When In Ireland...

Hi all,

Well, today seems to be a kind of day of rest...Sunday's there isn't much open, and not much going on, so we walked around the town for a while, looked at a few things, such as some 13th century stone coffins by the Black Abbey, and a few more cathedrals (they have more than you can shake a stickat!!!) tooks some more photos of the Castle (I amwalking around with another Aussie and a Canadian).

We think we might actually get out the playing cards later and see how the tempers can rise!Went out to the pub on Friday and heard some more Irish music, but the smoky pubs are really getting to me now...would much rather do without the smoke and itseems like nearly every one smokes here in Ireland!!!

Spent yesterday reading and shopping...seem to be collecting Irish silver rings on my fingers...they are so nice and very cheap though! Last night was another round in the Sitting room with another bunch of worldtravellers...still more Aussies and Saffies(SouthAfricans) than anything! But also so many stories to tell, last night we had a fellow from France, Spain,Belgium, a couple of Swedish gals, two Aussies and one Saffie, and then two of us Canadians. Lots of chatter! All in front of the beautiful turf fire.

Managed to get sick AGAIN with a nasty cold so have decided to stay here in Kilkenny until Tuesday when I leave for Limerick...fly out from Shannon the following day to London and then out from London the next day to HOME! I've been in Kilkenny since last Tuesday and it's very nice here, the people are so friendly and hate to give up a good hostel! I'm having a blast and love Ireland but I am ready tobe at home again...miss that kid of mine, and would much rather be sick in my own house than in a hostel, then I'm not keeping anyone up with my hacking and coughing.

Tomorrow me and the Canadian are hitching down to a nearby town to do a little poking around. The locals tell us that as long as we identify ourselves on a cardboard sign as Canadians and where we're going, it should be ok, so we'll do that. It's just a day trip, so we hope to get down and back again in the sameday!!!

Well, looks like the others are wrapping up their surfing and e-mailing, so I should move along. Will probably send one more note from Limerick before I return and then should have some photos up on my little photo barn website by next week sometime, depending on how sick I am!

Cheers!

-Jude (sick in Ireland but not sick of it :-)

Chillin' In Ireland

Well, I'm still sick, coughing and full of congestion in both my head and chest. This is NOT FAIR! Good thing I'm going home soon, as I would much rather be sick at home in my own bed, than here in Ireland, as much as I like it here.

Didn't do a whole lot again yesterday. Went shopping with Phyllis for a little while, then came back and read for a while. Ended up not cooking supper, just had some cheese and crackers as my appetite was poor. Then sat in the sitting room again all night in front of the cozy turf, chatting with yet another Aussie, a Saffie (who relocated to Australia), another Aussie, two Swedish girls, the same guy from France, a fellow from Italy (who is now living in Belgium) and of course, Phyllis from Canada. Another Aussie guy came in later as well.

So we stayed in there chatting until they rooted us out - it closes at 11pm. Then we headed off to bed where we (Phyllis, Sarah, Josie and I) chatted in our beds for another hour or so. I didn't sleep well though, and felt like I was smothering. I have to wonder if that down comforter isn't adding to my misery.

Today after breakfast, Sarah, Phyllis, (Josie had gone) and I went out to see some sights. Tried to get in to climb the tower at St. Canice's but the gate was closed. Then we went over to the Black Abbey as Phyllis wanted to see the stone coffins, and then we all went out for lunch at Super Macs, which is very similar to McDonald's. After lunch, Sarah and I walked up to the theatre with hopes of catching the matinee, but the movies playing for the matinee were not what we wanted to see, so we decided to go back to watch one tonight - The Wedding Planner.

After coming back from there, I decided it was high time to begin organizing my stuff, so spent over half an hour doing that, throwing some stuff out.

Think I'll get my book and do a little reading upstairs, before going out to the movies. Tomorrow Phyllis and I are going to hitch-hike to Ballyhale to see what I can dig up about my sister-in-law's ancestry as she has roots here in this part of Ireland. Have pretty much run out of things to do here now anyhow, so it might be an interesting trip and hopefully successful. If nothing else, I can get some photos of the River Glory for O. or a postcard from Ballyhale

Pub Crawl

Didn't think about writing yesterday so will have to catch up today. Wednesday night I went for supper with another Australian I met, Karen and we had a great supper at Matt the Millers, then came back and spent a couple of hours in the sitting room with a whole room full of travellers, all swapping stories. Couldn't sleep after the sitting room closed at 11:00pm and didn't want to disturb my bunkmates with the overhead light, so sat on the huge stairwell reading for about an hour.

Met an interesting guy here this week, an archaeologist working near here from Belfast. the accent he has is way different than the one they have around here in the Republic. He was such a funny character with so many stories to tell, and so knowledgeable about this country's history. His name is Chris Conway, and he's even co-authored a few journal articles so I hope to look them up when I get home.

Yesterday morning I met yet another Australian girl, Sarah who walked downtown with me, then we ended up meeting again later and going to see some of the sights. We saw Black Abbey, and St. Canice's Cathedral, then came back to the hostel and met up with some others we had met in the sitting room the night before and so all went out for lunch at Matt the Millers (good food!). After that we all went out to Rothe House which is a museum consisting of three townhouses facing one another in a courtyard, with a few little courtyards off to each side (hard to explain), Their exhibits were ok, but mostly more recent stuff, and nothing really all that fascinating. They start you off with a cheezy video too, which was poorly homemade, and not really worth the 17 minutes.

After Rothe House, we all went our separate ways, except for Beth and Rob (British) and we went to check out Black Abbey and St. Canice's. After supper we gained a new traveller, someone Sarah had met a couple of nights ago in another town - Josie from Montreal - Yay! My first Canadian traveller in a hostel (I forgot about Phyllis). Turns out she is a bit of a smug person who I don't really like that much, but it was only our first meeting yesterday. We all ate supper together - Sarah, Josie, and I. Beth is staying with a friend for the weekend, but we all met up for the movies last night and saw The Mexican with Brad Pitt and Julia Roberts. It was a really good movie, and we laughed like hyenas.

After the movie, we headed out for a pint (what a surprise) at a pub across from the hostel called Anna Conda who had some Irish music (live) stayed for a pint, but then I left early and put my sick self to bed.

Just saw Phyllis who I met in Galway! She strolled into the kitchen and turns out she is on our dorm, so that's fun. Must go see if my laundry is done.

Castles, Abbeys and lots O' Pubs

Hi there folks,

Arrived here in Kilkenny on Tuesday, and am staying in the nicest hostel yet called Kilkenny Tourist Hostel(go figure!). Very nice staff, kind of a hippie environment, but very clean, and huge rooms with 10 foot ceilings throughout the whole building. Lots of color, great fireplace in the sitting room and GREAT showers (which I have found to be worth their weight in gold). The kitchen is quite large with lots of working appliances.

Went to the pub the first night with a couple - James from Ireland and Helen from Australia, as well as another Australian gal who is travelling on her own for the next 3 months. We went to a pub just across the street from the hostel, complete with live Irish music, and had just a few pints.

Yesterday I toured Kilkenny Castle, which is only done by guided tour, which was actually very interesting. The castle was the home to the Butler family for over 500 years, and many parts of it actually date back tothe 12th century. The Butler's live in it right upuntil 1930's, so it is in very good shape with many recent restorations. The grounds were very large, and the castle sits on the edge of the River Nore that passes through the town of Kilkenny. The castle is one of the few that Cromwell didn't smash to bits.

After the castle I found a very nice little cafe withjust 5 tables, called the Friary Cafe, so named because it is right next to one of the Abbeys. Had a delicious baked potato, but I can't seem to find sour cream anywhere here in the restaurants...good potatoes though!

Last night at supper, I met another Australian (guy this time...Aussies are crawling over here!)And two South Africans (not travelling together). We all had supper together then headed off on a pubcrawl...four pubs later and 2am...I don't feel 100% today...We found two that had live music, and the Australian, who buskers, got up and sang Black Velvet Band, which was quite good. At the last afterhours pub, we ended up swinging each other around on a part of the dance floor, surely making fools of ourselves!LOL

The hostel closes its sitting room at 11pm, so in order to wind down, the Australian guy (he's just a kid, only 22, in case you're wondering) and I sat out on the front step and chatted for the better part of an hour, until Nathan realized he better get some sleep in order to do some buskering this morning.

Still managed to crawl out of bed this morning at a respectable 8 am, and headed off to the supermarket(Dunnes Stores seems to be the popular one over here) to get a litre of orange juice that I downed, hoping to stifle that fire in my throat from all those smoky pubs...God I miss the smoking bylaw of WaterlooCounty!!!

Another beautiful day here in Kilkenny. I like it so much I may just decide to stay here more than my regular 3 days I have been averaging. I want to get to Cahir to see a castle over there still, but it is on the way to Limerick, so may stop there on my trek back there next week.

I'm still thinking about going down to Waterford to see the Waterford Crystal factory, but it is in the opposite direction. Will see how things feel tomorrow. As for today, I am off to do the walking tour (self-directed) of Kilkenny to see the sights!

Cheers!

-Jude (in Ireland)

Kilkenny Stud

Just as I began writing this morning, Emma was getting ready to go to the castle so I walked down with her and then went to the Internet Cafe. Spent most of the day just wandering around the city, including sitting on a just painted park bench. I was so mad that they didn't post a sign for wet paint. I was there standing next to the bench, cursing and swearing to the wind! And of course, the paint HAD to be brown, so it looked like I just sat in dogshit. And it ws oil paint, so wouldn't come out with water. Asked the hostel hostess for help, and she gave me some "white spirits" (turpentine) which did an excellent job of taking it out AND she washed and dried the pants for me. Very nice!

Met Nathan on the way back from getting paint on my pants and he was trying to sing - his throat was so sore and hoarse that he gave up. (sidenote - he sang at the IRA pub last night and smoked hand rolled cigarettes - he doesn't smoke) He also said he was having terrible spins, which probably has something to do with the keg of beer he draink last night, ha ha.

Decided to do something wild and crazy and got my nose pierced! And I'm not going to tell my daughter, but surprise her. I was just shopping on some lane and found a really nice jewelry store with loads of silver jewelry for cheap cheap prices including body jewelry and asked the gal where one coudl get piercings done, and how much it was, only to find out it was just 6.50 pounds Irish, so I went to the health and beauty salon and got it done. Hurt like a bitch when she popped the gun, but after that it was just a dull ache. My daughter will be quite surprised, even though she knows I have toyed with the idea for a year or so.

Nathan and Emma just came back and are getting ready to leave. Nathan is from Australia, and Emma is from South Africa. They are such nice people. Wish we could spend more time together, but such is the nature of meeting travellers.

Pub and Castle in Kilkenny

Last night I ended up meeting a few folks - Helen from Australia, Joames from Ireland, and another gal from Australia who is travelling on her own for 12 months. She did a hop-on/hop off train ride through China and Mongolia that sounded very cool. We all had a snack together in the kitchen, an dthen went off to the pub down the street where the Irish music was playing. Turns out the pub was an IRA pub (The Witness Box - who'd thunk it), and I think one of their big guys was there, sitting in front of me, all dressed up in a suit. The music was good, but there were a couple of guys who were acting like assholes there, Americans of course.

After I left the pub at 12am I phoned my daughter, then went back to the hostel where our room was pitch black - so I stumbled around in the dark and went to bed. No bedtime reading tonight.

This morning I got up and found an internet cafe after breakfast, dashed off a few emails and then went up to Kilkenny Castle. Admission was only 1.5 pounds Irish for students, which I had to prove, but who cares, I saved 2 pounds Irish. They give a guided tour only and I missed the 11am one, as it was full, and the 11:30am one was also full, so booked into the noon one and went shopping for an hour.

The castle tour was very informative, and the castle itself was beautiful. Lots of tapestry, paintings, prints, carved fireplaces, stairs, and so on. It's quite a large castle, and lots of history with plenty of royalty passing through. And it was one that Cromwell didn't totally ruin, so they were able to keep most of it intact, and have renovated extensively over the years.

The grounds were acres and acres of park, with a feww trees and flowers, some benches and a very nice water fountain. I took tons of photos, including some with the River Nore in the background.

After the castle tour, I went in search of somewhere to get a baked potato, and found it a rather frustrating experience. I finally stopped in a girls trendy clothing shop and bought my daughter a shirt that said "Flippin' Mad" on the front - how British! And perfect for her. I ended up asking the gal there where I could get a good baked potato and she directed me to a little (TINY) cafe called The Friary Cafe, just off the main drag. The potato, complete with cheese and their idea of bacon, was DELICIOUS! And quite cheap, so I shall be going back for sure.

After lunch i came back and had a very cozy nap, and now I'm not sure what I'm going to do with the rest of the day. I'll probably sit in the lounge/sitting room and read. I bought a few paperbacks at a charity shop.

Off To See the Wizard, I Mean Castle

Hi all,

Just heading out of Cork in an hour or so to the town of Kilkenny as mentioned before. It's raining off and on again here in the city, so the bus ride might be as hairy as before. These drivers drive like they're on the 401 at home, only the roads are treacharous (sp) at best...they peel around those corners, fly over the bumps and I have fingerprints left on many of them I think (the arms of the busses) LOL

Spent the evening in a pub (what???) with a new bunkmate from Germany where we swapped life stories, bought each other pints and ended up watching AllyMcBeal on the big screen...much to the chagrin of the dozen or so big lugs that walked through the door shortly after we asked the bartender to change the channel...apparently there was a big game on! We got about half of it watched before they made so much noise (no doubt on purpose) that we left...guess we had invaded their space LOL...went back to the hostel and watched The Beach with a few of the other hostelfolks...one from Australia (they're everywhere, just like the Americans), and a fellow from France. It was interesting watching this movie about travellers and not one of us from the country we are watching it in...

Besides Kilkenny Castle, I am hoping to get a tour of Dunmore Cave, just outside the town, as well as a night or two in Cahir, as they are supposed to have a grand castle there too that the Butler family live din, and where parts of Excalibur were filmed.

I'm sure they will have internet in Kilkenny somewhere so might get something off again in the next few days.

Cheers!

-Jude

Kilkenny Hospitality Abounds

Well, I arrived at Kilkenny not quite an hour ago after a very bumpy ride, but the scenery was gorgeous. Rained the whole time but so much green, rolling hills, and over a half a dozen stone towers/castle ruins. I think I saw the Ormande Castle, and the one in Cahir (I think it is just called Cahir Castle) from the bus. Kilkenny so far, is just beautiful. The hostel is very nice with lots of charm - not many people yet though, but it might pick up later in the week. The building is quite old I think, with 10 foot ceilings, fireplaces everywhere, and lots of wood floors, ornate mouldings, etc. The hostess seems almost like a hippie, though I haven't quite figured her out yet. So for 10 pounds Irish a night, I think it's fine so far. There are little notes everywhere reminding people to do things like wash and dry your dishes, store your bags, name your goodies, etc.

Looks like I have another working roommate - she (I think a she) is asleep in the late afternoon. So I'm left down here to entertain myself as I don't want to disturb her.

Went to Dunnes Stores (the supermarket chain) and it is just down the street. What a huge one it is! So that's great. The hostess told me where the internet cafe is, but I think I'll wait until tomorrow today as I've already been there today.

It's still raining out but Kilkenny so far looks like it has a lot of charm. The streets are neatly kept, flower pots are everywhere, no shabby buildings (on the two streets I've seen anyhow). I don't think I'll go to the pub tonight unless I meet up with someone. Only a few here that seem to be a group, and one Asian guy here in the sitting room, reading. No television so I guess movies are out tonight, which is fine. I think I'll check out their novel collection.

I Kissed the Blarney Stone

One of my bunkmates was rustling around as she is leaving for the airport early this morning, so I ended up getting up early. Yesterday I left for the bus station and took a wrong turn somewhere and ended up in suburbia, so after losing an hour, I found the right road and got to the bus station only to find that I had missed the bus to Blarney by just a few minutes. I went in search of an internet cafe, found one and spent the time catching up on email before the next bus left for Blarney.

The bus ride to Blarney was thankfully short and when we got off the bus, the castle was almost in front of us. Admission was just 2.50 pounds Irish for students (which I am!). I managed to walk to the top of the casetle, with lots of little stops along the way as many little rooms branch off from the circular stairwell. The main rooms in the centre of the castle have lost their floors over the years however, so the centre is the height of the castle, but they have marked what each room was at each floor and you can still see the grand fireplaces in most of the rooms. It must have been quite a castle in its day.

Kissing the Blarney stone was not difficult at all. You sit on a blanket with your back to the wall and and older gent holds your arms and guides you to the handrails, while you bend over backwards and kiss the stone. I got some guy in the line behind me to snap my photos.

The grounds of Blarney Castle were amazing. For whatever reason, there were tons of druid ruins just next to the castle such as a set of wishing steps, sacrificial altar, witches kitchen, druid cave, fairy circle. The flowers and blossoming trees transform the forest into a magical place. I could just imagine the knights and royalty passing through the woods and its ancient trees.

After returning from Blarney, I hung out at the mall for an hour next to the bus station, then came home and began watching another movie, this one called Trial by Jury. While watching it we gained another bunkmate, a German girl, Corinna who had been working outside of Tipperary on a stud farm helping with the horses and children. We watched the rest of the movie while chatting, then headed into the city centre to find a pub, and had a couple of pints while nattering like two goats. I know I can talk a lot, but she was quite a chatterbox too! We had a few laughs, watched part of Ally McBeal, much to the annoyance it seemed of some men who had just come in to watch sports. After coming back to the hostel, we hung out in the lounge, watching another movie - The Beach, with an Austrailian, a Frenchman, and my new German friend, Corinna. Quite surreal to be watching The Beach in another country, surrounded by backpackers...if you've seen the movie, you get my drift. The rude South African guy stopped by, completely hammered, so most everyone ignored him and he went off to bed.

I'm catching the afternoon bus to Kilkenny so have the morning free, although I don't think I'll go anywhere as I don't want to have to walk all the way back to get my stuff or drag it all with me. So I'll probably watch yet another video. I'd like to go see the Cork City Jail (it's a tourist thing) but from the look of the map, it's quite far away on the other side of town. I got to see Blarney Castle, which was my main reason for coming to Cork.

Cold Chilly Day in Cork

Well, I spent an uneventful day today watching a host of movies. Last night I met my two bunkmates, both Aussies, an donly in for one night. They invited me down to watch a movie, John Travolta in Phenomenon, so I did. A few bedtime giggles for one while she read the underside of her bunk, and they were gone in the morning.

I got up about 9am after reading in bed for an hour or so while the live-in bunkmate snored her head off. She works nights, and seems nice enough. I went to Mcdonalds for breakfast and read there for awhile. Found a park later and sat in the park to read for awhile, got a bit of a chill and then went in search of the library where I was told they had cheap internet, only to find it closed on Sundays and Mondays...after that I came back here and watched a bunch of movies - When the Bough Breaks, A Perfect Murder, Blue Sky, and Lake Placid. A total veg out day, which is what vacations are about, huh?

I managed to get the rest of my laundry done today by Paul, the host for 4 pounds Irish, which is ok I guess. He did a good job, and folded it, so I'm happy. Probably will only need laundry done once more if at all.

I decided to head off to Kilkenny on Tuesday instead of Dingle. I am ready a trashy novel by an Irish writer who talks a lot about Kilkenny Castle, so I looked it up in my guide only to find many things in Kilkenny that sound interesting, and have also been recommended by others to go to Kilkenny, so I booked a bed for 3 nights there this week. If I like it, I may just stay longer until I have to go back to Limerick on Tuesday of next week.

Well, I think I might go root out another video, ha ha.

Trying to Get Corked in Cork

I've arrived in Cork, just less than an hour ago. Called home and got no answer, so called Dad and told him where I was. Then I set about finding my way here to the hostel. It's pouring rain which usually doesn't bother me too much, as it has been mostly clear and dry since coming to Ireland over a week ago.

The bus ride from Galway was long, bumpy, and gave me a headache and I think I am on the verge of a toothache, but it might just be tension in my jaw from the bumpy cycling yesterday too.

Upon arrival in Galway, I went first to the Internet Cafe to let my daughter know where I am going to be, although at that time I thought it might be Dingle. I went to the tourist centre to find it closed at 12:45pm for the day! So after having said goodbye to Madeline at the Internet Cafe, I went to the bus station for a ticket to Dingle, only to find the last bus had left even before I returned from Aran, so I chose my next stop, which was Cork. When we stopped at Limerick for 10 minutes I tried to book a hostel in Cork, as the bus left almost right after I bought my ticket in Galway. Tried 3 places before finally getting this one.

Kelly's hostel is a very small one, just a townhouse with the rooms converted to dorm rooms of bunks. Once again I am on the top floor dorm room (as I was in Galway) with a fair sized room and 7 beds. The host gave me the single one, thankfully, not a bunk so I could sit up. Seems like there are at least 3 others in this room tonight, two which look by their luggage to be German travellers (no one is here) and the third seems to be more of a live-in, perhaps a gal with a job.

The kitchen leaves much to be desired, regular sized for a home, and quite dirty and rundown. Bathroom and showers are all on the first floor, but the sitting room seems cozy, complete with burning fireplace. Found a small show aroun dthe corner, so picked up some milk and bread, then tried to call my daughter again with no luck. I'll try once again before bed and then again tomorrow.

Got wonderful news from home via e-mail from my daughter though. Seems I've been offered a spot in the BSW program I applied to so that's a load off my mind. I know I am doing something constructive this fall. I will be sure to apply for MSW next fall then.

Tomorrow I think I will rest and on Monday I will take a run out to Blarney Castle and see some of the other sights here in Cork. I can't imagine staying in this hostel for the next week, even if the price is right at 8 pounds a night. It will depend on my fellow bunkmates I think, if we get along well, I may stay. Things are more fun to see if you've made friends like I did in Galway. Time for a bit of readong I think, then I'll think about supper.

Back From the Islands

Hi all,

Just got back from the Aran Islands...it was gorgeous! We had great weather on both Thursday andFriday...then pouring rain today...but what can you expect for Ireland!! The first day, we went for a walk and discovered just how large the island really is so booked bicycles for the next day. Madeline and I dipped our toes in the Atlantic Ocean...beautiful beaches on the island of Inis Mor, which is the largest of the three. On the day we had the bikes, wewent over a good deal of the island, climbed over some stone walls to get to the sites, including a very close up and personal look at the cliffs...breathtaking they were as well as terrifying! Got some great photos, so will be sure to make them available to all who wish to see me crawling to the edge of the cliffs...LOL

The hostel had seen better days, but it was cheap so I guess you get what you pay for...no internet and very few pay phones...none near the hostel we stayed in which was a half hour walk from town. Lots of interesting characters, including one toothless old gent who we stopped to ask for directions...gave us a history of the island, some thoughts of his own on the foot and mouth disease, and then snatched a kiss from both of our surprised mugs! We had a grand time cycling down over the cobbled roads (oooh, my aching butt) and sat on the beach, which has sand as fine as any carribean beach, mixed with ground shells that gives it a very whitish appearance.

Managed to pick up an Aran belt, the woven kind they used to all wear...very colorful...might even wear it out! LOLI think I am off to Dingle this afternoon if I can arrange a hostel and bus down there...might as well spend the afternoon on the bus in this rain as walking around Galway.

Following Dingle, I am thinking of spending the remaining week in Cork, getting a look at the area there...but things change, new options come up, so who knows!

Just a sidenote from the trip...heard from the resident teen in an e-mail that I got into the BSW program at UW...YAHOOOOOO! That is a load off mymind...I have to find a way to tell them I am accepting the offer before the 23rd...I may have to scrounge up an e-mail address for Lynda Leeder at Renison...

Well, I should move along here and get to where I am going for the day...got to get into a hostel so I can find the pub before dark...although the way things seem to be, there is one hanging it's shingle out every ten feet or so! LOL

-Jude (hic, hic...burp)

Bicycles For Two

Rented some bicycles this morning after a terrible breakfast of sawdust muffins. The day was glorious and full of sunshine. We began our trek with a short bike ride to a little road that we climbed up over the hill to a fort. We saw the stone fort circile from that one but were not sure how to get there so asked a farmer we met on the road and he said to just jump over or to push over the stone fences, so we did. it took us just a few minutes and we were there. The fort was very plain but quite remarkable in that the huge metre thick walls were made completely of small stones - square foot or less. We managed to climb to the top of it over narrow steps and the view was breathtaking. We could see both sides of the island.

After leaving this site, we took what we thought was a shortcut through a half a dozen or more fields and I almost ripped open my pants on the rocks and brambles. We continued on the road with the bikes and found our way down a very steep road to the seal colony, which was not much to look at - a few dozen seals, and they were off in the water on some rocks, too far away to catch a good look at them. After the seals we followed the lower road to the beautiful sandy bech and stretched out there barefoot to read for a while, coating everything we owned in sand it seemed. After the beach we headed off to another fort, only to be met at the tourist centre iwth a sound "NO, it's closed de to F & M" so I got angry and took it out on her, then stomped off, determined to find another way to see the cliffs of the other side. We had stopped at a little tea room there for a snack and I had a soggy sandwich - ham and cheese AND tomato and cucumber!

We found another road that took us away from the main road and hopefully closer to the cliffs I wanted to see so bad. We managed to find what began as a road and ended up as a cow path so left the bikes at the bottom an continued on. We came to an end so had to climb 2 fences/stone walls and ebfore we hardly knew it, we were at the cliffs. Although terriflying, they were just awesome and we both snapped many photos including ones of us laying head first on the ground at the edge of the cliffs. I'll probably wake up in the middle of the night tonight thinking I fell over the cliffs.

After the cliff walk, we headed back o the side road we had been following, and ended up walking the bikes up a very steep hill where we met another farmer, with whom we chatted for a while. He ended off shaking our hands and giving us both a rough peck on the cheek, much to the surprise of Madeline! (and myself!). The long hard walk uphill was worth the even longer coast down into town again - all downhill, even if some of the road was treacherous, and scary, with the many rocks and stones to sift the bikes through.

We returned the bikes, our faces both sunburnt/windburnt and went shopping where I pretty much finished mine, and stopped for a pint in one of the bars, then across the street for a bite to eat, ebfore heding off to the supermarket. We then snagged a ride with a tour bus for 1 pound each. We were so exhausted by the then we NEEDED the ride home. The rest of the night we have spent reading, and don't know if we will get around to cooking supper or not. I may just go to bed and read awhile.

Mainistir House Hostel

We are here at Mainistir House Hostel, rustic would describe it I think. The mattresses are about 40 years old, and I don't know about the rickety beds. The plumbing leaves much to be desired, and the drain in the shower is so sow that it flooded the bathroom. Good thing I didn't have my clothes laying on the bathroom floor. But all complaints aside (including the ancient kitchen) you get what you paid for and we have only paid about 8.50 pounds Irish per night here.

The ferry was quick and very smooth. We got a ride up to the hostel with one of the tour drivers, good thing as it was 1/2 hour or more walk to the hostel! For the boonies, we are out in even farther boonies! We passed by 3 different hostels right in town, so I don't k now why we couldn't have been booked into one of them. anyhow, after we got here and rested a little while, we went for a walk to Dun Duchathair, but when we got near there, we saw a sign telling us it was closed due to foot and mouth disease, so we kept on walking (past the turnoff) and met two gals from France who said they had been there, so we may go back tomorrow to have a look. The sign we saw was fallen so maybe it wasn't closed anymore. We are planning to rent bicycles tomorrow as it is too far to walk and we don't want another bus tour.

The view from our room is just gorgeous, as it is here in the front sun porch where I am now. I did a bunch of laundry earlier this afternoon in the bathroom sink, and have hung it in our room to dry. The building is cold so they will take longer to dry.

On our walk, we saw a few cows, lots of stone walls, and we both stopped on the beach to dip our toes in the Atlantic Ocean! We also saw some peculiar monuments, that looked like upright stone coffins. They had a sort of carved gravestone on the front, a stone cross on the top and were about the size of a coffin. The inscription is in English, which is odd as Irish is the dominant language here. All the townspeople speak it.

We stopped off at a little pub and had a coke before heading back into town. We picked up some groceries and headed home, where it was raining and got lucky, flagged down a tour van who took up up the hill to the hostel for a pound. We were very tired by then and the wind and rain was making it very miserable. The sun it out again now but everyone who comes in is talking about how cold it is. I might go for a little walk on the shore down over the hill from here before dark.

The drivers here all drive like maniacs. They go tearing over the roads like they're the only one on them. I don't know what the hurry is as there is very little road on this island!

Rossaveal Ferry - Destination Aran Islands

I'm onboard the ferry for the Aran Islands now, just waiting for it to depart. The sun looks like it really wants to shine, I sure hope so. The ferry goes to the Aran Island of Inis Mor, which is the largest of the three, and I think it only takes about 40 minutes. Hope the water is smooth, and I don't get sick! We have booked into a hostel in the town of Kilronan (the only town I think) for two nights. Looks like they're getting ready to leave and that we get a bit of film or something on the way over. Looks to be some young fellas playing music, and some dancing, singing.

Connemara Tour

Had a really good tour today of Connemara. I finally got to see Kylemore Abbey, and we were able to tour a little inside, and to see their little cathedral. The abbey is very nice, and quite rich looking inside. We didn't see any girls around so they must have been in clases (it's a boarding school).

We saw lots of Connemara ponies, a zillion sheep, and many cows. The scenery was very much like Newfoundland, very green for a while but then the bogs were brown a lot. Saw them cutting the peat for burning, and from the looks of the coutnryside they have been burning peat bog for many years.

We stopped man times, including a stop at a thatched roof hut (two actually) and several stops at gift shops. I bought some souvenirs today, finally a thimble for myself, a silver bookmark for Kimm, a handpainted scarf each for Mom and K., and a lambswool scarf for myself. I still need to buy something for O., A. and of course, my daughter. I think I am going to get O. a peawhistle with a book, and for A. a double decker bus. My daughter will mostly like get a necklace if I can find one that I think she'll like. I want to get some Irish marble too for her, and would love to buy her a sweater if I thought she would wear it, but I know that she won't. so i will look for something that I know she'll like. I also have to buy something for Dad, but I think it will either be a pin for his had or a hat. I have bought a ton of postcards and have mailed bunches out, but I need to get some more stamps.

We have new bunkmates again tonight, a group of 3 and a single guy, all from France. We also met a nice couple in the kitchen tonight from Italy who shared their Bailey's Haagan Daas Ice Cream (which was DIVINE). After we gals cooked our supper tonight, we sat round and played cards and popped popcorn. We played Gin and out of probably 20 hands, I only managed to win one! The other gals won about the same each.

Madeline and I hve to catch a bus at 9:00am tomorrow morning so I should get myself into bed. I finally slept a bit last night but only because I took some cold meds, and slept on top of my comforter so my back wouldn't hurt. i had an extra one pulled over me as there was an empty bed. Tonight I don't have it, so I think I will sleep with just my sleep sheet over me and with all my clothes on, plus a jacket.

Called and spoke to my daughter tonight - great talking to her!

Bumpity Bump, But What a Ride!

Greetings all!

Just got back from our tour of Connemara...what a bumpy ride! And of course, the driver doesn't slow just because we're hanging off the side of the road...Saw dozens of Connemara ponies, and only a million sheep...seems every place they can fence in with some rocks has a few sheep...Too many tourists disobeying the wishes of the Irish though and are crawling along the bogs among the sheep, blatantly passing by the signs telling them not to. Hill walking is highly discouraged and it's no wonder they are having such trouble containing it with such nasty tourists...We weren't allowed into hills. And I must have soaked the bottom of my pants a hundred times already..stepping on disinfectant mats, buckets, pans, rugs, whatever they can find to throw down and soak with it.

Went out to a pub called Taffes last night and listened to some good live Irish music, about 4 feet from us...ha ha we got there early to secure good seats...and to have a few pints...LOL They sang many that we could all sing to of course, so we did...I slept much better last night...and apparently so did one of our bunkmates...found her this morning half on her bed and half on the floor!

One of my bunk mates and I are heading to the AranIslands tomorrow...bus and ferry and then to stay there in a really nice hostel for a couple of nights...so will be crawling around there over the week-end...We're really looking forward to thetrip...hope I don't get seasick (snicker, snicker)

Went to see Kylemore Abbey today, is an newer castle(1835 or something like that) that I have a poster ofover my bed this past year or so...is now a convent and school, but they let you tour some of it, very nice and lots of attention to detail.

Saw the reconstructed thatched hut where John Wayne filmed "the Quiet Man" years ago, and the bridge where he filmed a few scenes, so that was cool.

Some of my bunkmates and I have decided to stay in tonight and play cards...I'll teach them how the Newfoundlanders do it (without the cheating my grandmother did LOL) and pop some popcorn if we can find some...seems chips are crisps here and only come in little bags, or big bags of little bags...

The rain here has been mostly non-existent...get alight shower everyday for a minute or two, but for themost part the sun has been out, and there is always a doorway to duck into when it does shower...no real hard rains as of yet...but it sure has been cold, I even had to go out and buy a scarf...bought a pure lambs wool one for £9, which I thought was a good deal...sure made the difference!

Well folks, I'm getting hungry for supper, and thus far have not tried anything too weird, but am not sure what the fried chicken I had a couple of days ago really was...Don't know when the next report will be as I have not heard yet if the Aran Islands have internet cafes there...it is so tiny, so probably not. Might be Sunday before the next run, so will have lots to tell!Oh, we went on a walking tour of Galway yesterday (on our own with a map) and saw some really neat things such as the Spanish Arch, another convent, Eyre Square(named after Jane Eyre we are told), a cathedral wherethere is a beautiful plaque memorial for Jane Eyre...and much more.

I'm off...

-Jude (in Galway, Eire)

Taffe's Pub in Galway

Just got bak from the pub with Phyllis and Madeline - the pub was called Taffe's - they had live music, and because we went early, we had excellent comfy seats right next to the band. Met a really nice couple from Kinvara by the name of John and Geraldine. Geraldine had quite an accent, very regional. We had a lot of laughs and took a few pictures. I just hope that by the time I get my pix developed, I;ll remember what they are of. I took one in Lync Castle today in front of the fireplace as well as one in front of the doorway in Eyre Square.

New bunkmates tonight - one called Marco from Milan, Italy and two gals from Maryland (origninally from Africa).

Managed to finally get a chance to talk to Amber tonight as well as Kimm and Mom. I don't feel as lonesome anymore.

We're off on a tour of Connemara tomorrow, and on Thursday, Madeline and I are off to the Aran Islands for a few nights. We have to remember to book a hostel there for Thursday and Friday nights. I may even decide to stay an extra night or two if I really like it. After that I think I might go down to Dingle and then Cork, before heading back towards Limerick to prepare for heading back home again.

Ti,me to get ready for bed now as we have an early rise for our tour.

Meeting Madeline

Well, got a new bunkmate last night named Madeline from Holland. She showered and went to bed early, but in the morning we all (Phyllis, Madeline and I) went off for a bit of a sightseeing tour. We went to the Tourist Board and got some information about Galway. Bought a book for a walking tour, and booked a tour of Connemara tomorrow (all 3 of us). So we spent the day walking in and ouf of rain, around the city of Galway. We saw some churches, old buildings, did some shopping, stopped for lunch at "Couch Potato" - yummy baked potatoes with darn near whatever you want on them.

After lunch we toured some more then split our separate ways. I dropped in and sent off an email to Amber. We're going out to a pub together tonight, so before that I'm off to make some phonecalls.

Now There's a Bit 'O Culture

Hi all,Just made my way up to Galway and on the way from The bes station, bumped into a fellow Canuck from NB...and another here in the internet cafe from Waterloo!!! Bunking with the gal from NB along with some American gals and a couple of fellows in a hostel here called the Barnacles Quay. Lots of culture here in Galway,lots of music, tons of pubs, and lots of streets with no cars on them to crawl home through at night LOL!

Musicians in the street, travellers galore, and people so friendly I thought I was home in Newfoundland...much better than Limerick. Went to the movies yesterday at the Savoy Theatre in Limerick and saw Bridget Jones' Diary, which was hilarious. Some mouthy gals in there chatted all the way through until some big burly guy told them to "SHUT UP", and then they were quiet...funny thing is though, you can bring whatever you want into the theatre as they don't really have a popcorn stand...everyone in there was rustling their bags from the shops...I brought in a coke and pringles...

Went to the pub this afternoon with the other Canuck, funny, there are about 6 across the street from the hostel... LOL

Hope to make it out to Connemara tomorrow or the next day and want to get a ride to the Cliffs of Moher too. Lots of nice scenery on the way up, but it seems everyone who has a rock wall and a bit of grass has sheep or a half a dozen cows!!!

Gotta run, time to feed me before heading out to the pub again... Cheers!!

The Quays Pub

I'm sitting here at the bar in a pub across the street called The Quays. Seems to be a busy spot, but I have really got to make some more friends. Phyllis (a senior) is sick tonight so decided to stay in bed. I don't think I'll be out much later anyhow. I need something good to read though, so will be in search of a used book store tomorrow.

GOD, if the beer doesn't kill me then either the smoke or the perfumes will - and there seems to be plenty of both.

The girls in our room seem friendly enough. They're doing what I hope to do someday - work and travel. They've been to Paris for 3 months on another trip and are now here in Galway working. We'll see how much I enjoy travel after this trip. I might find out I that I don't like it much! So it's good I'm on this trip.

Looks like this place used to be a little church before. Seems I heard that earlier today. It's certainly styled that way. The bathrooms feel like little confessional booths! Ha ha. It sure has lots of neat nooks and crannies.

I seem to be sitting here a gap where everyone is coming to order their drinks. Some of these foreigners are VERY NOISY! But then again, it is a pub and if you can't holler and yell here, where can you do it? Sounds like the fellow screaming now is French. Not too smokey so I may stay a while.

Tried to call Amber, Kimm, and Mom & Dad, but no one was home. I finally found a cheap phone card and no one is there! I'm not as homesick today as I was yesterday though. I guess having bunkmates made the difference. I think the big thing was I hadn't really talked to anyone for so long.

Went to an Internet Cafe down the road and met a woman there from Waterloo, on Bridge/University if you can imagine (just down the street from me) so that was neat. Might go back to the Internet Cafe again later after this pint of Harp to send one off to Mom and Dad. They'll be home tonight so may even be on msn messenger later, but with the time change, won't get her until tomorrow. Oh well, I'll try to phone again before I head in for th enight. With any luck I might get to sleep earlier than 3 or 4 am. My body needs it.

Went for a walk along the river and saw some swans in the harbour - the river runs to the ocean. Also saw some rats in an old rotten dory. I think I'll go for a longer walk tomorrow to see just what they have to offer in this busy city.

Plenty of musicians and even a couple of buskers here earlier today. One fellow was even playing the harp, and he was pretty good. There was another playing the fiddle, who was not that great, and one playing the squeeze box who was rather terrible. Hope they don't make their living like that! The busker was just another joker and juggler on a unicycle, nothing new.

The noise level has calmed down considerably now the French are gone to sit somewhere else. Sounds like a few perverts farther down the bar; just goes to show they are everywhere. Well, can't keep on writing, beer is soon gone. More tomorrow.

Canadians In Galway

Arrived here in Galway at about 12:30pm; on the way to the hostel I met another Canadian gal, from New Brunswick - Phyllis and we ended up here in a room together with at least 3 other American gals. Apparently there are a couple of Portuguese fellows, but I think only one is in our room. Another guy was here a while ago, and he was Irish.

Phyllis and I checked in at the same time and then went across the street to a pub for a couple of pints. Two pints did it for me! We then came back to the hostel where our room was finally ready and began to rummage through our packs and meet our bunkmates.

Finally it feels like it's a fun vacation and not a guilt filled trip. See how long that lasts. A whole lot noisier here on this street as it is all shops and pubs on this cobblestone street we're on. Lots of color and culture out here, much better than Limerick. I think I'll take a walk down to the Internet Cafe round the corner, and see if anyone has replied to me and send off a note about where I am now.

Leaving Limerick

Just a note before I head out. Went to take a photo of the scrap of "town wall" behind the hostel and found I couldn't get close to it from here so took a snap over the wall around our car park. Also took a photo of the room here and hope to remember to take one from outside. I'm off for the bus station now.

The Lonesome Traveller

Well, just about ready to head to bed. Doubts are creeping in and have all day. Sure is lonesome travelling by myself. I always have so much fun with Amber. I should have taken the money and went somewhere closer with Amber, like Florida or California, or even the Grand Canyon like she wanted. We could have gone for a week instead of me going for 3 alone. Maybe it's just the hostel I chose or the time of year. Most of the others here are students with no interest in knowing anyone but themselves, and honestly two of them I could care less if I did know them - typical Americans who are as arrogant as they come, and a gross misshapen Asian, both of whom plague the tv lounge and the two best spots for what seems like 24 hours a day, like they own the place. What ordinary people.

Made the decision to travel to Galway tomorrow morning. Hopefully things will be better from there. I haven't slept a heck of a lot, and when I do, it's much later in the night, near 3 or 4pm, which tells me I've not yet adjusted to the time change. I'll have to get some good quality sleep soon though as my body is feeling it. Been having a number of naps throughout the day though.

Some kind of scrap outside or something. Probably from the two pubs across the street. Gone now, I didn't even go out to look. The windows here keep out no sound at all. Hear a fella fart for sure, just strolling down the road. Seems to be a lot of walking traffic on this street but I don't know why. I didn't explore much around me, didn't have the energy, so hope to see more of Galway than I have of Limerick.

What I would really like to do is go stay with a family in some tiny costal town, but I don't see that happening. From Galway though I hope to see some of the coast. Now it's time to turn in.

The Savoy Theater

Went to the cafe and checked my email - nothing from my daughter, the little scamper. Got some photos of my neice though, and a few messages from the Link.

Went to see Bridget Jones' Diary at the Savoy Theater and laughed my head off. What a funny movie and it only cost 3 pounds Sterling. The funny thing was, they don't sell popcorn and snacks, so I wantered over to a store down the street before the movie to grab a bar, thinking I'd have to sneak it in and everyone else at the store was also buying a snack for the movies. No need to sneak snacks in though as they allow you to bring in what you please. So there's everyone in the theater, rattling their shop bags for their snacks...

A crowd of rowdy girls at the theater too, must have been about 14-16 years old. Got told by others to "SHUT UP" a few times...

Went to the Easter liturgy at St. Mary's Cathedral. Quite a few there, and what a beautiful cathedral. They're in the process of restoration though so it wasn't all finished. Huge inside, and it turns out that St. Mary's is Anglican, so that was fitting. I might not believe in much or be religious but I felt ok being there since I was baptised Anglican.

Time to decide what I'm up to tomorrow. I haven't really seen much of Limerick yet so was thinking of staying an extra night. I'll have to make up my mind soon as check-out is in the morning.

Easter in Ireland

The bells are ringing for church this morning, you can hear them from all over. I've got my card from Amber propped up on the desk, which sits right in front of a large window. Sunny again this morning, but I've figured one thing out for Limerick - it might rain a lot but there is also lots of sun, and it seems to come and go all day long, rain then sun and then rain again. You can go into a shop for a minute and it was sunny when you went in and rainy when you came out and before you go into another the rain could be stopped again. So I can handle that type of rain.

Had a bad case of the scutters last night about 4:00am. Began with gas, and then I knew what was up. Thankfully the bathroom is right next door. I don't know what might have caused it as I haven't eaten anything strange. All I can guess is some cheddar (white) I ate last night or the one glass of beer I had at Locke's. Haven't had much appetite since getting here and I suppose that's a good thing.

I think I'll head up to the Internet Cafe now to see what's going on in the world.

Life in Limerick

Well, been to the pub - Locke's Tavern, and had a beer, just a Budweiser as the bartender didn't understand what I wanted, which was a light beer/ale as in pale. Oh well, the pub was very nice, but their Irish music is not until Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday nights, so I'll go back tomorrow and take a look.

Cooked supper and devoured it. The ovens are odd here, with two doors - one for a grill, and the other a small oven. Watched part of Independence Day with some others in the lounge, but it was so smokey in there, I almost choked. Makes me appreciate those no-smoking laws in Waterloo.

I'll probably be off to bed early tonight. I think I'll get up early and go for a wak along the Shannon in the morning. Spoke to the cerk about going to church in the morning for Sunday Service, but e said that none of the young people go, it's mostly older folks, so I probably won't go. I just wanted to do something special on Easter. I was also thinking I might go to the Savoy Theater to a movie tomorrow afternoon if it's open. Hopefully something interesting is playing. I'll probably also take a walk down to the internet cafe again too and see if anyone has responded to my e-mail. this time I'll be deleting all the Link mail and jokes. Not worth what it costs for internet to waste the time.

It's finally sinking in that I am on VACATION now and can do as I please with no obligations to anyone. While it is a bit lonesome I am finally starting to relax from all the stresses I had earlier in the week. I guess I really needed this vacation.

I've Landed on Another Rock

Good morning all from the city of Limerick!I tried to send out something from the hostel a bitearlier this morning but it was some rubber toy thatthey call the internet, so left the hostel in hopes offinding a real computer...and I did, with studentrates, so yahoo!

Well, I spent quite an eventfilled day yesterday inthe city of London, after having the day to make myway from Heathrow airport to Stansted airport. I tookthe Tube from the airport to Picadilly Circus, just tohave a look at what is there, as the name soundedinteresting. Went for a walk, as it was very earlyand had a little rest in St. James's Park, and aftergetting up and walking around, realized I was a blockfrom Buckingham Palace! So away I went. I saw thelittle red guards change, and tons of people, thequeen's lovely tulips and daffodils galore, and theQueen Victoria Monument.

Then as I was in front of Palace Gates, I was just turning to walk to the monument, and stepped off acurb without knowing it and landed flat on my face...literally...my knees hit first, and because Iwas still wearing the big pack, the weight of itpowered me forward where I proceeded to smack myforehead off the ground!!! So I have two skinnedknees, and a bump and a scratch on my forehead, and abit of skin ripped off my right hand...of course,while some tourists came to my rescue, the others werebusy snapping photos of this dumb tourist...ha ha..was telling an Irish guy about it at the airport lastnight and he sais, I should have just got up and put on an Irish accent and they would have just nodded and said "drunk again"...LOL

My other sights that I took in, as they were all invery close vicinity (although nothing seems close whenyou are lugging off 28kgs on your back) were Big Ben,which is attached to the Parliament building, andacross the street from St. Paul's Cathedral, andWestminister Abbey, and the Eye (that ridiculous bigferris wheel they built for Y2K and couldn't use). They are also all near the River Thames, where I tooka break and rested my scabby knees. I also stopped byTrafalgar Square, and saw the statues of King Richard,Winston Churchill among others.

I didn't take the tour of the palace this time as Ihad that pack with me, but will probably take a lookwhen I come that way home.

The hostel I am staying in is on Broad Street, just aminute or less walk from the River Shannon, and ablock or two from the busy downtown area where I foundthis cafe. So I guess I picked a good one. The roomis clean, has it's own sink, and only three beds andas no one else has checked into the room, I have itall to myself! Breakfast was included in the price,so I didn't have to go out looking for somewhere,although there are plenty around the corner, includingMcDonald's!

My muscles are painfully sore from lugging thatbackpack around all day yesterday...never make amountaineer out of me! So I think I might just stayin Limerick for more than the three days, depending onhow I feel by Monday. I have been reconsidering myplans and think that I will probably spend more timein a few places than trying to get all around Ireland. So my areas of concentration look to be Limerick,Dingle and Galway...seems to be where most of theIrish are recommending.

Jet lag seems to be over, but if I would recommend onething it would be to take Gravol to help you sleep onthe plane over...I didn't close an eye as my body knewit wasn't my bedtime...next time I'll know better.

Well, that's the update from this side of the pond fortoday.

Amber, I miss you and I will send you somemore e-mails outside of the group.

Limerick

Been to King John's Castle. Turns out he never lived there nor did he even visit the castle. He simply ordered it built. It was sure fought over even though, and there are a few interesting bits to see although it doesn't consist of a whole lot. The archealogical part under the visitor's centre was neat to see as well as the courtyard.

I tried to go and see St. Mary's Cathedral, but it's all locked up. I'll have to ask about that one. It looks very ornate.

Went shopping for some more groceries once realizing they may not open their stores on Sunday, especially it being Easter Sunday. I've been given a key for a food locker down in the kitchen, so have stored a few things down there. Hard to shop here as I don't know the brands and they call items by different names. I asked one stockboy if they had any baked beans in molasses, and he said he'd never heard of such a thing. Oh well, I got some chicken noodle soup instead. I also bought some chicken breasts and some salad for supper. Time for a little nap I think...

Rippling Muscles in Ireland

Well, I've arrived. I'm sitting in the hostel in Limerick, waiting for the pain in my muscles to go away! It appears hauling that pack around was a dumb thing. I should have headed right for someplace to store it for the day and strolled about without it. Oh well, live and learn. I don't think it was so much the carrying part but the lifting it to put on my back pack. It weighs 28kgs.

Anyhow, I made it on board the flight ok, we were about 20 minutes late. Not much going onboard the plane, but a bunch of crying babies. I was about to join them from pure exhaustion. Bus driver to Limerick was nice and friendly and dropped me closer than he was supposed to by the hostel. I had only a 5 minute walk then. The hostel was clean and quiet. No one staying in my room which is great at this point. The bathroom is right outside my door and I slept fairly well last night.

Went downtown (2 blocks) to find an internet cafe after an attempt at the crappy rubber pad ones here at the hostel. (more like using a toy, junk). Sent out a long email to everyone, then went to the grocery store for a few things. I'm off to King John's Castle now, while the sun shines. It's just down the street (Can you believe it?). More to report then.

Bumps on My Head and other things...

Well, I’m almost at the point of exhaustion! Ha ha. Not too bad, but sure wish I took some gravel on the plane so I could have gotten a few hours sleep. By the time I make it to Ireland tonight, I will be too tired to sleep!

Holy Shit. The airport police just walked by and they’re armed with machine guns! (or sub-machine, whatever). How very different from Canada.

The bump on my head from this morning has swelled a little, but my knee feels a little better. I left the side of the Thames to catch the Tube and then the Airbus but had to walk for what felt like miles. My shoulders can’t put up with much more, so I’m glad I have a cart or as they call them here – trolley. The bus ride here was uneventful, even nodded off once or twice, however, I was surprised to see that British drivers are worse than any I’ve ever seen on the 401 in Toronto! And to take such daring chances itty bitty cars. I even saw a two person car, the car ended after the front seat! I think it must have been an electric car. I’ll have to look it up when I get home.

Had some “interesting” Burger King for supper. The chicken and coke tasted ok, but bland. The fries were strange. Not sure what they were cooked in. Should be good for a case of the runs later, ha ha. (or maybe sooner!).

Well, I should go and have a loot to see if my flight is ready for check-in yet. I just want to GET THERE!

TTFN - Jude

On The River Thames

Now I’ve taken a load off my back and feet for a while as I sit next to the parliament buildings on the River Thames (I am sitting right next to it). Westminster Abbey is just behind me. I have also seen Big Ben, Trafalgar Square, and Victoria Park. I’m going to soon take the Tube to where I can pick up the Stansted Express.

My knee still smarts!! I just want to be sure to get there in plenty of time and I am tired of carrying around this pack! Glad when I get to Ireland and can have a shower, change and SLEEP! I am not too tired now, but by bedtime tonight, will surely be exhausted. There are quite a number of foreign speaking tourists here.

One thing I can say about this part of London is that they keep the parks immaculate. In James Park where I was first this morning, they didn’t even let you on the grass! It was all fenced off.

I’m really starting to enjoy myself now and am awed by the beautiful architecture here. Also in knowing that I have walked where Princess Diana has, on the steps of Westminster Abbey.

Its still very sunny here and warm most of the time. The winds is a little cool when it breezes up, but not uncomfortable. Seems like all city buses are double decker buses, and there are tons of scooters (mopeds).

I’ve learned quite swiftly to look RIGHT as opposed to LEFT for oncoming traffic when crossing the street. Dam near got run down by Trafalgar Square – wouldn’t that be ironic. I crashed my car last year near the Trafalgar road exit AND on a Friday 13th, just like this one. Eerie. J I’m going to read for a bit and then head out for Stansted.

-Jude

Fall On Your Knees

Here I sit at the base of Queen Victoria’s monument. Little did I know that when I was in the park just now, having a little rest, that I was only one block away from Buckingham Palace!! So when I realized this from looking on a map posted in the park, I took a walk down. So from the base of the monument, I am directly in front of the palace.

Of course, the day wouldn’t be Friday 13th without an incident. I had been standing by the palace gates, watching the changing of the guard, and went to walk over towards the monument and wasn’t looking down – did not see a slight step (about 3 inches) from the curb and so I tripped and fell flat on my face – literally. I skinned my knees over something fierce and because I have to wear my big pack today, it made me too heavy and I smacked my head off the ground, twisting my sunglasses all up, and skinning my forehead a little, much to the entertainment of the hundreds of tourists around me. Some came to help me up while others (probably British) laughed and chuckled. I probably would have laughed too. Anyhow, I am taking a little rest here until the blood dries on my knees before I go and check out the palace tour. There are a lot of people here! And hardly anyone is speaking English, so I feel right at home.

TTFN

-Jude

Napping In London

Well, it’s a glorious day here in London. A little chilly but after all the heat on the drive to and then the terminal and plane were stifling, it is a refreshing change. I’ve taken the “Tube” from Heathrow airport to Picadilly Circus, and honestly not even knowing what it was, but it sounded interesting. It is still early so not much open and maybe won’t be open as it is Good Friday, but that’s fine. I may just sleep for a while here on this park bench! Jet lag has gotten the better of me it seems. I got off the train without really knowing where to go, strolled right into a gorgeous park, filled with tons of birds, mostly ducks, geese, and pigeons, and some very odd looking ones called Ruddy Shelducks. Just happened to be a legend of all the birds to be found in the park right across from the bench, ha ha.

There’s an ancient clock tower telling 9 o’clock which sounds very cool. Ooops, now there is a chorus of them ringing in from all over. Very nice! J The g.d. crows are still here though, can’t escape them!

I have a duck standing about 1 inch from my feet, obviously looking for something. They are pretty tame here.

Well, I think I’ll have a little nap until the tourist bureau I passed opens at 9:30am, if it opens at all.

I'm Going to Have Fun!

Here I sit in the airport in at Toronto, waiting to board my flight to London later this afternoon. As excited as I am about my trip, or as excited as I should be, there are still knots in my stomach for leaving in the middle of such an uproar. One of Amber’s friend’s older brothers was murdered last Saturday night, Jimmy Stanley and the family lives right behind us on Sunnydale. The funeral is this afternoon and I was not able to attend since I was on my way in here. Amber went to the funeral this afternoon, so I’m going to call her soon to find out how it went.

So there is my heavy heart, trying to enjoy my first true vacation ever, and feeling very guilty for leaving Amber amidst all this. However, this is my travel journal and don’t want to dwell on it all. I’m going to have FUN! Now I’m off to phone Amber and wander the terminal until they begin boarding at 5:30pm.