Am going away for 4 days in January but can't decide between Calgary or Seattle.

Both will be freaking cold but aside from that, has anyone been/live to either and any recommendations?

I know Calgary are playing NHL on the Saturday I'm there but I don't want that purely to be my only judgement.

Thanks

I've been to Calgary,on route through bear country to Vancouver, but it's too long ago to offer any recommendations - other than if you should find yourself heading into bear country,it's best to go with someone you can outrun

I can't recall having been to Seattle but feel I know it well from watching that great film Sleepless in Seattle. You could try watching the full film for free online over Christmas,to see if it gives you any ideas.

p.s it's a hell of a long journey from Amsterdam/UK for just a 4 day stay ? Prepare for jet lag.

Thanks grob. Made my decision and am doing a bit of a mad soiree next weekend. Fly from Amsterdam to Heathrow then on to Seattle. Going to spend one night there and am currently trying to find a good gig to go to as Seattle is famously the home of grunge. Not that I've really been into that scene for a few years but want to try and find a bar that allows up and coming bands to play.

Next morning I will then fly to Las Vegas for 2 nights. We're into the NFL play-offs and I've been a massive fan of the New England Patriots for over 25 years. As much as I should probably try and nab a ticket for the game, I find myself on the wrong coast!! So I want to watch it live and want to try and be amongst the best atmosphere possible.

I've been reading about this Sports book that the Hilton has in Vegas with capacity for over 1700 people to watch games (and do ingame betting). I'm not a very experienced gambler, so going to go for the atmosphere which should be immense across the 4 weekend games.



I've also booked myself a ticket to go and see a comedy show with a guy called Carrot Top. Have no idea what it will be like but looking at youtube clips, the guy has had a fair amount of plastic surgery (only in Vegas!)

After that, I will fly back to Seattle for one more night and day. Time to explore the city. Need to find out what food Seattle is famous for and make sure I get a big plate of it! Next day I fly back to London and then Amsterdam.

A ridiculous amount of travelling for such a small time period but I needed to take a flight before 1st March to ensure I qualify for a new status with BA and they had a sale on, so thought I'd take advantage.

I'm not looking forward to the jetlag but nothing like testing your body!

The penultimate line of your post explains your madness ! Make the most of it then,as you seem likely to do,if you survive !

I've not been to Las Vegas - I was due to fly there once from LA, but TWA went on a 24 hour strike so I went to Disneyland LA instead.

Give the Pats a big cheer from me and my lad also

have a good trip

I will do and thanks

To be honest though, if the Bengals don't be Houston, I can't see the Pats beating the Steelers (I expect them to walk their wild card round against the Broncos), so a bit nervous on this weekend's games and seeing who the Pats get.

I'm sure once a few beers have been sunk I'll enjoy the games no matter the outcome!

Have done this also. Calgary was a stop off for one day - before the stampede The place was really starting to buzz. Apart from that there didn't strike me as being much else there, although I was fairly trolleyed Can't remember if I went Banff and Kelona after that. Both are great

I was in Seattle several years ago and you might be pleasantly surprised with the weather. The market is one of the cooler things I remember (Fisherman's Market?), and if you're a fan of the television series Northern Exposure, I could recommend another interesting side-trip. Try and rent a car and get out of the city a bit (a four wheel drive if you want to go up and through some of the passes). And if you get a beautifully clear day, you may be blessed with a sight worthy of the Alps.

Everything in Vegas is worth a pop, although I would have recommended Cirque Du Solei over Carrot Top. As for the betting books, I watched EPL the last time I was there, and yes, it's a hell of a lot of fun.

Enjoy!