Chicago is one of the (few) cities in the US that can support hostels, so due to their lower costs, excellent locations, and tourism support I decided to go that route. As is often the case, wandering the streets alone was replaced by more social activities, which certainly changes the dynamic of the experience.
Continue reading Keep jumping from rock to rock, for the rest of my life, until they’re not any rocks left?All posts by Mike
You don’t win. You just do a little better each time.
Since I’ve driven across the US once and flown a few times, I decided it was time to complete the Planes, Trains, and Automobiles trifecta. Amtrak’s USA Rail Pass gives you 10 segments (rides, basically) over the course of 30 days for $499. Which might save you a little money, but what it certainly does is helps structure a trip.
Continue reading You don’t win. You just do a little better each time.
In the end, when it’s over, all that matters is what you’ve done
With COVID gaining steam and looking like it was trending towards becoming a global pandemic, I thought to myself “where is a chill place I can wait this out?” And while the proximity certainly had something to do with it, I thought of my time on the Moroccan coast and decided I’d just go there “until it blew over.”
Continue reading In the end, when it’s over, all that matters is what you’ve done
All that remains is dreammaking and strange remembrance
I started the year where anyone dreams of being in January: the cold, dark capital of Finland. As affordable as the flights are to get there from New York, it isn’t enough incentive to get me to stay long.
Continue reading All that remains is dreammaking and strange remembrance
To live is to war with trolls
With my project in Estonia moving at a snail’s pace, towards the end of November I once again agreed with my team to go remote until the project was ready to go live. So where to go? Since I had all my cold weather clothes, I figured I’d keep it cold and go even farther north. I’ve seen the Northern Lights before, but there was something intriguing to me about going up to the Arctic Circle for a couple weeks before heading home for the holidays.
Continue reading To live is to war with trolls
Never leave fish to find fish
After a not so memorable stint back in Tallinn that lacks enough substance for a post, I headed to Jordan to meet my brother for a couple weeks of being a tourist. Famously home to Petra, Jordan frequents the bucket list of a lot of avid travelers. With my brother forced to take more traditional American vacations, we organized what resembles a pretty normal vacation. Well, the cheap version of a normal vacation.
Continue reading Never leave fish to find fish
As sweet and clear as moonlight through the pines
I enjoyed my first trip to Georgia, but happening in late fall and early winter the conditions weren’t the best to see the mountains and nature it has to offer. I loved it regardless, so the wine, food, and the prices of everything were another good reason to come back. Visiting in July this time, tourist activity would be a bit higher and I’d have an opportunity to see some things I had missed on the first go. Continue reading As sweet and clear as moonlight through the pines
That test you passed… not everybody does. Welcome to the afterlife.
As the years ware on, I get increasingly worse about taking photos. Like, really bad. I have so many nice pictures from my first trip to Estonia; I guess that’s why I figured I didn’t need to take any more of the main attractions. It’s not as if they’ve changed much in 3 years. But anyways, I flew to Estonia to start a job, to actually move to a place and have a sense of permanence for the first time in years. Continue reading That test you passed… not everybody does. Welcome to the afterlife.
I paint flowers so they will not die.
Going into 2019, I was in the mood for familiarity. It just wasn’t the time for ambition, so rather than navigate deeper into South America or try to deal with the Wifi at some seaside town, I opted to keep it simple and put myself in a position to live near the beach and get some work done. So for the first few months, Playa del Carmen (so the family could come down and get their dive certifications) and Mérida (for after they leave, because I heard it was chill) were going to be the major basecamps. Continue reading I paint flowers so they will not die.
I’d like to live as a poor man with lots of money
Whenever I go to Spain, I seem to be too emotionally exhausted to do it properly. Egypt had tired me out a bit, and since my passport was nearly full my options were limited. So, I opted to finish out the year by spending a month in the South of Spain. Well, a bit in the South of Spain, and then Madrid. Continue reading I’d like to live as a poor man with lots of money
Listen to your convictions, even if they seem absurd to your reason.
In the spirit of living by one of my personal rules, “when debating multiple options, choose the more adventurous one”, I decided to go to Egypt. It wasn’t really even on my radar, but then I was looking at flights and there it was so why not. I spent the better part of the days preceding my flight getting mentally prepared for the hectic, relentless badgering that seems to take place in Arab countries. Continue reading Listen to your convictions, even if they seem absurd to your reason.
Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love.
Ah, Macedonia, the second to last Eastern European country I haven’t been to. Had to visit before they changed their name to North Macedonia to appease Greece. They voted on it while I was staying there, and the vote failed. So Macedonia it is, and no NATO. Continue reading Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love.
Wanna thrive in the dust of the universe
After I got dad on a plane (actually he got himself there via tram super early so I didn’t even wake up), I decided to stay in Prague for another week since I liked it better this time. The apartment was really nice, and having a beer garden a 5 minute walk away is handy too. Continue reading Wanna thrive in the dust of the universe
Oooh, that’s a bingo! Is that the way you say it? “That’s a bingo?”
Dad and I ditched the dead weight and continued our journey North, into the tourist masses of central Europe during the summer. We started with a very expensive train ride through the mountains of Northern Italy to Madrid. Continue reading Oooh, that’s a bingo! Is that the way you say it? “That’s a bingo?”
You write, I tour, we make it work
Since this is primarily for my family, I’ve been really bad about writing this one, because after all they were all there. So here I am, like 8 months later vividly and accurately recalling all the good times we had without aid from anything but my memory. And by that, I mean reconstructing what we did from these pictures (most pictures that I have stolen from the family). Continue reading You write, I tour, we make it work
If i could run across the beach into my own arms I would
I’m writing this about 5 months after the fact, so expect it to be a combination of poorly remembered things and complete fabrications. But I’ve been posting on here for years, so it would be a pity if I didn’t at least make a minimal effort. At least for this one, I’ve got pictures. Continue reading If i could run across the beach into my own arms I would
Come freely. Go safely; and leave something of the happiness you bring
Despite its nice parks, Bucharest was still a bit urban for my liking, and I was happy to escape. Away from Wallachia and into Transylvania. Super excited about that, as I’m just a huge Twilight fan. It’s like Dracula, but better. So what better way to celebrate one of the greatest novels/movies of the century than to visit the famed motherland of the vampires.
Continue reading Come freely. Go safely; and leave something of the happiness you bring
We must always take sides. Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim.
Ambition really strikes when ordering plane tickets, and that ambition lead me to think it was a good idea to do a double red eye. First, from Rio to Lisbon, where I would spend a day, and then from Lisbon to Bucharest, where I’d stay for a while. I still think it’s a nice idea in theory – Lisbon is a great city to spend a day – but it definitely makes for a tiring trip. Continue reading We must always take sides. Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim.
No mistakes in the tango, darling, not like life.
If you’re considering visiting Buenos Aires in January and February, don’t. It’s too hot. Lots of sweating, which is especially bad since I’m a disgusting waste of life who sits in his own filth most of the time, only washing his clothes like once a month. But what am I going to do, pay the laundry lady $10 every week to wash them? Rich get richer? I don’t think so. Continue reading No mistakes in the tango, darling, not like life.
I will come again, and I will be millions
In accordance with my plan for the year, I’ve parked myself in Buenos Aires for almost the next three months. Because traveling is tiring, and I’ve been at it for a while. The theory is, I’ll have a bit more consistency, can develop some decent habits, catch up on work, and be part of a community. My AirBnb is in San Telmo, which is probably the third most popular district for expats – more of an artsy area than the typical “gringo ghetto” that pops up in these major South American cities. Continue reading I will come again, and I will be millions
I like looking at everything from far away, except you.
My annoying-on-paper flight from Buffalo to Charlotte to Miami to Lima to Montevideo went about as smoothly as I could have hoped. My Lima to Montevideo flight was scheduled to take off at 11:59pm, but we ended up watching fireworks from the runway for a few minutes before taking off. It was interesting to see New Years from the sky, and fireworks aren’t really shot very high. Continue reading I like looking at everything from far away, except you.
Are you not entertained? Is this not why you are here?
After a few days of night buses, uncomfortable camel rides, and cold desert tents, I was looking forward to sleeping at a normal time in a normal bed again. Entering Essaouira was like entering a twilight zone – not a single person talked to us as we walked through the markets complete with our backpacks and suitcases. Very pleasant. It seems being left alone is all that is necessary for me to like a place these days. Continue reading Are you not entertained? Is this not why you are here?
This is a precious moment. It is a little parenthesis in eternity.
For whatever reason, it didn’t occur to me when wandering my way onto the ferry from my sleepy Spanish surf town that when I wandered off things would be much different. So landing in Tangier, Morocco, was a bit of an assault on my world. Port cities are never really great (Belfast), and Tangier appeared to be no exception, although it grew on me in the fleeting moments of my time there. Continue reading This is a precious moment. It is a little parenthesis in eternity.
We leave something of ourselves behind when we leave a place, we stay there, even though we go away.
From Porto, I took the train down the Lisbon, but went directly to Sinta for the weekend. The town is 40 minutes outside the city center towards the coast. Very touristy place, but more space to hike around and see some palaces, castles, coasts, and beautiful homes. Rumor has it that Madonna just bought a place here, so how bad could it be? Continue reading We leave something of ourselves behind when we leave a place, we stay there, even though we go away.
I’m a rebel just for kicks, now
Porto is one of those popular “digital nomad destinations” due to its European culture, nice weather, low cost of living. So I decided I’d go there for a bit. I’m actually staying in Vila Nova de Gaia, the city right across the Duoro River from Porto. It’s the side with all the wine on it, where I belong. Continue reading I’m a rebel just for kicks, now
Wherever I wander, wherever I rove, The hills of the Highlands for ever I love
Return trips for me are rare, but Edinburgh is a nice place. Forget all that sunshine, beaches, and warm weather in Spain – not sure how anyone tolerates all that. I’ll take this constant sea of 60 degree mist any day. After arbitrarily choosing a hostel, upon arrival I realized it was the same one I stayed in over three years ago. I get older and the kids in here stay the same age. JK it’s an old person hostel. Continue reading Wherever I wander, wherever I rove, The hills of the Highlands for ever I love
The trick is to enjoy life, accepting it has no meaning whatsoever.
I came into Barcelona with rather high hopes. Not exactly sure why. Heard mostly good things about it I guess? But my initial impression is underwhelming. The fundamental reason, I think, is that I just don’t get it. I’ll say it: tapas are just overpriced tiny foods. And I don’t understand the appeal of all these outdoor eateries – just because you put an umbrella up doesn’t change the fact that you’re just eating on the street. Continue reading The trick is to enjoy life, accepting it has no meaning whatsoever.
Reading is a protest against the insufficiencies of life
I’m writing this considerably after the fact, so my recounting will likely be a list of facts rather than interesting anecdotes about the trip. But it’s not like I can skip posting pictures of Machu Piccu, so here we go. I promise to be better in the future. Continue reading Reading is a protest against the insufficiencies of life
It makes you wonder. All the brilliant things we might have done with our lives if only we suspected we knew how
We flew straight from Galapagos to Lima to jump over the not so noteworthy expanse that is northern Peru. We spent the first few days in Miraflores (the Gringo area), which is what you’d expect for a more affluent section of a large city. Walkable, neat outdoor mall on the coast that afforded a nice sunset or two, and a reasonable selection of coffee shops and vegetarian places in the main area. Continue reading It makes you wonder. All the brilliant things we might have done with our lives if only we suspected we knew how
Those who learned to collaborate and improvise most effectively have prevailed
Our flight from Quito landed us on the island of Baltra (which was a WW2 US army base at one point), then a bus to the edge of the island, a ferry over to Santa Cruz, and then a taxi to the town and we were there. In all, the day went Bus-Bus-Plane-Bus-Ferry-Taxi. But we made it, and we were ready to see how the whole “evolution” hogwash was supposed to work. Continue reading Those who learned to collaborate and improvise most effectively have prevailed
I was told that I could listen to the radio at a reasonable volume from nine to eleven
After three months in Colombia, it was time to move on to a whole new world. Ecuador, a Latin American country that just uses US dollars. If you’re wondering where all our Sacagawea dollars went, the answer is Ecuador. They have a rich appreciation for Native American culture here. Continue reading I was told that I could listen to the radio at a reasonable volume from nine to eleven
There is always something left to love
People complain about Bogota, saying it’s dangerous and there isn’t much to do, but I actually enjoyed it (maybe just because they had good WiFi and normal city things). I stayed the first few nights in a hostel in La Candelaria, the more touristy area. A couple girls tried to steal my bottom bunk the first night, and I had none of it, as I’m an old, seasoned traveler that doesn’t fall for those cute girl shenanigans anymore. I’ll die alone in my lovely bottom bunk, thank you very much. But anyways, overall very nice people, a couple vegetarian restaurants close by, and mostly walkable. Continue reading There is always something left to love
Now I ain’t cheap, but I can be had
So I left Medellín’s ideal weather and headed to the coast. I landed in the 90 degree humid weather of Cartagena, which is definitely a tourist town. Although it’s a Colombian tourist town more than it is an international tourist town. Some nice beaches along the coast, as well as the national park. Continue reading Now I ain’t cheap, but I can be had
¿Plata o Plomo?
I’ve been living in this apartment in Medellín for about 6 weeks, tallying about two months total in Medellín, which I think is the longest I’ve lived anywhere in a few years. The theory was it would be good to have some more consistency and become part of a community a bit more. Which makes sense in theory, but I think you actually need to make an effort to engage with the community for it to work. Continue reading ¿Plata o Plomo?
He did not dare approach her for fear of destroying the spell
Ok, so I actually stayed in Panama City for a few more days. And I went for a walk along another thing and took some pictures of it. It had a lot of water, and yachts, and pelicans, and a view of the city. There are some little islands in “Panama Bay” or something. It has a little wildlife reserve too. Continue reading He did not dare approach her for fear of destroying the spell
Fear is not real. The only place that fear can exist is in our thoughts of the future.
After a few days in the hostel in San Jose, it was time to start making my way towards Panama. There were a couple people also going in that direction, so I had some sustained social interaction from place to place over the next week. The first stop on that trip was Puerto Viejo, which is on the Atlantic coast in Costa Rica. Continue reading Fear is not real. The only place that fear can exist is in our thoughts of the future.
See, here I am now by myself, talking to myself. That’s Chaos Theory!
Why wait? I figured I’d start the year in a new place, so to Costa Rica I went. With a few days before my family arrived, I stayed in San Jose for a couple days, which isn’t nearly as bad as people said it was. Stayed in the University Area and there were a couple very nice hostels. Mostly people landing and then leaving in the morning, but the WiFi was good, so that’s fine by me. Continue reading See, here I am now by myself, talking to myself. That’s Chaos Theory!
Honey, would you put a bumper sticker on a Bentley?!
I had decided to come to Yerevan to get the rich cultural experience and see the surrounding natural beauty (the flight to NYC was cheaper from Yerevan than Tbilisi). Upon entering Armenia, it was incredibly snowy, and it only got snowier throughout the week. So, I opted to just stay in the city center rather than venture out on treacherous, freezing day trips. Continue reading Honey, would you put a bumper sticker on a Bentley?!
History shows that there are no invincible armies
This is post #100! Didn’t realize I’d even done 100 things. All this traveling apparently hasn’t made me any smarter, because this week in the hostel I made the brilliant move of dropping my glasses behind the shower wall. They dropped about eight feet to the inaccessible area behind the showers into the abyss of random clothing, shampoo bottles, and other items lost forever. I climbed up, and luckily could see them. So I Macgyvered a contraption with the towel hooks and some medical wrap and fished them out. I’m sad to admit it was the greatest sense of accomplishment I’ve had in a while.
Continue reading History shows that there are no invincible armies
The people who cast the votes decide nothing. The people who count the votes decide everything.
I’ve been sick for more than a couple weeks now. Not terribly sick, just a cough, mildly soar throat and runny nose, and the occasional minor headache. Pretty annoying, and my “red eye” flight to Tbilisi didn’t exactly help. I left at 9:45pm, had to change in Riga, and arrived in Tbilisi at 4:25am which included a 2-hour time zone change. Not exactly a good night’s sleep, and then I was too early to check in (even after waiting at the airport until 9am) so I had to leave my bag and wander around the streets of Tbilisi for a few hours.
Without deviation from the norm, progress is not possible.
I managed to avoid any excitement my last couple weeks in Riga, sticking to my familiar walking paths and coffee shop hopping. I did take a walk over to the markets on the weekend, which were quite large and busy. One building was completely filled with meat – did not last long in there. But I wish I had gone earlier, as there were huge stalls of vegetables as well.
Continue reading Without deviation from the norm, progress is not possible.
Two Latvian look at clouds. One see potato. Other see impossible dream. Is same cloud.
I decided to enter the social realm for a few days, booking four nights at a hostel in Riga to start off the trip. The password at the hostel was “justonebeer”. Which of course is “just one beer.” But I’ve been drinking very little and listening to questionable music, so I thought it was just a weird spelling of “juston ebeer”. Surely, a mistake anyone can make. Thankfully, I did not say this aloud so my reputation as someone with some dignity remains intact.
The only thing you ever cared about Stoney was nugs, chillin’ and grindage
My host sold the place I was staying and bought a new one, so I had to switch for my last few days in Tallinn. The new place was in the up-and-coming neighborhood where there is TONS of construction going on, and I was staying in one of the new buildings. Like, so new that they are doing another one right next to this one and it’s not even close to finished. But it’s much more modern, has a little enclosed balcony with a view of the sea, and it’s just a few steps from the seaplane harbor and old soviet prison. Extremely convenient if you like hanging out at defunct prisons or fly seaplanes.
Continue reading The only thing you ever cared about Stoney was nugs, chillin’ and grindage
It’s a war over my tangerines
I haven’t been a very good tourist here in Tallinn, just kind of settling in quickly given my extended stay. I’m nearly 20 days in, and I’ve done a ton of walking around, but not a lot of going inside to see things. I can appreciate the reserved Estonian mentality, everyone keeping to himself/herself and more or less ignoring everyone else. Fitting just in, I’ve managed to go this entire time without having a conversation with anyone, despite everyone speaking good English.
Continue reading It’s a war over my tangerines
You city people are children of the moment
Here we go again, the road beckoning. After a couple days in NYC (I stayed in the Upper West Side for the first time), I took a flight to Helsinki via Stockholm. In the Stockholm airport a simple coffee was nearly $5 (which was greatly desired after a red eye), which I didn’t to survive without, but I’m going to judge all prices moving forward in terms of Stockholm airport coffee.
I guess people are just cropping out all the sadness
I flew into Portland for a little vacation on my way to Seattle this time to see if it lived up to the show’s hype, and it more or less did. Hipster, but not as comically so of course. But it’s the land of craft beers and not real jobs and tattoos, as far as I can tell. Continue reading I guess people are just cropping out all the sadness
Let’s drive to the country side, leave behind some green-eyed look-a-likes
Finally back home to Seattle. Home this time being a Hacker House in Wallingford, which turns out to be a fairly nice area between the hipster lounge that is Ballard and Fremont and the University of Washington. It’s an annoying 10 minute walk anywhere, but past that I don’t have any complaints. The common room of the house has a bunch of nice desks, and it overlooks Lake Union. Continue reading Let’s drive to the country side, leave behind some green-eyed look-a-likes
A half full moon in Mexico City I think of you
A lovely 9 hour night bus ride along twists and turns got me to Pochutla. I took a shared taxi to Puerto Angel, then a taxi from there to Mazunte, where I plan to stay for at least a couple days. It’s supposed to be a lazy beach area. I only paid 65 pesos, unlike those suckers who paid 150 at the bus station and didn’t get to walk through Pochutla or Puerto Angel.
Continue reading A half full moon in Mexico City I think of you
A city of treasure buried beneath a sky of curses
I haven’t been cafe-ing as much, plus there aren’t as many opportunities to do it. But I did find a good one in Oaxaca so I feel I should mention it. It’s Café Los Cuiles, and I had breakfast here as well as some famous Oaxacan hot chocolate (made with cinnamon), and partook of their lovely setup and fast WiFi. Let’s be honest, I really just like the fast WiFi.
Continue reading A city of treasure buried beneath a sky of curses
I have nothing to do the rest of my life but do it and the rest of my life to do it
I walked down to Chapultepec Park Wednesday afternoon to see the National Museum of Anthropology (Museo Nacional de Antropologia). It had an extremely beautiful interior and was laid out very well, not to mention all the authentic artifacts from the area. While I’m not usually thrilled with natural history museums, this one was definitely worth going to. Continue reading I have nothing to do the rest of my life but do it and the rest of my life to do it
She’s very pretty, even though sometimes she’s sad for many days at a time.
I woke up to my first day in Guadalajara and couldn’t keep any food or water down. Getting sick is worrisome in my situation. But after a day of not moving too far from my bed, I finally felt it things turn at 2am after a 3 hour nap. Since people were partying right outside my window and I was well-rested, I decided to get up and do my taxes. Such an old man. But hey, those taxes are done. Continue reading She’s very pretty, even though sometimes she’s sad for many days at a time.
It meant that he was half insane and half god
Tulum is one of those towns I decided to live a normal life for a little while at least. It’s fairly touristy (but no Cancun), but still quite cheap. I bought a package of cheese, a loaf of wheat bread, a juice box, shampoo, and an avocado for $5. And I got a filling replaced and two others repaired for $100. I’m not sure if I needed all that, but she was pretty so I trusted her.
Continue reading It meant that he was half insane and half god
I think about you too lady. Let’s leave it at that.
My trip back to Antigua went much smoother. The bus stayed in one piece, and I was back by a reasonable time in the morning. My passport and other belongs were still in their proper place, so at some point I’ll be able to leave the country, which is nice. Continue reading I think about you too lady. Let’s leave it at that.
Jeez, I’m out of it for a little while, everyone gets delusions of grandeur!
The San Pedro Sula airport had a Dunkin Donuts in it, so it’s one of my favorite places now, highest per capita murder rate or not. Even so, I skipped to the last few pages in each of my books, just in case. The flight to Roatán was less than an hour, and I found my hostel easily before strolling along the boardwalkish area. It’s beautiful, but hot and humid. So hot. Continue reading Jeez, I’m out of it for a little while, everyone gets delusions of grandeur!
But second chances are rare. Right? And that’s worth celebrating
I had planned on staying in San Pedro another week, but after a Spanish class that wasn’t ideal and a notification that there would be no power in San Pedro for an entire day, I decided to just head back to Antigua. So I did that, stayed in a nice hotel to get some work done, and planned out the rest of my life. Continue reading But second chances are rare. Right? And that’s worth celebrating
Everyone is the age of their heart
Because you can never climb too many volcanoes in one week, I decided to go up Volcano San Pedro with a friend of a friend to see what that was all about. I’ve been sleeping under its shadow for weeks, so I might as well see what’s up there.
Ten cuidado con el fuego (It’ll burn you!)
My lack of updates is due to normal life setting in. Most days I’m pretty sure I’d trade the beautiful backdrop for a reasonable Internet connection, but I’d like to be at the point where I wouldn’t make that trade, but it’s difficult to get there with a bad connection. Vicious cycle, right? Continue reading Ten cuidado con el fuego (It’ll burn you!)
I’m tired. I thought I just needed a night’s sleep but it’s more than that.
The three hour shuttle from Antigua to San Pedro La Laguna wasn’t exactly a fun one, but we got there. Up and down a volcano. Around a lot of windy roads. I sat next to a Montanan (?) and chatted with her the whole time, one of those free-spirit types that was going to San Marcos, the next town over, for a yoga training and retreat. Continue reading I’m tired. I thought I just needed a night’s sleep but it’s more than that.
The challenge is not to act automatically. It’s to find an action that is not automatic.
To start off my journey in Guatemala, I’d just like to thank Oscar Isaac (who was born in Guatemala) for his recent rise to fame, allowing me to use relevant quotes for my post titles. Otherwise, I would have been pretty lost. It’s the little things.
But my flight went relatively smoothly. Sat next to an older guy from Northern NY who was a Harvard-educated psychologist and now visits Guatemala and Nicaragua a lot. He knew Spanish and was pleasant enough, so we grabbed a transport to Antigua together. Maybe I’ll see him around. Continue reading The challenge is not to act automatically. It’s to find an action that is not automatic.
If it gives us peace call it anything you wish
I booked my flight home around Thanksgiving, so subconsciously I attribute that timing to my decision to end the trip in Turkey. In the end I only had a couple days, so there’s no way I’m going to be able to see all of Istanbul, so I’m going to take it easy and just do a couple things that look interesting. Continue reading If it gives us peace call it anything you wish
It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it
Back to the land from which democracy, for better or worse, spawned. So there’s a bit of an obligatory awe you’re required to feel putting things into perspective, even though what you’re really looking at is pretty worn out rocks. So maybe I’m crazy for being a little underwhelmed by the ruins, but so be it. Continue reading It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it
One original thought is worth a thousand mindless quotings
I dragged myself out of bed after two hours sleep so I could leave at 4am and catch a bus to my flight. All went quite smoothly, actually, and I arrived and checked in to my hotel on Santorini just after 8am (room was available so I didn’t have to wait). Opted for a quick nap and began my day around 11am instead. Continue reading One original thought is worth a thousand mindless quotings
I am a little bit of loneliness a little bit of disregard
So Trikala is a nice town. Busy cafe bars, a grocery store, laid back hostel with good WiFi, and overall a good place for me to spend 3 nights and relax. I even got my laundry done, which makes me so happy. There were a couple people there the first night but they left and no one was going to Meteora that day, I decided to chill out a day and see if anyone came to go tomorrow. And 3 people did! Continue reading I am a little bit of loneliness a little bit of disregard
Because when all was said and done that was the price one paid for sincerity
A rainy day in Berat kept me cooped up most of the day getting some work done, then I took a bus from Berat to Gjirokastër at 2. The bus driver took two breaks, one to sit down and eat, on the 4 hour journey (in the middle of the afternoon, mind you). So because I didn’t get in until 6, I decided to stay two nights here instead of one to give me enough time to look around a bit. Continue reading Because when all was said and done that was the price one paid for sincerity
Every Allied country gave me a medal, even Montenegro
Worked most of the day in Kotor since there was only one bus that went, and it was at 3:15. So I took the nearly 4 hour ride in a small bus that seats about 20 with a group of locals through the Montenegrin countryside. Apparently Zabljak is not a popular destination this time of year. As I dozed in and out of conscience staring out into the dark, it occurred to me how comfortable I had become with a situation like this, which not long ago, and to most now, might seem rather concerning. Only way to get around though, if you ask me. I mean, they’re on the Euro, how bad could it be? Continue reading Every Allied country gave me a medal, even Montenegro
Enough to travel the world with you until one of us has to take an honest job
My bus ride between cities was finally only two hours this time, after my string of 6-8 hour journeys. Just had to cross from Croatia into Montenegro basically. And as nice as Dubrovnik was, it was a little too nice, so when I arrived in Kotor I felt like I could breathe a bit more. Even though its old town area is also quite touristy, everything had a bit more of an authentic feel to it. Continue reading Enough to travel the world with you until one of us has to take an honest job
Though I would treasure your friendship, I’m mainly interested in your facility with murder
I started my new, lonely Dubrovnik experience with a walk down to the new town and through the harbor. On the way back, I stumbled upon Cafe Bar Art and had a couple cups of coffee while I worked on my computer. It was colorful and quirky, with bathtub seats and odd decorations. Whether that’s your taste or not, it was a great place to chill out and have a coffee or a beer, so I might go back. Continue reading Though I would treasure your friendship, I’m mainly interested in your facility with murder
A lion doesn’t concern himself with the opinion of sheep
The bus from Split to Dubrovnik was a long one, but it was full of nice views of the coastline. There was also a nice sunset as we arrived in the city, but I didn’t get a picture of it because my window was weird. But it’s Croatia, so there’s plenty of sunsets to be had. Continue reading A lion doesn’t concern himself with the opinion of sheep
Even Beethoven had his critics. See if you can name three of them.
The first night I went to Charlie’s Bar with a guy from my hostel in Sarajevo, which was fun. The next night I went to Caffe Bar Mosquito to have some coffee, a beer, and get some work done. Similar to Iceland in that their coffee shops turn into bars, which is kind of cool. I’m mostly working, so not a whole lot of sightseeing is accomplished each day. Continue reading Even Beethoven had his critics. See if you can name three of them.
Life is and will ever remain an equation incapable of solution, but it contains certain known factors.
My venture into the Balkans was on an 8-hour train ride through Hungary and Serbia to Belgrade. It was a long train ride during the day, but I somehow managed to sleep on and off for the entire trip. What didn’t occur to me is that I should buy some food, so I kind of forgot to eat the entire day yesterday (paired with the fact that it’s not easy to find vegetarian food in Serbia. Continue reading Life is and will ever remain an equation incapable of solution, but it contains certain known factors.
The plot thickens, as they say. Why, by the way? Is it a soup metaphor?
Continuing my ongoing quest to use every London airport, I left from Stansted this morning and flew to Budapest on Ryanair, which went extremely smoothly. My hostel is fairly centrally located, and I quickly located the nearest Starbucks, McDonald’s, Burger King, and Hooters, so I don’t think there will be any issues here. Continue reading The plot thickens, as they say. Why, by the way? Is it a soup metaphor?
A multitude of people, and yet a solitude.
Paris was essentially a catchup and recharging point for me. Dad had a couple day trips, and I more or less worked and did a couple walking tours on my own. While I wasn’t in the best of moods, I found Paris to be dirty, unfriendly, and lacking of general WiFi options – the latter upsetting me more than the first two combined. Continue reading A multitude of people, and yet a solitude.
Don’t just stand there, kill something!
Closed out the Ring Road in preparation for the boat trip to Denmark. It was a lot of coastline driving, and we drove up into the foggy mountains for a bit as well. Very nice landscapes, etc, and then eventually made it to Seydisfjordur a bit early so we could relax before the trip. Continue reading Don’t just stand there, kill something!
We’re still pioneers, we’ve barely begun. Our greatest accomplishments cannot be behind us.
After picking dad up at the airport around 7am, we had about 2 hours to burn before we could go to the Blue Lagoon. I decided to drive the peninsula the long way and check out the coastline, and then we arrived in Grindavik and got coffee while we waited. The owner of the coffee shop, Bryggjan, was as nice as he was adverse to putting vowels in the name of his business. He gave us some local tips to see some cool things. Continue reading We’re still pioneers, we’ve barely begun. Our greatest accomplishments cannot be behind us.
Beautiful things don’t ask for attention.
I left Akureyri this morning, and the weather was a bit threatening so I didn’t end up doing my hike. Plus I have work to do, so I picked out a 4 hour drive with a couple stops in it that will get me a bit more than halfway back to Reykjavik. I’m a bit ahead of schedule, so I’ll sit back here and catch up on some work for the day. Continue reading Beautiful things don’t ask for attention.
Walk up to me and erase my memory
Got up early and decided to walk to the airport, taking a stroll through some neighborhoods of Reykjavik I hadn’t seen before. Flight was less than an hour long, so the puddle jumper dropped down in Egilsstaðir around 11:30, on the other side of the island. My orange Kia Sportage was ready to go, and I was on my way. Continue reading Walk up to me and erase my memory
I do not allow that a being gifted with thought and will can allow himself to despair
Reykjavik is a small city with a townish feel, so it’s not as if there’s an absolute ton to do here. So I’ve predominately spent my time working, actually getting things done on time that is, and almost getting ahead a bit as I look to do more traveling over the next few weeks. Don’t want to start that from behind. So this is largely a story of working in Reykjavik. Continue reading I do not allow that a being gifted with thought and will can allow himself to despair
Cover your crystal eyes And let your colours bleed and blend with mine
Finally back to this great cesspool into which all the loungers and idlers are irresistibly drained. My main goal this weekend was to try to get some work done and survive jet lag. I was marginally successful.
I hardly spent any money, just walked through the Portobello Market for a bit on Sunday and got some Venezuelan burrito sandwich thing. Walked through Kensington Gardens and saw all the expensive houses and consulates/embassies, and strolled through the main part of London a bit too. But mainly relaxed and caught up on some Netflix. Continue reading Cover your crystal eyes And let your colours bleed and blend with mine
Ain’t no use in complainin’ When you’ve got a job to do
In addition to Seattle, it was between Portland and Vancouver, so I decided to go for Vancouver since it will be more difficult to get up there again. So we went to Vancouver, taking the Victoria Clipper from Seattle to Vancouver. Continue reading Ain’t no use in complainin’ When you’ve got a job to do
Now don’t you worry we’ll all float on alright
After a couple weeks in Seattle, we decided we would rent a car and drive the Cascade Loop around Washington State. I remember trying quite successfully to miserably tire my sister out. Anyways, we started with a couple nights down at Mt Rainier (technically not on the loop), and then circled back up to drive through the mountains. Continue reading Now don’t you worry we’ll all float on alright
I am looking for a dare to be great situation
I decided to AirBnb in Seattle, so I rented a Condo just off the train line between the airport and downtown Seattle in Othello. It’s about a 15 minute ride into the city and it’s much cheaper than staying directly downtown. Plus it comes with a gym, rooftop area to cook and relax, and it’s close to a couple parks to run. Overall, a pretty good location. Continue reading I am looking for a dare to be great situation
I’ll bet you can’t tell me what it smells like in the Sistine Chapel
Before my trip out to the west coast, I decided to spend a week or so in Boston. It’s a very clean, pristine city but overall didn’t do much for me. I did a LOT of walking around from my base in the Chinatown area, and did plenty of work in the area coffee shops and library. But a LOT of just walking around. Continue reading I’ll bet you can’t tell me what it smells like in the Sistine Chapel
Cat in the wall, eh? Ok, now you’re talking my language.
This is beginning a series of posts that are purely for posterity so I don’t forget where I’ve been or something. My picture archives aren’t great, so you’ve got to deal with what I’ve got.
Now that my brother lives in Maryland, we went to visit him and went to Philadelpha, Wilmington, and Washington DC in the process. Continue reading Cat in the wall, eh? Ok, now you’re talking my language.
Wherever he saw a hole he always wanted to know the depth of it. To him this was important.
Saturday we were super productive. Ran all kinds of errands, switched hostels, I bought some shoes, signed up for a hike, went grocery shopping for said hike, walked around the city, and then ended it relaxing in hammocks with cold drinks.
I prefer León to Granada. Less touristy, but still had the city feel and was easy to walk around. Lots of small shops, restaurants, and some cool Spanish architecture throughout the city (not as well-maintained as Granada though). Continue reading Wherever he saw a hole he always wanted to know the depth of it. To him this was important.
I had nothing to offer anybody except my own confusion.
Wednesday was a work day, but I balanced things pretty well. Worked from early until around 3pm, and then I met up with Laurens and we rented bikes for a few hours and rode down to Ojo de Agua, some natural spring on Ometepe. It was a serene place, just hung out in the water, read for a while, and relaxed. Continue reading I had nothing to offer anybody except my own confusion.
Violence has been Nicaragua’s most important export to the world.
After a full day of toiling to get my phone case off, which was successful Thursday morning (finally), it turns out the SIM card is just behind the volume adjustments on my phone. Figures. Anyways, I bought a new SIM card, added some minutes, and I now have a working Nicaraguan phone number. Continue reading Violence has been Nicaragua’s most important export to the world.
It’s no big sin to stick your two cents in If you know when to leave it alone
As a seasoned traveler, my bravado has apparently gotten out of hand and I arrived in Granada rather unprepared when it came to actually getting to where I needed to be. Of course I don’t know any Spanish, but I had the address on my phone and showed it to the taxi driver. We headed towards Granada (which is like a 45 minute drive), speeding around in his deathtrap with a dysfunctional seat belt. Continue reading It’s no big sin to stick your two cents in If you know when to leave it alone
And I will look down and see my murmuring bones and the deep water like wind
I went to 1000 Figs for lunch and had a falafel pita. It had a lot of asian foods in it that I didn’t know, but I enjoyed it. Other than that, my post-Mardi Gras activities have started and ended with sitting in the apartment with a cold and headache. Either I’m sick, or a 4-day collective hangover is literally killing me. Continue reading And I will look down and see my murmuring bones and the deep water like wind
Good morning America, how are you?
I didn’t feel like working today so I took a streetcar down to the famous Garden District. Sandra Bullock has a house there, so I figured maybe I’d run into her and we’d really hit it off. But then I’d probably resent her success and feel awkward when she took me to nice restaurants and bought me presents – favors I couldn’t return. Plus, she’s like 50, which kind of poses a long-term problem. So ultimately I decided just to leisurely stroll through the upper-class neighborhood of charming architecture. Also, I don’t really like Sandra Bullock. Continue reading Good morning America, how are you?
Now the only thing a gambler needs Is a suitcase and trunk
Had lunch at Juan’s Flying Burrito. Quite good but their veggie burrito had a lot of jalapenos in it, and I think I got all of them in one bite. My mouth was fiery for a while and I was sweaty. Still good though. Continue reading Now the only thing a gambler needs Is a suitcase and trunk
Don’t you just love those long rainy afternoons in New Orleans when an hour isn’t just an hour
A day of taxis and planes, entwined with Atonement and newspapers, finally had me arriving to my new home in New Orleans. It’s right on the Bayou, just off a streetcar line in a nice area, so it’s pretty convenient. After getting settled, I was told to go to Krewe de Vieux, the locals parade to kick off the Mardi Gras season. Continue reading Don’t you just love those long rainy afternoons in New Orleans when an hour isn’t just an hour
And I’m not askin’ to be loved or be forgiven
Hilton Head Island has been rather calm, as I intended. So that works out nicely. I was able to get a lot of work done and start trying to take the next step with the business, so I consider that productive. However, it doesn’t make for particularly enjoyable updates here. It’s just like, a normal blog of my life, which would be excruciating if forced to consume those pages on a regular basis. Continue reading And I’m not askin’ to be loved or be forgiven
Oh! Ian Knows All About Hilton Head!
So I’ve now been in Hilton Head 10 days, and have finally begun to explore the island a little bit more. My pattern resembles that of shipwrecked seafarer marooned on a deserted island slowly making wider circles around his home base searching for things. Except my reason is mostly laziness. Continue reading Oh! Ian Knows All About Hilton Head!
You can get a story from everything you touch
Found the hostel without much trouble. Stayed in for the night, wandered around the neighborhood for a bit to get my bearings on where I am relative to the main shop area. I more or less remember it from when I landed, and I’m not very far from the center so the location is pretty good. Continue reading You can get a story from everything you touch
Mirror, mirror, here I stand. Who is the fairest in the land?
I’ve got 5 days to get back to Copenhagen for my flight. Luckily, I’m pretty close so I just picked a stop or two along the way to get there. Turns out Bremen is in the right direction, so I decided to spend two nights in Bremen. Long train ride during my “spare” time (like 5 hours) to get there on the first day, so that night was just relaxing and a bit of work. But then the next morning I decided to see all there was to see. Continue reading Mirror, mirror, here I stand. Who is the fairest in the land?
The only girl I’ve ever loved Was born with roses in her eyes
I enjoy Amsterdam even though I haven’t really done much in it but walk around yet. But that’s enough really to get a good feel for it. Lots of canals, lots of bikes, good restaurants, and entertainment from cool museums to the more exotic if you’re so inclined. But Wednesday was another day spent inside working for the most part. Continue reading The only girl I’ve ever loved Was born with roses in her eyes
My thoughts are stars I cannot fathom into constellations.
I arrived in Amsterdam on Sunday evening. I’m staying out of the center of the city closer to the museums, which is kind of my preferred way to do things. The hostel I’m staying in is very small and cozy, which is kind of a nice change.
With only a few people there, you’ve got to talk to everyone and the hostel people are much more personal. One of the workers there took us on a walk down to the center of the city, actually it was more like a trek. We had a beer at some Australian place, then a more authentic Dutch bar, and then a more touristy bar in the red light district area. Continue reading My thoughts are stars I cannot fathom into constellations.
Elegance is the only beauty that never fades
My last day in Bruges I did some laundry and then set off up the coast towards Amsterdam. Rather than go all the way and it being the weekend, I decided to make a stop on the way. Since I don’t really research much, I just decided to go with Antwerp. So I spent Saturday night in Antwerp, Belgium. Continue reading Elegance is the only beauty that never fades
We shall strike a balance between culture and fun
Since Bruges takes a day or two to see everything, spending 7 days here is a bit of a challenge. But I’m trying to provide an update, even if it’s just me looking at the same things again. It’s getting increasingly cold throughout the week, which is not pleasant. And I did pace myself here, so I do have things to do. Wednesday morning I actually made the trip up the tower. Continue reading We shall strike a balance between culture and fun
We only just got off the fucking train! Could we reserve judgement on Bruges until we’ve seen the fucking place?
So I took a bus from Cologne to Brussels, and then caught a train from Brussels to Bruges (it’s about an hour, so I could make day trips back there this week if I wanted to. My main reason for coming here is of course nothing historic, but because In Bruges it’s one of my favorite movies.
note: The Bruges posts will undoubtedly reference quotes from the movie quickly, which are extremely likely to include foul language. Continue reading We only just got off the fucking train! Could we reserve judgement on Bruges until we’ve seen the fucking place?
The only preventative measure one can take is to live irregularly
Sometimes I think you just need a couple days to regroup, which is really what Freiburg ended up being for me. Staying in my own hotel room, free breakfast, and a smaller, more relaxing city to wander around without the pretense of needing to overload on sights and attractions. Continue reading The only preventative measure one can take is to live irregularly
If you gaze long enough into an abyss, the abyss will gaze back into you.
Didn’t end up doing the official walking tour, but did some more exploration on my own of the old town center. I went up the tower in the center of town and took a couple pictures. This is the New Town Hall in Marienplatz. Inside is the Rathaus-Glockenspiel which lots of people enjoy watching. Continue reading If you gaze long enough into an abyss, the abyss will gaze back into you.
I have no special talents. I am only passionately curious.
Thursday did not involve anything special, as the weather was terrible and I wanted to get some work done. I did walk over to Partenkirchen to see what that half of the town had to offer, and it was much in the same as Garmisch. Some nice little shops. With the cold weather and rain, more and more snow had accumulated on the mountains, making it a very pretty time to be there.
I checked out of the B&B fairly early on Friday and hopped on a train to Munich. I’m staying at a hostel a few stops from the main area, so it was a bit of a walk. Once I was checked in, I used the rest of the day to work, only straying a little ways from where I was and making plans for what to do in Munich. Continue reading I have no special talents. I am only passionately curious.
There are only two lasting bequests we can hope to give our children. One of these is roots, the other, wings.
I’m staying at a small, family-run bed & breakfast in Garmisch-Partenkirchen. My own room and my own bed and my own bathroom! But it’s a nice little place in this small town (like 25,000 people). Continue reading There are only two lasting bequests we can hope to give our children. One of these is roots, the other, wings.
Sometimes a cigar is just a cigar
On Thursday evening I was attacked by a nasty sinus headache and cold. I don’t know what any of the words are here (which I feel is especially dangerous when dealing with drugs), so I opted to go without. Bad idea. My pounding headache kept me up for until like 3am when I realized I had a bottle of whiskey under my bed. I took enough to reduce the feeling in my face and then actually slept for a few hours. The wonders of not-so-modern medicine. Continue reading Sometimes a cigar is just a cigar
If it bleeds, we can kill it.
It’s work week, which means some casual sightseeing in the morning followed by work in the evenings. I decided to make Wednesday Mozart day, as there were a couple attractions around the city about him since he was born here and lived here for a while. Continue reading If it bleeds, we can kill it.
Climb every mountain, ford every stream
Salzburg is a smaller city in Austria with a lot of good day trips from it, so I decided to stay here a bit longer. Should allow me to relax a bit and catch up on work as well. There’s an Aldi (Hoger) right across the street, plus the hostel/hotel is attached to a mall with a grocery store in it, so I’m able to eat a little more normally again. Continue reading Climb every mountain, ford every stream
Isn’t everything we do in life a way to be loved a little more?
Just a quick stop in Vienna for the weekend. Went to bed early on Friday, then Saturday I had to get a lot of work done that I had been putting off (unfortunately, since this is a quick weekend trip). That meant I was just able to wander down to the main square and back, and otherwise did not do any exploring. Continue reading Isn’t everything we do in life a way to be loved a little more?
She loved to walk down the street with a book under her arm
I arrived in Prague on Monday, staying at a hostel kind of out of the way from all the others, across the Charles Bridge near the castle. I didn’t do much the first couple days except for some casual sightseeing. I’d get up in the morning and wander around, look at the old stuff, and then go back to the hostel to work for a while. Continue reading She loved to walk down the street with a book under her arm
Get some rest, Pam. You look tired.
I woke up in my clothes at 4am, checked out, was at the airport by 5:15am, and landed in Berlin at 8am. Their transit wasn’t too hard to figure out either, so I dropped my stuff at the hostel around 9 and then strolled around for a few hours. I do a lot of strolling. There were some museums and palaces and old structures and stuff that I looked at. There was also someone with bubbles. I saw a little girl fall off a statue and cry. I had a bagel at Dunkin Donuts for breakfast because I didn’t know how to say any of the German stuff at the street fair. Continue reading Get some rest, Pam. You look tired.
Everything you look at can become a fairy tale
So my flight was moved back a day due to “technical difficulties” so I had basically two days in New York. Since I didn’t have a whole lot else to do, I decided to ride around on the subway for most of the day, while doing some work.
The flight was a bit more “budget” than the one I took to London. It didn’t come with a blanket and pillow. Very disappointing. I was sitting next to a cute girl, but there was an open row where I could lay down and sleep, so I snagged that right at the beginning of the flight. Priorities, ya know? Continue reading Everything you look at can become a fairy tale
The record shows I took the blows and did it my way
I went to the 1000 islands camping with dads family. We took a long walk to get ice cream, and people were drinking a lot of those Bud Light fake margaritas. I did not have any of them. Continue reading The record shows I took the blows and did it my way
And did you exchange a walk on part in the war for a lead role in a cage?
Monday
Checked out of the Hostel and made my way back to the Hyde Park room. Got settled. Actually used the dresser drawer. Had a real desk and real WiFi so I tried to do some real work for a while.
Ended up watching Netflix instead a lot. Decided on “Suits” since it’s obviously one of those shows that I would like and it only has 2 seasons on Netflix so it isn’t a huge investment. But I watched way too much of it of course and got a minimal amount of work done. An apt prelude to my return home. Continue reading And did you exchange a walk on part in the war for a lead role in a cage?
To improve is to change; to be perfect is to change often.
My time in East London had come to an end and I was moving on to the next hostel. Just to change things up, really. So I checked out and spent a little time pouring over work in the coffee shop next to the hostel before setting out to find the new place I’m staying in South London. Continue reading To improve is to change; to be perfect is to change often.
I always had a repulsive need to be something more than human.
So a couple hours after arriving in London, I ran to the bathroom in a Pret a Manger and had my phone stolen while I was in there. Which I’m annoyed about, but not really that upset. It was a piece of crap, but it’s still an inconvenience. At least he/she didn’t take my laptop or passport, which were also sitting right there. Mainly, that just means I won’t be taking any more pictures. Continue reading I always had a repulsive need to be something more than human.
I was very impressed with the capable and stylish manner in which you dealt with that situation
Started off the day at The City Cafe, which was just around the corner from where I was staying. Had a vegetarian breakfast which included some form of “vegetarian haggis” – although I have no idea what could have possibly been in it. It was OK. Continue reading I was very impressed with the capable and stylish manner in which you dealt with that situation
I would walk five hundred miles And I would walk five hundred more
It’s the weekend, so now I have to do things. After not being able to find a place in Belfast, I booked my rooms in advance this time, which unfortunately meant my touring options were limited. There are a lot of 2-day to 5-day tours up to the Isle of Skye (a 2-day or 3-day would have been nice), but I had to settle for the 1-day intensive course for the Scottish highlands.
The day started at 8am and ended at 8pm and involved about 8 hours on the coach. I took lots of naps. Continue reading I would walk five hundred miles And I would walk five hundred more
So come with me, where dreams are born, and time is never planned.
On Friday I started off by visiting a start-up hub in the city. Someone there gave me a tour and showed me everything that was going on. It was alright – not as exciting as I was hoping, but still pretty cool to work in that kind of environment.
Continue reading So come with me, where dreams are born, and time is never planned.
To travel hopefully is a better thing than to arrive.
Finally, I’m out of Belfast. What a depressingly horrible place. It should be sister cities with Rochester. I finished it off by having a vegetarian fry for breakfast, getting some work done, then getting wasted on Irish car bombs at the Europa hotel #toosoon?, which was right next to my bus station. JK I hung out at the coffee shop next to it.
And then I was off to Glasgow.
Continue reading To travel hopefully is a better thing than to arrive.
You know nothing, Jon Snow!
Finally Saturday came, meaning it was time to take my tour to Giants Causeway. It’s a hexagonal formation of layered basalt due to volcanic a long time ago. But as I’ve figured out with these tours at this point, they make you see other things too.
Game of Thrones is shot in Titanic Studios (right next to the museum I was in earlier in the week) and also throughout a lot of Ireland that we visited on this tour. I’ve only seen one episode, but a lot of people were really into it. So now I can say I’ve been where Game of Thrones is filmed at least. Continue reading You know nothing, Jon Snow!
I cook the world’s best duck flambe
Big surprise, it was raining Wednesday morning, so I decided to forego my plans for another walk in Howth Head. After getting a bit of work done in the hotel, I got an early start on my travels, taking the DART to Dublin and then a bus to Belfast.
Belfast is dirty. But they have a lot of nice coffee shops and affordable places to eat, despite the fact that I have to switch back to £’s from €’s. The hostel I’m staying in is small but nice, WiFi in the bedrooms which was great because I had a couple important calls today I needed a great connection and quiet for (which went well). So this place has worked out well for my “working and travelling” plan. Continue reading I cook the world’s best duck flambe
History is a nightmare from which I am trying to awake.
So I’m used to hostel breakfasts which are just toast, maybe some cereal, and tea. The hotel breakfast had all those things, plus juice, and fruit, and yogurt, and croissants, and you got to order something (so I got scrambled eggs). It felt weird, being waited on.
But anyways, my room is situated so that I actually get a pretty nice view of the Irish sea. Continue reading History is a nightmare from which I am trying to awake.
I want to take shelter from the poison rain
There are really only a few things to see in Kilkenny, so I figured I might as well get up and see them. I went up to see St. Candice’s Cathedral and Black Abbey. Unfortunately, they were both closed so I just kind of walked around like an idiot. Continue reading I want to take shelter from the poison rain
Some day you will be old enough to start reading fairy tales again.
As much as I wanted to do Ring of Kerry and Dingle, I decided to skip them and just move on. So I rose bright and early in Killarney and got on a bus towards Cahir.
After a couple hours on the bus, I arrived at Cahir Castle. It was, of course, raining. The guy at the desk let me stow my bag so at least I didn’t have to carry that around, and then I walked around the castle. Continue reading Some day you will be old enough to start reading fairy tales again.
For everything that’s lovely is But a brief, dreamy, kind delight.
Sadly, it was time to finally leave Galway this morning. I relaxed a bit in the morning and took the 9:00 express bus to Limerick, then transferred to the bus that took me to Killarney.
It’s kind of a cool little town. Lots of shops. Lots of restaurants. Lots of pubs. All more or less copies of each other, expanding out down a few different streets. I circled through everything this evening but just decided to go to Tesco and buy some things to make for dinner. Continue reading For everything that’s lovely is But a brief, dreamy, kind delight.
Have fun storming the castle!
Work was annoying yesterday, so I decided to take an impulsive trip for a break this morning. Maybe I’d bump into Kate Winslet. “Board the Bus to Bunratty” doesn’t exactly have the same alliterative, romantic quality as “Meet me in Montauk” but it’s what I have to work with. So I got up a little early to take the 7:05am bus to Bunratty, which is just over 2 hours away. The destination of choice: Bunratty Castle. Because if you don’t make spontaneous trips to castles when in Ireland, then what’s the point. Continue reading Have fun storming the castle!
Standing in the sunlight laughing Hide behind a rainbow’s wall
Providing updates during the week isn’t really that interesting. It’s like my regular life, except strangers sleep close by that might steal my things. So here’s your typical day. Continue reading Standing in the sunlight laughing Hide behind a rainbow’s wall
The world is full of magic things, patiently waiting for our senses to grow sharper.
I’m ending my 3-day tourism run with a tour to Connemara National Park. Bought some nail clippers and finished my left hand before they broke. So I went Dr. Jeckel & Mr Hyde all day. Continue reading The world is full of magic things, patiently waiting for our senses to grow sharper.
Boys I ain’t never seen nothin’ like a Galway girl
After another relaxing day of work, jumping hostels and getting settled in I decided to finally hit the touristy trips. My main concerns right now are my fingernails, which are growing uncomfortable and I can’t find clippers at any of these convenience stores. In other news, my beardcation growth is substantial and it’s now at the point where it will become increasingly ragged. I’m going all Paul Bunyan on Europe. Continue reading Boys I ain’t never seen nothin’ like a Galway girl
If I ever leave this world alive I’ll thank for all the things you did in my life.
The last couple days I’ve spent working and relaxing in Galway, striking a balance between toiling away on my computer and strolling through the quaint streets. The slower pace and smaller city is more to my liking, making cameos on the edges of tourist pictures as I sit near the ocean eating a Gelato (probably the best 3€ I’ve ever spent). Continue reading If I ever leave this world alive I’ll thank for all the things you did in my life.
One by one they were all becoming shades.
I survived Dublin on St. Patrick’s day. Let me preface this Bridget Jones-style by listing what I ate:
– Bowl of cereal
– Banana
– 1/2 pear
Pretty stupid, eh? My rationale was that Guinness is basically a meal. So I had a lot of meals. Continue reading One by one they were all becoming shades.
Being Irish, he had an abiding sense of tragedy, which sustained him through temporary periods of joy.
Stepping off the ferry, I could almost smell the locals’ hatred for what the rest of the world has done to St. Patrick’s day. Not that they don’t enjoy the holiday, but it isn’t a reason just to get hammered. Even I couldn’t help but cringe at some of the tourist ensembles (most of whom I assume are college students here on break). Continue reading Being Irish, he had an abiding sense of tragedy, which sustained him through temporary periods of joy.
I had neither kith nor kin in England, and was therefore as free as air.
Friday.
I had another pretty unimpressive day, from a tourist perspective. Also from a regular person perspective. I mean, I went to a Starbucks. And a Caffe Nero. Two chain coffee houses in one day (I had a lot of work to do today, so forgive me). Continue reading I had neither kith nor kin in England, and was therefore as free as air.
After all, I’m just a girl, standing in front of a boy, asking him to love her.
So yesterday I overdid it and wore myself out too much, so today I relaxed a bit more and worked a lot to make sure I got everything done I needed to. And I didn’t quite finish, because I work a lot anyways, so I need to work a bit more tonight and tomorrow morning to catch up for the weekend.
Anyways, yesterday I walked about 20 miles. That might be a low estimate. I don’t know why I walk everywhere; it’s kind of stupid. I also get lost walking everywhere, which adds to the problem. Continue reading After all, I’m just a girl, standing in front of a boy, asking him to love her.
Go to the Winchester, have a nice cold pint, and wait for all of this to blow over
At the Philadelphia airport, I had a little extra time so I sat down and ordered a $9.25 Yuengling and watched half of a women’s college basketball game. What was the worst hour of your life? That was mine. Just two days ago I purchased a $6 pitcher of Yuengling and was able to drink it without being affronted by such atrociousness.
Then I boarded my flight from Philadelphia to London at about 10:35pm. And they started by serving dinner. Who eats dinner at 11pm? So I just had wine for “dinner”. Continue reading Go to the Winchester, have a nice cold pint, and wait for all of this to blow over
Chapter One. He was as tough and romantic as the city he loved.
Like the rest of the world, things don’t really open until at least 9 on Saturday. I actually had trouble finding a coffee shop to work in (I was out of the hotel at 7), but eventually found a place to get some work done. Continue reading Chapter One. He was as tough and romantic as the city he loved.
Chapter One. He was too romantic about Manhattan as he was about everything else.
I like to get an early start, so I walked to a coffee shop and worked from 7-10 to make sure the Internet doesn’t fall apart. Thoreau said something to the effect of “a morning walk is a blessing for the whole day,” but I don’t think he took his morning walks in Midtown. Anyways, I went to Culture for a couple hours, which was a busy little shop with good espresso. Continue reading Chapter One. He was too romantic about Manhattan as he was about everything else.
Chapter One. He adored New York City.
I do enjoy visiting Manhattan. The bustle, the sea of skyscrapers that block the sun, the endless list of things to do to keep the mind occupied. The way people don’t bother me. But I adore it in the way that I adore art; I respect and admire it without wanting to become it or immerse myself in it permanently. Sure, I could live there for a while, but the sun would certainly set on my ability to handle it. It’s why I didn’t move here a few years ago when I had the great job offer. Continue reading Chapter One. He adored New York City.