen country. Which means I'll have to apply for a visa if any other city comes out as a winner.
I'd love to go to Dublin though.


Hsin