Monday, September 17, 2007
And we're off!
After 20 hours in the Dublin airport, we are finally sitting on the plane hopefully headed out soon. Mom Ross we'll call you from the Newark airport.
Sunday, September 16, 2007
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM!
Happy Birthday Mom Myers!! =) I hope you have a wonderful day and get some time to do what you want to do!
Love you tons,
Dusty
Love you tons,
Dusty
Free Roamer
Sleeping in an airport is not comfortable! I have all together given up. Not to mention staying up now will help me get back to a normal Oregon schedule, or atleast that's what I'm telling myself.
Our trip is wrapping up, and trust me being home, in my own bed, with my own car, is going to be amazing! But as I sit here watching Sam attempt to sleep comfortably on 3 hard chairs and a scarf, listening to Elton John's 'The One'. My mind can't help but think about all the funny, ironic, and small things we have experienced and have overcome, that will change our lives in ways we will never imagine. It's another stepping stone we have successfully crossed in life, with the love, care, and full support of all the people in our lives that love and care about us.
The world has just gotten a little smaller, everything we aspire for seems to be in grasp, and if even just for a split second; we feel we own the world, and it feels amazing! Although, sadly I know it will be short lived, no matter how much we fight. For home brings all the great things we are familiar with, but it also brings back the responsibilitys of life. Bills, roomates, school, work... These and all the other stresses of life we are all too familiar with. But out of everything I have learned this trip, the biggest challenge I extended to you all is to put away your calendars, take off your watch, and enjoy a day on your own timeline every now and then. The world won't end, life will wait. It's amazing how everything comes into perspective when you let life's fears stop controlling you and you start mastering your own life!
Our trip is wrapping up, and trust me being home, in my own bed, with my own car, is going to be amazing! But as I sit here watching Sam attempt to sleep comfortably on 3 hard chairs and a scarf, listening to Elton John's 'The One'. My mind can't help but think about all the funny, ironic, and small things we have experienced and have overcome, that will change our lives in ways we will never imagine. It's another stepping stone we have successfully crossed in life, with the love, care, and full support of all the people in our lives that love and care about us.
The world has just gotten a little smaller, everything we aspire for seems to be in grasp, and if even just for a split second; we feel we own the world, and it feels amazing! Although, sadly I know it will be short lived, no matter how much we fight. For home brings all the great things we are familiar with, but it also brings back the responsibilitys of life. Bills, roomates, school, work... These and all the other stresses of life we are all too familiar with. But out of everything I have learned this trip, the biggest challenge I extended to you all is to put away your calendars, take off your watch, and enjoy a day on your own timeline every now and then. The world won't end, life will wait. It's amazing how everything comes into perspective when you let life's fears stop controlling you and you start mastering your own life!
130 euros later...
Okay, we made it through the night, but what a night it was! I will spare everyone the hairy details but basically, by yet another miracle, dusty waited in line last night for over 2 hours and ended up securing the second to last room for the night in all of Dublin and surrounding areas. I'm not even exagerating, he said the lady called over 80 places while he stood there. The lady that found the room for us called around 80 hotels before she found two rooms at the same bed and breakfast. Dusty took one and the guy next to him took the last.
It was an ordeal to get out to Palmerstown but we did and the room we stayed in is a whole other soap opera in itself. we made the best of a bad situation though and reveled in the hot shower we got and the cable tv. We ignored the couple screaming at each other next door, the strong aroma of cigarette smoke and the fact that we thouht we were getting a double bed room but instead got a one twin bed room... To name a few. The whole situation was so ridiculous that at one point I couldn't stop laughing.
Currently, we are sitting at the airport and we've decided to check our bags really early, go waste some time in town, and then, come back to the airport and be airport bums for the night. We figure we'll off set the cost of our lodging last night and crash here since we have to be ready to check in at 730 anyway. We're now in the waiting game and the wasting time game too. Ha. I think we are both ready to come home. See you soon!
P.s. You should see Dublin today! The city is absolute chaos! this afternoon is the rugby championship and the streets are swarmed with fans wearing red and white (cork) and green and yellow (kerry). It's madness. People are drinking in the streets, wandering gangs of fans are singing drunken team songs, flags are waving- all amongst a horrid rain storm and torential winds. Dusty and I aren't so sure we want to go back into town but we might have to just to save our sanity before our very long next 48 hours.
It was an ordeal to get out to Palmerstown but we did and the room we stayed in is a whole other soap opera in itself. we made the best of a bad situation though and reveled in the hot shower we got and the cable tv. We ignored the couple screaming at each other next door, the strong aroma of cigarette smoke and the fact that we thouht we were getting a double bed room but instead got a one twin bed room... To name a few. The whole situation was so ridiculous that at one point I couldn't stop laughing.
Currently, we are sitting at the airport and we've decided to check our bags really early, go waste some time in town, and then, come back to the airport and be airport bums for the night. We figure we'll off set the cost of our lodging last night and crash here since we have to be ready to check in at 730 anyway. We're now in the waiting game and the wasting time game too. Ha. I think we are both ready to come home. See you soon!
P.s. You should see Dublin today! The city is absolute chaos! this afternoon is the rugby championship and the streets are swarmed with fans wearing red and white (cork) and green and yellow (kerry). It's madness. People are drinking in the streets, wandering gangs of fans are singing drunken team songs, flags are waving- all amongst a horrid rain storm and torential winds. Dusty and I aren't so sure we want to go back into town but we might have to just to save our sanity before our very long next 48 hours.
Saturday, September 15, 2007
Minor road bump
Samantha and I recently arrived in Dublin, and thanks to the national rugby championships we have been unable to find ANY place to stay the night. We are on a bus for the airport as I write to see about changing our flight to tomorrow morn. We were told the only room avaliable was this morn and went for 300 euro. Like I said we are headed to the airport to get some more info and will more than likely leave the city to find a hostel.
No need to be concerned, just a minor road bump. We will keep you updated! We have allot of exciting things to tell you that happened today. Stay tuned!! =)
Sam says I should post because you all will worry, don't prove her right... Haha
No need to be concerned, just a minor road bump. We will keep you updated! We have allot of exciting things to tell you that happened today. Stay tuned!! =)
Sam says I should post because you all will worry, don't prove her right... Haha
we're golden
I agree with dusty. This trip has had so many god interventions it's crazy. Another example that dusty was too tired to write about last night was our miracle bus. We had been out having so much fun yesterday that we stopped paying close attention to the bus schedules. Our last stop was the rope bridge and after crossing, we started the long trek back to where the bus stop was SUPPOSED to be, but to our shock, there was none. So with nothing better to do than hike to town, we headed down a random dirt path with our fingers crossed that we could catch a bus there. When we arrived-hallelujah- there was a stop. Literally one minute later, a bus pulls up and the driver informs us she is the last bus of the night! We had just made it. I think we were both shocked and relieved that God had created yet another miracle for us. This entire trip has been such a learning experience for me. I've been stretched and pulled and stressed and it's all taught me how easy it is to just give it all to God and whatever happens- happens! And it's usually exactly what you wanted in the first place.
Right now, dusty and I are on the train- ooo! train for the first time!- and it's awesome! There's so much room, so much more peace and quiet, so much less twisty turny pukey road. It's a bit more expensive but we figure for our last travel day, why not go in luxury? Haha. At this point, even small things have become luxuries: hot showers, a quiet train ride, a big dry towel, a big glass of diet coke with lots of ice- oh ice, how I miss you- or taking your shoes off after walking all day! I'm ready to come home and take a hot shower in my huge bathroom that I could do cartwheels in if I wanted and not have to worry about who is waiting to use the shower after me or how much time I have until the bus comes or exactly how many germs are crawling on me after i've been in these same clothes for five days in a row.
Tonight dusty and I are going to try to go on another pub crawl, this time literary, and then tomorrow we'll bum around town, maybe pick up a few souvenirs before heading home on Monday. Wow, home aleady? Alright, I suppose that's okay.:)
Right now, dusty and I are on the train- ooo! train for the first time!- and it's awesome! There's so much room, so much more peace and quiet, so much less twisty turny pukey road. It's a bit more expensive but we figure for our last travel day, why not go in luxury? Haha. At this point, even small things have become luxuries: hot showers, a quiet train ride, a big dry towel, a big glass of diet coke with lots of ice- oh ice, how I miss you- or taking your shoes off after walking all day! I'm ready to come home and take a hot shower in my huge bathroom that I could do cartwheels in if I wanted and not have to worry about who is waiting to use the shower after me or how much time I have until the bus comes or exactly how many germs are crawling on me after i've been in these same clothes for five days in a row.
Tonight dusty and I are going to try to go on another pub crawl, this time literary, and then tomorrow we'll bum around town, maybe pick up a few souvenirs before heading home on Monday. Wow, home aleady? Alright, I suppose that's okay.:)
Friday, September 14, 2007
The day of 7 busses
OK, although it's almost midnight here, I realize how important it is that I update so you all don't think we are lying in a ditch somewhere dead since it's been 2 whole days since we have written. I know! So unlike us you say.
We are currently in northern Ireland staying in a town called Portstewart. It's a somewhat small, quiet beach town with a fantastic view of the sea. The only downfall is that all the currency is in pounds, and the conversion rate to the dollar is 2:1 so things are getting abit spendy fast. But on the same token this town has also been a Godsend. When we got here yesterday we had no working internet on my phone and we were unable to find a map of the town. Unable to contact a hostel, we figured we would find a bed & breakfast and stay one night and move on. After guessing which bus stop to get off at, we headed into the unknown looking for the B&B's we had passed along the way. We decided on one to head to first. When we arrived (carrying our packs and all) we asked about an avaliable room and the price. The guy told us he had a room and the price was 55 pounds a night (110 dollars). After telling him that was a little high for us, Samantha asked if he knew of any hostles around the area. He pointed down the street 2 houses down and said "that's one right there,the only one in town." Samantha and I both sighed with relief. When we walked in we rang for the hostle keeper, a tall man walked out from a back room and introduced himself and "you must be Dusty and Samantha?" Both of us shocked, we said yes and asked how he knew our names. He told us that the hostle I had tried to book in Portrush was a sister hostle of his and they had passed on my request to him, and he had booked us and was just awaiting our arrival.
This irony continues for the whole time we have been here. We visited Giants Causeway, and Carrick-a-reed rope bridge and every place God has shown us that he is our best travel companion. I wish I had enough energy to share it all tonight, but sadly I'm just praying this makes sense! =)
We are leaving in the morning for Dublin. I think we are going to try the train, but we'll see.
Praise our Lord for He is amazing!!
We are currently in northern Ireland staying in a town called Portstewart. It's a somewhat small, quiet beach town with a fantastic view of the sea. The only downfall is that all the currency is in pounds, and the conversion rate to the dollar is 2:1 so things are getting abit spendy fast. But on the same token this town has also been a Godsend. When we got here yesterday we had no working internet on my phone and we were unable to find a map of the town. Unable to contact a hostel, we figured we would find a bed & breakfast and stay one night and move on. After guessing which bus stop to get off at, we headed into the unknown looking for the B&B's we had passed along the way. We decided on one to head to first. When we arrived (carrying our packs and all) we asked about an avaliable room and the price. The guy told us he had a room and the price was 55 pounds a night (110 dollars). After telling him that was a little high for us, Samantha asked if he knew of any hostles around the area. He pointed down the street 2 houses down and said "that's one right there,the only one in town." Samantha and I both sighed with relief. When we walked in we rang for the hostle keeper, a tall man walked out from a back room and introduced himself and "you must be Dusty and Samantha?" Both of us shocked, we said yes and asked how he knew our names. He told us that the hostle I had tried to book in Portrush was a sister hostle of his and they had passed on my request to him, and he had booked us and was just awaiting our arrival.
This irony continues for the whole time we have been here. We visited Giants Causeway, and Carrick-a-reed rope bridge and every place God has shown us that he is our best travel companion. I wish I had enough energy to share it all tonight, but sadly I'm just praying this makes sense! =)
We are leaving in the morning for Dublin. I think we are going to try the train, but we'll see.
Praise our Lord for He is amazing!!
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
PICTURES!
Holy moley! We figured out how to add pictures to our blog so we went back and did some updating. Check them out. They are only a few highlights of the million of pictures we have already taken but we figure a few is better than none and now is better than never...In this lower picture, the red building is the one we are staying in. The top picture is of me, exhausted, after a long day of surfing. It was my first time ever in the Atlantic Ocean and I think I drank half of it! I got up my on board several times but it helps when you have a cute instructor that you want to impress. Haha. :) Most of the time, after standing up on my board for a few seconds, I promptly face planted back into the ocean, but at least I had a few moments of glory. **Sadly, there were no pictures taken during our surfing expedition. We didn't want to risk getting too much salt water on our cameras and there was no one to take our picture at the beach. Even if we did have pictures, they would mostly be of us falling or crashing or biting or drowning... but we promise we actually went. We'll prove it to you all when we come home and buy surfboards and rock the Oregon coast with our surfing expertise.**
Another important update is that Dusty and I did laundry for the first time today! I have to say, having clean laundry is wonderful! Also, we made a plan (finally!) about what we're doing tomorrow. We're taking the advice of Killian, another surf instructor we met, and we're headed to Port Rush so we can see Giant's Causeway and walk across the Carrick-a-rede Rope Bridge and then get the heck out of EXPENSIVE North Ireland. We'll attempt to continue posting pictures but no promises!
xoxoxoxoxox
Hang-ten dudes!
Samantha and I recently got off the beach from catching major waves. To all the mothers out there skip this next part...
**MOTHERS SKIP**
**MOTHERS SKIP**
Ok now that we have gotten rid of them, Sam and I both want to buy our own surfboards and start surfing off the beaches of Oregon! We can't wait!!!!
**MOTHERS COME BACK**
**MOTHERS COME BACK**
Welcome back worry-wart mothers, you better not have read that last part, trust me I will find out if you did! Surfing was a blast, and Patrick, our surf instructor was so much help. We went over balancing on the board, how to stand on our knees, and how to get up on our feet. We also went over the type of rip currents and where they are mostly located at on the particular beach we were on. After doing a few pratice routines in the sand we ventured out into the water to grow our webb feet. I must admit after being in the water for 1 1/2 hours it was definetly time to come in. Surfing is exhausting!
The water was suprisingly warm and VERY salty. I think my blood pressure went up almost the second I stepped in. Our boards were approx 8' long and after trecking down the path to access the beach they became quite heavy. Of course Samantha being a GIRL and having a pre-surfing flirt session with Patrick he ended up carrying her board for her... lame! I tried pawning my board off on him also but I guess I'm just not as cute... pshaw!
This town reminds me of Seaside, it's very touristy(sp?). It has a sky swing, mini golf, arcades, ect ect ect. Also the difference between low tide and high tide is very evident. The sad part is when a good photo momment arrives, you have so much trash in the picture that it destroys the scenery. They are not very clean around here, but I'll bet you would be able to say the same thing about the States if they didn't have road and beach clean-up days.
Also I'm not sure what horrific thing you guys did to Samantha when she was young, but I have come to the conclusion that she is afraid of the dark.The B&B we are staying in is the beautiful house with these narrow staircases that are slightly ill'lit until Sam arrives, then every possible light switch in the vacinity get's the flip (slang for turned on). I'll bet we used more electricity in this single house last night than the whole rest of the town combined, and that was just for light! Luckily they don't have electric heaters or they might force us to pay the electric bill this month.
Mom, I'm so glad your surgery went well and that they actually found something that can help you out. I love you and I'm praying that this will be the final flag thrown in your headache battle. Stacey, I'm sure like Mom this is a recovery day for you. =) I hope you had a wonderful 21st birthday!!
Hopefully this e-mail makes some sense and is somewhat elegible. I'm on a computer keyboard for the first time since I left the states, my fingers are all wrinkly, and the @ sign is over next to the return key. Also the return key is cut short and doesn't make a backward 'L' shape like I'm used to. I guess they have more keys in Ireland that they have to make room for on the keyboard, there must be a 'slang' key somewhere... weridos!
**MOTHERS SKIP**
**MOTHERS SKIP**
Ok now that we have gotten rid of them, Sam and I both want to buy our own surfboards and start surfing off the beaches of Oregon! We can't wait!!!!
**MOTHERS COME BACK**
**MOTHERS COME BACK**
Welcome back worry-wart mothers, you better not have read that last part, trust me I will find out if you did! Surfing was a blast, and Patrick, our surf instructor was so much help. We went over balancing on the board, how to stand on our knees, and how to get up on our feet. We also went over the type of rip currents and where they are mostly located at on the particular beach we were on. After doing a few pratice routines in the sand we ventured out into the water to grow our webb feet. I must admit after being in the water for 1 1/2 hours it was definetly time to come in. Surfing is exhausting!
The water was suprisingly warm and VERY salty. I think my blood pressure went up almost the second I stepped in. Our boards were approx 8' long and after trecking down the path to access the beach they became quite heavy. Of course Samantha being a GIRL and having a pre-surfing flirt session with Patrick he ended up carrying her board for her... lame! I tried pawning my board off on him also but I guess I'm just not as cute... pshaw!
This town reminds me of Seaside, it's very touristy(sp?). It has a sky swing, mini golf, arcades, ect ect ect. Also the difference between low tide and high tide is very evident. The sad part is when a good photo momment arrives, you have so much trash in the picture that it destroys the scenery. They are not very clean around here, but I'll bet you would be able to say the same thing about the States if they didn't have road and beach clean-up days.
Also I'm not sure what horrific thing you guys did to Samantha when she was young, but I have come to the conclusion that she is afraid of the dark.The B&B we are staying in is the beautiful house with these narrow staircases that are slightly ill'lit until Sam arrives, then every possible light switch in the vacinity get's the flip (slang for turned on). I'll bet we used more electricity in this single house last night than the whole rest of the town combined, and that was just for light! Luckily they don't have electric heaters or they might force us to pay the electric bill this month.
Mom, I'm so glad your surgery went well and that they actually found something that can help you out. I love you and I'm praying that this will be the final flag thrown in your headache battle. Stacey, I'm sure like Mom this is a recovery day for you. =) I hope you had a wonderful 21st birthday!!
Hopefully this e-mail makes some sense and is somewhat elegible. I'm on a computer keyboard for the first time since I left the states, my fingers are all wrinkly, and the @ sign is over next to the return key. Also the return key is cut short and doesn't make a backward 'L' shape like I'm used to. I guess they have more keys in Ireland that they have to make room for on the keyboard, there must be a 'slang' key somewhere... weridos!
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
HAPPY 21st BIRTHDAY STACEY!!! Don't get too crazy tonight, although I'm sure it will be forced upon you! =) Be safe and have a blast!!
...and we talk like this all day!
We made it to bundoran this morning at half past 12. Talk about Oregon in Ireland! We're right on the coast this time and the best way I can describe our environment is imagine being on the Oregon coast on a gloomy fall day. The town is super quiet but Patrick, the guy who is leading our surf lesson tomorrow and who checked us into our b&b, said it was crazy last week but everyone has gone back to school. He also said it might just be dusty and I tomorrow at the lesson which would be awesome because I'm sure I'm going to need a lot of one on one attention from the Irish boy downstairs named Patrick. Haha. Just kidding! The best part about our room is that we have it all to ourselves and our very own huge bathroom! Well, huge in comparison to the little loos we've had in the past. Tiny little shared loos, at that.
We'll be headed out surfing tomorrow morning around 930 so that means wake up around 130am your time and start praying for all the sharks in irelend to go on holiday to Scotland and leave us alone!
Alright, dusty and I are off to explore bundoran! cheers!
We'll be headed out surfing tomorrow morning around 930 so that means wake up around 130am your time and start praying for all the sharks in irelend to go on holiday to Scotland and leave us alone!
Alright, dusty and I are off to explore bundoran! cheers!
Monday, September 10, 2007
who wears short shorts?
Galway is beautiful. Dusty and I are definitely fans. The hostel is one of our favorites but it's really loud. We're right next to a crazy intersection and the cherry on top was when the recycling man came through and dumped all the glass garbage into the truck. On top of more glass. It was so ear-bleeding loud that it woke everyone up in the room. OH by the way, we're in a room with eight other people. But it hasn't been bad at all.
Last night, we started walking downtown and it was really nice out so dusty had on his shorts. All of sudden, this little old man walks up to dusty and says,"did you grow up too fast?" and dusty says, "um, no, why?" and the old guy says, "because it looks like you grew out of your pants!" this whole conversation happened in the course of thirty seconds. It was hilarious and totally random.
Today was so much fun! Dusty and I decided to take a tour bus to county Clare. We saw a ton of cool things like the aillee caves, the burren, one of the oldest burial tombs in Ireland, and the incredible cliffs of moher! Yes, we have taken lots of pictures and yes, we are having a great time.
What's crazy is it hasn't rained at all since we've been here. The locals are calling it an Indian summer but I think it's my Mom who has been praying for good weather. And congratulations to dusty's mom who has recently learned how to access this blog and has joined the commenting fun.
Tomorrow, we are destined for another long bus trip to bundoran where on Thursday we will learn to surf! We will keep you updated and know that we miss you all a lot and wish you could be here.
Cheers!
Last night, we started walking downtown and it was really nice out so dusty had on his shorts. All of sudden, this little old man walks up to dusty and says,"did you grow up too fast?" and dusty says, "um, no, why?" and the old guy says, "because it looks like you grew out of your pants!" this whole conversation happened in the course of thirty seconds. It was hilarious and totally random.
Today was so much fun! Dusty and I decided to take a tour bus to county Clare. We saw a ton of cool things like the aillee caves, the burren, one of the oldest burial tombs in Ireland, and the incredible cliffs of moher! Yes, we have taken lots of pictures and yes, we are having a great time.
What's crazy is it hasn't rained at all since we've been here. The locals are calling it an Indian summer but I think it's my Mom who has been praying for good weather. And congratulations to dusty's mom who has recently learned how to access this blog and has joined the commenting fun.
Tomorrow, we are destined for another long bus trip to bundoran where on Thursday we will learn to surf! We will keep you updated and know that we miss you all a lot and wish you could be here.
Cheers!
Galway (City of the Tribes)
Although yesterday was mostly travel, we were way too exhausted to update. We made a bit of a mistake and headed to Galway before Doolin, so Doolin has been scratched off the travel plans. We are sitting on the bus headed to Co. Clare to see the Cliffs of Moher and other sites. This is an all day event so we will be staying in Galway once again tonight then headed to Bundoran for our surfing lessons at Turf'n'surf.
We are taking lots of pictures, Sam is staying safe, we found when you put purell hand sanitizer on your lips you get drunk, and, Matthew;Ireland is famous for their whisky, not scotch, and no you aren't getting any!
We are taking lots of pictures, Sam is staying safe, we found when you put purell hand sanitizer on your lips you get drunk, and, Matthew;Ireland is famous for their whisky, not scotch, and no you aren't getting any!
Saturday, September 8, 2007
Greetings from Blarney Castle
Eloquence is now Sam and my middle names. After taking the self guided tour through Blarney Castle, we found ourselves at the top laying down to kiss the stone. This was somewhat amusing as some elderly, who were having troubles just getting to the stone, were trying to lay on their backs and slide down to kiss the stone. But I guess why hike to the top of the castle if you don't do the one thing you hiked up there to do! The grounds in front of the castle are beautiful, yet have an erie feeling to them. I now have a much greater understanding why and how fairy-tales were written and told. Sam walked the wishing steps both up and down, backwards, with her eyes closed, the tale says if you do this while thinking about your wish the whole time, that the wish will come true within a year. I guess we'll see!
I'm enjoying Cork much more than Dublin. There is allot more room everywhere you go, and the people are much more friendly too. It,s a very modern city but has managed to hold on to the old city feel. The central shopping area of town has large streets with allot of activity. In the middle of the street there are reflectors that have lights in them that change colors along with poles on the sides, approx waist high that have multiple lights that change colors too. It's very cool! We ate Mexican food last night and who knows what we will fall across tonight. This morn we went to English Market to browse the shops and grab breakfast. Sam has gotten into the habit of comparing everything she sees to what she has seen in the US. The English Market was the Seattle Fish Market and Blarney Castle was Enchanted Forest! We are working on breaking the habit! =) Sam is going to try and post some pics later tonight, till then stay classy!
I'm enjoying Cork much more than Dublin. There is allot more room everywhere you go, and the people are much more friendly too. It,s a very modern city but has managed to hold on to the old city feel. The central shopping area of town has large streets with allot of activity. In the middle of the street there are reflectors that have lights in them that change colors along with poles on the sides, approx waist high that have multiple lights that change colors too. It's very cool! We ate Mexican food last night and who knows what we will fall across tonight. This morn we went to English Market to browse the shops and grab breakfast. Sam has gotten into the habit of comparing everything she sees to what she has seen in the US. The English Market was the Seattle Fish Market and Blarney Castle was Enchanted Forest! We are working on breaking the habit! =) Sam is going to try and post some pics later tonight, till then stay classy!
Goodness gracious, great blogs of fire!
Yesterday, yesterday, yesterday.
Yesterday was a huge travel day. After waking up at about 8 and getting ready to get our booties out of that crazy castle, we found out the next bus to Kilkenny didn't come until 11:50! We entertained ourselves in the dining room by playing video games (dusty) and reading dirty UK celebrity gossip magazines (samantha). Then around 11, we wandered down the gravel path again to the bus stop where we played Ball Bearing Soccer- which is basically a game that consists of trying to kick a ball bearing through two goal posts made of straw that blow away when any large truck drives by.
When we finally arrived in Kilkenny, about about 12:30, we found out the next bus to Cork didn't come until 2:30. So we got something to eat and kicked around town for awhile. However, it's hard to "kick around town" when you're carrying a huge and heavy backpack.
The bus ride to Cork wasn't so bad but I swear, every bus ride you take in Ireland is down crazy small winding roads and when you get into the tiny towns the bus driver has to stop and go and stop and go.... most bus rides make me car sick. (Speaking of which, on our bus ride from Dublin to Kilkenny, some lady across the way from me started puking in her bag! It was so gross and thankfully, our stop was about ten minutes away. I was getting nautious. I know Cindra would have loved to be with me right then... hahaha).
The bus ride to Cork was about two hours because we arrived in Cork at 5:30. Finding our hostel was a breeze. We're staying at Bru Bar and Hostel... by the time we arrived, lots of people were congragating at the bar for the big football game last night. We checked in, cleaned up and went out to find something for dinner. The town of Cork is beautiful and much less crowded than Dublin, which is really nice. It's very progressive and very fashionista... sometimes you can fool youself that you're really in Santa Monica.
Today, Dusty and I are off to the Blarney Castle and to kiss the Blarney stone! We're also going to go see the English Market and eat some pig feet! Haha. Just kidding... I think.
Until next time. ;) <3>
Yesterday was a huge travel day. After waking up at about 8 and getting ready to get our booties out of that crazy castle, we found out the next bus to Kilkenny didn't come until 11:50! We entertained ourselves in the dining room by playing video games (dusty) and reading dirty UK celebrity gossip magazines (samantha). Then around 11, we wandered down the gravel path again to the bus stop where we played Ball Bearing Soccer- which is basically a game that consists of trying to kick a ball bearing through two goal posts made of straw that blow away when any large truck drives by.
When we finally arrived in Kilkenny, about about 12:30, we found out the next bus to Cork didn't come until 2:30. So we got something to eat and kicked around town for awhile. However, it's hard to "kick around town" when you're carrying a huge and heavy backpack.
The bus ride to Cork wasn't so bad but I swear, every bus ride you take in Ireland is down crazy small winding roads and when you get into the tiny towns the bus driver has to stop and go and stop and go.... most bus rides make me car sick. (Speaking of which, on our bus ride from Dublin to Kilkenny, some lady across the way from me started puking in her bag! It was so gross and thankfully, our stop was about ten minutes away. I was getting nautious. I know Cindra would have loved to be with me right then... hahaha).
The bus ride to Cork was about two hours because we arrived in Cork at 5:30. Finding our hostel was a breeze. We're staying at Bru Bar and Hostel... by the time we arrived, lots of people were congragating at the bar for the big football game last night. We checked in, cleaned up and went out to find something for dinner. The town of Cork is beautiful and much less crowded than Dublin, which is really nice. It's very progressive and very fashionista... sometimes you can fool youself that you're really in Santa Monica.
Today, Dusty and I are off to the Blarney Castle and to kiss the Blarney stone! We're also going to go see the English Market and eat some pig feet! Haha. Just kidding... I think.
Until next time. ;) <3>
Friday, September 7, 2007
Rubbish ghosts of marketing
Sadly I have to say the death threats i've received if Samantha doesn't come home in one piece are more scary than the castle we stayed in last night. Although very beautiful and we got many great pics, I think it's haunted resident works for a marketing company. Right now we are waiting for the bus to Cork to start the next leg of our adventure. Stay tuned...
Thursday, September 6, 2007
Hop on the bus, Gus.
So, we aren't dead in case you were worried. Today has just been a long day and there has not been any time for blog maintainance.
This morning, Dusty and I got the heck out of Dublin. It was about a two hour ride into Kilkenny and as the bus drove on dusty and I got some amazing views of the south eastern Irish countryside. We were ecstatic to see our surroundings change, since we were not really digging the big city.
Once we got into kilkenny, we dropped our bags off at the train station and hit the town. Kilkenny is very much a shopping district but it is not as posh as Dublin. The coolest thing about the town has to be the giant castle right in the center of town. Can you guess the name? That's right! Kilkenny Castle! Dusty and I toured the grounds, which were incredible, and we even explored the graveyard.
Speaking of which, I am currently updating from my bunk bed at Foulksrath castle! Dusty and I are occupying two of the ten beds in the room, no one else is here... At least, no one else is staying in our room. The castle is way out in the country so the bus that dropped us off had to drop us quite a way out. We walked about a quater of a mile to the castle, past cows grazing and great green fields, and checked in with no problems. It's very self serve here so it was up to us to explore on our own. So far, so good. I'm hanging tough but I swear, first weird occurance and I'm so out of here.
Tomorrow, we catch a bus for Cork. Cork is supposed to be much like Dublin so we'll see how we like it. I'm just excited to stay in a hostel without spider webs hanging from every corner, especially when all the prime real estate seems to be right over my bed. Stupid bugs.
P.s. Mom Ross... Your praying for good weather is working! We've had incredible weather everywhere we've gone so far. Today it was seventy five!
This morning, Dusty and I got the heck out of Dublin. It was about a two hour ride into Kilkenny and as the bus drove on dusty and I got some amazing views of the south eastern Irish countryside. We were ecstatic to see our surroundings change, since we were not really digging the big city.
Once we got into kilkenny, we dropped our bags off at the train station and hit the town. Kilkenny is very much a shopping district but it is not as posh as Dublin. The coolest thing about the town has to be the giant castle right in the center of town. Can you guess the name? That's right! Kilkenny Castle! Dusty and I toured the grounds, which were incredible, and we even explored the graveyard.
Speaking of which, I am currently updating from my bunk bed at Foulksrath castle! Dusty and I are occupying two of the ten beds in the room, no one else is here... At least, no one else is staying in our room. The castle is way out in the country so the bus that dropped us off had to drop us quite a way out. We walked about a quater of a mile to the castle, past cows grazing and great green fields, and checked in with no problems. It's very self serve here so it was up to us to explore on our own. So far, so good. I'm hanging tough but I swear, first weird occurance and I'm so out of here.
Tomorrow, we catch a bus for Cork. Cork is supposed to be much like Dublin so we'll see how we like it. I'm just excited to stay in a hostel without spider webs hanging from every corner, especially when all the prime real estate seems to be right over my bed. Stupid bugs.
P.s. Mom Ross... Your praying for good weather is working! We've had incredible weather everywhere we've gone so far. Today it was seventy five!
Wednesday, September 5, 2007
Musical bars
So we wrote an awesome blog earlier when we were catching our breath at the Guinness factory, and miss antzy pants Samantha had to go downstairs and browse the gift shop and we lost it all on the trip. This normally wouldn't matter but we are updating on the fly from my phone so it takes forever to type out everything. And that is why the score is Samantha:-1 Dusty:0
Isn't fun to upset Samantha and make her feel guilty?? =)
Now that I'm off my soap box, last night we found out why hostels are the cheap way to stay. Our infamous Chicago style roomates stumbled in at 4am a little on the loud side. Rise and shine at 8:30am (12:30pm for you normal timers) but not by choice, let's just assume these boys were never taught to utilize their inside voices.
After Sam almost burnt down our hostel... Twice! I sat her down and we had a little talk about European power outlets. The charred straightner will never be the same as it hangs out the window of the hostel. We figured if the Irish can hang their underwear everywhere we can hang our flaming garbage.
Later that morning we made a very wise purchase for the Dublin tour busses. We saw many historic Irish sites, including but not limited to, Marion Park, Christ Church Cathedral, Saint Steven's Green, and the Guinness brewery. As I type this we are awaiting the start of our musical pub crawl where we will hit Irish pubs with a musical group at our side.
Quickly I must tell you how much we love reading your comments and are working our hardest to keep you updated when we have down time. We are still working on uploading pics, but we are having trouble accessing the blog site on European servers.
With that, we are leaving for Kilkenny tomorrow morn to stay in a haunted castle tomorrow night. Well the music just started so I'm off!
Isn't fun to upset Samantha and make her feel guilty?? =)
Now that I'm off my soap box, last night we found out why hostels are the cheap way to stay. Our infamous Chicago style roomates stumbled in at 4am a little on the loud side. Rise and shine at 8:30am (12:30pm for you normal timers) but not by choice, let's just assume these boys were never taught to utilize their inside voices.
After Sam almost burnt down our hostel... Twice! I sat her down and we had a little talk about European power outlets. The charred straightner will never be the same as it hangs out the window of the hostel. We figured if the Irish can hang their underwear everywhere we can hang our flaming garbage.
Later that morning we made a very wise purchase for the Dublin tour busses. We saw many historic Irish sites, including but not limited to, Marion Park, Christ Church Cathedral, Saint Steven's Green, and the Guinness brewery. As I type this we are awaiting the start of our musical pub crawl where we will hit Irish pubs with a musical group at our side.
Quickly I must tell you how much we love reading your comments and are working our hardest to keep you updated when we have down time. We are still working on uploading pics, but we are having trouble accessing the blog site on European servers.
With that, we are leaving for Kilkenny tomorrow morn to stay in a haunted castle tomorrow night. Well the music just started so I'm off!
Tuesday, September 4, 2007
You'll never believe it. Here Dusty and I sit at Hard Rock Cafe in Dublin, yeah we're eatting at Hard Rock, what of it?! When a song came on one of the flat screens. It was by Jack White, called Portland Oregon. Just goes to show you that no matter how far you roam, your home will always find you. Dusty and I are off to roam the pubs of Dublin tonight, but going to bed early so we can fit in a full day of sight seeing tomorrow. P.S. We met our roommates, their names our Patrick and Nick. Their from Chicago, they flew here for the weekend, ya...
Starbucks... home
If we said that today has been a long day I would be lying. I'm so tired I don't even have the energy to think of a creative adjective to use, so we will let you come up with your own. We have been up for 22+ hours, 11 of which was on an airplane, we are in a country that is unlike Cheers 'where everybody knows your name' and currently sitting in a Starbucks, which has become our US embassy, trying to get a little energy to enjoy our day. All we want to do is take a nap but when we finally found our hostle and got checked in, we were informed that we can't get into our room for another 2 hours, on top of that we are afraid that the ADD kid from Florida we met when we were checking in is going to be in our room. But we refuse to let it get the best of us. We are holding strong for you all!
Monday, September 3, 2007
Thanks high-five
As I sit here in a pool of my own sweat, I will give s word to the wise, if you have a close in time back to back layover, get seats towards the front of the plane.People are always slow and inconsiderate when you are in a hurry. Now that Sam and I have ran most of the length of terminal C at Newark airport, we are reflecting on the kind shuttle driver that allowed us to make our flight. Thanks high-five! Off to Dublin we are!
BOOP!
After losing the picture zombie at the security gate **cough** Sheri Ross... We boarded our plane, upon sitting we were after filled with rage to find no TV's in the back of our seats. So for entertainment sake we took this picture...
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