Stafford, Staffordshire , Cheap stuff:
1/10

The local market survives - just, given the competition it faces (see above). In the markey one may buy artfully camouflaged poor-quality fruit and veg (that's produce), dodgy electrical goods, replacement hoses for old washing machines and, an exciting addition to the local retail experience, Polish foodstuffs.

Stafford, Staffordshire , Different stuff:
5/10

Stafford has in recent years become home to a large number of mostly young people from eastern Europe. They are quiet, polite, hardworking, healthy and attractive, and perform sterling service in local shops and farms. This failure to blend in with the locals has caused some comment. Mostly appreciative.

Stafford, Staffordshire , Don't miss:
6/10

Um. The open-air Shakespeare at the castle at the end of June is fun. Unless it rains. The park alongside the river has been replanted and developed and is rather pretty in the summer. Unless it's flooded.

Stafford, Staffordshire , Food:
2/10

Don't ask. There are no decent restaurants in Stafford. Although the cafe in Marks is OK.

Stafford, Staffordshire , Hotels:
3/10

The Swan, an old coaching inn, on the main street. There are others, but none that I'd consider. There's a more upmarket one in the village of Acton Trussel, a few miles out of town.

Stafford, Staffordshire , Safety:
7/10

If you're in any way vulnerable (ie. aged, young, drunk or drugged, lost), best to avoid walking around the small areas of suburban low-income housing on the outskirts of town. Gangs of amateurishly unpleasant children and youths might well give you a hard time, in between smashing the glass in bus shelters and gobbing on the few remaining public telephones. Also, the town centre after 8pm on a weekend evening is the rightful domain of the drunken British young adult. There are drunken assaults, there is vomit, there are loud and ugly voices. It's not pleasant. Other then that, no probs.

Trujillo , General info:
8/10

Beautiful colonial centre

Trujillo , Cheap stuff:
10/10

City Tour

Caballos de Paso

Trujillo , Different stuff:
8/10

Archaeology

Chan Chan World Heritage site

Huaca de la Luna even better

El Brujo

Festivals. Marinera & Primavera, last week of January & September respectively.

Trujillo , Don't miss:
8/10

Cassinelli Museum & University Museum.

Trujillo , Food:
8/10

Rincon de Vallejo

Orbegoso & San Martín

España near Mansiche.

Trujillo , Hotels:
8/10

Casa de Clara

Economic family guest house offers meals & tours.

Quiet & informative.

Rooms from US$5 per person.

Cable TV, internet (wireless).

Trujillo , Safety:
7/10

Be careful around bus stations, markets & remote areas.

Do not believe taxi drivers or expect any traffic signals.