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.

Udon Thani , General info:
5/10

A major commercial center in north east Thailand, a primarily agricultural region. The main areas of interest however lie outside the city, rather than within the main conurbation.

Udon Thani , Cheap stuff:
8/10

Local silks and cottons

Thai and Isaan food

Udon Thani , Different stuff:
10/10

Try eating an insect, morlam music festivals or ploghing the paddies!

Udon Thani , Don't miss:
5/10

Ban Chiang museum

Dancing orchids

Excellent local food

Udon Thani , Food:
10/10

From the simplest stertt hawkers to more formal restauaranst, Udon Thani has a wide range of eateries.

Udon Thani , Hotels:
10/10

Gecko Villa - geckovilla.com

Green Gecko - thaivillarent.com

Udon Thani , Safety:
10/10

Very safe.