Hyderabad-Deccan , General info:
7/10

A 400-year-old city founded by the Qutbishahi kings near the ancient Golconda forts, Hyderabad has been the seat of Nizams. Aftre India's freedom, it has been the capital of Hyderabad state, and since 1960 the capital of Andhra Pradesh. It is emerging as a vibrant knowledge centre, with its strong base of Information technology and biiotechnology sector. The Charminar is its symbol, a domed four-pillared 182-foot structure, that testifies to the triumph of human endeavour over pestilence. It is said to have been built to mark the city's resurrectin from plague.

Hyderabad-Deccan , Cheap stuff:
5/10

Being almost a geographic centre of the Indian sub-continent, it reflects the merger and blending of different linguistic and social sub-cultures of India. One finds a fair mix of various ethnic groups. One can see the ancient and the modern co-existing in this city. The maximum number of films in any language other than Hindi are made in Hyderabad, ie in Telougu. Ramoji Film City, located 30 km from the city, is a landmark. Well, landmarks abound.

Hyderabad-Deccan , Don't miss:
7/10

The Golconda, The Char Minar, Salarjung Museum, Tank Bund, The State Assembly, The Birla Temple, Shilparamam, Ramoji Film City, Osmania University, Banjara Hills.Falaknuma Palace

The Pathargatti, on way to Charminar has jewellery and pearl shops.

Hyderabad-Deccan , Food:
2/10

A variety of food. Vegetarian and non-vegetarian. The Hyderabadi biryani is famous.

Hyderabad-Deccan , Hotels:
2/10

A variety to choose from. Some of them are on par with the best in the world.

Hyderabad-Deccan , Safety:
2/10

Well, if you overlook the bit of rash driving on all roads.

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.