After a few more days relaxing and enjoying Dublin we flew back to London. Silly us booked a really late flight to Stansted, so only just made the last train and once we got to Liverpool we had no idea what to do. Eventually a bus arrived that took us to Victoria, which is where Sam and I thought we could get a bus to Bromley. Mat was staying at Tom's again in Acton so he caught a cab from Victoria. After Sam and I wandered around for a bit trying to find our bus we were informed that we actually had to be at Trafalgar Square to catch a bus to Bromley. So we hopped in a taxi which dropped us at Trafalgar Square. When we got to our bus station it was closed, luckily a man there directed us to a different one which we then found. Finally we hopped on a bus to Bromley which took about an hour, then got a taxi from Bromley to Shortlands. We arrived home at 4am....what a debacle! So exhausted. Definitely taught me a lesson in terms of booking flights. It's definitely worth paying that little bit extra if you can avoid a night like this!
Had a great sleep and a relaxing day in Bromley and Shortlands. Dad arrived the day before us and then Mum arrived. Had a wonderful BBQ with the family, it was so nice to see everyone together. On the Saturday Sam and I made our way back into London to meet up with Mat, Boydy and Sam's friends Jesse, Tonking and Haighy. We had a really chilled out day drinking on the outside patio at Belushi's bar, catching up and telling stories. It was a really hot, sunny day - perfect weather for an afternoon session in London!
Sunday it was time for The Church round two. The boys all dressed up in matching old school golfer's outfits and I went as an Indian. What a day. Met up with Tom ans Joe who we'd met in Miami which was great and had an all round wicked afternoon. It's definitely a unique experience!
Monday night we were off to Spain so spent some time wandering around London and visited Hyde Park and had a Pimms on the side of the lake, saw Buckingham Palace and the changing of the guards, Trafalgar Square and went back to Westminster to have a drink up on the pretty beer garden looking over the London Eye and Big Ben. Considering how tired we were from The Church, we had such a lovely and productive day. The weather was being very kind! Lucy and Rit arrived around eight from Glastonbury, looking very tired. We had some noodles and watched a movie until it was time to get our taxi to the airport at 2am. Everyone was exhausted. Slept a few hours at the airport before checking in at 5:30am. Made it onto the plane, all very excited to get to Spain and Leon!
Thursday, 30 June 2011
Tuesday, 21 June 2011
Irish Road Trip Part Two - The Ring of Kerry, Ennis, Aran Islands and Galway
We set off for The Ring of Kerry after the Blarney Castle. It was a sunny start, but as expected the thick grey clouds rolled in around mid morning, and then the rain. The first part of the drive as we drove along the curvy roads through the National Park was almost eerie. The forest was absolutely stunning, almost too green to be real and looked like the set of a supernatural or mythical movie. As the rain started to ease up we pulled into a small gravel park that looked over a beautiful Irish lake and some mountains. It was completely silent, the lake looked like glass and the mountains hid behind white misty clouds. It was an amazing view. Very chilly though!
We then continued along the coastal road that takes you around the whole peninsula...I don't think at any point the view wasn't breathtaking. We made another stop at one of the point of peninsula which looks down on a white beach with clear blue waters...it was a shame it was freezing! There was one local wandering down the beach with nothing on but shorts...such a brave soul...but then again, the Irish would probably find that weather warm compared to winter! We were wimps :) Took some great photos here before moving on again.
In terms of travelling around South Ireland, the Ring of Kerry is definitely a must for anyone. We were warned in Cork that we would be stuck behind buses all day but we weren't stuck in traffic once. It seems if you set off directly south from Killarney, the buses are all travelling the road in the other direction, and even then there weren't huge numbers of them. It's also definitely worth doing it yourself in a rental car because then you have the freedom to stop when you want for as long as you want.
After driving the Ring of Kerry we made our way up to Ennis via Shannon, crossing by ferry. Ferry took about twenty minutes, it was so windy when we got out to have a look that you literally could not walk forward! We made it to Ennis around three and more or less dumped our bags and headed off for a drive to the coast via The Burren, Doolin and the Cliffs of Moher. The Burren wasn't exacly impressive having been to Stone Henge, but the tomb is over 5000 years old so that in itself is quite impressive. Doolin was a tiny town, but were keen to having a look after again listening to Hamish and Andy's podcast about the place! They were definitely right about Irish stone fences...what's the deal there? :) The view of the Cliffs of Moher were also amazing, it's not everyday an Australian can look up to a mountain and see a a castle tower on the peak of a hill lit up with rays of sun breaking through the black rain clouds! The cliffs themselves were beautiful. The light was hitting them straight on which illuminated them perfectly.
We arrived back to the hostel in time for a quick dinner. Would also recommend this hostel, The Rowan Tree Hostel to anyone. The main thing was that the Rowan Tree Cafe next door had most meals available gluten free for Katrina, but it had a really cosy feeling, with big, clean rooms and bathrooms, but also a living room with a fireplace and also free international calls!
Had an early morning once again so we could spend a day at the Aran Islands before heading to Galway. We caught a 10am ferry from Doolin that took about forty minutes to reach the first and smallest island, which we were informed was the best one to visit. Once we arrived we rented bikes for ten euros and set off around the coolest little paths, all lined with the typical Irish waist high stone fences. Our first stop was definitely the most interesting and exciting - the shipwreck.
After walking around it and taking some photos, Sam found a way into the wreck and up onto the deck. I followed behind him, not wanting to miss exploring the ship from the inside! I'm glad I climped up onto the deck of the wreck. Honestly I don't know whether you were actually allowed or whether it was safe but it was really worth it to see the inside of the wreckage! After the shipwreck we rode further into the island and had a look at some old castle ruins from the 14thC on the highest point of the island. The views from up top of the town surrounded by the Atlantic were really lovely. It was a small town of 300 so it was just little white houses dotting green fields split up by the stone fences running in every direction. We spent the rest of our time on the island at the small pub in town, no matter how small the town, there is always a pub! Had an amazing lunch and some tea before it was time to hop back on the ferry and head back to the mainland. As we were heading back the sun came out so we stood up on the deck and took in some beautiful views of the green cliffs of the mainland as we docked. After this it was time to head to Galway!
We arrived around dinner time, and had a few things to organise re our trip, contacting family etc so I didn't end up seeing much of Galway. Katrina and I had ancestral routes here which I enquired into but the only place we were told we'd find anything was in the library which was already shut and there were records in the church but it burnt down in the 60's so all evidence was unfortunately destroyed. McGowans are bootmakers from Ireland. Bit sad we couldn't find anything, but at least we tried! We had a big bowling session down the road, the first game I lost terribly, and the second game I came second but we were all using our wrong arm. Shows how good at bowling I am! Early start in the morning to get the car back to Dublin by 10:30 and Katrina onto a bus to the airport.
The rental car worked out to be 60 euros each for five days including petrol. It was definitely a fantastic idea and the best way to see Ireland because you have the freedom to do whatever you want on your own time. I am definitely keen to do the same thing in another country, however will have to wait until I'm 25 or find someone who is to join us after Mat goes home! Litton Lane Hostel organised it for us but it is really easy to do over the internet with Budget Rentals etc. Back in Dublin now and we miss our car, Lionel, already!
We then continued along the coastal road that takes you around the whole peninsula...I don't think at any point the view wasn't breathtaking. We made another stop at one of the point of peninsula which looks down on a white beach with clear blue waters...it was a shame it was freezing! There was one local wandering down the beach with nothing on but shorts...such a brave soul...but then again, the Irish would probably find that weather warm compared to winter! We were wimps :) Took some great photos here before moving on again.
In terms of travelling around South Ireland, the Ring of Kerry is definitely a must for anyone. We were warned in Cork that we would be stuck behind buses all day but we weren't stuck in traffic once. It seems if you set off directly south from Killarney, the buses are all travelling the road in the other direction, and even then there weren't huge numbers of them. It's also definitely worth doing it yourself in a rental car because then you have the freedom to stop when you want for as long as you want.
After driving the Ring of Kerry we made our way up to Ennis via Shannon, crossing by ferry. Ferry took about twenty minutes, it was so windy when we got out to have a look that you literally could not walk forward! We made it to Ennis around three and more or less dumped our bags and headed off for a drive to the coast via The Burren, Doolin and the Cliffs of Moher. The Burren wasn't exacly impressive having been to Stone Henge, but the tomb is over 5000 years old so that in itself is quite impressive. Doolin was a tiny town, but were keen to having a look after again listening to Hamish and Andy's podcast about the place! They were definitely right about Irish stone fences...what's the deal there? :) The view of the Cliffs of Moher were also amazing, it's not everyday an Australian can look up to a mountain and see a a castle tower on the peak of a hill lit up with rays of sun breaking through the black rain clouds! The cliffs themselves were beautiful. The light was hitting them straight on which illuminated them perfectly.
We arrived back to the hostel in time for a quick dinner. Would also recommend this hostel, The Rowan Tree Hostel to anyone. The main thing was that the Rowan Tree Cafe next door had most meals available gluten free for Katrina, but it had a really cosy feeling, with big, clean rooms and bathrooms, but also a living room with a fireplace and also free international calls!
Had an early morning once again so we could spend a day at the Aran Islands before heading to Galway. We caught a 10am ferry from Doolin that took about forty minutes to reach the first and smallest island, which we were informed was the best one to visit. Once we arrived we rented bikes for ten euros and set off around the coolest little paths, all lined with the typical Irish waist high stone fences. Our first stop was definitely the most interesting and exciting - the shipwreck.
After walking around it and taking some photos, Sam found a way into the wreck and up onto the deck. I followed behind him, not wanting to miss exploring the ship from the inside! I'm glad I climped up onto the deck of the wreck. Honestly I don't know whether you were actually allowed or whether it was safe but it was really worth it to see the inside of the wreckage! After the shipwreck we rode further into the island and had a look at some old castle ruins from the 14thC on the highest point of the island. The views from up top of the town surrounded by the Atlantic were really lovely. It was a small town of 300 so it was just little white houses dotting green fields split up by the stone fences running in every direction. We spent the rest of our time on the island at the small pub in town, no matter how small the town, there is always a pub! Had an amazing lunch and some tea before it was time to hop back on the ferry and head back to the mainland. As we were heading back the sun came out so we stood up on the deck and took in some beautiful views of the green cliffs of the mainland as we docked. After this it was time to head to Galway!
We arrived around dinner time, and had a few things to organise re our trip, contacting family etc so I didn't end up seeing much of Galway. Katrina and I had ancestral routes here which I enquired into but the only place we were told we'd find anything was in the library which was already shut and there were records in the church but it burnt down in the 60's so all evidence was unfortunately destroyed. McGowans are bootmakers from Ireland. Bit sad we couldn't find anything, but at least we tried! We had a big bowling session down the road, the first game I lost terribly, and the second game I came second but we were all using our wrong arm. Shows how good at bowling I am! Early start in the morning to get the car back to Dublin by 10:30 and Katrina onto a bus to the airport.
The rental car worked out to be 60 euros each for five days including petrol. It was definitely a fantastic idea and the best way to see Ireland because you have the freedom to do whatever you want on your own time. I am definitely keen to do the same thing in another country, however will have to wait until I'm 25 or find someone who is to join us after Mat goes home! Litton Lane Hostel organised it for us but it is really easy to do over the internet with Budget Rentals etc. Back in Dublin now and we miss our car, Lionel, already!
Monday, 20 June 2011
Irish Road Trip Begins!
With Finn on the dashboard, our GPS fixed in place and the trunk of our rented Hyundai i30 packed tightly with all our bags we set of south out of Dublin towards Cork. Straight away we were so happy we'd made the decision to rent a GPS for the trip as we were confused by the roads and going the wrong way within five minutes! Unfortunately insurance is extremely expensive for anyone under the age of twenty five, so Mat was our sole driver, so Sam was the self assigned co-pilot and navigator, and Katrina and I were the support team in the back :) After we managed to make our way out of the city we were met with the rolling green hills and farms, seperated into neat squares by dark lines of bush with horses, cows and sheeps scattered across the landscape. It was quite windy and it was almost calming to watch the wind sweep through the grass on and on for miles. We had a quick stop for lunch in Cashel before heading on down to Cork. It's very strange being able to drive for three hours and almost cover the entire length of a country when in Australia three hours won't even get you out of NSW! It was nice to be able to get to a number of places so quickly, considering the short amount of time we had to do it all.
Arriving in Cork we checked in to Sheila's Hostel just on the outskirts of the city centre. We only had the late afternoon and night in Cork so wanted to make the most of our time there. The reception desk at the hostel suggested that we check out the Food Markets in town if anything, so we went for a wander down there. They were great to look around, in terms of the range of meats, fish, vegetables, fruits etc set up in a small market place packed with people - I thought the place was so colourful and vibrant. However considering how lucky we are in Australia in terms of what fresh produce etc is available for us it wasn't overly exciting. I'm glad we had a look though. We did pick up some dinner to cook when we got back to the hostel and I got some sweet chilli chicken kebabs with vegetables which were delicious!
We had a quiet night as Mat and Katrina weren't feeling very well due to various stomach bugs so we just spent some time at the hostel. Our room was fairly average, with ten bunks but not much room anywhere else for bags etc but we were quite tired so all slept alright! We had an interruption during the night when a drunk girl thought our room was her room and followed one of our room mates in after he went to the toilet. Eventually one of the Irish guys in our room persuaded her to leave after she started getting aggressive and we all managed to get back to sleep. We checked out around eight thirty and set off for Blarney Castle to kiss the stone!
I've been to Blarney Castle once before and it's such a beautiful place. It's about a twenty minute drive from Cork so we arrived quite early while there wasn't many people. The gardens are so green and lucious, and because there weren't many people the only noise was the creek whispering past and a slight rush of the wind through the trees. It's a gorgeous walk up to the castle, especially in the morning sun. Reaching the castle you can start crawling/walking/ducking into the different stone pathways and tunnels on the outside of the castle. It's quite eerie when you get deep inside, water dripping through and writings on the walls. Wandering up to the entrance there are great views of the castle from the ground where I took some photographs. You then get to wander through all the rooms of the castle such as where the kitchen, dining hall, bedrooms etc used to be. Obviously the main attraction of Blarney Castle is kissing the Blarney Stone. Legend has it that if you kiss the stone you gain eloquence. To kiss the stone you have to lie down on your back, hold onto the bars behind you and lean backwards and down over a gap in the castle wall so you can see the ground way below. It's safe though, there are bars no one could fit through should they fall and a man who sits there holding your legs and talking you through it. We heard on Hamish and Andy's podcast that he has been there for about six years, and sees about 500,000 people kiss the stone a year. What a funny job and what a lucky stone! We all had a go before taking so beautiful shots of the country surrounding the castle from the high levels. After we left the castle, we had a frolic in the grass before heading into the town to have some breakfast.
Next stop - Killarney! Peter, the lovely Irish man at the front desk in Dublin suggested we stay at a hostel called Sugan in the town centre. It was the coolest little place! Bright colours on the outside and a warm, cluttered but cosy feeling inside. There was one employee who met us at the door who was so relaxed. For example he explained; "Check out is at ten, but by ten I mean anytime between nine and eleven, if you get what I mean." We were lucky enough to get a ten bunk room all to ourselves as well so after having a wander around and a picnic in the Killarney Gardens which had beautiful views of the mountains we had a nap in the afternoon. We loved this little place, would recommend it to anyone!
We considered a night out but were due to drive The Ring of Kerry peninsula the next day so once again had an early one, we were just so busy during the day we had no energy for the nights! Plus early mornings meant we needed to feel fresh. Slept well ready for the big drive the next day. So far loving Ireland!
Arriving in Cork we checked in to Sheila's Hostel just on the outskirts of the city centre. We only had the late afternoon and night in Cork so wanted to make the most of our time there. The reception desk at the hostel suggested that we check out the Food Markets in town if anything, so we went for a wander down there. They were great to look around, in terms of the range of meats, fish, vegetables, fruits etc set up in a small market place packed with people - I thought the place was so colourful and vibrant. However considering how lucky we are in Australia in terms of what fresh produce etc is available for us it wasn't overly exciting. I'm glad we had a look though. We did pick up some dinner to cook when we got back to the hostel and I got some sweet chilli chicken kebabs with vegetables which were delicious!
We had a quiet night as Mat and Katrina weren't feeling very well due to various stomach bugs so we just spent some time at the hostel. Our room was fairly average, with ten bunks but not much room anywhere else for bags etc but we were quite tired so all slept alright! We had an interruption during the night when a drunk girl thought our room was her room and followed one of our room mates in after he went to the toilet. Eventually one of the Irish guys in our room persuaded her to leave after she started getting aggressive and we all managed to get back to sleep. We checked out around eight thirty and set off for Blarney Castle to kiss the stone!
I've been to Blarney Castle once before and it's such a beautiful place. It's about a twenty minute drive from Cork so we arrived quite early while there wasn't many people. The gardens are so green and lucious, and because there weren't many people the only noise was the creek whispering past and a slight rush of the wind through the trees. It's a gorgeous walk up to the castle, especially in the morning sun. Reaching the castle you can start crawling/walking/ducking into the different stone pathways and tunnels on the outside of the castle. It's quite eerie when you get deep inside, water dripping through and writings on the walls. Wandering up to the entrance there are great views of the castle from the ground where I took some photographs. You then get to wander through all the rooms of the castle such as where the kitchen, dining hall, bedrooms etc used to be. Obviously the main attraction of Blarney Castle is kissing the Blarney Stone. Legend has it that if you kiss the stone you gain eloquence. To kiss the stone you have to lie down on your back, hold onto the bars behind you and lean backwards and down over a gap in the castle wall so you can see the ground way below. It's safe though, there are bars no one could fit through should they fall and a man who sits there holding your legs and talking you through it. We heard on Hamish and Andy's podcast that he has been there for about six years, and sees about 500,000 people kiss the stone a year. What a funny job and what a lucky stone! We all had a go before taking so beautiful shots of the country surrounding the castle from the high levels. After we left the castle, we had a frolic in the grass before heading into the town to have some breakfast.
Next stop - Killarney! Peter, the lovely Irish man at the front desk in Dublin suggested we stay at a hostel called Sugan in the town centre. It was the coolest little place! Bright colours on the outside and a warm, cluttered but cosy feeling inside. There was one employee who met us at the door who was so relaxed. For example he explained; "Check out is at ten, but by ten I mean anytime between nine and eleven, if you get what I mean." We were lucky enough to get a ten bunk room all to ourselves as well so after having a wander around and a picnic in the Killarney Gardens which had beautiful views of the mountains we had a nap in the afternoon. We loved this little place, would recommend it to anyone!
We considered a night out but were due to drive The Ring of Kerry peninsula the next day so once again had an early one, we were just so busy during the day we had no energy for the nights! Plus early mornings meant we needed to feel fresh. Slept well ready for the big drive the next day. So far loving Ireland!
Friday, 17 June 2011
Got lost in The Darkness
I can't BELIEVE i forgot to add in that we went to see The Darkness play in London while we were staying with Tom. 'Love Is Only A Feeling' was once my all time favourite song, and I still love it now. It was a massively impromptu decision the Saturday night before as Tom already had to tickets so Sam and I purchased two for thirty pounds, so on the Wednesday night we headed out to the O2 Empire Arena to see them play. We were interested to see how they would be considering their not so clean past and the fact that they'd split up for a while but the show was absolutely unreal. They played better than ever and got us all going wild. True to form they whipped out the rubber onesies and rocked out hard throughout the show.
Unfortunately being short sometimes has its cons, so I couldn't really see much of what was happening on stage as we were quite close to the front and surrounded by tall people, but I enjoyed it anyway. During 'Love Is Only A Feeling' they had these huge jets shooting out streamers all over the crowd. The light show was also fantastic and really captured the fast paced, outrageous musicians. Of course they played 'I Believe in a Thing called Love' as a finale in the encore which the crowd went wild to. I'm so glad I got to see them play, they are absolute rockstars and I would definitely see them again!
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