Zachy called me and he sounds great and I know it tears a bit at me not seeing them but I know I really need this break and look forward to seeing them all my boys very soon.
Paul Vinnie insisted to pick me up and take me to the airport and it was an early start indeed…but the bugger didn’t show up and I never heard from him either…Odd but whatever…after allot of stress managed to get to the airport in time and even had time to wonder and buy a couple of Cds and even have Brekky…
Flight was good and the highlight was watching a git who has no manners o no decorum to have his seat so far back the chap behind him who was at least 6”3’ almost had his knees in his throat…manners are hard to teach. The schmuck that had his seat pushed back spent most of the flights watching a History Channel documentary on Aztec civilisations…I bit my tongue on more than one occasion because I would have loved to give him a piece of my mind.
I guess the episode with Vinnie not showing up and stress to getting to the airport and the Dic Head on the flight I was wound up too much so when I got in the car to drive after already forking out a bomb I think the car was a bad idea as I also need to buy GPS, a new SIM (why the fuk do Telcos not have Roaming always switched on) it pisses the fk out of me…
Anyway, a new country is exciting but I really need to learn more languages and I think If I learn Spanish and improve my French to a decipherable dialect that ought to cover it for now…
It took me 2 hours of driving around and trying to get a GPS unit and none of the shops I visited had a micro sim…fkn Apple should really try not to stand out…
Ok and if that was stressful, the next turn of events was going to get worse…The Hostel I am staying http://www.anticespai.com
(Incidentally it’s a great place to stay in Barcelona)
Anyway back to the bad event of the day he wanted to make a quick buck by charging my additional 35 euros a day to park the car…regardless I was fine with that an asked him to park it as I don’t know where I am going…and the next event cost home more than my entire stay and including the parking, instead of having the car in reverse, he put it in first gear and smashed it into the wall…Poor Bastard.
Ok, that was as bad as the day needed to be…it was time for some good karma, started walking around Barcelona (a bit more relaxed knowing where I am going) it’s a big game and I decided that I would go for Barcelona seeing that this is my new home town for the day ;)
Honed my bargaining skills and haggled for a Barcelona shirt (which I gave away at the end of the night) while walking around I was asked if I wanted to buy “Charlie” and that was after walking around seeing hookers and I was like ooh no thanks but the guy must’ve read the confused look on my face then replied its ####...I was like oh ok…but the answer is still no…
I then walked in the first bar I could find and t was an Irish bar and there I met Kate and Cath from Melbourne who are travelling just to see the football games (wow I was impressed and jealous) sadly, they had Real Madrid shirts on so needless to say they copped lots of flack…I for one was grateful Barcelona won http://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/video/highlights/index.html
especially when Cath insisted on wearing her Real Shirt…Kate was at least sensible…after lots of drinks, dinner and more drinks til we were kicked out of the pub and with some Swiss Uni boys it was messy to say the least…I typed one digit too long for Kate’s number and oops oh well…sure will see them some football match somewhere.
The day finished much better than it started…
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Day 9 26th April 2011
The last day in London well I was looking forward to the last day where I actually get to catch up with friends before I trek the next 18 days alone.
I had promised allot of people that I would put a few photos from the wedding up on the web…sadly, the Macbook is not really functioning as smoothly so I need to buy yet another contraption to get the photos onto the laptop…so I spent the day walking around Canary Wharf and managed to even get a few photos printed ;-)
It was expected walking around my wallabies jacket, beard and beanie and as I was taking a few photos of the place offcourse a guard comes up to tell me I should not take photos of the buildings…”it looks suspicious” to which I am thinking…okay pick on an arab day and I am like…whatever and I walk off…
Catching up with Jon after a 12 months was good and catching up with Jamaria after 6 years plus was even better…Dinner was in a Chinese restaurant on a boat but according to Jamaria the ambience in the other restaurant would have been better...personally, I thought it was good and the cuisine was definitely grand especially the eel…and Jamaria at least now believes I eat everything.
I spoke to the boys (IJ & MM) and I really miss them) couldn’t get through to Zach so maybe next time.
I had promised allot of people that I would put a few photos from the wedding up on the web…sadly, the Macbook is not really functioning as smoothly so I need to buy yet another contraption to get the photos onto the laptop…so I spent the day walking around Canary Wharf and managed to even get a few photos printed ;-)
It was expected walking around my wallabies jacket, beard and beanie and as I was taking a few photos of the place offcourse a guard comes up to tell me I should not take photos of the buildings…”it looks suspicious” to which I am thinking…okay pick on an arab day and I am like…whatever and I walk off…
Catching up with Jon after a 12 months was good and catching up with Jamaria after 6 years plus was even better…Dinner was in a Chinese restaurant on a boat but according to Jamaria the ambience in the other restaurant would have been better...personally, I thought it was good and the cuisine was definitely grand especially the eel…and Jamaria at least now believes I eat everything.
I spoke to the boys (IJ & MM) and I really miss them) couldn’t get through to Zach so maybe next time.
Day 8 25th April (Anzac Day) 2011
Well everyone at home must be super excited about a 5 daylong weekend… I would have been too but the fact that I will have 8 weeks off in a row… I can’t be Jealous.
Well in London Town its still a Bank Holiday technically (Easter Monday) its weird that the Scotts didn’t really have any comprehension of the long weekend but the Londoners seem to have had. Anyway, continuing from my seventh Sabbath the previous day I decided to chill out some more and had not left the apartment before 3:30 ish … Sadder than that is I actually stayed in the apt watching the 10 commandments…Yes, its sad…but whatever…
When I finally got my arse in gear I headed straight for the London eye but the queue was horrendous so just took a few snaps of Big Ben, Parliament, Westminster, and Yes B(F)uckingham Palace…the thought that kept going through my head was this could potentially be the last Royal Wedding of my era… And at the same time…I was thinking poor saps their lives as the know it will be forever ruined after that wedding… I guess that’s what compelled me into buying the memorabilia items and I did so from the palace shop and not the “Tacky” convenience stores…that was my contribution to the wedding ☺
http://www.theukgiftcompany.co.uk/the_official_royal_collection/royal_wedding_pill_box_from_the_royal_collection/31308_p.html
I then hopped on the tube to Leicester sq… and wasn’t really sure why… but the place was abuzz as always and as I aimlessly wondered I just ended up in front of the theatre and Les Miserables was playing…I have heard the sound track and I might have even seen it but the fact that I was in London…I think the bucket list was owed something other than the adrenaline junk…so I decided time to splash out on the arts and yes it was worth every penny (and there were a few pennies spent) I dreamed a dream when hope was high ;-) well I am glad I am still dreaming.
http://www.lesmis.com/home
Going home I was elated to say the least and promptly added the Les Miz soundtrack to my library
Well in London Town its still a Bank Holiday technically (Easter Monday) its weird that the Scotts didn’t really have any comprehension of the long weekend but the Londoners seem to have had. Anyway, continuing from my seventh Sabbath the previous day I decided to chill out some more and had not left the apartment before 3:30 ish … Sadder than that is I actually stayed in the apt watching the 10 commandments…Yes, its sad…but whatever…
When I finally got my arse in gear I headed straight for the London eye but the queue was horrendous so just took a few snaps of Big Ben, Parliament, Westminster, and Yes B(F)uckingham Palace…the thought that kept going through my head was this could potentially be the last Royal Wedding of my era… And at the same time…I was thinking poor saps their lives as the know it will be forever ruined after that wedding… I guess that’s what compelled me into buying the memorabilia items and I did so from the palace shop and not the “Tacky” convenience stores…that was my contribution to the wedding ☺
http://www.theukgiftcompany.co.uk/the_official_royal_collection/royal_wedding_pill_box_from_the_royal_collection/31308_p.html
I then hopped on the tube to Leicester sq… and wasn’t really sure why… but the place was abuzz as always and as I aimlessly wondered I just ended up in front of the theatre and Les Miserables was playing…I have heard the sound track and I might have even seen it but the fact that I was in London…I think the bucket list was owed something other than the adrenaline junk…so I decided time to splash out on the arts and yes it was worth every penny (and there were a few pennies spent) I dreamed a dream when hope was high ;-) well I am glad I am still dreaming.
http://www.lesmis.com/home
Going home I was elated to say the least and promptly added the Les Miz soundtrack to my library
Day 7: 24 April 2011 Take 2 London
Landing in Terminal 5 it was just as well that they speak English in London…can that airport be any more confusing…Decided to brave the tube to get to the apartment.
Ok the first sting was the 21 pounds for the ride damn…what would a cab cost…I am told lots more than that. So imagine me with a backpack weighing 18 kgs and a laptop bag weighing another 8 and a sac with some books. Ok that’s lugging half my weight around… Then get the express to Paddo and change at Piccadilly and then again at Green Park (oh, in case you are wondering I bought a Tube app well worth the $1.19) then finally at Canary Wharf.
I decided to read some reviews on the tube about Marlin apartments and one of the reviews was sh!tty well actually a few were…but one mentioned bed bugs an oh man that started a bad vibe in me…
So back to lugging the weight I was lost through a few streets as the folks in Canary Wharf are either ignorant or don’t like giving straight directions…To the Sydney folks, the best way I can describe Canary Wharf is imagine I am in a new apartment in Alexandria and had to land in Redfern on a Sunday arvo and maybe that should give you some perspective…
No matter, I made it to the apartment and was completely exhausted. Back to that review, as soon as I walked through I began to itch and I mean really badly…Thankfully, someone kind a while ago had mentioned that they travel with Lavender oil to put down on their pillows to help em sleep…well, I do listen and had bought a wee concentrate bottle before I left and les say that its empty now. But I was part irrational and part paranoid but I needed to be sure. And for the record I have not seen any bugs and the place is fine.
Ok, this evening I decided to have dinner and go to bed so went out to Canary Wharf and had dinner at all bar one so it’s a bit like King Street wharf and its really nice…Now, all the stereotyping about English folks drinking culture and was evident in the local pub. It was like watching an episode of ladette to lady… Surreal to say the least http://www.citypride.co.uk/functions.asp
I have not seen a single person without pints of beer and cigi in their mouth for a whole hour. In fact the pub was empty and everyone was standing in the beer garden lighting up… I guess it could also be the perception that tourists get in Aus if they are at the Coogee Bay Hotel (except half the patrons there are also poms ;)
So I came home did a bit of reading and went to bed.
And so was the Seventh day of rest.
Ok the first sting was the 21 pounds for the ride damn…what would a cab cost…I am told lots more than that. So imagine me with a backpack weighing 18 kgs and a laptop bag weighing another 8 and a sac with some books. Ok that’s lugging half my weight around… Then get the express to Paddo and change at Piccadilly and then again at Green Park (oh, in case you are wondering I bought a Tube app well worth the $1.19) then finally at Canary Wharf.
I decided to read some reviews on the tube about Marlin apartments and one of the reviews was sh!tty well actually a few were…but one mentioned bed bugs an oh man that started a bad vibe in me…
So back to lugging the weight I was lost through a few streets as the folks in Canary Wharf are either ignorant or don’t like giving straight directions…To the Sydney folks, the best way I can describe Canary Wharf is imagine I am in a new apartment in Alexandria and had to land in Redfern on a Sunday arvo and maybe that should give you some perspective…
No matter, I made it to the apartment and was completely exhausted. Back to that review, as soon as I walked through I began to itch and I mean really badly…Thankfully, someone kind a while ago had mentioned that they travel with Lavender oil to put down on their pillows to help em sleep…well, I do listen and had bought a wee concentrate bottle before I left and les say that its empty now. But I was part irrational and part paranoid but I needed to be sure. And for the record I have not seen any bugs and the place is fine.
Ok, this evening I decided to have dinner and go to bed so went out to Canary Wharf and had dinner at all bar one so it’s a bit like King Street wharf and its really nice…Now, all the stereotyping about English folks drinking culture and was evident in the local pub. It was like watching an episode of ladette to lady… Surreal to say the least http://www.citypride.co.uk/functions.asp
I have not seen a single person without pints of beer and cigi in their mouth for a whole hour. In fact the pub was empty and everyone was standing in the beer garden lighting up… I guess it could also be the perception that tourists get in Aus if they are at the Coogee Bay Hotel (except half the patrons there are also poms ;)
So I came home did a bit of reading and went to bed.
And so was the Seventh day of rest.
Day 7: 24 April 2011
And on the Seventh day I rested… Well, almost.
After a big day and a big night at the wedding I was shattered. Still managed to get up early to pack my sac…and by 8:30 was ready for brekky and Andrea and John cooked up a storm.
9:30 am John Beattie Beattie a local had agreed to drive me back to Edinburgh and I was warned he likes to chat…except, little did they know so do I…Turns out John is a soccer fanatic, bike enthused (Ducati owner) and had been to Oz…so we only had a few things to talk about for the two hour ride back. And oh yes you guessed folks we are now Facebook friends…
Driving through Princess Street something tells me that it may be the last time but I hope not…it was beautiful and sunny and I will truly forever hold this city in my heart.
Goodbye Edinburgh and till we meet again
After a big day and a big night at the wedding I was shattered. Still managed to get up early to pack my sac…and by 8:30 was ready for brekky and Andrea and John cooked up a storm.
9:30 am John Beattie Beattie a local had agreed to drive me back to Edinburgh and I was warned he likes to chat…except, little did they know so do I…Turns out John is a soccer fanatic, bike enthused (Ducati owner) and had been to Oz…so we only had a few things to talk about for the two hour ride back. And oh yes you guessed folks we are now Facebook friends…
Driving through Princess Street something tells me that it may be the last time but I hope not…it was beautiful and sunny and I will truly forever hold this city in my heart.
Goodbye Edinburgh and till we meet again
Monday, April 25, 2011
Day 6: 23 April 2011
Day 6: 23 April 2011
Oh the nucleus of the trip…This is the day I trekked all the way from Aus for (well it’s the primary reason I am here)
Another 5:00 am start and it didn’t take long to actually hop out in miserable weather for a run…and I am so glad I did…it felt so great and yes I am sore an muscles are tightening up…but oh well.
Had breakfast and a big walk and then lunch and finally back to the BnB for a quick nap. God I love this place…
The moment of truth had arrived and I am wearing a kilt…no well as the guys sy its not a kilt unless it’s the full 8 foot highlander…but bugger em I am in for all arguments in a KILT and it feels great and Yes (free balling). To be honest, going to the wedding had stirred some emotions in me… Wondered if that will ever be me walking down an isle and exchanging vows. Watching Milly cry also evoked some uncertainties within me… But it was a beautiful ceremony and really moving…May the bride and groom enjoy a long and healthy life together I know they deserve it.
The reception was amazing and wonderful in everyway…and in typical Hany fashion I got to meet loads of people and its nice meeting some nice people and ok there were a couple that gave off bad vibes and to the most part I deflected their company away.
I will forever remember this day and if nothing else I have over 800 photos to remind me of the day ☺
The biggest lesson of the day for me was Happy people and on two fronts I learnt that being happy is the best thing in the world and finding another happy soul is just as important. I have seen such a person and will hold unto that for a long time til I find someone I can share with because as god is my witness I will not repeat the same mistake again.
A great night and lots of photos and a few friends and I know I made the right decision coming out here. Thank you Murray & Kathleen and god bless.
Oh the nucleus of the trip…This is the day I trekked all the way from Aus for (well it’s the primary reason I am here)
Another 5:00 am start and it didn’t take long to actually hop out in miserable weather for a run…and I am so glad I did…it felt so great and yes I am sore an muscles are tightening up…but oh well.
Had breakfast and a big walk and then lunch and finally back to the BnB for a quick nap. God I love this place…
The moment of truth had arrived and I am wearing a kilt…no well as the guys sy its not a kilt unless it’s the full 8 foot highlander…but bugger em I am in for all arguments in a KILT and it feels great and Yes (free balling). To be honest, going to the wedding had stirred some emotions in me… Wondered if that will ever be me walking down an isle and exchanging vows. Watching Milly cry also evoked some uncertainties within me… But it was a beautiful ceremony and really moving…May the bride and groom enjoy a long and healthy life together I know they deserve it.
The reception was amazing and wonderful in everyway…and in typical Hany fashion I got to meet loads of people and its nice meeting some nice people and ok there were a couple that gave off bad vibes and to the most part I deflected their company away.
I will forever remember this day and if nothing else I have over 800 photos to remind me of the day ☺
The biggest lesson of the day for me was Happy people and on two fronts I learnt that being happy is the best thing in the world and finding another happy soul is just as important. I have seen such a person and will hold unto that for a long time til I find someone I can share with because as god is my witness I will not repeat the same mistake again.
A great night and lots of photos and a few friends and I know I made the right decision coming out here. Thank you Murray & Kathleen and god bless.
Day 5: 22 April 2011
Not surprising really a 4:00 am start and by 5:30 I had ants in my pants and walked out to take some night shots of the castle and so on and so forth…
http://www.edinburghcastle.gov.uk/
Well freezing and misty morning and I wish had a talent for cinematography or story telling it’s definitely the right atmosphere. But alas I don’t so I will continue to take photos ;-)
After two and bit hours and a flat battery and a full memory card (the camera’s that is) I returned to the hotel and then went for a walk on the hunt for Brekky…Needless to say, Edinburgh did not disappoint me in not finding a place to eat at 7:00 am (unless you wanted to go to Starbucks) No matter found a coffee place and had a coffee not complaining it was alright…then a few more walks around town and a few more photos and back to the hotel.
Do the three SSS and packed my bags and went out to walk through the old city and collect my Kilt (did I mention how excited I am about being in a Kilt)
Now its almost 12 and I am remembering that the mist or fog or whatever it is it ain’t gonna lift so might as well walk…I have 5 plus hours till Murray picks me up so make the most of it…and in review of that comment now…the most of it should have stopped at the scrumptious three course meal I had at La Garrigue
http://www.lagarrigue.co.uk/lagarrigue/index.htm
(French restaurant) but no it didn’t…I walked all over the city probably in excess of 4 miles all up…back and forth and through to the Scottish parliament http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/
and the mistake was to get to Arthur’s seat and lost on the way back...Hey, its exercise and I more than made up for it by downing a few pints and a spicy bloody Mary at the Hard Rock Café Edinburgh. http://www.hardrock.com/locations/cafes3/cafe.aspx?LocationID=42&MIBEnumID=3
Murray picked me up and we headed to Glasgow…gee I wish he told me that earlier. Anyway it’s ok…we will sort something out and get me back there on Sunday for my next leg of the flight.
http://www.loch-lomond-view.com/?gclid=CIbY8a64t6gCFQoY4QodFGfACQ
Drinks with the bridal party and it’s promising to be a riot wedding…oh well bring it…had a quite one in the pub on the way home and I felt like a prey with some women pointing at me and sniggering and I promptly got out…and headed to my BnB.
Speaking of the BnB its bloody awesome and I have stayed in quite a number of hotel and well renowned for being a snob…but this place is great Andrea and John Hughes definitely worth Staying at Gowanlea Guest House http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Hotel_Review-g551931-d648126-Reviews-Gowanlea_Guest_House-Balloch_West_Dunbartonshire_Loch_Lomond_and_The_Trossachs_National_Park_Scotland.html
…will be putting a glowing review on Trip advisor.
http://www.edinburghcastle.gov.uk/
Well freezing and misty morning and I wish had a talent for cinematography or story telling it’s definitely the right atmosphere. But alas I don’t so I will continue to take photos ;-)
After two and bit hours and a flat battery and a full memory card (the camera’s that is) I returned to the hotel and then went for a walk on the hunt for Brekky…Needless to say, Edinburgh did not disappoint me in not finding a place to eat at 7:00 am (unless you wanted to go to Starbucks) No matter found a coffee place and had a coffee not complaining it was alright…then a few more walks around town and a few more photos and back to the hotel.
Do the three SSS and packed my bags and went out to walk through the old city and collect my Kilt (did I mention how excited I am about being in a Kilt)
Now its almost 12 and I am remembering that the mist or fog or whatever it is it ain’t gonna lift so might as well walk…I have 5 plus hours till Murray picks me up so make the most of it…and in review of that comment now…the most of it should have stopped at the scrumptious three course meal I had at La Garrigue
http://www.lagarrigue.co.uk/lagarrigue/index.htm
(French restaurant) but no it didn’t…I walked all over the city probably in excess of 4 miles all up…back and forth and through to the Scottish parliament http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/
and the mistake was to get to Arthur’s seat and lost on the way back...Hey, its exercise and I more than made up for it by downing a few pints and a spicy bloody Mary at the Hard Rock Café Edinburgh. http://www.hardrock.com/locations/cafes3/cafe.aspx?LocationID=42&MIBEnumID=3
Murray picked me up and we headed to Glasgow…gee I wish he told me that earlier. Anyway it’s ok…we will sort something out and get me back there on Sunday for my next leg of the flight.
http://www.loch-lomond-view.com/?gclid=CIbY8a64t6gCFQoY4QodFGfACQ
Drinks with the bridal party and it’s promising to be a riot wedding…oh well bring it…had a quite one in the pub on the way home and I felt like a prey with some women pointing at me and sniggering and I promptly got out…and headed to my BnB.
Speaking of the BnB its bloody awesome and I have stayed in quite a number of hotel and well renowned for being a snob…but this place is great Andrea and John Hughes definitely worth Staying at Gowanlea Guest House http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Hotel_Review-g551931-d648126-Reviews-Gowanlea_Guest_House-Balloch_West_Dunbartonshire_Loch_Lomond_and_The_Trossachs_National_Park_Scotland.html
…will be putting a glowing review on Trip advisor.
Day 4 - 21 April 2011 Take 2:
My heart surely missed a beat landing in Edinburgh…It was sunny (surprisingly) but that didn’t last long.
Check-in at the Georges Hotel…
http://www.principal-hayley.com/venues--hotels/the-george-hotel.aspx
Nice and swanky and the location was just perfect.
Its surreal walking down memory lane from quite a number of years ago (9.5 to be exact) but, I had walked to where I lived and thanks to modern technology took loads of Digital photos. Offcourse its also grand that I still have my almost full faculties to remember where everything is.
A Drink at “All bar one” and “Queens Arms” http://www.queensarmsedinburgh.com/
were the two haunts I oft visited when I lived here…Alasdair McLeish (from Westpac) and so wished I had moved back here permanently. Oh well a few more years and surely I know I want to retire somewhere as serene and nice as Edinburgh…maybe allot warmer.
Got the kilt
http://www.thekiltstore.com/
organised and I am so very excited about that…and bought a t-shirt that had the slogans…It’s a Kilt If I wear underwear then it’s a skirt…well if that doesn’t say it all ;)
Check-in at the Georges Hotel…
http://www.principal-hayley.com/venues--hotels/the-george-hotel.aspx
Nice and swanky and the location was just perfect.
Its surreal walking down memory lane from quite a number of years ago (9.5 to be exact) but, I had walked to where I lived and thanks to modern technology took loads of Digital photos. Offcourse its also grand that I still have my almost full faculties to remember where everything is.
A Drink at “All bar one” and “Queens Arms” http://www.queensarmsedinburgh.com/
were the two haunts I oft visited when I lived here…Alasdair McLeish (from Westpac) and so wished I had moved back here permanently. Oh well a few more years and surely I know I want to retire somewhere as serene and nice as Edinburgh…maybe allot warmer.
Got the kilt
http://www.thekiltstore.com/
organised and I am so very excited about that…and bought a t-shirt that had the slogans…It’s a Kilt If I wear underwear then it’s a skirt…well if that doesn’t say it all ;)
Day 4 - 21 April 2011
Last Day in Dublin…Bags packed…brekky and finally found the cd of Pub songs (Irish pub songs with lyrics) I shall attempt to remember some.
I spoke to the boys this morning and it made my day and I can’t wait to hold them in my arms again.
So, alas goodbye Dublin and I can’t wait to walk down Princess street in Edinburgh…and although Dublin was grand…I am sure she is not my top city in the world, maybe it’s the rush, maybe it’s the lack of infrastructure or the streets full of Non-Irish folk…BUT, to me the city seemed desolate and although I am grateful I have visited it…It will take some convincing to come back here in a hurry…perhaps I should have visited Belfast…maybe next time…
PS (To the Irish govt) invest in some Internet infrastructure ffs… Even the airport does not have WIFI or DUTY Free???
Song for Dublin
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CgsVd4-wH_A
I spoke to the boys this morning and it made my day and I can’t wait to hold them in my arms again.
So, alas goodbye Dublin and I can’t wait to walk down Princess street in Edinburgh…and although Dublin was grand…I am sure she is not my top city in the world, maybe it’s the rush, maybe it’s the lack of infrastructure or the streets full of Non-Irish folk…BUT, to me the city seemed desolate and although I am grateful I have visited it…It will take some convincing to come back here in a hurry…perhaps I should have visited Belfast…maybe next time…
PS (To the Irish govt) invest in some Internet infrastructure ffs… Even the airport does not have WIFI or DUTY Free???
Song for Dublin
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CgsVd4-wH_A
Day 3 - 20th April 2011
What a busy day…started quite early in the morning like 4:30 am (local time) and considering that was only a total of 2 hours sleep, oh brother…
Today’s adventures started with a day trip booked to Glendalough and Kilkenny.
http://www.glendalough.ie/
http://www.kilkennycastle.ie/en/
Discovery that compliments go a long way and that travelling on your own especially when you are extremely extroverted is probably an advantage.
Met several people on the bus including 3 Spaniards, 5 Americans and 3 Germans and no that was not everyone on the bus there were a few more but being the only Aussie it was advantageous.
Learnt that Spaniards like to study abroad and International Corporate Studies is highly desirable in a foreign country…and there are Masters in Art at Finland that his gf was studying…the person next to me Angela (who I thought pronounced it Andy…She was actually saying Angee) lives in Majorca and is interesting we hung around pretty much all day and discovered that se works in HR but wants to combine that with Social Work...when I asked what that is she stated that she likes placing people who have been long term unemployed and she has no bias as to where from and were to...Although, Majorca is her market place. Interestingly enough she didn’t know who Christopher Skase was…I guess he has been dead for a while and the Spaniards couldn’t give a flaming flying Funk about who he was…Good to know that they will let you be!
There was another spot that was clearly fascinating our driver/tour guide about 150 tonnes rock that is in the middle of a field…Photos attached…I am sure he even referenced the pyramids and some Aztec temples to it…Personally, I don’t understand the comparison but you decide…It is also amusing how there were the numerous facts thrown in along the tour.
The funniest shit was how he was talking about a rock festival and he was disappointed the American rapper J-ZED headed the line up acts (to which all the Americans pissed themselves lol…hahahaha…to his embarrassment he automatically put on U2, sadly it was from 1991 and started it out with DESI IIIIRE
So if being on a bus from 8:30 – 6:30 (with the exception of 4 hours walking around) wasn’t enough torture I was led promptly on another bus by PatRice and off we went to Johnnie Foxes http://www.jfp.ie/
… woo hoo the menu looked spectacular and the pints were flowing too easily…and the Irish music was playing not to mention the artefacts laying outside that pub were fabulous… Well all in all I might state that I just have picked the bad menu and I was exhausted by 10…but after a shot of tequila and a coupe of scotched and by my fourth pint I was on good form.
I have to say I am as always very impressed by Patrice’s singing…my surprise was Joe Thompson’s rendition of beautiful folk songs especially “The Black Velevt Band” and he was bloody good…I said earlier that travelling on your own has its advantages but having local friends is fantastic and I thoroughly enjoyed being awake for 23 hours with loads of drinking…superb fun and new friends as well as old friends around…
Oh yeah, best news of the night was Arsenal drawing 3-3 with Spurs to send them to third spot rather than challenge for The EPL ☺
Today’s adventures started with a day trip booked to Glendalough and Kilkenny.
http://www.glendalough.ie/
http://www.kilkennycastle.ie/en/
Discovery that compliments go a long way and that travelling on your own especially when you are extremely extroverted is probably an advantage.
Met several people on the bus including 3 Spaniards, 5 Americans and 3 Germans and no that was not everyone on the bus there were a few more but being the only Aussie it was advantageous.
Learnt that Spaniards like to study abroad and International Corporate Studies is highly desirable in a foreign country…and there are Masters in Art at Finland that his gf was studying…the person next to me Angela (who I thought pronounced it Andy…She was actually saying Angee) lives in Majorca and is interesting we hung around pretty much all day and discovered that se works in HR but wants to combine that with Social Work...when I asked what that is she stated that she likes placing people who have been long term unemployed and she has no bias as to where from and were to...Although, Majorca is her market place. Interestingly enough she didn’t know who Christopher Skase was…I guess he has been dead for a while and the Spaniards couldn’t give a flaming flying Funk about who he was…Good to know that they will let you be!
There was another spot that was clearly fascinating our driver/tour guide about 150 tonnes rock that is in the middle of a field…Photos attached…I am sure he even referenced the pyramids and some Aztec temples to it…Personally, I don’t understand the comparison but you decide…It is also amusing how there were the numerous facts thrown in along the tour.
The funniest shit was how he was talking about a rock festival and he was disappointed the American rapper J-ZED headed the line up acts (to which all the Americans pissed themselves lol…hahahaha…to his embarrassment he automatically put on U2, sadly it was from 1991 and started it out with DESI IIIIRE
So if being on a bus from 8:30 – 6:30 (with the exception of 4 hours walking around) wasn’t enough torture I was led promptly on another bus by PatRice and off we went to Johnnie Foxes http://www.jfp.ie/
… woo hoo the menu looked spectacular and the pints were flowing too easily…and the Irish music was playing not to mention the artefacts laying outside that pub were fabulous… Well all in all I might state that I just have picked the bad menu and I was exhausted by 10…but after a shot of tequila and a coupe of scotched and by my fourth pint I was on good form.
I have to say I am as always very impressed by Patrice’s singing…my surprise was Joe Thompson’s rendition of beautiful folk songs especially “The Black Velevt Band” and he was bloody good…I said earlier that travelling on your own has its advantages but having local friends is fantastic and I thoroughly enjoyed being awake for 23 hours with loads of drinking…superb fun and new friends as well as old friends around…
Oh yeah, best news of the night was Arsenal drawing 3-3 with Spurs to send them to third spot rather than challenge for The EPL ☺
Day 2 - 19th April 2011
In keeping my word that I will not stop training I went for a 12 km run this morning and the highlight was stopping to take happy snaps. http://www.phoenixpark.ie/
Having Deer and I don’t mean one or two but tens of them was surprising and just spurred me on the run. Running in the cold as well seems to be a hell of allot easier than running in heat so really looking forward to my marathon in a November. In think about that I need to put some thought about fundraising.
Brekky and a coffee to start the day and served by a “Brisbanite” and chatting to a gal that lived in Sydney and I am very happy to be calling Australia home and not sure but another chap in the pub at night had told me that “I have an Aussie accent” cool…
Spent a couple of hours checking emails and updating FB…wow technology thank god. Also, booked Edinburgh’s accommodation and all sorted…now the decision if I should hire a kilt or buy one…Will see.
Today’s fun included Jameson distillery (triple distilled) and offcourse I volunteered for the taste testing, which included a shot of Jameson, a shot of Johnny black (horrendous) and a shot of JD, which is not much better than Johnny. I also had Jameson with Ginger Ale and lime (I think I have anew favourite drink) and to top it off had an Irish coffee…oh look its only midday very nice. They also gave me a certificate for drinking… I am in love with Dublin.
http://www.tours.jamesonwhiskey.com/home.aspx
Next stop was St Michan church where I touched a mummified crusader’s hand (its for good luck or so they tell me) that with touching a grinding stone at the distillery and I am one lucky fella. Well I know I am very blessed indeed.
http://static.panoramio.com/photos/original/1521852.jpg
Next stop was the church of Christchurch and the Dublinia exhibition. Well as the wiggles would say “Blow me down” the Irish had Viking heritage…well it explains the gianormity of some. Speaking of which, I had a drink at Hogans on m way back to the Hotel…At the request of Emma O’Toole-Cunningham but yes I had a moment there but just had to soak it for a minute and moving right along.
http://www.dublinia.ie/
http://www.whoseview.ie/business/Hogans-South-Dublin-City-Centre-Dublin-129413.html
http://cccdub.ie/
In the evening finally familiar faces in the form of Joe & Patrice.
http://www.oneillsbar.com/
It was great actually seeing friends who I haven’t seen in a long time and it was uplifting to know that travels alone suck but for the briefest of moments where you get to share a story. I am not sure when I became a source of authority on an topic but allegedly on relationships gone bad and on finding a job I am alleged to be a Subject Matter Expert :p oh well but, I am happy and that s amazing from where I had been a few months ago and it’s nice I am being complimented on smiling…weird but true.
I am growing a beard for the wedding but maybe I should consider shaving it off after all I only grow them to hide behind them and I really have nothing to hide.
Having Deer and I don’t mean one or two but tens of them was surprising and just spurred me on the run. Running in the cold as well seems to be a hell of allot easier than running in heat so really looking forward to my marathon in a November. In think about that I need to put some thought about fundraising.
Brekky and a coffee to start the day and served by a “Brisbanite” and chatting to a gal that lived in Sydney and I am very happy to be calling Australia home and not sure but another chap in the pub at night had told me that “I have an Aussie accent” cool…
Spent a couple of hours checking emails and updating FB…wow technology thank god. Also, booked Edinburgh’s accommodation and all sorted…now the decision if I should hire a kilt or buy one…Will see.
Today’s fun included Jameson distillery (triple distilled) and offcourse I volunteered for the taste testing, which included a shot of Jameson, a shot of Johnny black (horrendous) and a shot of JD, which is not much better than Johnny. I also had Jameson with Ginger Ale and lime (I think I have anew favourite drink) and to top it off had an Irish coffee…oh look its only midday very nice. They also gave me a certificate for drinking… I am in love with Dublin.
http://www.tours.jamesonwhiskey.com/home.aspx
Next stop was St Michan church where I touched a mummified crusader’s hand (its for good luck or so they tell me) that with touching a grinding stone at the distillery and I am one lucky fella. Well I know I am very blessed indeed.
http://static.panoramio.com/photos/original/1521852.jpg
Next stop was the church of Christchurch and the Dublinia exhibition. Well as the wiggles would say “Blow me down” the Irish had Viking heritage…well it explains the gianormity of some. Speaking of which, I had a drink at Hogans on m way back to the Hotel…At the request of Emma O’Toole-Cunningham but yes I had a moment there but just had to soak it for a minute and moving right along.
http://www.dublinia.ie/
http://www.whoseview.ie/business/Hogans-South-Dublin-City-Centre-Dublin-129413.html
http://cccdub.ie/
In the evening finally familiar faces in the form of Joe & Patrice.
http://www.oneillsbar.com/
It was great actually seeing friends who I haven’t seen in a long time and it was uplifting to know that travels alone suck but for the briefest of moments where you get to share a story. I am not sure when I became a source of authority on an topic but allegedly on relationships gone bad and on finding a job I am alleged to be a Subject Matter Expert :p oh well but, I am happy and that s amazing from where I had been a few months ago and it’s nice I am being complimented on smiling…weird but true.
I am growing a beard for the wedding but maybe I should consider shaving it off after all I only grow them to hide behind them and I really have nothing to hide.
Day 1 18th April 2011
First day in Dublin and after 28 hours to get here, first lesson learnt was even in a recession a reception clerk at an average hotel would take advantage of a tourist. Or so he tried. The room rate had doubled from the online quoted rate by showing up to the desk. So lesson learnt! Book before entering.
http://www.graftoncapital-hotel.com/ its not a bad place to stay and very central.
The city is rather beautiful with a mixture of old and new architecture being blended. Although, in parts not allot of thought had gone into it. Many Happy snaps but the one noticeable fact is, there seem to be very few “Irish” accents. The hotel I am staying seems to have allot of eastern-European staff who are not very familiar with the streets or the language. I wonder how many people have the same perception of Sydney for e.g.?
Other items to note was the lack of WIFI or Internet café’s and that is probably reflected by the large number of unoccupied commercial property. It is clearly visible that Ireland is in financial crisis. Albeit that the pubs were full at night but that could be Aussies and kiwis and Americans whom I have seen in abundance already.
Walked into the museum that had several masterpieces and it is elating being surrounded by such beauty and silence; the enormity of it is humbling and serene.
http://www.museum.ie/en/homepage.aspx
It is definitely the case of Absence makes the heart go fonder and not out of sight out of mind. Seeing kids run around reminds me of my own and I am sure to keep missing them. Especially that I am unable to recharge my phone to will await getting to Scotland and getting a sim to roam with.
The Auld at Dub http://www.thesmithgroup.ie/aulddubliner/index.html
and the very infamous “Temple bar” http://www.thetemplebarpub.com/
are two establishments at which I had my two favourite beers being Guinness & Kilkenny. There are sure a few more to be had while I am in the land of the leprechauns ☺
I must be also getting ready for Spain as I had a very long siesta body recovered sleep after walking all over the city and the drinks were fab not to mention the Irish really seem to have beautiful folk lore music and superb singing voices.
http://www.graftoncapital-hotel.com/ its not a bad place to stay and very central.
The city is rather beautiful with a mixture of old and new architecture being blended. Although, in parts not allot of thought had gone into it. Many Happy snaps but the one noticeable fact is, there seem to be very few “Irish” accents. The hotel I am staying seems to have allot of eastern-European staff who are not very familiar with the streets or the language. I wonder how many people have the same perception of Sydney for e.g.?
Other items to note was the lack of WIFI or Internet café’s and that is probably reflected by the large number of unoccupied commercial property. It is clearly visible that Ireland is in financial crisis. Albeit that the pubs were full at night but that could be Aussies and kiwis and Americans whom I have seen in abundance already.
Walked into the museum that had several masterpieces and it is elating being surrounded by such beauty and silence; the enormity of it is humbling and serene.
http://www.museum.ie/en/homepage.aspx
It is definitely the case of Absence makes the heart go fonder and not out of sight out of mind. Seeing kids run around reminds me of my own and I am sure to keep missing them. Especially that I am unable to recharge my phone to will await getting to Scotland and getting a sim to roam with.
The Auld at Dub http://www.thesmithgroup.ie/aulddubliner/index.html
and the very infamous “Temple bar” http://www.thetemplebarpub.com/
are two establishments at which I had my two favourite beers being Guinness & Kilkenny. There are sure a few more to be had while I am in the land of the leprechauns ☺
I must be also getting ready for Spain as I had a very long siesta body recovered sleep after walking all over the city and the drinks were fab not to mention the Irish really seem to have beautiful folk lore music and superb singing voices.
Sunday, April 17, 2011
Day Zero
Took a flight from Sydney Kingsford Smith today..A flight that I talked about for at least 11 mths. The purpose of the holiday was initially to attend Murray's Wedding to Ms K Noble. When I was told the wedding is to be held in Edinburgh, I couldn't resist returning.
I guess now just to go with it and learn what I need to learn.
First impression today was some people really try to make it work. Some are gifted at making it work and some people are just gorgeous inside and out. The couple on the flight (Andy & Alison have two little ones (Brooke 7 & Billy 2) watching the interaction of that family with the playful and sometimes cheeky kids and looking back on my life i realise that I never had that connection with either of my previous two partners. I am definitely missing a key ingredient and hope to find it in the next few years or at least find enough of it to not repeat my previous experiences.
Armoured with a few books, I am hoping to learn what i haven't yet and to experience all that I long for ( a happy family)
The first book for week one is "Finding Life's passion" well lets go then...On my way to Dublin and hopefully finding what I am seeking. and perhas my passion is to find compassion.
Miss my boys and can't wait to hold them again.
I guess now just to go with it and learn what I need to learn.
First impression today was some people really try to make it work. Some are gifted at making it work and some people are just gorgeous inside and out. The couple on the flight (Andy & Alison have two little ones (Brooke 7 & Billy 2) watching the interaction of that family with the playful and sometimes cheeky kids and looking back on my life i realise that I never had that connection with either of my previous two partners. I am definitely missing a key ingredient and hope to find it in the next few years or at least find enough of it to not repeat my previous experiences.
Armoured with a few books, I am hoping to learn what i haven't yet and to experience all that I long for ( a happy family)
The first book for week one is "Finding Life's passion" well lets go then...On my way to Dublin and hopefully finding what I am seeking. and perhas my passion is to find compassion.
Miss my boys and can't wait to hold them again.
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