It had been a huge night on the bus. Its a 9 hour bus trip from Scotland to London, and it had been an emotional one. There was only a few days left until we went back to Australia. We were glad we were going to see everyone but felt like there was still so much we needed to do.
The bus got into London at 7 in the morning. We walked from the bus station a few blocks up to the underground. We were looking forward to a washing maching!! Neither of us had anything clean left and we had been sitting on a stuffy bus for hours. I felt bad for anyone who sat near us!! lol
When we got to the train station it was peak hour. We were at the above ground station and had a bit of trouble finding the underground. We both had to go to the toilet so bad, and got really frustrated when we realised the only toilet cost 30p and you needed the right change. We were digging through our bags to find enough money so we could both go!!
When we eventually found the underground we didnt have long to wait for our train. It was pretty busy but we were heading out of the city, so it got quieter as we went.
We got into Richmond and realised we had no way of contacting Jaime. She knew we were getting there that morning, but no details. My international mobile was flat with no credit, so we once again went to maccas for the free wifi!! Lucky for us she was waiting patiently on facebook for us. We told her where we were and she was coming to meet us.
We were getting really tired by this point. By the time Jaime got there we spent a while catching up and then went back to her place.
It was so nice to get back to a proper house. We got to have a decent shower and sort out all of our gear. We had a bit of a rest then decided we would keep the party going and make the most of the last few days. We thought we would go and checkout the Walkabout Pub in London. We had to catch a few different trains to get there. In total it probably took and hour and a bit by the time we changed lines.
We walked into the walkie and there were maybe only two other people there. We ordered some food and were sad when we realised that it wasnt anywhere near as cheap as the Walkie in Edinburgh. That was the main reason we went there!!
After a drink we thought we would check out somewhere else. We went for a bit of a walk but couldnt find anywhere that looked half decent. We saw a park and a tesco so we thought we could get some drinks and sit in the sun, make the most of the drinking in public while we could!! But after walking into tesco, we decided to go back to the safety of richmond!!
We stopped at tesco in richmond on our way back and had a few drinks back at Jaimes. We decided to go and have a look at a couple of the pubs. We stopped at this little place on a back road. We went inside and asked for drinks, but they wouldnt serve us as they only served over 21 and Laura is only 18. We thought, bugger them we wont give them our money then!! And went next door. The place was fairly empty so we only stayed for one drink before headiing to the Slug and lettuce which overlooked the River Thames. We stayed there for a little while. There was a pretty young crowd there which was good.
After there we passed a new club on the way home. I was just about ready for bed, but we decided to go in for one!! When we got inside it was terrible. The club was fairly nice and had good potential but I was tired and sober, and it was full of sleazy guys and legless girls!! We stayed there for one drink and then started to head home.
It had been such a long day! After a big night on the bus and then a huge day back in London, I needed my rest.
We had decided that we would go shopping the next day and then go out that night. It would be another big day!!
Countdown!!!
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Monday, October 17, 2011
Hardest goodbye yet...
Today was our last day in Edinburgh. I woke up early, as I had gone to bed early the night before unwell. I packed all my bags and dropped them in reception. We would leave our things there for the day while we waited for our night bus.
We basically spent the day at the hostel spending time with everyone. Liam had already gone, Ash was leaving the next day and Tim and Tom wouldnt be there for long either. We had our souveniers, I had bought dad a pool towell that looked like a kilt, I had tasted real whisky, I had eaten haggis. We had achieved everything we wanted!!
Around lunchtime we decided to go to Sainsburys and get some supplies for a little going away party. We got loads of cheese, wine, and little party foods. We sat in the hostel common room for a few hours drinking and eating. Then we decided to go to the Walkabout pub to say our goodbyes there as well.
Kim decided that I wasnt allowed to board the bus unless we had a fair few drinks in us. I think she was actually trying to get us drunk so they wouldnt let us on the bus!! We had a few cocktails and some jaeger bombs, then went back to the hostel.
The time eventually come though where we had to go. We got all of our bags, shed a few tears, said goodbye then Kim, Dini and Jase walked us to the bus station. Along the way kim tried several times to hide my bags or stall us. But it didnt work. We got there just in time.
Once we got on our bus, we sat looking out the window watching our friends. They put on a great show for the entire bus. Jase and Kim got their butts out several times. In the end the bus driver stopped half way through his safety speech to ask everyone to pay attention to him, rather than what was happening out the window. Me and Laura could not stop laughing, but it was a mix of laughing while crying.
Once the bus pulled away we were so upset. Im sure I cried for about 2 hours until I eventually cried myself to sleep. I woke up a few times on the way home, but I was so exhausted from my time in Scotland that I slept majority of the way.
Our holiday was coming to an end, and this was the first time it really felt like it.
We basically spent the day at the hostel spending time with everyone. Liam had already gone, Ash was leaving the next day and Tim and Tom wouldnt be there for long either. We had our souveniers, I had bought dad a pool towell that looked like a kilt, I had tasted real whisky, I had eaten haggis. We had achieved everything we wanted!!
Around lunchtime we decided to go to Sainsburys and get some supplies for a little going away party. We got loads of cheese, wine, and little party foods. We sat in the hostel common room for a few hours drinking and eating. Then we decided to go to the Walkabout pub to say our goodbyes there as well.
Kim decided that I wasnt allowed to board the bus unless we had a fair few drinks in us. I think she was actually trying to get us drunk so they wouldnt let us on the bus!! We had a few cocktails and some jaeger bombs, then went back to the hostel.
The time eventually come though where we had to go. We got all of our bags, shed a few tears, said goodbye then Kim, Dini and Jase walked us to the bus station. Along the way kim tried several times to hide my bags or stall us. But it didnt work. We got there just in time.
Once we got on our bus, we sat looking out the window watching our friends. They put on a great show for the entire bus. Jase and Kim got their butts out several times. In the end the bus driver stopped half way through his safety speech to ask everyone to pay attention to him, rather than what was happening out the window. Me and Laura could not stop laughing, but it was a mix of laughing while crying.
Once the bus pulled away we were so upset. Im sure I cried for about 2 hours until I eventually cried myself to sleep. I woke up a few times on the way home, but I was so exhausted from my time in Scotland that I slept majority of the way.
Our holiday was coming to an end, and this was the first time it really felt like it.
Goodbye Scenic Sally. Roadtrip is over...
Today was the last day of our roadtrip. Our hire car, Scenic Sally' had to go home.
We had our breakfast at the B&B then got our bags and left. The wind was still really bad, so bad that it had knocked out the satelite for the GPS!! Glasgow was a lovely city, but filled with one way streets and roads that lead to nowhere. It was a bit of a nightmare finding our way out. Luckily we left a little early, as it took us over an hour to find our way out!!
When we got back into Edinburgh we managed to find our way back to the hostel with no GPS. I guess I was a bit of a local by now.
I dropped the kids off at the hostel, then Liam and I took the car back to the depot. It was sad saying good bye to Sally, but it was gonna be nice to be able to have a big night again and not have to worry about driving!! This being driven around and bus thing was really working for me.
We got back to the hostel and I was wrecked. We cleaned all our stuff up and sorted all of our gear then thought we would have a quiet day. We watched a few movies and just relaxed. We were planning on having a big night and went to Sainsburys for our supplies.
Later that night after one or two drinks I came down with a really bad headache. Nothing seemed to be killing it, so sadly while everyone else went out to the Hive I had to go to bed. It was our last night in Edinburgh and I would have loved to have gone out with the crew, so I was pretty upset I couldnt make it out.
The next day would be our last day in Edinburgh. I really wasnt ready to leave yet, but we wanted a few days in London before we went home. Edinburgh is somewhere I could really see myself staying. I dont know if it was the town itself, or the people we met there but I loved it!! It would be sad to say goodbye.
We had our breakfast at the B&B then got our bags and left. The wind was still really bad, so bad that it had knocked out the satelite for the GPS!! Glasgow was a lovely city, but filled with one way streets and roads that lead to nowhere. It was a bit of a nightmare finding our way out. Luckily we left a little early, as it took us over an hour to find our way out!!
When we got back into Edinburgh we managed to find our way back to the hostel with no GPS. I guess I was a bit of a local by now.
I dropped the kids off at the hostel, then Liam and I took the car back to the depot. It was sad saying good bye to Sally, but it was gonna be nice to be able to have a big night again and not have to worry about driving!! This being driven around and bus thing was really working for me.
We got back to the hostel and I was wrecked. We cleaned all our stuff up and sorted all of our gear then thought we would have a quiet day. We watched a few movies and just relaxed. We were planning on having a big night and went to Sainsburys for our supplies.
Later that night after one or two drinks I came down with a really bad headache. Nothing seemed to be killing it, so sadly while everyone else went out to the Hive I had to go to bed. It was our last night in Edinburgh and I would have loved to have gone out with the crew, so I was pretty upset I couldnt make it out.
The next day would be our last day in Edinburgh. I really wasnt ready to leave yet, but we wanted a few days in London before we went home. Edinburgh is somewhere I could really see myself staying. I dont know if it was the town itself, or the people we met there but I loved it!! It would be sad to say goodbye.
Roadtrippin day 3 - Isle of Skye
After a night in the hostel of horrors, we took off for Isle of Skye. We decided to get an early start, one - because we couldnt stand being in the hostel for one more minute, and two - we needed to beat the hurricane to the west coast!!
It didnt take us too long to get from Inverness to the Isle of Skye. Just before we crossed the bridge the weather really started to turn for the worse. It was raining quite heavy and visibility was pretty bad.
We got onto the Isle and decided to head north first. There were a few sights up there that looked ok. By the time we got up there though the rain was so bad. We would stop somewhere but no one would want to get out because the weather was so horrible. Liam said that he had two things he wanted to do in Scotland. First he wanted to catch a sheep (dont ask), second he wanted to skinny dip in the ocean. We figured we could achieve both of those things that day.
The roads were crazy. Most of them were windy single lane roads that went up and around cliffs. Add a little bit of rain and it was pretty scary, but also a pretty fun road to drive! We were starting to get little water pockets on the roads from so much rain, but ive driven in Cairns wet season so this was nothing compared to what im used to!!
As we came around the west side of Isle of Skye we found a swimming beach. It was perfect. Fairly secluded and sandy, not rocky. It was time for the boys to get their gear off!! (Trust me, im not as creepy as that sounded).
We got a park, Tom, Laura and me got our cameras out and we were off. Armed with their towells we got down to the waters edge. They dropped their towells and ran. It only took maybe .5 of a second for them to come to the realisation of just how cold the water really was. After painful screams they then realised that Tom had taken off with their towells back up the cliff to the car. Looking up the hill, we then also noticed the lovely elderly couple in between us and the car! The boys covered what they could and said their hellos to the elderly couple before making it back to the car. By this stage Laura and I were laughing so much that we werent able to take any more photos.
After the boys dried off I decided we needed to get them some warm food. We found a little cafe to stop at and went inside. It was a fairly big place and had reserved tables, but we were the only people there. It was in the middle of nowhere so we couldnt imagine too many people making reservations. Never the less because of that the service was fast and the food was hot!! It was homecooked food and it was so good!!
Not far up the road from the cafe, we scored again. We found a whole lot of sheep out on the road. Liam was going to achieve both of his goals in the space of an hour!! We pulled over and Liam jumped out. He started randomly chasing sheep and didnt have much luck at all. Then the sheep started to get angry! Liam eventually gave up and we were off again. We decided it was time to get off the Isle and make it to our next stop, Glasgow. We had to have the car back early the next morning so wanted to stay at a town relatively close to Edinburgh. The rest of the drive was pretty hard. The roads were now covered in water, there were no highways it was all windy roads, there were cars everywhere, but it was still fun driving.
It was fairly late when we came into Glasgow. In the end we decided on finding a hotel rather than a hostel. We parked the car and started walking. The wind was really bad and it was freezing!!! We walked blocks and blocks and blocks. Eventually we found a hotel but they were fully booked. It was so cold I started to get an ear ache!! They told us the only other place they knew of was expensive. It had been such a long day and I just wanted to be inside out of the cold. We went to a McDonalds to use the wifi and found a bed and breakfast. They had space for us so we made our way there.
It was such a relief!! We had a hot shower and felt so much better!! The boys decided to go out and get dinner but I was not going outside again. We had some food and snacks we had been carrying round so we settled for that. The B&B was nice but felt a little creepy. The owner just seemed to appear! But it was still nice.
It didnt take us too long to get from Inverness to the Isle of Skye. Just before we crossed the bridge the weather really started to turn for the worse. It was raining quite heavy and visibility was pretty bad.
We got onto the Isle and decided to head north first. There were a few sights up there that looked ok. By the time we got up there though the rain was so bad. We would stop somewhere but no one would want to get out because the weather was so horrible. Liam said that he had two things he wanted to do in Scotland. First he wanted to catch a sheep (dont ask), second he wanted to skinny dip in the ocean. We figured we could achieve both of those things that day.
The roads were crazy. Most of them were windy single lane roads that went up and around cliffs. Add a little bit of rain and it was pretty scary, but also a pretty fun road to drive! We were starting to get little water pockets on the roads from so much rain, but ive driven in Cairns wet season so this was nothing compared to what im used to!!
As we came around the west side of Isle of Skye we found a swimming beach. It was perfect. Fairly secluded and sandy, not rocky. It was time for the boys to get their gear off!! (Trust me, im not as creepy as that sounded).
We got a park, Tom, Laura and me got our cameras out and we were off. Armed with their towells we got down to the waters edge. They dropped their towells and ran. It only took maybe .5 of a second for them to come to the realisation of just how cold the water really was. After painful screams they then realised that Tom had taken off with their towells back up the cliff to the car. Looking up the hill, we then also noticed the lovely elderly couple in between us and the car! The boys covered what they could and said their hellos to the elderly couple before making it back to the car. By this stage Laura and I were laughing so much that we werent able to take any more photos.
After the boys dried off I decided we needed to get them some warm food. We found a little cafe to stop at and went inside. It was a fairly big place and had reserved tables, but we were the only people there. It was in the middle of nowhere so we couldnt imagine too many people making reservations. Never the less because of that the service was fast and the food was hot!! It was homecooked food and it was so good!!
Not far up the road from the cafe, we scored again. We found a whole lot of sheep out on the road. Liam was going to achieve both of his goals in the space of an hour!! We pulled over and Liam jumped out. He started randomly chasing sheep and didnt have much luck at all. Then the sheep started to get angry! Liam eventually gave up and we were off again. We decided it was time to get off the Isle and make it to our next stop, Glasgow. We had to have the car back early the next morning so wanted to stay at a town relatively close to Edinburgh. The rest of the drive was pretty hard. The roads were now covered in water, there were no highways it was all windy roads, there were cars everywhere, but it was still fun driving.
It was fairly late when we came into Glasgow. In the end we decided on finding a hotel rather than a hostel. We parked the car and started walking. The wind was really bad and it was freezing!!! We walked blocks and blocks and blocks. Eventually we found a hotel but they were fully booked. It was so cold I started to get an ear ache!! They told us the only other place they knew of was expensive. It had been such a long day and I just wanted to be inside out of the cold. We went to a McDonalds to use the wifi and found a bed and breakfast. They had space for us so we made our way there.
It was such a relief!! We had a hot shower and felt so much better!! The boys decided to go out and get dinner but I was not going outside again. We had some food and snacks we had been carrying round so we settled for that. The B&B was nice but felt a little creepy. The owner just seemed to appear! But it was still nice.
Road Trip with the kids, Inverness
We had a lovely sleep in at our awesome hotel. Not only was is cheap and huge, we got an 11am checkout as well as a full english breakfast!! Nice way to start the day.
We left Aberdeen to head for Inverness. As it was only a short drive compared to the day before, we decided to take the scenic route. Looking at the map I would assume that the scenic route would be a lovely coastal road past many of the castles on the map. The day before we had followed a little of the coast and past a fairly decent castle. We figured it would be similar, but the GPS had other ideas. Apparently the 'scenic route' from Aberdeen to Inverness goes through every single lane, windy, farm road that zig zags, NOWHERE near the coast, yet takes 6 times as long as the highway!!!
Not long after leaving Aberdeen we went to a service station to get some fuel. While the others were inside getting snacks I was looking at a newspaper stand. I then noticed on the cover of every newspaper were stories about the hurricane due to hit west coast of Scotland over the next day or so. I thought about where we were going, and looked on the paper, it was basically exactly where it was supposed to hit!! We thought it would be fine, we just wanted to get there and see it!! Plus we had one night in Inverness before heading to the west coast and Isle of Skye. By the next morning we would know more about where the danger was.
When we eventually made it through the farms and back roads we came into Inverness. It was a pretty big town. We stopped at a shopping centre to get some lunch and look for an information centre for some advice. We didnt find an info centre, but we did find a Subway!!! After food, we decided to go and see Loch Ness that night so we could leave early the next day. We had pre booked a hostel for Inverness so there was no rush to get into town. We drove up towards loch ness and all of the touristy stuff started.
There were statues of Nessy everywhere and little souvenier shops. It was pretty cool. The Loch itself was pretty boring. It was just a gigantic lake! It was nice, there were pretty mountains surrounding and the sun was setting. People had warned us that it was nothing special, but you cant come all this way and not see Loch ness!! We went into a few of the souvenier shops and stopped at the statues. We tried on all the little monster hats and bought our postcards.
Once it started to get late we went back to town. We found our hostel, but we couldnt check in for another hour, so we went to the pub for a while. After a beer we checked into our hostel. At first it didnt look too bad, but after we got to the room we realised we were in for a long night.
On check in they gave us a set of sheets and told us we had to make our own beds, then strip it for them the next day. We opened the door to our room and there was a random guy lying on a bed. He had no bags or belongings. When we walked in he woke up and kicked over a cup on the floor. He ran out of the room, we assumed to get a cloth or something, but no, he was just leaving. We guess he wasnt sposed to be in the room. So we were left with whatever it was in that cup all over the floor. On closer inspection the fan was broken and noisy, there was rubbish everywhere, Laura had blood on one of her blankets. Dont even get me started on the toilets! Tom had a shower and almost needed counselling after it!! From then we decided to use the toilets at the pub downstairs instead. We had stayed in some pretty bad hostels, but this one took the cake - dropped it on the floor, and mashed it into our blankets!! lol
We decided not to hang around there for long. We went downstairs and had a look around town. We found a little italian restaurant to have dinner and it was awesome. It was cold and rainy in Inverness and the town itself was nothing too special. Kinda scary actually.
After dinner we were going to go back to the pub but Tim, laura and I decided we were just going to go and use the wifi for a bit. After a while we ended up at the pub for a bit, but the locals were a bit terrifying so we went back to our hostel of doom and attempted to sleep.
The next day we would be going to Isle of Skye and heading straight into this apparent 'hurricane', I needed my rest!!
We left Aberdeen to head for Inverness. As it was only a short drive compared to the day before, we decided to take the scenic route. Looking at the map I would assume that the scenic route would be a lovely coastal road past many of the castles on the map. The day before we had followed a little of the coast and past a fairly decent castle. We figured it would be similar, but the GPS had other ideas. Apparently the 'scenic route' from Aberdeen to Inverness goes through every single lane, windy, farm road that zig zags, NOWHERE near the coast, yet takes 6 times as long as the highway!!!
Not long after leaving Aberdeen we went to a service station to get some fuel. While the others were inside getting snacks I was looking at a newspaper stand. I then noticed on the cover of every newspaper were stories about the hurricane due to hit west coast of Scotland over the next day or so. I thought about where we were going, and looked on the paper, it was basically exactly where it was supposed to hit!! We thought it would be fine, we just wanted to get there and see it!! Plus we had one night in Inverness before heading to the west coast and Isle of Skye. By the next morning we would know more about where the danger was.
When we eventually made it through the farms and back roads we came into Inverness. It was a pretty big town. We stopped at a shopping centre to get some lunch and look for an information centre for some advice. We didnt find an info centre, but we did find a Subway!!! After food, we decided to go and see Loch Ness that night so we could leave early the next day. We had pre booked a hostel for Inverness so there was no rush to get into town. We drove up towards loch ness and all of the touristy stuff started.
There were statues of Nessy everywhere and little souvenier shops. It was pretty cool. The Loch itself was pretty boring. It was just a gigantic lake! It was nice, there were pretty mountains surrounding and the sun was setting. People had warned us that it was nothing special, but you cant come all this way and not see Loch ness!! We went into a few of the souvenier shops and stopped at the statues. We tried on all the little monster hats and bought our postcards.
Once it started to get late we went back to town. We found our hostel, but we couldnt check in for another hour, so we went to the pub for a while. After a beer we checked into our hostel. At first it didnt look too bad, but after we got to the room we realised we were in for a long night.
On check in they gave us a set of sheets and told us we had to make our own beds, then strip it for them the next day. We opened the door to our room and there was a random guy lying on a bed. He had no bags or belongings. When we walked in he woke up and kicked over a cup on the floor. He ran out of the room, we assumed to get a cloth or something, but no, he was just leaving. We guess he wasnt sposed to be in the room. So we were left with whatever it was in that cup all over the floor. On closer inspection the fan was broken and noisy, there was rubbish everywhere, Laura had blood on one of her blankets. Dont even get me started on the toilets! Tom had a shower and almost needed counselling after it!! From then we decided to use the toilets at the pub downstairs instead. We had stayed in some pretty bad hostels, but this one took the cake - dropped it on the floor, and mashed it into our blankets!! lol
We decided not to hang around there for long. We went downstairs and had a look around town. We found a little italian restaurant to have dinner and it was awesome. It was cold and rainy in Inverness and the town itself was nothing too special. Kinda scary actually.
After dinner we were going to go back to the pub but Tim, laura and I decided we were just going to go and use the wifi for a bit. After a while we ended up at the pub for a bit, but the locals were a bit terrifying so we went back to our hostel of doom and attempted to sleep.
The next day we would be going to Isle of Skye and heading straight into this apparent 'hurricane', I needed my rest!!
Let the Road Trip Begin!!
I woke up Friday morning still unsure if we would be able to get a hire car or not. Liam dragged me out of bed down to the common room so we could call the hire car company. (Lucky hes so organised!!)
When he called the company we were told the car we wanted was unavailable, but they would give us a medium sized car for a similar price instead so that it would still be in our budget. We booked it in!!
After waking up the crew and getting organised Liam and I headed down to get a taxi to the depot. We were going to pick up the car then drive it back to the hostel to pick up the others with our bags. Once we got downstairs we realised it might be more difficult that we realised... All of the roads were blocked off for protests! Traffic was blocked up everywhere. There was cops directing traffic but no one really seemed to know what was happening.
We figured it would sort itself out so carried on our way. We got the car and headed back towards the hostel. Lucky we had a last miinute decision to grab a gps, it definitely came in handy!!
We made it fairly easily back to one block from the hostel before we hit bad traffic from the protest. I told Liam to jump out there and I would keep blocking while he went and got the others. Here begins the most stressful hour of my life!!! None of us had phones and the traffic got worse. I couldnt even make it around a block! I turned around and headed against the traffic trying to avoid eye contact with the police and play dumb... but when I got back to our meeting point, they werent there!!! I parked the car, but couldnt figure out how to lock it! They keys were so confusing. I started panicking. I figured I would just keep going round the block and I would find them somewhere.
After an hour of sitting almost dead still in traffic, I saw Liam! It was the biggest relief!! He came over to the car and I told him to get the others and meet me around the corner where I could pull over. I dont think I had ever been so happy to see them! Being lost, stuck in traffic in a strange country with no way of getting in touch with anyone... really tests you!!
After a long delay we were finally on the road. Everyone was getting hungry but we decided to just get out of Edinburgh and we would stop for food at the next big town. We spent the following hour discussing what sort of subway we wanted. We were all describing it with mouthwatering detail. We couldnt get to Perth any faster!!
By the time we drove into Perth my nerves had settled down, they were playing good music on the radio and we were having fun. Poor Tommy was starting to get a little edgy, as he does when hes hungry! We needed to find Subway FAST!!
We drove into the centre of town and started looking around. We found plenty of other shops... McDonalds, KFC, Pizza, Burgers, but no subway. We even stopped at an information centre to ask if there was a subway!! To our disapointment, the very helpful people at the info centre broke Toms heart when they told us there was no Subway in town.
By this time I was tired of driving in circles so I told them they need to find somewhere to eat or I would keep driving to Aberdeen and they would go without!! lol. We drove past a few cafes in one street so decided to park and everyone could get there own. Me Tim and Laura went with the safe option of a burger, but Liam and Tom found a curry buffet! They laughed at us because we would be jealous of their buffet, but we were happy with our selection.
After lunch everyone was happy and ready to go again. We left Perth and headed straight to Aberdeen. Not far up the road we realised what a good choice we had made by having burgers rather than the curry. Poor Liam and Tom werent handling it well. By this point I was also extremely glad that we had GPS, because there was no stress trying to find turn offs or the right way. Especially when everyone else was asleep!!
When we got into Aberdeen we hadnt booked any accomodation so we just had a quick drive around to see what we liked. We found a big parking area and decided to walk around. It didnt take long to find a hotel. I was worried because I hadnt budgeted for hotels, but we were suprised to get a room for 30 pounds each!! Me and Laura got a huge double room with a nice big bathroom, a toilet that flushed (which was rare) and a shower that didnt flood. We were so happy! We stayed there for a while to settle in before dinner.
We walked into town later that night to find some food and some entertainment. We found a pub that had live music. It looked like a nice small pub which was nice compared to clubs. The band started and it was great! We spent days in ireland trying to find good live irish music, turns out we just had to go to Scotland to find it!!
After dinner and a few drinks we went for a bit of a walk. (I would have much rather stayed at the pub and listened to the live music all night... LOVE live music!!) We looked around and there were a few clubs but I wasnt really feeling in the mood for a club and I was pretty tired. Turns out that driving for an entire day after not driving for 2 months really wears you down.
Laura and I went back to our massive room and had the best shower we had had since leaving Australia. It had been a great start to the trip!!
When he called the company we were told the car we wanted was unavailable, but they would give us a medium sized car for a similar price instead so that it would still be in our budget. We booked it in!!
After waking up the crew and getting organised Liam and I headed down to get a taxi to the depot. We were going to pick up the car then drive it back to the hostel to pick up the others with our bags. Once we got downstairs we realised it might be more difficult that we realised... All of the roads were blocked off for protests! Traffic was blocked up everywhere. There was cops directing traffic but no one really seemed to know what was happening.
We figured it would sort itself out so carried on our way. We got the car and headed back towards the hostel. Lucky we had a last miinute decision to grab a gps, it definitely came in handy!!
We made it fairly easily back to one block from the hostel before we hit bad traffic from the protest. I told Liam to jump out there and I would keep blocking while he went and got the others. Here begins the most stressful hour of my life!!! None of us had phones and the traffic got worse. I couldnt even make it around a block! I turned around and headed against the traffic trying to avoid eye contact with the police and play dumb... but when I got back to our meeting point, they werent there!!! I parked the car, but couldnt figure out how to lock it! They keys were so confusing. I started panicking. I figured I would just keep going round the block and I would find them somewhere.
After an hour of sitting almost dead still in traffic, I saw Liam! It was the biggest relief!! He came over to the car and I told him to get the others and meet me around the corner where I could pull over. I dont think I had ever been so happy to see them! Being lost, stuck in traffic in a strange country with no way of getting in touch with anyone... really tests you!!
After a long delay we were finally on the road. Everyone was getting hungry but we decided to just get out of Edinburgh and we would stop for food at the next big town. We spent the following hour discussing what sort of subway we wanted. We were all describing it with mouthwatering detail. We couldnt get to Perth any faster!!
By the time we drove into Perth my nerves had settled down, they were playing good music on the radio and we were having fun. Poor Tommy was starting to get a little edgy, as he does when hes hungry! We needed to find Subway FAST!!
We drove into the centre of town and started looking around. We found plenty of other shops... McDonalds, KFC, Pizza, Burgers, but no subway. We even stopped at an information centre to ask if there was a subway!! To our disapointment, the very helpful people at the info centre broke Toms heart when they told us there was no Subway in town.
By this time I was tired of driving in circles so I told them they need to find somewhere to eat or I would keep driving to Aberdeen and they would go without!! lol. We drove past a few cafes in one street so decided to park and everyone could get there own. Me Tim and Laura went with the safe option of a burger, but Liam and Tom found a curry buffet! They laughed at us because we would be jealous of their buffet, but we were happy with our selection.
After lunch everyone was happy and ready to go again. We left Perth and headed straight to Aberdeen. Not far up the road we realised what a good choice we had made by having burgers rather than the curry. Poor Liam and Tom werent handling it well. By this point I was also extremely glad that we had GPS, because there was no stress trying to find turn offs or the right way. Especially when everyone else was asleep!!
When we got into Aberdeen we hadnt booked any accomodation so we just had a quick drive around to see what we liked. We found a big parking area and decided to walk around. It didnt take long to find a hotel. I was worried because I hadnt budgeted for hotels, but we were suprised to get a room for 30 pounds each!! Me and Laura got a huge double room with a nice big bathroom, a toilet that flushed (which was rare) and a shower that didnt flood. We were so happy! We stayed there for a while to settle in before dinner.
We walked into town later that night to find some food and some entertainment. We found a pub that had live music. It looked like a nice small pub which was nice compared to clubs. The band started and it was great! We spent days in ireland trying to find good live irish music, turns out we just had to go to Scotland to find it!!
After dinner and a few drinks we went for a bit of a walk. (I would have much rather stayed at the pub and listened to the live music all night... LOVE live music!!) We looked around and there were a few clubs but I wasnt really feeling in the mood for a club and I was pretty tired. Turns out that driving for an entire day after not driving for 2 months really wears you down.
Laura and I went back to our massive room and had the best shower we had had since leaving Australia. It had been a great start to the trip!!
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Welcome to the Edinburgh family.
Well once again, its been quite a while since my last post. The past 2 weeks were mainly spent in Scotland and were close to the best 2 weeks of my trip so far!
Some girls from the trip had told me that I would love Scotland, but as I never really intended on going there and really had no idea what there was to see or do there, I didnt hold high hopes. After leaving Ireland, I was mainly just glad to be staying in one place for more than one night!! It was also good that we would be seeing a familiar face. Kim from Contiki was there and we would be staying at the same hostel.
After another long 8 hour bus ride from Belfast to Scotland, we arrived in Edinburgh. The trip was quite nice really. Its only a short trip from Belfast to the ferry, then 3 hours on the ferry before the remaining 4 hours or so along the coast and inland to Edinburgh. The ferry this time was quite rough. It was our 4th ferry out of our entire trip and this was the worst. It really got rocky, to the point where I almost fell headfirst into the toilet!!
Pulling into Edinburgh we got an extra little suprise. With Kim waiting for us at the station was Ash (also from Contiki, and the girl we had caught up with in Belfast). I automatically knew that we were going to love it. Ash and Kim ran to the door and gave us a big hug and took us up to our hostel. When we got to the hostel we realised what the girls had meant by 'a few stairs to the top'. It was 4 flights up a tight windy staircase, which is hard enough let alone with a 20kg pack!! Lucky for me, Kim kindly offered to carry mine :)
We dropped our bags and went straight down to the Walkabout bar. Its an Aussie bar chain throughout the UK with cheap meals and even cheaper drinks. Plus they play REAL sports!!! Not just soccer. (Now that im out of the UK I feel safe enough to say that, god forbid I ever said anything like that while over there.)
We stayed there a while and caught up on what we had all been up to since contiki. Kim also filled us in a little on what there is to see and do around Edinburgh. After a few drinks we stopped at the local tesco to buy some more drinks and went back to the hostel. We decided to have a bit of a welcoming party that night and go out. Now, we had had a few big nights over our trip, but our first night out in Edinburgh set a new level!! We had such a good time. The next morning, Ash and I both had really sore necks from all of our wonderful dancing... haha. Rocking out to Metalica really can be quite dangerous!!
The next day was a really quiet one, spent recovering from our night out. We started getting to know everyone in the hostel and making some friends. Jason was a friend of Kims, and also from Australia and we got on really well. There was also Dine from Germany who was lovely as well as quite a few others.
Kim was on duty that night to cook dinner for the hostel residents. We went with her to the supermarket, way too early in the morning... and got all the stuff to make 'slow cooked spaghetti' for around 70 people. There were quite a few bags. That was quite a struggle.
Later that evening after dinner (which was amazing) they had fireworks on at the Edinburgh Castle. We all went out to watch and it was really nice. The buildings around edinburgh were split over the older buildings on the south and the more modern north side. Its such a lovely landscape. Its a big city, but kinda has a country town feel to it. It was quickly winning me over. Plus in most other countries, a lot of the time it didnt actually feel like you were overseas. Whereas here, they play bagpipes 24/7 which remind you where you are and it has this special feel about it.
We got an early night that night ready for some sightseeing the next day. Ash, laura and I had a nice relaxed morning before setting out. We started walking the streets looking for the National Museum. We walked for ages trying to read the map and eventually found it, only to realise that its closed for renovation until November!! Then we decided to go and find the castle. We walked back through the centre of town, down to the park. We found a nice sunny spot on the grass and lied down. We put on some good music and just enjoyed the moment. How many times can you say that you were lying on the grass, overlooking a castle, with good friends, listening to good music without a care in the world... It was such a nice feeling. After that we went into the National Gallery and had a look around. There were paintings by Rembrandt and other famous pieces there which was pretty cool to see.
We had decided to have another big night. So went back to our 'local' tesco to get more supplies before heading up to the hostel. We got the crew together and started 'gettiing in the spirit' for another big night out. Jason and Kim wanted to take us to a nightclub which had cheap drinks and good music, so we couldnt be rude and say no...
This was the first night we experienced 'The Hive'. It wasnt an overly big club, but it had 2 seperate rooms which were seperated by the bar. It reminded me a bit of the bomb shelter bar in Switzerland. They really did have cheap drinks and really good music. One room was playing really old stuff, and the other new. But we mainly stuck to the old stuff. Lots of good dancing songs. The walk home that night was what you would call in contiki 'a Merry One'. We walked over Edinburgh bridge singing and dancing. Laura and Jason had decided to go to the casino so they left, meanwhile me and ash stayed back serenading the night workmen with the neighbours theme song. When we got back to the hostel we stayed up cooking midnight snacks waiting for the others to get home. We found vegemite, and as we were all aussie, we were quite excited. So excited in fact that we made vegemite facials!! We painted our faces with the vegemite and sang the vegemite song. Turns out it is actually quite good for your skin!! It was around 6am before anyone made it to bed. Edinburgh was officially now my favorite.
The next day was a complete write off. No one woke up until around 3pm. Then we met in the dining room and just kicked back the rest of the day. It was nice to not have to go anywhere or do anything. Just all hang out.
As we once again didnt achieve much that day we decided to have another big sightseeing day the next day. We went to the walking tour which takes about 3 hours and covers most of the history of Edinburgh. It was so interesting. A lot of the history took place before Australia was even discovered!! We learnt all about the street merchants, crime and punishment, murders, the graveyards etc. We also learnt about Harry Potter, we saw the cafe where the first 2 books were written, and the school which gave JK Rowling the inspiration for Hogwarts. A few of the characters were also named after people buried in the graveyard also.
When the tour finished we went back to the hostel. Two more contiki friends were coming that night to catch up and stay a while, Tim and Tom. We went to get them from the bus station that night and got them settled in. While catching up we also managed to convince another contiki friend, Liam to come the next morning. We were so excited to have so many of us together again. After dinner and drinks at the hostel we decided to take Tim and Tom to experience The Hive. That night was the snow party. They had snow machines which let out foam over everyone and the whole rooms really did look like it had been snowing. It was awesome.
When the club closed we decided that we werent finished partying yet. And we decided to try to all stay up to pick up Liam from the bus station. He arrived at 7.30am so it would be a bit of a mission...
We left the hive then we decided to go to the graveyard. During our walking tour, they had told us about the ghosts that haunt the graveyard at night so we decided to test it out. Along the way we had a few mini adventures. We had our photos taken with some animals, found some free clothes and pillows... by the time we made it to the graveyard we may have actually looked like we were homeless!! We also made a few friends along the way. Edinburgh really is quite social!!
The graveyard was a bit of a letdown. No ghosts!! But we had a look around anyway and had our picture taken with the Bobby statue. Bobby was a dog owned by the old caretaker of the graveyard. When the caretaker died, bobby used to return to the graveyard every day and sit on his owners grave. It went on for nearly 14 years until bobby died. His statue is now a monument out the front of the graveyard and is a well known part of Edinburgh.
After that we decided to go back to the hostel for a snack. Kim had cooked spaghetti for us again as a midnight snack so we all ate some of that. Then we stayed there for a while singing and messing around. We started to get tired so Jason took me and Laura to Castle Hill for sunrise. It was beautiful. It overlooked all of the royal mile, and you could see almost all of Edinburgh. We got there in time for sunrise and it was amazing.
Then we went to get a coffee from Maccas as it was still an hour until Liam would arrive. Sadly I hit the wall while sitting in Maccas though and had to go home to bed. I figure I did well to make it to at least 7am!! Laura went to get Liam and then met us back at the hostel.
Once again, the next day no one achieved a lot. We caught up with Liam a bit and just chilled out. By this point we really felt like locals in Edinburgh and it honestly felt like home. It was really nice.
The next day we did a little bit of shopping and started planning a road trip. Liam, Tim, Tom, Laura and I were wanting to do a tour of the highlands, but as we had left it so late most of the tours were fully booked. So we decided to hire a car. We started organising that and planning where we would go. We would leave the next day and spend 3 days road tripping.
That night the spanish crew at the hostel had a Sangria night as a farewell to one of the girls who was leaving. We stayed there drinking Sangria for a while, then most people decided to go out, but as I would be driving the hire car the next morning I decided I better not drink much that night!! It was the first night I had stayed home while the others went out, but it was a good thing. There were a few big days ahead!!!
Some girls from the trip had told me that I would love Scotland, but as I never really intended on going there and really had no idea what there was to see or do there, I didnt hold high hopes. After leaving Ireland, I was mainly just glad to be staying in one place for more than one night!! It was also good that we would be seeing a familiar face. Kim from Contiki was there and we would be staying at the same hostel.
After another long 8 hour bus ride from Belfast to Scotland, we arrived in Edinburgh. The trip was quite nice really. Its only a short trip from Belfast to the ferry, then 3 hours on the ferry before the remaining 4 hours or so along the coast and inland to Edinburgh. The ferry this time was quite rough. It was our 4th ferry out of our entire trip and this was the worst. It really got rocky, to the point where I almost fell headfirst into the toilet!!
Pulling into Edinburgh we got an extra little suprise. With Kim waiting for us at the station was Ash (also from Contiki, and the girl we had caught up with in Belfast). I automatically knew that we were going to love it. Ash and Kim ran to the door and gave us a big hug and took us up to our hostel. When we got to the hostel we realised what the girls had meant by 'a few stairs to the top'. It was 4 flights up a tight windy staircase, which is hard enough let alone with a 20kg pack!! Lucky for me, Kim kindly offered to carry mine :)
We dropped our bags and went straight down to the Walkabout bar. Its an Aussie bar chain throughout the UK with cheap meals and even cheaper drinks. Plus they play REAL sports!!! Not just soccer. (Now that im out of the UK I feel safe enough to say that, god forbid I ever said anything like that while over there.)
We stayed there a while and caught up on what we had all been up to since contiki. Kim also filled us in a little on what there is to see and do around Edinburgh. After a few drinks we stopped at the local tesco to buy some more drinks and went back to the hostel. We decided to have a bit of a welcoming party that night and go out. Now, we had had a few big nights over our trip, but our first night out in Edinburgh set a new level!! We had such a good time. The next morning, Ash and I both had really sore necks from all of our wonderful dancing... haha. Rocking out to Metalica really can be quite dangerous!!
The next day was a really quiet one, spent recovering from our night out. We started getting to know everyone in the hostel and making some friends. Jason was a friend of Kims, and also from Australia and we got on really well. There was also Dine from Germany who was lovely as well as quite a few others.
Kim was on duty that night to cook dinner for the hostel residents. We went with her to the supermarket, way too early in the morning... and got all the stuff to make 'slow cooked spaghetti' for around 70 people. There were quite a few bags. That was quite a struggle.
Later that evening after dinner (which was amazing) they had fireworks on at the Edinburgh Castle. We all went out to watch and it was really nice. The buildings around edinburgh were split over the older buildings on the south and the more modern north side. Its such a lovely landscape. Its a big city, but kinda has a country town feel to it. It was quickly winning me over. Plus in most other countries, a lot of the time it didnt actually feel like you were overseas. Whereas here, they play bagpipes 24/7 which remind you where you are and it has this special feel about it.
We got an early night that night ready for some sightseeing the next day. Ash, laura and I had a nice relaxed morning before setting out. We started walking the streets looking for the National Museum. We walked for ages trying to read the map and eventually found it, only to realise that its closed for renovation until November!! Then we decided to go and find the castle. We walked back through the centre of town, down to the park. We found a nice sunny spot on the grass and lied down. We put on some good music and just enjoyed the moment. How many times can you say that you were lying on the grass, overlooking a castle, with good friends, listening to good music without a care in the world... It was such a nice feeling. After that we went into the National Gallery and had a look around. There were paintings by Rembrandt and other famous pieces there which was pretty cool to see.
We had decided to have another big night. So went back to our 'local' tesco to get more supplies before heading up to the hostel. We got the crew together and started 'gettiing in the spirit' for another big night out. Jason and Kim wanted to take us to a nightclub which had cheap drinks and good music, so we couldnt be rude and say no...
This was the first night we experienced 'The Hive'. It wasnt an overly big club, but it had 2 seperate rooms which were seperated by the bar. It reminded me a bit of the bomb shelter bar in Switzerland. They really did have cheap drinks and really good music. One room was playing really old stuff, and the other new. But we mainly stuck to the old stuff. Lots of good dancing songs. The walk home that night was what you would call in contiki 'a Merry One'. We walked over Edinburgh bridge singing and dancing. Laura and Jason had decided to go to the casino so they left, meanwhile me and ash stayed back serenading the night workmen with the neighbours theme song. When we got back to the hostel we stayed up cooking midnight snacks waiting for the others to get home. We found vegemite, and as we were all aussie, we were quite excited. So excited in fact that we made vegemite facials!! We painted our faces with the vegemite and sang the vegemite song. Turns out it is actually quite good for your skin!! It was around 6am before anyone made it to bed. Edinburgh was officially now my favorite.
The next day was a complete write off. No one woke up until around 3pm. Then we met in the dining room and just kicked back the rest of the day. It was nice to not have to go anywhere or do anything. Just all hang out.
As we once again didnt achieve much that day we decided to have another big sightseeing day the next day. We went to the walking tour which takes about 3 hours and covers most of the history of Edinburgh. It was so interesting. A lot of the history took place before Australia was even discovered!! We learnt all about the street merchants, crime and punishment, murders, the graveyards etc. We also learnt about Harry Potter, we saw the cafe where the first 2 books were written, and the school which gave JK Rowling the inspiration for Hogwarts. A few of the characters were also named after people buried in the graveyard also.
When the tour finished we went back to the hostel. Two more contiki friends were coming that night to catch up and stay a while, Tim and Tom. We went to get them from the bus station that night and got them settled in. While catching up we also managed to convince another contiki friend, Liam to come the next morning. We were so excited to have so many of us together again. After dinner and drinks at the hostel we decided to take Tim and Tom to experience The Hive. That night was the snow party. They had snow machines which let out foam over everyone and the whole rooms really did look like it had been snowing. It was awesome.
When the club closed we decided that we werent finished partying yet. And we decided to try to all stay up to pick up Liam from the bus station. He arrived at 7.30am so it would be a bit of a mission...
We left the hive then we decided to go to the graveyard. During our walking tour, they had told us about the ghosts that haunt the graveyard at night so we decided to test it out. Along the way we had a few mini adventures. We had our photos taken with some animals, found some free clothes and pillows... by the time we made it to the graveyard we may have actually looked like we were homeless!! We also made a few friends along the way. Edinburgh really is quite social!!
The graveyard was a bit of a letdown. No ghosts!! But we had a look around anyway and had our picture taken with the Bobby statue. Bobby was a dog owned by the old caretaker of the graveyard. When the caretaker died, bobby used to return to the graveyard every day and sit on his owners grave. It went on for nearly 14 years until bobby died. His statue is now a monument out the front of the graveyard and is a well known part of Edinburgh.
After that we decided to go back to the hostel for a snack. Kim had cooked spaghetti for us again as a midnight snack so we all ate some of that. Then we stayed there for a while singing and messing around. We started to get tired so Jason took me and Laura to Castle Hill for sunrise. It was beautiful. It overlooked all of the royal mile, and you could see almost all of Edinburgh. We got there in time for sunrise and it was amazing.
Then we went to get a coffee from Maccas as it was still an hour until Liam would arrive. Sadly I hit the wall while sitting in Maccas though and had to go home to bed. I figure I did well to make it to at least 7am!! Laura went to get Liam and then met us back at the hostel.
Once again, the next day no one achieved a lot. We caught up with Liam a bit and just chilled out. By this point we really felt like locals in Edinburgh and it honestly felt like home. It was really nice.
The next day we did a little bit of shopping and started planning a road trip. Liam, Tim, Tom, Laura and I were wanting to do a tour of the highlands, but as we had left it so late most of the tours were fully booked. So we decided to hire a car. We started organising that and planning where we would go. We would leave the next day and spend 3 days road tripping.
That night the spanish crew at the hostel had a Sangria night as a farewell to one of the girls who was leaving. We stayed there drinking Sangria for a while, then most people decided to go out, but as I would be driving the hire car the next morning I decided I better not drink much that night!! It was the first night I had stayed home while the others went out, but it was a good thing. There were a few big days ahead!!!
Friday, September 2, 2011
Trapped in Ireland!!!
The next morning we woke up and got straight to the train station. The next bus to Dublin turned out to be in 5 minutes, but it was so hard to find out where to get tickets, or where to wait as there were no staff. After asking a few people we were pointed in the right direction and got our bus. Driving out of Kilkenny was good as I got to see a lot more of the town than when we were driving in. It looked like a real sports town, there were banners and flags everywhere all saying "good luck Kilkenny boys" and things like that. Seemed to have a good spirit.
Once we got back to Dublin we realised there was no night bus to Edinburgh!! We thought there might still be a later one though so rushed to the Dublin bus station only to be told tickets from Dublin to Edinburgh need to be booked 3 days in advance. I just stared at the guy and probably could have cried. After he saw the look on my face he mentioned the only thing we could do was catch a bus back to Belfast and hope we could get one from there. At this point we just wanted to get out of Ireland!! But at the same time were excited at the thought of heading back to Belfast. While waiting for our bus to Belfast we looked online and realised the only buses would be the next morning and we would need to stay in Belfast a night. That didnt worry us too much as Belfast was our fave spot. We knew where everything was and it kind of felt like home to us.
We got to Belfast around 6.30pm and asked about tickets to Edinburgh, he said the ticket office was closed but was open at 9 in the morning. So we decided to just head back to Paddys Palace, the hostel we had stayed at last time and try to get a room and maybe book our tickets online.
When we were walking to the hostel we laughed how it would be good to see Troy again, the bus driver from our Giants Causeway tour. He was probably one of the funniest guys in ireland we had met. Then, as we were at the corner of the hostel, we was driving out!! He stopped the car just into the road and was looking at me and Laura as if he recognised us, then he pointed and started waving. We ran over to his car and said hello. I told him we had been all around Ireland and his trip was still our favorite!! He was so happy, and we were so suprised he remembered us!! We had done the tour nearly 2 weeks earlier, and he runs tours every day with 50 people or so. It was nice that he remembered who we were and where we were going etc.
When we got to the hostel they told us they had a room, and gave us a twin room for 20 pound. I asked if it was 20 each and she was like, no in total!!! This is why we love Belfast. They knew we had been here the week before and were looking after us :) It was so nice to get some help. They also offered to print bus tickets for us as well. Now we could relax before heading to Scotty. We even got to go back to spuds, our favorite food spot for dinner!! We LOVE Belfast!!!
Now we are having a later night, so that we will sleep on the bus tomorrow. Its an 8 hour trip from here to Scotty and we are starting to get sore backs from all the buses and carrying luggage. It will be so nice to spend a few nights in one place again. Im really excited for Scotland, and cant believe how quickly the trip is going now. Before we know it we will be home!!!
Once we got back to Dublin we realised there was no night bus to Edinburgh!! We thought there might still be a later one though so rushed to the Dublin bus station only to be told tickets from Dublin to Edinburgh need to be booked 3 days in advance. I just stared at the guy and probably could have cried. After he saw the look on my face he mentioned the only thing we could do was catch a bus back to Belfast and hope we could get one from there. At this point we just wanted to get out of Ireland!! But at the same time were excited at the thought of heading back to Belfast. While waiting for our bus to Belfast we looked online and realised the only buses would be the next morning and we would need to stay in Belfast a night. That didnt worry us too much as Belfast was our fave spot. We knew where everything was and it kind of felt like home to us.
We got to Belfast around 6.30pm and asked about tickets to Edinburgh, he said the ticket office was closed but was open at 9 in the morning. So we decided to just head back to Paddys Palace, the hostel we had stayed at last time and try to get a room and maybe book our tickets online.
When we were walking to the hostel we laughed how it would be good to see Troy again, the bus driver from our Giants Causeway tour. He was probably one of the funniest guys in ireland we had met. Then, as we were at the corner of the hostel, we was driving out!! He stopped the car just into the road and was looking at me and Laura as if he recognised us, then he pointed and started waving. We ran over to his car and said hello. I told him we had been all around Ireland and his trip was still our favorite!! He was so happy, and we were so suprised he remembered us!! We had done the tour nearly 2 weeks earlier, and he runs tours every day with 50 people or so. It was nice that he remembered who we were and where we were going etc.
When we got to the hostel they told us they had a room, and gave us a twin room for 20 pound. I asked if it was 20 each and she was like, no in total!!! This is why we love Belfast. They knew we had been here the week before and were looking after us :) It was so nice to get some help. They also offered to print bus tickets for us as well. Now we could relax before heading to Scotty. We even got to go back to spuds, our favorite food spot for dinner!! We LOVE Belfast!!!
Now we are having a later night, so that we will sleep on the bus tomorrow. Its an 8 hour trip from here to Scotty and we are starting to get sore backs from all the buses and carrying luggage. It will be so nice to spend a few nights in one place again. Im really excited for Scotland, and cant believe how quickly the trip is going now. Before we know it we will be home!!!
Road tripping turns ugly... and a trip to Blarney Castle!!
After our night in Cork we had to get up to move the car, as paid parking started early. This is when me and Violeta had another little 'disagreement'. I had said that I would pay for parking for the whole day in an all day car park so we could have a look around. But when I told her you had to leave the keys with the car park man she refused, even though I had already bought a ticket! I said to her that if she wasnt going to leave the car there, then I wasnt paying as it was more than double to park in the street. Also that she can go and fix up the ticket I had just bought. I was starting to get mad... Not off to a good start.
Things just got worse, there are loads of one way streets in Cork, and even though I tried to tell her every time she was going the wrong way, she refused to believe me as the GPS was telling her to go that way. It wasnt until cars would come the other way that she would get confused and panic. I knew where we were but she refused to listen to my directions, so she stopped to ask people. Only problem was she asked for directions to the wrong place. I thought I would mention this 5 minutes later when I realised we were heading in the opposite direction to where we should have been going. This was around the second time me and Laura thought we should do a runner before we ended up in a big pile up. We thought we would give it a little bit longer and see how it went once we were out of the city.
Once we got out of the city it got slightly better. We managed to find the Blarney Castle and straight away we went off on our own. I needed some time out. It was a great place to relax a little. The grounds were enormous! I was most excited though that Hamish and Andy had been there on their tour of Ireland and that Hamish had kissed the Blarney stone too. (In my theory I figured that meant that basically I was kissing Hamish if I kissed the stone... im not crazy at all.)
The castle was about a 10 minute walk into the grounds. It looked just like a castle from a real fairy tale. It sits on top of an 8 metre rock wall. From the north side of the castle it looks so much bigger, as a lot of the ground iin front was excavated. The rocks from the ground were used to build the castle itself. On the north side were the dungeon entrances and where the dog lived. (Guard dog). There were also cave entrances which apparently had little tunnels that led to all of the surrounding towns. Back in the day if the castle was ever in trouble, the occupants could use those tunnels to escape. Although being about 1 metre thick walls, it never really stood any danger.
We entered the castle and started up the 100 stairs to the top. You enter through a basement which used to be used to keep cattle and make butter. Then you go up to the earls bedroom which was one of the bigger rooms, but still quite small. There were also rooms for the 'young ladies'. No one is sure which ladies lived there, but it is thought that 2 of the earls daughters were raised at the castle, and it was those two who lived in that room. There was also a priests room, which is believed to be so as there are no gun holes in the walls and also a section which may have been used as an altar.
There was a huge banquet hall and kitchen, then you reach the top. Stairs normally arent a problem, but these stairwells were so small and cramped. You had to duck down and really watch your feet. You could only fit one person up at a time. But once you reach the top it opens up with amazing views of the whole property including the farms and gardens. The Blarney stone is also at the top of the tower. It looked a bit scary at first, as theirs a big drop, but I realised it must be fairly secure, as even old people were doing it!! So I laid on the ground and slowly leaned back. Theres someone there to hold your waist and lower you down. You actually have to lean back quite a lot to reach the stone itself!! I kissed the stone, then quickly got back up on my feet!! Apparently now I am bestowed with the gift of eloquence!! Laura had her turn then we made our way down the tower.
Once we got down we walked a bit more around the grounds and looked around. It was really relaxing and peaceful. But I was still stressing at the thought of having to get back in the car!! We decided that we wanted to drive to waterford, then maybe further up the coast back towards Dublin. I was happy, as that meant closer to safety!! We got to waterford around 6pm and Violeta went for a walk around town while me and Laura went to the pub. It wasnt until about 7.30 that Violeta got back and then she said we would just go to Kilkenny as it was a bit closer and find somewhere to stay. I was starting to worry again as we had no accomodation booked and things were generally expensive when you book late! If anything is available at all!
We got to Kilkenny around 9.30pm. We went for a walk to find some hostels and it was freezing!!! The first place I asked had rooms, but they were 20 euro a night and you shared with 13 other people!! I would rather sleep in the car than pay that much to have a crap sleep in such a big share room. We kept walking and then realised Violeta had walked off on us. It was about this stage when my 'crazy person' switch went off... I was freezing, it was late, we had nowhere to stay and I was so stressed out and on edge that I was about to flip out!! We went back to the car thinking she may have gone back there. We waited about 45 minutes in the cold deciding how to break into the car and get our things so we could RUN AWAY!!! We decided that we would leave her now and find our own way back so we could go to Scotland.
When she got back to the car we told her we were gonna go our own way, and sadly she was sad that we were going. But I put my foot down and said enough was enough and that we had to go. So there we were, me and Laura and all of our bags standing on a footpath at 10pm wondering what to do and where to go. At this point we knew we had to get a bus back to Dublin, and thought there may be a remote chance that night buses ran. We walked for 10 minutes to get to the 'bus station' which turned out to be just a sign on the side of the road in a backstreet. Then we thought perhaps we could just go to a pub until closing, then go to the train station when it opened. But realised we were too tired to stay up all night. Then we considered sleeping in a park...
In the end we decided to walk to the train station at the other end of town and hope that it was open and we could sleep on the floor in there. About 15 minutes later, we found a pub with accommodation signs out. We asked and they had a private room for 20 euro each. We thought it would be better than a park or station so agreed. Thank god it was a warm, private room with super comfy beds!! We were finally back on our own and able to get some good rest!! It was such a relief.
Things just got worse, there are loads of one way streets in Cork, and even though I tried to tell her every time she was going the wrong way, she refused to believe me as the GPS was telling her to go that way. It wasnt until cars would come the other way that she would get confused and panic. I knew where we were but she refused to listen to my directions, so she stopped to ask people. Only problem was she asked for directions to the wrong place. I thought I would mention this 5 minutes later when I realised we were heading in the opposite direction to where we should have been going. This was around the second time me and Laura thought we should do a runner before we ended up in a big pile up. We thought we would give it a little bit longer and see how it went once we were out of the city.
Once we got out of the city it got slightly better. We managed to find the Blarney Castle and straight away we went off on our own. I needed some time out. It was a great place to relax a little. The grounds were enormous! I was most excited though that Hamish and Andy had been there on their tour of Ireland and that Hamish had kissed the Blarney stone too. (In my theory I figured that meant that basically I was kissing Hamish if I kissed the stone... im not crazy at all.)
The castle was about a 10 minute walk into the grounds. It looked just like a castle from a real fairy tale. It sits on top of an 8 metre rock wall. From the north side of the castle it looks so much bigger, as a lot of the ground iin front was excavated. The rocks from the ground were used to build the castle itself. On the north side were the dungeon entrances and where the dog lived. (Guard dog). There were also cave entrances which apparently had little tunnels that led to all of the surrounding towns. Back in the day if the castle was ever in trouble, the occupants could use those tunnels to escape. Although being about 1 metre thick walls, it never really stood any danger.
We entered the castle and started up the 100 stairs to the top. You enter through a basement which used to be used to keep cattle and make butter. Then you go up to the earls bedroom which was one of the bigger rooms, but still quite small. There were also rooms for the 'young ladies'. No one is sure which ladies lived there, but it is thought that 2 of the earls daughters were raised at the castle, and it was those two who lived in that room. There was also a priests room, which is believed to be so as there are no gun holes in the walls and also a section which may have been used as an altar.
There was a huge banquet hall and kitchen, then you reach the top. Stairs normally arent a problem, but these stairwells were so small and cramped. You had to duck down and really watch your feet. You could only fit one person up at a time. But once you reach the top it opens up with amazing views of the whole property including the farms and gardens. The Blarney stone is also at the top of the tower. It looked a bit scary at first, as theirs a big drop, but I realised it must be fairly secure, as even old people were doing it!! So I laid on the ground and slowly leaned back. Theres someone there to hold your waist and lower you down. You actually have to lean back quite a lot to reach the stone itself!! I kissed the stone, then quickly got back up on my feet!! Apparently now I am bestowed with the gift of eloquence!! Laura had her turn then we made our way down the tower.
Once we got down we walked a bit more around the grounds and looked around. It was really relaxing and peaceful. But I was still stressing at the thought of having to get back in the car!! We decided that we wanted to drive to waterford, then maybe further up the coast back towards Dublin. I was happy, as that meant closer to safety!! We got to waterford around 6pm and Violeta went for a walk around town while me and Laura went to the pub. It wasnt until about 7.30 that Violeta got back and then she said we would just go to Kilkenny as it was a bit closer and find somewhere to stay. I was starting to worry again as we had no accomodation booked and things were generally expensive when you book late! If anything is available at all!
We got to Kilkenny around 9.30pm. We went for a walk to find some hostels and it was freezing!!! The first place I asked had rooms, but they were 20 euro a night and you shared with 13 other people!! I would rather sleep in the car than pay that much to have a crap sleep in such a big share room. We kept walking and then realised Violeta had walked off on us. It was about this stage when my 'crazy person' switch went off... I was freezing, it was late, we had nowhere to stay and I was so stressed out and on edge that I was about to flip out!! We went back to the car thinking she may have gone back there. We waited about 45 minutes in the cold deciding how to break into the car and get our things so we could RUN AWAY!!! We decided that we would leave her now and find our own way back so we could go to Scotland.
When she got back to the car we told her we were gonna go our own way, and sadly she was sad that we were going. But I put my foot down and said enough was enough and that we had to go. So there we were, me and Laura and all of our bags standing on a footpath at 10pm wondering what to do and where to go. At this point we knew we had to get a bus back to Dublin, and thought there may be a remote chance that night buses ran. We walked for 10 minutes to get to the 'bus station' which turned out to be just a sign on the side of the road in a backstreet. Then we thought perhaps we could just go to a pub until closing, then go to the train station when it opened. But realised we were too tired to stay up all night. Then we considered sleeping in a park...
In the end we decided to walk to the train station at the other end of town and hope that it was open and we could sleep on the floor in there. About 15 minutes later, we found a pub with accommodation signs out. We asked and they had a private room for 20 euro each. We thought it would be better than a park or station so agreed. Thank god it was a warm, private room with super comfy beds!! We were finally back on our own and able to get some good rest!! It was such a relief.
The mystical and magical Cliffs of Moher... :)
The next morning we looked at a heap of maps and decided to head towards the Cliffs of Moher. It was a fairly big drive along the coast but looked really pretty. Once we got out of Galway it was really nice. There were big paddocks everywhere with old houses and castle ruins nearly every kilometre!! So much to see. We stopped at a church and then got to Dunguaire Castle. It was the first proper castle I had seen in Ireland. It was awesome. It looked over this little lake and there were swans around and all. It was beautiful. You had to pay to do a tour so we decided to just see it from the outside and save our money for bigger castles. Even without going in, you got a really good feel for what it was like back in the day. It felt like a fairy tale just sitting out the front on the grass!!
After that we were driving along when we saw a sign for another smaller castle off the road. We turned off and went down this little road which led to a small castle that looked a lot like a watchtower. This one was open to the public and free entry. So we walked around inside and went up the little stairway to the top. It had information posters all inside and showed what the rooms were used for etc.
After that we continued on our way. We found a little village with an information centre where we could ask what the best way was to get to the cliffs. We stopped and went inside the store for coffee. Me and Laura found fresh baked breads for 2 euro so we got a loaf for our lunch. It was rosemary and olive flavored, and after one bite we decided we needed more!! So we stocked up on the most amazing fresh bread ive ever had for the rest of the day!!
After we knew where we wanted to head next we took off again for the cliffs. We passed so many cute little villages and towns. There were farmers out on the roads talking to their neighbours and animals everywhere. It was so pretty. It reminded me a lot of southern Victoria. Just slightly prettier...
Once we found the cliffs we made our way up to the walkway. We got split up at first, but by the time we reached the tower at the top of the first cliff we had found each other again. I could see why the cliffs were listed as one of the must do things in Ireland. It was so beautiful!! They were so big, and the different colors in the rock formations were amazing. There were little grassy areas on some cliffs where birds had made nests and some had little caves down the bottom. It was amazing. We stayed at the cliffs for a couple of hours, looked around the information centre which covered the history and also showed photos of other places in southern Ireland. Then we decided we should probably head off soon as it was getting late and once again we had nowhere to stay.
At first we were planning on going to Doolin or a beach town just away from the cliffs, but Violeta wanted to try to reach Limerick. It was around 7pm when we got to Limerick. Violeta then decided that she didnt really like it there so we would keep going and reach Cork. We wouldnt get there til around 9pm, so I suggested we find internet and book accomodation for when we got there. It took a while to find internet, and by this time I was starting to get quite stressed again. It wouldnt have been so bad if it had just been me and Laura, but Violeta would say it will be right, we will find somewhere, but then rely on me and Laura to organise it when we got somewhere. Luckily once again we found somewhere that looked decent fairly close to the city.
We got into Cork almost right on 9pm and thankfully the hostel was easy to find with parking out the front. It was on top of a bar again and it was a New Zealander bar which looked like so much fun. I was talking to a guy down the bottom for a minute and he said to come back down to the bar and we intended to, but we had a few things to do in the room and by the time we got organised we looked pretty feral and it was starting to quiet down in the bar so we just stayed in the room again. We ended up with just a private room which was good.
After that we were driving along when we saw a sign for another smaller castle off the road. We turned off and went down this little road which led to a small castle that looked a lot like a watchtower. This one was open to the public and free entry. So we walked around inside and went up the little stairway to the top. It had information posters all inside and showed what the rooms were used for etc.
After that we continued on our way. We found a little village with an information centre where we could ask what the best way was to get to the cliffs. We stopped and went inside the store for coffee. Me and Laura found fresh baked breads for 2 euro so we got a loaf for our lunch. It was rosemary and olive flavored, and after one bite we decided we needed more!! So we stocked up on the most amazing fresh bread ive ever had for the rest of the day!!
After we knew where we wanted to head next we took off again for the cliffs. We passed so many cute little villages and towns. There were farmers out on the roads talking to their neighbours and animals everywhere. It was so pretty. It reminded me a lot of southern Victoria. Just slightly prettier...
Once we found the cliffs we made our way up to the walkway. We got split up at first, but by the time we reached the tower at the top of the first cliff we had found each other again. I could see why the cliffs were listed as one of the must do things in Ireland. It was so beautiful!! They were so big, and the different colors in the rock formations were amazing. There were little grassy areas on some cliffs where birds had made nests and some had little caves down the bottom. It was amazing. We stayed at the cliffs for a couple of hours, looked around the information centre which covered the history and also showed photos of other places in southern Ireland. Then we decided we should probably head off soon as it was getting late and once again we had nowhere to stay.
At first we were planning on going to Doolin or a beach town just away from the cliffs, but Violeta wanted to try to reach Limerick. It was around 7pm when we got to Limerick. Violeta then decided that she didnt really like it there so we would keep going and reach Cork. We wouldnt get there til around 9pm, so I suggested we find internet and book accomodation for when we got there. It took a while to find internet, and by this time I was starting to get quite stressed again. It wouldnt have been so bad if it had just been me and Laura, but Violeta would say it will be right, we will find somewhere, but then rely on me and Laura to organise it when we got somewhere. Luckily once again we found somewhere that looked decent fairly close to the city.
We got into Cork almost right on 9pm and thankfully the hostel was easy to find with parking out the front. It was on top of a bar again and it was a New Zealander bar which looked like so much fun. I was talking to a guy down the bottom for a minute and he said to come back down to the bar and we intended to, but we had a few things to do in the room and by the time we got organised we looked pretty feral and it was starting to quiet down in the bar so we just stayed in the room again. We ended up with just a private room which was good.
The road trip begins...
The next morning after we all checked out we had to get to the airport to collect the car. It was a bit of a mission, we had to catch a public bus which normally isnt a problem, the problem was that we had enormous amounts of luggage between us trying to squish into seats. We were worn out by the time we got to the airport!! Violeta collected her car and then we set off. We had decided to try to get to Galway first for a night. It seemed a straight forward drive, however Violeta didnt want to go through toll booths. Therefore we had to keep getting off the motorway driving miles out of the way just to skip the tolls. (In turn probably costing her double the petrol in the long run). It was a bit frustrating, but it was her car and we were only along for the ride so I kept quiet. I was navigating her using her GPS, which spoke to me in Spanish, then when I would try to tell her where to go she wouldnt understand. This resulted in a few very close calls at roundabouts and intersections. It was around this point that we realised maybe it wasnt such a good idea to hitch a ride with a stranger that wasnt used to driving on the other side of the road...
We went through a few nice smaller towns and saw a lot of the countryside. We eventually made it to Galway. We stopped at a few little milk bars on the drive and everyone in the country towns were so welcoming and friendly. It was really nice!!
Once we got to Galway it got stressful again. Driving through cities with lots of one way streets and intersections felt like roulette. It was only a matter of time before we had an accident. I started to just close my eyes... haha. We found a parking area and walked up to the information centre which conveniently had closed only 5 minutes earlier. We could see a hostel just up the street so we walked up and asked if they had cheap rooms. The guy responded with a laugh and said, "No, not cheap" then went on to tell us it was nearly 25 euro per person for a shared room. We decided we could probably find better so went to find an internet cafe.
We looked up hostel world and found a few cheaper hostels so walked to the closest one which had a 8 person mixed dorm available. It was getting late so we took it and then had to go and find the car and move it closer. We walked down a street towards the car park and realised we were in the middle of a funeral procession. I started to freak out and didnt know where to go or what to do, and just as I started to panic, the pallbearers walked out with the coffin right in front of me. I was surrounded by people crying and the coffin!!! I quickly turned around and ran away. I couldnt believe they were just in the middle of a random street full of shops!! Was quite awkard!!
Once we got the car parked close and all our bags out we got to go and freshen up a bit. When we got back to the room 3 other people had arrived and they started talking when I realised they were Autralian! They were the first aussies I had come across for a while so we got talking for a while. They were all really nice and gave us a few travelling tips. Then we decided to head into town and see what Galway had to offer. At first it looked like everything was closed and quiet. But as we walked further we could hear music and see lights. We got to the main street and it was this awesome bustling little street with fairy lights over the shop fronts, bands on in all the bars, buskers on the footpath and cobblestone paths. It was so pretty!! We wandered around there for a little while down to the water and then stopped in a pub on our way back. They had a band that was playing a mix of irish and spanish music. It was good because Violeta knew the spanish music and she was entertained too so we could get a beer!! (But just one to share, were on a budget!!)
After that we were pretty tired. It had been a really big day and it was really taking it out of us! We headed back to the hostel and had an early night. We didnt know what the next day would bring so wanted to be alert!! haha. Two more people turned up in our room at 2am and turned the lights on, had a chat and settled in. It was another really restless sleep.
We went through a few nice smaller towns and saw a lot of the countryside. We eventually made it to Galway. We stopped at a few little milk bars on the drive and everyone in the country towns were so welcoming and friendly. It was really nice!!
Once we got to Galway it got stressful again. Driving through cities with lots of one way streets and intersections felt like roulette. It was only a matter of time before we had an accident. I started to just close my eyes... haha. We found a parking area and walked up to the information centre which conveniently had closed only 5 minutes earlier. We could see a hostel just up the street so we walked up and asked if they had cheap rooms. The guy responded with a laugh and said, "No, not cheap" then went on to tell us it was nearly 25 euro per person for a shared room. We decided we could probably find better so went to find an internet cafe.
We looked up hostel world and found a few cheaper hostels so walked to the closest one which had a 8 person mixed dorm available. It was getting late so we took it and then had to go and find the car and move it closer. We walked down a street towards the car park and realised we were in the middle of a funeral procession. I started to freak out and didnt know where to go or what to do, and just as I started to panic, the pallbearers walked out with the coffin right in front of me. I was surrounded by people crying and the coffin!!! I quickly turned around and ran away. I couldnt believe they were just in the middle of a random street full of shops!! Was quite awkard!!
Once we got the car parked close and all our bags out we got to go and freshen up a bit. When we got back to the room 3 other people had arrived and they started talking when I realised they were Autralian! They were the first aussies I had come across for a while so we got talking for a while. They were all really nice and gave us a few travelling tips. Then we decided to head into town and see what Galway had to offer. At first it looked like everything was closed and quiet. But as we walked further we could hear music and see lights. We got to the main street and it was this awesome bustling little street with fairy lights over the shop fronts, bands on in all the bars, buskers on the footpath and cobblestone paths. It was so pretty!! We wandered around there for a little while down to the water and then stopped in a pub on our way back. They had a band that was playing a mix of irish and spanish music. It was good because Violeta knew the spanish music and she was entertained too so we could get a beer!! (But just one to share, were on a budget!!)
After that we were pretty tired. It had been a really big day and it was really taking it out of us! We headed back to the hostel and had an early night. We didnt know what the next day would bring so wanted to be alert!! haha. Two more people turned up in our room at 2am and turned the lights on, had a chat and settled in. It was another really restless sleep.
Welcome to Dublin...
We had to wait an hour at the bus station for our bus, our luggage seems to be growing and growing each day!! Im pretty sure that we may need to send more home again before we get back. The buses around Ireland are a bit different. The drivers are pretty tough nuts. They dont take crap from anyone haha. Plus there are no little extras on the buses like wifi or reclining seats. They are very old school.
The bus got into Dublin and we had no idea where we were or where our hostel was. There was no wifi at the station so I had to use the compass on my phone and the basic map out of my Europe book to find our way. We were about 10 blocks away, but it was a nice walk along the river. We got to our hostel and the guy who checked us in was so helpful. He was asking us what we were planning on doing while in Dublin and where else in Ireland we were going to go. He showed us where everything was in the hostel an then he even carried Lauras suitcase up the 2 flights of stairs!!
When we got to the room we were the only ones there at first. There was one other bag in the room but the person wasnt there so we made the most of it while we could. Got ourselves all settled in and organised. Then we went downstairs to the common room to have a look around. The hostel was such a cute little place. It was an old recording studio and had murals on all the walls and it reminded me a bit of that bar in Belfast with all the posters everwhere.
There were a few people down there. As it was a saturday night people were dressed up and ready to go out having some pre drinks. We thought we might go for a walk and buy some drinks as one of the guys said its much better to do that, the bars in Dublin charge double what they do everywhere else. So we went for a walk and got some drinks. When we got back to the Hostel there werent many people left, so we though we might just have a few quiet drinks there and then have a big day the next.
When we got back to the room there were a fair few peoples bags there by then. It was going to be a full night. We got ourselves into bed ready for our first night in the dorm, but I dont think anything could have prepared us. It was worse than being in a hospital. Lights were coming on and off all through the night, people were talking, some people got home at 3am and continued the party in our room, then someones alarm was going off at 4.30am for them to go on a tour!! It was horrible and we woke up feeling worse than when we had gone to bed.
We decided to get out and do some sightseeing that day. We bought tickets for the hop on-hop off bus. We had done one in London and it was a great way to see all the main attractions, but it didnt take long for us to realise Dublin didnt really have quite as many sights. It was good, we saw Trinity College, Pheonix Park, The Guniness Factory, Kilmainham Gaol, Temple Bar and a few other things but it was a bit sleepy. We got back to the starting point of the tour and had a walk up the main street. We looked through a few shops and then decided to find a bar that would play the MotoGP that night for us. It was harder than we thought. There were loads of pubs, but every one of them have soccer on every screen!! And I was too terrified to ask any to turn that over, they take it very serious here.
In our travels we came across the leprechaun museum. We had seen it advertised so thought we would check it out. When we got in a guide gave us some history about leprechauns in literature etc and told us what was inside the museum. We were left to make our own way through most of the museum before meeting up with him towards the end. In the museum was a giants room where everything was oversized. We took photos of us with all the furniture and then met back up with the guide. He told us some folk tales and stories which was pretty good. I love all of the stories in Ireland. Its so good.
After we left the museum it was getting late and we still hadnt found anywhere to was the MotoGP. In the end we went back to the bar underneath our hostel and they said they would be happy to play it for us!! We were so excited, sitting in and Irish pub, drinking Irish beer with Irish music in the background.... watching MotoGP!!!! (We wont talk about the race itself though, that wasnt good).
After that we decided it was too expensive to stay at the bar so we went back to the hostel and had a few more quiet ones there. I was beginning to miss the party nights and social side of Contiki. Our second night in Dublin was a Sunday and most of the fun people had checked out. There was mainly older people left who were all playing computer games!!! We only stayed downstairs for a little while before going back up to our room. When we got back up we were the only ones there. It was good to have the room quiet again. There was still one bag there, but that was a french girl who was out on a tour until late.
After a little while a lady from Spain arrived. Her name was Violeta and she was on 2 weeks holidays. We told her that we were planning on going to Spain and we got talking for ages all about where she lived and what spain was like. Her english was a bit broken but ok to understand. She said that not a lot of people in Spain speak english well so now we are starting to worry about when we get there!!
We decided the next day that we would take her with us on the hop-on hop-off bus as you get a 48 hour ticket, then we could help show her where everything was.
The next day after breakfast we all got ready to go on the bus. We were going to try to do the other route from the one we did the day before but that one didnt run as often so we decided to do the same one again and then we could see anything that we had missed. We got off at St Stephens Park and had a walk around that area for a while. We walked from there down to Trinity College and walked through the grounds. To go and see the book of Kells was going to cost 10 euro so we decided not to go inside.
After we got back on the bus we basically stayed on it again until it finished the circuit. It was too expensive to get off and see the attractions as everything charged entry prices and little extra costs here and there. Also, it was freezing!! The wind was picking up and because me and Laura were still sick from Contiki we decided it would be best to go back and put some more layers on.
After rugging up we did a bit of souveneir shopping. One store looked more like a department store, but only for souveneirs!! It was huge!! Then me and laura went our own way for a while before heading back. Laura ensured that we stopped to try what was advertised as the 'worlds best hot chocolate'. We decided it was pretty damn close!!
That night Violeta decided to hire a car for a few days so she could see west and south Ireland and asked if we would like to go with her. We still had no plans after Dublin so we decided to go along. We stayed up late that night with a map deciding where we might go. Little did we know what adventure we were getting ourselves into!!
The bus got into Dublin and we had no idea where we were or where our hostel was. There was no wifi at the station so I had to use the compass on my phone and the basic map out of my Europe book to find our way. We were about 10 blocks away, but it was a nice walk along the river. We got to our hostel and the guy who checked us in was so helpful. He was asking us what we were planning on doing while in Dublin and where else in Ireland we were going to go. He showed us where everything was in the hostel an then he even carried Lauras suitcase up the 2 flights of stairs!!
When we got to the room we were the only ones there at first. There was one other bag in the room but the person wasnt there so we made the most of it while we could. Got ourselves all settled in and organised. Then we went downstairs to the common room to have a look around. The hostel was such a cute little place. It was an old recording studio and had murals on all the walls and it reminded me a bit of that bar in Belfast with all the posters everwhere.
There were a few people down there. As it was a saturday night people were dressed up and ready to go out having some pre drinks. We thought we might go for a walk and buy some drinks as one of the guys said its much better to do that, the bars in Dublin charge double what they do everywhere else. So we went for a walk and got some drinks. When we got back to the Hostel there werent many people left, so we though we might just have a few quiet drinks there and then have a big day the next.
When we got back to the room there were a fair few peoples bags there by then. It was going to be a full night. We got ourselves into bed ready for our first night in the dorm, but I dont think anything could have prepared us. It was worse than being in a hospital. Lights were coming on and off all through the night, people were talking, some people got home at 3am and continued the party in our room, then someones alarm was going off at 4.30am for them to go on a tour!! It was horrible and we woke up feeling worse than when we had gone to bed.
We decided to get out and do some sightseeing that day. We bought tickets for the hop on-hop off bus. We had done one in London and it was a great way to see all the main attractions, but it didnt take long for us to realise Dublin didnt really have quite as many sights. It was good, we saw Trinity College, Pheonix Park, The Guniness Factory, Kilmainham Gaol, Temple Bar and a few other things but it was a bit sleepy. We got back to the starting point of the tour and had a walk up the main street. We looked through a few shops and then decided to find a bar that would play the MotoGP that night for us. It was harder than we thought. There were loads of pubs, but every one of them have soccer on every screen!! And I was too terrified to ask any to turn that over, they take it very serious here.
In our travels we came across the leprechaun museum. We had seen it advertised so thought we would check it out. When we got in a guide gave us some history about leprechauns in literature etc and told us what was inside the museum. We were left to make our own way through most of the museum before meeting up with him towards the end. In the museum was a giants room where everything was oversized. We took photos of us with all the furniture and then met back up with the guide. He told us some folk tales and stories which was pretty good. I love all of the stories in Ireland. Its so good.
After we left the museum it was getting late and we still hadnt found anywhere to was the MotoGP. In the end we went back to the bar underneath our hostel and they said they would be happy to play it for us!! We were so excited, sitting in and Irish pub, drinking Irish beer with Irish music in the background.... watching MotoGP!!!! (We wont talk about the race itself though, that wasnt good).
After that we decided it was too expensive to stay at the bar so we went back to the hostel and had a few more quiet ones there. I was beginning to miss the party nights and social side of Contiki. Our second night in Dublin was a Sunday and most of the fun people had checked out. There was mainly older people left who were all playing computer games!!! We only stayed downstairs for a little while before going back up to our room. When we got back up we were the only ones there. It was good to have the room quiet again. There was still one bag there, but that was a french girl who was out on a tour until late.
After a little while a lady from Spain arrived. Her name was Violeta and she was on 2 weeks holidays. We told her that we were planning on going to Spain and we got talking for ages all about where she lived and what spain was like. Her english was a bit broken but ok to understand. She said that not a lot of people in Spain speak english well so now we are starting to worry about when we get there!!
We decided the next day that we would take her with us on the hop-on hop-off bus as you get a 48 hour ticket, then we could help show her where everything was.
The next day after breakfast we all got ready to go on the bus. We were going to try to do the other route from the one we did the day before but that one didnt run as often so we decided to do the same one again and then we could see anything that we had missed. We got off at St Stephens Park and had a walk around that area for a while. We walked from there down to Trinity College and walked through the grounds. To go and see the book of Kells was going to cost 10 euro so we decided not to go inside.
After we got back on the bus we basically stayed on it again until it finished the circuit. It was too expensive to get off and see the attractions as everything charged entry prices and little extra costs here and there. Also, it was freezing!! The wind was picking up and because me and Laura were still sick from Contiki we decided it would be best to go back and put some more layers on.
After rugging up we did a bit of souveneir shopping. One store looked more like a department store, but only for souveneirs!! It was huge!! Then me and laura went our own way for a while before heading back. Laura ensured that we stopped to try what was advertised as the 'worlds best hot chocolate'. We decided it was pretty damn close!!
That night Violeta decided to hire a car for a few days so she could see west and south Ireland and asked if we would like to go with her. We still had no plans after Dublin so we decided to go along. We stayed up late that night with a map deciding where we might go. Little did we know what adventure we were getting ourselves into!!
A bit more Belfast!!
After our big day exploring the Bridge, Causeway and Derry we needed a bit of a rest. We decided to extend our stay at Paddys by an extra night so that we could sleep in :)
We did just that. Had a big sleep in, sorted through our packs and tried to wash a few bits and pieces (as best as you can wash them in a sink), called some of the family and caught up on Skype dates.
During the day, we spoke to our friend Ash from Contiki who said she would be in Belfast the next day. We still hadnt done much sightseeing of Belfast and had no other plans so decided to extend once again!! For a place we werent planning on going at all, I was beginning to really like it!!
Lunch that day does deserve a special mention... We walked around town for a bit absolutely starving!! Then we found a pub with a sign out the front that sounded too good to be true!! 5.10 euros for a meal with a pint!!! It would have been wrong of us not to stop. We ate so much and drank our pints. It was amazing. We had to waddle our way back to the backpackers.
We had a quiet night and got loads more sleep. I think it was the most sleep we had gotten since we first left Australia. It was well overdue.
The next morning after breakfast we walked into town to have a look around. We got lost looking around and somehow found this really cute little shop with tshirts and shoes and all sorts of different stuff. While we were looking around I started talking to the guy who worked there. I told him we were planning on heading out that night and that someone had recommended that we go to Robinsons (Troy, our bus driver from Paddywagon). The guy from this shop said that those places were really touristy and if we wanted to experience real Belfast nightlife we needed to go to a few other places. He gave us a little business card and drew a map on the back of where all the good local spots were.
We went in to get some photos of city hall and the city itself. When we were walking round the city hall building we got swarmed by hop on-hop off bus people!! They were from two different companies and each one was trying to sell us their tour over the others. We were probably stupid for actually showing interest, but we did actually want to do it! However this kinda turned us off, terrified us really. haha. So we ran away into the Welcome centre.
This was probably the first time we really got to experience proper Irish weather. When we left the hostel, it was sunny and warm, and by the time we got to the welcome centre it was pouring rain and cold. We had to run into shops to avoid it!!
After that we went to the oldest pub in Belfast for a beer. It wasnt cheap but it was good. Before they sold us the beer, they gave us testers to make sure we liked it. It was Belfast Ale, it was a lot sweeter than most beers, but I loved it! The pub itself was this really old building with loads of detail in the roof and windows etc. You could just sit in there looking at all the history of it. But eventually we left. Sadly.
After we got back to the hostel we made plans to meet Ash in town that night with her cousins, (Jordan and Christine). We also found a room to stay for Dublin after we left Belfast. We had been doing it pretty easy so far with our private twin share room, so Dublin was going to be a bit tougher. We booked an 8 share mixed dorm!! It was 10 euro per person though so we thought it was an ok option and we would see how we went.
After a bit of a rest we got ready and made our way in to town. Turns out the pub we met Ash at was only 2 blocks from our hostel! Nice and easy. We got to the pub (called Filthy McNastys) and all met up. It was an awesome little pub. Posters for tours and concerts everywhere and quotes written over the walls etc. And come on, with a name like Filthy McNastys, it had to be good!!
There was a guy setting up with his guitar for some live music. It was really great. We stayed there for a little while before moving onto Laverys. We went up to the top floor to the 'beer garden'. It was basically on the roof with fairy lights everywhere and tables. It was so pretty. It felt like you were indoors, but we were outside!!
We eventually got asked to leave as the bar was closing, but me and laura still had full drinks. So Jordan and Christine hid them for us and we left. Therefore me and Laura had a nice walk home with our drinks :) It made it much more enjoyable. We got to bed late and had to get up early to get a bus to Dublin the next morning. It reminded me of contiki party nights, they always seemed to be the night before a travel day!! At least it means we always sleep on the bus!!
We did just that. Had a big sleep in, sorted through our packs and tried to wash a few bits and pieces (as best as you can wash them in a sink), called some of the family and caught up on Skype dates.
During the day, we spoke to our friend Ash from Contiki who said she would be in Belfast the next day. We still hadnt done much sightseeing of Belfast and had no other plans so decided to extend once again!! For a place we werent planning on going at all, I was beginning to really like it!!
Lunch that day does deserve a special mention... We walked around town for a bit absolutely starving!! Then we found a pub with a sign out the front that sounded too good to be true!! 5.10 euros for a meal with a pint!!! It would have been wrong of us not to stop. We ate so much and drank our pints. It was amazing. We had to waddle our way back to the backpackers.
We had a quiet night and got loads more sleep. I think it was the most sleep we had gotten since we first left Australia. It was well overdue.
The next morning after breakfast we walked into town to have a look around. We got lost looking around and somehow found this really cute little shop with tshirts and shoes and all sorts of different stuff. While we were looking around I started talking to the guy who worked there. I told him we were planning on heading out that night and that someone had recommended that we go to Robinsons (Troy, our bus driver from Paddywagon). The guy from this shop said that those places were really touristy and if we wanted to experience real Belfast nightlife we needed to go to a few other places. He gave us a little business card and drew a map on the back of where all the good local spots were.
We went in to get some photos of city hall and the city itself. When we were walking round the city hall building we got swarmed by hop on-hop off bus people!! They were from two different companies and each one was trying to sell us their tour over the others. We were probably stupid for actually showing interest, but we did actually want to do it! However this kinda turned us off, terrified us really. haha. So we ran away into the Welcome centre.
This was probably the first time we really got to experience proper Irish weather. When we left the hostel, it was sunny and warm, and by the time we got to the welcome centre it was pouring rain and cold. We had to run into shops to avoid it!!
After that we went to the oldest pub in Belfast for a beer. It wasnt cheap but it was good. Before they sold us the beer, they gave us testers to make sure we liked it. It was Belfast Ale, it was a lot sweeter than most beers, but I loved it! The pub itself was this really old building with loads of detail in the roof and windows etc. You could just sit in there looking at all the history of it. But eventually we left. Sadly.
After we got back to the hostel we made plans to meet Ash in town that night with her cousins, (Jordan and Christine). We also found a room to stay for Dublin after we left Belfast. We had been doing it pretty easy so far with our private twin share room, so Dublin was going to be a bit tougher. We booked an 8 share mixed dorm!! It was 10 euro per person though so we thought it was an ok option and we would see how we went.
After a bit of a rest we got ready and made our way in to town. Turns out the pub we met Ash at was only 2 blocks from our hostel! Nice and easy. We got to the pub (called Filthy McNastys) and all met up. It was an awesome little pub. Posters for tours and concerts everywhere and quotes written over the walls etc. And come on, with a name like Filthy McNastys, it had to be good!!
There was a guy setting up with his guitar for some live music. It was really great. We stayed there for a little while before moving onto Laverys. We went up to the top floor to the 'beer garden'. It was basically on the roof with fairy lights everywhere and tables. It was so pretty. It felt like you were indoors, but we were outside!!
We eventually got asked to leave as the bar was closing, but me and laura still had full drinks. So Jordan and Christine hid them for us and we left. Therefore me and Laura had a nice walk home with our drinks :) It made it much more enjoyable. We got to bed late and had to get up early to get a bus to Dublin the next morning. It reminded me of contiki party nights, they always seemed to be the night before a travel day!! At least it means we always sleep on the bus!!
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Touring Northern Ireland in the Paddy Wagon :)
As part of our hostel we were offered a free tour today with Paddywagon tours. It went to carrick a rede rope bridge, the Giants Causeway and then Derry. Of course we decided to take it up!! As broke backpackers all they had to say was free and we would be in, regardless of where it went!!
We had an early start and breakfast before being picked up at 9.15am. We met Troy who would be our tour guide for the day. He was a real Irishman from north ireland, not some ring in tour guide with no idea, so that was good. During the first part of the trip to the rope bridge he talked and talked and talked. It was hilarious!! He was telling irish jokes, and little stories and things, then would be like "Where was I again... oh yeh, the rope bridge!!". He was saying what happens on tour stays on tour and how if any of us see him drinking through the day, we were NOT allowed to tell his boss!! Lol, or he would go all Liam Neeson (from taken) and use his life skills to hunt us down and kill us... Then he was making jokes about how he doesnt actually have a licence, as he failed 4 times. But hopefully he can pass next weeks test!! We were all laughing, but then nervously thinking, ummmm... this IS ireland, hes probably serious!!! lol
Some old man who clearly was too uncomfortable from the stick up his bum was complaining telling Troy to just be quiet and put some music on or something... but Troy basically made fun of him then continued with his jokes lol. Ohhh I love Ireland!!!
We got to the rope bridge and had about an hour a half to explore. We walked down to the island and crossed the bridge. It was insane. The water was crystal clear and the cliffs were so colorful. It looked like the carribean or something, but then in the background were these huge rolling green hills and sheep and houses. It was one of the most spectacular places ive been.
Next stop was the Giants causeway. It was another 'short walk' down to the actual causeway. But it was beautiful. All the walking is fine when Ireland is the backdrop. Its so easy to get distracted!! Once we got down the bottom we had a bit of a look around, got some photos and then decided to go back up to the pub :) The most interesting part of the causeway were all the tales and myths about how it was created. Officially it was due to a lava eruption, but there are irish myths about a Giant who fought a scottish giant... theres hundreds of different stories! Its fascinating.
After a real good irish stew and beer we all fell asleep on the bus on the way to Derry. Clearly I still havent caught up on enough sleep yet!! Once we got to Derry we were taken to the information centre to meet Rory, who would be our walking tour guide. It started raining almost as soon as the tour begun, but it wasnt too bad. Rory took us around to the old town, which is the walled city. He told us the history with catholics and protestants and why all the fighting begun. Then he told us more about the IRA and the real IRA and how all that came about. I had heard so much about the IRA but never knew why they fought until now. He said that at the moment it is 90% at peace, but the real IRA are still there and just as dangerous if not more dangerous than the initial IRA.
He showed us murals and memorials relating to bloody sunday which basically kicked off the 'troubles' in northern ireland. It was insane!!
Then it was a short trip back to the hostel. It was such a great way to start my travels through Ireland. So much history in this area!!
Once we got back we decided to head to the bottle shop. Again, I know ive said how cheap it is here... but we managed to get 8 half litre beers, and 12 breezers for 15 pounds!!! This is heaven here.
Were enjoying it so much we have decided to stay another night. We want a proper sleep in tomorrow and to have a free day to just wander around at our own pace. (Even if our bathroom light is blown, the shower floods and our room lock is dodgy...) who cares!! lol. Still loving ireland!!!!
We had an early start and breakfast before being picked up at 9.15am. We met Troy who would be our tour guide for the day. He was a real Irishman from north ireland, not some ring in tour guide with no idea, so that was good. During the first part of the trip to the rope bridge he talked and talked and talked. It was hilarious!! He was telling irish jokes, and little stories and things, then would be like "Where was I again... oh yeh, the rope bridge!!". He was saying what happens on tour stays on tour and how if any of us see him drinking through the day, we were NOT allowed to tell his boss!! Lol, or he would go all Liam Neeson (from taken) and use his life skills to hunt us down and kill us... Then he was making jokes about how he doesnt actually have a licence, as he failed 4 times. But hopefully he can pass next weeks test!! We were all laughing, but then nervously thinking, ummmm... this IS ireland, hes probably serious!!! lol
Some old man who clearly was too uncomfortable from the stick up his bum was complaining telling Troy to just be quiet and put some music on or something... but Troy basically made fun of him then continued with his jokes lol. Ohhh I love Ireland!!!
We got to the rope bridge and had about an hour a half to explore. We walked down to the island and crossed the bridge. It was insane. The water was crystal clear and the cliffs were so colorful. It looked like the carribean or something, but then in the background were these huge rolling green hills and sheep and houses. It was one of the most spectacular places ive been.
Next stop was the Giants causeway. It was another 'short walk' down to the actual causeway. But it was beautiful. All the walking is fine when Ireland is the backdrop. Its so easy to get distracted!! Once we got down the bottom we had a bit of a look around, got some photos and then decided to go back up to the pub :) The most interesting part of the causeway were all the tales and myths about how it was created. Officially it was due to a lava eruption, but there are irish myths about a Giant who fought a scottish giant... theres hundreds of different stories! Its fascinating.
After a real good irish stew and beer we all fell asleep on the bus on the way to Derry. Clearly I still havent caught up on enough sleep yet!! Once we got to Derry we were taken to the information centre to meet Rory, who would be our walking tour guide. It started raining almost as soon as the tour begun, but it wasnt too bad. Rory took us around to the old town, which is the walled city. He told us the history with catholics and protestants and why all the fighting begun. Then he told us more about the IRA and the real IRA and how all that came about. I had heard so much about the IRA but never knew why they fought until now. He said that at the moment it is 90% at peace, but the real IRA are still there and just as dangerous if not more dangerous than the initial IRA.
He showed us murals and memorials relating to bloody sunday which basically kicked off the 'troubles' in northern ireland. It was insane!!
Then it was a short trip back to the hostel. It was such a great way to start my travels through Ireland. So much history in this area!!
Once we got back we decided to head to the bottle shop. Again, I know ive said how cheap it is here... but we managed to get 8 half litre beers, and 12 breezers for 15 pounds!!! This is heaven here.
Were enjoying it so much we have decided to stay another night. We want a proper sleep in tomorrow and to have a free day to just wander around at our own pace. (Even if our bathroom light is blown, the shower floods and our room lock is dodgy...) who cares!! lol. Still loving ireland!!!!
To be sure, to be sure... Im in Ireland!!
Well after another long 13 hour bus trip, 2 hour ferry then one more hour on another bus... we arrived in Belfast!! We jumped off the bus, grabbed our bags and my Europe guide and wondered what the hell we were doing in Belfast!!! lol
We had nothing booked, no idea of what there was to do, no plans whatsoever!! So we decided first off to head straight for the Belfast Welcome Centre. It was about a 20 minute walk into the city centre from the bus station. At first it looked kinda dodgy and it was a little scary, but the further we walked the more we decided it was just 'character'! Its quite a busy little city. Its more modern than a lot of the other places we have been. There are some older places, but a mix of new ones all amongst it too!
Walking has been a bit of a problem when I had my suitcase, but only after one day I LOVE my new backpack!! I can get up and down stairs like lightning!! :) So the walk into the welcome centre was good. Laura still has her case which was giving her a bit of trouble cos it was so heavy, but wasnt too bad.
The welcome centre was opposite City Hall which is this massive building right in the city centre. There were cops and traffic marshals everywhere. Probably didnt help ease our concern about Belfast...
The people at the welcome centre were so helpful. They found us somewhere to stay and showed us where to go. It was another hike, but we were just glad to have anywhere. It took us priobably 40 minutes to walk to the hostel. It was pretty tricky to find, but we got there.
When we checked in the lady told us about all the facilities. After places like switzerland and france me and laura were shocked how cheap ireland is!! We are paying 35pound a night for a private double ensuite room, free wifi, breakfast and then she said as we were staying 2 nights we could have a free tour if we wanted. We were pretty excited!!
It was still early, but as we had been on a bus all night we got up to the room and just crashed. I slept most of the afternoon trying to catch up. Feels like we havent slept properly for a month!! Then we had showers and got cleaned up before searching for food!! Even the food outlets are cheap here. We got 2 massive baked potatos, a huge thing of chips and 2 cans of soft drink for 10 pound!!
Then we got back to the room early. Caught up on some skype and facebook (very important activities while overseas!!) before getting an early night.
Now we are on our own all I want to do is sleep!!!! Its nice to be able to follow our own plan and do what we want when we want. Although it is lonely just the 2 of us at times, especially after spending 20 days with 50 people!!
Its so good to finally be in Ireland!!! :)
We had nothing booked, no idea of what there was to do, no plans whatsoever!! So we decided first off to head straight for the Belfast Welcome Centre. It was about a 20 minute walk into the city centre from the bus station. At first it looked kinda dodgy and it was a little scary, but the further we walked the more we decided it was just 'character'! Its quite a busy little city. Its more modern than a lot of the other places we have been. There are some older places, but a mix of new ones all amongst it too!
Walking has been a bit of a problem when I had my suitcase, but only after one day I LOVE my new backpack!! I can get up and down stairs like lightning!! :) So the walk into the welcome centre was good. Laura still has her case which was giving her a bit of trouble cos it was so heavy, but wasnt too bad.
The welcome centre was opposite City Hall which is this massive building right in the city centre. There were cops and traffic marshals everywhere. Probably didnt help ease our concern about Belfast...
The people at the welcome centre were so helpful. They found us somewhere to stay and showed us where to go. It was another hike, but we were just glad to have anywhere. It took us priobably 40 minutes to walk to the hostel. It was pretty tricky to find, but we got there.
When we checked in the lady told us about all the facilities. After places like switzerland and france me and laura were shocked how cheap ireland is!! We are paying 35pound a night for a private double ensuite room, free wifi, breakfast and then she said as we were staying 2 nights we could have a free tour if we wanted. We were pretty excited!!
It was still early, but as we had been on a bus all night we got up to the room and just crashed. I slept most of the afternoon trying to catch up. Feels like we havent slept properly for a month!! Then we had showers and got cleaned up before searching for food!! Even the food outlets are cheap here. We got 2 massive baked potatos, a huge thing of chips and 2 cans of soft drink for 10 pound!!
Then we got back to the room early. Caught up on some skype and facebook (very important activities while overseas!!) before getting an early night.
Now we are on our own all I want to do is sleep!!!! Its nice to be able to follow our own plan and do what we want when we want. Although it is lonely just the 2 of us at times, especially after spending 20 days with 50 people!!
Its so good to finally be in Ireland!!! :)
Monday, August 22, 2011
Kayla and Laura take on the big bad World :)
After the trip was over we went to stay at Jaimes for a night to get settled and make a plan for our next stop. My poor suitcase finally gave in and I replaced it with a lovely new backpack so now I really look the part. We got all equipped with sleeping bags and stuff, so now were ready to go.
Jaime lives out of London in the most gorgeous little town. Her house overlooks the thames river and is only a short walk to everything. It was so handy. After our shopping we stopped at tescos to get some wine and then went home to enjoy our drinks with our Edam cheese and crackers. It was so relaxing and such a good feeling to have no plans. Its probably the first time in my life where I have no idea where i will be or what I will be doing 24 hours from now.
We had a really nice relaxed arvo and night. In the morning we had to say our goodbyes to Dono as he was going to stay at his cousins place until he flies home. Then we repacked our cases and took off for the bus station. We intended on going to Dublin but when we got there we found out the bus was full until Wednesday. So we asked what tickets they had out of London for the day and she said the only thing left was Belfast. We figured why not, and this brings me to now. Sitting on another coach, this time for 15 hours!!! Going from London to Belfast.
Belfast is probably the one place that my dad told me I wasnt allowed to go. He said it was too dangerous, but we are big and tough enough!! (At least thats what im telling myself!!) Its a little bit scary with no plans. We have no accomodation booked, no idea where anything is. All we know is we get into Belfast at 10.30 tomorrow morning!! But its so exciting at the same time.
Well im off to stretch my legs a bit while there is still room on the bus!! At present there is about 10 people on here, but apparently from Manchester onwards its full. We have loads of water and nuts, fruit and snacks. All set to go!!
Hopefully we get accomodation in Belfast and I can fill you in again from there!!! Wish me luck!! :)
Jaime lives out of London in the most gorgeous little town. Her house overlooks the thames river and is only a short walk to everything. It was so handy. After our shopping we stopped at tescos to get some wine and then went home to enjoy our drinks with our Edam cheese and crackers. It was so relaxing and such a good feeling to have no plans. Its probably the first time in my life where I have no idea where i will be or what I will be doing 24 hours from now.
We had a really nice relaxed arvo and night. In the morning we had to say our goodbyes to Dono as he was going to stay at his cousins place until he flies home. Then we repacked our cases and took off for the bus station. We intended on going to Dublin but when we got there we found out the bus was full until Wednesday. So we asked what tickets they had out of London for the day and she said the only thing left was Belfast. We figured why not, and this brings me to now. Sitting on another coach, this time for 15 hours!!! Going from London to Belfast.
Belfast is probably the one place that my dad told me I wasnt allowed to go. He said it was too dangerous, but we are big and tough enough!! (At least thats what im telling myself!!) Its a little bit scary with no plans. We have no accomodation booked, no idea where anything is. All we know is we get into Belfast at 10.30 tomorrow morning!! But its so exciting at the same time.
Well im off to stretch my legs a bit while there is still room on the bus!! At present there is about 10 people on here, but apparently from Manchester onwards its full. We have loads of water and nuts, fruit and snacks. All set to go!!
Hopefully we get accomodation in Belfast and I can fill you in again from there!!! Wish me luck!! :)
Contiki all over :(
So with contiki over what is my verdict?
I loved it!! There were times where I just wanted my personal space and a bit of down time, but looking back, there is no way that I would have done half of that stuff if i didnt do contiki! Ive gone from someone who had never been overseas before to seeing 13 countries!!
As for our tour I like the places we went, however germany felt a bit pointless. We only got 2 seperate one night stays. (Munich and Rhine Valley) which seemed more like sales opportunities than tours. Would have been nice to have 2 days together so we actually had a chance to see it. Apart from that it just got better and better with each day. I was genuinely stunned with each new country.
The variety and differences in the places we went was crazy. It was one extreme to another!! And the special contiki stops like the chalet and the chateau were amazing.
I went from a bit of a nanna who had been out probably 3 times in a whole year to someone who was able to drink everyday and live on 4 hours sleep a night!! (I still got it...)
Plus I made some awesome friends who I will hopefully stay in touch with in the future.
Its really opened my eyes up to the world and shown me possibilities I had never imagined. It was one of the best things ive ever done :)
Big thanks to Joel for entertaining us and to Magic for getting us everywhere fast and safe. (We really appreciate those illegal drop offs you gave us so we wouldnt have to walk as far!!)
I liked it, I loved it :)
I loved it!! There were times where I just wanted my personal space and a bit of down time, but looking back, there is no way that I would have done half of that stuff if i didnt do contiki! Ive gone from someone who had never been overseas before to seeing 13 countries!!
As for our tour I like the places we went, however germany felt a bit pointless. We only got 2 seperate one night stays. (Munich and Rhine Valley) which seemed more like sales opportunities than tours. Would have been nice to have 2 days together so we actually had a chance to see it. Apart from that it just got better and better with each day. I was genuinely stunned with each new country.
The variety and differences in the places we went was crazy. It was one extreme to another!! And the special contiki stops like the chalet and the chateau were amazing.
I went from a bit of a nanna who had been out probably 3 times in a whole year to someone who was able to drink everyday and live on 4 hours sleep a night!! (I still got it...)
Plus I made some awesome friends who I will hopefully stay in touch with in the future.
Its really opened my eyes up to the world and shown me possibilities I had never imagined. It was one of the best things ive ever done :)
Big thanks to Joel for entertaining us and to Magic for getting us everywhere fast and safe. (We really appreciate those illegal drop offs you gave us so we wouldnt have to walk as far!!)
I liked it, I loved it :)
Amster-DAMN!!!!
It wasnt a very long drive from Rhine Valley to Amsterdamn. There was one service stop, then only a quick drive into Edam for a Bike ride along the Dyjk. (Canal).
It was raining on the way into Edam but by the time we got to the bike pick up point it had stopped, so everyone grabbed their bikes and we left. They were the old school grandma bikes. It was so much fun. Half way through the ride it started to rain again though and not many people were well equipped. We rushed the ride through and got back to the store quick to drop the bikes back as everyone was cold and saturated. It was a shame because it would have been really nice otherwise!!
From there we went to a cheese and Clog shop. They showed us how the cheese and clogs were made then we went into their shop for a tasting. The cheese was out of this world!!! Much better than coles brand tasty cheese block!! lol. We also tried Stroopwafels which are my new favorite thing in the world!!! Hard to explain, guess you have to come to edam to try!!
From there we were taken to our hotel to check in and get freshened up ready for our night tour. After dinner we were taken back into Admserdam and to the 'Amsterdam ballet...' also known as the sex show. When in Amsterdam right!! Then joel took us on a walk through the red light district before free time. It was good going through as a part of a tour as I think it would be pretty scary to go alone. Its just such a different place, so relaxed with all that stuff. Every shop you walk past you can smell weed...
We caught the bus back to the hotel later on and got a relatively early night. Coming to the end of the tour everyone was struggling a bit. Everyone has the contiki cough and a sore throat, so an early night was good.
The next day we got up early to go on our canal boat bike ride. It was so much fun. We took about an hour and a half to make our way round a little circuit in the canals. It was a fun way to see a bit of Amsterdam too. Because me and Jaime went in one on our own we were exhausted by the end cos we had no one to share paddling.
After the canal bikes we had free time, but we wanted to go back early to get ready for our farewell dinner. By the time we wandered around finding our way back to the bus station though it was about 2pm!!
We all got ready for our farewell dinner then we were taken to a canal cruise. We got an hour long ride around different canals with a few wines which was fun. Then we got dropped off at a chinese restaurant for our dinner. The food was really good, and of course a few more wines.
After that we walked back into town to go to a bar. We stayed a little while and had a few drinks, then got taken to a shooter bar, but it was really cramped so a few of us left. We walked our way back to the station doing a bit of a food tour stopping at most food outlets on the way before getting home.
The next day was mixed emotions. We left admsterdam fairly early ready to head back to London. I slept majority of the way. Its like now my body knows contiki is over its given in. It held in for a long time!!
We got back to London and checked into the hotel then joined most of the group down at the bar for our goodbye drinks. It was a nice way to end it really. I was glad it was over so I can sleep and drink more water than beer, but sad to say goodbye to all my new friends!!
I met a guy at the bar who was starting his contiki the next morning, so we gave him bits and pieces of advice for the tour. Was wierd thinking that ours is now over. Feels like it only just begun!!
I think that night I slept for 10 hours straight...
It was raining on the way into Edam but by the time we got to the bike pick up point it had stopped, so everyone grabbed their bikes and we left. They were the old school grandma bikes. It was so much fun. Half way through the ride it started to rain again though and not many people were well equipped. We rushed the ride through and got back to the store quick to drop the bikes back as everyone was cold and saturated. It was a shame because it would have been really nice otherwise!!
From there we went to a cheese and Clog shop. They showed us how the cheese and clogs were made then we went into their shop for a tasting. The cheese was out of this world!!! Much better than coles brand tasty cheese block!! lol. We also tried Stroopwafels which are my new favorite thing in the world!!! Hard to explain, guess you have to come to edam to try!!
From there we were taken to our hotel to check in and get freshened up ready for our night tour. After dinner we were taken back into Admserdam and to the 'Amsterdam ballet...' also known as the sex show. When in Amsterdam right!! Then joel took us on a walk through the red light district before free time. It was good going through as a part of a tour as I think it would be pretty scary to go alone. Its just such a different place, so relaxed with all that stuff. Every shop you walk past you can smell weed...
We caught the bus back to the hotel later on and got a relatively early night. Coming to the end of the tour everyone was struggling a bit. Everyone has the contiki cough and a sore throat, so an early night was good.
The next day we got up early to go on our canal boat bike ride. It was so much fun. We took about an hour and a half to make our way round a little circuit in the canals. It was a fun way to see a bit of Amsterdam too. Because me and Jaime went in one on our own we were exhausted by the end cos we had no one to share paddling.
After the canal bikes we had free time, but we wanted to go back early to get ready for our farewell dinner. By the time we wandered around finding our way back to the bus station though it was about 2pm!!
We all got ready for our farewell dinner then we were taken to a canal cruise. We got an hour long ride around different canals with a few wines which was fun. Then we got dropped off at a chinese restaurant for our dinner. The food was really good, and of course a few more wines.
After that we walked back into town to go to a bar. We stayed a little while and had a few drinks, then got taken to a shooter bar, but it was really cramped so a few of us left. We walked our way back to the station doing a bit of a food tour stopping at most food outlets on the way before getting home.
The next day was mixed emotions. We left admsterdam fairly early ready to head back to London. I slept majority of the way. Its like now my body knows contiki is over its given in. It held in for a long time!!
We got back to London and checked into the hotel then joined most of the group down at the bar for our goodbye drinks. It was a nice way to end it really. I was glad it was over so I can sleep and drink more water than beer, but sad to say goodbye to all my new friends!!
I met a guy at the bar who was starting his contiki the next morning, so we gave him bits and pieces of advice for the tour. Was wierd thinking that ours is now over. Feels like it only just begun!!
I think that night I slept for 10 hours straight...
Rhine Valley...
The next morning was extremely hard to get out of bed. It was a big trip from Switzerland to the Rhine Valley in Germany and I think I slept the entire way!! We stopped at a service stop first, then went on to Heidleberg which was so pretty. Plus its a uni city so it was so cheap!! A gelato and red bull was only 4 euro!! There was this little fountain in the middle of the town where I went to go and wet my feet. The water was so nice I ended up in the fountain completely!! It was so good. Then I had to lie in the sun to dry out before the bus left again. From there it wasnt too far to St Goar where we were staying the night. The last few kms were driving along the river with all the wineries and castles. Germany really is a gorgeous country.
Once we got to St Goar we were taken straight to the beer stein shop. I had said all along that I was going to get one, but they were more expensive than what I can afford, plus then you still needed to pay postage. I decided to just leave it and ill look on ebay!! There was also a cuckoo clock shop which had lots of little knick knack things.
After that we checked into our hotel which had about 5000 stairs. My poor suitcase is struggling to make the distance of the trip. It copping a fair bit of damage. After dinner we were taken to wine tasting at this really old little cellar. It was kinda creepy how dark and damp it all was. Plus the couple that worked there were a bit scary too. In the end I think we were just scaring ourselves more than anything. We tasted a few different local wines but they were all so sweet. Not my kinda wine. But they had cheese which was really nice!
After that was free time. We went back to the hotel and everyone caught up on emails and things. The only problem with such a big group is that theres usually only 4 terminals at the most so the wait can be hours, and the wireless never works so I gave up and just went back to my room.
The Rhine Valley seemed nice but one night wasnt really long enough to get a good look around and to really appreciate it. It more felt like a sales stop, to buy steins, clocks and birkenstocks.
But it was nice to have an early night for once. Get myself all ready for AMSTERDAM!!!
Once we got to St Goar we were taken straight to the beer stein shop. I had said all along that I was going to get one, but they were more expensive than what I can afford, plus then you still needed to pay postage. I decided to just leave it and ill look on ebay!! There was also a cuckoo clock shop which had lots of little knick knack things.
After that we checked into our hotel which had about 5000 stairs. My poor suitcase is struggling to make the distance of the trip. It copping a fair bit of damage. After dinner we were taken to wine tasting at this really old little cellar. It was kinda creepy how dark and damp it all was. Plus the couple that worked there were a bit scary too. In the end I think we were just scaring ourselves more than anything. We tasted a few different local wines but they were all so sweet. Not my kinda wine. But they had cheese which was really nice!
After that was free time. We went back to the hotel and everyone caught up on emails and things. The only problem with such a big group is that theres usually only 4 terminals at the most so the wait can be hours, and the wireless never works so I gave up and just went back to my room.
The Rhine Valley seemed nice but one night wasnt really long enough to get a good look around and to really appreciate it. It more felt like a sales stop, to buy steins, clocks and birkenstocks.
But it was nice to have an early night for once. Get myself all ready for AMSTERDAM!!!
To the top of Europe!!
The next day it was raining when we left Munich. It was pretty funny seeing 50 people running out to a coach with suitcases trying not to get wet. Our first stop was Liechtenstein, one of the smallest countries in the world!! On the way in our tour manager found out that it was the National Holiday for Liechtenstein. Therefore a lot of things would be closed, but there was a festival going on! We got there and only had an hour free time to organise swiss money and get lunch. Switzerland was the only country aside from the UK where we would need money other than Euros.
At these stops you normally wind up spending the entire time queing for toilets or ATMs and this was no different. We had a quick look at a souveneir shop where I realised Joel wasnt lying when he said switzerland was expensive!!! It was ridiculous. 2 euros for a postcard, the t-shirts ive been collecting from each country were 3 times the price and food and drinks were crazy! At least they had free toilets :)
We got lunch from a stall and went and sat in the street to eat it. While we were sitting there a local guy came up to us, bent right over in our faces and started saying something in German. We asked for english and he was asking "Where are you from??" He was just curious and was asking us about what we were doing in liechtenstein and stuff. It was just funny how in our faces he was!! He couldnt believe we only had an hour, and said we would miss the big 'festival' where they open up the princes palace garden and have free drinks and stuff. He ended up off on his way again... and we went back to the bus. Laura again reminded me of the movie taken where a local invites the tourists to a party in order to kill them... haha.
Our next stop was Lucerne (Luzern). I was really looking forward to it as my boss Lloyd had told me about it and that it was really nice. When we arrived we first went to see the lion monument which was a memorial for the swiss guard who died. Then we were dropped off in the city near the old town bridge and walked up to Harrys watch shop. We were shown all of the watches and swiss army knives which were good to see but I couldnt afford in my lifetime!!
From there it was straight into our Chalet in Switzerland. It was one of the most beautiful stretches of road ive ever seen. We went through little valleys and mountains beside lakes and rivers. On getting closer we had great views of Jungfrau where we would be going the next day. We got to the chalet which was beside a river and waterfall right in the base of the mountain. It was amazing!!
After dinner I was planning on an early night to catch up on sleep. Jungfrau was going to be a big day and I didnt want to be tired or hungover so started getting ready for bed early. Then I went up to Serens room to see her before bed and they were all getting ready to go down to the bar. They twisted my arm and in less than 5 minutes I had gotten changed and had a drink in my hand!! I didnt end up getting back to my room until 2.30am. We had to get up early ready for the train.
We we walked up to the train station where we boarded our first train which took us up to the base of Jungfrau. It was beautiful scenery, there were cows everywhere with little cow bells ringing while they ate. When we stopped at the first stop to change trains we had 20 minutes spare time to take some photos and stretch. Then when the other train arrived it was about an hour and a half to go. It was so steep!! I have only ever really been on the Kuranda train for scenic railways and it was so much steeper!! The last 4 kms was through tunnels and it was freezing. We stopped twice to take photos out of windows in the tunnel and I couldnt believe how high up we had gone. It really did feel like you were on top of the world!
When we got to Jungfrau station everyone split up to go and do their own thing. We went straight to the ice palace which was built underground and had little ice carvings and caves you could go through. It was freezing but so amazing!! Then we got the lift up to the sphinx which is the highest point on the mountain. It was actually not as cold outside. The sun was so bright and there wasnt a cloud at all! The views were probably the best thing ive ever seen in my life. You could see all the way down into the valleys and so far into the distance.
After that we went outside to play in the snow. When we walked out, we had only been there for about 5 minutes when we heard what sounded like thunder. I looked over to the mountain and we saw a huge chunk of snow falling down! At the time I wasnt worried about how dangerous it was, just about how amazing it was that we actually saw an avalanche. Then after it I thought maybe it was a little scary!!
We found ourselves a spot and got set up to make our snowman, in between having a snowball fight or two. There were activities like tubing, skiing and tobogganing you could do. But we were happy just making our snowman. I was only wearing jeans so it wasnt long before I was saturated. I ended up almost lying in the snow but it was so soft I didnt care. With the sun being so bright too it wasnt taking long to dry out.
When Hans, our snowman, was finished we took a heap of photos, then I put my contiki jumper on him for some more pics. When we were almost ready to leave these 2 guys walked over and asked if they could take their picture with Hans. They were going to pay us because in europe you need to pay for everything!!! But because they were cute I thought we would let them for free :) Then a few more people came to take their pictures too. I have put a photo of Hans on here for you to see.
After that we were all really tired so thought we would get back to the camp in plenty of time to get ready for our Swisco Disco party night. It was being held in the bomb shelter at the chalet and there were going to be 3 groups there!!
Everyone was falling asleep on the train and we were all sitting next to strangers. So it became a battle of trying not to fall asleep on the strangers lap. It went a bit quicker coming down the mountain but we seemed to have to stop a fair bit. When we got back down to Lauterbrunnen we stopped at the pub on our way back to our chalet. It was actually a cheap pub with free wifi, so we sat there a little while before going back.
When we got back everyone had dinner and started getting ready for the party and drinking. It was close to 15 days straight of drinking so it was a bit of an effort at first, but didnt take us long to get in the mood!! Almost all of our group dressed up which was good. We always seem to put in a bit of effort for party nights. It was another really big night. I got myself back to bed before being dead to the world, when Laura and all the others came in and started taking photos of them all lying over me. I guess I was very 'tired' as I didnt even stir!! It wasnt until the next morning I realised when I looked back over the photos.
Austria to Munich
The next day was another early start to get from Austria to our stop in Munich. We only had an hours drive before we got to Swarovski Crystal World which was pretty cool. We paid the entrance to go in which was only about 8 euros, but it was really packed!! So probably wouldnt pay to go in again. Although I did get a $2 discount off some things I MIGHT have bought as presents!! :)
From there we had another couple of hours before we got to Dachau. There we were taken to the concentration camp memorial. We were given a bit of a run down on the history from Joel and then given and hour and a half to look around. It was nowhere near enough time. I only made it half way through the first building. There was so much history in that place and old documents and things they have held onto. Most excursions our group tend to stick together, but for this I went off on my own so that I could take my time to really look at things. It was really quite an emotional place. I needed a few little breaks here and there, but im so glad I went there. It really does make you appreciate all the small things, and especially now thinking of the things I have been able to see and do in the past month, I really am lucky.
It was only a quick drive from there into Munich, but being a Sunday everything was closed!! We ended up just wandering the streets for a while and waiting for the Glockenspiel to chime before going back to the bus. It was really pretty but nothing too exciting as it was all closed and we didnt really have enough time to get round to the sights!!
We got taken back to a hostel just out of Munich and didnt have long before we were taken to a 15th century beer hall for dinner and a show!! We were given a choice of 3 meals, a tradional german dinner, a more standard chicken and chips or vegetarian. Of course I went traditional and had Pork Knuckle with some sort of pickled cabbage and a potato dumpling. I was given 1 litre of beer to wash it down, but after me and Liam challenged each other it didnt take long before I needed another litre!! It turned out a really good night and on the bus on the way home everyone was singing and dancing.
We got back to the hostel and ended up having the psycho receptionist yelling at us all for being too loud!! Curfew was 11pm, and this was only 10pm! So we all went down to the basement bar where we were allowed to make noise!! It had been a big day so it ended up an early one. We had ANOTHER big drive the next day!!
From there we had another couple of hours before we got to Dachau. There we were taken to the concentration camp memorial. We were given a bit of a run down on the history from Joel and then given and hour and a half to look around. It was nowhere near enough time. I only made it half way through the first building. There was so much history in that place and old documents and things they have held onto. Most excursions our group tend to stick together, but for this I went off on my own so that I could take my time to really look at things. It was really quite an emotional place. I needed a few little breaks here and there, but im so glad I went there. It really does make you appreciate all the small things, and especially now thinking of the things I have been able to see and do in the past month, I really am lucky.
It was only a quick drive from there into Munich, but being a Sunday everything was closed!! We ended up just wandering the streets for a while and waiting for the Glockenspiel to chime before going back to the bus. It was really pretty but nothing too exciting as it was all closed and we didnt really have enough time to get round to the sights!!
We got taken back to a hostel just out of Munich and didnt have long before we were taken to a 15th century beer hall for dinner and a show!! We were given a choice of 3 meals, a tradional german dinner, a more standard chicken and chips or vegetarian. Of course I went traditional and had Pork Knuckle with some sort of pickled cabbage and a potato dumpling. I was given 1 litre of beer to wash it down, but after me and Liam challenged each other it didnt take long before I needed another litre!! It turned out a really good night and on the bus on the way home everyone was singing and dancing.
We got back to the hostel and ended up having the psycho receptionist yelling at us all for being too loud!! Curfew was 11pm, and this was only 10pm! So we all went down to the basement bar where we were allowed to make noise!! It had been a big day so it ended up an early one. We had ANOTHER big drive the next day!!
Venice to Austria
Well after a huge delay in being able to upload my blog, get ready for almost 2 weeks worth. Ill start where I left off, from Venice to Austria :)
After a huge night in Venice it was so hard getting up for the bus the next morning!! After I woke up I remembered my bet from the night before, that me and Laura were allowed to wear anything but clothes. I packed everything up and then had one of the guys help me design a dress out of a garbage bag. We even made a belt out of a tie down strap!! It was pretty comfy really but it was hot.
Thankfully I was so tired that I slept for most of the morning on the bus. Our service stop we had to get off the bus. We were too embarassed to go inside, so me and laura sat on the steps near the parking area. Then about 4 buses of tourists arrived and all had to walk past us. It was so embarassing we just sat with our head in our hands...
After services it was off to white water rafting. I decided that it was enough time spent in a garbage bag so I got changed on the bus while the tour manager was getting everyone else organised for their rafting. I had decided at the beginning of the trip not to do the rafting as thats something I can do back home. So we went to the end point to wait for the others. They had a cafe that made goulash and hot dogs and all this yum food. It was so good. We just chilled out for a while and had a bit of a relax.
Once everyone was done, it was only a short trip to the gastoff. It was this cute little place next to a river and a waterfall. Had crazy Austrian decor, bright colors, wierd pictures, lots of wood etc. Just like I imagined. The drive into Austria was amazing. So green and pretty.
We had dinner then went to the bar for a flip cup competition. We were all put in teams and had to compete against each other. It was pretty funny. I didnt want to do it at first, as the boys on my team are quite competitive and I had never done it before. But it was actually pretty fun in the end. I actually turned out pretty good at it too!! We stayed down in the bar for a few hours playing another competition where you had to be the first to get a nail all the way into a giant log. After a few drinks that turned out interesting!!
The next day all I wanted was a cruisy relaxing day to chill out. Everything had been such a quick pace that I was so excited to not have to do anything or go anywhere. In the morning me and Laura went into Westendorff with Jaime because she had to go to the doctors, then we had a bit of a look around te town. Austria is amazing. Everything about it was beautiful. All of the big hills, its so green, old houses, flowers everywhere. Its awesome. I know im saying this after every country almost but its my favorite yet!!
That night we were having a 'Tight, Bright and Shiny' party. There were 2 other contiki groups in the gastoff for the night. We all got dressed up and went down to the bar. We had a few pre-drinks to try to make it a bit cheaper for us. So by the time we got to the party we were a bit merry :)
Through the day everyone was really tired, but almost like clockwork, time comes to get ready and everyone really gets into it!!
Some of the outfits were so hilarious. The boys were definitely wearing tight and bright. Most of them had borrowed clothes off the girls which was great. The staff had a few little competitions for boys against girls and sadly boys ended up winning. (Most likely thanks to Donos awesome pole dancing display!!)
As the bars at most of our locations are licenced, you arent allowed to take your own drinks down. Therefore throughout the whole night we would go down and dance, then go upstairs for a few shots before going back down. Seems to be becoming a bit of a pattern for everyone now.
As me and Laura have been sleeping with no sleeping bag the whole tour so far, it is getting colder and colder so I ended up talking one of the bartenders into lending me some blankets. We ended up having a good chat and turns out he was coming to Cairns later in the year too!! Small world.
The next day was an early departure again, they always seem to have party night right before an early departure!!! Cruel.
After a huge night in Venice it was so hard getting up for the bus the next morning!! After I woke up I remembered my bet from the night before, that me and Laura were allowed to wear anything but clothes. I packed everything up and then had one of the guys help me design a dress out of a garbage bag. We even made a belt out of a tie down strap!! It was pretty comfy really but it was hot.
Thankfully I was so tired that I slept for most of the morning on the bus. Our service stop we had to get off the bus. We were too embarassed to go inside, so me and laura sat on the steps near the parking area. Then about 4 buses of tourists arrived and all had to walk past us. It was so embarassing we just sat with our head in our hands...
After services it was off to white water rafting. I decided that it was enough time spent in a garbage bag so I got changed on the bus while the tour manager was getting everyone else organised for their rafting. I had decided at the beginning of the trip not to do the rafting as thats something I can do back home. So we went to the end point to wait for the others. They had a cafe that made goulash and hot dogs and all this yum food. It was so good. We just chilled out for a while and had a bit of a relax.
Once everyone was done, it was only a short trip to the gastoff. It was this cute little place next to a river and a waterfall. Had crazy Austrian decor, bright colors, wierd pictures, lots of wood etc. Just like I imagined. The drive into Austria was amazing. So green and pretty.
We had dinner then went to the bar for a flip cup competition. We were all put in teams and had to compete against each other. It was pretty funny. I didnt want to do it at first, as the boys on my team are quite competitive and I had never done it before. But it was actually pretty fun in the end. I actually turned out pretty good at it too!! We stayed down in the bar for a few hours playing another competition where you had to be the first to get a nail all the way into a giant log. After a few drinks that turned out interesting!!
The next day all I wanted was a cruisy relaxing day to chill out. Everything had been such a quick pace that I was so excited to not have to do anything or go anywhere. In the morning me and Laura went into Westendorff with Jaime because she had to go to the doctors, then we had a bit of a look around te town. Austria is amazing. Everything about it was beautiful. All of the big hills, its so green, old houses, flowers everywhere. Its awesome. I know im saying this after every country almost but its my favorite yet!!
That night we were having a 'Tight, Bright and Shiny' party. There were 2 other contiki groups in the gastoff for the night. We all got dressed up and went down to the bar. We had a few pre-drinks to try to make it a bit cheaper for us. So by the time we got to the party we were a bit merry :)
Through the day everyone was really tired, but almost like clockwork, time comes to get ready and everyone really gets into it!!
Some of the outfits were so hilarious. The boys were definitely wearing tight and bright. Most of them had borrowed clothes off the girls which was great. The staff had a few little competitions for boys against girls and sadly boys ended up winning. (Most likely thanks to Donos awesome pole dancing display!!)
As the bars at most of our locations are licenced, you arent allowed to take your own drinks down. Therefore throughout the whole night we would go down and dance, then go upstairs for a few shots before going back down. Seems to be becoming a bit of a pattern for everyone now.
As me and Laura have been sleeping with no sleeping bag the whole tour so far, it is getting colder and colder so I ended up talking one of the bartenders into lending me some blankets. We ended up having a good chat and turns out he was coming to Cairns later in the year too!! Small world.
The next day was an early departure again, they always seem to have party night right before an early departure!!! Cruel.
Saturday, August 13, 2011
Rome to Venice!!
Day two in Rome was basically a free day. We were all taken into the city by train to the Vatican. Most of the group then did their vatican tour while the rest of us had free time in the city. Me and a few people wandered around looking at markets and slowly making our way from the Vatican to the Spanish Steps. It was really nice and good to just go at our own pace for a change. We were able to stop when we wanted and look at what we wanted.
We got back to the camp around 5.30pm ready for our Whiteboard party night. We all bought white I love Roma t-shirts and made them all into our own style which was fun. Then the aim was to have everyone from our tour leave us a little message. It turned out to be a really cool memento!!
It ended up another big night which ended with the staff actually having to make us leave the dancefloor because the were closing. Turned out to probably be a good thing as the next morning we left early for Venice.
My suitcase seems to have almost doubled in size and now im a little concerned about how I will get everything home. It took ages to pack and im now having to sit on my case to close it. At least in Rome they had a laundry service so I got to get my first washing done since I left Aus (not including me washing my clothes in the shower ever second day!!).
The trip to Venice was a long one. 3 and a half hours back to Florence as well as a 45 minute rest stop. Then 2 hours from Florence to Bologna, where we only got to stop for another 45 minutes. Then 2 more hours onto our site in Venice. We swapped drivers back over in Florence though so Majic is back with us again.
It was a big driving day, but the countryside in this part of Italy is amazing. Rolling hills, old buildings and just so much character!! I love it.
After getting to Venice we didnt have long to settle in before dinner, then we had our beach party!
There were 5 contiki tours currently at this campsite, so we had a bit of a competition at the party which included Sumo wrestling, Tug of War, Oily abs for the men and wet t-shirt for the girls. With cheap drinks and so many people it was always going to be a good night. Before the wet tshirt comp they sprayed all of us with a hose so everyone was soaking!! Considering most of us have 'Contiki cough' probably not a great idea, but seemed like a good idea at the time!!!
The next day in venice we caught a motoscarfi (ferry) over to the actual city. I wasnt doing any optional activities until later that afternoon so I had a free morning.
We went and saw a glass blowing demo in the morning which was pretty cool. But the prices were completely ridiculous... Then we went and got lost in the city. Somehow we ended up lost in the Venice ghetto. I showed someone a map asking where we were, and he pointed to about 5 inches off the map... After some usefull ipod compass assistance, we found our way back in time for a nap in the park.
In the afternoon we met back up for our gondola rides. It was so much fun. We had some champagne and got rowed around the little canals. Me and seren had bubbles to set the scene. It was one of my favorite things yet.
That night was going to be a quiet one, but after the champas on the gondola, we got in the mood again. Needless to say it turned out big once again. I made a bet with the tour manager and old driver that our old driver could beat Joel at a strawpedo. If we won, joel had to spend the next day in his undies. If we lost, me and laura were allowed to wear anything but clothes for the whole next day. Sadly, there was no competition and pete got his butt kicked!!! Therefore it was garbage bag dresses for me and Laura the next day. We got to bed quite late and had another really early start. Its starting to get quite hard to keep up. All we are eating it bread, pasta and carbs. Vegies would be soooo good!!!
We got back to the camp around 5.30pm ready for our Whiteboard party night. We all bought white I love Roma t-shirts and made them all into our own style which was fun. Then the aim was to have everyone from our tour leave us a little message. It turned out to be a really cool memento!!
It ended up another big night which ended with the staff actually having to make us leave the dancefloor because the were closing. Turned out to probably be a good thing as the next morning we left early for Venice.
My suitcase seems to have almost doubled in size and now im a little concerned about how I will get everything home. It took ages to pack and im now having to sit on my case to close it. At least in Rome they had a laundry service so I got to get my first washing done since I left Aus (not including me washing my clothes in the shower ever second day!!).
The trip to Venice was a long one. 3 and a half hours back to Florence as well as a 45 minute rest stop. Then 2 hours from Florence to Bologna, where we only got to stop for another 45 minutes. Then 2 more hours onto our site in Venice. We swapped drivers back over in Florence though so Majic is back with us again.
It was a big driving day, but the countryside in this part of Italy is amazing. Rolling hills, old buildings and just so much character!! I love it.
After getting to Venice we didnt have long to settle in before dinner, then we had our beach party!
There were 5 contiki tours currently at this campsite, so we had a bit of a competition at the party which included Sumo wrestling, Tug of War, Oily abs for the men and wet t-shirt for the girls. With cheap drinks and so many people it was always going to be a good night. Before the wet tshirt comp they sprayed all of us with a hose so everyone was soaking!! Considering most of us have 'Contiki cough' probably not a great idea, but seemed like a good idea at the time!!!
The next day in venice we caught a motoscarfi (ferry) over to the actual city. I wasnt doing any optional activities until later that afternoon so I had a free morning.
We went and saw a glass blowing demo in the morning which was pretty cool. But the prices were completely ridiculous... Then we went and got lost in the city. Somehow we ended up lost in the Venice ghetto. I showed someone a map asking where we were, and he pointed to about 5 inches off the map... After some usefull ipod compass assistance, we found our way back in time for a nap in the park.
In the afternoon we met back up for our gondola rides. It was so much fun. We had some champagne and got rowed around the little canals. Me and seren had bubbles to set the scene. It was one of my favorite things yet.
That night was going to be a quiet one, but after the champas on the gondola, we got in the mood again. Needless to say it turned out big once again. I made a bet with the tour manager and old driver that our old driver could beat Joel at a strawpedo. If we won, joel had to spend the next day in his undies. If we lost, me and laura were allowed to wear anything but clothes for the whole next day. Sadly, there was no competition and pete got his butt kicked!!! Therefore it was garbage bag dresses for me and Laura the next day. We got to bed quite late and had another really early start. Its starting to get quite hard to keep up. All we are eating it bread, pasta and carbs. Vegies would be soooo good!!!
Monday, August 8, 2011
I love Roma :)
Today we got a good sleep in before leaving our camp in Florence. Even though it was a sleep in we were all still really tired so it didnt feel like it, therefore I skipped breakfast to get an extra half an hour in!! Really roughing it now. lol
Almost everyone slept the whole way to Rome. On arriving we came straight into the city to have a look around. We went to the Colosseum and sat there for a little while. Majority of the group went in to have a look through, but a few of us wanted to stay out of the heat and crowds so found a nice shady spot and laid down relaxing. It was awesome. Such a nice backdrop and its good to get a bit of down time.
From there we had a walking tour of the city, but it was so hot and everyone was really tired, so it was kinda pointless. It was kinda rushed and we didnt have time to really stop and appreciate any of it, but we get a free day tomorrow so will hopefully get back to a few of those stops.
We stopped and had dinner quickly and then got taken back to our new campsite on the outskirts of Rome. That brings me to now. Sitting at the 'Bar Market' drinking me 750mls of Nastro Azzuro kicking back.
I love Europe!!! xo
Almost everyone slept the whole way to Rome. On arriving we came straight into the city to have a look around. We went to the Colosseum and sat there for a little while. Majority of the group went in to have a look through, but a few of us wanted to stay out of the heat and crowds so found a nice shady spot and laid down relaxing. It was awesome. Such a nice backdrop and its good to get a bit of down time.
From there we had a walking tour of the city, but it was so hot and everyone was really tired, so it was kinda pointless. It was kinda rushed and we didnt have time to really stop and appreciate any of it, but we get a free day tomorrow so will hopefully get back to a few of those stops.
We stopped and had dinner quickly and then got taken back to our new campsite on the outskirts of Rome. That brings me to now. Sitting at the 'Bar Market' drinking me 750mls of Nastro Azzuro kicking back.
I love Europe!!! xo
Italy Baby!!!!
After leaving for Florence we passed through Nice and Monaco again which was just as beautiful as the first time. We stopped at a French Perfumery to see how it was made. There were some really nice ones which we almost bought, but it still worked out quite expensive so we figured everyone can have key rings for presents instead :)
Once we crossed the border for Italy I was so happy!! That was a moment I have been waiting for, for the last 10 years!! I was dissapointed though when Joel said that now basically every country has open borders, so no more passport stamps :(
It took us around 5 hours or more to get to Pisa which was our first quick stop. Our service stop between France and Pisa was our first real Italian experience. It was a little restaurant that had a pizza shop too. Inside the pizza shop was absolutely mental!! There were people yelling in Italian everywhere and it was packed. It was stressful but amazing all at the same time.
Joel warned us before we got off the bus at Pisa that illegal african souvenier salesman would be at it again in the carpark so not to make eye contact etc. However once we got off the bus, I realised they had every brand name bag replica you could think of. They were only 10 euros... I was so tempted, but I realised that I didnt want to get murdered so just kept walking.
We walked into the Leaning Tower and it was HOT!!! I cant remember who told me it wasnt gonna be too hot, but when I do they will pay for it! haha. Its almost worse than a summer in Cairns.
The leaning tower was quite an amazing thing to see. We took our touristy photos trying to push it etc then had a bit of a look around. We only had half an hour which actually went really quick! I could have had a lot longer there to really appreciate it. Also as it was so hot we were really just keeping in the shade rather than walking around it to get a good look.
After leaving Pisa we only really had about another hour and a half to Florence. Driving through Italy wasnt what I expected at first. From the border until about Pisa was really industrial and looked quite ghetto. But then after Pisa the farms started and the green hills with sunflowers everywhere. Every now and then you would see a random castle here or there. It was getting nicer and nicer the further we went in.
Our campsite was pretty dodgy in Florence. It was built up into a hill so trying to find our room and drag our bags was a bit of a mission. Plus it just seemed to be getting hotter and hotter. We had time to get settled in and freshen up before a quick dinner and then we were going into town for Karaoke.
We got dropped off just on the outskirts of florence and walked into the Red Garter pub. It was a little karaoke bar that was pretty empty at first but soon filled up. They had cheap 1 litre cocktails which were really nice. Almost any flavour you could think of. I just had a few... (litres that is).
Most of the crew had a bit of a sing which was pretty funny. Thankfully I think they turned down the mic a bit so it wasnt as horrible as it couldve been. Everyone started really getting into it and having a bit of a dance.
The taxi ride home was probably my favorite experience in Italy yet. I started talking to him in Italian and he actually understood what I was saying and I could understand him. It was so great! We were talking about Valentino Rossi and he told me how to find his home town. (Not that im some crazy stalker or anything... lol)
The taxi weaved in and out of streets dodging cars and scooters, it was insane! And then he kept turning around to talk to me instead of looking in front!! As scary as it was, it was the best!! Exactly how I pictured Italy.
Florence was beautiful, Sunday morning we were able to go into town for a full day. We didnt really get a chance to look around or appreciate what we saw the night before so it was a good chance to see the sights. I loved all the little streets and alleys. There seems to be no road rules whatsoever!
We started with a little leather making demonstration as part of the tour, but then a few of us left the group to do our own thing. We went and had a nice long lunch at a restauarant, and ate so much pizza and drank nice wine. It was beautiful. The pizza in Italy really is as good as I hoped!! lol. We did a bit of shopping before going to this little bar while waiting for the rest of the group.
We only bought one beer each but then the two barman found us a little private booth and came over talking to us. One of them sat with us for a bit asking about Australia and different things. He went away for a minute, then came back with a free t-shirt he gave to me!! Then a few minutes later they brought over little hot chocolate and cream things for us. They were so lovely and funny!! They were telling us where to go out in Florence and where not to go. Coincidentally the place they told us not to go was the club we were planned to go to that night with the group. They told us where to go instead.
After going back to the campsite for a couple of hours we were taken back into Florence for our group photo and then for a Tuscan dinner. The group photo was taken at this amazing lookout. Then for dinner we were taken to Vecchio Firenze for what turned out to be about a 10 course meal!! It was really nice and we got lots of red wine!! But there was just so much food.
We then were taken to Space Electronic Discoteque, an Italian Club that the barman told us not to go to, but we figured we would go in and get our free drink with the tour just to see what it was like. Joel told us before we went in that in Europe 16 year olds are allowed to be in clubs, just not to drink so be prepared. But when we got in I think our group were the only ones over 18!! It was worse than the barmen from earlier that day had told us.
After such a big dinner though none of us were really in the mood for a big night so we stayed at Space and had a dance for a few hours before getting a taxi home.
Once we got back to the campsite a few of us sat down at the bar for a while just having a chat and a few drinks. We got a bit of a sleep in the next day before heading to Rome.
Our bus driver Majic was due for his scheduled 48 hour rest break so we have a new bus driver for Rome, his name is Peter. Everyone is averaging roughly 5 hours sleep a night and not really eating any vegetables or salad. We eat almost a loaf of bread a day. Even when you order a pizza, they still bring you out a basket of bread!!
Once we crossed the border for Italy I was so happy!! That was a moment I have been waiting for, for the last 10 years!! I was dissapointed though when Joel said that now basically every country has open borders, so no more passport stamps :(
It took us around 5 hours or more to get to Pisa which was our first quick stop. Our service stop between France and Pisa was our first real Italian experience. It was a little restaurant that had a pizza shop too. Inside the pizza shop was absolutely mental!! There were people yelling in Italian everywhere and it was packed. It was stressful but amazing all at the same time.
Joel warned us before we got off the bus at Pisa that illegal african souvenier salesman would be at it again in the carpark so not to make eye contact etc. However once we got off the bus, I realised they had every brand name bag replica you could think of. They were only 10 euros... I was so tempted, but I realised that I didnt want to get murdered so just kept walking.
We walked into the Leaning Tower and it was HOT!!! I cant remember who told me it wasnt gonna be too hot, but when I do they will pay for it! haha. Its almost worse than a summer in Cairns.
The leaning tower was quite an amazing thing to see. We took our touristy photos trying to push it etc then had a bit of a look around. We only had half an hour which actually went really quick! I could have had a lot longer there to really appreciate it. Also as it was so hot we were really just keeping in the shade rather than walking around it to get a good look.
After leaving Pisa we only really had about another hour and a half to Florence. Driving through Italy wasnt what I expected at first. From the border until about Pisa was really industrial and looked quite ghetto. But then after Pisa the farms started and the green hills with sunflowers everywhere. Every now and then you would see a random castle here or there. It was getting nicer and nicer the further we went in.
Our campsite was pretty dodgy in Florence. It was built up into a hill so trying to find our room and drag our bags was a bit of a mission. Plus it just seemed to be getting hotter and hotter. We had time to get settled in and freshen up before a quick dinner and then we were going into town for Karaoke.
We got dropped off just on the outskirts of florence and walked into the Red Garter pub. It was a little karaoke bar that was pretty empty at first but soon filled up. They had cheap 1 litre cocktails which were really nice. Almost any flavour you could think of. I just had a few... (litres that is).
Most of the crew had a bit of a sing which was pretty funny. Thankfully I think they turned down the mic a bit so it wasnt as horrible as it couldve been. Everyone started really getting into it and having a bit of a dance.
The taxi ride home was probably my favorite experience in Italy yet. I started talking to him in Italian and he actually understood what I was saying and I could understand him. It was so great! We were talking about Valentino Rossi and he told me how to find his home town. (Not that im some crazy stalker or anything... lol)
The taxi weaved in and out of streets dodging cars and scooters, it was insane! And then he kept turning around to talk to me instead of looking in front!! As scary as it was, it was the best!! Exactly how I pictured Italy.
Florence was beautiful, Sunday morning we were able to go into town for a full day. We didnt really get a chance to look around or appreciate what we saw the night before so it was a good chance to see the sights. I loved all the little streets and alleys. There seems to be no road rules whatsoever!
We started with a little leather making demonstration as part of the tour, but then a few of us left the group to do our own thing. We went and had a nice long lunch at a restauarant, and ate so much pizza and drank nice wine. It was beautiful. The pizza in Italy really is as good as I hoped!! lol. We did a bit of shopping before going to this little bar while waiting for the rest of the group.
We only bought one beer each but then the two barman found us a little private booth and came over talking to us. One of them sat with us for a bit asking about Australia and different things. He went away for a minute, then came back with a free t-shirt he gave to me!! Then a few minutes later they brought over little hot chocolate and cream things for us. They were so lovely and funny!! They were telling us where to go out in Florence and where not to go. Coincidentally the place they told us not to go was the club we were planned to go to that night with the group. They told us where to go instead.
After going back to the campsite for a couple of hours we were taken back into Florence for our group photo and then for a Tuscan dinner. The group photo was taken at this amazing lookout. Then for dinner we were taken to Vecchio Firenze for what turned out to be about a 10 course meal!! It was really nice and we got lots of red wine!! But there was just so much food.
We then were taken to Space Electronic Discoteque, an Italian Club that the barman told us not to go to, but we figured we would go in and get our free drink with the tour just to see what it was like. Joel told us before we went in that in Europe 16 year olds are allowed to be in clubs, just not to drink so be prepared. But when we got in I think our group were the only ones over 18!! It was worse than the barmen from earlier that day had told us.
After such a big dinner though none of us were really in the mood for a big night so we stayed at Space and had a dance for a few hours before getting a taxi home.
Once we got back to the campsite a few of us sat down at the bar for a while just having a chat and a few drinks. We got a bit of a sleep in the next day before heading to Rome.
Our bus driver Majic was due for his scheduled 48 hour rest break so we have a new bus driver for Rome, his name is Peter. Everyone is averaging roughly 5 hours sleep a night and not really eating any vegetables or salad. We eat almost a loaf of bread a day. Even when you order a pizza, they still bring you out a basket of bread!!
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