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.

Ulaanbaatar , Cheap stuff:
6/10

Local "black" markets have much to offer. Language barrier is an issue, so bartering can be problematic. Best to have a local as a guide and don't be surprised at the practice of Mongols being charged far less than tourist.

Cashmire is a reasonable purchase. A cashmire or camelhair blanket will be a purchase you will enjoy for decades.

Ulaanbaatar , Don't miss:
10/10

Milk Vodka...

Ulaanbaatar , Food:
5/10

International cuisine can be found. No McDonalds yet. Traditional Mongol food can be found and if you like mutton you will be in heaven.

Ulaanbaatar , Hotels:
2/10

There are only really 2 to chose from.

Ulaanbaatar , Safety:
5/10

Be very careful of traffic. Pickpockets. Being out at night might be a problem, yet doesn't seem to bother residents, but much of the city's once operational street lighting doesn't work.