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.

Wellington , General info:
8/10

Located on the southern tip of New Zealand's North Island. Wellington is a town like no other in New Zealand. Its renowned for being very friendly, very liberal and full of incredibly interesting people.

Cuba Street in the middle of Wellington City Centre is usually thriving with buskers, jugglers and people wearing no shoes and piercings all of the place.

Wellington , Cheap stuff:
8/10

The asian food and sushi is excellent and incredibly cheap.

Wellington has more cafe's per capita than New York and Wellingtonians are incredibly proud of having some of the best coffee in the world!

Wellington , Different stuff:
9/10

Blanket Man! The City's superstar homeless guy - wearing only a blanket - even in winter - he is a local hero. Often found on Cuba Street smoking pot - he is always listening to his ipod, greets passers by with a little wink and has his own religion and political party!

Wellington , Don't miss:
10/10

Te Papa - fantastic museum of all things Kiwi. Be warned you can spend a full day walking round and seeing the exhibitions etc.

Wellington , Food:
8/10

Breakfast/Lunch:

Cafe L'affare just off Tory Street is excellent. Cafe Delux on Cambridge Terrace also has fantastic organic coffee and the best gluten free muffins in Wellington. Also of note are Dixon St Deli and Victoria St Cafe. Coffee is excellent everywhere.

Dinner:

Highlights include Flying Burrito Brothers, Logan Brown and Hede.

Wellington , Safety:
9/10

Very safe city. Often surprised to see young women walking alone at 2am down the high street.

Some homeless people in the centre of town but they are mostly harmless and often quite friendly.