We are about to set out for our second day of walking. Admittedly, we are not as chipper as we were yesterday morning, but that will change shortly after we step out into the morning air.
Slept well last night, although I did awake some time around 4a.m., ready to go, thinking it was already 8a.m. Today we will hike 19K, with our destination being Dingle Village.
Monday, later that day.
Welcome to the harbor town of Dingle. And please, hold your jokes and chuckles. Okay, don't. Haha, yeah, it's kinda funny. But not to this town, apparently it's one of the most populated places we will see along this walking tour.
As we made our final descent into the village, we very happy to see our Bed and Breakfast (up on a hill again.) I don't know about everyone else, but my dogs are barking. We've walked about 19 miles between yesterday and today, (guestimate) and I have blisters the size of my head. Luckily, there's a few pubs within throwing distance.
So a side note, or rather a main note or highlight on the hike today: we went off the beaten path to a steep ascent. When we got to the top, all of both Dingle Bay and the Atlantic was visible. Felt like the kind of the world, post-op anyway, as Kyle noted.
We even took a Ship picture proudly displaying the Maxies t-shirt so it can be mailed to our beloved bartender, Craig.
Many beautiful views were around us today, and it is very interesting to note that from the tops of the hills there are visable divides between properties, that make the landscape look as though it is a patch-work style quilt of differing shades of green.
There have also been alot of dogs that pop up along the road and in the two villages that we have been to. Jesse, the black lab doggie from Annescaul, lead us nearly two miles outside of the town. We finally alluded him by Kevin screaming "JESSE GO HOME!!!!" at the top of his lungs, and the dog took one last longing look at us, and trotted back to meet the next crop of walkers coming into town that evening.
Oh and there were Jack Russells too!! So freaking cute, although all of my friends hate them and call them "footballs." Haters.
Sarah and I shared a fantabulous Bailey Ice Cream for dessert--by far a thing straight from the heavens. After a slow meander through the town, we headed back-not before a halarious trip to the bathroom that consisted of the river runneth through the room. Ugh.
Sarah also told me of a halarious incident in which some woman was trying to buy underware at the grocery. She seemed shocked when she couldn't tell the woman at the counter what she wanted, and looked straight at Sarah and asked her if the clerk spoke English. UM????!!!!! Wow--I really hope she wasn't from the US. No wonder the world hates us-some of us come off damn ignorant.
Tommrrow we're set to do 22K, which is approximately 2 miles more than today. Doesn't sound too bad, although there is a knarly blister on my toe that is fixin to be popped.
Thursday, August 16, 2007
irish time is sneaky
A note on how deceptive time in Ireland is...
Been feeling a bit jet-lagged still, and it seriously stays dusky outside until 10:30p.m. How crazy!
Went for dinner at a pub called South Pole in, had a lovely meaty meal for under 10 euro. Salt and vinegar chips rock, as do burgers after a day of hiking.
After dinner we went down to a pub called the "Randy Leprochan," and it may have well be the Wibs of Annescaul. Leave it to us to find bars like that accidently. (For those who don't know, Wibs is a Ship bar that is always choc full of metro-sexuals and crazy ditzy people. It is really expensive, but it's one of those places that you always end up ending up at.)
After drinking the most delicious drink ever (BULMERS) we headed out and went to a smaller pub. Had a Bailey's on the rocks, and ordered an Irish coffee. (which, ps. does NOT have Bailey's in it. A true Irish coffee consists of Jameson, coffee, cream and brown sugar)
So while it's interesting to learn that we indeed do have accents (two words out of our mouths and it's all "where from the states are you all from?") we do try and maintain some decorum, for example NOT ordering a carbomb.
Jen told us that ordering a carbomb in Ireland would be like going to Manhattan and ordering a "flaming tower" at a bar. Touche.
Been feeling a bit jet-lagged still, and it seriously stays dusky outside until 10:30p.m. How crazy!
Went for dinner at a pub called South Pole in, had a lovely meaty meal for under 10 euro. Salt and vinegar chips rock, as do burgers after a day of hiking.
After dinner we went down to a pub called the "Randy Leprochan," and it may have well be the Wibs of Annescaul. Leave it to us to find bars like that accidently. (For those who don't know, Wibs is a Ship bar that is always choc full of metro-sexuals and crazy ditzy people. It is really expensive, but it's one of those places that you always end up ending up at.)
After drinking the most delicious drink ever (BULMERS) we headed out and went to a smaller pub. Had a Bailey's on the rocks, and ordered an Irish coffee. (which, ps. does NOT have Bailey's in it. A true Irish coffee consists of Jameson, coffee, cream and brown sugar)
So while it's interesting to learn that we indeed do have accents (two words out of our mouths and it's all "where from the states are you all from?") we do try and maintain some decorum, for example NOT ordering a carbomb.
Jen told us that ordering a carbomb in Ireland would be like going to Manhattan and ordering a "flaming tower" at a bar. Touche.
Sunday, after day 1 of hiking
Currently Pam, Melissa and I are sitting in the breakfast area of our bed and breakfast where we will be staying for the night, called the Four Winds. And they weren't lying, the place is up on a (very steep) hill and it certainly is breezy up here.
A side note on temperature: it ranges between 60 degrees and 75 at the highest, and did it feel good when we stepped off that plane in Dublin. Like the fragrant mist of a thousand mini Irish springs hitting my nose--okay back to the Four Winds.
Kevin went down into Annescal (the town we're in tonight) to find the owner, as we are locked out. I guess this is where I reiterate that we had a bit of a climb to get to this accommodation. Now, normally I'm all about the hills, but after the first day of hiking behind us, yeah...
Yay, host just arrived, hot shower is top priority.
A side note on temperature: it ranges between 60 degrees and 75 at the highest, and did it feel good when we stepped off that plane in Dublin. Like the fragrant mist of a thousand mini Irish springs hitting my nose--okay back to the Four Winds.
Kevin went down into Annescal (the town we're in tonight) to find the owner, as we are locked out. I guess this is where I reiterate that we had a bit of a climb to get to this accommodation. Now, normally I'm all about the hills, but after the first day of hiking behind us, yeah...
Yay, host just arrived, hot shower is top priority.
Day 1 of hiking, lunchtime
Sitting on the shore of the Atlantic with Melissa and Pam at a picnic table at a cafe. Drinking a Bulmers, which, ps is the best beverage ever (right next to Guinness of course). Tim is currently sitting to the left of me, holding a wool sock next to his shorts exclaiming how he looks like a sheep.
May I just interject that the morning hike was BEAUTIFUL.
We started out with an ascent that really wasn't all that bad-we soon came to a flat part that took us through a gravel road. We were in a valley, and all around us, was green lushness. There was no bad view, I don't care if you were only 3 inches tall. From certain angles we could see the ocean-very small of course, and that is presently where we are. There was no shortage of wildlife, with sheep all around.
The last stretch of the hike before our lunch break was through a moist area of vegetation that featured alot of horse poop. Beth took the inaugural first spill, and on a more halarious note, Kevin and Tim did step right into two large piles. Oh well, I suppose worse things have happenned.
Right in front of me is the Atlantic-visable through two peaks off in the distance. There is a very 1970s-looking van sitting in front of us advertising surf lessons, but I gather the water is a wee bit chilly, since there is an assortment of wet suits hanging outside of the van.
The sand on the beach is def darker than it is on the Jersey shore...perhaps after lunch we will waddle down to the water-until then, we will continue with conversations about our dad's names and how to dry pants.
May I just interject that the morning hike was BEAUTIFUL.
We started out with an ascent that really wasn't all that bad-we soon came to a flat part that took us through a gravel road. We were in a valley, and all around us, was green lushness. There was no bad view, I don't care if you were only 3 inches tall. From certain angles we could see the ocean-very small of course, and that is presently where we are. There was no shortage of wildlife, with sheep all around.
The last stretch of the hike before our lunch break was through a moist area of vegetation that featured alot of horse poop. Beth took the inaugural first spill, and on a more halarious note, Kevin and Tim did step right into two large piles. Oh well, I suppose worse things have happenned.
Right in front of me is the Atlantic-visable through two peaks off in the distance. There is a very 1970s-looking van sitting in front of us advertising surf lessons, but I gather the water is a wee bit chilly, since there is an assortment of wet suits hanging outside of the van.
The sand on the beach is def darker than it is on the Jersey shore...perhaps after lunch we will waddle down to the water-until then, we will continue with conversations about our dad's names and how to dry pants.
details, details, etc
Tons of traveling has been going on. I thank god that we are actually walking tommorrow, by now i feel as though I have forgotten how to.
So a few things to note:
1.) I must learn the fine art that is packing light. Or rather, I should invest in some arm weights and start bulking up, because my suitcase is darn heavy.
2.) I can hardly believe my eyes! The country side of Ireland is best described as what a country should be...rolling hills of white clapboard cottage homes. There are no "McMansions" to speak of and I haven't seen so much as one mention of a strip mall. True, we did spot a Burger King in Dublin, but Melissa and I had said aloud that there will be no patronage of chain stores while we are here!
3.) I need to remember to bring my wristwatch. Since not having my cell on (and oh what a sweet, sweet thing that is) I really have been all ADD when it comes to knowing about the time. Not that I really need to be super conscious of the time, as seeing that we are vacation, but hey, it would be cool to know.
4.) Alright, I know that I said I was only going to list a few points, but they are my rules and they're meant to be broken. The young lad that is sitting next to me REAKS of whiskey. Hell yeah!
So a few things to note:
1.) I must learn the fine art that is packing light. Or rather, I should invest in some arm weights and start bulking up, because my suitcase is darn heavy.
2.) I can hardly believe my eyes! The country side of Ireland is best described as what a country should be...rolling hills of white clapboard cottage homes. There are no "McMansions" to speak of and I haven't seen so much as one mention of a strip mall. True, we did spot a Burger King in Dublin, but Melissa and I had said aloud that there will be no patronage of chain stores while we are here!
3.) I need to remember to bring my wristwatch. Since not having my cell on (and oh what a sweet, sweet thing that is) I really have been all ADD when it comes to knowing about the time. Not that I really need to be super conscious of the time, as seeing that we are vacation, but hey, it would be cool to know.
4.) Alright, I know that I said I was only going to list a few points, but they are my rules and they're meant to be broken. The young lad that is sitting next to me REAKS of whiskey. Hell yeah!
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
Trains, Planes and Automobiles
Saturday (still)
Trains, planes, and automobiles is the name of the game right at this second, and it has been for the past two million seconds before this one.
Yikes! I just caught a glimpse of myself in the reflection of the glass...my ghastly white parlour indicates it's been quite a while since I've slept, washed up, or even brushed my teeth. Eww.
Pam, Sarah, Beth, Jen, Tim, Kevin, Kyle, Melissa and I can hardly believe that yes, WE ARE IN IRELAND!!!! I think the delerium that I am experiencing from lack of sleep has actually kept me in check from not singing at the top of my lungs on this train!!!!
Then again, I feel as though I could live here my whole life and never get enough of the crazy beautiful scenery.
After Pam and I carefully said we should be sure to be conscious of our hydration levels on the hike (that we're doing the first part of the vaca) Kevin, Kyle, and Tim came walking down the train to tell us they were heading to the dining car to grab a beer.
--And now we are too. Heck, when in Rome!
Trains, planes, and automobiles is the name of the game right at this second, and it has been for the past two million seconds before this one.
Yikes! I just caught a glimpse of myself in the reflection of the glass...my ghastly white parlour indicates it's been quite a while since I've slept, washed up, or even brushed my teeth. Eww.
Pam, Sarah, Beth, Jen, Tim, Kevin, Kyle, Melissa and I can hardly believe that yes, WE ARE IN IRELAND!!!! I think the delerium that I am experiencing from lack of sleep has actually kept me in check from not singing at the top of my lungs on this train!!!!
Then again, I feel as though I could live here my whole life and never get enough of the crazy beautiful scenery.
After Pam and I carefully said we should be sure to be conscious of our hydration levels on the hike (that we're doing the first part of the vaca) Kevin, Kyle, and Tim came walking down the train to tell us they were heading to the dining car to grab a beer.
--And now we are too. Heck, when in Rome!
A note on air travel
Saturday, July 7 2007 2 am est, 7:30 am Dublin time
So for my first plane ride in quite some time, I'd say this one, so far has gone well. Minimal turbulance, decent food and a little vodka to help get me through have also been great.
What I do find objectionable though is the shameless ad plug on the flop down trays, for Verizon "World Phone" no less. I suppose the silver lining is that the picture on the ad is in the Great Pyramids-def on my top 10 list of places to go before 2010.
Definetly before this passport expires, which means that I have exactly 9 years, 10 months and 21 days to do so...
So for my first plane ride in quite some time, I'd say this one, so far has gone well. Minimal turbulance, decent food and a little vodka to help get me through have also been great.
What I do find objectionable though is the shameless ad plug on the flop down trays, for Verizon "World Phone" no less. I suppose the silver lining is that the picture on the ad is in the Great Pyramids-def on my top 10 list of places to go before 2010.
Definetly before this passport expires, which means that I have exactly 9 years, 10 months and 21 days to do so...
A note on insomnia
Let me set the stage. It's 1:15 A.M. EST and we're (my guess?) flying somewhere over the North Atlantic. The neoproxin (sp?) that my co-worker Cara had given to me is suiting my bruised coccyx just delightfully, and it is also aiding the rest of my body quite nicely.
To the left of me I can see a crazy gradient of color-we are flying into morning. Flying towards light. So wild. People all around are asleep, but I really don't know how they can be, this plane is certainly one of the teeniest I've ever been on--and my seat is not going back AT ALL.
Although I have tried multiple times to get some rest, nothing is really helping me. My only complaint thus far is that they keep playing this inane "Sky Mall" advertisement on the television set that is right above my head, and the constant light makes me want to go insaine in the membrane.
According to Kevin's wrist watch, we have a few more hours until we land.
And reader can I just take this opportunity to exclaim numerous times on how beautiful the sunrise looks from this angle--sensationalistic, true, but it's a great introduction to be what I'm sure will be a fabulous trip.
To the left of me I can see a crazy gradient of color-we are flying into morning. Flying towards light. So wild. People all around are asleep, but I really don't know how they can be, this plane is certainly one of the teeniest I've ever been on--and my seat is not going back AT ALL.
Although I have tried multiple times to get some rest, nothing is really helping me. My only complaint thus far is that they keep playing this inane "Sky Mall" advertisement on the television set that is right above my head, and the constant light makes me want to go insaine in the membrane.
According to Kevin's wrist watch, we have a few more hours until we land.
And reader can I just take this opportunity to exclaim numerous times on how beautiful the sunrise looks from this angle--sensationalistic, true, but it's a great introduction to be what I'm sure will be a fabulous trip.
ireland reflections
To all who know me it may seem as though I am stating the obvious by saying this; but I really get a kick out of archiving things. Pictures, blogs, documents, articles, you name it, I'm all about catalgorizing and organizing so I can look back in 30 years, or heck, even 30 minutes for reflection/laughter/nostalgia purposes.
Soooo, in keeping with tradition (and seeing as though I just bought this shiny little fruit of a laptop yesterday) I decided to post my travel journal from Ireland for all to see. So now, even if you didn't accompany me or the 9 other people who trekked to the land of Guinness and green grassy hills, at least you can now get my written perspective on it.
Hope you all enjoy!
Soooo, in keeping with tradition (and seeing as though I just bought this shiny little fruit of a laptop yesterday) I decided to post my travel journal from Ireland for all to see. So now, even if you didn't accompany me or the 9 other people who trekked to the land of Guinness and green grassy hills, at least you can now get my written perspective on it.
Hope you all enjoy!
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