Today, I was going to sleep in till 8:00 but my neighbours decided to be noisy and woke up before 7:00. There was no way I can get back to sleep so I caught up with my blog and journaling. At 8:00, I got ready and headed down for breakfast. At 9:00, I left for the Wicklow Mountains and Glendalough tour. I waited in front of the Gresham Hotel. Apparently, a lot tours depart from there and good thing I know what the tour bus look like. The bus is actually a 14 passenger van because they can get into places where the big coach buses can't. So, once the van arrived, I went to tell them my name. Apparently, my name isn't on the roster or on the next van's roster. The person I signed up through email forgot me! This is the only one out of a lot of tours that I've booked that actually forgot me. I booked this tour back in February and was the last tour I booked too. I didn't print out any confirmation because it was just back and forth email communication. And the person kept saying 'see you on the 29th' as they signed off. Well, that left everyone in a pickle. The two vans that showed up were full on the roster. They had four vans going out today for this tour. After a lot texting and phoning, the person checking if I actually signed up confirmed that I did and then found room for me on the other van waiting at the TI. So, one of the driver drove me to TI so I can get in the other van.
Eventually, everything worked out but I was pretty mad. I had no alternative plans for today since everything I planned for my vacation has gone in so well, and I'm leaving in a few days. At least that's the negative part of my day. The tour was excellent. Our driver/tour guide was named Tommy and is a fountain of knowledge. There was a big group of Dutch students, two from Argentina, and me the lonely Canadian.
So, first we headed south of Dublin to go to the Wicklow Mountains. We stopped, as we headed up towards the top, to get a photo of Dublin below. It was unbelievably windy and cold. After, we climb back in the van and our next stop was Glencree, an old military barrack and known for a place of peacetalks. The mountains are unlike the West where it is just limestone everywhere. Well, one side is all stones but the other side is all peat. We then went through Sally's Gap, where the roads head on four different directions, to the bridge where 'P.S. I Love You' filmed a scene and there the two streams meet and that's where they get the water to make Guinness Beer. After the stop, we turned around to go to the other side. We first stopped at where they filmed the battle scene in 'Braveheart', and then we stopped above a Valley where a family member of the Guinness family owns its house in the Valley. It's so secluded and nice with its own beach and dark water. The water is dark due to the peat. The current owner is just a regular guy that may have posh friends do to his work.
After we headed to a little town, Laragh, for lunch. I had half a potion of beef and Guinness stew and it was a fairly bid portion. I don't want to know what the regular size look like. It was a nice thick stew with a scoop of mash potatoes in it. It was good during this cold rainy day. After lunch, we headed to Glendalough for 1.5 hours of free time to roam this place. Glendalough, 'Valley of two lakes', has Irelands most impressive monastic settlement founded by St. Kevin the sixth century. So, I walked around the Monastic Village with its famous 110 foot tall tower and ruined churches and then took a 3km journey around Lower Glendalough Lake. It was raining lightly when I first started and then coming down a little harder. Once we got back into the van, it was raining and hasn't stopped since.
Then Tommy drove north and east to get to the coast so we could see it as we drove back to Dublin. We got out for a little bit at Killiney to see if we could see any dolphins but that water was very choppy. We drove past Bono's (from U2) house and other famous people. We then continued our journey to Dun Laoghaire. The water was very choppy and big waves were coming in. Dun Laoghaire is a ferry terminal for Wales and England. I didn't see any ferries, and I wouldn't want to cross with this type of water.
After we made our way back to Dublin passing through Dublin's Embassy Row and then up to north side of Dublin where Tommy was nice enough to drop us off near our respective hotels/hostels, etc.
After I came back to the guesthouse, I dried off and got warm. I left to find dinner after 18:00. I always past this Malaysian Chinese restaurant really close to the guesthouse. They had a good looking early bird special (their early bird is from 4 to 8 pm) so I went in. I order honey spare ribs, where you get two big pork ribs, and beef chow mein. I have to get a vegetables some how and the chow mein comes with lots of veggies. After dinner, I went back to the guesthouse since I was drench again. No, I didn't bring an umbrella in this trip and I didn't buy one either. I was tempted many times because they have some pretty Ireland ones but I have survived this long without one. Since my room was on the top floor, it's not very warm. So, I just hanged down in the TV room since the furnace was blasting in there. So, know as I type this, I just finished a whole package of Kit Kat for dessert. *sigh*
I'm going to worry about packing tomorrow since I'm planning to leave the guesthouse at 11:00 for the airport.
Tomorrow's agenda: Getting to London
Sunday, April 29, 2012
Day 29: Newgrange/Hill of Tara and the Book of Kells
Today, I woke up early, a little before 7:00, had breakfast and left the guesthouse at 8:00 to get to the pick up location, a few blocks down, for the tour of Newgrange and Hill of Tara. I was at the last location for pick up. There was me and a couple of guys waiting. The tour had over 20 people on it at least.
This tour us a historical tour and the guide gave us a warning before hand.
We first made our way to Bru name Boinne (Boyne). We were going to visit Newgrange, a 5000 year old passage tomb. On the way, the guide gave us a full history on the Boyne area. It was a lot to take in. We arrived at the visitor Centre (since tour buses are not allowed in Newgrange). The Centre controls the number of people visiting the site. They have shuttle buses transporting people to and from the site 5 minutes away. We arrived early because the guide wanted us to be the first people so we waited. The admission to Newgrange is €6 for adults, which was included in the tour. Once we paid for our ticket and got a sticker stating what time your tour is, we went looking around the exhibit before heading to the shuttle leaving at the time of the sticker. But before we headed out, we got bad news in that the electricity is out at the site. It's kind of ironic that we actually need lights to see a 5000 year old tomb.
So our guide told us to wait and see if the power can turned back on before going up there. There's no point in seeing the site If you can't get in the tomb. So, we waited about half an hour before hearing the good news. Before we left for the shuttle, we went to see a short film to tell us about the tomb and why it was built the way it was built. Then we headed up to Newgrange. At the site, we were met by a guide. She told us the story again like the film and the structure of the tomb. She also told us about the window above the door and the decorative rock in front of the entrance. She then split us into two groups. One group will go inside while the other would look around and then vice versa. I was in the first group. The passage ways was short, even for me, and very narrow. We're not allowed to take pictures. Once in the centre, it opens up into a dome shape. 5000 years old, all made of rocks and is sealed watertight, good construction. Once we were all inside, the guide talked about the chambers and the roof. Then she shut off all the lights and wanted us to see what happened inside during the equinox when the sun rise due east. The sun would past through the window above the entrance and reflect into the passage way illuminating the rocks like gold. On the floor is just a long triangular slit. Then 15 minutes later as the sun move across the sky, the light slowly disappears and the passageway is dark again. It was pretty interesting. After we looked around the small chambers and made our way out to let the other group in.
Around the area, there are about 40 of these tombs but much smaller. They haven't started excavating yet but you can see the gentle slopes of them in the hills.
After we are finished, we took the shuttle bus back to the visitor Centre and then made our way to the tour bus. We were heading to Hill of Tara next. On the way to Tara, ewe pass by Slane. Our guide told us about Slane. The castle is still occupied and the owner gets his income by having rock concerts, like Rolling Stones and U2, there. Then the guide told us the history of Tara. Tara is a large hill and on top you can see miles around, 360· view. It was a clear enough day that we got to see far enough away. By that was all. The hill has a lot of ridges and bump. All the buildings are done except for some stone graves and a small mount that is not structurally sound. We had an hour at this site. So most of us ended up in the cafe and gift shop.
After, we headed back to Dublin. On the way, we watch this video recapping again about Newgrange.
Once I got dropped off it was about 15:15, so I headed over to Trinity College to see the Book of Kells. Since it was crowded, I waited around the gift shop till the crowd died down a little. It was interesting learning about the Book of Kells. Two of the books were on display and you could see the fine work of it. Then, my favorite part, I went up to the Long Hall, inspiration for the films Star Wars and Harry Potter for their libraries. The hall was magnificent with all the old books and two levels. There is even a old spiral staircase going up to the second floor. No photographs allowed. We were kept in the middle of the hall that was lined with busts of famous authors.
Then, I went walking around the other street along O'Connell Street. Since it was sunny and Saturday, the streets were packed with people shopping. There were some street artists out and about. After walking around for a bit, I headed back to the hotel for a power nap since I woke up early this morning. Then, at about 19:00, I headed out to look for dinner. I had the two course special. I ordered roast beef with mash potatoes and puree sweet potatoes and for dessert I have apple pie. There was something off about the apple pie. I can't put my finger on what. Then I just headed back to the guesthouse and email chat with my friend before heading to bed.
Tomorrow's agenda: Wicklow Mountains and Glendalough tour
This tour us a historical tour and the guide gave us a warning before hand.
We first made our way to Bru name Boinne (Boyne). We were going to visit Newgrange, a 5000 year old passage tomb. On the way, the guide gave us a full history on the Boyne area. It was a lot to take in. We arrived at the visitor Centre (since tour buses are not allowed in Newgrange). The Centre controls the number of people visiting the site. They have shuttle buses transporting people to and from the site 5 minutes away. We arrived early because the guide wanted us to be the first people so we waited. The admission to Newgrange is €6 for adults, which was included in the tour. Once we paid for our ticket and got a sticker stating what time your tour is, we went looking around the exhibit before heading to the shuttle leaving at the time of the sticker. But before we headed out, we got bad news in that the electricity is out at the site. It's kind of ironic that we actually need lights to see a 5000 year old tomb.
So our guide told us to wait and see if the power can turned back on before going up there. There's no point in seeing the site If you can't get in the tomb. So, we waited about half an hour before hearing the good news. Before we left for the shuttle, we went to see a short film to tell us about the tomb and why it was built the way it was built. Then we headed up to Newgrange. At the site, we were met by a guide. She told us the story again like the film and the structure of the tomb. She also told us about the window above the door and the decorative rock in front of the entrance. She then split us into two groups. One group will go inside while the other would look around and then vice versa. I was in the first group. The passage ways was short, even for me, and very narrow. We're not allowed to take pictures. Once in the centre, it opens up into a dome shape. 5000 years old, all made of rocks and is sealed watertight, good construction. Once we were all inside, the guide talked about the chambers and the roof. Then she shut off all the lights and wanted us to see what happened inside during the equinox when the sun rise due east. The sun would past through the window above the entrance and reflect into the passage way illuminating the rocks like gold. On the floor is just a long triangular slit. Then 15 minutes later as the sun move across the sky, the light slowly disappears and the passageway is dark again. It was pretty interesting. After we looked around the small chambers and made our way out to let the other group in.
Around the area, there are about 40 of these tombs but much smaller. They haven't started excavating yet but you can see the gentle slopes of them in the hills.
After we are finished, we took the shuttle bus back to the visitor Centre and then made our way to the tour bus. We were heading to Hill of Tara next. On the way to Tara, ewe pass by Slane. Our guide told us about Slane. The castle is still occupied and the owner gets his income by having rock concerts, like Rolling Stones and U2, there. Then the guide told us the history of Tara. Tara is a large hill and on top you can see miles around, 360· view. It was a clear enough day that we got to see far enough away. By that was all. The hill has a lot of ridges and bump. All the buildings are done except for some stone graves and a small mount that is not structurally sound. We had an hour at this site. So most of us ended up in the cafe and gift shop.
After, we headed back to Dublin. On the way, we watch this video recapping again about Newgrange.
Once I got dropped off it was about 15:15, so I headed over to Trinity College to see the Book of Kells. Since it was crowded, I waited around the gift shop till the crowd died down a little. It was interesting learning about the Book of Kells. Two of the books were on display and you could see the fine work of it. Then, my favorite part, I went up to the Long Hall, inspiration for the films Star Wars and Harry Potter for their libraries. The hall was magnificent with all the old books and two levels. There is even a old spiral staircase going up to the second floor. No photographs allowed. We were kept in the middle of the hall that was lined with busts of famous authors.
Then, I went walking around the other street along O'Connell Street. Since it was sunny and Saturday, the streets were packed with people shopping. There were some street artists out and about. After walking around for a bit, I headed back to the hotel for a power nap since I woke up early this morning. Then, at about 19:00, I headed out to look for dinner. I had the two course special. I ordered roast beef with mash potatoes and puree sweet potatoes and for dessert I have apple pie. There was something off about the apple pie. I can't put my finger on what. Then I just headed back to the guesthouse and email chat with my friend before heading to bed.
Tomorrow's agenda: Wicklow Mountains and Glendalough tour
Friday, April 27, 2012
Day 28: Hanging out in Dublin
Today started out as a cloudy day but gradually got better and was sunny in the afternoon.
I made no plans for today so I did whatever there was available. I had a quick breakfast and left the b&b at 9:00. I hope on the tour bus and it took me down a few blocks to the shopping areas. My objective was to find a carryon size hand luggage. I went walking around the usual shopping streets. I walked around Nassau Street and then Grafton Street. I didn't really find anything. The shopping there is like the shopping at home with almost the same stores.
After looking around the shopping areas, I slowly made my way to City Hall. There was a free walking tour that started at 11:00 and suppose to last for three hours. It actually lasted four hours and there was a 20 minute break for washrooms and snacks. The guide, Robbie, gave us a run down of Ireland and Dublin's history. It took awhile since Ireland has a long history. Actually, the guided walk was one big history lesson. Every place we stopped at we got a lot of history. First, we went inside City Hall and then to the courtyard of Dublin Castle. The castle is not like the other castles you see. They did preserve a part of it, the tower and the church attached, but everything else was Georgian influence. We walked to the Dublin gardens in the castle and learned how Dublin got its name. Dubhlinn in Irish means 'black pool' since there were lots of sediment deposited from the river.
Then we walked outside of the castle gate, and Robbie mentioned a scene that was filmed in 'PS, I Love You' by the gates and also he talked about Jonathan Swift's work. Then we headed to Christ Church Cathedral, and Robbie talked about the artifacts in the crypts. Then we went behind the church where there was once an old Viking settlement. But in its place now is the Dublin City Council building which had so much controversy before the building was built. Next we headed to Temple Bar for a break. We saw the hotel owned by U2, and we stopped at a cafe a couple door down by the famous Temple Bar pub.
After our break, we headed to O'Connell Street and then to Trinity College. Lots of history in these two places. Then we headed over to the government building and the National Museum. We didn't go inside these but again lots of history. Then we made our way over to St. Stephen's Green to learn about the Potato Famine and more about the rebellion during WWI. After that, it was over and was 15:00.
Since it was sunny, but no less warmer, I took the hop on hop off tour bus for a final loop and try to get all the pictures I missed or didn't take yesterday due to the rain. I hopped off the bus before O'Connell Street and slowly made my way up to find a place that sells luggage. I eventually found and bought a bag and was on sale too.
I went back to the b&b and rested and even had a 15 minutes power nap. I was exhausted from all that walking. I left the hotel at 18:00 to walk farther east around the River Liffey to see the Custom House, the Famine statues, and the Jeanie Johnston Famine ship. It was too late for the tour of the ship so I just took some pictures. Then I went to find food. Since my sister mentioned that I eat a lot of fish and chips, I decided to try for a restaurant instead of the usual pubs or fish and chips shop. I found one, apparently famous for its hot stone cooked steaks (steak cooked on a very hot stone and served that way), and had confit leg of duck. The legs sat on a bed of mash potatoes, cabbage, and bacon. Sounds good. It was good.
Next, I made my way back to the b&b and rest. I'm going to try to turn in early tonight since I have an early tour tomorrow.
Tomorrow's agenda: Newgrange and Hill of Tara tour
I made no plans for today so I did whatever there was available. I had a quick breakfast and left the b&b at 9:00. I hope on the tour bus and it took me down a few blocks to the shopping areas. My objective was to find a carryon size hand luggage. I went walking around the usual shopping streets. I walked around Nassau Street and then Grafton Street. I didn't really find anything. The shopping there is like the shopping at home with almost the same stores.
After looking around the shopping areas, I slowly made my way to City Hall. There was a free walking tour that started at 11:00 and suppose to last for three hours. It actually lasted four hours and there was a 20 minute break for washrooms and snacks. The guide, Robbie, gave us a run down of Ireland and Dublin's history. It took awhile since Ireland has a long history. Actually, the guided walk was one big history lesson. Every place we stopped at we got a lot of history. First, we went inside City Hall and then to the courtyard of Dublin Castle. The castle is not like the other castles you see. They did preserve a part of it, the tower and the church attached, but everything else was Georgian influence. We walked to the Dublin gardens in the castle and learned how Dublin got its name. Dubhlinn in Irish means 'black pool' since there were lots of sediment deposited from the river.
Then we walked outside of the castle gate, and Robbie mentioned a scene that was filmed in 'PS, I Love You' by the gates and also he talked about Jonathan Swift's work. Then we headed to Christ Church Cathedral, and Robbie talked about the artifacts in the crypts. Then we went behind the church where there was once an old Viking settlement. But in its place now is the Dublin City Council building which had so much controversy before the building was built. Next we headed to Temple Bar for a break. We saw the hotel owned by U2, and we stopped at a cafe a couple door down by the famous Temple Bar pub.
After our break, we headed to O'Connell Street and then to Trinity College. Lots of history in these two places. Then we headed over to the government building and the National Museum. We didn't go inside these but again lots of history. Then we made our way over to St. Stephen's Green to learn about the Potato Famine and more about the rebellion during WWI. After that, it was over and was 15:00.
Since it was sunny, but no less warmer, I took the hop on hop off tour bus for a final loop and try to get all the pictures I missed or didn't take yesterday due to the rain. I hopped off the bus before O'Connell Street and slowly made my way up to find a place that sells luggage. I eventually found and bought a bag and was on sale too.
I went back to the b&b and rested and even had a 15 minutes power nap. I was exhausted from all that walking. I left the hotel at 18:00 to walk farther east around the River Liffey to see the Custom House, the Famine statues, and the Jeanie Johnston Famine ship. It was too late for the tour of the ship so I just took some pictures. Then I went to find food. Since my sister mentioned that I eat a lot of fish and chips, I decided to try for a restaurant instead of the usual pubs or fish and chips shop. I found one, apparently famous for its hot stone cooked steaks (steak cooked on a very hot stone and served that way), and had confit leg of duck. The legs sat on a bed of mash potatoes, cabbage, and bacon. Sounds good. It was good.
Next, I made my way back to the b&b and rest. I'm going to try to turn in early tonight since I have an early tour tomorrow.
Tomorrow's agenda: Newgrange and Hill of Tara tour
Thursday, April 26, 2012
Day 27: Traveling to Dublin, Dublin at a glance
Today I woke up as usual and got ready and packed. I had a little break at the guesthouse and then slowly made my way across the bridge to the train station. The train, when I was checking, is suppose to be cheaper than the bus. But now, I'm not so sure. The train cost €28 from Waterford to Dublin and takes 2.5 hours. At Waterford, they let us in the train early, 10:25, and it doesn't leave till 11:00. OK, at first this train had two cars, but when got off the train at Dublin Houston, it had four cars. I think they pick up two cars in Kilkenny. At Kilkenny, the shut the power off for a minute and then back on again, and we were traveling in a different direction. I don't know how the train systems works in Ireland since this is my first and only train ride here.
Anyways, I got to Dublin at 13:30, after asking for directions, I made my way to a hop on hop off tour bus stop by the rail station and rode that to the guesthouse since the route is by the place. It save some money since the tour bus ticket is good for 48 hours, and I could use it tomorrow to tour Dublin some more. At the guesthouse, there was a lineup when I arrived. Check in isn't till 14:00, and I guess everyone was waiting. When I finally got my room, I huffed it up the stairs. I'm on the top floor, 4th floor, and the stories of these old Georgian houses are tall. Maybe 4 floors is equivalent to 6 floors at home. They have tall ceilings. I don't think there is an elevator in the guesthouse. Doesn't matter to me, you get what you pay for, and Dublin is not a cheap place.
After setting down my stuff, I made my way to O'Connell Street and hop on the bus. I rode it around till almost the last stop. It was raining off and on so I didn't get many good pictures. I was tempted to go to the Guinness Factory and Storehouse but decided not to. The place, I got to say, is surprising very, very big. At least right now, I know where approximately where everything is. I thinking about joining the free walking tour tomorrow which is approximately 3 hours long so lots of see in Dublin. After getting off the bus, I took some pictures of some of the bridges connecting north and south Dublin. There are a few some are just food bridges. I crossed over to the south at Ha'Penny Bridge, named for the halfpence toll people used to pay to cross it. Then I was essentially in the Temple Bar district. There are a lot of colourful pubs there but I couldn't find the famous Temple Bar pub. I walked around then essentially walked myself out of it and ran right into Trinity College. I walked around the outside of Trinity College. To go inside some buildings, you have to pay or do the tour. Maybe I'll do that tomorrow when I have time. They filmed some scenes of Harry Potter in there. I forgot where right now.
Then I walked around O'Connell Street which is the grandest street according to Rick Steves. There are a lot of monuments and statues on this street and a lot of history. What I find the Ireland is that people just give nicknames to their statues or monuments instead of using its real name. For example, the 390 foot tall stainless steel Millennium Spire that was suppose to be completed in 2000 but instead it was completed in 2003, has several nicknames including the Stiletto in the Ghetto. All around the touristy areas there are a lot of souvenirs shop particularly on named Carroll's. There are two on O'Connell Street almost across the street from each other. So, knowing this I bought souvenirs of almost everyone. If I miss you, I'm sorry. I can only fit so much in my luggage.
After spending a lot of money on souvenirs, I went back to the guesthouse to repack my luggage to see if everything fit. Surprisingly, everything fit except that now I have to buy a larger carryon bag due to Ryanair restriction of allowing one carryon item. If I was allow the two like in the Canadian airlines, I would have no problem. I hope I can find a cheap, big hand luggage somewhere tomorrow.
After the repacking, I headed out to find dinner and maybe you guess it. I had fish, haddock, and chips. I was going to chose something else but it's the cheapest thing I can find on my short walk that was not a McDonalds or Burger King. After dinner, instead of heading to Temple Bar or a pub, I went to see a movie. Yep, I went to watch a movie in Dublin. Since the cinema is close by, I watched 'Hunger Games', which was pretty good. I just started reading the book on the train ride this morning. I'm already at Part II in the book. The price of admission is pretty much comparable except maybe it is slightly cheaper here by less than $1 than in Calgary.
After the movie, I just returned to the guesthouse and am staying since was already almost 23:00. There were some pubs along the way that have live Irish music but I was getting a little tried.
Tomorrow's agenda: Touring Dublin
Anyways, I got to Dublin at 13:30, after asking for directions, I made my way to a hop on hop off tour bus stop by the rail station and rode that to the guesthouse since the route is by the place. It save some money since the tour bus ticket is good for 48 hours, and I could use it tomorrow to tour Dublin some more. At the guesthouse, there was a lineup when I arrived. Check in isn't till 14:00, and I guess everyone was waiting. When I finally got my room, I huffed it up the stairs. I'm on the top floor, 4th floor, and the stories of these old Georgian houses are tall. Maybe 4 floors is equivalent to 6 floors at home. They have tall ceilings. I don't think there is an elevator in the guesthouse. Doesn't matter to me, you get what you pay for, and Dublin is not a cheap place.
After setting down my stuff, I made my way to O'Connell Street and hop on the bus. I rode it around till almost the last stop. It was raining off and on so I didn't get many good pictures. I was tempted to go to the Guinness Factory and Storehouse but decided not to. The place, I got to say, is surprising very, very big. At least right now, I know where approximately where everything is. I thinking about joining the free walking tour tomorrow which is approximately 3 hours long so lots of see in Dublin. After getting off the bus, I took some pictures of some of the bridges connecting north and south Dublin. There are a few some are just food bridges. I crossed over to the south at Ha'Penny Bridge, named for the halfpence toll people used to pay to cross it. Then I was essentially in the Temple Bar district. There are a lot of colourful pubs there but I couldn't find the famous Temple Bar pub. I walked around then essentially walked myself out of it and ran right into Trinity College. I walked around the outside of Trinity College. To go inside some buildings, you have to pay or do the tour. Maybe I'll do that tomorrow when I have time. They filmed some scenes of Harry Potter in there. I forgot where right now.
Then I walked around O'Connell Street which is the grandest street according to Rick Steves. There are a lot of monuments and statues on this street and a lot of history. What I find the Ireland is that people just give nicknames to their statues or monuments instead of using its real name. For example, the 390 foot tall stainless steel Millennium Spire that was suppose to be completed in 2000 but instead it was completed in 2003, has several nicknames including the Stiletto in the Ghetto. All around the touristy areas there are a lot of souvenirs shop particularly on named Carroll's. There are two on O'Connell Street almost across the street from each other. So, knowing this I bought souvenirs of almost everyone. If I miss you, I'm sorry. I can only fit so much in my luggage.
After spending a lot of money on souvenirs, I went back to the guesthouse to repack my luggage to see if everything fit. Surprisingly, everything fit except that now I have to buy a larger carryon bag due to Ryanair restriction of allowing one carryon item. If I was allow the two like in the Canadian airlines, I would have no problem. I hope I can find a cheap, big hand luggage somewhere tomorrow.
After the repacking, I headed out to find dinner and maybe you guess it. I had fish, haddock, and chips. I was going to chose something else but it's the cheapest thing I can find on my short walk that was not a McDonalds or Burger King. After dinner, instead of heading to Temple Bar or a pub, I went to see a movie. Yep, I went to watch a movie in Dublin. Since the cinema is close by, I watched 'Hunger Games', which was pretty good. I just started reading the book on the train ride this morning. I'm already at Part II in the book. The price of admission is pretty much comparable except maybe it is slightly cheaper here by less than $1 than in Calgary.
After the movie, I just returned to the guesthouse and am staying since was already almost 23:00. There were some pubs along the way that have live Irish music but I was getting a little tried.
Tomorrow's agenda: Touring Dublin
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
Day 26: Going to Waterford
Just a traveling day today and a little stopover at Waterford for the night.
I woke around 8:00 this morning to pack and got ready. I knew the breakfasts places won't be opened till 9:00 so I just hanged around the lobby. For breakfast, I had a medium Irish which means it came with one of everything except toast (you get two slices). It consisted of sausage, bacon, baked beans, eggs, white and black puddings, and tea. The puddings weren't that bad. I don't really remember what's in them but I'll look it up when I get home and not before.
Since it was a traveling, there is not much to tell. From Killarney to Waterford by bus it took about 4.5 hours and two buses, transfer in Cork, and cost €24.50. Once I got to Waterford, I went straight to the guesthouse, maybe less than 5 minutes away from the bus station. The guesthouse is close to the bus and rail station which is good. Once I settled, I headed off straight away to the Waterford Crystal Factory which is about 10 to 15 minutes walk down the street. Waterford is an old and big city. It has some city walls left over and some Viking influence. Too bad I only have a night here. I would live to do the historical walk around this city.
So, at the crystal factory, I didn't say I went nuts but I did buy a few items in which it would be nameless right now since people I bought gifts for are reading the blog. I did find a nice looking vase for myself. I had to get something there for me or else this part of the trip is worthless. It's a good thing shipping are cheap, and I hope nothing breaks on its way to Canada.
After the crystal factory, I just wandered around the quay. I didn't want to go inside shops since I already spent a lot. I have a nice dinner of Chinese food since I was hungry, didn't have any lunch on my bus trip to Waterford. I ordered sweet and sour pork again to see how they cook it. They cooked it like home. I guess the place in Dingle is unique. I had fried rice which was not that great. It's just rice fried with some soy sauce and sesame oil...No veggies or egg or anything. I didn't have a lot of the rice since I'm not a bad fan of sesame oil.
Then I made way slowly back to the guesthouse and am going to relax in the sitting room for a while and watch some of these weird English soap opera like Hollyoaks and Emmerdale.
Tomorrow's agenda: Train to Dublin and sightseeing
I woke around 8:00 this morning to pack and got ready. I knew the breakfasts places won't be opened till 9:00 so I just hanged around the lobby. For breakfast, I had a medium Irish which means it came with one of everything except toast (you get two slices). It consisted of sausage, bacon, baked beans, eggs, white and black puddings, and tea. The puddings weren't that bad. I don't really remember what's in them but I'll look it up when I get home and not before.
Since it was a traveling, there is not much to tell. From Killarney to Waterford by bus it took about 4.5 hours and two buses, transfer in Cork, and cost €24.50. Once I got to Waterford, I went straight to the guesthouse, maybe less than 5 minutes away from the bus station. The guesthouse is close to the bus and rail station which is good. Once I settled, I headed off straight away to the Waterford Crystal Factory which is about 10 to 15 minutes walk down the street. Waterford is an old and big city. It has some city walls left over and some Viking influence. Too bad I only have a night here. I would live to do the historical walk around this city.
So, at the crystal factory, I didn't say I went nuts but I did buy a few items in which it would be nameless right now since people I bought gifts for are reading the blog. I did find a nice looking vase for myself. I had to get something there for me or else this part of the trip is worthless. It's a good thing shipping are cheap, and I hope nothing breaks on its way to Canada.
After the crystal factory, I just wandered around the quay. I didn't want to go inside shops since I already spent a lot. I have a nice dinner of Chinese food since I was hungry, didn't have any lunch on my bus trip to Waterford. I ordered sweet and sour pork again to see how they cook it. They cooked it like home. I guess the place in Dingle is unique. I had fried rice which was not that great. It's just rice fried with some soy sauce and sesame oil...No veggies or egg or anything. I didn't have a lot of the rice since I'm not a bad fan of sesame oil.
Then I made way slowly back to the guesthouse and am going to relax in the sitting room for a while and watch some of these weird English soap opera like Hollyoaks and Emmerdale.
Tomorrow's agenda: Train to Dublin and sightseeing
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
Day 25: Touring the Ring of Kerry
Today, I slept in a little which is a good thing. I went looking for breakfast at a little after 8:30. The sad thing is that the restaurant don't open till 9am or later. After walking around trying to find breakfast, I did find place that opened at 8:00. I had a full Irish breakfast. It consisted of an egg, three sausages, baked beans, chips, two slices of bacon (which over hear tastes like ham), tea, and orange juice. Good thing it didn't have white and black puddings. That was a jumbo lrish breakfast. I ate everything. I guess I was hungry after that early bird dinner :). Tomorrow I'm not leaving the hotel till 9am to look for breakfast. The bus I'm planning to catch isn't till 10:30.
So after breakfast, I stopped by the hotel to grab some granola bars because who knows when lunch will be in the tour and walked around town. Before heading to the tour office, which won't exchange my confirmation email for a ticket until 10:00, tour start at 10:30. I went inside a jewelry store. If anyone knows me, I really can't resist buying jewelry. I saw this Celtic knot necklace on the window and then inside I saw this nice Celtic knot charm bracelet. Don't worry, it was sterling silver so it won't cost the farm. I was going to think about these items and maybe return and get one or both after the tour.
At 10:00, I exchange my ticket, The Dero's Tour for Ring of Kerry for €18 from 10:30 to a little after 17:00. There were a lot of people doing this tour. It was a good tour which frequent enough stops of bathroom and/or food breaks. Our first stop was Killoglin, or outside of it, to the Kerry Bog Museum. This museum is small. It had ponies, wolfhounds, thatched houses, and bogs. It costed €5 and the guide only gave 25 minutes at this stop. I didn't go in so I waited by the cafe with the other people. There were 7 big tour buses in the parking lot. I'm guessing the Ring of Kerry is a must do thing.
The next stop was at a Shepard demonstration. It cost €5 and is worth it. The Shepard showers 12 different species of sheep and then a herding demo with his two border collies. It was unbelievable to watch that the dog can respond to signal, verbal and whistles, to get the sheep moving in the right direction. And each dog learn different signals and commends in a year and a half period. Since sheep have no natural predators in Ireland, the Shepards are not worried about the sheep in far away fields or up in the hills. Since the dogs are closely related to the wolves, the sheep are naturally afraid of the dogs. When the dogs are herding the sheep, the dogs have this hunting instinct stance/body language.
After that, we drove along the coast and stopped Waterville for lunch. I had a hearty vegetable soup. Since we had an hour in the Waterville, we got to take nice coastal pictures and walk along the wall. There is even a life size statue of Charlie Chapin in the town since Chaplin spent a lot of his retirement in Waterville. After lunch, we just made photo stops along the coast. Then we stopped in Sheem for a little bit, and they had a good ice cream place there. I had honeycomb with bits of toffee in it. Good ice cream.
Then we stopped at Moll's Gap, Ladies view in Killarney National Park, and driving through the Park before ending in Killarney.
After the tour, I stopped at the jewelry store before heading back to the hotel. I bought the bracelet. The necklace is from an Irish company and are available everywhere. If I really want the necklace, I can buy it later. On the way back to the hotel, I checked out the menus of the restaurants along the way. I was going to eat attention restaurant a few doors down, the but then I saw the early bird menu for the pub at the hotel. I thought the menu said potato pancakes (boxty) but it said potato cakes. The potato cakes were very nice. They were breaded and pan fried. It came with veggies and salad. I also had a cheesecake for dessert. The menu said lemon but I got like a tiramisu cheesecake instead.
After I went up to the room to shower and am back down at the lobby for wifi and listening to the live Irish music. The wifi is not that great in the room. There are some people here in the lobby. There's right now three tour groups staying at the hotel. The hotel is big enough to house all these people and is right in the heart of town. Other big hotels look expensive around here.
Tomorrow's agenda: Making my way to Waterford and to the Waterford factory
So after breakfast, I stopped by the hotel to grab some granola bars because who knows when lunch will be in the tour and walked around town. Before heading to the tour office, which won't exchange my confirmation email for a ticket until 10:00, tour start at 10:30. I went inside a jewelry store. If anyone knows me, I really can't resist buying jewelry. I saw this Celtic knot necklace on the window and then inside I saw this nice Celtic knot charm bracelet. Don't worry, it was sterling silver so it won't cost the farm. I was going to think about these items and maybe return and get one or both after the tour.
At 10:00, I exchange my ticket, The Dero's Tour for Ring of Kerry for €18 from 10:30 to a little after 17:00. There were a lot of people doing this tour. It was a good tour which frequent enough stops of bathroom and/or food breaks. Our first stop was Killoglin, or outside of it, to the Kerry Bog Museum. This museum is small. It had ponies, wolfhounds, thatched houses, and bogs. It costed €5 and the guide only gave 25 minutes at this stop. I didn't go in so I waited by the cafe with the other people. There were 7 big tour buses in the parking lot. I'm guessing the Ring of Kerry is a must do thing.
The next stop was at a Shepard demonstration. It cost €5 and is worth it. The Shepard showers 12 different species of sheep and then a herding demo with his two border collies. It was unbelievable to watch that the dog can respond to signal, verbal and whistles, to get the sheep moving in the right direction. And each dog learn different signals and commends in a year and a half period. Since sheep have no natural predators in Ireland, the Shepards are not worried about the sheep in far away fields or up in the hills. Since the dogs are closely related to the wolves, the sheep are naturally afraid of the dogs. When the dogs are herding the sheep, the dogs have this hunting instinct stance/body language.
After that, we drove along the coast and stopped Waterville for lunch. I had a hearty vegetable soup. Since we had an hour in the Waterville, we got to take nice coastal pictures and walk along the wall. There is even a life size statue of Charlie Chapin in the town since Chaplin spent a lot of his retirement in Waterville. After lunch, we just made photo stops along the coast. Then we stopped in Sheem for a little bit, and they had a good ice cream place there. I had honeycomb with bits of toffee in it. Good ice cream.
Then we stopped at Moll's Gap, Ladies view in Killarney National Park, and driving through the Park before ending in Killarney.
After the tour, I stopped at the jewelry store before heading back to the hotel. I bought the bracelet. The necklace is from an Irish company and are available everywhere. If I really want the necklace, I can buy it later. On the way back to the hotel, I checked out the menus of the restaurants along the way. I was going to eat attention restaurant a few doors down, the but then I saw the early bird menu for the pub at the hotel. I thought the menu said potato pancakes (boxty) but it said potato cakes. The potato cakes were very nice. They were breaded and pan fried. It came with veggies and salad. I also had a cheesecake for dessert. The menu said lemon but I got like a tiramisu cheesecake instead.
After I went up to the room to shower and am back down at the lobby for wifi and listening to the live Irish music. The wifi is not that great in the room. There are some people here in the lobby. There's right now three tour groups staying at the hotel. The hotel is big enough to house all these people and is right in the heart of town. Other big hotels look expensive around here.
Tomorrow's agenda: Making my way to Waterford and to the Waterford factory
Monday, April 23, 2012
Day 24: Killarney
Today I woke up at 8:00 to get ready and packed. I took my time with breakfast and getting ready since my bus out of Dingle wasn't until 10:15. At 9:55, I slowly made my way to the bus stop which is just a few minutes away. I waited under the currach, a light boat, since it was raining. I took the bus out of Dingle to Tralee and change to a Cork bus stopping in Killarney. The cost was €15, and the trip took a little over two hours total.
I got into Killarney a little after noon, and it was raining but I walked to the hotel anyways. It eventually stopped on the way to the hotel. Yes, I found a hotel cheaper than a b&b but the furnishing is soooo outdated. Check in wasn't until 15:00 so I asked if I could leave my luggage at the hotel. The front desk checked and told me that the room would be ready in 30 minutes so I waited. Once I got into my room I dumped everything and made way out to explore the city and find lunch. I found a cafe serving lite lunch and have lasagna under it. So I ordered the lasagna and it wasn't lite. The piece is almost the size you get at home and is mostly meat served with salad, but at least it was a good price. After that, I just walked around looking for the TI and then the tour place to get my tour ticket for tomorrow. The tour place told me just to get my ticket tomorrow.
Killarney is a very small. It is easy walking around it, and lots of tour buses stop here overnight in their in or out of seeing Blarney Castle. There is also an Outlet Mall here which I'm not going to explore in fear I buy lots of stuff. I just walked up and down a few streets and that was the town. So I went exploring more. I eventually ended in Killarney National Park which is a block away from town hall. I just started walking and following the trail. I did the river walk and then loop back around. I was going to go to the shore but it was very muddy getting there. I did detour to see Ross Castle on my loop but didn't go in.
Overall, it was a nice walk with only about 1 minute of rain around the National Park. I walked over 5km of the trail in about two hours. I took a lot of nature pictures and an elderly gentleman stopped and told me to go to Muckross Garden where they have lots of pictures. Muckross garden is about 3 miles outside of Killarney. It's so weird in Ireland where people just interchange miles and kilometers all the time.
After the walk, I headed back to the hotel and took a shower. Then I went down to the pub, The Danny Mann Pub, which is attached to the hotel. I had their early bird (17:30 to 19:00) special of two courses. I guess they eat dinner here late. I had traditional Irish stew (this time with lamb) and raspberry grateaux for dessert. The place is very busy and had only one real server there. So far that I know, there are two tour bus groups here. Good thing I didn't include breakfast, which is €10, when I booked. I found breakfast cheaper down the street. For a full Irish breakfast, only €6.50 and a smaller size is €5.50.
It's been a not so writing filling day. There is live music down at the pub at 21:00. So, ill probably dropped by and listen for awhile. Other than that, I had a good exercise today.
Tomorrow's agenda: Touring the Ring of Kerry
I got into Killarney a little after noon, and it was raining but I walked to the hotel anyways. It eventually stopped on the way to the hotel. Yes, I found a hotel cheaper than a b&b but the furnishing is soooo outdated. Check in wasn't until 15:00 so I asked if I could leave my luggage at the hotel. The front desk checked and told me that the room would be ready in 30 minutes so I waited. Once I got into my room I dumped everything and made way out to explore the city and find lunch. I found a cafe serving lite lunch and have lasagna under it. So I ordered the lasagna and it wasn't lite. The piece is almost the size you get at home and is mostly meat served with salad, but at least it was a good price. After that, I just walked around looking for the TI and then the tour place to get my tour ticket for tomorrow. The tour place told me just to get my ticket tomorrow.
Killarney is a very small. It is easy walking around it, and lots of tour buses stop here overnight in their in or out of seeing Blarney Castle. There is also an Outlet Mall here which I'm not going to explore in fear I buy lots of stuff. I just walked up and down a few streets and that was the town. So I went exploring more. I eventually ended in Killarney National Park which is a block away from town hall. I just started walking and following the trail. I did the river walk and then loop back around. I was going to go to the shore but it was very muddy getting there. I did detour to see Ross Castle on my loop but didn't go in.
Overall, it was a nice walk with only about 1 minute of rain around the National Park. I walked over 5km of the trail in about two hours. I took a lot of nature pictures and an elderly gentleman stopped and told me to go to Muckross Garden where they have lots of pictures. Muckross garden is about 3 miles outside of Killarney. It's so weird in Ireland where people just interchange miles and kilometers all the time.
After the walk, I headed back to the hotel and took a shower. Then I went down to the pub, The Danny Mann Pub, which is attached to the hotel. I had their early bird (17:30 to 19:00) special of two courses. I guess they eat dinner here late. I had traditional Irish stew (this time with lamb) and raspberry grateaux for dessert. The place is very busy and had only one real server there. So far that I know, there are two tour bus groups here. Good thing I didn't include breakfast, which is €10, when I booked. I found breakfast cheaper down the street. For a full Irish breakfast, only €6.50 and a smaller size is €5.50.
It's been a not so writing filling day. There is live music down at the pub at 21:00. So, ill probably dropped by and listen for awhile. Other than that, I had a good exercise today.
Tomorrow's agenda: Touring the Ring of Kerry
Sunday, April 22, 2012
Day 23: Navigating around Dingle Peninsula
Today, I got to slept in till 8:00. I went down for breakfast a little after 8:30. Then I hanged out the sitting room of the b&b till almost 10:00. I like the sitting room of the b&b. It has comfortable chairs and loveseats. I left the b&b a little early before the tour began at 10:30. I just walked around the pier area and watch the boats.
Then I headed over to Kirrary b&b where we meet for the tour. There were four people on this tour so that's good. It's the Sciuird (irish for "excursion") Archeology tour. The tour started at 10:30 and ended at 13:00 and cost €20. The guide takes you around the peninsula with picture worthy stops. We also stopped at three archeology sites. It was pretty interesting to see marker stones and beehive huts. the drive to Slea Head and around was very beautiful with the beach and Blasket Island. I'm glad I didn't cycle it because it was pretty windy out today.
After the tour, I went to find lunch. You would probably guess I had fish and chips, or more specifically whiting and chips. The fish was very fresh, and I had to get careful because there were still a few bones in the fillet. Also, first time over here, I had ketchup with my chips. I guess she knew and gave me a little container of ketchup. The restaurant also boasted of having southern Fried chicken but I needed the fish since I'm in a fishing village. Afterwards, I walked around town again and then down to the coastal walk around Dingle Harbour. It was a bit muddy due to the few minutes of rain. The trail wasn't clear. It was through a couple of cow fields and then I decided to just walk along the beach, which was nice, up to the old empty tower and back past the starting point and to the pier. It was very windy out, and Rick Steves was right. It did take me 1.5 hours to walk the path. After all that walking, I reward myself with ice cream. It was good ice cream made locally. I had a scoop of chocolate and a scoop of peanut butter. Yum
After that I'm made my way back to the b&b to relax in the sitting room and just read. What a nice day!
At about 6pm, I went to find some stew. I did find some. I went to one pub since the stew was slightly bit cheaper, but the place was packed. They had live music started at 17:30 and all the tables and bar was full. The music was good when I was in there. So I walked a few doors down and went in. The place was empty because the other place had all the people. I was at John Benny Moriarty's. I heard that they had good music last night and a singer too. So, anyways, I ordered the beef and Guinness stew. It was very good and hearty, lots of meat and hardly any vegetables.
Then, after eating, I made my way back to the b&b. My face was seriously hot and red. I don't know if it was the alcohol or wind burn. Now, I'm back in the sitting room, relaxing. I don't know why people don't come down here. It's great, all for me then.
Tomorrow's agenda: Traveling to Killarney and explore this city
Then I headed over to Kirrary b&b where we meet for the tour. There were four people on this tour so that's good. It's the Sciuird (irish for "excursion") Archeology tour. The tour started at 10:30 and ended at 13:00 and cost €20. The guide takes you around the peninsula with picture worthy stops. We also stopped at three archeology sites. It was pretty interesting to see marker stones and beehive huts. the drive to Slea Head and around was very beautiful with the beach and Blasket Island. I'm glad I didn't cycle it because it was pretty windy out today.
After the tour, I went to find lunch. You would probably guess I had fish and chips, or more specifically whiting and chips. The fish was very fresh, and I had to get careful because there were still a few bones in the fillet. Also, first time over here, I had ketchup with my chips. I guess she knew and gave me a little container of ketchup. The restaurant also boasted of having southern Fried chicken but I needed the fish since I'm in a fishing village. Afterwards, I walked around town again and then down to the coastal walk around Dingle Harbour. It was a bit muddy due to the few minutes of rain. The trail wasn't clear. It was through a couple of cow fields and then I decided to just walk along the beach, which was nice, up to the old empty tower and back past the starting point and to the pier. It was very windy out, and Rick Steves was right. It did take me 1.5 hours to walk the path. After all that walking, I reward myself with ice cream. It was good ice cream made locally. I had a scoop of chocolate and a scoop of peanut butter. Yum
After that I'm made my way back to the b&b to relax in the sitting room and just read. What a nice day!
At about 6pm, I went to find some stew. I did find some. I went to one pub since the stew was slightly bit cheaper, but the place was packed. They had live music started at 17:30 and all the tables and bar was full. The music was good when I was in there. So I walked a few doors down and went in. The place was empty because the other place had all the people. I was at John Benny Moriarty's. I heard that they had good music last night and a singer too. So, anyways, I ordered the beef and Guinness stew. It was very good and hearty, lots of meat and hardly any vegetables.
Then, after eating, I made my way back to the b&b. My face was seriously hot and red. I don't know if it was the alcohol or wind burn. Now, I'm back in the sitting room, relaxing. I don't know why people don't come down here. It's great, all for me then.
Tomorrow's agenda: Traveling to Killarney and explore this city
Saturday, April 21, 2012
Day 22: Traveling day to Dingle
Today is a traveling day and a long one at that. I woke up early by the cyclists. Many left their room at 6am to grab an early breakfast. I got out of bed at 7am and got ready and packed. I had breakfast and left the hotel a little after 8am. I walked down to the bus station and caught the next bus to Eyre Square. I got there are at around 8:20 and the bus ticket office didn't open until 8:30.
After I got my ticket, Galway to Dingle cost €27 and takes three buses, I waited around for the express bus to Limerick. At Limerick, I waited over an hour to grab the bus to Tralee. We had a little hiccup on the way. And elderly man forgot this bus pass and the driver refuse to let him on the bus because the man couldn't pay. Someone wanted to pay for him but he refused and said that someone will pay the bus driver in Tralee. The driver had to call the garda since the man refused to get off the bus. He was the first one on and everyone was waiting. The garda didn't arrive till ten minutes after and the man just went with them when they asked. We were a little late in getting to Tralee. I had about 5 minutes before catching the Dingle bus. The bus ride to Dingle was worth the long trip getting there. Everything is so green and beautiful. We even saw the coast of a while. I was sitting on the wrong side of the bus but I saw it just the same. Hopefully, I can take some pictures on my way back to Tralee.
Once I got into Dingle at a little after 15:00, I made my way to the b&b which was pretty easy, less than 5 minutes from the bus stop. I was thinking of taking a nap but I thought why not go out when everything is open and take a nap after dinner since pubs don't start their jamming session until 21:30. So, I went walking around town, and is a small town, following Rick Steves' walking guide. I saw a lot of restaurants but they didn't open till 17:00 and since Dingle is a fishing village most have fresh fish. So I just walked around, got some little souvenirs and went to the TI. I asked the TI if they had any cycling trails and the person showed me the big loop around the peninsula, about 50km long. The problem was that there are not biking trails and have to use the same roads as cars and those roads are narrow. Then I asked about walking tours or walking to Slead Head because that should be a stop to go when in Dingle. Apparently, it's a long walk and would be on the road. So, I'm thinking of use renting the bike tomorrow and cycling around anyways.
However, this lady behind me overheard and asked about a guided driving tour. There was one available and would cost €20 each with a minimum of two people. The lady asked if I want to do that since she was traveling by herself too. I said OK and now I'll be on a driving tour tomorrow. It's going to be great. After booking, the lady and I started talking, she was from Canada too, by Vancouver Island. Apparently, she has been traveling for 7 months on her year long trip. She's from this program, where she host people from different countries to work a little around the place and she would show them around for free room and board. Apparently, she's now visiting people that visited her. She said that she spent 4 months in India at four different cities. Spent some time in the UK and Ireland and will be going to Spain for a month and then back to Canada starting on the east coast and working her way back home. It sounds so interesting. Maybe I'll look into this program and check it out. She said she will give her contact tomorrow if I'm interested in spending time on the west coast. She's also a message therapist and does a lot of yoga.
After our chat, we left our separate ways each checking different shops but we'll see each other tomorrow. I just browse a few shops and before I know it, it was 17:00 and dinner time. I was very hungry by then since I didn't eat lunch. I went back to the Chinese restaurant, they are in every town so far I've seen, and had some Chinese. I miss Chinese food now. I had sweet and sour pork with plain rice. They cooked it differently. The pork wasn't battered and a little crispy, probably lightly deep fried. It was good, can't tell which I like more...one at home or here.
After dinner, I walked past the b&b to see if I could find the trail that leads to where the famous dolphin hangs out. I found it but didn't go on it since it would take about 1.5 to 2 hours to walk the loop. I just returned to the b&b for a little nap. I was going to go to a pub and listen to some traditional irish music. I left at 21:00 and went to O'flaherty's. They have good music as recommended by rick Steves and the b&b. I got there a little early and only a few people were there. The music didn't start until 22:00 and that's when the place got busy. I just sat at the the bar with my coke and then orange juice and just listened. It was very good music, three musicians just playing away. There weren't a lot of tourists hanging around. I think they went to a different pub. I was going to go one other one and was quite a bit farther down the street. At 23:00, I just left and headed back to the b&b.
Tomorrow's agenda: Touring about Dingle peninsula
After I got my ticket, Galway to Dingle cost €27 and takes three buses, I waited around for the express bus to Limerick. At Limerick, I waited over an hour to grab the bus to Tralee. We had a little hiccup on the way. And elderly man forgot this bus pass and the driver refuse to let him on the bus because the man couldn't pay. Someone wanted to pay for him but he refused and said that someone will pay the bus driver in Tralee. The driver had to call the garda since the man refused to get off the bus. He was the first one on and everyone was waiting. The garda didn't arrive till ten minutes after and the man just went with them when they asked. We were a little late in getting to Tralee. I had about 5 minutes before catching the Dingle bus. The bus ride to Dingle was worth the long trip getting there. Everything is so green and beautiful. We even saw the coast of a while. I was sitting on the wrong side of the bus but I saw it just the same. Hopefully, I can take some pictures on my way back to Tralee.
Once I got into Dingle at a little after 15:00, I made my way to the b&b which was pretty easy, less than 5 minutes from the bus stop. I was thinking of taking a nap but I thought why not go out when everything is open and take a nap after dinner since pubs don't start their jamming session until 21:30. So, I went walking around town, and is a small town, following Rick Steves' walking guide. I saw a lot of restaurants but they didn't open till 17:00 and since Dingle is a fishing village most have fresh fish. So I just walked around, got some little souvenirs and went to the TI. I asked the TI if they had any cycling trails and the person showed me the big loop around the peninsula, about 50km long. The problem was that there are not biking trails and have to use the same roads as cars and those roads are narrow. Then I asked about walking tours or walking to Slead Head because that should be a stop to go when in Dingle. Apparently, it's a long walk and would be on the road. So, I'm thinking of use renting the bike tomorrow and cycling around anyways.
However, this lady behind me overheard and asked about a guided driving tour. There was one available and would cost €20 each with a minimum of two people. The lady asked if I want to do that since she was traveling by herself too. I said OK and now I'll be on a driving tour tomorrow. It's going to be great. After booking, the lady and I started talking, she was from Canada too, by Vancouver Island. Apparently, she has been traveling for 7 months on her year long trip. She's from this program, where she host people from different countries to work a little around the place and she would show them around for free room and board. Apparently, she's now visiting people that visited her. She said that she spent 4 months in India at four different cities. Spent some time in the UK and Ireland and will be going to Spain for a month and then back to Canada starting on the east coast and working her way back home. It sounds so interesting. Maybe I'll look into this program and check it out. She said she will give her contact tomorrow if I'm interested in spending time on the west coast. She's also a message therapist and does a lot of yoga.
After our chat, we left our separate ways each checking different shops but we'll see each other tomorrow. I just browse a few shops and before I know it, it was 17:00 and dinner time. I was very hungry by then since I didn't eat lunch. I went back to the Chinese restaurant, they are in every town so far I've seen, and had some Chinese. I miss Chinese food now. I had sweet and sour pork with plain rice. They cooked it differently. The pork wasn't battered and a little crispy, probably lightly deep fried. It was good, can't tell which I like more...one at home or here.
After dinner, I walked past the b&b to see if I could find the trail that leads to where the famous dolphin hangs out. I found it but didn't go on it since it would take about 1.5 to 2 hours to walk the loop. I just returned to the b&b for a little nap. I was going to go to a pub and listen to some traditional irish music. I left at 21:00 and went to O'flaherty's. They have good music as recommended by rick Steves and the b&b. I got there a little early and only a few people were there. The music didn't start until 22:00 and that's when the place got busy. I just sat at the the bar with my coke and then orange juice and just listened. It was very good music, three musicians just playing away. There weren't a lot of tourists hanging around. I think they went to a different pub. I was going to go one other one and was quite a bit farther down the street. At 23:00, I just left and headed back to the b&b.
Tomorrow's agenda: Touring about Dingle peninsula
Friday, April 20, 2012
Day 21: Heading out to the Burrens
Today was a nice day with lots of sun and little rain. It does rain particularly every day in Ireland all year round. I slept in a bit and had breakfast at 8:30 after I made my way slowly downtown. I wanted to see what buses to take tomorrow for Dingle. I went in the coach station first thinking they are for all buses, but it housed mostly tour and private buses so I exchanged my Burden tour ticket first. The tour didn't start until 10:00 so I had time to find the other station which was a block away. The person gave me a timetable of the buses and some possible connections (3 buses) to my destination. You can't buy a ticket until the day of travels. I'm leaving Galway a little earlier than expected in case I miss the other connections I will have options. I have to eat breakfast early and figure out if I should take the bus or taxi down to the station. I'll figure it out tomorrow in how busy breakfast is. So far, three tour buses of people have checked in. One for Trafalgar and I think the others are part of a charity event. There's a cycling charity event from Galway to Dublin tomorrow.
I digress. So this morning while I was waiting to the tour to begin. I met another single female traveler from Michigan. She said she haven't met anyone girls doing a trip by herself. We got to talking. I thought we were going to be on the same tour but we weren't. I was on the Burden tour and she was doing the Connemera tour. I wished I had time to do the Connemera tour.
(Another tour bus just pulled up. Good thing this hotel is big. Now I feel bad for having two beds.)
So anyways, we had a little rough start. There were only 5 people on this tour but we were waiting for the other tour (McCools) to get in. They were running late so the tour guide/driver said he would meet them. So another 18 people joined the tour. Then the guide got a called and said there were two people at the station but the other guide, probably for the Connemera tour, drove them out to meet the bus. So, there were 7 Lally people and 18 McCools. On the first stop, the guide gave the Lally people options. Go to the farm and learn about farming in the Burrens with the McCool or go to the Aillwee Caves. I did the farm and it costed €6. The Caves cost the same. I figure I might see caves in Mexico so I rather just hike the Burrens and have some home baking at the end.
The Burren Wild guided walk was not that wild. The farm we were on is a working farm with lots of livestock. The guide for the farm gave us a great hike up the Burrens. We didn't go to the very top, but we did hikes great distant. He was very informative of the area and even showed us a faerie tree. Everyone was excited about the puppy (well about a year old) that was following us. Afterwards, we headed down for some home baking. It was past noon and was a little hungry. Unfortunately, the infamous apple pie was sold out. I had the rhubarb cinnamon cheesecake (€4.50) and it was delicious. After our treat, we waited for the the bus to come back to pick us up. We then headed to the Cliffs of Moher. On our way, we past through Lisdoonvarna renowned for its matchmaking festival that takes place in Sept. People come from all over for it...there is also an oyster festival in the next town over during sept too that have more people coming. Yes, maybe I'm heading back to Ireland in Sept. :)
We got to the cliffs at about 13:30 and had an hour to look around. I went to the north side first to look at the south cliffs. They were spectacular and so beautiful. I even saw the Aran Island when looking on the other side on top of the cliff. I had some time so I walked on be south side. I like the South cliffs better. The path stopped at the first cliff but people hopped over the barrier and continued walking. The south cliff weren't fenced off and people were getting close to the edge. I hopped over the barrier walk up about 5 meters took some pics and went back. I think people are crazy. I walked back down and just had a few moments to myself enjoy the birds, the water, and the cliffs. I tried not looking up at the crazy people. With about 15 minutes left I went to the gift shop. The visitor building is built inside the rocks. It was suppose to cost €20 million to build it but instead it cost €31.5 million. The tour guide pointed this out and I agreed, it looked like the teletubby house with windows and doors on the side of a grassy hill.
After the Cliffs, we made our way down to Doolin at have lupper (at 15:00). I had chicken curry and rice. The curry was a bit different but good all the same. After the meal, we took to the costal road down and back to Dunguaire Castle. We didn't stop this morning because the tide was down and no water surrounding it. By the afternoon, the tide had come in and it looked nice. The castle wasn't open (only opened during the summer) so we just took pictures and walked around it. The was an actual path around the outside wall of the castle. The castle is not that big. We arrived back in Galway at around 17:30. I decided to walk around the pedestrian area of the city centre. There was lots of people and shops. I stopped and got some gelato. I can't really compare the taste with the ones in Calgary. It was good. I had cherry mania which has pieces of chocolate and cherries in it.
After walking around, I can't buy anything since my big spending spree yesterday, I decided to head back to the hotel. My legs were a bit tired after all that walking especially up to the Burrens and the Cliffs. I threw my stuff into my room and made my way down to the lobby of the much needed internet time. For Dinner, I just had a bowl of French onion soup and a fruit pudding with orange custard for dessert. The fruit pudding fast oddly like fruitcake with too much raisin. I was going to go for a lemon cheesecake but I had cheesecake earlier. Yep, today was strange eating day. I have to retire early in order to wake up early for tomorrow to pack and have breakfast before trying to catch my bus.
Tomorrow's agenda: Travel day to Dingle
I digress. So this morning while I was waiting to the tour to begin. I met another single female traveler from Michigan. She said she haven't met anyone girls doing a trip by herself. We got to talking. I thought we were going to be on the same tour but we weren't. I was on the Burden tour and she was doing the Connemera tour. I wished I had time to do the Connemera tour.
(Another tour bus just pulled up. Good thing this hotel is big. Now I feel bad for having two beds.)
So anyways, we had a little rough start. There were only 5 people on this tour but we were waiting for the other tour (McCools) to get in. They were running late so the tour guide/driver said he would meet them. So another 18 people joined the tour. Then the guide got a called and said there were two people at the station but the other guide, probably for the Connemera tour, drove them out to meet the bus. So, there were 7 Lally people and 18 McCools. On the first stop, the guide gave the Lally people options. Go to the farm and learn about farming in the Burrens with the McCool or go to the Aillwee Caves. I did the farm and it costed €6. The Caves cost the same. I figure I might see caves in Mexico so I rather just hike the Burrens and have some home baking at the end.
The Burren Wild guided walk was not that wild. The farm we were on is a working farm with lots of livestock. The guide for the farm gave us a great hike up the Burrens. We didn't go to the very top, but we did hikes great distant. He was very informative of the area and even showed us a faerie tree. Everyone was excited about the puppy (well about a year old) that was following us. Afterwards, we headed down for some home baking. It was past noon and was a little hungry. Unfortunately, the infamous apple pie was sold out. I had the rhubarb cinnamon cheesecake (€4.50) and it was delicious. After our treat, we waited for the the bus to come back to pick us up. We then headed to the Cliffs of Moher. On our way, we past through Lisdoonvarna renowned for its matchmaking festival that takes place in Sept. People come from all over for it...there is also an oyster festival in the next town over during sept too that have more people coming. Yes, maybe I'm heading back to Ireland in Sept. :)
We got to the cliffs at about 13:30 and had an hour to look around. I went to the north side first to look at the south cliffs. They were spectacular and so beautiful. I even saw the Aran Island when looking on the other side on top of the cliff. I had some time so I walked on be south side. I like the South cliffs better. The path stopped at the first cliff but people hopped over the barrier and continued walking. The south cliff weren't fenced off and people were getting close to the edge. I hopped over the barrier walk up about 5 meters took some pics and went back. I think people are crazy. I walked back down and just had a few moments to myself enjoy the birds, the water, and the cliffs. I tried not looking up at the crazy people. With about 15 minutes left I went to the gift shop. The visitor building is built inside the rocks. It was suppose to cost €20 million to build it but instead it cost €31.5 million. The tour guide pointed this out and I agreed, it looked like the teletubby house with windows and doors on the side of a grassy hill.
After the Cliffs, we made our way down to Doolin at have lupper (at 15:00). I had chicken curry and rice. The curry was a bit different but good all the same. After the meal, we took to the costal road down and back to Dunguaire Castle. We didn't stop this morning because the tide was down and no water surrounding it. By the afternoon, the tide had come in and it looked nice. The castle wasn't open (only opened during the summer) so we just took pictures and walked around it. The was an actual path around the outside wall of the castle. The castle is not that big. We arrived back in Galway at around 17:30. I decided to walk around the pedestrian area of the city centre. There was lots of people and shops. I stopped and got some gelato. I can't really compare the taste with the ones in Calgary. It was good. I had cherry mania which has pieces of chocolate and cherries in it.
After walking around, I can't buy anything since my big spending spree yesterday, I decided to head back to the hotel. My legs were a bit tired after all that walking especially up to the Burrens and the Cliffs. I threw my stuff into my room and made my way down to the lobby of the much needed internet time. For Dinner, I just had a bowl of French onion soup and a fruit pudding with orange custard for dessert. The fruit pudding fast oddly like fruitcake with too much raisin. I was going to go for a lemon cheesecake but I had cheesecake earlier. Yep, today was strange eating day. I have to retire early in order to wake up early for tomorrow to pack and have breakfast before trying to catch my bus.
Tomorrow's agenda: Travel day to Dingle
Thursday, April 19, 2012
Day 20: Day trip to the Aran Islands
Today I woke up early since I wanted to see how far the walk into the city Centre was and to findthe tour company so I can get my ticket. I woke up at 7:00 and had a nice breakfast at 7:30. I'm used to having baked beans for breakfast now. I was hoping they have a selection of Irish bread to try but they only had wheaten bread.
I left the hotel at 8:00. I told a different and longer route to get to town about 35 minutes. I took the shorter way back (25 minutes). I don't know what I was thinking in picking this hotel, but at dinner today it occurred to me that today was good day and I finally realized that I'm on vacation for myself and should be a relaxing one with the right amount of activities.
I was a bit disorientated since I took a different route. I had to consult my map to get my bearings. I found the Lally Tours ticket office and exchanged my confirmation email for tickets for the bus and the ferry. The bus wasn't going to leave until 9:30 so I had time to wander around to see Eyre Square and the shops. A section of the park was cornered off. They still have the 'Occupation' movement here. There was about ten tents in the sectioned off area. I got to the bus about 15 minutes early and the bus looked full already. At 9:30, we headed off. I got to see that Galway had a nice beach and waterfront area. The water is sooo blue. We had to travel down the coast outside of Galway for the ferry. I was unfortunate in sitting on the opposite side of the water. I did see a lot of expensive looking houses looking towards the water.
By the time we got to the ferry, the boat was almost full. There were a lot of tour groups going to the island. I sat upstairs in the opened part. It was very windy and the water was very choppy. It rained a few times each lasting a few minutes. I was heading to Inis Mor the largest of the three Aran Islands and where most tourist goes for the day. When I got there, it was raining so I decided to do the driving tour where a mini van drives you around showing the major sights. It cost the same as renting a bike for the day, €10. I think the drive was the most informative. There were many mini vans lined up looking for business. Since I didn't know which one good and didn't want to do it alone, I made sure the tour guide had people with him first. At the end, there were four of us. First the guide can us the load down of the economy which was interesting. Inis Mor economy is 50% fishing, 40% tourism, 5% farming, and 5% weaving. He also told us that in order to have property on the island, you have to be a native or marry in. Or you can buy the house but can't develop on it. I think the island is very lovely and don't mind living there but what would I do!
The guide took us straight to Dun Aonghasa, a fort that overlooks a cliff, first so we can beat the crowds. He was quick and only about 15 people were around up in the Fort. To get there, there was a €3 admission and a rocky walk up to the top. It took about 20 minutes to get to the top. Once at the top, it was beautiful with all that water a day the cliff. What was scary was that the edge of the cliff was not roped off or anything. People can dangle their feet over the edge. Of course, I only went up to about ten feet from the edge. According to the guide, there was only one person who stepped over the edge on five years. Apparently, the guy was trying to take a picture of the other cliffs and didn't see that he had stepped out too far. There were a lot of witnesses.
The guide us to explore Dun Aonghasa for under two hours. We had time to grab lunch at the cafe. I had vegetable soup and it was very good. After we went to the seven churches (ruins) and we also saw the only circular house on the island. Then we went to see the last lighthouse at this side of the Atlantic. If you keep going west, the next lighthouse would be in Newfoundland. We got to walk down to the shore. The lighthouse is in its own separate rocky island. The whole Inis Mor is covered with rocks. In order to have grass growing or soil, people would bring up sand from the beach and then bring up seaweed to cover the sand and the seaweed would decompose. You only need about 4 inches of soil to grow potatoes. Next, the guide took us back to the main village through the coastal road. Usually, there would be seals sunning in the afternoon, but we didn't see any. I did see a seal's head poking out in the water.
The guide dropped us off at the Aran Sweater Market. There was suppose to be a sweater museum but I didn't see it. The tour was very reasonable, €10 for 3 1/2 hours. At the sweater market I went a little crazy ignoring my budget. They had shipping for a good price so I bought a few items. My purchases are supporting the locals since they made the items.
The ferry back to the mainland didn't depart until 17:00, but we did have a full ferry going. I went to wait at the docks until it was time to board. I think I took a little nap on the ferry and on the bus ride back to the city. It was a long day. I decided after getting off the bus, I would have dinner at the hotel. It was a long walk back and we didn't get back to the city until 19:00. I was really hungry by the time I returned to the hotel. I just dropped my stuff off and went to the bar for bar food. I had a steak sandwich. At home, this would be an open face sandwich, but here the steak is in between a crusty bun, served with salad and a bowl of chips (thick cut french fries).
Now, I'm in the lobby (only one using wifi) surrounded by Italian people playing cards and talking very loudly. I can't tell if they are swearing or not. After every hand, they just talk very loud, particularly this one table. At least tomorrow I don't have to wake up so early.
Tomorrow's agenda: The Burren tour, Cliffs of Moher
I left the hotel at 8:00. I told a different and longer route to get to town about 35 minutes. I took the shorter way back (25 minutes). I don't know what I was thinking in picking this hotel, but at dinner today it occurred to me that today was good day and I finally realized that I'm on vacation for myself and should be a relaxing one with the right amount of activities.
I was a bit disorientated since I took a different route. I had to consult my map to get my bearings. I found the Lally Tours ticket office and exchanged my confirmation email for tickets for the bus and the ferry. The bus wasn't going to leave until 9:30 so I had time to wander around to see Eyre Square and the shops. A section of the park was cornered off. They still have the 'Occupation' movement here. There was about ten tents in the sectioned off area. I got to the bus about 15 minutes early and the bus looked full already. At 9:30, we headed off. I got to see that Galway had a nice beach and waterfront area. The water is sooo blue. We had to travel down the coast outside of Galway for the ferry. I was unfortunate in sitting on the opposite side of the water. I did see a lot of expensive looking houses looking towards the water.
By the time we got to the ferry, the boat was almost full. There were a lot of tour groups going to the island. I sat upstairs in the opened part. It was very windy and the water was very choppy. It rained a few times each lasting a few minutes. I was heading to Inis Mor the largest of the three Aran Islands and where most tourist goes for the day. When I got there, it was raining so I decided to do the driving tour where a mini van drives you around showing the major sights. It cost the same as renting a bike for the day, €10. I think the drive was the most informative. There were many mini vans lined up looking for business. Since I didn't know which one good and didn't want to do it alone, I made sure the tour guide had people with him first. At the end, there were four of us. First the guide can us the load down of the economy which was interesting. Inis Mor economy is 50% fishing, 40% tourism, 5% farming, and 5% weaving. He also told us that in order to have property on the island, you have to be a native or marry in. Or you can buy the house but can't develop on it. I think the island is very lovely and don't mind living there but what would I do!
The guide took us straight to Dun Aonghasa, a fort that overlooks a cliff, first so we can beat the crowds. He was quick and only about 15 people were around up in the Fort. To get there, there was a €3 admission and a rocky walk up to the top. It took about 20 minutes to get to the top. Once at the top, it was beautiful with all that water a day the cliff. What was scary was that the edge of the cliff was not roped off or anything. People can dangle their feet over the edge. Of course, I only went up to about ten feet from the edge. According to the guide, there was only one person who stepped over the edge on five years. Apparently, the guy was trying to take a picture of the other cliffs and didn't see that he had stepped out too far. There were a lot of witnesses.
The guide us to explore Dun Aonghasa for under two hours. We had time to grab lunch at the cafe. I had vegetable soup and it was very good. After we went to the seven churches (ruins) and we also saw the only circular house on the island. Then we went to see the last lighthouse at this side of the Atlantic. If you keep going west, the next lighthouse would be in Newfoundland. We got to walk down to the shore. The lighthouse is in its own separate rocky island. The whole Inis Mor is covered with rocks. In order to have grass growing or soil, people would bring up sand from the beach and then bring up seaweed to cover the sand and the seaweed would decompose. You only need about 4 inches of soil to grow potatoes. Next, the guide took us back to the main village through the coastal road. Usually, there would be seals sunning in the afternoon, but we didn't see any. I did see a seal's head poking out in the water.
The guide dropped us off at the Aran Sweater Market. There was suppose to be a sweater museum but I didn't see it. The tour was very reasonable, €10 for 3 1/2 hours. At the sweater market I went a little crazy ignoring my budget. They had shipping for a good price so I bought a few items. My purchases are supporting the locals since they made the items.
The ferry back to the mainland didn't depart until 17:00, but we did have a full ferry going. I went to wait at the docks until it was time to board. I think I took a little nap on the ferry and on the bus ride back to the city. It was a long day. I decided after getting off the bus, I would have dinner at the hotel. It was a long walk back and we didn't get back to the city until 19:00. I was really hungry by the time I returned to the hotel. I just dropped my stuff off and went to the bar for bar food. I had a steak sandwich. At home, this would be an open face sandwich, but here the steak is in between a crusty bun, served with salad and a bowl of chips (thick cut french fries).
Now, I'm in the lobby (only one using wifi) surrounded by Italian people playing cards and talking very loudly. I can't tell if they are swearing or not. After every hand, they just talk very loud, particularly this one table. At least tomorrow I don't have to wake up so early.
Tomorrow's agenda: The Burren tour, Cliffs of Moher
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
Day 19: Getting to Galway
So, today was my last day in Northern Ireland. It's such a lovely place to would go back to visit.
I woke up a bit early today to repack my bag. It's not heavy. It just have a lot of stuff in it, but I'm sure I can stuff more items inside. Then I had breakfast and hanged out till 11:00. My bus to Dublin airport wasn't till 12:00. I'm taking the bus to Dublin airport and then from there head straight to Galway.
Since today is a traveling day, there isn't that much to write about. I got into Galway at about 17:30 which was a little behind schedule. I'm hoping the bus system in Ireland is good, and the buses aren't always late since I'm taking buses to the next few destinations and have a lot of transfers. I hope I can make it to my final destination as planned or not get in too late. On the way to Galway, I just read and enjoy the scenery. Lots of farmland with sheep and cows and green everywhere.
When I got into Galway, it was rush hour. In fear of getting lost, I took a taxi to the hotel. Yes, I got a hotel since it was cheaper than the b&b's I looked at. The hotel is also a bit a way from the city center. It would take me about 20 minutes to walk to the Centre. By taking a taxi, I now know how to get to where I need to go in the next couple days. The taxi wasn't expensive at all deposited being rush hour. When I got to my hotel room, I discovered that I have two beds, a single and a double. I guess that's what happens when I check in late.
I ate dinner in the hotel bar, fish and chips. I didn't want to go any where since it was raining out. The fish and chips were OK. The fish is a bit dense than the ones I had over in scotland and england. I hope it's just the restaurant and not Ireland in how they fry the fish. Now, I'm in the hotel lobby since they have wifi here and not in the rooms. I'll be hanging out here probably most evenings. The hotel doesn't look that busy although I heard that tour groups stay here a lot. Hopefully, if they are here, I'm not stuck behind them for breakfast tomorrow. Retiring early tonight since I have to make my way downtown early tomorrow for a tour
Tomorrow's agenda: Touring the Aran Island.
I woke up a bit early today to repack my bag. It's not heavy. It just have a lot of stuff in it, but I'm sure I can stuff more items inside. Then I had breakfast and hanged out till 11:00. My bus to Dublin airport wasn't till 12:00. I'm taking the bus to Dublin airport and then from there head straight to Galway.
Since today is a traveling day, there isn't that much to write about. I got into Galway at about 17:30 which was a little behind schedule. I'm hoping the bus system in Ireland is good, and the buses aren't always late since I'm taking buses to the next few destinations and have a lot of transfers. I hope I can make it to my final destination as planned or not get in too late. On the way to Galway, I just read and enjoy the scenery. Lots of farmland with sheep and cows and green everywhere.
When I got into Galway, it was rush hour. In fear of getting lost, I took a taxi to the hotel. Yes, I got a hotel since it was cheaper than the b&b's I looked at. The hotel is also a bit a way from the city center. It would take me about 20 minutes to walk to the Centre. By taking a taxi, I now know how to get to where I need to go in the next couple days. The taxi wasn't expensive at all deposited being rush hour. When I got to my hotel room, I discovered that I have two beds, a single and a double. I guess that's what happens when I check in late.
I ate dinner in the hotel bar, fish and chips. I didn't want to go any where since it was raining out. The fish and chips were OK. The fish is a bit dense than the ones I had over in scotland and england. I hope it's just the restaurant and not Ireland in how they fry the fish. Now, I'm in the hotel lobby since they have wifi here and not in the rooms. I'll be hanging out here probably most evenings. The hotel doesn't look that busy although I heard that tour groups stay here a lot. Hopefully, if they are here, I'm not stuck behind them for breakfast tomorrow. Retiring early tonight since I have to make my way downtown early tomorrow for a tour
Tomorrow's agenda: Touring the Aran Island.
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
Day 18: Touring Belfast
Today, I woke up about 8:00 to leave at 9:15 to catch the bus to the city Centre. Everyone is working today so I was the last one out of the house. Thanks to my friend, she gave me directions to the bus stop and tell me what bus to take and where to get it when coming back.
I bought a day pass, after 9:30 the pass cost £2.90, for the train to city Centre. The bus dropped me off beside City Hall and I just made my way to the place where the city sightseeing bop on and off bus begins. I wanted to stop at the TI first but didn't have time. When got to the tour bus stop, I bought my ticket at a discount since I showed my bus tour that I did in York. My first stop on the tour is Storming, the parliament building, since there are open during the day. The building is impressive and we have to walk around the gate and walk through security complete with a metal detector. Then, when I got in, you had to get a pass to wear. I only walked around the great hall and took some pictures. I was only there for about 20 minutes. Then I hopped back on the bus and then do the complete tour.
Once I was done, I went to the TI to get some souvenirs, a place called 'chopsticks' for lunch. It's my first Asian meal here. I only have vegetable fried noodles and caramel, coconut chicken. The chicken sounded unique and the taste was ok. Then I walked around to find a card and chocolate for my wonderful hosts. Then I waited around for the hop on and off bus to take me to the Titanic museum. It was already 14:00. When I got to the museum (cost £13.50) , they gave me a time to tour the place. I had to wait for more than 20 minutes. I don't know why they didn't sell me the tour that started in less than 5 minutes. It wasn't busy. So, I waited by checking out the gift shop.
The titanic museum is really good. I like it. It was very informative with Belfast history and how it fitted in the ship making industry. They have interactive parts and even have a ride that tells you about how they make the ship water tight. Then they showed the telegram communicated that night of the sinking, the sinking and the aftermath. They even have displays on what the different class rooms looked like. At the end, they show the salvaging and exploring of the site. Overall, a good museum to go to for all ages.
After the museum, I hopped back on the bus. I was supposed to get off at St. Georges square so I could walk to City Hall, but the bus didn't go there so I just did the rest of the tour again in fear that I would get lost if I got off somewhere I didn't know. Once the tour is completed, I made my way to City Hall to catch the bus back to my friend's house. By this time, it was a little after 17:00. It took a while to get back due to rush hour traffic but I made it back in one piece. I didn't get lost. Once I got back, we had dinner right away. We had stew. It was suppose to be Irish stew but was made with beef. It was good. I also had this drink called 'shloer'. It's a sparkling juice drink and it's good. It's something local to the UK.
Now, since I'm all toured out, we are just hanging out and watch tv. Then my friend got me to help bake chocolate cupcakes for her grandfather's birthday tomorrow. I have to eventually repack my stuff since i don't have a lot of room in my bag for souvenirs later on. I'm leaving northern Ireland tomorrow. Where have all the time go. I think when you have company, the time goes by very fast.
Tomorrow's agenda: Heading to Galway by bus
I bought a day pass, after 9:30 the pass cost £2.90, for the train to city Centre. The bus dropped me off beside City Hall and I just made my way to the place where the city sightseeing bop on and off bus begins. I wanted to stop at the TI first but didn't have time. When got to the tour bus stop, I bought my ticket at a discount since I showed my bus tour that I did in York. My first stop on the tour is Storming, the parliament building, since there are open during the day. The building is impressive and we have to walk around the gate and walk through security complete with a metal detector. Then, when I got in, you had to get a pass to wear. I only walked around the great hall and took some pictures. I was only there for about 20 minutes. Then I hopped back on the bus and then do the complete tour.
Once I was done, I went to the TI to get some souvenirs, a place called 'chopsticks' for lunch. It's my first Asian meal here. I only have vegetable fried noodles and caramel, coconut chicken. The chicken sounded unique and the taste was ok. Then I walked around to find a card and chocolate for my wonderful hosts. Then I waited around for the hop on and off bus to take me to the Titanic museum. It was already 14:00. When I got to the museum (cost £13.50) , they gave me a time to tour the place. I had to wait for more than 20 minutes. I don't know why they didn't sell me the tour that started in less than 5 minutes. It wasn't busy. So, I waited by checking out the gift shop.
The titanic museum is really good. I like it. It was very informative with Belfast history and how it fitted in the ship making industry. They have interactive parts and even have a ride that tells you about how they make the ship water tight. Then they showed the telegram communicated that night of the sinking, the sinking and the aftermath. They even have displays on what the different class rooms looked like. At the end, they show the salvaging and exploring of the site. Overall, a good museum to go to for all ages.
After the museum, I hopped back on the bus. I was supposed to get off at St. Georges square so I could walk to City Hall, but the bus didn't go there so I just did the rest of the tour again in fear that I would get lost if I got off somewhere I didn't know. Once the tour is completed, I made my way to City Hall to catch the bus back to my friend's house. By this time, it was a little after 17:00. It took a while to get back due to rush hour traffic but I made it back in one piece. I didn't get lost. Once I got back, we had dinner right away. We had stew. It was suppose to be Irish stew but was made with beef. It was good. I also had this drink called 'shloer'. It's a sparkling juice drink and it's good. It's something local to the UK.
Now, since I'm all toured out, we are just hanging out and watch tv. Then my friend got me to help bake chocolate cupcakes for her grandfather's birthday tomorrow. I have to eventually repack my stuff since i don't have a lot of room in my bag for souvenirs later on. I'm leaving northern Ireland tomorrow. Where have all the time go. I think when you have company, the time goes by very fast.
Tomorrow's agenda: Heading to Galway by bus
Day 17: A day trip to Derry then back to Belfast
Today, we woke up early about 8:30 to catch the train to Derry from Coleraine, a return ticket after 9:30 is £8.40, which is reasonable. We left for Derry at 10:00. According to Michael Palin, a known famous traveler, the train trip from Coleraine to Derry is one of his top ten favorite train rides. The train ride was very scenic with coast on one side and green meadow on the other. If I too the train ride on the summer, I would probably see that. On the coast side, most of the water was out and you just see silt for miles. Apparently, the journey on the train takes longer than the journey in a car. The railway in New. Ireland is not that great. It also have speed limits along the way.
We arrived at the station on the seaside of the city. We took a free bus across the waters to the cityside of Derry. At first we decide to just walk around the wall of Derry, but then we didn't really know a thing about Derry at all so we just headed to the TI to see if there were any tours to do. It took awhile to get there, a walk through two shopping centers. The TI was somewhat out of the way from all of the touristy things. At the TI, we found a walking tour around the walls and city for £4 that starts at noon. We had about 25 minutes before the tour starts so we walked down to the peace bridge, erected in 2011 to unite the two sides together. We didn't cross it since we were pressed for time.
We met the walking tour guide at the TI. At first we thought that we would be only two doing the walking tour, but as he brought us up the hill to the wall there were people waiting at the sign. There were more than 10 of us with me being the only Canadian again. There was a couple from the US and the rest were from the UK. The tour starts with a little history of why the wall was erected to when the Troubles begun. We just walked around the wall, but the guide pointed out the famous murals below the walls. There's a lot of history in Derry. The guide showed us the oldest department store in the world and a war memorial. Once we were back at the starting point, we were done. There was a cafe on the corner that offered free tea or coffee to those who were in the tour. We were a bit hungry then so we went to the cafe for lunch. I had the tuna melt.
After lunch, we walked around a shopping Centre and then back to the bus station to see what time the bus back to the train station will be at. We had about 30 minutes, and my friend wanted to show me the university campus of where she did her Masters. We didn't have time to walk there but my friend did buy Diary Milk Chocolate for me to try. I know we have them in Canada, but I have to agree with my friend that the Irish Diary Milk chocolates taste better than the ones in Canada. So we caught our bus and then the train on the way back to Coleraine. This was at 15:00. My friend had to be back in Belfast to her sign language class at 16:00. It takes about an hour to get from Coleraine to Belfast. Once we were back in Coleraine, we cleaned the apartment and made our way to Belfast. We were making good time until we hit rush hour in Belfast. It darted to rain on the way to Belfast and didn't stop until late at night.
We made it home at about 17:30. My friend rushed to her class and I had dinner with her parents. Then after dinner, I just went online and caught up with the blog and see if there were tickets available for the titanic museum for tomorrow. There seem to be lots available so I didn't bother with the 5% discount when purchasing ticket online. I would just buy my ticket when I get there. Also, during this time, I was doing my washing and making myself at home. Eventualky, my friend came home and we just watch some tv before going to bed.
Tomorrow's agenda: Touring Belfast
We arrived at the station on the seaside of the city. We took a free bus across the waters to the cityside of Derry. At first we decide to just walk around the wall of Derry, but then we didn't really know a thing about Derry at all so we just headed to the TI to see if there were any tours to do. It took awhile to get there, a walk through two shopping centers. The TI was somewhat out of the way from all of the touristy things. At the TI, we found a walking tour around the walls and city for £4 that starts at noon. We had about 25 minutes before the tour starts so we walked down to the peace bridge, erected in 2011 to unite the two sides together. We didn't cross it since we were pressed for time.
We met the walking tour guide at the TI. At first we thought that we would be only two doing the walking tour, but as he brought us up the hill to the wall there were people waiting at the sign. There were more than 10 of us with me being the only Canadian again. There was a couple from the US and the rest were from the UK. The tour starts with a little history of why the wall was erected to when the Troubles begun. We just walked around the wall, but the guide pointed out the famous murals below the walls. There's a lot of history in Derry. The guide showed us the oldest department store in the world and a war memorial. Once we were back at the starting point, we were done. There was a cafe on the corner that offered free tea or coffee to those who were in the tour. We were a bit hungry then so we went to the cafe for lunch. I had the tuna melt.
After lunch, we walked around a shopping Centre and then back to the bus station to see what time the bus back to the train station will be at. We had about 30 minutes, and my friend wanted to show me the university campus of where she did her Masters. We didn't have time to walk there but my friend did buy Diary Milk Chocolate for me to try. I know we have them in Canada, but I have to agree with my friend that the Irish Diary Milk chocolates taste better than the ones in Canada. So we caught our bus and then the train on the way back to Coleraine. This was at 15:00. My friend had to be back in Belfast to her sign language class at 16:00. It takes about an hour to get from Coleraine to Belfast. Once we were back in Coleraine, we cleaned the apartment and made our way to Belfast. We were making good time until we hit rush hour in Belfast. It darted to rain on the way to Belfast and didn't stop until late at night.
We made it home at about 17:30. My friend rushed to her class and I had dinner with her parents. Then after dinner, I just went online and caught up with the blog and see if there were tickets available for the titanic museum for tomorrow. There seem to be lots available so I didn't bother with the 5% discount when purchasing ticket online. I would just buy my ticket when I get there. Also, during this time, I was doing my washing and making myself at home. Eventualky, my friend came home and we just watch some tv before going to bed.
Tomorrow's agenda: Touring Belfast
Day 16: The Giant's Causeway and north shore of N. Ireland
Today, we left Belfast around 9:30 to go to the Giant's Causeway. We packed an overnight bag since we will be spending the night in my friend's parent's apartment in Coleraine. On the way, we stopped to pick up one of my friend's friend. She was going to spend the day with us. As we head to the Giant's Causeway, we took a wrong turn to go and headed towards Ballycastle. Eventually, after phoning a parent for the right direction we were back on track but it was nice to take the scenic drive. We had to just follow the signs to the Giant's Causeway.
When we got there, we walked down to the basalt hexagonal formations, what the Causeway is known for, and climb up and around it. It was interesting. Then my friend goggled the story of how the Causeway was formed, by the giant named Finn McCool. It was a pretty cool legend. Then we walked a bit farther and I got my picture taken on a boot, boot shaped rock. We were going to go see the pipe organ but when we got up there we would have to turn around so we didn't go. But I did take a picture of it from afar. So then we headed back up the cliffs and made our way to Portrush for a late lunch. We got into Portrush at almost 14:00 so we just past the lunch crowd. It was still a little busy at the restaurant and had to wait for a table for about 20 minutes, and another of my friend's friend joined us for lunch. The restaurant is called Ramone Wine Bar and is a good place to eat. The food and good and the dessert is unbelievable. I had the peppered chicken with mushrooms and onion rings. Since we were all stuff, we got two dessert to go.
Then we headed to Port Stewart which has a nice beach area. We took a long walk on the beach, and it was quite calm and nice. A lot if people were there giving that it was a sunday and a sunny day. However, it was too cold for anyone to go in the water. We did see three people trying to surf, but the were wearing wetsuits. After the nice beach walk, which of course I picked up some shells and wrote my name in the sand, we headed to Coleraine to the apartment. It was around 16:30 when we got there. Everything in N. Ireland is easy to get to and is a short drive away. You can drive across the country in 2 to 2 1/2 hours. So we just hang out at the apartment and ate the desserts. The desserts were very good. Both were almost the same with the same toppings and base of caramel, honeycomb, chocolate, and brownie. One was a cheesecake and the other was a meringue type. They were big pieces too so it took us awhile to finish it and we were all sharing.
At about 19:00, my friend's two friends left to head back home, and my friend and I just hanged out at the apartment and watched some tv. She wanted to watch 'The Voice UK'. The celebrities were picking the people (singers) to join their group. It was interesting to watch. Then we saw some documentary of Titanic. After we headed of to bed to have a early start for a train ride to Derry the next morning.
Tomorrow's agenda: A train ride to Derry, tour around Derry and back to Belfast
When we got there, we walked down to the basalt hexagonal formations, what the Causeway is known for, and climb up and around it. It was interesting. Then my friend goggled the story of how the Causeway was formed, by the giant named Finn McCool. It was a pretty cool legend. Then we walked a bit farther and I got my picture taken on a boot, boot shaped rock. We were going to go see the pipe organ but when we got up there we would have to turn around so we didn't go. But I did take a picture of it from afar. So then we headed back up the cliffs and made our way to Portrush for a late lunch. We got into Portrush at almost 14:00 so we just past the lunch crowd. It was still a little busy at the restaurant and had to wait for a table for about 20 minutes, and another of my friend's friend joined us for lunch. The restaurant is called Ramone Wine Bar and is a good place to eat. The food and good and the dessert is unbelievable. I had the peppered chicken with mushrooms and onion rings. Since we were all stuff, we got two dessert to go.
Then we headed to Port Stewart which has a nice beach area. We took a long walk on the beach, and it was quite calm and nice. A lot if people were there giving that it was a sunday and a sunny day. However, it was too cold for anyone to go in the water. We did see three people trying to surf, but the were wearing wetsuits. After the nice beach walk, which of course I picked up some shells and wrote my name in the sand, we headed to Coleraine to the apartment. It was around 16:30 when we got there. Everything in N. Ireland is easy to get to and is a short drive away. You can drive across the country in 2 to 2 1/2 hours. So we just hang out at the apartment and ate the desserts. The desserts were very good. Both were almost the same with the same toppings and base of caramel, honeycomb, chocolate, and brownie. One was a cheesecake and the other was a meringue type. They were big pieces too so it took us awhile to finish it and we were all sharing.
At about 19:00, my friend's two friends left to head back home, and my friend and I just hanged out at the apartment and watched some tv. She wanted to watch 'The Voice UK'. The celebrities were picking the people (singers) to join their group. It was interesting to watch. Then we saw some documentary of Titanic. After we headed of to bed to have a early start for a train ride to Derry the next morning.
Tomorrow's agenda: A train ride to Derry, tour around Derry and back to Belfast
Monday, April 16, 2012
Day 15: Heading to Belfast
Today I woke up early to have breakfast with the tour group at 7:30. They were leaving for Dublin at 8:00 to catch the ferry. We all said our goodbyes before they left. There 16 people leaving at Glasgow and apparently 16 people are joining the tour in Dublin. Everyone left and it was just me and my roommate left since she's staying an extra day in Glasgow and me leaving for Belfast at 11:00ish.
So after breakfast, I went up to pack and we checked out at about 9:00. I just hanged out at the hotel lounge till a little after 10:00 reading, which I'm not doing much on this trip. So from the hotel, it took about 10 minutes to talk to the station. Once at the station, I bought my ticket have had to wait and hour. For my trip to Belfast, I had to take the train from Glasgow to Ayr, then the bus from Ayr to Cairnryan, and then the ferry from Cairnryan to Belfast. This journey did not cost that much as expected, £27. When I was waiting in the station, a lot of people were there traveling to the different cities to watch football (soccer for us), and some group were just rowdy. Yes, football is amazingly big in the UK.
So my trip from Glasgow to Belfast took about 6 hours including the waiting. The train and bus trip was uneventful. So was the ferry ride. The ferry was really big since they take cars and commercial trucks across. The levels where people hang out was posh with lots of lounges. The journey on the ferry was surprisingly rocky for a big ship. I wanted to go out on the deck but it was windy and cold and some were a smoking area.
Once in Belfast, my friend with her mom to pick me up. They showed me some of the sights and we drove to C.S. Lewis, author of The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe and many more tales, house. We didn't go in since it is a private residence. We went to my friend's house and I got settled in. Then at 20:00 we left to pick up a friend to have dinner at 'made in Belfast'. Which advertises that their food is locally grown and stuff. The restaurant shall we say was eclectic with mismatch chairs, candles in wine bottle and hat lighting. I had the veggie curry with brown rice and it was quite good. We also shared a white chocolate mixed berry cheesecake for dessert.
Afterwards, my friend drove us around the city Centre and pointed out some sights. By the time we got back to the house, it was already late.
Tomorrow's agenda: Going to the Giant's Causeway and the North Shore of Northern Ireland.
Day 14: Traveling through the Highlands and down to Glasgow
Today, we got up early had breakfast and then made our way to Stirling. On our way we stopped at Glencoe for a photo op of the Highlands and then a group picture. After we hopped back on the bus and slowly made our way out of the Highland to Stirling. During this time, some of us had to do evaluation report of the tour manager and driver. We also got a contact list of everyone in the group and tip envelopes. Since the tour is a service industries, we should tip them kindly. We got to Stirling before lunch. At Stirling, we had a choice, go see Stirling castle, go for lunch and shop, or go see the William Wallace Statue. Basically, a free couple of hours in Stirling to do whatever.
I went to Stirling Castle. It was a grand castle with lots of history of Robert the Bruce and the battles. We try to see everything, but we missed a few things due to time restraints. After the castle, we hopped back in the bus and made our way to Glasgow which was about an hour away. Before Glasgow, we got a map, and the tour manager showed us where the shopping and dining areas are. We arrived at the hotel at 14:00 which was a bit earlier than expected. Most of the rooms were ready but a few would be ready at 14:30 and 15:00. I, unfortunately, got the room that was ready at 15:00 so I had an hour to wait. So I had a bit of lunch since I didn't eat at the castle and then went on the free Internet in the lobby computers. My roommate left her luggage and went out exploring. I thought she would be back at 15:00 to pick up the key.
When I got into my room, I just laid out my stuff and went back down to the lobby to wait for my roommate to come back which I had hope soon. I had both the keys a day the room number. I eventually waited for her for a couple of hours. During this time, I just hanged out on the lobby and talk to my fellow Canadian traveller. I didn't get a chance to explore the city but that was OK. My roomie didn't get back until about 17:30. Some of the people in the group was planning to have dinner somewhere around the hotel at 18:30 before heading for a night out on the town at 20:00.
I got ready in jeans and a nice top as it was my last day on the tour it would've been bad if I didn't go partying with my fellow Contiki people.
At 18:30, a bunch of us met, about 14 people and went to dinner at Wetherspoon. Apparently, it is a franchise chain and the food is good and inexpensive. Since it was a pub type, we ordered attention bar and paid then. I had the breaded deep fried scampi (shrimp) with mushy peas and chips. It was good and only £6.55. I was the last one to get my food but was not the last one to order, though.
After dinner, we went back to the hotel a few minutes early to do the bar scene of Glasgow. We were informed that we were going to three and the third one was just a couple blocks away from the hotel for easy walking. The first place we went was called The Monkey Bar. It was a small place to hang outing since a part if it was reserved. So we just hang around and talked. There was a live dj but they don't really have a dance floor. The music was OK in that I knew the songs. I didn't get anything to drink except for a coke. I didn't what types of drinks they make. So, we hang around there till 21:30 and then went to the next bar. The next bar was 'walkabout'. Apparently, it is an Australian bar. The tour manager said that if you were Australian then they don't accept your driver's license as a valid ID. They need to see your passport. It's a good thing I'm not Australian and I got in with my driver's license. Yeah, the music was not recognizable and bad. I didn't get a drink here but I did dance with the drunk people. I think they were surprised that I dance.
After a while, a few of us decided to leave to go back to the hotel. The music was bad and we could just as well hang out in the lounge of the hotel. When we got back we did just that. After a while, we saw some other people come in and said that the third place sucked as well. Good thing we didn't have to pay any cover charge for the bars.
After we all headed back to our rooms. Everyone had to wake up early tomorrow to have breakfast and then to either catch the bus to continue onto to Ireland or the train down to London.
Tomorrow's agenda: Going to Northern Ireland
After we all headed back to our rooms. Everyone had to wake up early tomorrow to have breakfast and then to either catch the bus to continue onto to Ireland or the train down to London.
Tomorrow's agenda: Going to Northern Ireland
Day 13: Touring around Loch Ness, Isle of Skye, and Ben Nevis
Today was somewhat an early day. I got up at a little before 7:00 and got ready and use the free wifi in the lounge before breakfast. Breakfast was good. It was not a typical buffet layout. A person would serve you whatever you want. I guess it's a way to waste less food.
After breakfast, we hopped on the bus and made a short trip to the Loch Ness cruise. The cruise was good. I was on the top deck for the first half and it got too cold so I want below deck where everyone was. We went from the launch dock to the castle ruins and back. We didn't even see one scale of Nessie...disappointing. After the cruise, we went into the gift shop where they sell everything Nessie related. Then we hopped on the bus and head northward to the Isle of Skye.
On the way to the Isle of Skye, we had a short stop, about a twenty minutes stop at Eilean Donan Castle. We didn't go inside it but we could take pictures of it and go to the gift shop. After that we made our way to Portree in the Isle of Skye for lunch and a little sight seeing. When we got there, we had a little under two hours to explore and have lunch. Portree is a small fishing village so naturally they will have a lot of fish and chips and seafood restaurants. I had fish and chips for lunch and then walked around town. I also brought a wool cardigan since I heard they knit slot in Scotland. The cardigan smell like sheep right now, and i hope the smell doesn't contaminate my other clothes when I pack them together.
After Portree we made our way down south again towards Fort Williams. On the way we got some more of Scotland's history and watched the last half of 'Braveheart'. Before we got into Fort Williams, we stopped to see Ben Nevis, the tallest mountain in Great Britain. Since it was cloudy, we didn't even see it. Once we got into Fort Williams, the bus dropped us off for us to find dinner. We (4 of us) stopped at the first place we saw, which was a pub. I had a chicken burger with curly fries. Today was a deep fried kind of day. Good thing breakfast wasn't deep fried.
After dinner and a walk on Main Street, we hopped back on the bus to go to the hotel where there free wifi in the lounge and bar. The shower had hot water as well. I'm going to go hang out with my fellow travelers before heading to bed.
Tomorrow's agenda: Stirling Castle and Glasgow
Day 12: Touring around st. Andrew's and the highlands
Today was an early day. We had breakfast at 7:00 before leaving on the tour bus at 7:45. We had a lot of driving ahead of us. First stop was St. Andrew's, the famous golf course. It was about over an hour drive from Edinburgh. On the way we across over a big bridge. Did you know: GOLF stands for Gentlemen Only Ladies Forbidden.
Once at St. Andrew's, we had a choice. Getting of at the golf museum and walk around or get off at the abbey ruins a few minutes up the coast by car. I got off at the Abbey, took some pictures of the ruins and then took a 20 minutes walk back down to the golf museum where we would be picked up.
At the beach of St. Andrew's, it was where the filmed the chariot scene from 'chariot of fire'. Also, to be able to play at St. Andrew's, you enter your name in a lottery draw and then they will draw your name for a tee off time in three or four years from when you enter. Apparently, lots of people want to play there.
After St. Andrew's, we headed towards the Highlands. The Highlands are very pretty with sheep everywhere. I didn't see a Highland cow yet. The land isn't good for planting anything as it is just rocks underneath a thin layer of soil, but it is good for keeping livestock. As we drove through the Highlands, we stopped at Spittal of Glenshee for a quick lunch of soup and sandwiches. Then we hopped back on the bus to head to The Glenlivet for a whiskey distillery tour. The bus ride took about two and a half hour due to a big diversion (detour) to get there. Once we got there, we headed to the gift shop where we waited to be divided into three groups to do the tour. The tour was interesting. We learn the ingredients of making whiskey, barley, spring water and yeast, the process to malt the barley, which they don't do at the distillery, and then the process. We saw the drum where they pour water in to extract the sugars of the barley, the barrels where the fermentation process takes place, the distillers (they distilled it twice) and the warehouse where they store the whiskey barrels. The company store/age their whiskey for about 12 to 25 years. Apparently, to become malt scotch whiskey, the whiskey has to be made in Scotland and be stored for at least up to three years.
After the tour, there was a tasting. There were three choices, a 12 year, a 16 year, and a 18 year. I didn't try any since I'm not a whiskey drinker at all.
After the distillery, we hopped back on the bus where we got a little history lesson about Scotland's history and then we watched part of 'Braveheart' in our way to Inverness by Loch Ness where our hotel would be. We drove by Loch Ness, and it is really big and seem to stretch on forever. Loch Ness is so big that it will fit all the water on all the lakes in Great Britain. Once we got to the hotel which really is a lodge, we would be having dinner at 19:30 which only gave us a half an hour to settle. The lodge is OK and a bit cold since it's been raining a little here. At least dinner was good. Our dinner lasted for two hours. Then since it was a long drive today, most people headed back to their room or in the lounge for free wifi.
Tomorrow's agenda: a lake cruise around Loch Ness and then another long drive up to the Isle of Skye.
Day 11: Free Day in Edinburgh
Today we had a free day in Edinburgh. We had breakfast first and then headed as a big group to the bus stop. I bet the bus driver wasn't too happy to see us. The tour manager bought us all day pass ticket for us to explore Edinburgh by ourselves. So, a group of us wanted to start at Edinburgh Castle first and then make our way down the Royal Mile to Holyrood palace.
When we woke up, it was a mix of rain and snow. It was raining when we got to the castle. Since we were in a somewhat big group (14 people), a person thought it would be cheaper for us to buy our tickets at a group rate £13.05 per person instead of £15. So once we got into the castle, our group somewhat split up. Our 'leader' somehow left our group so we are on our own for the rest of our planned itinerary. So we walked around the castle, thank goodness most of the stuff to look at was inside. After the castle, it was getting close to lunch. So, we made our says down the Royal Mile looking for food and souvenirs.
Looking at all these shops selling souvenirs and tartans, makes me want like a kilt. I didn't buy one today, but I am in Scotland for a few more days so maybe I'll get a kilt and a sweater or something. The only disappointing thing is that I don't have a clan (go figure). They don't have a generic or default clan so maybe I'll pick one that looks the nicest.
As for food, we went to Deacon Tavern. It was a good place but busy. I had fish and chips again.
After lunch, it was still lightly drizzling as we continued our way down the Royal Mile. We went inside St. Giles's Cathedral. It was really pretty. It also costed £2 to get a photo permit for one to be allowed to take pictures inside.
As we continued walking down, we there were souvenir shops everywhere and we did come across a good fudge place, but I didn't get any fudge. When we got to Holyrood Palace, we decided to just do the Palace and gardens and not the Queen's Gallery. The Palace was really interesting since we had a free audio tour to guide us. The Palace is still being used by the Queen yearly when she comes to Scotland to do her duties. We only got to see one side of the Palace with the old Royal Apartments. We weren't allow to take pictures inside the palace but the abbey ruins were interesting to see as is the gardens. The garden is where the queen host were annual tea party. The gardens is small but has lots of trees and flowers.
After the palace, we made our way to Gothic rock, which actual name is Scott Monument. I think the status is call Gothic rock is because it is all black. The stone the use actually turn naturally black. We had an option of climbing this monument since we have time, but it costs £3 to climb the narrow, spiral staircases. We then wandered around St. Andrew's Square before deciding to go to the Natural History Museum since it is free. When we got there, it was closed and it was getting close to 18:00. We had to be back at the hotel to have dinner at 19:00. After walking around and running into our fellow contiki people, we eventual found the bus stop going in the right direction. We made it back to the hotel before 19:00.
Our dinner was ok. We had four little vegetarian spring rolls, followed by chicken breast in a mushroom sauce with veggies, and the white chocolate cheesecake for dessert. After dinner, we hung around for a while and talk. Most of us retired to bed early as we have breakfast at 7:00 tomorrow before hopping on the bus before 8:00.
Tomorrow's agenda: Going to find the Loch Ness monster.
Day 10: Going to Edinburgh, Scotland
Today, I'm leaving England and heading to Scotland's capital, Edinburgh.
Of course, we had to start the day with rain. I didn't timed it getting in, but it took me about 15 minutes to get to the Supermarket bus stop in Keswick. Of course, there was a closer bus stop to the b&b, but I wasn't sure where exactly it was. Besides, I was waiting at the bus stop for about 40 minutes because I didn't know if today was a Bank Holiday in Britain or not (it was). So, if I needed anything for my trip, I could just hop into the supermarket to get it.
When I got to Penrith Rail station, I had to wait for about an hour since the trains were running late due to rail maintenance. At least, I got into Edinburgh in good shape. I decided to take a taxi to the hotel since I didn't know where the bus stop was. The rail station is big. The taxi ride was worth it. The total cost was about £8.25. Once I got to the hotel, it was 14:00, which is check in time. When I got to the front desk, the person told me that the previous guest had a late check out and that thermometer won't be ready until probably 15:00. So I had lunch at the restaurant at the hotel. Then the front desk person found me and said that my room was ready. So I headed to my room. Once I went it, the room was obviously not ready as everything was a mess.
So, I headed back downstairs to tell the person that the room is obviously not ready at all. She had to get a hold of housekeeping then. So I sat and waited for a bit. I noticed a computer in the lobby so while I wait I could at least check my emails. However, in order to use it, you have to pay (£5 for 1 hour or £16 for 24 hours). Since my room wouldn't be ready for another hour, the kind person at the desk offered my a free hour on the internet, which I took. I only checked my emails on the computer because the computer was so slow in loading and sending. After about 16:00, I went up to my room to check if it has been cleaned. It was, and I was tired from all that waiting. I couldn't take a nap since we had to meet the tour manager at 16:30. Oh, in the elevator, I met some people joining the tour at Scotland, they were from Calgary too. Well, two were and one from regina, who flew in from Calgary.
Upon meeting the tour manager, he informed us that seven people have joined the tour at Scotland. Apparently, tour already started in London, and it was kinda like a hop on and off type of tour as people get off or on in Edinburgh or at Dublin. There will be 16 people leaving the tour at Glasgow and 16 people joining in Dublin. There is over 40 people on this tour. For me, I thought that there would be around 20 to 30 people. After the meeting/information section, the tour manager told us that tonight there was an extra exclusion, that everyone is attending, for a Scottish experience with dinner and a bagpipe performance. Of course, if everyone was going, then I naturally joined too.
So, we met up in the lobby at 17:45 and hopped on the bus. We had a little introduction first and then we were on our say to tour the city first and then to dinner. The city your was a little disjointed as there were construction everywhere. The manager did his best to show us some sites to do tomorrow as it is a free day. He showed us Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile, Holyrood palace, and Balmoral hotel. Ok, Harry Potter fans, Balmoral hotel is where JK Rowling wrote the very last page of her last book. The manager said that if we go there and the hotel is not busy, the staff might show us the table where JK Rowlings wrote.
After the tour, we went to the Scottish Experience Dinner. We had our own room and show just for our tour. There was a three course menu, including haggis which I didn't get, and then the bagpiper performance. Apparently, the haggis is very good. It came as a little appetizer course. I had tomato and basil soup, stuff chicken with potato and turnip puree, and toffee pudding for dessert. Everything was good and filling. After the meal, the piper, Andrew, played us a few songs and entertained us with his stories. He was really good. He was also a good sport of having pictures taken with him.
After dinner, we had a choice of going for a night out on the town of drinking and dancing or head back to the hotel. Most of the people went out. I didnt, of course. It took us a while to get back since of the construction around the city. On our way back, the inside window of the bus broke. It was a good thing no one was sitting there and the bus driver is off tomorrow. I hope the bus is fixed before we get on.
When I got back to the hotel, my roommate showed up. Apparently, she didn't arrive until 20:00 not knowing there was an excursion on. She is very nice and from Australia, and we talked for a bit before getting ready for bed. She's like me and not really into partying.
Tomorrow's agenda: Free day in Edinburgh
Of course, we had to start the day with rain. I didn't timed it getting in, but it took me about 15 minutes to get to the Supermarket bus stop in Keswick. Of course, there was a closer bus stop to the b&b, but I wasn't sure where exactly it was. Besides, I was waiting at the bus stop for about 40 minutes because I didn't know if today was a Bank Holiday in Britain or not (it was). So, if I needed anything for my trip, I could just hop into the supermarket to get it.
When I got to Penrith Rail station, I had to wait for about an hour since the trains were running late due to rail maintenance. At least, I got into Edinburgh in good shape. I decided to take a taxi to the hotel since I didn't know where the bus stop was. The rail station is big. The taxi ride was worth it. The total cost was about £8.25. Once I got to the hotel, it was 14:00, which is check in time. When I got to the front desk, the person told me that the previous guest had a late check out and that thermometer won't be ready until probably 15:00. So I had lunch at the restaurant at the hotel. Then the front desk person found me and said that my room was ready. So I headed to my room. Once I went it, the room was obviously not ready as everything was a mess.
So, I headed back downstairs to tell the person that the room is obviously not ready at all. She had to get a hold of housekeeping then. So I sat and waited for a bit. I noticed a computer in the lobby so while I wait I could at least check my emails. However, in order to use it, you have to pay (£5 for 1 hour or £16 for 24 hours). Since my room wouldn't be ready for another hour, the kind person at the desk offered my a free hour on the internet, which I took. I only checked my emails on the computer because the computer was so slow in loading and sending. After about 16:00, I went up to my room to check if it has been cleaned. It was, and I was tired from all that waiting. I couldn't take a nap since we had to meet the tour manager at 16:30. Oh, in the elevator, I met some people joining the tour at Scotland, they were from Calgary too. Well, two were and one from regina, who flew in from Calgary.
Upon meeting the tour manager, he informed us that seven people have joined the tour at Scotland. Apparently, tour already started in London, and it was kinda like a hop on and off type of tour as people get off or on in Edinburgh or at Dublin. There will be 16 people leaving the tour at Glasgow and 16 people joining in Dublin. There is over 40 people on this tour. For me, I thought that there would be around 20 to 30 people. After the meeting/information section, the tour manager told us that tonight there was an extra exclusion, that everyone is attending, for a Scottish experience with dinner and a bagpipe performance. Of course, if everyone was going, then I naturally joined too.
So, we met up in the lobby at 17:45 and hopped on the bus. We had a little introduction first and then we were on our say to tour the city first and then to dinner. The city your was a little disjointed as there were construction everywhere. The manager did his best to show us some sites to do tomorrow as it is a free day. He showed us Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile, Holyrood palace, and Balmoral hotel. Ok, Harry Potter fans, Balmoral hotel is where JK Rowling wrote the very last page of her last book. The manager said that if we go there and the hotel is not busy, the staff might show us the table where JK Rowlings wrote.
After the tour, we went to the Scottish Experience Dinner. We had our own room and show just for our tour. There was a three course menu, including haggis which I didn't get, and then the bagpiper performance. Apparently, the haggis is very good. It came as a little appetizer course. I had tomato and basil soup, stuff chicken with potato and turnip puree, and toffee pudding for dessert. Everything was good and filling. After the meal, the piper, Andrew, played us a few songs and entertained us with his stories. He was really good. He was also a good sport of having pictures taken with him.
After dinner, we had a choice of going for a night out on the town of drinking and dancing or head back to the hotel. Most of the people went out. I didnt, of course. It took us a while to get back since of the construction around the city. On our way back, the inside window of the bus broke. It was a good thing no one was sitting there and the bus driver is off tomorrow. I hope the bus is fixed before we get on.
When I got back to the hotel, my roommate showed up. Apparently, she didn't arrive until 20:00 not knowing there was an excursion on. She is very nice and from Australia, and we talked for a bit before getting ready for bed. She's like me and not really into partying.
Tomorrow's agenda: Free day in Edinburgh
Day 9: Hiking around Keswick
After going to bed early yesterday, I got up early and hanged around and pack for a little hike before heading down to breakfast. Once breakfast was done, I headed toward the Centre if town to the TI. I bought a hiking trail map to the Catbells and a ticket for a full loop trip (on the Keswick Launch) around Derwentwater Lake with hop on and off privileges. I then slowly made my way to the lake. The Keswick Launch runs every half an hour with one boat going clockwise on the hour and another boat going anticlockwise on the 30s. The loop around the lake lasts 50 minutes.
I needed to go anticlockwise so I had to wait. It seems a lot of people were going to hike the Catbells and Newlands. I just followed the people up the path. The path indeed, as written, was strenuous with lots of steep climbs. There seem to be three plateaus of Catbells. I didn't know this until I started hiking it. I thought I made good time and the top, but only to realize that there was another peak. As I made my way to the second peak, it started raining and the wind was blowing quite hard. Once I was at the top of the second peak, there was another steeper peak. At the time I was drenched (and not obviously prepared as everyone else on the hike) so I decided to somehow make my way down. Now, going down is the hard part. I found a trail that lead straight down. It was very steep. As I climbed or slid my way down, I literally landed on my butt twice since the trail was all muddy, too. My jeans were all muddy after this hike. Eventually and slowly, I made my way down to the waters to catch a boat back to Keswick. So, my hiking expedition took about three hours. If the weather was nicer, I probably take my time getting to the top plateau before ascending.
Once I made my way back into town, I was very hungry. Since the first time I got here, I had fish and chips. Yay! The fish was good (not fishy at all) and it was a really big piece as well. There were a lot of chips also. I didn't finish those. There were a lot of people walking around town but not as many as yesterday. There were also a lot of dogs everywhere. This town is like one big dog park, but the dogs were on leashes.
After lunch, which was about 14:00, I made my way back to the b&b to try to clean my jeans (as you might remember, I did laundry yesterday). I was apparently walking around town with a muddy bottom. It took a while to clean my jeans and somehow hang them to dry. I hope they dry before tomorrow morning.
After changing, I walked around town some more exploring this tiny place. I didn't go to the Pencil Museum. I'm not even sure it was open. Since it was early and the walk was quicker than I thought, I just took a nap at the b&b. After my nap, i hanged out reading and waiting for the rain to stop. It was raining pretty hard. After the rain let up alittle, I went to find dinner. Lots of the restaurants are opened for dinner even though it was Easter Sunday. I went into this restaurant called '17Again'. It was a shop and a restaurant from what it looks like. It's a girly shop with only about 10 tables. The shop/restaurant was very cramped. When I went in, there were only a few patrons but when I left it was full and people were turned away. I had a two course meal with soup and steak. The meal was pretty good but my steak was tough. The sad part was in didn't bring my camera with me so no picture of that nice meal.
It's downtime again (now I'm use to relaxing and just hanging). Just when I'm use to my schedule, I'm going to be joining a tour group tomorrow. All well, another new experience.
Tomorrow's agenda: Heading to Edinburgh to join a Contiki tour group.
I needed to go anticlockwise so I had to wait. It seems a lot of people were going to hike the Catbells and Newlands. I just followed the people up the path. The path indeed, as written, was strenuous with lots of steep climbs. There seem to be three plateaus of Catbells. I didn't know this until I started hiking it. I thought I made good time and the top, but only to realize that there was another peak. As I made my way to the second peak, it started raining and the wind was blowing quite hard. Once I was at the top of the second peak, there was another steeper peak. At the time I was drenched (and not obviously prepared as everyone else on the hike) so I decided to somehow make my way down. Now, going down is the hard part. I found a trail that lead straight down. It was very steep. As I climbed or slid my way down, I literally landed on my butt twice since the trail was all muddy, too. My jeans were all muddy after this hike. Eventually and slowly, I made my way down to the waters to catch a boat back to Keswick. So, my hiking expedition took about three hours. If the weather was nicer, I probably take my time getting to the top plateau before ascending.
Once I made my way back into town, I was very hungry. Since the first time I got here, I had fish and chips. Yay! The fish was good (not fishy at all) and it was a really big piece as well. There were a lot of chips also. I didn't finish those. There were a lot of people walking around town but not as many as yesterday. There were also a lot of dogs everywhere. This town is like one big dog park, but the dogs were on leashes.
After lunch, which was about 14:00, I made my way back to the b&b to try to clean my jeans (as you might remember, I did laundry yesterday). I was apparently walking around town with a muddy bottom. It took a while to clean my jeans and somehow hang them to dry. I hope they dry before tomorrow morning.
After changing, I walked around town some more exploring this tiny place. I didn't go to the Pencil Museum. I'm not even sure it was open. Since it was early and the walk was quicker than I thought, I just took a nap at the b&b. After my nap, i hanged out reading and waiting for the rain to stop. It was raining pretty hard. After the rain let up alittle, I went to find dinner. Lots of the restaurants are opened for dinner even though it was Easter Sunday. I went into this restaurant called '17Again'. It was a shop and a restaurant from what it looks like. It's a girly shop with only about 10 tables. The shop/restaurant was very cramped. When I went in, there were only a few patrons but when I left it was full and people were turned away. I had a two course meal with soup and steak. The meal was pretty good but my steak was tough. The sad part was in didn't bring my camera with me so no picture of that nice meal.
It's downtime again (now I'm use to relaxing and just hanging). Just when I'm use to my schedule, I'm going to be joining a tour group tomorrow. All well, another new experience.
Tomorrow's agenda: Heading to Edinburgh to join a Contiki tour group.
Day 8: Traveling to Keswick
Today was a travel day. It was another busy day in the train since it's probably in the middle of the holiday. I left the York b&b at almost 10:00. I made good time getting to the train station regarding my luggage. I've found a easier to carry my stuff, at least.
So, once I got to the train station I bought my ticket for Weswick, in the Lake District. The train I was originally going to take would have me transferring twice. However, I asked the information desk, and the guy printed out an easier way to get to Penrith (the station closest to Keswick). Both if the trains were really crowded.
On my way to Penrith, we went pass lots of pastures on the hillside dotted with lots of sheep. It makes really good pictures. Unfortunately and oddly, I didn't take any pictures today. Don't worry i'll take lots in Keswick.
Once in Penrith, I had to take a bus (£5.50 single way) to get to Keswick which is 40 minutes away. On the way, the scenery reminded me of going to the mountains back home with sheep. There's lots of tall hills and trees...so peaceful. Once I got into Keswick, it was really crowded. People were everywhere. There was a market today and lots of people are on holidays. I'm pretty sure it isn't always crowded like this in Keswick. After getting myself oriented, I made my way to the b&b fairly easily. The town is not really that big.
After I got settled, I made my way back into the town Centre to do laundry. At the laundry place, I was able to get wifi for £1 for an hour. These few days of travel will not include free wifi at the b&b/ hotel, which is sad. However, I did forewarned on the previously blog, and these entries are still being typed out every night. I am really sad that I won't keep in touch with you guys everyday :(
Then I walked around trying to find a phone card and a public phone. Maybe having a phone would've been a good idea, but it's too late now, and it's hard to predict unfortunate happenings.
Eventually, I found both and did what I had to do. Now, since it was a travel day, I retired early with a light dinner.
My b&b seem to be lacking electrical outlets and the alarm clock ran out of batteries. I hope I'm not late for breakfast tomorrow since it's only between 8:30 to 9:00. Also, I'm on the top floor. The shower is operated on a pump and indeed it is really loud and water came out very forceful. Thank goodness the owner warned me. The shower is also really noisy. Good thing I took a shower at night when most people are out. Maybe the showers will wake me up tomorrow morning.
Tomorrow's agenda: boating around Derwentwater Lake and hiking a trail. I hope I get wonderful pictures.
Saturday, April 7, 2012
A break
Due to lack of wifi at the b&b and the unknown Internet connection availability in Scotland, I would not be able to write my blog. So stay tuned...
Friday, April 6, 2012
Day 7: Touring around York
Today started out to be a slow day. It has been cloudy all day, and it rained in the better part of the afternoon. I had breakfast at the b&b and then slowly made my way to Exhibition Square to do the free walking tour of York. It's the same concept of the walking tour in Bath. It started at 10:15 and it didn't end until 13:00. It was a big group of over 40 people and two guides. We were divided into two groups, and I was the only Canadian in the group.
The guide first told us the history of the Wall and then took us to the museum gardens to see the remains of the hospital and then the remains of St Mary's abbey. We also saw the different level if walls bring built as the water rose during the centuries. After that, we walked through King's Manor which is the the depth of medical studies and archeology are held. Next, we walked up the wall of Bootham Bar. What's interesting is that most roads end with 'gate' (I forgot why...it's totally slipped my mind), and all the gates into the city are called bars (short for barriers). In Bootham Bar, it had a portcullis pulled up inside. Its the original except they have to replace the middle. Apparently, during the second World War, Canadian bomber pilots would cut a piece of the portcullis away and keep it with them as good luck so then the city ended up replacing the wood beams on the parts that had been cut away.
After that, we walked along the wall to the next bar, Monk's bar. And learned some little history there. Then we slowly made our says to the Shambles, which was really busy and then to Minster Abbey. After he lead us to York's smallest street where the tour was over. Overall, we saw and learned at lot. I won't bored you with the history...yet. (I'm probably will edit this to put more stuff later).
After, I slowly made my way back to Exhibition Square and had lunch at the cafe at the York Art Gallery. Later, I decided to do the hop off and on bus tours. By this time, it started to rain. I wanted to do the Terrible Tales tours where they run commentaries about the ghosts and gruesome tales of York, but the bus was in the garage being repairs. So, I did a historical heritage tour with live commentaries. It was a good tour. I didn't hop off this bus until I got back to my original destination. After, I went for a quick visit to the York Art Gallery as it was free. It's not a really big gallery so it took me about 15 minutes to look around. Then, I decided to hop back on the tour bus and do the loop again but this time with a pre recorded commentary. I wanted to see if I (and my sister would appreciate this) the cats that were put up throughout the city. Sadly I only saw two. There are suppose to be lots around the city like 23 of them.
After the second tour, I was beginning to get cold so I grab some dinner, a nice pork sandwich, and headed back to the B&B to warm up and look up train schedules for tomorrow. I hope it's not too busy on the train being it's the middle of the holidays. I wanted to go to have a look in the Minster, but it was too crowded as everyone retreated to the inside because of the rain, but all well.
Tomorrow's agenda: Going to Keswick (the Lake District North).
The guide first told us the history of the Wall and then took us to the museum gardens to see the remains of the hospital and then the remains of St Mary's abbey. We also saw the different level if walls bring built as the water rose during the centuries. After that, we walked through King's Manor which is the the depth of medical studies and archeology are held. Next, we walked up the wall of Bootham Bar. What's interesting is that most roads end with 'gate' (I forgot why...it's totally slipped my mind), and all the gates into the city are called bars (short for barriers). In Bootham Bar, it had a portcullis pulled up inside. Its the original except they have to replace the middle. Apparently, during the second World War, Canadian bomber pilots would cut a piece of the portcullis away and keep it with them as good luck so then the city ended up replacing the wood beams on the parts that had been cut away.
After that, we walked along the wall to the next bar, Monk's bar. And learned some little history there. Then we slowly made our says to the Shambles, which was really busy and then to Minster Abbey. After he lead us to York's smallest street where the tour was over. Overall, we saw and learned at lot. I won't bored you with the history...yet. (I'm probably will edit this to put more stuff later).
After, I slowly made my way back to Exhibition Square and had lunch at the cafe at the York Art Gallery. Later, I decided to do the hop off and on bus tours. By this time, it started to rain. I wanted to do the Terrible Tales tours where they run commentaries about the ghosts and gruesome tales of York, but the bus was in the garage being repairs. So, I did a historical heritage tour with live commentaries. It was a good tour. I didn't hop off this bus until I got back to my original destination. After, I went for a quick visit to the York Art Gallery as it was free. It's not a really big gallery so it took me about 15 minutes to look around. Then, I decided to hop back on the tour bus and do the loop again but this time with a pre recorded commentary. I wanted to see if I (and my sister would appreciate this) the cats that were put up throughout the city. Sadly I only saw two. There are suppose to be lots around the city like 23 of them.
After the second tour, I was beginning to get cold so I grab some dinner, a nice pork sandwich, and headed back to the B&B to warm up and look up train schedules for tomorrow. I hope it's not too busy on the train being it's the middle of the holidays. I wanted to go to have a look in the Minster, but it was too crowded as everyone retreated to the inside because of the rain, but all well.
Tomorrow's agenda: Going to Keswick (the Lake District North).
Thursday, April 5, 2012
Day 6: Heading to York
Today after breakfast in Stratford Upon Avon, I made my way to York. It stopped raining in Stratford Upon Avon so that was a plus but it still cloudy. So, heading to York was surprisingly easy with one train transfer. However, it took awhile to get there. The ticket in the off peak hours cost £59. I took the train from Stratford Upon Avon to Birmingham Moor Street Station. This station only has about three platforms. Once in Birmingham Moor Street, I had to walk out of the station and head to the the newer train station, Birmingham New Street station. This station is newer and had 12 platforms. The walk probably took about less than ten minutes and it was easy to follow the directions.
Once on the train, it was crowded. It seemed that most of the seats were reserved. I just sat in one anyways, since it would take more than two hours to get to York, and if someone has that seat I would just move. No one claimed it when I was there. This train was also a cross country train. I don't know where it originated from but the last stop was Glasgow Central in Scotland.
When I got to York. I had a very hard time finding my b&b. I walked around about 40 minutes and a couple of wrong turns later I found it. I don't know why I told so long to get there. At least I know how to get to the train station quickly. Apparently, while I was walking around, the Queen was in York visiting York Minster. A lot of people were along the sidewalk waving/holding British flags. I didn't see the queen since I was frustratingly lost.
After settling down at the b&b, I went for a walk to York Minster to attend an Evensong. It was a nice experience. After that, I walked around for a little bit had some dinner and went back to the b&b. This b&b is OK. It doesn't have an alarm clock so hopefully I'll wake up in time for breakfast. Also, there's a hot towel heater in the bathroom and I figured what that is for. The shower barely produce any hot water.
I miss everyone back home. It's getting really lonely, but I'm sightseeing lots. In a few days when I'm in Scotland, I'll have a new experience with a tour group.
Tomorrow's agenda: hang out in York
Once on the train, it was crowded. It seemed that most of the seats were reserved. I just sat in one anyways, since it would take more than two hours to get to York, and if someone has that seat I would just move. No one claimed it when I was there. This train was also a cross country train. I don't know where it originated from but the last stop was Glasgow Central in Scotland.
When I got to York. I had a very hard time finding my b&b. I walked around about 40 minutes and a couple of wrong turns later I found it. I don't know why I told so long to get there. At least I know how to get to the train station quickly. Apparently, while I was walking around, the Queen was in York visiting York Minster. A lot of people were along the sidewalk waving/holding British flags. I didn't see the queen since I was frustratingly lost.
After settling down at the b&b, I went for a walk to York Minster to attend an Evensong. It was a nice experience. After that, I walked around for a little bit had some dinner and went back to the b&b. This b&b is OK. It doesn't have an alarm clock so hopefully I'll wake up in time for breakfast. Also, there's a hot towel heater in the bathroom and I figured what that is for. The shower barely produce any hot water.
I miss everyone back home. It's getting really lonely, but I'm sightseeing lots. In a few days when I'm in Scotland, I'll have a new experience with a tour group.
Tomorrow's agenda: hang out in York
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
Day 5: Hanging out in Stratford Upon Avon
Today was a 'relaxing' day in which that I really had nothing planned. This a good thing like today since it's been pouring all day. This morning after breakfast, I was thinking about doing the hop off, hop on bus tour of Stratford Upon Avon and surrounding areas and with that visit William Shakespeare five sites.
In the rain, I decided to walk to the Royal Shakespeare Company theater to see how far it was (10 minutes from the b&b) to see if I wanted to see a play. The place didn't open till 10:00 and I started my walk at 9:00. I then walked along River Avon and saw the canal and lots of Shakespeare related statues. I then walked to the TI to buy my bus and houses tickets. If you get a combined ticket of the five houses and bus tour, it made out to be £26.50. I don't know what each individual houses cost but the bus alone was £12. The bus runs every half an hour.
I first started with the farthest sites, Anne Hathaway cottage and Mary Arden's farm. They are out of town. I went to Anne Hathaway's cottage first. Since it wasn't raining that bad, I walked around the orchard and gardens first before heading to the cottage. By this time, tour buses started pouring in and the cottage got busy. Anne Hathaway was married to William Shakespeare. She grew up in the cottage, but it was not her's since the house would go to the oldest son. This cottage was where William Shakespeare started courting Anne.
Next, I went to Mary Arden's farm. The place is very big and they had falconry demonstration. I didn't see the falconry demo since it started in the afternoon. I just walked around the farm and house. There was a big orchard and a few fields to see but I skipped those since the rain started getting heavier. Mary Arden was William's mother.
After I made my way back into stratford upon avon and went to see Shakespeare birthplace. Before seeing the site, we went through a modern multimedia exhibit before actually seeing the place. The exhibit showed Shakespeare's life and career: his work, his upbringing in Stratford and family life, his career in London, and his legacy. After these movie clips, we made our way to the actual house. The house was actually restored in the 1800's but they tried their best to make it look like 1575 when William was 11. Some of the rooms with no furniture just had modern displays of Shakespeare's influence throughout the years.
Next was Nash's house, but before that it was time for some lunch. A nice hot bowl of soup. Nash was the first husband of Shakespeare's granddaughter. Actually, the house is next to the garden that was once the site of New Place, the house where Shakespeare retired. Archaeologists have recently been excavating the remains of New Place and have displayed dome of the items found in Nash's House. I didn't see any archaeologists digging since it was really wet outside. Nash's house was a quick tour.
Lastly, I made my way to Hall's Croft. This was the former home of Shakespeare's daughter, Susanna. She married a doctor so this house exhibit focused on 17th century medicine. It was another quick tour around. I thought about going to Shakespeare grave site but I was still raining and I was cold and wet. I just decided to head back to the b&b and warmed up. After a couple of hours, I just wandered around town again but quickly came back as it was getting colder. I hope there's better weather tomorrow.
Tomorrow's agenda: Heading to York.
In the rain, I decided to walk to the Royal Shakespeare Company theater to see how far it was (10 minutes from the b&b) to see if I wanted to see a play. The place didn't open till 10:00 and I started my walk at 9:00. I then walked along River Avon and saw the canal and lots of Shakespeare related statues. I then walked to the TI to buy my bus and houses tickets. If you get a combined ticket of the five houses and bus tour, it made out to be £26.50. I don't know what each individual houses cost but the bus alone was £12. The bus runs every half an hour.
I first started with the farthest sites, Anne Hathaway cottage and Mary Arden's farm. They are out of town. I went to Anne Hathaway's cottage first. Since it wasn't raining that bad, I walked around the orchard and gardens first before heading to the cottage. By this time, tour buses started pouring in and the cottage got busy. Anne Hathaway was married to William Shakespeare. She grew up in the cottage, but it was not her's since the house would go to the oldest son. This cottage was where William Shakespeare started courting Anne.
Next, I went to Mary Arden's farm. The place is very big and they had falconry demonstration. I didn't see the falconry demo since it started in the afternoon. I just walked around the farm and house. There was a big orchard and a few fields to see but I skipped those since the rain started getting heavier. Mary Arden was William's mother.
After I made my way back into stratford upon avon and went to see Shakespeare birthplace. Before seeing the site, we went through a modern multimedia exhibit before actually seeing the place. The exhibit showed Shakespeare's life and career: his work, his upbringing in Stratford and family life, his career in London, and his legacy. After these movie clips, we made our way to the actual house. The house was actually restored in the 1800's but they tried their best to make it look like 1575 when William was 11. Some of the rooms with no furniture just had modern displays of Shakespeare's influence throughout the years.
Next was Nash's house, but before that it was time for some lunch. A nice hot bowl of soup. Nash was the first husband of Shakespeare's granddaughter. Actually, the house is next to the garden that was once the site of New Place, the house where Shakespeare retired. Archaeologists have recently been excavating the remains of New Place and have displayed dome of the items found in Nash's House. I didn't see any archaeologists digging since it was really wet outside. Nash's house was a quick tour.
Lastly, I made my way to Hall's Croft. This was the former home of Shakespeare's daughter, Susanna. She married a doctor so this house exhibit focused on 17th century medicine. It was another quick tour around. I thought about going to Shakespeare grave site but I was still raining and I was cold and wet. I just decided to head back to the b&b and warmed up. After a couple of hours, I just wandered around town again but quickly came back as it was getting colder. I hope there's better weather tomorrow.
Tomorrow's agenda: Heading to York.
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