I seem to always have to wake early to do my transitting. Why cant I even sleep in and transit in comfort?
11 August was spent going from Dublin to London, before finding my way to my beloved Astor Victoria HOstel, that I stayed in last time. Everytime I arrive in London the tube stuffs up. Last time, the tube from Heathrow to Victoria wasnt working. This time, the whole VIctoria line wasnt working. No matter, I picked up my things, and walked from Victoria station to the Astor and checked in.
As it was still light, i could then catch the tube out for a walksie. I had no map. I had no idea where I was. I got out at embankment...because i could, and just walked around. I found Trafalgar square and the National Art Gallery, Picadilly Circus, Soho, the Gay area, and ended up back at Convent Gardens. I like Covent gardens! Then I went home for dinner and sleep! I have been so sleep deprived lately!
12 August
Thursday, August 16, 2007
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
Ireland. The land of the Leprachauns
THe Paddy's Palace Hostel is grotty. Not recommended. Really friendly, bit grot.
My Paddywagon tour departed from the place though so I stayed there for ease. I had to share a room with 5 frenchies who spoke not a word of english!
8 August
The tour took off early in the morning, so bleary eyed, I dragged my stuff down four flights of stairs.
Like all tours of this sort, the beginning is always slightly awkward, and choosing where to sit on the bus is a big deal, as that is your designated seat for the rest of the trip. I chose a nigel seat. One without an adjoining seat, which suited me fine, in case the rest of the group were really weird. But then started the 'get to know you' games. Always awkward.
But luckily the group were all really great. I made pretty close friends with a few of the girls in my group. There was Bettina, the German girl, Marianne, the Irish girl who decided she wanted to explore her own country (and said she could only afford to explore her own country), Bernie, an aussie girl, Shivanni, another aussie girl (we're everywhere) and Sam, a really outgoing and friendly american from Las Vegas!
Of course there were other people on the tour...there were 12 of us in total, but those are the notables of whom I bonded with.
The tour was great. We went to the BLarney castle, where yes i did kiss the BLarney Stone, which is supposed to give you the gift of gab, despite being told horror stories about how the irish pee on the stone. But hey, in Ireland, do as the Irish do. We spent the night in Killarney, a beautiful town in the south west of IReland. Our tour guide Shane was fantastic. He recommended the best joint for food, and then the most fantastic pub where they did traditional irish dancing. It was amazing. They move so quickly and all in time and all in step. I really wanted to join in, but firstly i didnt know how and secondly i wasnt wearing the right shoes to learn how. My feet would have been destroyed.
The night was long. We went home around 3am.
9 August
THe second day of the tour was spent in a raining morning taking a horse drawn carriage through the Killarney National Park. I was chilled to the bone. SOOOOO cold, because i was so stupid I didnt bring my waterproof jacket. So i was soggy. We also visited the CLiffs of Moher, which really reminded me of the Three Musketeers movie, where that girl jumped off the cliffs, and the Burren, which is basically this huge rocky landscape. Really weird.
We spent the night in Galway, a town renowned for its night life. After trying out a free joint, which smelled like feet. Sam and I relocated to a place named Cuba, where we had major fun!
10 August
By the third day, the group had bonded. THe girls are amazingly nice, and we all got along so well. We went to the Clonmacnoise ruins, an ancient church. Before heading back to Dublin.
I went out for dinner with Bettina, before meeting Sam, Shiv and Marianne for drinkies. Haha, Shiv also brought along her new boyfriend....Shane the tour guide!!
My Paddywagon tour departed from the place though so I stayed there for ease. I had to share a room with 5 frenchies who spoke not a word of english!
8 August
The tour took off early in the morning, so bleary eyed, I dragged my stuff down four flights of stairs.
Like all tours of this sort, the beginning is always slightly awkward, and choosing where to sit on the bus is a big deal, as that is your designated seat for the rest of the trip. I chose a nigel seat. One without an adjoining seat, which suited me fine, in case the rest of the group were really weird. But then started the 'get to know you' games. Always awkward.
But luckily the group were all really great. I made pretty close friends with a few of the girls in my group. There was Bettina, the German girl, Marianne, the Irish girl who decided she wanted to explore her own country (and said she could only afford to explore her own country), Bernie, an aussie girl, Shivanni, another aussie girl (we're everywhere) and Sam, a really outgoing and friendly american from Las Vegas!
Of course there were other people on the tour...there were 12 of us in total, but those are the notables of whom I bonded with.
The tour was great. We went to the BLarney castle, where yes i did kiss the BLarney Stone, which is supposed to give you the gift of gab, despite being told horror stories about how the irish pee on the stone. But hey, in Ireland, do as the Irish do. We spent the night in Killarney, a beautiful town in the south west of IReland. Our tour guide Shane was fantastic. He recommended the best joint for food, and then the most fantastic pub where they did traditional irish dancing. It was amazing. They move so quickly and all in time and all in step. I really wanted to join in, but firstly i didnt know how and secondly i wasnt wearing the right shoes to learn how. My feet would have been destroyed.
The night was long. We went home around 3am.
9 August
THe second day of the tour was spent in a raining morning taking a horse drawn carriage through the Killarney National Park. I was chilled to the bone. SOOOOO cold, because i was so stupid I didnt bring my waterproof jacket. So i was soggy. We also visited the CLiffs of Moher, which really reminded me of the Three Musketeers movie, where that girl jumped off the cliffs, and the Burren, which is basically this huge rocky landscape. Really weird.
We spent the night in Galway, a town renowned for its night life. After trying out a free joint, which smelled like feet. Sam and I relocated to a place named Cuba, where we had major fun!
10 August
By the third day, the group had bonded. THe girls are amazingly nice, and we all got along so well. We went to the Clonmacnoise ruins, an ancient church. Before heading back to Dublin.
I went out for dinner with Bettina, before meeting Sam, Shiv and Marianne for drinkies. Haha, Shiv also brought along her new boyfriend....Shane the tour guide!!
America and Hannah
2 August
As united had been stupid, I realised that my insurance would likely give me money. After reading the policy, i found out that if they delayed by 12 hours, I would get $500 to spend as I pleased!!! YAy!!!
After meeting hannah at my new lodgings, the 2nd home on 2nd ave, we went to Soho for some SHOPPING!!! thanks to united, i got to buy a new outfit, which consisted of a pretty pretty dress, that was SO expensive, some victorias secret underwear and some new shoes. We stumbled randomly across Balthazars, and had a scrumplicious lunch there, before entering Chinatown for some massages and manicures! By the time I got back to my room, my luggage had shown up!
3 August
Hannah and I wanted to watch the Late Night Show being taped, but unknown to us, they were on holidays and not taping. As we didnt know, we woke up so early to line up for tix...what a waste of quality sleep time. Despite this, we more than made up for it with some 5th avenue shopping. By 4 pm, we were so tired. i hardly slept the night before...so we went back to our respective homes for nap time, to meet up again at 9pm for a swanky dinner.
THe two of us got pretty and went down to Greenwich village for a nice Italian meal.
4 August
Hannah and I went out to Maddison Ave for some very expensive shopping time. Maddison Ave hosts the brand names of the fashion houses, and also the most likely place you will meet a famous person. Just my luck, no famous people were out and about that day...After shopping, we went down to the Brooklyn bridge to catch the views of the harbour and the skyline.
5 August
So hannah has come to NY permanently to marry her NY man. Unfortunately, today she had to go to Conneticuit to see the inlaws, as the Mother in law had hurt her back. She's the family matriach and when she calls, all of them go running.
I had an alone day, which i spent at the Guggenheim museum, before strolling through/getting lost in Central park.
SO this funny thing happened after Hannah and I had dinner in Greenwich. After dinner, we went strolling along the streets, when we passed the Marc Jacobs store. After peering in a bit, the cleaner in there came out to ask for a light. We said, no sorry we dont have one, but can we look at the stuff in the shop? he said no of course, the shop was closed...but thought we had funny accents, and so a conversation commenced. Anyway, after a while, he said if we came back the day after, we could get 30% discount at the shop, as he got a staff discount there....it all sounded like crap but u know, it was all very tempting.
Anyway, i thought, as I liked Soho so much i would return there and explore the streets we didnt go to. After much wandering, i ended up back at the Marc Jacobs store....next to the Magnolia bakery. I hung around, bought some cupcakes (SOOOO sweet) and then rang Americo, the MJ cleaner. hehe, I reminded him who I was.....and got my discount!!!! i now have a pretty bag and a pretty wallet. SOOOOOO strange, sooo unexpected, but SOOOO wonderful!!!
6 August
Hannah came down to have brunch with me and then a sad farewell. I think she feels a little scared at the whole move. Its daunting for her, to go to a huge city like NY where she knows no one to start a whole new life with a whole new family.
I went to catch another United flight through Washington, over to London, before a BA flight to DUblin. Very long day of flying.
As united had been stupid, I realised that my insurance would likely give me money. After reading the policy, i found out that if they delayed by 12 hours, I would get $500 to spend as I pleased!!! YAy!!!
After meeting hannah at my new lodgings, the 2nd home on 2nd ave, we went to Soho for some SHOPPING!!! thanks to united, i got to buy a new outfit, which consisted of a pretty pretty dress, that was SO expensive, some victorias secret underwear and some new shoes. We stumbled randomly across Balthazars, and had a scrumplicious lunch there, before entering Chinatown for some massages and manicures! By the time I got back to my room, my luggage had shown up!
3 August
Hannah and I wanted to watch the Late Night Show being taped, but unknown to us, they were on holidays and not taping. As we didnt know, we woke up so early to line up for tix...what a waste of quality sleep time. Despite this, we more than made up for it with some 5th avenue shopping. By 4 pm, we were so tired. i hardly slept the night before...so we went back to our respective homes for nap time, to meet up again at 9pm for a swanky dinner.
THe two of us got pretty and went down to Greenwich village for a nice Italian meal.
4 August
Hannah and I went out to Maddison Ave for some very expensive shopping time. Maddison Ave hosts the brand names of the fashion houses, and also the most likely place you will meet a famous person. Just my luck, no famous people were out and about that day...After shopping, we went down to the Brooklyn bridge to catch the views of the harbour and the skyline.
5 August
So hannah has come to NY permanently to marry her NY man. Unfortunately, today she had to go to Conneticuit to see the inlaws, as the Mother in law had hurt her back. She's the family matriach and when she calls, all of them go running.
I had an alone day, which i spent at the Guggenheim museum, before strolling through/getting lost in Central park.
SO this funny thing happened after Hannah and I had dinner in Greenwich. After dinner, we went strolling along the streets, when we passed the Marc Jacobs store. After peering in a bit, the cleaner in there came out to ask for a light. We said, no sorry we dont have one, but can we look at the stuff in the shop? he said no of course, the shop was closed...but thought we had funny accents, and so a conversation commenced. Anyway, after a while, he said if we came back the day after, we could get 30% discount at the shop, as he got a staff discount there....it all sounded like crap but u know, it was all very tempting.
Anyway, i thought, as I liked Soho so much i would return there and explore the streets we didnt go to. After much wandering, i ended up back at the Marc Jacobs store....next to the Magnolia bakery. I hung around, bought some cupcakes (SOOOO sweet) and then rang Americo, the MJ cleaner. hehe, I reminded him who I was.....and got my discount!!!! i now have a pretty bag and a pretty wallet. SOOOOOO strange, sooo unexpected, but SOOOO wonderful!!!
6 August
Hannah came down to have brunch with me and then a sad farewell. I think she feels a little scared at the whole move. Its daunting for her, to go to a huge city like NY where she knows no one to start a whole new life with a whole new family.
I went to catch another United flight through Washington, over to London, before a BA flight to DUblin. Very long day of flying.
Mexico...The farewell
I have fallen badly behind in blogging, and its just such a headache to try and catch up. The trick is to not fall behind in the first place, but finding a net cafe and wasting hours of holiday time to blog is just not my priority.
30 July
So I was such a novelty in Mexico. Angie had told some of her friends about her friend from Aussieland and they wanted to meet me to 'practice their english'. Her friend Marie-Jose and her sister Isobel came over to pick me up and take me out. Was absolutely pouring weather.
1 August
It was so sad to leave mexico. I really loved it here. SO beautiful, and so unlike whatever anyone expects. Unfortunately it was a rushed departure, with Angie running home to take me to the airport. I love her. Did u hear that angie??
Anyway, upon arrival in NY at a ridiculously late hour of around midnight, i was patiently waiting for my luggage, only to see the luggage belt, and my wheelie bag not there. United air had lost my luggage.
30 July
So I was such a novelty in Mexico. Angie had told some of her friends about her friend from Aussieland and they wanted to meet me to 'practice their english'. Her friend Marie-Jose and her sister Isobel came over to pick me up and take me out. Was absolutely pouring weather.
1 August
It was so sad to leave mexico. I really loved it here. SO beautiful, and so unlike whatever anyone expects. Unfortunately it was a rushed departure, with Angie running home to take me to the airport. I love her. Did u hear that angie??
Anyway, upon arrival in NY at a ridiculously late hour of around midnight, i was patiently waiting for my luggage, only to see the luggage belt, and my wheelie bag not there. United air had lost my luggage.
Monday, July 30, 2007
Acapulco!
27 July
We left after Angie got home from uni to go to Acapulco. I am SOOO lucky....seriously its all luck. I met Angie when I was in London practically exactly a year ago last year. We were in a hostel room together in Bayswater, and we got along great, and have been in touch through MSN and email since. Randomly, I told her I was gonna be in Mexico and she invited me to stay with her. She is so sweet! And she has taken such good care of me.
We stayed in her apartment in Acapulco, which is this fantastically beautiful apartment, right next to the Hyatt.
After the four hour drive, we went for a walk down the main street, to get some icecream, before heading to the supermarket and grabbing some ingredients to cook at home. Manuel is Angie´s brother and wants to be a cook. He cooked up some arracherra for us, which was absolutely delicious before we had an early night.
28 July
The whole day was spent having much fun under the sun! Probably too much sun because I ended up with sunburn. I have pinkness all over! The coast of Acapulco is beautiful, and once again I have to repeat that I am SO lucky that Angie´s place is in the most perfect location.
We headed out that night to a pretty swanky bar that played fantastic music, mostly salsa, and Kickay tried to show me how to Salsa, but I am not skilled at ALL in that department. Oh well.
29 July
The day was spent on return to Mexico City. We had a brief stop by the markets for some silver jewellery... bling bling!
We left after Angie got home from uni to go to Acapulco. I am SOOO lucky....seriously its all luck. I met Angie when I was in London practically exactly a year ago last year. We were in a hostel room together in Bayswater, and we got along great, and have been in touch through MSN and email since. Randomly, I told her I was gonna be in Mexico and she invited me to stay with her. She is so sweet! And she has taken such good care of me.
We stayed in her apartment in Acapulco, which is this fantastically beautiful apartment, right next to the Hyatt.
After the four hour drive, we went for a walk down the main street, to get some icecream, before heading to the supermarket and grabbing some ingredients to cook at home. Manuel is Angie´s brother and wants to be a cook. He cooked up some arracherra for us, which was absolutely delicious before we had an early night.
28 July
The whole day was spent having much fun under the sun! Probably too much sun because I ended up with sunburn. I have pinkness all over! The coast of Acapulco is beautiful, and once again I have to repeat that I am SO lucky that Angie´s place is in the most perfect location.
We headed out that night to a pretty swanky bar that played fantastic music, mostly salsa, and Kickay tried to show me how to Salsa, but I am not skilled at ALL in that department. Oh well.
29 July
The day was spent on return to Mexico City. We had a brief stop by the markets for some silver jewellery... bling bling!
Thursday, July 26, 2007
Mexico City
As soon as I arrived at Angie´s place we went out to get an english copy of the new Harry Potter.
23 July
Poor Angie has to wake up at 530am each morning to get to her classes by 7am. So she had arranged for her friend Enrique (Kickay)to be my tour guide around town.
Kicks arrived around 12 midday to commence our tour of the downtown region. Unfortunately, his dad is slightly crazy, and called him back just as we got there to go home and mow the lawn. So we had to turn the car around wait for him to mow the lawn, and then head head back out to the Zocolo.
We explored the cathedral, before heading to the LatinAmerica building and climing up to the top for the view of town.
Then a massive storm came. The skies opened up and down came the pouring rain! despite this, we still ran to the car. By the time we got there, we were both soaked through. I could wring my dress out and water would come pouring out.
We then met Angie at the Sona Rosa for a Hot Chocolate and cake...
and then out to the Condessa to try some Mescal...the product that exists before it becomes Tequila. Angie then convinced me to try some grasshoppers....
before having some real dinner...Sushi. Note that this whole time my feet were wet because they had been soaked through. We went home, dried off, and then I started the Harry Potter saga!
24th July
Today Kickay took me to Chapultapec to see the Castle. We had along for the ride Millay and her brother Enrique.
This is the roof of part of the castle. How much does it look like Harry Potter!!!
Then, after some tacos, we went to the Imax to watch the new Harry Potter movie with the last 20 minutes in 3D!!
25th July
Unfortunately, Kickay had to stay home to help his sister study. I dont understand that. Isnt studying a one person job??
Anyway, luckily Wednesday is Angie´s half day and she finishes school at 11. So we went to the Museum of Anthropolgy. I didnt intend to spend so long there, but we were there for a good 4 hours. The history of Mexico is so interesting. They have had influence from the Aztecs, the Mayans, the French, the Spanish...no wonder they´re people of all different colours!
Meanwhile, the Mayans have the same shaped nose as me.
26th July
Argh, its been raining everyday since I got to Mexico City! well not all day, but every afternoon the skies open up for a heavy thunderous shower.
Today Angie and her brother Manuel took me to Cayoacan, the city of Coyotes. It doesnt actually still have coyotes, but back in the day, there must have been many a coyote here!
We had lunch in a quaint little restaurant before heading back to the city for some shopping at Santa Fe. Ibought many pretty things which made me extremely happy!
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
Bye Bye Boys!
21st July
Sadly, Joeri and Sander departed, heading off to the beach, and then Belize and Guatamala. We said a sad goodbye, before they left back up to Puebla city for their next bus. I will miss them, as we had some fantastic travels together.
My day was spent mostly just sitting around all lonesome at the ranch. The other kids had gone to the rainforrest for a walkabout, but I didn't want to follow, mostly because i was wearing shorts, thongs, and a t-shirt, most inappropriate clothing for a trek through dense rainforrest again.
But that night, the family lit a bonfire, and roasted marshmellows, before burying corn cobs in the cinders to roast. We had hotdogs, and corn for dinner! Later, the singing and music started again, before another late night in bed.
22nd July
The entire family, except for Oscar's parents, left Puebla. I was incredibly lucky. I was originally going to be catching the ADO bus back to Mexico City alone on Saturday, with no knowledge of spanish, with 2 connecting buses. But the Family had offered to drive me to Mexico city, so long we left on Sunday. THat was fine with me! An extra day on the ranch, and a free lift into Mexico city.
So, the trip back was spent in a luxurious air conditioned red mini van. Angie was waiting for me on the other end, and so began the Mexico city leg of my journey.
Sadly, Joeri and Sander departed, heading off to the beach, and then Belize and Guatamala. We said a sad goodbye, before they left back up to Puebla city for their next bus. I will miss them, as we had some fantastic travels together.
My day was spent mostly just sitting around all lonesome at the ranch. The other kids had gone to the rainforrest for a walkabout, but I didn't want to follow, mostly because i was wearing shorts, thongs, and a t-shirt, most inappropriate clothing for a trek through dense rainforrest again.
But that night, the family lit a bonfire, and roasted marshmellows, before burying corn cobs in the cinders to roast. We had hotdogs, and corn for dinner! Later, the singing and music started again, before another late night in bed.
22nd July
The entire family, except for Oscar's parents, left Puebla. I was incredibly lucky. I was originally going to be catching the ADO bus back to Mexico City alone on Saturday, with no knowledge of spanish, with 2 connecting buses. But the Family had offered to drive me to Mexico city, so long we left on Sunday. THat was fine with me! An extra day on the ranch, and a free lift into Mexico city.
So, the trip back was spent in a luxurious air conditioned red mini van. Angie was waiting for me on the other end, and so began the Mexico city leg of my journey.
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