31st October, Glasgow to Fort William
Now... For some reason I keep waking up (without fail) at 5.46am each day. Today was no different. Up early, and I tried to fall back to sleep, but to no avail. So up for breakfast, and then out and about in Glasgow for an early morning stroll. Along with some amazingly old buildings, Glasgow has this rough and rugged feel to it, but I liked it. There was more to this old town than what meets the eye...
It was soon time to catch the train to Fort William. And what a train ride it was! I love trains at the best of times, but this... this train ride was magical! The route takes you through parts of the West Highland Way, which is mountains and lochs, valleys and view beyond imagination! Winding around mountain bases, and chugging past lochs, while the autumn colours of Scotland were brilliant and vivid. Oh it was magnificent! The closer we got to Fort William, the more deer I saw, bounding away as the noise of the train startled them. Then Ben Nevis and the peaks next to it came into view.
I still don't know it it was snow or simply frost and ice on the top of Ben Nevis, but my first view of the mountain was seeing it towering above the bogland and moors it was surrounded by. And the magic and wonderment I felt, gah I was blown away! As giddy as anything looking at what could very well be my first and only view of snow on this island of countries! I felt like a small child with my nose pressed hard up against the train window!
It was cold and dark by the time I got to the Bank Street Lodge in Fort William. But I still made (back DOWN the hill the lodge is on) to Tesco to get my dinner. Happy days and hot food in the belly made for an early night in bed for this one traveler.
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Saturday, October 30, 2010
Married For 12 years and....
30th October, Euro Hostel, Glasgow
...and a paddock of panda cows!
I am in Scotland!
And my bus trip to the land of the kilt wearing men was enlightening! I met Lisa, a lovely 35 yr old baby-of-the-family who has been married for 12years, and still doesn't understand her husband! We chatted about the weather, the English (naturally), the fact that there is no jobs in Scotland, so she will never live in the country of her birth again, and the fact that her parents don't get paid very much on the pension they receive (I saw her parents at the coach station, they seemed really nice!)
And we past panda coloured cows as we drove through the Lake District in England! I kid you not - panda coloured cows! It was soo cool! They had the exact shading of a panda, only it was a field of cows! Love it! An enthralling blend of cow and panda - the panow, or the conda! Whichever works for you!
Now it is 10pm, and I am ready for bed. I am cold, sore, very tired and before I go to sleep tonight I need to put my clock back, because tonight is the night that clocks go back an hour... so instead of waking up at stupid 5.45am each morning I will now be waking up at 4.45am... great!
...and a paddock of panda cows!
I am in Scotland!
And my bus trip to the land of the kilt wearing men was enlightening! I met Lisa, a lovely 35 yr old baby-of-the-family who has been married for 12years, and still doesn't understand her husband! We chatted about the weather, the English (naturally), the fact that there is no jobs in Scotland, so she will never live in the country of her birth again, and the fact that her parents don't get paid very much on the pension they receive (I saw her parents at the coach station, they seemed really nice!)
And we past panda coloured cows as we drove through the Lake District in England! I kid you not - panda coloured cows! It was soo cool! They had the exact shading of a panda, only it was a field of cows! Love it! An enthralling blend of cow and panda - the panow, or the conda! Whichever works for you!
Now it is 10pm, and I am ready for bed. I am cold, sore, very tired and before I go to sleep tonight I need to put my clock back, because tonight is the night that clocks go back an hour... so instead of waking up at stupid 5.45am each morning I will now be waking up at 4.45am... great!
On The Road Again!
30th October, Stafford to Glasgow
Just like Donkey (from Shrek for all you non-movie-buffs), let's break into song!
I'm heading to Scotland today, on a coach (bus for us Aussies) which is going to take maybe 6 hours or so! Just Lovely,,,, And getting into Glasgow around 5.30 pm, and I have to make my way to the hostel... this may result in me taking a taxi... If it's raining... or dark...
And for all you Shrek fans (stop hiding your faces and stand proud!) here it is, the one, the only - On The Road Again, performed by you all!!
Just like Donkey (from Shrek for all you non-movie-buffs), let's break into song!
I'm heading to Scotland today, on a coach (bus for us Aussies) which is going to take maybe 6 hours or so! Just Lovely,,,, And getting into Glasgow around 5.30 pm, and I have to make my way to the hostel... this may result in me taking a taxi... If it's raining... or dark...
And for all you Shrek fans (stop hiding your faces and stand proud!) here it is, the one, the only - On The Road Again, performed by you all!!
On the road again -
Just can't wait to get on the road again.
The life I love is making music with my friends
And I can't wait to get on the road again.
On the road again
Goin' places that I've never been.
Seein' things that I may never see again
And I can't wait to get on the road again.
On the road again -
Like a band of gypsies we go down the highway
We're the best of friends.
Insisting that the world keep turning our way
And our way
is on the road again.
Just can't wait to get on the road again.
The life I love is makin' music with my friends
And I can't wait to get on the road again.
On the road again
Like a band of gypsies we go down the highway
We're the best of friends
Insisting that the world keep turning our way
And our way
is on the road again.
Just can't wait to get on the road again.
The life I love is makin' music with my friends
And I can't wait to get on the road again.
And I can't wait to get on the road again.
(by Willie Nelson)
Friday, October 29, 2010
A Boat to Holyhead
28th October, Dublin to Holyhead on Stenaline
Today was a looooong day! I woke up a stupid o'clock because the girl in the bunk above me was dying of a coughing fit between 2 am and 5am, and my alarm was set for 6am! So stupid o'clock came around, and I got up, dressed and out the door of Jacob's Inn, into the cold Dublin morning... where it was a dark, windy morning (but without rain!). I managed to get to the bus stop for the complimentary Stenaline bus to the port without any incidents, just frozen fingers.
The bus ride itself had a fairly interesting aspect - a lovely English lady who wouldn't shut up! She kept pestering the driver, and eventually got off the bus earlier than what you are really meant to. Thankfully, there wasn't anyone else to chatter away for the last of the bus ride, and then we were at the port! My bag (which would have pulled in a fair bit of excess on Ryanair) was checked in, no payment required! Then into the lounge, for a short wait to board the Stena Adventurer...
I was in ferry heaven, it was the most luxurious ferry I have ever been on! It was huge, with restaurants, a video arcade, and even a giant Curious George wandering around on the deck. I walked past him at one point and he was lying on his back on the floor with his legs and arms waving around like a dying cockroach... All because a passenger accidentally knocked him over when she walked past... Good thing the man was wearing a mask, I think he would have been so embarrassed to do that without a mask!
2 hours later saw the ferry outside the Holyhead terminal in Wales, however, another ferry was leaving berth, so we had to wait - AN HOUR! This meant I missed my train to Birmingham, which inadvertently meant I had to buy another ticket. Which then took like 4 hours to travel on with changes. Which was ridiculous really. But what can you do huh? I had to get to Stafford. And now I am sitting in a comfy chair, in a warm house, and all because I worked with some lovely people, this house being the home of one of those people - THANKS DAN!!!!
Today was a looooong day! I woke up a stupid o'clock because the girl in the bunk above me was dying of a coughing fit between 2 am and 5am, and my alarm was set for 6am! So stupid o'clock came around, and I got up, dressed and out the door of Jacob's Inn, into the cold Dublin morning... where it was a dark, windy morning (but without rain!). I managed to get to the bus stop for the complimentary Stenaline bus to the port without any incidents, just frozen fingers.
The bus ride itself had a fairly interesting aspect - a lovely English lady who wouldn't shut up! She kept pestering the driver, and eventually got off the bus earlier than what you are really meant to. Thankfully, there wasn't anyone else to chatter away for the last of the bus ride, and then we were at the port! My bag (which would have pulled in a fair bit of excess on Ryanair) was checked in, no payment required! Then into the lounge, for a short wait to board the Stena Adventurer...
I was in ferry heaven, it was the most luxurious ferry I have ever been on! It was huge, with restaurants, a video arcade, and even a giant Curious George wandering around on the deck. I walked past him at one point and he was lying on his back on the floor with his legs and arms waving around like a dying cockroach... All because a passenger accidentally knocked him over when she walked past... Good thing the man was wearing a mask, I think he would have been so embarrassed to do that without a mask!
2 hours later saw the ferry outside the Holyhead terminal in Wales, however, another ferry was leaving berth, so we had to wait - AN HOUR! This meant I missed my train to Birmingham, which inadvertently meant I had to buy another ticket. Which then took like 4 hours to travel on with changes. Which was ridiculous really. But what can you do huh? I had to get to Stafford. And now I am sitting in a comfy chair, in a warm house, and all because I worked with some lovely people, this house being the home of one of those people - THANKS DAN!!!!
Saturday, October 23, 2010
The Jameson Experience
21st October, Midleton, Co Cork
So today - it was hard, tiring, and long...
To deal with the loveliness of my life, I went to the Old Midleton Distillery, where Jameson Whiskey used to be made. However, now, it is now distilled elsewhere, so the old distillery is now a museum dedicated to the making of Jameson Whiskey! It was really cool!
My memory card (the only one I had on me at the time...) was corrupted.... Damned! So basically, no photos for me to show you, but it was a beautiful! I had a ball - and the best bit about today was the fact that at the end of our guided tour (the guide was a bit stuffy) we had both a whiskey tasting test, with a shot of Jameson, a shot of Johnny Walker, and a shot of Jack Daniels to taste and compare. The other thing we got.... A GLASS OF JAMESON WHISKEY!! Just lovely! And considering how I was feeling about life, four shots of a whiskey, just lovely...
Eventually I got back to Myra and Jim's, had some more whiskey... Had long chats with Jim. He is so cool! A little like grumpy old men, without actually being grumpy, or necessarily old at heart, and just lovely. He has become my 'other man', according to him! Such a laugh!
So today - it was hard, tiring, and long...
To deal with the loveliness of my life, I went to the Old Midleton Distillery, where Jameson Whiskey used to be made. However, now, it is now distilled elsewhere, so the old distillery is now a museum dedicated to the making of Jameson Whiskey! It was really cool!
My memory card (the only one I had on me at the time...) was corrupted.... Damned! So basically, no photos for me to show you, but it was a beautiful! I had a ball - and the best bit about today was the fact that at the end of our guided tour (the guide was a bit stuffy) we had both a whiskey tasting test, with a shot of Jameson, a shot of Johnny Walker, and a shot of Jack Daniels to taste and compare. The other thing we got.... A GLASS OF JAMESON WHISKEY!! Just lovely! And considering how I was feeling about life, four shots of a whiskey, just lovely...
Eventually I got back to Myra and Jim's, had some more whiskey... Had long chats with Jim. He is so cool! A little like grumpy old men, without actually being grumpy, or necessarily old at heart, and just lovely. He has become my 'other man', according to him! Such a laugh!
The Sheridans
19th October, Midleton, Co Cork, the Sheridans
Yesterday afternoon I got on a bus. And 4 and a half hours later I arrived in Cork City. While I was there I saw many a crazy Irish persons (because apparently the crazy people are all in Cork City ~ according to Seany....) It was here I waited for Myra Sheridan. A short time later, Myra arrived, and as she walked up to me... well... I stood at one of the doors of the bus station thinking "I really hope this is Myra, because if it isn't then there is a person beelining towards me and I really don't have the energy to deal with a crazy Irish person..."
But it was Myra, and here begins a time for me to go "splat"....
Yesterday afternoon I got on a bus. And 4 and a half hours later I arrived in Cork City. While I was there I saw many a crazy Irish persons (because apparently the crazy people are all in Cork City ~ according to Seany....) It was here I waited for Myra Sheridan. A short time later, Myra arrived, and as she walked up to me... well... I stood at one of the doors of the bus station thinking "I really hope this is Myra, because if it isn't then there is a person beelining towards me and I really don't have the energy to deal with a crazy Irish person..."
But it was Myra, and here begins a time for me to go "splat"....
The National Photographic Archive
17th October, Paddy's Palace
Today was lazy! Woke up quite late and called home. Sorted out money, little bit of life, and decided I wanted to go back to bed.
Woke up again later on, and walked into Temple Bar in Dublin.
The National Photographic Archive has an exhibition on at the moment to do with photography in Ireland between 1858 and 1922...
Today was lazy! Woke up quite late and called home. Sorted out money, little bit of life, and decided I wanted to go back to bed.
Woke up again later on, and walked into Temple Bar in Dublin.
The National Photographic Archive has an exhibition on at the moment to do with photography in Ireland between 1858 and 1922...
- Power and Privilege: photographs of the Big House in Ireland 1858-1922
- Unique insights into life in the Big House
The Collector's Eye
Original vintage prints from the Sean Sexton Collection
So I had quite an educational afternoon, which ended with me getting an invite to an exhibition opening on Tuesday evening. If I don't make it down to Midleton, Co Cork, I'll go to that. (I am trying to contact some people who in a round-a-bout way are known to a friend of mum's, to stay with them for a couple of days... Money is low, so visiting people is a nice way of elevating the stress of money)
Paddywagon Tours - Day 6
16th October, Cork to Dublin
We were the same hostel from the other night, however this morning when I went down to breakfast there was no tough looking Irish man to taste a blob of vegemite again. I'd had a hard night's sleep, as the bunk I was in only had one side with a rail - so my night was consisted of being veeerry careful when I rolled over! And as I share my pillow with my camera and computer bag, I had even less space to roll over in!
After breakfast, we crossed a busy road to load our bags into the bus. It was the same bus as the first few days, so we had the fear of having to push start the bus again. But luckily we didn't have that joy!
Instead, we drove to Blarney Castle.
Blarney Castle (Irish: Caisleán na Blarnan) is a medieval stronghold in Blarney, near Cork, Ireland, and the River Martin. Though earlier fortifications were built on the same spot, the current keep was built by the MacCarthy dynasty, Kings of Desmond, and dates from 1446. ( Cormac McCarthy, King of Munster, The lower walls are fifteen feet, built with an angle tower by the McCarthys of Muskerry. It was subsequently occupied at one time by Cormac McCarthy, King of Munster, who is said to have supplied four thousand men from Munster to supplement the forces of Robert the Bruce at the battle of Bannockburn in 1314. Legend has it that the latter king gave half of the Stone of Scone to McCarthy in gratitude. This, now known as the Blarney Stone, was incorporated in the battlements where it can now be kissed.)
The story goes that Cormac returned to his castle before the blarney stone had been placed. It was late in the evening, and he heard a woman screaming for help. He rushed to the lake where she was downing, and pulled he out. The story continues that he placed her down (by coincidence on the Blarney Stone) and gave her the kiss of life. She then turned to the stone and kissed it, setting the tradition of kissing the blarney stone to be blessed with seven years 'gift of the gab', because she had life to talk again, so would make the most of it. The story is quite a beautiful tale, and not really what I had expected to hear. (Yes I kissed it, because the other superstition is if you get to the top of Blarney Castle and don't kiss the stone you have seven years bad sex - I think if he let her drown without saving her, he wouldn't have gotten lucky later on ;D ) And the placement of the Blarney Stone - seriously if someone can pee on it from the edge of the platform, then geee wizz they have some amazing peeing techniques!
After we left the castle of speech, we drove up to Kilkenny, stopping for lunch and a short photo op. Kilkenny has a castle, cathedral and several other beautiful old buildings to stop and look at.
(Kilkenny Castle (Irish: Caisleán Chill Chainnigh) is a castle in Kilkenny, Ireland built in 1195 by William Marshal, 1st Earl of Pembroke to control a fording-point of the River Nore and the junction of several routeways. It was a symbol of Norman occupation and in its original thirteenth-century condition it would have formed an important element of the defences of the town with four large circular corner towers and a massive ditch, part of which can still be seen today on the Parade.)
After lunch, photos and feeling a little cold, it was soon time to move on. We piled back into the bus, and with sleepy eyes and heavy heads, many people (including myself) fell asleep on the drive back to Dublin. We stopped in to the most famous, very large, well presented and fabulously entertaining Guinness Factory! Now, I'm not the biggest fan of Guinness (had my first pint ~ well half pint to start off with ~ of Guinness in Galway) but I will drink it for St Paddy's Day, or if I have a voucher for a free pint. However by the time I got to the Gravity Bar on the 7th floor of the Guinness showroom (which offers a panoramic view of Dublin City), it was that packed out with people that I wandered around to see some of Dublin from the skies, and wandered back down to the gift shop - where I proceeded to get gifts for family. Geeez... Nice and expensive (you lot better be happy with the pressies I got you, cos I'm not going there again!!) !!!
And this, my friends, was the final part of my 6 Day Tour of Southern Ireland. We got back to Paddy's Palace, where I checked in for two nights, as I need to decide what exactly I am doing now.
We were the same hostel from the other night, however this morning when I went down to breakfast there was no tough looking Irish man to taste a blob of vegemite again. I'd had a hard night's sleep, as the bunk I was in only had one side with a rail - so my night was consisted of being veeerry careful when I rolled over! And as I share my pillow with my camera and computer bag, I had even less space to roll over in!
After breakfast, we crossed a busy road to load our bags into the bus. It was the same bus as the first few days, so we had the fear of having to push start the bus again. But luckily we didn't have that joy!
Instead, we drove to Blarney Castle.
Blarney Castle (Irish: Caisleán na Blarnan) is a medieval stronghold in Blarney, near Cork, Ireland, and the River Martin. Though earlier fortifications were built on the same spot, the current keep was built by the MacCarthy dynasty, Kings of Desmond, and dates from 1446. ( Cormac McCarthy, King of Munster, The lower walls are fifteen feet, built with an angle tower by the McCarthys of Muskerry. It was subsequently occupied at one time by Cormac McCarthy, King of Munster, who is said to have supplied four thousand men from Munster to supplement the forces of Robert the Bruce at the battle of Bannockburn in 1314. Legend has it that the latter king gave half of the Stone of Scone to McCarthy in gratitude. This, now known as the Blarney Stone, was incorporated in the battlements where it can now be kissed.)
The story goes that Cormac returned to his castle before the blarney stone had been placed. It was late in the evening, and he heard a woman screaming for help. He rushed to the lake where she was downing, and pulled he out. The story continues that he placed her down (by coincidence on the Blarney Stone) and gave her the kiss of life. She then turned to the stone and kissed it, setting the tradition of kissing the blarney stone to be blessed with seven years 'gift of the gab', because she had life to talk again, so would make the most of it. The story is quite a beautiful tale, and not really what I had expected to hear. (Yes I kissed it, because the other superstition is if you get to the top of Blarney Castle and don't kiss the stone you have seven years bad sex - I think if he let her drown without saving her, he wouldn't have gotten lucky later on ;D ) And the placement of the Blarney Stone - seriously if someone can pee on it from the edge of the platform, then geee wizz they have some amazing peeing techniques!
After we left the castle of speech, we drove up to Kilkenny, stopping for lunch and a short photo op. Kilkenny has a castle, cathedral and several other beautiful old buildings to stop and look at.
(Kilkenny Castle (Irish: Caisleán Chill Chainnigh) is a castle in Kilkenny, Ireland built in 1195 by William Marshal, 1st Earl of Pembroke to control a fording-point of the River Nore and the junction of several routeways. It was a symbol of Norman occupation and in its original thirteenth-century condition it would have formed an important element of the defences of the town with four large circular corner towers and a massive ditch, part of which can still be seen today on the Parade.)
After lunch, photos and feeling a little cold, it was soon time to move on. We piled back into the bus, and with sleepy eyes and heavy heads, many people (including myself) fell asleep on the drive back to Dublin. We stopped in to the most famous, very large, well presented and fabulously entertaining Guinness Factory! Now, I'm not the biggest fan of Guinness (had my first pint ~ well half pint to start off with ~ of Guinness in Galway) but I will drink it for St Paddy's Day, or if I have a voucher for a free pint. However by the time I got to the Gravity Bar on the 7th floor of the Guinness showroom (which offers a panoramic view of Dublin City), it was that packed out with people that I wandered around to see some of Dublin from the skies, and wandered back down to the gift shop - where I proceeded to get gifts for family. Geeez... Nice and expensive (you lot better be happy with the pressies I got you, cos I'm not going there again!!) !!!
And this, my friends, was the final part of my 6 Day Tour of Southern Ireland. We got back to Paddy's Palace, where I checked in for two nights, as I need to decide what exactly I am doing now.
Friday, October 22, 2010
Paddywagon Tours - Day 5
15th October, Annascaul to Cork, via the Dingle Peninsula
Sadly, we didn't see Seany when we left this morning, he was already back in Dublin. Instead, we ended up (almost) on the wrong bus, then on the right bus with Fitzy as our new driver. This group has been doing the 6 Day Total Ireland Tour, so this lot had been together for four days, and didn't really let the six of us joining them slip in comfortably... One lady (who didn't appreciate sharing the back seat of the bus with Nick and I) had the hide to write in her journal (Nick read this over her shoulder...) "I had hope we could have the backseat all to ourselves. Oh well, I guuuesssss we just have to share." What nonsense! Our first day of our tour there was only a couple of seats spare, and they weren't on the backseat! So Nick and I just spread our things out on the seat between us. The lady next to me - HA! She asked me if we were boyfriend / girlfriend because we got on at the same time! Far out! So yes, Nick and I just took the mick out of them for a time. Entertainment value!
Aside from this, the drive down to the Dingle Peninsula, and then the drive along Slea Head was just stunning! The sky was blue, and the air was clean. There are islands dotted all along the coast, including one that looks like, and is known as The Sleeping Giant. Eventually we arrived in Dingle.
Dingle. Beautiful. Amazing. And even has it's own friendly dolphin, Fungi the dolphin who (unlike Seany's tale of him being dead - which devastated an American tourist) is apparently alive and well. We spent lunch time there, and most people made their way to the ice-cream shop at Dingle. The nicest ice-cream so far! And sitting on the pier looking over the boats, was lovely, with the sun on my shoulders and the wind in my hair.
We ended back at Killarney - we were meant to stay at the hostel here, however because of previous ... ummm ... fire alarms ... we only past through Killarney. Our small group didn't joined the rest of the group with the jaunting carts, and instead walked around the town in daylight (as opposed to walking through alleyways at 2am) and saw some beautiful things that we had missed on our last visit. Nick and I went to the cathedral, and along the way I found my eyes hadn't deceived me on the previous visit, and there was an unusual mural on a hidden wall on the outskirts of the town.
We got to Cork quite late, and me being tired - I fell down the stairs... Can you believe it?! I sure couldn't! So it was an early night, with bruises forming down my legs and all across my knees... That and Two and a Half Men to keep my head from thinking about the pain in my legs...
Sadly, we didn't see Seany when we left this morning, he was already back in Dublin. Instead, we ended up (almost) on the wrong bus, then on the right bus with Fitzy as our new driver. This group has been doing the 6 Day Total Ireland Tour, so this lot had been together for four days, and didn't really let the six of us joining them slip in comfortably... One lady (who didn't appreciate sharing the back seat of the bus with Nick and I) had the hide to write in her journal (Nick read this over her shoulder...) "I had hope we could have the backseat all to ourselves. Oh well, I guuuesssss we just have to share." What nonsense! Our first day of our tour there was only a couple of seats spare, and they weren't on the backseat! So Nick and I just spread our things out on the seat between us. The lady next to me - HA! She asked me if we were boyfriend / girlfriend because we got on at the same time! Far out! So yes, Nick and I just took the mick out of them for a time. Entertainment value!
Aside from this, the drive down to the Dingle Peninsula, and then the drive along Slea Head was just stunning! The sky was blue, and the air was clean. There are islands dotted all along the coast, including one that looks like, and is known as The Sleeping Giant. Eventually we arrived in Dingle.
Dingle. Beautiful. Amazing. And even has it's own friendly dolphin, Fungi the dolphin who (unlike Seany's tale of him being dead - which devastated an American tourist) is apparently alive and well. We spent lunch time there, and most people made their way to the ice-cream shop at Dingle. The nicest ice-cream so far! And sitting on the pier looking over the boats, was lovely, with the sun on my shoulders and the wind in my hair.
We ended back at Killarney - we were meant to stay at the hostel here, however because of previous ... ummm ... fire alarms ... we only past through Killarney. Our small group didn't joined the rest of the group with the jaunting carts, and instead walked around the town in daylight (as opposed to walking through alleyways at 2am) and saw some beautiful things that we had missed on our last visit. Nick and I went to the cathedral, and along the way I found my eyes hadn't deceived me on the previous visit, and there was an unusual mural on a hidden wall on the outskirts of the town.
We got to Cork quite late, and me being tired - I fell down the stairs... Can you believe it?! I sure couldn't! So it was an early night, with bruises forming down my legs and all across my knees... That and Two and a Half Men to keep my head from thinking about the pain in my legs...
Paddywagon Tours - Day 4
14th October, Cork to Annascaul, via Ring of Kerry
With the rising sun, we were up and out of Cork.
Breakfast was very entertaining! I have my trusty tube of vegemite with me. I need the taste some days to make the day 'rosy'! Well... an Irish fellow sharing our table saw my trusty tube, and his interest was perked. He'd never tasted vegemite before.
So he asked if he could...
Hahahahah! I gave him the tube, after explaining for newbies to have it on toast with butter, and he squeezed a small blob onto the edge of his plate. Proceeded to dip the tip of his knife into the blob. And licked the knife....
His reaction was PRICELESS!!!
The face he pulled, and comments that spurted out of his mouth afterwards, just hilarious! So we (the few Australians sitting around the table) then sat there taking the mickey out of this burly looking Irishman for not being tough enough to hack vegemite! Ahhh such fun!
Breakfast behind us (and vegemite packed), off the seven of us left. The lass doing 4 days was dropped at the bus station to return to Dublin, and then there were 7. Seany spent the morning trying to remember the Enid Blyton books, The Secret Seven, and The Famous Five, and decided we could be the seven from the stories! This conversation drifted into ghost stories as we past the mental hospital in Cork city (creepy looking place, I need to add), and the stories that were told. Enough to make your hair turn white!
The landscape changed, and we arrived at the start of the Ring of Kerry, a route taken by Queen Victoria and her ladies-in-waiting. We stopped at a point called Lady's View which got its name after the admiration shown by Queen Victoria and her ladies-in-waiting. At one point, Molly's Gap, Seany stopped the bus for us to hop out and take photos of the valley and the road (where little race cars once a year travel down at high speed!!). We all sat solid, the sky was beginning to open up, and the wind had picked up. Seany looked at us in disbelief, and said "So is this my cue to drive on then??? No one wants to get out??" We looked at him, and he laughed and drove on. It was cold outside!!
More winding roads and tall trees, to open valleys and towering mountains, and we found our way to Torc Falls, a small walk along side a stream up a wooded hill, to a beautiful waterfall. I remembered before I left the bus that I am a photographer, so I grabbed my tripod - good thing I did! The waterfall was beautiful, and climbing down the rocks to be closer to falls made me feel totally at peace. Further down found me precariously placed in the middle of the stream with my tripod set up again, and the greens of the moss filling my eyes. I did get some odd looks at one point... Oh well!
Back in the bus, we made our way to Waterville, where the one and only Charlie Chaplin would take his family to visit and to be free of the limelight of fame. There is a statue of him along the beach line, along the main (and only) street through the town. Another town, Sneem, built across a waterfall (??) and finally we reached Annascaul.
Seany pointed out several things as we drew into the village, such as the hurling / football field (which has a faery fort in one corner - they never one a game in that field), and a building that Seany was forced to learn maths (his primary school). The hostel - The Randy Leprechaun, caused a stir with both it's name and the murals on the wall in the village, as it is directly across from the local parish church... Annascaul has no atm, and one road, and if you want to get money out - you need to ask the right people in the right shop (I got lucky!).
Seany left us here, and returned to Dublin, so we were told we have a new driver for tomorrow. He won't be as crazy as Seany... In dedication to Seany, one of the fellows on my tour sung a song we as a group shared the chorus with Seany - "I Want it That Way" - by The Backstreet Boys. Such class, the entire pub sung along!
With the rising sun, we were up and out of Cork.
Breakfast was very entertaining! I have my trusty tube of vegemite with me. I need the taste some days to make the day 'rosy'! Well... an Irish fellow sharing our table saw my trusty tube, and his interest was perked. He'd never tasted vegemite before.
So he asked if he could...
Hahahahah! I gave him the tube, after explaining for newbies to have it on toast with butter, and he squeezed a small blob onto the edge of his plate. Proceeded to dip the tip of his knife into the blob. And licked the knife....
His reaction was PRICELESS!!!
The face he pulled, and comments that spurted out of his mouth afterwards, just hilarious! So we (the few Australians sitting around the table) then sat there taking the mickey out of this burly looking Irishman for not being tough enough to hack vegemite! Ahhh such fun!
Breakfast behind us (and vegemite packed), off the seven of us left. The lass doing 4 days was dropped at the bus station to return to Dublin, and then there were 7. Seany spent the morning trying to remember the Enid Blyton books, The Secret Seven, and The Famous Five, and decided we could be the seven from the stories! This conversation drifted into ghost stories as we past the mental hospital in Cork city (creepy looking place, I need to add), and the stories that were told. Enough to make your hair turn white!
The landscape changed, and we arrived at the start of the Ring of Kerry, a route taken by Queen Victoria and her ladies-in-waiting. We stopped at a point called Lady's View which got its name after the admiration shown by Queen Victoria and her ladies-in-waiting. At one point, Molly's Gap, Seany stopped the bus for us to hop out and take photos of the valley and the road (where little race cars once a year travel down at high speed!!). We all sat solid, the sky was beginning to open up, and the wind had picked up. Seany looked at us in disbelief, and said "So is this my cue to drive on then??? No one wants to get out??" We looked at him, and he laughed and drove on. It was cold outside!!
More winding roads and tall trees, to open valleys and towering mountains, and we found our way to Torc Falls, a small walk along side a stream up a wooded hill, to a beautiful waterfall. I remembered before I left the bus that I am a photographer, so I grabbed my tripod - good thing I did! The waterfall was beautiful, and climbing down the rocks to be closer to falls made me feel totally at peace. Further down found me precariously placed in the middle of the stream with my tripod set up again, and the greens of the moss filling my eyes. I did get some odd looks at one point... Oh well!
Back in the bus, we made our way to Waterville, where the one and only Charlie Chaplin would take his family to visit and to be free of the limelight of fame. There is a statue of him along the beach line, along the main (and only) street through the town. Another town, Sneem, built across a waterfall (??) and finally we reached Annascaul.
Seany pointed out several things as we drew into the village, such as the hurling / football field (which has a faery fort in one corner - they never one a game in that field), and a building that Seany was forced to learn maths (his primary school). The hostel - The Randy Leprechaun, caused a stir with both it's name and the murals on the wall in the village, as it is directly across from the local parish church... Annascaul has no atm, and one road, and if you want to get money out - you need to ask the right people in the right shop (I got lucky!).
Seany left us here, and returned to Dublin, so we were told we have a new driver for tomorrow. He won't be as crazy as Seany... In dedication to Seany, one of the fellows on my tour sung a song we as a group shared the chorus with Seany - "I Want it That Way" - by The Backstreet Boys. Such class, the entire pub sung along!
Paddywagon Tours - Day 3
13th October, Killarney to Cork, via Cobh
Ahhhh this morning was rough!
Stopping short of a hang over from last night's entertainment and several pints later, some IDIOT set the fire alarm off at 4.45am! There was no staff member on duty at the hostel, so the emergency response was somewhat lacking, we drifted out into the cold air of Killarney, only to see the main staff member rock up from a pub looking furious, mouthing off and sent us back to bed...
Good thing there was no fire huh?
A couple of hours later it was breakfast - toast - and a jaunting trip (horse and cart) around Killarney National Park. Two of the men taking us on the ride were two of the firies that had responded to the alarm, so ... needless to say ... they were not happy with us. But neither were we with the plonker who set the alarm off!
The national park land was stunning. The air was cold, and several members of our group were possibly still drunk from the morning they had drifted back to the hostel. But Delilah the horse pulling our cart knew the way, and went slow. There is several lakes in the park, along with mountains, including the highest mountain in Ireland. We past joggers, a man and his dog, and several people on bicycles. Crazy, the lot of them!
Eventually the jaunting tour ended, and we had to quickly stuff shut our bags and drag them down to the bus, or be threatened with being left behind! New bus, smaller group, Seany settled down. He really isn't that bad a fellow. Little different maybe. As his mother once told him "Seany, you're not special, you're just different". And it's pretty true.
We stopped through a seaside town called Cobh, where many ships (including the Titanic and the Lusitania) came into port. It was a quite little town, with winding little streets and brightly painted buildings lining the streets. I had a little boy see me taking photos (he ran through the shot, and became interested) and asked to see what I was doing... He was so polite in asking as well!
Eventually it was time to move on. We continued onto Cork, where when we finally arrived - sleep deprivation kicked in and in not time flat, the lot of us were sleeping. One lass was doing a unique 4 day tour, so instead of sleeping, she when to Blarney Castle, to actually say she visited it.
Sleep came easy, with my camera caught in the bend of my elbow as I slept...
Ahhhh this morning was rough!
Stopping short of a hang over from last night's entertainment and several pints later, some IDIOT set the fire alarm off at 4.45am! There was no staff member on duty at the hostel, so the emergency response was somewhat lacking, we drifted out into the cold air of Killarney, only to see the main staff member rock up from a pub looking furious, mouthing off and sent us back to bed...
Good thing there was no fire huh?
A couple of hours later it was breakfast - toast - and a jaunting trip (horse and cart) around Killarney National Park. Two of the men taking us on the ride were two of the firies that had responded to the alarm, so ... needless to say ... they were not happy with us. But neither were we with the plonker who set the alarm off!
The national park land was stunning. The air was cold, and several members of our group were possibly still drunk from the morning they had drifted back to the hostel. But Delilah the horse pulling our cart knew the way, and went slow. There is several lakes in the park, along with mountains, including the highest mountain in Ireland. We past joggers, a man and his dog, and several people on bicycles. Crazy, the lot of them!
Eventually the jaunting tour ended, and we had to quickly stuff shut our bags and drag them down to the bus, or be threatened with being left behind! New bus, smaller group, Seany settled down. He really isn't that bad a fellow. Little different maybe. As his mother once told him "Seany, you're not special, you're just different". And it's pretty true.
We stopped through a seaside town called Cobh, where many ships (including the Titanic and the Lusitania) came into port. It was a quite little town, with winding little streets and brightly painted buildings lining the streets. I had a little boy see me taking photos (he ran through the shot, and became interested) and asked to see what I was doing... He was so polite in asking as well!
Eventually it was time to move on. We continued onto Cork, where when we finally arrived - sleep deprivation kicked in and in not time flat, the lot of us were sleeping. One lass was doing a unique 4 day tour, so instead of sleeping, she when to Blarney Castle, to actually say she visited it.
Sleep came easy, with my camera caught in the bend of my elbow as I slept...
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Paddywagon Tours - Day 2
12th October, Galway to Killarney
Not so much of an early start - 10am, which suited us all just fine.
We left Galway in the fog, and arrived at our first stop in the fog. Another abbey, which, in the fog, had an amazing feel. I wandered around, and realised I had taken too long. I turned back to the bus, and watched in horror as it seemed to drive off!
Buuuut... it had broken down, and needed to be push started. So I wasn't left behind - but I also didn't get to photograph the mentality of this tour!
We drove through the country side again, and made our way to the Burren, and the Cliffs of Moher. The Cliffs of Moher are very commercial, with hundreds of tourists climbing up the cliffs, looking over the ocean and admiring the views. At the Burren, there were less people, but still enough to get into my photos... Such a shame. The colour of the sky and the ocean combined was just amazing.
We made our way back towards Killarney, where we stopped for the night. An eventful night it was... Roast lamb, live bands, dancing, and at 4.45am - some idiot deliberately set off the fire alarm in the hostel. So most people marched out into the cold, and the main person in charge of the hostel returned from the pub, and proceeded to swear about the situation, sent us back to bed, and punched the alarm box a few times - effectively breaking the box. The firies arrived shortly after, and checked the rooms. Such fun...
(NB - They had to turn the alarm off, and the hostel was shut down for a week, until the system was fixed...) Unbelievable....
Not so much of an early start - 10am, which suited us all just fine.
We left Galway in the fog, and arrived at our first stop in the fog. Another abbey, which, in the fog, had an amazing feel. I wandered around, and realised I had taken too long. I turned back to the bus, and watched in horror as it seemed to drive off!
Buuuut... it had broken down, and needed to be push started. So I wasn't left behind - but I also didn't get to photograph the mentality of this tour!
We drove through the country side again, and made our way to the Burren, and the Cliffs of Moher. The Cliffs of Moher are very commercial, with hundreds of tourists climbing up the cliffs, looking over the ocean and admiring the views. At the Burren, there were less people, but still enough to get into my photos... Such a shame. The colour of the sky and the ocean combined was just amazing.
We made our way back towards Killarney, where we stopped for the night. An eventful night it was... Roast lamb, live bands, dancing, and at 4.45am - some idiot deliberately set off the fire alarm in the hostel. So most people marched out into the cold, and the main person in charge of the hostel returned from the pub, and proceeded to swear about the situation, sent us back to bed, and punched the alarm box a few times - effectively breaking the box. The firies arrived shortly after, and checked the rooms. Such fun...
(NB - They had to turn the alarm off, and the hostel was shut down for a week, until the system was fixed...) Unbelievable....
Paddywagon Tours - Day 1
11th October, Dublin to Galway
Today was an early start, with a shower that was scalding, and stopped flowing if you forgot to hit the button after 30 seconds. Eventually I got down to Paddy's Palace, where my tour left from. Seany, our driver, is mad. Actually crazy. But it give an authenticity to the tour I think would be sorely missed if he wasn't our driver.
There was fog throughout Dublin, and on the motorway as we left Dublin, heading towards Galway and Connemara. Connemara was incredible. The mountains and valleys, coast line and villages were just amazing to visit. (Unfortunately the photos turned out not so great... So you'll need to take my word for it)
Eventually, Kylemore Abbey came into view. Cue from Seany, we all said "aaawwwww" when we turned the corner to see the abbey in all it's glory. Kylemore Abbey was built by Mitchell Henry for his wife, Margaret. (Tradition has it that the couple visited Connemara while on their honeymoon and were enchanted by the beauty of the landscape. It was the couple’s wish someday to own a home there and it is said that during those visits, the Henry’s rented Kylemore Lodge, the original building on the site where they later built Kylemore Castle.)
After lunch (and waking Seany up from his doze under the sun), we made our way to Galway. It is a beautiful city, with cobble stone streets, to pubs with traditional music drifting out the doors. We went to dinner in one of these pubs, and listened to a live (American) Irish band playing some sweet tunes. It was here I was lectured to about my lack of desire to go to the rest of Europe, by a stuffy shirt Sydney boy who is a manager with Contiki Tours... God... What nonsense... I missed hearing some amazing music because of this twit.. Who, by the way, called me 'close-minded', 'odd', 'judgmental', and I have an attitude problem...
Yes I am still smarting from this... what a twit! So basically I sat through a tirade of abuse from an absolute idiot. So now, I think to myself, I just won't tell many people I don't have a great desire AT THE PRESENT MOMENT to go to the rest of Europe!!
It ended my night with a slight feeling of annoyance, with good reason.
Today was an early start, with a shower that was scalding, and stopped flowing if you forgot to hit the button after 30 seconds. Eventually I got down to Paddy's Palace, where my tour left from. Seany, our driver, is mad. Actually crazy. But it give an authenticity to the tour I think would be sorely missed if he wasn't our driver.
There was fog throughout Dublin, and on the motorway as we left Dublin, heading towards Galway and Connemara. Connemara was incredible. The mountains and valleys, coast line and villages were just amazing to visit. (Unfortunately the photos turned out not so great... So you'll need to take my word for it)
Eventually, Kylemore Abbey came into view. Cue from Seany, we all said "aaawwwww" when we turned the corner to see the abbey in all it's glory. Kylemore Abbey was built by Mitchell Henry for his wife, Margaret. (Tradition has it that the couple visited Connemara while on their honeymoon and were enchanted by the beauty of the landscape. It was the couple’s wish someday to own a home there and it is said that during those visits, the Henry’s rented Kylemore Lodge, the original building on the site where they later built Kylemore Castle.)
After lunch (and waking Seany up from his doze under the sun), we made our way to Galway. It is a beautiful city, with cobble stone streets, to pubs with traditional music drifting out the doors. We went to dinner in one of these pubs, and listened to a live (American) Irish band playing some sweet tunes. It was here I was lectured to about my lack of desire to go to the rest of Europe, by a stuffy shirt Sydney boy who is a manager with Contiki Tours... God... What nonsense... I missed hearing some amazing music because of this twit.. Who, by the way, called me 'close-minded', 'odd', 'judgmental', and I have an attitude problem...
Yes I am still smarting from this... what a twit! So basically I sat through a tirade of abuse from an absolute idiot. So now, I think to myself, I just won't tell many people I don't have a great desire AT THE PRESENT MOMENT to go to the rest of Europe!!
It ended my night with a slight feeling of annoyance, with good reason.
A City of Rebels
10th October, Isaac's Hostel, Dublin
Dublin!!
Woooow! I've spent all day wandering the streets of Dublin with a group of strangers in a walking tour of Dublin. Our guide, Richie, was a funny fellow, who was hung over from the pub crawl tour that his volunteer company takes tourists on, his night was last night! So during his talks, he'd all of a sudden disappear behind a 1L bottle of water. Despite this, his tour was wicked! Full of tales of deception, traitors, dark lakes, Gulliver's Travels and the stories behind a black door, and many more weird and wonderful things which all happened in Dublin over the many years it was built up.
Lunch found the majority of the group in a random pub which sells the biggest and tastiest Guinness and Lamb Stew - with a stack of vegies on the side! Just incredible! I befriended a group of American girls, and wandered with some of them through the afternoon. I met up with a couple of them just shortly ago, at O'Shea's pub down the road from my hostel. Live music and good food, and soon it was time for bed! An early start tomorrow, my 6 day tour of Ireland begins!
Dublin!!
Woooow! I've spent all day wandering the streets of Dublin with a group of strangers in a walking tour of Dublin. Our guide, Richie, was a funny fellow, who was hung over from the pub crawl tour that his volunteer company takes tourists on, his night was last night! So during his talks, he'd all of a sudden disappear behind a 1L bottle of water. Despite this, his tour was wicked! Full of tales of deception, traitors, dark lakes, Gulliver's Travels and the stories behind a black door, and many more weird and wonderful things which all happened in Dublin over the many years it was built up.
Lunch found the majority of the group in a random pub which sells the biggest and tastiest Guinness and Lamb Stew - with a stack of vegies on the side! Just incredible! I befriended a group of American girls, and wandered with some of them through the afternoon. I met up with a couple of them just shortly ago, at O'Shea's pub down the road from my hostel. Live music and good food, and soon it was time for bed! An early start tomorrow, my 6 day tour of Ireland begins!
Daylight Robbery!!!
9th October, Isaac's Hostel, Dublin
I packed my bag in a hurry this morning! I had a plane to catch...
Bus to the station, train to Bristol (yes Carlos te pirate, I went to Bristol, no I didn't take a photo *sorry* but I did go through Bristol!!!)
Eventually I go to Bristol International airport - had to wait until 1.50 pm until I could check into my flight. I was there at 11.50am... So... killed time, and eventually lined up. Got to the counter. £100 later!!!!! My bag was 5kg over the weight limit, 20kg as opposed to 15kg... and Ryanair make their money by charging £20 per kilo over... DAYLIGHT ROBBERY!!!
Then down at the gate, the blasted lady almost took my camera bag off of me, saying it wasn't cabin baggage approved - I have that bag because it it - something was jutting out in the bottom section, so it didn't fit properly into the measuring thing... moving things around and it fit just fine... NO ONE was going to take my camera and computer bag off of my dead body!
After all this, I got into the line and 45 minutes later I ended up in Dublin, Ireland. So far the Irish are lovely! The bus drivers took the mickey out of everyone who got on their bus, but gave me straight forward directions to get to my hostel.. around the road from the bus station. The hostel is hip as, and it's right next door to where I have to leave from on Monday morning for the tour I am booked into. So lucky!!
I packed my bag in a hurry this morning! I had a plane to catch...
Bus to the station, train to Bristol (yes Carlos te pirate, I went to Bristol, no I didn't take a photo *sorry* but I did go through Bristol!!!)
Eventually I go to Bristol International airport - had to wait until 1.50 pm until I could check into my flight. I was there at 11.50am... So... killed time, and eventually lined up. Got to the counter. £100 later!!!!! My bag was 5kg over the weight limit, 20kg as opposed to 15kg... and Ryanair make their money by charging £20 per kilo over... DAYLIGHT ROBBERY!!!
Then down at the gate, the blasted lady almost took my camera bag off of me, saying it wasn't cabin baggage approved - I have that bag because it it - something was jutting out in the bottom section, so it didn't fit properly into the measuring thing... moving things around and it fit just fine... NO ONE was going to take my camera and computer bag off of my dead body!
After all this, I got into the line and 45 minutes later I ended up in Dublin, Ireland. So far the Irish are lovely! The bus drivers took the mickey out of everyone who got on their bus, but gave me straight forward directions to get to my hostel.. around the road from the bus station. The hostel is hip as, and it's right next door to where I have to leave from on Monday morning for the tour I am booked into. So lucky!!
The Sound of Hippos Snoring...
8th October, Bath YHA
Ghnnnnzzzzzzz... BurrrTRrrrr..... GhnuuuurRRhhhhhhhzzzzz....
This is the sound I woke up to this morning. Hippos snoring. Either that or an elephant farting.
No. It's the sound of two women in my dorm snoring. Women ... Snoring ... Geeeeeezz! Only one thing for it... I laid in bed dreaming up stories of hippos and elephants snoring so loudly they woke up a lion who roared in their ears - but their snores were so loud that the roar didn't wake them! I kept this up for a while, and then finally got fed up so went down to have breakfast...
I went to town quite late today, and posted parcels (yet again) back to Australia. But then found more things for family - so my bag is no doubt going to be overweight when I get on that plane tomorrow - I'm catching a flight to IRELAND!! But hopefully it won't be too bad!
I kept walking around town, and found The Jane Austen Museum in Bath. The guide I had through the building was a little painful, but the things I learned about Miss Austen were quite fascinating. She wrote a book "The History of England written by a partial, prejudiced, & ignorant Historian", when she was quite young. It was quite a quirky, so I actually bought a copy! It was illustrated her sister Cassandra.
Had a headache, so I returned to the hostel for a break from city noise - but I went back to an older lady who wanted to chat and chat and chat about her life story. So my afternoon break before the talk I was going was no longer a nap time - but a ear to hear about someone's life story, the tragedies and triumphs of this woman on a sunny afternoon.
The talk on War and Media in the 20th Century was quite incredible. I learned loads upon what I already learned in University, and met a woman who actually knows Don McCullin! He had just had a big operation, and wasn't allowed to take photos until his doctor said he was better. So as this lady said, he was probably stuck between convalescing and dying of boredom for not being able to take photos! I was so glad to hear he is still taking photos, doing street work, as well as his landscapes still.
I walked back up Bathwick Hill to the hostel - DIED HALFWAY! It was a great walk, but hills and I are still not on the best of terms... I think its my knees... Plane tomorrow... let's hope it's lovely and easy!
Ghnnnnzzzzzzz... BurrrTRrrrr..... GhnuuuurRRhhhhhhhzzzzz....
This is the sound I woke up to this morning. Hippos snoring. Either that or an elephant farting.
No. It's the sound of two women in my dorm snoring. Women ... Snoring ... Geeeeeezz! Only one thing for it... I laid in bed dreaming up stories of hippos and elephants snoring so loudly they woke up a lion who roared in their ears - but their snores were so loud that the roar didn't wake them! I kept this up for a while, and then finally got fed up so went down to have breakfast...
I went to town quite late today, and posted parcels (yet again) back to Australia. But then found more things for family - so my bag is no doubt going to be overweight when I get on that plane tomorrow - I'm catching a flight to IRELAND!! But hopefully it won't be too bad!
I kept walking around town, and found The Jane Austen Museum in Bath. The guide I had through the building was a little painful, but the things I learned about Miss Austen were quite fascinating. She wrote a book "The History of England written by a partial, prejudiced, & ignorant Historian", when she was quite young. It was quite a quirky, so I actually bought a copy! It was illustrated her sister Cassandra.
Had a headache, so I returned to the hostel for a break from city noise - but I went back to an older lady who wanted to chat and chat and chat about her life story. So my afternoon break before the talk I was going was no longer a nap time - but a ear to hear about someone's life story, the tragedies and triumphs of this woman on a sunny afternoon.
The talk on War and Media in the 20th Century was quite incredible. I learned loads upon what I already learned in University, and met a woman who actually knows Don McCullin! He had just had a big operation, and wasn't allowed to take photos until his doctor said he was better. So as this lady said, he was probably stuck between convalescing and dying of boredom for not being able to take photos! I was so glad to hear he is still taking photos, doing street work, as well as his landscapes still.
I walked back up Bathwick Hill to the hostel - DIED HALFWAY! It was a great walk, but hills and I are still not on the best of terms... I think its my knees... Plane tomorrow... let's hope it's lovely and easy!
Pagan and Vixen, and a man called Shane
7th October, Bath YHA
My breakfast at Alabare house was yet again lovely. My last lovely brekky for a little while...
I left early to go to Bath on the train - I love trains...
(The city was first established as a spa resort with the Latin name, Aquae Sulis ("the waters of Sulis") by the Romans in AD 43 although verbal tradition suggests that Bath was known before then.[3] They built baths and a temple on the surrounding hills of Bath in the valley of the River Avon around hot springs, which are the only ones naturally occurring in the United Kingdom.[4] Edgar was crowned king of England at Bath Abbey in 973.[5] Much later, it became popular as a spa resort during the Georgian era, which led to a major expansion that left a heritage of exemplary Georgian architecture crafted from Bath Stone)
I arrived at the hostel too early to check in yet, so I stashed my bags in the hostel, and walked back down to the city center. There is money here. Lots of money. But when there is that much money, there is also the opposite - poverty. There is such a high number of homeless people walking the alleys and streets of Bath it is saddening to think.
My walk around Bath introduced me to one, his name was Shane, and he had two dogs (actually he has 5, but he only had two with him when I met him...). Vixen, a stubborn welsh collie, and Pagan, a bitza. Shane also played the tin whistle. Very quietly, but it's what caught my attention. The soft tune of a tin whistle.
I chatted with him briefly, and kept walking, but eventually found myself back near his coop. He was still playing the tin whistle, so I asked if I could sit with him. What came after, was two or so hours of talking, of listening, of being prayed over by born again Christians, and by feeding the dogs my sub that a stranger bought for me.... I'm not eating food from a stranger.. Especially not when he has just insinuated that not only are Shane and I an item because we are sitting together talking, but I am homeless because I am sitting with him!!! Me, homeless! I was surprised by that one!
But the two hours or so of talking was quite eye opening. There are homeless people who are homeless from drugs or alcohol abuse, from neglect, or just because of the system. Shane is the third type. But he is slowly making his way through life with his dogs, and watching the world slowly change. A day at a time.
After our long chat, and more petting of dogs in a long time, I headed to the baths. Honestly... they were very commercialised. I did enjoy walking around, they are very beautiful, but it's sad how commercial they have become. That and the fact that I wasn't allowed to take my tripod inside, effectively eliminating any chance of replicating the 'postcard' photos you see of the baths... gah!
Another thing I found on my walk around Bath, in the Victoria Art Gallery - Shaped By War, an exhibition of Don McCullin's work from the wars and sights he has covered over the years!! Wow. I studied McCullin at university! Seeing some of his work enlarged to that size, just amazing. There is a talk tomorrow night given by the curator of the exhibition about war and the media in the 20th century. I have a ticket!
My breakfast at Alabare house was yet again lovely. My last lovely brekky for a little while...
I left early to go to Bath on the train - I love trains...
(The city was first established as a spa resort with the Latin name, Aquae Sulis ("the waters of Sulis") by the Romans in AD 43 although verbal tradition suggests that Bath was known before then.[3] They built baths and a temple on the surrounding hills of Bath in the valley of the River Avon around hot springs, which are the only ones naturally occurring in the United Kingdom.[4] Edgar was crowned king of England at Bath Abbey in 973.[5] Much later, it became popular as a spa resort during the Georgian era, which led to a major expansion that left a heritage of exemplary Georgian architecture crafted from Bath Stone)
I arrived at the hostel too early to check in yet, so I stashed my bags in the hostel, and walked back down to the city center. There is money here. Lots of money. But when there is that much money, there is also the opposite - poverty. There is such a high number of homeless people walking the alleys and streets of Bath it is saddening to think.
My walk around Bath introduced me to one, his name was Shane, and he had two dogs (actually he has 5, but he only had two with him when I met him...). Vixen, a stubborn welsh collie, and Pagan, a bitza. Shane also played the tin whistle. Very quietly, but it's what caught my attention. The soft tune of a tin whistle.
I chatted with him briefly, and kept walking, but eventually found myself back near his coop. He was still playing the tin whistle, so I asked if I could sit with him. What came after, was two or so hours of talking, of listening, of being prayed over by born again Christians, and by feeding the dogs my sub that a stranger bought for me.... I'm not eating food from a stranger.. Especially not when he has just insinuated that not only are Shane and I an item because we are sitting together talking, but I am homeless because I am sitting with him!!! Me, homeless! I was surprised by that one!
But the two hours or so of talking was quite eye opening. There are homeless people who are homeless from drugs or alcohol abuse, from neglect, or just because of the system. Shane is the third type. But he is slowly making his way through life with his dogs, and watching the world slowly change. A day at a time.
After our long chat, and more petting of dogs in a long time, I headed to the baths. Honestly... they were very commercialised. I did enjoy walking around, they are very beautiful, but it's sad how commercial they have become. That and the fact that I wasn't allowed to take my tripod inside, effectively eliminating any chance of replicating the 'postcard' photos you see of the baths... gah!
Another thing I found on my walk around Bath, in the Victoria Art Gallery - Shaped By War, an exhibition of Don McCullin's work from the wars and sights he has covered over the years!! Wow. I studied McCullin at university! Seeing some of his work enlarged to that size, just amazing. There is a talk tomorrow night given by the curator of the exhibition about war and the media in the 20th century. I have a ticket!
Avebury??
6th September, Alabare House, Salisbury
So I slept in today. Had a lazy morning until breakfast at 8am (lovely full english brekky - hence staying at this place) and after breakfast made my way down to the bus station. Thinking it was a lovely day and I should be able to spend some time at Avebury until I had to be back in Salisbury for my tattoo appointment.
Nope...
The bus times and routes had changed, a few weeks or a month or so prior... So instead I went to Swindon, thinking I'd be able to get to Uffington, to get up to see the Uffington White Horse...
Nope....
I spent an hour in Swindon (after a two hour bus ride) and got straight back on the bus back to Salisbury. There was no way I would of made it to Uffington or Avebury to get back in time for my appointment, and there was NO WAY IN ANY LIFETIME I was sticking around in Swindon... One of the very few places I've felt genuinely uneasy in. As my tattoo artist later on said "Swindon is a small town that's been force fed growth hormones" and you know what, it's the best description I've ever heard of a place!
Mal, the tattoo artist, also told me to visit St Mary's Cathedral at night. He told me it is a cliched shot, but the building is lit at night and is beautiful to see.
So I froze my butt off, my finger tips almost fell off - but it was worth every minute!
So I slept in today. Had a lazy morning until breakfast at 8am (lovely full english brekky - hence staying at this place) and after breakfast made my way down to the bus station. Thinking it was a lovely day and I should be able to spend some time at Avebury until I had to be back in Salisbury for my tattoo appointment.
Nope...
The bus times and routes had changed, a few weeks or a month or so prior... So instead I went to Swindon, thinking I'd be able to get to Uffington, to get up to see the Uffington White Horse...
Nope....
I spent an hour in Swindon (after a two hour bus ride) and got straight back on the bus back to Salisbury. There was no way I would of made it to Uffington or Avebury to get back in time for my appointment, and there was NO WAY IN ANY LIFETIME I was sticking around in Swindon... One of the very few places I've felt genuinely uneasy in. As my tattoo artist later on said "Swindon is a small town that's been force fed growth hormones" and you know what, it's the best description I've ever heard of a place!
Mal, the tattoo artist, also told me to visit St Mary's Cathedral at night. He told me it is a cliched shot, but the building is lit at night and is beautiful to see.
So I froze my butt off, my finger tips almost fell off - but it was worth every minute!
Stonehenge, markets and a new addition!
5th October, Alabare House, Salisbury
Today held magic. I started with looking out the window of the b'n'b I am staying at, at a horrible, low, gray sky thinking "oh damn, I'm going to get soaked!" But I didn't!
Instead, there was a market in Salisbury, which just gave the whole town another feel to it! When I arrived last night, it was not as busy! My first port of call - a tattoo parlour. Yes, I have booked in to get another tattoo, something which will remind me of strength and resilience.After that, I got directions from a vender, as well as fingerless gloves, my awesome blue hat, and and and and and AN AVIATOR HAT!!! Granted it's not a real leather one, but it is so cool! I know when I am Scotland it is going to come in handy! I also know I am going to look like an absolute dork wearing it, but hey - fashion isn't my forte!
I managed to weave my way through the market place to the bus stop, where a tour bus to Stonehenge leaves from. £11 or so later, I got a return ticket to Stonehenge! The bus ride was actually quite interesting, the driver played a recording which gave us information of how the stones got to the site, how old it was, and talked about the surrounding area, and how it's just as important as Stonehenge.
The site of Stonehenge was soo busy! And very close to the road. I didn't expect that, not at all! It was tricky to take photos because there were so many people walking around the site. But I worked my magic, and hopefully managed to get some usable photos. It was a moody day, with low clouds which actually had shape to them!!! Which is always nice.
I missed the bus I wanted to catch back, so had another half hour to wait for the next one. I watched the birds flying overhead, got pooped on by the same birds (shakes fist), and got cold, as the breeze picked up. Eventually time past and there was a line of people for the bus. Again, we had a recording of information about the surrounding area. By the roads are grave sites, giant burial mounds with group burials, going back thousands of years. Pretty amazing when you think about it really.
My afternoon was spent walking through the town, and at St Mary's Cathedral. I wasn't tall enough to take a particular photo, and had to set my tripod up quite high. A priest found it amusing, and asked me if I wanted to stand on a chair. I couldn't bring myself to do it... It was a cathedral. But after a couple of hours, I made my way back to Alabare House (ironic - it's a house of prayer) and now to bed, to dream of visiting Avebury and my tattoo in the afternoon...
Today held magic. I started with looking out the window of the b'n'b I am staying at, at a horrible, low, gray sky thinking "oh damn, I'm going to get soaked!" But I didn't!
Instead, there was a market in Salisbury, which just gave the whole town another feel to it! When I arrived last night, it was not as busy! My first port of call - a tattoo parlour. Yes, I have booked in to get another tattoo, something which will remind me of strength and resilience.After that, I got directions from a vender, as well as fingerless gloves, my awesome blue hat, and and and and and AN AVIATOR HAT!!! Granted it's not a real leather one, but it is so cool! I know when I am Scotland it is going to come in handy! I also know I am going to look like an absolute dork wearing it, but hey - fashion isn't my forte!
I managed to weave my way through the market place to the bus stop, where a tour bus to Stonehenge leaves from. £11 or so later, I got a return ticket to Stonehenge! The bus ride was actually quite interesting, the driver played a recording which gave us information of how the stones got to the site, how old it was, and talked about the surrounding area, and how it's just as important as Stonehenge.
The site of Stonehenge was soo busy! And very close to the road. I didn't expect that, not at all! It was tricky to take photos because there were so many people walking around the site. But I worked my magic, and hopefully managed to get some usable photos. It was a moody day, with low clouds which actually had shape to them!!! Which is always nice.
I missed the bus I wanted to catch back, so had another half hour to wait for the next one. I watched the birds flying overhead, got pooped on by the same birds (shakes fist), and got cold, as the breeze picked up. Eventually time past and there was a line of people for the bus. Again, we had a recording of information about the surrounding area. By the roads are grave sites, giant burial mounds with group burials, going back thousands of years. Pretty amazing when you think about it really.
My afternoon was spent walking through the town, and at St Mary's Cathedral. I wasn't tall enough to take a particular photo, and had to set my tripod up quite high. A priest found it amusing, and asked me if I wanted to stand on a chair. I couldn't bring myself to do it... It was a cathedral. But after a couple of hours, I made my way back to Alabare House (ironic - it's a house of prayer) and now to bed, to dream of visiting Avebury and my tattoo in the afternoon...
The Queen Elizabeth
3rd October, The Queen Elizabeth Hostel, London
This place was so shocking it gets its OWN blog!
I left Tintagel on the 30th of September, amidst crazy packing, posting parcels back to Australia and almost missing the once-every-two-hours-bus!!! But eventually, I got to Plymouth (interesting night there), Becky's, and eventually here. This is where my darling friend Sami Spokes and her boyfriend have been living whilst they try and find a flat to rent in London.
OH MY GOD!
What a dump! There was things crawling in the beds - Sam swears they are bed bugs, a fairly foul loo, which often runs out of toilet paper, and no - I repeat - NO ventilation in the rooms! So when some smelly boy with his smelly towel/socks/shirts and jocks leaves things hanging from the bunk he's claimed to "air" them - the room was foul... You could almost see the smell rising from the clothes! And Sam, being Sam, had to find what it was exactly, so went sniffing around the room until she pinpointed it exactly to the towel and clothes! Best thing to watch, Craig and I sat there laughing!
Next day saw me being woken up to the stunningly loud snores of the smelly boys (both Australian I'm afraid to say) above me, so there saw the end of my sleep! Breakfast consisted of a muffin (thanks Sami) and me booking flights to Ireland. Now I'm on my way to Salisbury, to see the magnificence of Stonehenge, and if I get there - Avebury.
This place was so shocking it gets its OWN blog!
I left Tintagel on the 30th of September, amidst crazy packing, posting parcels back to Australia and almost missing the once-every-two-hours-bus!!! But eventually, I got to Plymouth (interesting night there), Becky's, and eventually here. This is where my darling friend Sami Spokes and her boyfriend have been living whilst they try and find a flat to rent in London.
OH MY GOD!
What a dump! There was things crawling in the beds - Sam swears they are bed bugs, a fairly foul loo, which often runs out of toilet paper, and no - I repeat - NO ventilation in the rooms! So when some smelly boy with his smelly towel/socks/shirts and jocks leaves things hanging from the bunk he's claimed to "air" them - the room was foul... You could almost see the smell rising from the clothes! And Sam, being Sam, had to find what it was exactly, so went sniffing around the room until she pinpointed it exactly to the towel and clothes! Best thing to watch, Craig and I sat there laughing!
Next day saw me being woken up to the stunningly loud snores of the smelly boys (both Australian I'm afraid to say) above me, so there saw the end of my sleep! Breakfast consisted of a muffin (thanks Sami) and me booking flights to Ireland. Now I'm on my way to Salisbury, to see the magnificence of Stonehenge, and if I get there - Avebury.
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Tintagel - Day 3
29th September, 2010
Tintagel Youth Hostel, Tintagel, Cornwall
Today was my last whole day in Tintagel. Tomorrow I leave, to move onto the place port of call, in this case - Plymouth for the night. I spent my morning fairly simply downloading photos and organising my files. Called home for over an hour, which is always appreciated when you least expect it. I went to visit the village again, and stopped into a potters. It was an incredible workshop, with a giant man behind the potter's wheel. And when he stood up - boy he'd almost hit the ceiling beams he was that tall!
The walls were lined with cups and bowls and teapots, everywhere you looked there was something he had created! While I was there, he was smoothing and polishing up soup bowls which he had turned the day before. It was amazing to just watch him create something so usable and yet exquisite, all without looking as though he was even thinking about it. Yet looking at this place, I'm sure he never thinks of his work as work!
It is an early bed tonight, and packing to leave tomorrow morning, I have an appointment with the rocks at the castle in the morning, I don't want to miss it or my bus later on!
Tintagel Youth Hostel, Tintagel, Cornwall
Today was my last whole day in Tintagel. Tomorrow I leave, to move onto the place port of call, in this case - Plymouth for the night. I spent my morning fairly simply downloading photos and organising my files. Called home for over an hour, which is always appreciated when you least expect it. I went to visit the village again, and stopped into a potters. It was an incredible workshop, with a giant man behind the potter's wheel. And when he stood up - boy he'd almost hit the ceiling beams he was that tall!
The walls were lined with cups and bowls and teapots, everywhere you looked there was something he had created! While I was there, he was smoothing and polishing up soup bowls which he had turned the day before. It was amazing to just watch him create something so usable and yet exquisite, all without looking as though he was even thinking about it. Yet looking at this place, I'm sure he never thinks of his work as work!
It is an early bed tonight, and packing to leave tomorrow morning, I have an appointment with the rocks at the castle in the morning, I don't want to miss it or my bus later on!
Monday, October 4, 2010
Tintagel - Day 2
28th September, 2010
Tintagel Youth Hostel, Tintagel, Cornwall
I woke up so early this morning, the sky was moody, dark, and horrible looking. But by 7am it was cool, windy, and quite clear. I walked along the coast line, up towards Trebawith Strand, a place I went swimming when I first arrived in England, with Becky and her folks. And oh the wind, it was cold, blowing straight through the layers upon layers I had on!!! But it was so worth every minute of freezingness! The sun came up and the sky went a mixture or pinks, lavender, violets and blues, it was just brilliant!
Later on, amidst rain and wind, I battled it out to get to Tintagel Castle, which is positioned (in ruins, naturally) on the headland, which is called Tintagel Island. The stairs down and then up to the castle are quite a feat in themselves, whoever can cross to the other side is more than worthy of visiting the ruined castle!! The rain made everything slippery, and down on the shore (when and only when the tide is low) there is a cave, which is called Merlin's Cave. It's actually a sea tunnel which passes directly underneath the headland, and when the tide is out you can walk through.
But wait - I haven't mentioned the significance of Tintagel to those who don't know it yet have I?! Apologies! Tintagel is the supposed birthplace of the Legendary King Arthur, Uther Pendragon's son, after he took the Lady Igraine. With all the ruggedness and wilderness in the coastline, it is easy to see how some people could believe it to be his birthplace, it's as it was described in many stories of Merlin and Arthur. A small downer to this tale coming from the castle at Tintagel, is the main castle there now was not built at the right time to be the one Arthur would have been born in, so sorry to all you dreamers out there, I didn't touch stone that Arthur himself touched!
The village of Tintagel has been revitalised through the English Heritage trying to improve and encourage people to visit Tintagel on their days out, so when I was there - sadly, there were a fair few people. But the rain kept most away until it stopped just after lunch!
It was a true English autumn day, with the weather changing at the drop of a hat, and the ocean breeze upon my face. A beautiful day, full of mystery and magic.
Tintagel Youth Hostel, Tintagel, Cornwall
I woke up so early this morning, the sky was moody, dark, and horrible looking. But by 7am it was cool, windy, and quite clear. I walked along the coast line, up towards Trebawith Strand, a place I went swimming when I first arrived in England, with Becky and her folks. And oh the wind, it was cold, blowing straight through the layers upon layers I had on!!! But it was so worth every minute of freezingness! The sun came up and the sky went a mixture or pinks, lavender, violets and blues, it was just brilliant!
Later on, amidst rain and wind, I battled it out to get to Tintagel Castle, which is positioned (in ruins, naturally) on the headland, which is called Tintagel Island. The stairs down and then up to the castle are quite a feat in themselves, whoever can cross to the other side is more than worthy of visiting the ruined castle!! The rain made everything slippery, and down on the shore (when and only when the tide is low) there is a cave, which is called Merlin's Cave. It's actually a sea tunnel which passes directly underneath the headland, and when the tide is out you can walk through.
But wait - I haven't mentioned the significance of Tintagel to those who don't know it yet have I?! Apologies! Tintagel is the supposed birthplace of the Legendary King Arthur, Uther Pendragon's son, after he took the Lady Igraine. With all the ruggedness and wilderness in the coastline, it is easy to see how some people could believe it to be his birthplace, it's as it was described in many stories of Merlin and Arthur. A small downer to this tale coming from the castle at Tintagel, is the main castle there now was not built at the right time to be the one Arthur would have been born in, so sorry to all you dreamers out there, I didn't touch stone that Arthur himself touched!
The village of Tintagel has been revitalised through the English Heritage trying to improve and encourage people to visit Tintagel on their days out, so when I was there - sadly, there were a fair few people. But the rain kept most away until it stopped just after lunch!
It was a true English autumn day, with the weather changing at the drop of a hat, and the ocean breeze upon my face. A beautiful day, full of mystery and magic.
Tintagel - Day 1
27th September, 2010
Tintagel Youth Hostel, Tintagel, Cornwall
Today was a looooong day. It has taken me all day to get here, but now that I am here it is absolutely worth every minute of panic, mayhem, effort and confusion. The buses and trains in Cornwall aren't exactly on the ball all the time, but eventually I and another man trying to get to Tintagel got there. The bus driver who dropped us off was a treasure trove of information, and quite delightful to talk to about the area.
The view from the hostel is spectacular! It's a trek about 1.2 miles from the main village, down on a cliff face, with a view to remember. I had to wait for the volunteer warden to arrive, but eventually I was let in, and it was great. I took a top bunk, with a view of the ocean, and lovely feelings drifted into the room. My room mates are interesting, they are so chatty and a lot older than me, yet again.
I walked back to the village, and wandered a bit till I found my supper, and went back to the hostel through the church yard before the hostel. It's an old Norman church, and is still used today as the village church. I'm really glad to hear that these old churches are still used for worship, because otherwise they would be very sad to walk pass and see them falling down.
Tintagel Youth Hostel, Tintagel, Cornwall
Today was a looooong day. It has taken me all day to get here, but now that I am here it is absolutely worth every minute of panic, mayhem, effort and confusion. The buses and trains in Cornwall aren't exactly on the ball all the time, but eventually I and another man trying to get to Tintagel got there. The bus driver who dropped us off was a treasure trove of information, and quite delightful to talk to about the area.
The view from the hostel is spectacular! It's a trek about 1.2 miles from the main village, down on a cliff face, with a view to remember. I had to wait for the volunteer warden to arrive, but eventually I was let in, and it was great. I took a top bunk, with a view of the ocean, and lovely feelings drifted into the room. My room mates are interesting, they are so chatty and a lot older than me, yet again.
I walked back to the village, and wandered a bit till I found my supper, and went back to the hostel through the church yard before the hostel. It's an old Norman church, and is still used today as the village church. I'm really glad to hear that these old churches are still used for worship, because otherwise they would be very sad to walk pass and see them falling down.
A Cycling Weekend
25th September, 2010
Luxe House, Annette and Richard Leithall
Over this past week has been quite hectic! My bag zipper broke half way along the zip, so most of my clothes in that section could be seen by the world (well everyone between Reading and Southampton)! Bag hunting took several days (there is sooooo many bags to choose from!!!) so eventually I found two smaller bags that just work so well together, making my life so much easier!
Amidst dizzy spells and sleepiness, I made it to Bere Alston, to visit Becky's parents again. I spent all afternoon on a train to get there, and boy - it was freezing cold, and rickety and just perfect! I had such a blast! I got into Luxe House, and had an amazing sleep in a comfy bed - a luxury I haven't had for some time!
The weekend was only to get better! On Saturday, we drove down to a place called Wadebridge, to join onto an old train line, converted into a cycling / walking path, known as the Camel Trail. It's 5.2 miles (8.37km) from Wadebridge to Padstow, which is the route we took. The tide was out, so there was no water in the river but you could smell the ocean. It was amazing! I loved every moment of riding down the path, stopping every so often to take photos or just take in the view.
Sunday was harder. Richard drove me down to a place called Morwellham Quay, (Morwellham Quay is a historic river port in Devon, England that developed to support the local mines. The port had its peak in the Victorian era and is now run as a tourist attraction and museum. It is the terminus of the Tavistock Canal, and has its own copper mine.)
Richard took me down to Morwellham Quay in the Stag, but I don't remember the year - It was amazing! I had such a blast in that car! I spent all morning walking around the mining history of the hamlet, and when Richard came back to get me, he was in his new toy - A BRIGHT RED MINI ROVER!!! It was so awesome!! I absolutely adore his new car! It's sooo cool!
By the time we got back to the house, Annette was back from church, and we were soon ready to go to Sourton to ride the Granite Trail, from Sourton to Okehampton. It was hard work, but the view and the ride was amazing! It went along another old train line, with a quarry and the Dartmoor National Park for a part of the way. The air got quite cold, and there were annoying little insects that wouldn't have bothered me if I was walking, but because of the speed you build up when riding - just like Dash Incredible, in the Incredibles, I had a splatter of bugs across my face! It was hilarious! And I had one go in my eye as I was turning a corner. Just lovely!
On the way back to Bere Alston, we drove past highland cattle, sheep (lots), and a very old church on top of a steep scramble, which is still used by the village beneath it today. It was very late, but with a creative use of my skivvy and my camera on timer, I managed to get a photo of the amazing placement of this church. People were climbing down from the night's service, many of them were quite old, and it was very late, so it was incredible that they were able to make it up and down from the church!
The weekend was spectacular. Full of good food, cats to cuddle, sunny days, loads of exercise, just everything of this weekend was lovely!
Luxe House, Annette and Richard Leithall
Over this past week has been quite hectic! My bag zipper broke half way along the zip, so most of my clothes in that section could be seen by the world (well everyone between Reading and Southampton)! Bag hunting took several days (there is sooooo many bags to choose from!!!) so eventually I found two smaller bags that just work so well together, making my life so much easier!
Amidst dizzy spells and sleepiness, I made it to Bere Alston, to visit Becky's parents again. I spent all afternoon on a train to get there, and boy - it was freezing cold, and rickety and just perfect! I had such a blast! I got into Luxe House, and had an amazing sleep in a comfy bed - a luxury I haven't had for some time!
The weekend was only to get better! On Saturday, we drove down to a place called Wadebridge, to join onto an old train line, converted into a cycling / walking path, known as the Camel Trail. It's 5.2 miles (8.37km) from Wadebridge to Padstow, which is the route we took. The tide was out, so there was no water in the river but you could smell the ocean. It was amazing! I loved every moment of riding down the path, stopping every so often to take photos or just take in the view.
Sunday was harder. Richard drove me down to a place called Morwellham Quay, (Morwellham Quay is a historic river port in Devon, England that developed to support the local mines. The port had its peak in the Victorian era and is now run as a tourist attraction and museum. It is the terminus of the Tavistock Canal, and has its own copper mine.)
Richard took me down to Morwellham Quay in the Stag, but I don't remember the year - It was amazing! I had such a blast in that car! I spent all morning walking around the mining history of the hamlet, and when Richard came back to get me, he was in his new toy - A BRIGHT RED MINI ROVER!!! It was so awesome!! I absolutely adore his new car! It's sooo cool!
By the time we got back to the house, Annette was back from church, and we were soon ready to go to Sourton to ride the Granite Trail, from Sourton to Okehampton. It was hard work, but the view and the ride was amazing! It went along another old train line, with a quarry and the Dartmoor National Park for a part of the way. The air got quite cold, and there were annoying little insects that wouldn't have bothered me if I was walking, but because of the speed you build up when riding - just like Dash Incredible, in the Incredibles, I had a splatter of bugs across my face! It was hilarious! And I had one go in my eye as I was turning a corner. Just lovely!
On the way back to Bere Alston, we drove past highland cattle, sheep (lots), and a very old church on top of a steep scramble, which is still used by the village beneath it today. It was very late, but with a creative use of my skivvy and my camera on timer, I managed to get a photo of the amazing placement of this church. People were climbing down from the night's service, many of them were quite old, and it was very late, so it was incredible that they were able to make it up and down from the church!
The weekend was spectacular. Full of good food, cats to cuddle, sunny days, loads of exercise, just everything of this weekend was lovely!
Saturday, October 2, 2010
Watermills and blackberries
19th September, 2010
Gorsedene House, Jean and Tim Black's house
With the rising of the sun, when the light was still grey, I was looking for waterfalls and mushrooms. Instead, I found golden light, a carpet of shamrocks, and a little bit of magic. Down the lane from Gorsedene, where the lake turns to a stream, there is a little waterfall. I was down there to photograph it at dawn, and found the sun light streaming in lit a spot about 50 yards from where I was standing. I went to walk towards and stopped. The ground was a carpet of shamrocks, and a little voice in my head whispered 'don't go any further'. It's one of the first times I've not gone to take photos in a 'safe' area like that. But I took a photo of the shamrocks and walked away. The feeling of peace I felt in that place, like nothing else.
I told Jean of the place I stopped at, and she told me once a friend lived in the house near the stream. There was once an old watermill, long since it had been used, along the stream. At night, her friend said she could hear the 'clunk-clunk-clunk' of the wheel turning in the stream. The wheel is gone, and there is a ruin where the mill was, so the noise has no sense behind it. Just quite amazing. So I didn't make it to the mill, but I got as far as my feet would take me!
Later on that day, I went blackberry picking off of the hedge out the front of Gorsedene, it was so much fun! I chatted to who ever came past the lane, and enjoyed eating the berries that I didn't get into the bowl! It was such a blast!
Gorsedene House, Jean and Tim Black's house
With the rising of the sun, when the light was still grey, I was looking for waterfalls and mushrooms. Instead, I found golden light, a carpet of shamrocks, and a little bit of magic. Down the lane from Gorsedene, where the lake turns to a stream, there is a little waterfall. I was down there to photograph it at dawn, and found the sun light streaming in lit a spot about 50 yards from where I was standing. I went to walk towards and stopped. The ground was a carpet of shamrocks, and a little voice in my head whispered 'don't go any further'. It's one of the first times I've not gone to take photos in a 'safe' area like that. But I took a photo of the shamrocks and walked away. The feeling of peace I felt in that place, like nothing else.
I told Jean of the place I stopped at, and she told me once a friend lived in the house near the stream. There was once an old watermill, long since it had been used, along the stream. At night, her friend said she could hear the 'clunk-clunk-clunk' of the wheel turning in the stream. The wheel is gone, and there is a ruin where the mill was, so the noise has no sense behind it. Just quite amazing. So I didn't make it to the mill, but I got as far as my feet would take me!
Later on that day, I went blackberry picking off of the hedge out the front of Gorsedene, it was so much fun! I chatted to who ever came past the lane, and enjoyed eating the berries that I didn't get into the bowl! It was such a blast!
Gorsedene, and a ploughing match!
18th September, 2010
Gorsedene House, Jean and Tim Black's house
I spent most of the last week at Georgie's house with Teddy as my companion, and a tv of nonsense to empty my head and put me in a relaxed frame of mind. Now, after a couple of long train rides and a heavy bag to drag behind me, I am at Gorsedene House, Ellie and Finn's grandparent's house, just outside of the village Horsham. When Ellie and Finn were here I visited them, and had a magical day then. Well the weekend is matching up to that day already!
We went to a place called Clothall's Farm, to the annual ploughing match and country fair. It was incredible, what you expect to see in movies like 'Babe', where they have a galloping horse merry-go-round, and sheep shearing, sweets and lamb buns, loads of border collies and the smells of cattle and cut grass! The plouhging match happens at different farms each year, and the farmer who ploughs his (or her) section of the field the best wins (I don't know what they win though)! There were traditional horse and plough competitors, tractors of old and giant tractors of new, spread out across a field, all competing in their section. Just amazing to see, and quaint that things like this still happen in today's world.
When we got back to the house, Tim took me down past the paddock (and the geese were in the top field, so they didn't get to chase me this time) and pointed out the path to see mushrooms and toadstools. Walking through the woods to find them was like stepping into a story of old, with the old oaks and mossy trees, the bright reds and oranges of the mushrooms and toadstools when I did find them. The air was chilly and there was a definite smell of winter drifting through the woods. Moments like that make the small things in life seem not so important, and finding mushrooms made the faery tales come true!
Gorsedene House, Jean and Tim Black's house
I spent most of the last week at Georgie's house with Teddy as my companion, and a tv of nonsense to empty my head and put me in a relaxed frame of mind. Now, after a couple of long train rides and a heavy bag to drag behind me, I am at Gorsedene House, Ellie and Finn's grandparent's house, just outside of the village Horsham. When Ellie and Finn were here I visited them, and had a magical day then. Well the weekend is matching up to that day already!
We went to a place called Clothall's Farm, to the annual ploughing match and country fair. It was incredible, what you expect to see in movies like 'Babe', where they have a galloping horse merry-go-round, and sheep shearing, sweets and lamb buns, loads of border collies and the smells of cattle and cut grass! The plouhging match happens at different farms each year, and the farmer who ploughs his (or her) section of the field the best wins (I don't know what they win though)! There were traditional horse and plough competitors, tractors of old and giant tractors of new, spread out across a field, all competing in their section. Just amazing to see, and quaint that things like this still happen in today's world.
When we got back to the house, Tim took me down past the paddock (and the geese were in the top field, so they didn't get to chase me this time) and pointed out the path to see mushrooms and toadstools. Walking through the woods to find them was like stepping into a story of old, with the old oaks and mossy trees, the bright reds and oranges of the mushrooms and toadstools when I did find them. The air was chilly and there was a definite smell of winter drifting through the woods. Moments like that make the small things in life seem not so important, and finding mushrooms made the faery tales come true!
Sunday, September 19, 2010
The End of Ardmore
I've finished my time with Ardmore...
Now I'm sitting in a squishy, large armchair, with a shaggy border collie watching my every move. Teddy, Georgie's loyal collie, has been an amazing company for my tired heart over the last few days, whether that's due to he knows I need a hug, or he remembers that I give him the crusts off of my toast each morning, I'm not entirely sure.
I feel at last the restfulness I have needed over the last two months, now that I am not in the hard environment of Ardmore. TV and a shaggy dog can do that for the exhausted! Now it is time to sort out where I am going and what I am doing!
xx
Now I'm sitting in a squishy, large armchair, with a shaggy border collie watching my every move. Teddy, Georgie's loyal collie, has been an amazing company for my tired heart over the last few days, whether that's due to he knows I need a hug, or he remembers that I give him the crusts off of my toast each morning, I'm not entirely sure.
I feel at last the restfulness I have needed over the last two months, now that I am not in the hard environment of Ardmore. TV and a shaggy dog can do that for the exhausted! Now it is time to sort out where I am going and what I am doing!
xx
Snowdonia National Park - Day 3
(12th September, 2010)
Lledr House, near Betws-y-coed, Wales
We went to another peak near to Snowdon today. Iain, and three of the others climbed Tryfan, going up the North Ridge, which is a famous ridge walk. From the stories Eleanor came back with of having to be tied twice to get up and round rocks jutting from the mountain side, and steep scrambles to the next ridge, I am exceedingly glad I did the walk down into Llyn Idwal and the surrounding farmland. Even that was a strain on my poor legs from the day before!
But legs aside, the walk through the valley past the beautiful lake Llyn Ogwen was spectacular! We took it slow, me with my legs and camera out poised for a peaceful view of the valley, and Moreen with her pastels and sketches of the valley in front of us. Anna was the fittest of us, walking and backpedaling to join up with us every so often.
Lunch was next to a stream, with the heat of a late summer sun warming our faces, and the cool breeze keeping the fleece on. A babbling stream made a path through the valley up to the range more intriguing, and became a composition for my attention. The day moved on, and we returned to the van. More stops as photo and painting opportunities arose, and after each incline a moment for breathing was set aside.
On the way back to England through the Welsh country side we past a steam train chugging away through the valley! My weekend of magic was complete, with aching legs and a full mind of wonderful images and thoughts for more to come. I am always going to be grateful for Iain for letting me be a part of that trip, it opened my eyes to the beauty of Wales, and the graciousness and kindness of some strangers I've met along my travels. Thank you...
Lledr House, near Betws-y-coed, Wales
We went to another peak near to Snowdon today. Iain, and three of the others climbed Tryfan, going up the North Ridge, which is a famous ridge walk. From the stories Eleanor came back with of having to be tied twice to get up and round rocks jutting from the mountain side, and steep scrambles to the next ridge, I am exceedingly glad I did the walk down into Llyn Idwal and the surrounding farmland. Even that was a strain on my poor legs from the day before!
But legs aside, the walk through the valley past the beautiful lake Llyn Ogwen was spectacular! We took it slow, me with my legs and camera out poised for a peaceful view of the valley, and Moreen with her pastels and sketches of the valley in front of us. Anna was the fittest of us, walking and backpedaling to join up with us every so often.
Lunch was next to a stream, with the heat of a late summer sun warming our faces, and the cool breeze keeping the fleece on. A babbling stream made a path through the valley up to the range more intriguing, and became a composition for my attention. The day moved on, and we returned to the van. More stops as photo and painting opportunities arose, and after each incline a moment for breathing was set aside.
On the way back to England through the Welsh country side we past a steam train chugging away through the valley! My weekend of magic was complete, with aching legs and a full mind of wonderful images and thoughts for more to come. I am always going to be grateful for Iain for letting me be a part of that trip, it opened my eyes to the beauty of Wales, and the graciousness and kindness of some strangers I've met along my travels. Thank you...
Snowdonia National Park - Day 2
(11th September, 2010)
Lledr House, near Betws-y-coed, Wales
Today I became 'Lady MacDuff' ... I made it to the peak of Mount Snowdon, and down again! The stroll really at the start was soft on my feet, until we got more of a stone pathway. Then the going got a little bit tougher. I slipped down to photograph a gushing rapid, and almost lost my tripod, camera and myself into the fast-flowing water!
I joined back up with the group, and with their practice of walking up hills and mountains in the cooler air, I was soon lagging behind. Because of that, they put me in front to leader, and dropped their pace to suit mine. Listening to the chat behind me, with Iain's soft scottish accent, and the various english accents, helped me to breath slower and keep my breathe as the walk steepened and the climb became harder.
It was like walking up a stream running over my boots! The rain and wind came down the higher we hiked, and water began as a trickle and turned into a stream. My boots had their breaking-in in the best way possible - water, rocks, hiking and cold! There was a man who was wearing sandals, short shorts, a cotton long-sleeve top and not much else, who had a beard to his belly, full of dreadlocks, and white dreads down his back, full of knots and sticks and leaves from when he laid down on the ground. He looked like the mountain guru, taking a group of followers up the mountain to pray. We past him and his followers and they past us several times in the day, until they were lost in the clouds that covered everything in sight.
Upon the ridge we stopped at for lunch, I became 'Madam MacDuff', looked over a long lake, with the mountain peaks looming around us as we ate. Iain took a photo of me climbing up the rocks, over looking the lake in the valley below. As Madam MacDuff, we continued up the mountain, until we got to about 800 meters, where the terrain became harder and turned into a scramble up to the peak. I slipped at one point, and felt like if I could see how far up I was, I would have slipped a lot further!
The peak was over run with runny-nosed children, fashionably dressed women, and poor dogs who looked miserable... There is a train that takes people from the base of the mountain, to the peak... silly sausages! They looked totally out of place with all the trekkers and hikers trudging up the peak, myself included!
The return to the bottom of the mountain saw us ridge walking - hiking along the top of the ridge to return to the bottom of the mountain. Along the way, Eleanor slipped on a rock and got muddy, and I twisted my ankle on another slippery rock. It then became slippery, and rockier, and Iain, in his very enthusiastic manner, piped up 'we're almost out of the rocks Kael, then it will be like walking on carpet!'
It was NOT like walking on carpet!! The twisted ankle became very sore, the knees began clicking, and swollen, and sore, and the carpet of grass that was promised was not what it seemed. It was more painful than stone, as my legs began to ache with each step.
There was a quaint little bridge, with a sheep looking to cross, and it felt like 'The Three Billy Goats', and we were the trolls, scaring the sheep away. I loved ever minute of the hike, even with the pain and breathlessness that came along with the hike! Even with the the gusty winds, the stark, grey light and rain, rolled ankles and laughter with each fall, it was an amazing time. I recommend it to anyone, and everyone!
Lledr House, near Betws-y-coed, Wales
Today I became 'Lady MacDuff' ... I made it to the peak of Mount Snowdon, and down again! The stroll really at the start was soft on my feet, until we got more of a stone pathway. Then the going got a little bit tougher. I slipped down to photograph a gushing rapid, and almost lost my tripod, camera and myself into the fast-flowing water!
I joined back up with the group, and with their practice of walking up hills and mountains in the cooler air, I was soon lagging behind. Because of that, they put me in front to leader, and dropped their pace to suit mine. Listening to the chat behind me, with Iain's soft scottish accent, and the various english accents, helped me to breath slower and keep my breathe as the walk steepened and the climb became harder.
It was like walking up a stream running over my boots! The rain and wind came down the higher we hiked, and water began as a trickle and turned into a stream. My boots had their breaking-in in the best way possible - water, rocks, hiking and cold! There was a man who was wearing sandals, short shorts, a cotton long-sleeve top and not much else, who had a beard to his belly, full of dreadlocks, and white dreads down his back, full of knots and sticks and leaves from when he laid down on the ground. He looked like the mountain guru, taking a group of followers up the mountain to pray. We past him and his followers and they past us several times in the day, until they were lost in the clouds that covered everything in sight.
Upon the ridge we stopped at for lunch, I became 'Madam MacDuff', looked over a long lake, with the mountain peaks looming around us as we ate. Iain took a photo of me climbing up the rocks, over looking the lake in the valley below. As Madam MacDuff, we continued up the mountain, until we got to about 800 meters, where the terrain became harder and turned into a scramble up to the peak. I slipped at one point, and felt like if I could see how far up I was, I would have slipped a lot further!
The peak was over run with runny-nosed children, fashionably dressed women, and poor dogs who looked miserable... There is a train that takes people from the base of the mountain, to the peak... silly sausages! They looked totally out of place with all the trekkers and hikers trudging up the peak, myself included!
The return to the bottom of the mountain saw us ridge walking - hiking along the top of the ridge to return to the bottom of the mountain. Along the way, Eleanor slipped on a rock and got muddy, and I twisted my ankle on another slippery rock. It then became slippery, and rockier, and Iain, in his very enthusiastic manner, piped up 'we're almost out of the rocks Kael, then it will be like walking on carpet!'
It was NOT like walking on carpet!! The twisted ankle became very sore, the knees began clicking, and swollen, and sore, and the carpet of grass that was promised was not what it seemed. It was more painful than stone, as my legs began to ache with each step.
There was a quaint little bridge, with a sheep looking to cross, and it felt like 'The Three Billy Goats', and we were the trolls, scaring the sheep away. I loved ever minute of the hike, even with the pain and breathlessness that came along with the hike! Even with the the gusty winds, the stark, grey light and rain, rolled ankles and laughter with each fall, it was an amazing time. I recommend it to anyone, and everyone!
Snowdonia National Park - Day 1
(10th September, 2010)
Lledr House, near Betws-y-coed, Wales
So I went to Wales. With a walking group run by an incredibly enthusiastic Scottish man by the name of Iain Thomson, whose kindness to me was amazing. Iain runs a business called 'Walk Free, Break Free', which caters for people of all ages, genders and craziness really! It is a walking company (duh), which goes all around the British Isles, from England to Wales, to Scotland and all the little islands around the coast line. Iain takes people to hike and walk and wander through them, up the mountains and around the lakes. And it's a blast!
The drive up to Wales was spectacular once we left the cities behind. There were mossy stone walls skirting all the roads we drove along, winding in and out of forests, hillocks, over rivers and through the country side. Every so often the rain would start again, like a thin veil over the land, until it looked more like a mist than rain. Even in the rain the country side looked magical, possibly even more ethereal than when the sun was out. Wild looking sheep with long tails would appear then disappear in the rain, hidden among the stones in fields.
There were seven of us on this trip, which was possibly the nicest way for it to be. The other members of the group were all older than me, but with the laughter and chatter to go by, you'd never guess it. Young at heart and happy to boot, the group made the drive to Wales and the first moments in the hostel ~ Lledr House ~ warm and cheery. There, sitting by the television listening to news about far off places, the click-clack of Eleanor's knitting, the clatter of the men cooking in the kitchen, smelling supper cook, and drinking a glass of red wine, it will be an evening to remember.
Lledr House, near Betws-y-coed, Wales
So I went to Wales. With a walking group run by an incredibly enthusiastic Scottish man by the name of Iain Thomson, whose kindness to me was amazing. Iain runs a business called 'Walk Free, Break Free', which caters for people of all ages, genders and craziness really! It is a walking company (duh), which goes all around the British Isles, from England to Wales, to Scotland and all the little islands around the coast line. Iain takes people to hike and walk and wander through them, up the mountains and around the lakes. And it's a blast!
The drive up to Wales was spectacular once we left the cities behind. There were mossy stone walls skirting all the roads we drove along, winding in and out of forests, hillocks, over rivers and through the country side. Every so often the rain would start again, like a thin veil over the land, until it looked more like a mist than rain. Even in the rain the country side looked magical, possibly even more ethereal than when the sun was out. Wild looking sheep with long tails would appear then disappear in the rain, hidden among the stones in fields.
There were seven of us on this trip, which was possibly the nicest way for it to be. The other members of the group were all older than me, but with the laughter and chatter to go by, you'd never guess it. Young at heart and happy to boot, the group made the drive to Wales and the first moments in the hostel ~ Lledr House ~ warm and cheery. There, sitting by the television listening to news about far off places, the click-clack of Eleanor's knitting, the clatter of the men cooking in the kitchen, smelling supper cook, and drinking a glass of red wine, it will be an evening to remember.
A Scholarly Town
(Back dating slightly -time to get back on track!)
Well, well, well. Oxford seems to be one of the most beautiful university towns I have ever seen, with it's historic buildings, and stunning grounds. But really, I could never work so hard or be so well off to ever get into a place as prestige as Oxford! Beautiful, but a bit too toffee-nosed for me!
It was a lazy Saturday, with a walking tour led by Tom and Nathan, two activity leaders. Their banter, and the funny little facts about Oxford Nathan would chip in for my benefit more than anything really made the day lovely. It wasn't raining, and the air was warm enough for me to walk around in a long sleeved top, and not be rugged up!
We walked around buildings that have been used in so many movies, the most well know for the younger generation is the use of it in Harry Potter! People were walking around holding white owls, Hedwig replicas, and pointing out the many spots they thought they knew. It was £13 or so to get into different parts of the Hogwarts sections of the university, so we skipped that and went to the movies.
'Dinner with Schmucks' - if you value your mental health, or you have a high opinion of Steve Carell, I wouldn't recommend this film. The amount of times Tom left the theater to go grump at the staff was quite often, and he had to climb across me to get out. The movie was NOT good! And the cinema we were at was equally NOT good, with the sound and screen cutting out, and the film dropping down so half the image was missing... we definitely wasted 2 hours there!
The afternoon continued with laziness, and we finally went back to the coach with the students. Another hour later and back at Bridges hall for a dismal dinner, and a rainy night with splodgy mud between dinner and bed. If only sleep was easy then.
Well, well, well. Oxford seems to be one of the most beautiful university towns I have ever seen, with it's historic buildings, and stunning grounds. But really, I could never work so hard or be so well off to ever get into a place as prestige as Oxford! Beautiful, but a bit too toffee-nosed for me!
It was a lazy Saturday, with a walking tour led by Tom and Nathan, two activity leaders. Their banter, and the funny little facts about Oxford Nathan would chip in for my benefit more than anything really made the day lovely. It wasn't raining, and the air was warm enough for me to walk around in a long sleeved top, and not be rugged up!
We walked around buildings that have been used in so many movies, the most well know for the younger generation is the use of it in Harry Potter! People were walking around holding white owls, Hedwig replicas, and pointing out the many spots they thought they knew. It was £13 or so to get into different parts of the Hogwarts sections of the university, so we skipped that and went to the movies.
'Dinner with Schmucks' - if you value your mental health, or you have a high opinion of Steve Carell, I wouldn't recommend this film. The amount of times Tom left the theater to go grump at the staff was quite often, and he had to climb across me to get out. The movie was NOT good! And the cinema we were at was equally NOT good, with the sound and screen cutting out, and the film dropping down so half the image was missing... we definitely wasted 2 hours there!
The afternoon continued with laziness, and we finally went back to the coach with the students. Another hour later and back at Bridges hall for a dismal dinner, and a rainy night with splodgy mud between dinner and bed. If only sleep was easy then.
Thursday, September 2, 2010
~Hellfire Caves ~
OoOooOOoOohhh
We took the Russian students with their group leaders to the West Wycombe Caves (also known as the Hellfire Caves) today! It was absolutely amazing!
Many, many years ago, a Sir Francis Dashwood, after traveling through Europe and the world, returned to his home, and extended a cave system that had been used for chalk excavation.
We took the Russian students with their group leaders to the West Wycombe Caves (also known as the Hellfire Caves) today! It was absolutely amazing!
Many, many years ago, a Sir Francis Dashwood, after traveling through Europe and the world, returned to his home, and extended a cave system that had been used for chalk excavation.
- Supposedly of very ancient origin these unique caves were extended in the 1740’s by the infamous Sir Francis Dashwood, founder of the notorious Hellfire Club -
- On his return from his travels Sir Francis established the famous Hell-fire Club which subsequently held chapter meetings in the Caves and whose members included Lord Sandwich, John Wilkes and other senior aristocrats and statesmen. Sir Francis later became Chancellor of the Exchequer. Benjamin Franklin was a close friend and visited West Wycombe often. -
It was so creepy, walking through these caves, seeing the pick axe marks on the walls, feeling the air getting colder, the further down we went! There were faces molded into the chalk walls, of people screaming, of cats and birds, and even a skull! In separate caverns barred from the public, there were statues set into the walls from when Sir Dashwood used the caves for his meetings, and even an urn that once contained the heart of the steward - Paul Whitehead - which he left to Sir Dashwood, "The Noble Founder", which is kind of a veeerry unusual gesture!
- On his return from his travels Sir Francis established the famous Hell-fire Club which subsequently held chapter meetings in the Caves and whose members included Lord Sandwich, John Wilkes and other senior aristocrats and statesmen. Sir Francis later became Chancellor of the Exchequer. Benjamin Franklin was a close friend and visited West Wycombe often. -
It was so creepy, walking through these caves, seeing the pick axe marks on the walls, feeling the air getting colder, the further down we went! There were faces molded into the chalk walls, of people screaming, of cats and birds, and even a skull! In separate caverns barred from the public, there were statues set into the walls from when Sir Dashwood used the caves for his meetings, and even an urn that once contained the heart of the steward - Paul Whitehead - which he left to Sir Dashwood, "The Noble Founder", which is kind of a veeerry unusual gesture!
- Paul Whitehead was a minor poet and steward of the Hell-Fire Club. His job was to keep a list of the drink consumed by members by members of the Hell-Fire Club.Whitehead died in 1774 leaving his heart to Sir Francis “as a token of his warm attachment to the noble founder”. He also left £50 with the request that it be used to provide an urn in which his heart was to be deposited, to be placed in the Mausoleum. -
Apparently, before they moved the urn back to the cave, (which is said to be haunted by Whitehead's ghost!) an Australian soldier, or just an Australian tourist is said to have stolen the heart of Paul Whitehead from the urn where it was displayed in the Mausoleum, found on the hill above the caves. Great image for Australians huh - thieves of a human heart from an urn in a Mausoleum!
Other than stolen hearts, ghosts and many graves on the hill over the caves, we saw three witches outside the caves eating cakes, and gorged ourselves silly on sweets from Paul's Sweet Shop found down the lane in the little village of West Wycombe. It was such a lovely day, full of ghost stories and laughter!
Other than stolen hearts, ghosts and many graves on the hill over the caves, we saw three witches outside the caves eating cakes, and gorged ourselves silly on sweets from Paul's Sweet Shop found down the lane in the little village of West Wycombe. It was such a lovely day, full of ghost stories and laughter!
Paintballing - A Fear of Paint Pellets!
So it's been some time - Let's take a stroll back to the 14th of August, and we'll get up to date (pretend I haven't been a work-a-holic with Ardmore)
14th August, 2010
Delta Force. This is what we got out of the car in the cold air to. A large banner, and a stuffed manikin hanging from it's feet pointing to the car park. Delta Force...
That's right. We - the Ardmore crew of Reading - went paintballing today. I can honestly say I have a slight fear of being shot at, and the knowledge that... well... IT HURTS! The day started with several individual students point blank refusing to go on excursion, which couldn't do, as the paintballing expedition had been planned for a while now. So Andrea, ever delicate to the situation, got his air horn, and stuck it into their rooms! The students got out quick smart!
Naturally, with this delay, we were late to Delta Force. But managed to be sneaked into the second half of the first game - Georgie and I batted our eye lids and that was it really... Well - I look back and wish I never went! The pain of this day will remain with me forever! The defending games were awesome, I got a real kick out of defending an area, however, capture the flag, assaulting a zone, or free for all games - weeeellll.... never again!
(this is the bruise I got from paintball - the final game of the day... I had it for over a week!!)
14th August, 2010
Delta Force. This is what we got out of the car in the cold air to. A large banner, and a stuffed manikin hanging from it's feet pointing to the car park. Delta Force...
That's right. We - the Ardmore crew of Reading - went paintballing today. I can honestly say I have a slight fear of being shot at, and the knowledge that... well... IT HURTS! The day started with several individual students point blank refusing to go on excursion, which couldn't do, as the paintballing expedition had been planned for a while now. So Andrea, ever delicate to the situation, got his air horn, and stuck it into their rooms! The students got out quick smart!
Naturally, with this delay, we were late to Delta Force. But managed to be sneaked into the second half of the first game - Georgie and I batted our eye lids and that was it really... Well - I look back and wish I never went! The pain of this day will remain with me forever! The defending games were awesome, I got a real kick out of defending an area, however, capture the flag, assaulting a zone, or free for all games - weeeellll.... never again!
(this is the bruise I got from paintball - the final game of the day... I had it for over a week!!)
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