WEll, we´re coming to the end of our trip. Natalie and I are so excited to be going home and yet kind of sad to think that this wonderful experience is coming to an end, but as with all things it must end and we need to start a new chapter in our lives. The one thing that has been really and most spectacularly awesome is all the comments on the blogs. It´s fun to read what you all think of our adventures and that is why we wrote so much and so often. So, thanks for that!
We are in the KEF airport in Reyjevik Iceland. We landed at eleven thirty pm and we had a slight mix up with Natalie going out the wrong door and into the main part of the airport. She had to check back in and gave me the saddest puppy dog face through the giant security glass. That will be something to tell the grandkids! We got to sleep at about twelve thrity, one am and woke up at six thirty am, due to all the noise. The airport was jumping with excited (although oblivious to others) travelers adn we were unfortunately sleeping within their vocal range. Some of them stood over Natalie!
So, our flight leaves at 10am and we get into New York, New York at 12ish. We´re meeting up with my uncle Jim and his wife Mary for some fun sight-seeing. It should be a great day! We are not done blogging yet, so don´t think that we´ve elft you stranded. There are still days to account for and we will definitely be posting some more pics and blogs. Thanks again for all the love!
We´ll See You Soon!
Troy and Natalie
European Honeymoon!
St. George May 2012, Hawaii after that???
Friday, August 27, 2010
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Day 66
Holly's Place Streatham Hill London 7:55pm 8-25-10
Troy and I are getting ready to leave London tomorrow. Yesterday we went in to London with Holly. She showed us around the city. We went into a music shop and tried out some Ukeleles. When we got to Holly's on Sunday, Troy was immediately drawn to her Ukelele and over the past few days we have both learned to play and are now thinking of buying two so we can play together. Then we walked around trying to find a place to eat. Troy found an interesting burger place and the food was pretty good. Then we went to this huge sports shop called Lillywhites. Then we walked down the Thames near the London Eye. We had some Leifman's fruit beer (really good) at the British Film Institute bar down on the south bank next to the river. Then we walked toward the Globe theatre which was really cool and we saw London bridge. We made our way back to Holly's flat and relaxed. I fell asleep and woke up to Holly and Troy comparing me to the cat.
This morning we got up and lazed around for a bit. We sorted things out that we needed to get done and did some laundry. Then we walked to Brixton in the rain. We did some Pound Store shopping and had some lunch at The Rest is Noise pub/restaurant, which catered to the eclectic. We headed back to Holly's and blow dried our tent in her 1 bedroom flat. We're all packing things up tonight (We're heading to the airport tomorrow and Holly is going to the Reading music festival). I'm going to try and get some good sleep tonight since we have three flights in three days coming up.
Troy and I are getting ready to leave London tomorrow. Yesterday we went in to London with Holly. She showed us around the city. We went into a music shop and tried out some Ukeleles. When we got to Holly's on Sunday, Troy was immediately drawn to her Ukelele and over the past few days we have both learned to play and are now thinking of buying two so we can play together. Then we walked around trying to find a place to eat. Troy found an interesting burger place and the food was pretty good. Then we went to this huge sports shop called Lillywhites. Then we walked down the Thames near the London Eye. We had some Leifman's fruit beer (really good) at the British Film Institute bar down on the south bank next to the river. Then we walked toward the Globe theatre which was really cool and we saw London bridge. We made our way back to Holly's flat and relaxed. I fell asleep and woke up to Holly and Troy comparing me to the cat.
This morning we got up and lazed around for a bit. We sorted things out that we needed to get done and did some laundry. Then we walked to Brixton in the rain. We did some Pound Store shopping and had some lunch at The Rest is Noise pub/restaurant, which catered to the eclectic. We headed back to Holly's and blow dried our tent in her 1 bedroom flat. We're all packing things up tonight (We're heading to the airport tomorrow and Holly is going to the Reading music festival). I'm going to try and get some good sleep tonight since we have three flights in three days coming up.
Day 65
Holly Ryan's House Streatham Hill London 11:13am 8-24-10
Troy and I have been staying at Holly's since Sunday. We have been enjoying it so much. Troy and I got to London on Sunday and called Holly. She told us to catch a train to Sreatham Hill and she met us at the station with her friend Phil who was also visiting. We went back to Holly's and all ended up talking for about 6 hours. Then we went out to Taylor's Pub for my birthday dinner and drinks. The food was good and we had a great time chatting and laughing. We went back to Holly's, dropping Phil off at the bus stop and saying goodbye on the way. We settled in for the night. Holly insisted that we sleep in her bed. It was wonderful! So relaxing!
We got up Monday morning, Troy's birthday, and lounged around for a long time. Troy's back was hurting so we decided to take it easy. He heated it with Holly's hot water bottle, and we stayed in for most of the afternoon. Then we headed to lunch, guess where. . . McDonald's! and Troy beat his nugget record, he ate forty! Then we came back to Holly's where we all ended up falling asleep. We got up and showed Holly the picture from our trip. It was almost 9pm, so we finally decided to go to dinner. We took Troy to 'Troy's' Turkish restaurant for his birthday. The food was amazing, and they brought Troy a cake and sang happy birthday. Then Troy made me relight the candle and blow it out for my birthday wish. We came back to Holly's, listened to music and conked out at about 1:30am.
Troy got up early this morning and blogged. Holly and I slept in a little bit and now we are getting ready for our day. If Troy's back feels up to it, we're going to head into London and wander around for a bit.
Troy and I have been staying at Holly's since Sunday. We have been enjoying it so much. Troy and I got to London on Sunday and called Holly. She told us to catch a train to Sreatham Hill and she met us at the station with her friend Phil who was also visiting. We went back to Holly's and all ended up talking for about 6 hours. Then we went out to Taylor's Pub for my birthday dinner and drinks. The food was good and we had a great time chatting and laughing. We went back to Holly's, dropping Phil off at the bus stop and saying goodbye on the way. We settled in for the night. Holly insisted that we sleep in her bed. It was wonderful! So relaxing!
We got up Monday morning, Troy's birthday, and lounged around for a long time. Troy's back was hurting so we decided to take it easy. He heated it with Holly's hot water bottle, and we stayed in for most of the afternoon. Then we headed to lunch, guess where. . . McDonald's! and Troy beat his nugget record, he ate forty! Then we came back to Holly's where we all ended up falling asleep. We got up and showed Holly the picture from our trip. It was almost 9pm, so we finally decided to go to dinner. We took Troy to 'Troy's' Turkish restaurant for his birthday. The food was amazing, and they brought Troy a cake and sang happy birthday. Then Troy made me relight the candle and blow it out for my birthday wish. We came back to Holly's, listened to music and conked out at about 1:30am.
Troy got up early this morning and blogged. Holly and I slept in a little bit and now we are getting ready for our day. If Troy's back feels up to it, we're going to head into London and wander around for a bit.
Day 63
Bus from Cardiff to London 7:33am 8-22-10
Troy and I can't believe that we only have five days left of our trip. It's going really fast now. After getting off the train from Dublin to Rosslare we got to the port and found out that the 3pm ferry had been cancelled due to wind. It was only 10:30am and the next ferry was at 9pm. We sat in the port and read for a long time. Then we took our packs and went to find some food. We struggled up a bunch of steps, found a liquor store and spent the last Euro cash that we had. Then we ate lunch at the Best Western. There was not much else to Rosslare Harbour. We headed down this crazy hill with our packs on, and hung out at the beach for a while since the rain had cleared up. Then we went back to the port and read lots more. Troy finished 'Lovely Bones' and I continued 'Drood'. Finally we checked in, went upstairs and got on the boat. We found a nice comfy spot and read. Then they announced that they would be playing a Scooby Doo movie on deck seven. Turns out we were on deck seven and had the perfect seat to watch. I fell asleep five minutes in and when I woke up the movie was over and we were almost to Fishguard, Wales. We packed up our stuff and got off the boat. Our boat was a bit late but so was our train so it all worked out. We had to change at Swansea and catch the train towards London. We got off the train at Cardiff around 5:30am, found an internet kiosk with a map and located our campsite. We walked through Cardiff in the dark looking at the beautiful houses as we made our way to the huge park where our campsite was. As has become our habit with travelling we could not find the campsite. We spent what seemed like an hour wandering and retracing our steps. Finally we found an early riser and asked directions. Turns out we were really close. We headed into the campsite and happened to run into a worker who told us to go ahead and set up camp. It was around 6:30 am. Then we took a nap. We got up at 8:40, checked in and went back to sleep until 11. Then we showered and got read to venture into town. Troy wanted us to do some birthday shopping for each other. We walked through the park towards the castle. It was rainy and the park was beautiful. The castle was an interesting blend of different styles. We continued walking and found some interesting buildings and fountains. Then we headed to the main shopping area and did not emerge for hours. Little did we know, we had entered one of the largest malls I have ever been in. It seemed endless. We wandered around, got some groceries and souvenirs, but no birthday gifts for each other. Finally we were getting hungry so we started looking for some good reasonably priced food. We checked out the menus for a bunch of different places and decided on a place called Revolution. We got garlic bread cheese pizza, nachos and a really good goat cheese pizza, plus a brownine dessert. Then we walked back to camp to spend our last night in the tent.
This morning we woke up at 5:45am, packed up quietly and left behind our bamboo mats as we won't need them anymore. We are now heading to London to stay with our friend Holly who we met in Norwich.
Troy and I can't believe that we only have five days left of our trip. It's going really fast now. After getting off the train from Dublin to Rosslare we got to the port and found out that the 3pm ferry had been cancelled due to wind. It was only 10:30am and the next ferry was at 9pm. We sat in the port and read for a long time. Then we took our packs and went to find some food. We struggled up a bunch of steps, found a liquor store and spent the last Euro cash that we had. Then we ate lunch at the Best Western. There was not much else to Rosslare Harbour. We headed down this crazy hill with our packs on, and hung out at the beach for a while since the rain had cleared up. Then we went back to the port and read lots more. Troy finished 'Lovely Bones' and I continued 'Drood'. Finally we checked in, went upstairs and got on the boat. We found a nice comfy spot and read. Then they announced that they would be playing a Scooby Doo movie on deck seven. Turns out we were on deck seven and had the perfect seat to watch. I fell asleep five minutes in and when I woke up the movie was over and we were almost to Fishguard, Wales. We packed up our stuff and got off the boat. Our boat was a bit late but so was our train so it all worked out. We had to change at Swansea and catch the train towards London. We got off the train at Cardiff around 5:30am, found an internet kiosk with a map and located our campsite. We walked through Cardiff in the dark looking at the beautiful houses as we made our way to the huge park where our campsite was. As has become our habit with travelling we could not find the campsite. We spent what seemed like an hour wandering and retracing our steps. Finally we found an early riser and asked directions. Turns out we were really close. We headed into the campsite and happened to run into a worker who told us to go ahead and set up camp. It was around 6:30 am. Then we took a nap. We got up at 8:40, checked in and went back to sleep until 11. Then we showered and got read to venture into town. Troy wanted us to do some birthday shopping for each other. We walked through the park towards the castle. It was rainy and the park was beautiful. The castle was an interesting blend of different styles. We continued walking and found some interesting buildings and fountains. Then we headed to the main shopping area and did not emerge for hours. Little did we know, we had entered one of the largest malls I have ever been in. It seemed endless. We wandered around, got some groceries and souvenirs, but no birthday gifts for each other. Finally we were getting hungry so we started looking for some good reasonably priced food. We checked out the menus for a bunch of different places and decided on a place called Revolution. We got garlic bread cheese pizza, nachos and a really good goat cheese pizza, plus a brownine dessert. Then we walked back to camp to spend our last night in the tent.
This morning we woke up at 5:45am, packed up quietly and left behind our bamboo mats as we won't need them anymore. We are now heading to London to stay with our friend Holly who we met in Norwich.
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Troy is a rambling. . .
Hello everyone!
Seeing as I'm the only one awake this morning, I figured I would get some blog time in. Natalie and I are staying in a London Suburb called Streatum Hill (StrA-tUm) with our new and good friend Holly Ryan. We arrived on Sunday August 22nd (Natalie's birthday) and have been here since then. We are staying through our departure on Thursday which is sadly fast approaching.
We met Holly in Norwich where she was staying with 'the gang' at 15 Colegate Street. She was so nice to offer us a place to crash for the last part of our trip and has been the most wonderful of hosts. For Natalie's birthday we went to a pub called Taylor's and for my birthday we went to a restaurant called, and I'm not kidding, 'TROY'. The food was so good. The waiter was so nice and very humble, I swear he bowed to us every time we said the food was good. I really don't want to go into too many details about what we are doing on our trip since it is not my job to relate the story, Natalie has taken that position and run with it, but I do want to give you some insights as to what we've been most impressed with.
The first thing I want to talk about is Scotland. If you know me at all, you know how much I love being Irish, Irish music, Irish people, et cetera et cetera. But I could not have known how much I would enjoy Scotland. The people were so nice, the climate was amazing and there was so much to see and do! If there is one thing I would like to take or own is a Highland Cow, or Coo as the locals call them.
The next thing I want to get off my chest is Barcelona. The city is so vibrant and full of life. There is nothing within the city that isn't diverse and multi-cultural. The people are so full of life, enjoying all past-times, with no pretensions to who you are, what you wear (or don't wear if you are on the beach) and have created a culture that is laid back and simple. The architecture in the city is absolutely amazing. They call it the city of Gaudi and that is an accurate interpretation.
Now, as it should be apparent to everyone who knows me, I absolutely adore Dublin. There are some things that could be changed, like the troubled Transportation system and the high prices, everyone is struggling(but Dublin charges twice as much as anywhere we went), but for me it was a lifetime accumulation of things I needed to see and do. When I toured the Guinness Brewery I was almost moved to tears and I did two things that I had always wanted to do, play in an Irish Session, in which I partook at O'Donoghue's Pub, where I was accepted enough to sing 'The Hot Aspalt' and received a rousing round of applause, and where I busked for the first time. So, Dublin has special place in my heart.
Seeing as I'm the only one awake this morning, I figured I would get some blog time in. Natalie and I are staying in a London Suburb called Streatum Hill (StrA-tUm) with our new and good friend Holly Ryan. We arrived on Sunday August 22nd (Natalie's birthday) and have been here since then. We are staying through our departure on Thursday which is sadly fast approaching.
We met Holly in Norwich where she was staying with 'the gang' at 15 Colegate Street. She was so nice to offer us a place to crash for the last part of our trip and has been the most wonderful of hosts. For Natalie's birthday we went to a pub called Taylor's and for my birthday we went to a restaurant called, and I'm not kidding, 'TROY'. The food was so good. The waiter was so nice and very humble, I swear he bowed to us every time we said the food was good. I really don't want to go into too many details about what we are doing on our trip since it is not my job to relate the story, Natalie has taken that position and run with it, but I do want to give you some insights as to what we've been most impressed with.
The first thing I want to talk about is Scotland. If you know me at all, you know how much I love being Irish, Irish music, Irish people, et cetera et cetera. But I could not have known how much I would enjoy Scotland. The people were so nice, the climate was amazing and there was so much to see and do! If there is one thing I would like to take or own is a Highland Cow, or Coo as the locals call them.
The next thing I want to get off my chest is Barcelona. The city is so vibrant and full of life. There is nothing within the city that isn't diverse and multi-cultural. The people are so full of life, enjoying all past-times, with no pretensions to who you are, what you wear (or don't wear if you are on the beach) and have created a culture that is laid back and simple. The architecture in the city is absolutely amazing. They call it the city of Gaudi and that is an accurate interpretation.
Now, as it should be apparent to everyone who knows me, I absolutely adore Dublin. There are some things that could be changed, like the troubled Transportation system and the high prices, everyone is struggling(but Dublin charges twice as much as anywhere we went), but for me it was a lifetime accumulation of things I needed to see and do. When I toured the Guinness Brewery I was almost moved to tears and I did two things that I had always wanted to do, play in an Irish Session, in which I partook at O'Donoghue's Pub, where I was accepted enough to sing 'The Hot Aspalt' and received a rousing round of applause, and where I busked for the first time. So, Dublin has special place in my heart.
Monday, August 23, 2010
Day 61
Train to Rosslare 7:41 am 8-20-10
Troy and I are leaving Dublin. We had so much fun there. The night before last, after McD's we went on-line and wasted some time because Troy wanted to go to an authentic Irish session and none of them start until 9:30 or 10pm. We headed to one bar that advertised a session but it turned out to be a band. SO we went to find this other bar we had heard about. It was insanely crowded and at first Troy didn't want to go in, but finally we got in and found the session and Troy got to play. He even got to sing a song. It was fun and we ended up staying until the bar closed.
The next morning we slept in, then Troy got ready top go busking. He took off and I stayed in the Hostel and read for a bit. Then I headed to the train station to confirm our travel times for Friday and headed to Grafton street where Troy was. He looked so cute standing there busking, but I think I brought him bad luck because not only did he not get any money while I was watching him, but it started pouring. We met up at McD's and Troy bought some lunch with his busking money. Troy wanted to play some more and I walked around and shopped for a bit. Then we wandered back to the Hostel to drop the guitar off, wandering into a few bookshops along the way. We dried off a bit and warmed up, then headed back out to find internet and dinner. Troy wanted to eat an actual dinner tonight (Not McDonald's). After going on-line we wandered around and went into a few camping shops, working up an appetite. It took us a while to find us a place fore dinner, but we finally ended up at Slattery's. It was a quiet pub and the food was reasonably priced and everything was delicious. The people there were nice and Troy and I had a 'Great Last Night in Dublin' dinner. Then we headed back to our hostel and started packing. One of the other people in our room came back and we ended up talking with Marco until after 11pm.
We got up this morning around 6am and packed up, then we headed to the train station and now we're leaving Dublin and soon we'll be leaving Ireland. We only have a little more than a week to go.
Troy and I are leaving Dublin. We had so much fun there. The night before last, after McD's we went on-line and wasted some time because Troy wanted to go to an authentic Irish session and none of them start until 9:30 or 10pm. We headed to one bar that advertised a session but it turned out to be a band. SO we went to find this other bar we had heard about. It was insanely crowded and at first Troy didn't want to go in, but finally we got in and found the session and Troy got to play. He even got to sing a song. It was fun and we ended up staying until the bar closed.
The next morning we slept in, then Troy got ready top go busking. He took off and I stayed in the Hostel and read for a bit. Then I headed to the train station to confirm our travel times for Friday and headed to Grafton street where Troy was. He looked so cute standing there busking, but I think I brought him bad luck because not only did he not get any money while I was watching him, but it started pouring. We met up at McD's and Troy bought some lunch with his busking money. Troy wanted to play some more and I walked around and shopped for a bit. Then we wandered back to the Hostel to drop the guitar off, wandering into a few bookshops along the way. We dried off a bit and warmed up, then headed back out to find internet and dinner. Troy wanted to eat an actual dinner tonight (Not McDonald's). After going on-line we wandered around and went into a few camping shops, working up an appetite. It took us a while to find us a place fore dinner, but we finally ended up at Slattery's. It was a quiet pub and the food was reasonably priced and everything was delicious. The people there were nice and Troy and I had a 'Great Last Night in Dublin' dinner. Then we headed back to our hostel and started packing. One of the other people in our room came back and we ended up talking with Marco until after 11pm.
We got up this morning around 6am and packed up, then we headed to the train station and now we're leaving Dublin and soon we'll be leaving Ireland. We only have a little more than a week to go.
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Day 59
McDOnald's Grafton Street Dublin 6:42 PM. 8-18-2010
Troy and I are dining at McDonald's again! We have been exploring Dublin the past two days. Yesterday we woke up around seven am and got ready to catch the bus into Dublin. On the way into town we tried to decide what to do first and ended up getting off near the Guinness Brewery. We got our tickets for the brewery tour and headed in. Troy was so excited! When you buy your ticket you not only get a free sample of Guinness but a free pint as well. Troy adn I walked through the storehouse for hours. We took our time and saw everything. Troy even got to pour his own pint of Guinness. I'm not a huge beer fan so I gave Troy my sample and my free pint, so he had nearly three pints before we left. We also bought some souvenirs in the gift shop. It took us four hours to get out of there. Next we headed to St. Patrick's Cathedral. We got lost on the way there even though it's a large building that you can see from the street. Then we headed to St. Steven's Green and sat on the James Joyce memorial bench. We walked back past the Dublin Fusilliers arch and up Grafton street (One of the big shopping areas). At the end of Grafton we saw the Molly Malone Statue and wandered into shops looking at different souvenirs. We walked on and happened upon the Oscar Wilde Memorial (So great) and then we made our way up towards Samuel Beckett bridge. We walked back toward O'Connel street and found a hostel that cost the same as our campsite, so we booked it for Wednesday night. We then looked for the James Joyce center and the writer's museum but they were closed. We walked down O'Connel Street and saw the James Joyce Statue though. Then we headed to Mulligan's on Poolbeg street for a pint. We looked for some food after that and ended up eating at McDonald's. Then we headed to our bus stop with a few munties to spare and went back to camp.
This morning we slept until 8am. Then we started packing up. Troy informed me that we had 20 minutes to catch our bus so we started rushing. We checked out and ended up waiting 20 minutes for the bus. We got on and headed to the top. It was an open top, double decker tour bus and Troy and I were freezing. We barely beat the rain into Dublin. We got off the bus at O'Connel street and headed to our Hostel. The guy at the desk was very stressful. He was being rude to other people and I started getting stressed out. He finally muddled through all the problems that he had created for himself and showed us to our dorm. Luckily Troy and I get to share a bunk bed. We unpacked a bit, charged out cameras and had lunch. Then we decided to stay for another night in Dublin so we informed the front desk andw alked to the train station to get our train and ferry tickets from Dublin to Cardiff. Then we walked around, did some shopping, but all we bought was a bottle of water. We headed to the Temple Bar neighborhood and Troy got contacts for gigs. Then we wandered around going into music stores, market places and malls until we ended up on Grafton street again and here we are at McDonald's.
Troy and I are dining at McDonald's again! We have been exploring Dublin the past two days. Yesterday we woke up around seven am and got ready to catch the bus into Dublin. On the way into town we tried to decide what to do first and ended up getting off near the Guinness Brewery. We got our tickets for the brewery tour and headed in. Troy was so excited! When you buy your ticket you not only get a free sample of Guinness but a free pint as well. Troy adn I walked through the storehouse for hours. We took our time and saw everything. Troy even got to pour his own pint of Guinness. I'm not a huge beer fan so I gave Troy my sample and my free pint, so he had nearly three pints before we left. We also bought some souvenirs in the gift shop. It took us four hours to get out of there. Next we headed to St. Patrick's Cathedral. We got lost on the way there even though it's a large building that you can see from the street. Then we headed to St. Steven's Green and sat on the James Joyce memorial bench. We walked back past the Dublin Fusilliers arch and up Grafton street (One of the big shopping areas). At the end of Grafton we saw the Molly Malone Statue and wandered into shops looking at different souvenirs. We walked on and happened upon the Oscar Wilde Memorial (So great) and then we made our way up towards Samuel Beckett bridge. We walked back toward O'Connel street and found a hostel that cost the same as our campsite, so we booked it for Wednesday night. We then looked for the James Joyce center and the writer's museum but they were closed. We walked down O'Connel Street and saw the James Joyce Statue though. Then we headed to Mulligan's on Poolbeg street for a pint. We looked for some food after that and ended up eating at McDonald's. Then we headed to our bus stop with a few munties to spare and went back to camp.
This morning we slept until 8am. Then we started packing up. Troy informed me that we had 20 minutes to catch our bus so we started rushing. We checked out and ended up waiting 20 minutes for the bus. We got on and headed to the top. It was an open top, double decker tour bus and Troy and I were freezing. We barely beat the rain into Dublin. We got off the bus at O'Connel street and headed to our Hostel. The guy at the desk was very stressful. He was being rude to other people and I started getting stressed out. He finally muddled through all the problems that he had created for himself and showed us to our dorm. Luckily Troy and I get to share a bunk bed. We unpacked a bit, charged out cameras and had lunch. Then we decided to stay for another night in Dublin so we informed the front desk andw alked to the train station to get our train and ferry tickets from Dublin to Cardiff. Then we walked around, did some shopping, but all we bought was a bottle of water. We headed to the Temple Bar neighborhood and Troy got contacts for gigs. Then we wandered around going into music stores, market places and malls until we ended up on Grafton street again and here we are at McDonald's.
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Day 57
Camac Valley Campsite Outisde Dublin 9:28pm 8-16-10
This morning Troy and I got up just before 8am. We packed up and got ready to go by 9. We checked out at the Ice Bowl then caught the bus into Belfast. We were on the bus and I looked up and pointed out the central train station to Troy and he said we should get off since we needed to catch the train (we had planned to go all the way into town and walk to a different station). So we got off and went in and bought train tickets to Dublin. We grabbed some breakfast to go and headed to the platform. The train was crowded and we made it just in time to get seats. Troy and I pulled out our books and sat back reading and enjoying the beautiful Irish countryside. We got to one train stop and tons of people were getting off. Troy and I looked around and almost everyone was gone. Then a lady told us that we all had to get off because something was wrong with the rail. We followed everyone else off the train out to buses that were waiting to take us to the next station. Troy and I went to one bus but they were only taking people without luggage. Then we went to antoehr, but it was filling up but we went to t he third and people were already being sent away. We went to the forth and last bus and put our packs under it and lined up to get it, but it too was full. There were ten to fifteen people with no bus to get on. So they called another bus and we had to wait. Finally the bus came and drove us to the next station where there was a train to Dublin. We got on and got to sit and relax for a couple of hours before reaching Dublin. We got into the city and first found out how to get to our campsite. Then we went to a cafe and got some soup and bread for lunch. Then we did interent and both called home. I finally got to talk to my dad. It was 7am for our parents, but 3pm for us. Then we went to find our bus stop. We knew the street, we just had to get there and find the bus. Luckily we found it just in time and our bus headed out of town. There was a long bus ride and I started thinking that we had missed our stop, but then Troy spotted the campsite and we jumped off. We checked in and set up our camp. Then we went back to the office because they have these quiet rooms to sit in. We ate a snack and read for a bit. Earlier we had asked how far the grocery store was, so after reading we headed out to get some food despite the fact that it was raining. We walked 25 mintues to TESCO and got more bread and peanut butter, then decided to eat dinner at a kabab place. We got cheesy fries and chicken nuggets. Then we walked back to camp and began getting ready for bed. We were getting up early tomorrow. We have lots and lots to see in Dublin.
This morning Troy and I got up just before 8am. We packed up and got ready to go by 9. We checked out at the Ice Bowl then caught the bus into Belfast. We were on the bus and I looked up and pointed out the central train station to Troy and he said we should get off since we needed to catch the train (we had planned to go all the way into town and walk to a different station). So we got off and went in and bought train tickets to Dublin. We grabbed some breakfast to go and headed to the platform. The train was crowded and we made it just in time to get seats. Troy and I pulled out our books and sat back reading and enjoying the beautiful Irish countryside. We got to one train stop and tons of people were getting off. Troy and I looked around and almost everyone was gone. Then a lady told us that we all had to get off because something was wrong with the rail. We followed everyone else off the train out to buses that were waiting to take us to the next station. Troy and I went to one bus but they were only taking people without luggage. Then we went to antoehr, but it was filling up but we went to t he third and people were already being sent away. We went to the forth and last bus and put our packs under it and lined up to get it, but it too was full. There were ten to fifteen people with no bus to get on. So they called another bus and we had to wait. Finally the bus came and drove us to the next station where there was a train to Dublin. We got on and got to sit and relax for a couple of hours before reaching Dublin. We got into the city and first found out how to get to our campsite. Then we went to a cafe and got some soup and bread for lunch. Then we did interent and both called home. I finally got to talk to my dad. It was 7am for our parents, but 3pm for us. Then we went to find our bus stop. We knew the street, we just had to get there and find the bus. Luckily we found it just in time and our bus headed out of town. There was a long bus ride and I started thinking that we had missed our stop, but then Troy spotted the campsite and we jumped off. We checked in and set up our camp. Then we went back to the office because they have these quiet rooms to sit in. We ate a snack and read for a bit. Earlier we had asked how far the grocery store was, so after reading we headed out to get some food despite the fact that it was raining. We walked 25 mintues to TESCO and got more bread and peanut butter, then decided to eat dinner at a kabab place. We got cheesy fries and chicken nuggets. Then we walked back to camp and began getting ready for bed. We were getting up early tomorrow. We have lots and lots to see in Dublin.
Monday, August 16, 2010
And. . . Some more pictures!
1. The Two giant cranes of Belfast (Samson and Goliath)
2. Still in Love!
3. The head reflecting a head (Queen's University Belfast)
4. Belfast City Hall
5. North Berwick Harbor Entrance
2. Still in Love!
3. The head reflecting a head (Queen's University Belfast)
4. Belfast City Hall
5. North Berwick Harbor Entrance
More Pics!
1. Big Ben (Not Rothlesburger!)
2. King's College Cambridge
3. Portuguese Tile Art (Lisbon)
4. Old Lighthouse (Lisbon)
5. Stained Glass of James Joyce and W.B. Yeats at The James Joyce Pub in Madrid Spain!
2. King's College Cambridge
3. Portuguese Tile Art (Lisbon)
4. Old Lighthouse (Lisbon)
5. Stained Glass of James Joyce and W.B. Yeats at The James Joyce Pub in Madrid Spain!
Some Photos are in order!
1. Troy (me) in a kilt in Tantallon Scotland!
2. The Infamous Tantallon Castle
3. Edinburgh Castle on the cliff above the Prince's Gardens
4. Norwich (Nor-rich) Cathedral
5. The Gang in the house on Colgate (L-R Rupert's Head, Hannah, John, Farren, Garreth, Simon, Holly and my head)
2. The Infamous Tantallon Castle
3. Edinburgh Castle on the cliff above the Prince's Gardens
4. Norwich (Nor-rich) Cathedral
5. The Gang in the house on Colgate (L-R Rupert's Head, Hannah, John, Farren, Garreth, Simon, Holly and my head)
Day 56
Dundonald Camp Site 9:18pm 8-15-10
Today Troy and I got up and did some laundry. We lounged around the campsite for awhile waiting for our clothes to be done and talking to people. I read for a bit and Troy and I hung our laundry up on the line. We then walked to the Ice Bowl and got on-line. We looked at the ice skating rink and the bowling alley and we checked out the mini-golf too, but decided to check the movie times first. We walked across the road and bought tickets to see the last Airbender. It wasn't very good, but it was nice to sit and watch a movie. Then we had dinner at a place called Wolfe. The food was okay, they were trying to be really trendy. Finally we came back to camp and read and relaxed for a bit. We decided to stay in rather than min-gilf and Troy decided to tickle torture me on a full stomach! Then we got showered and got ready to pack up and head out in the morning. Dublin tomorrow.
Today Troy and I got up and did some laundry. We lounged around the campsite for awhile waiting for our clothes to be done and talking to people. I read for a bit and Troy and I hung our laundry up on the line. We then walked to the Ice Bowl and got on-line. We looked at the ice skating rink and the bowling alley and we checked out the mini-golf too, but decided to check the movie times first. We walked across the road and bought tickets to see the last Airbender. It wasn't very good, but it was nice to sit and watch a movie. Then we had dinner at a place called Wolfe. The food was okay, they were trying to be really trendy. Finally we came back to camp and read and relaxed for a bit. We decided to stay in rather than min-gilf and Troy decided to tickle torture me on a full stomach! Then we got showered and got ready to pack up and head out in the morning. Dublin tomorrow.
Day 55
Dundonald Campsite 9:54PM 8/14/10
Troy and I slept in a bit. We had peanut butter, bread, apples, and breakfast bars for breakfast, then we got ready to catch the bus into Belfast. We walked up to the Ice Bowl (an ice skating rink and bowling alley, and the campsite reception) and got the bus times and paid for another night. The bus was coming soon so Troy and I ran to the stop. We got there just in time and got on the top of the double decker bus, taking pictures as we headed into town. We got off the bus at town hall and walked around, looking for info and internet. We went into M & S for a while, then found a map and located the info office. We went in and looked around at the gift shop. They had a lot of neat souvenirs. We asked the info lady tips on what to do with one day in Belfast and she recommended the Museum and Botanical Gardens. We wandered down that way, stopping for lunch at Nando's. Weird Portuguese food. We continued down the road going in to every thrift and book store we could find. we got to the Botanical Gardens and they were beautiful. We checked out the Palm House and the Tropical Ravine on our way to the Museum. The Belfast Museum is like a Natural History Museum. It had a bit of everything and Troy and I spent hours there. We stayed until they were closing. Then we walked back the way we came, getting food at the grocery store and going back to the info center to use the internet. Then we headed back toward town hall to catch the bus back to Dundonald and maybe see a movie (I was so excited to finally see one!!), but when our bus pulled up, the drive got off and disappeared. He never came back and about an hour later they finally called another driver in. By the time we got back to camp, it was too late to see a movie so Troy and I ate some dinner, showered and got ready for bed. We're planning on staying another night here, so we'll do laundry tomorrow and maybe mini golf or a movie.
Troy and I slept in a bit. We had peanut butter, bread, apples, and breakfast bars for breakfast, then we got ready to catch the bus into Belfast. We walked up to the Ice Bowl (an ice skating rink and bowling alley, and the campsite reception) and got the bus times and paid for another night. The bus was coming soon so Troy and I ran to the stop. We got there just in time and got on the top of the double decker bus, taking pictures as we headed into town. We got off the bus at town hall and walked around, looking for info and internet. We went into M & S for a while, then found a map and located the info office. We went in and looked around at the gift shop. They had a lot of neat souvenirs. We asked the info lady tips on what to do with one day in Belfast and she recommended the Museum and Botanical Gardens. We wandered down that way, stopping for lunch at Nando's. Weird Portuguese food. We continued down the road going in to every thrift and book store we could find. we got to the Botanical Gardens and they were beautiful. We checked out the Palm House and the Tropical Ravine on our way to the Museum. The Belfast Museum is like a Natural History Museum. It had a bit of everything and Troy and I spent hours there. We stayed until they were closing. Then we walked back the way we came, getting food at the grocery store and going back to the info center to use the internet. Then we headed back toward town hall to catch the bus back to Dundonald and maybe see a movie (I was so excited to finally see one!!), but when our bus pulled up, the drive got off and disappeared. He never came back and about an hour later they finally called another driver in. By the time we got back to camp, it was too late to see a movie so Troy and I ate some dinner, showered and got ready for bed. We're planning on staying another night here, so we'll do laundry tomorrow and maybe mini golf or a movie.
Saturday, August 14, 2010
Troy Here...
Hey everyone!
I am just popping in to let you know that I have not failed to take thousands of pictures of this trip. However, not every computer we come in contact with allows us to upload photos, so please don't be angry, but we will share more when we get home, that you can count on!
Ireland is so amazing and we haven't even gone into a pub yet! (I'm so #@~:'ing excited!) Natalie and I are in such disbelief that the trip is almost over and that we will see you all soon! Officially we leave London on August 26th and arrive in New York City (which Natalie has never seen) on the 27th. At 5am on the 28th we leave New York and arrive at LAX sometime around 12 noon. We will be another year older as we should be celebrating our birthdays in Bath or Bristol England (depending). Hope all is well! Best Regards!
-Troy (And Natalie)
I am just popping in to let you know that I have not failed to take thousands of pictures of this trip. However, not every computer we come in contact with allows us to upload photos, so please don't be angry, but we will share more when we get home, that you can count on!
Ireland is so amazing and we haven't even gone into a pub yet! (I'm so #@~:'ing excited!) Natalie and I are in such disbelief that the trip is almost over and that we will see you all soon! Officially we leave London on August 26th and arrive in New York City (which Natalie has never seen) on the 27th. At 5am on the 28th we leave New York and arrive at LAX sometime around 12 noon. We will be another year older as we should be celebrating our birthdays in Bath or Bristol England (depending). Hope all is well! Best Regards!
-Troy (And Natalie)
Day 54
Belfast Campsite Ireland 11:50pm 8-13-10
We are in Ireland, Finally! Troy and I have had quite a day. This morning we woke up and packed up camp in North Berwick. All of our stuff was wet so it took an extra long time. Then we walked to TESCO for snack food and breakfast. We headed to the train station by way of the beach. Walking on the sand in our packs was very difficult, but it is so beautiful here. We got to the station just in time to catch the train to Edinburgh, then we went straight to the mall. I got a baked potato with beans and cheese and Troy got KFC. I got some Scottish souvenirs and we headed to the train station as it was getting close to the time for our train to Glasgow. We caught the train from Edinburgh to Glasgow Queen Street, then we had to walk to Glasgow central, where we caught a train to Troon. In Troon we transfered to a train to Stranraer where we walked across the street to catch the ferry. We had to check our bags so Troy took out his guitar for safe-keeping and a guy came up and asked about it. Troy, Neil and I ended up talking for a little bit before getting on the ferry. Neil lives in a commune on a farm in the north of Scotland and he's on his way back to Ireland to pick up his stuff from his parents. We lost track of him after boarding the boat and Troy and I read and ate on the two plus hour ferry ride. Then Neil found us again toward the end of the ride and said that his parents would be able to give us a lift to our campsite. We were really appreciative since it was ten pm and we had no idea how we would get there. We had the address and they drove us outside of the city. It was a ways away and really hard to find, but Neil and his parents were so kind that they waited with us until we got settled and then gave us the food they had brought for Neil. We were totally tired and after we set up the tent we wrote a bit. Tomorrow we go to Belfast!
We are in Ireland, Finally! Troy and I have had quite a day. This morning we woke up and packed up camp in North Berwick. All of our stuff was wet so it took an extra long time. Then we walked to TESCO for snack food and breakfast. We headed to the train station by way of the beach. Walking on the sand in our packs was very difficult, but it is so beautiful here. We got to the station just in time to catch the train to Edinburgh, then we went straight to the mall. I got a baked potato with beans and cheese and Troy got KFC. I got some Scottish souvenirs and we headed to the train station as it was getting close to the time for our train to Glasgow. We caught the train from Edinburgh to Glasgow Queen Street, then we had to walk to Glasgow central, where we caught a train to Troon. In Troon we transfered to a train to Stranraer where we walked across the street to catch the ferry. We had to check our bags so Troy took out his guitar for safe-keeping and a guy came up and asked about it. Troy, Neil and I ended up talking for a little bit before getting on the ferry. Neil lives in a commune on a farm in the north of Scotland and he's on his way back to Ireland to pick up his stuff from his parents. We lost track of him after boarding the boat and Troy and I read and ate on the two plus hour ferry ride. Then Neil found us again toward the end of the ride and said that his parents would be able to give us a lift to our campsite. We were really appreciative since it was ten pm and we had no idea how we would get there. We had the address and they drove us outside of the city. It was a ways away and really hard to find, but Neil and his parents were so kind that they waited with us until we got settled and then gave us the food they had brought for Neil. We were totally tired and after we set up the tent we wrote a bit. Tomorrow we go to Belfast!
Day 53
Train from Edinburgh to North Berwick 9:44pm 8-12-10
Troy and I got up this morning and got ready for our day. We had some peanut butter rolls for breakfast at which time Troy managed to break not one but both of our sporks! We packed up some food for the day and walked through North Berwick, looking into Thrift Shops along the way. I pulled a pair of pants off the rack and found a huge spider on them. Troy took them outside and shook them off. But I still didn't feel like trying them on. We continued through town and took the train into Edinburgh. We found some internet and got caught up, then we walked through the mall looking at souvenirs. We headed up to the royal mile and walked through the Fringe festival. There was music, comedy, and all kinds of different acts going on at local venues and out in the street. We saw some cool stuff and then went and bought our tickets for the Mark King's Close tour for latter that evening. It started pouring rain! We headed to a Chinese food buffet for lunch. It was amazing. We walked back up toward the royal mile stopping at all the Scottish shops along the way. Then we headed back for our underground tour. It was pretty cool, we got to walk underneath the city. The streets were so small I can't imagine living in a close before it got covered over and there were people that lived there after. After the tour Troy and I wandered around looking in shops and watching various street performers. We ended up going into Pizza Hut for cookie dough dessert, then we had just enough time to get to the train station and catch the 9:40 train back to North Berwick. We're going to have a bit of a walk in the dark back to our camp site, but we're both so tired we plan to just conk out afterwards. Tomorrow night we will be in Belfast.
Troy and I got up this morning and got ready for our day. We had some peanut butter rolls for breakfast at which time Troy managed to break not one but both of our sporks! We packed up some food for the day and walked through North Berwick, looking into Thrift Shops along the way. I pulled a pair of pants off the rack and found a huge spider on them. Troy took them outside and shook them off. But I still didn't feel like trying them on. We continued through town and took the train into Edinburgh. We found some internet and got caught up, then we walked through the mall looking at souvenirs. We headed up to the royal mile and walked through the Fringe festival. There was music, comedy, and all kinds of different acts going on at local venues and out in the street. We saw some cool stuff and then went and bought our tickets for the Mark King's Close tour for latter that evening. It started pouring rain! We headed to a Chinese food buffet for lunch. It was amazing. We walked back up toward the royal mile stopping at all the Scottish shops along the way. Then we headed back for our underground tour. It was pretty cool, we got to walk underneath the city. The streets were so small I can't imagine living in a close before it got covered over and there were people that lived there after. After the tour Troy and I wandered around looking in shops and watching various street performers. We ended up going into Pizza Hut for cookie dough dessert, then we had just enough time to get to the train station and catch the 9:40 train back to North Berwick. We're going to have a bit of a walk in the dark back to our camp site, but we're both so tired we plan to just conk out afterwards. Tomorrow night we will be in Belfast.
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Day 52
North Berwick Scotland 8:17pm 8-11-10
Troy and I got in a big fight last night. I was getting tired and cranky and started getting irritated and he got mad. I left and sat somewhere else for an hour and that made him really mad. Needless to say, having to sleep on a smelly, bumpy bus all night didn't help, plus I got horrible motion sickness when I woke up, but Scotland is so beautiful! It is so green and hilly and there are sheep and cows and horses all over. We got into Edinburgh around 7am and walked around the city. We say so many beautiful buildings and monuments. We walked through the princes gardens below Edinburgh castle and checked out the cemetary and the Runic stone. We headed back to the info center and found out how to get to the campsite. So we caught a train to North Berwick, this absolutely beautiful Sea town. It's been raining all day. We walked through the quaint downtown with all these quaint shops and got directions to our campsite at the info center. Everyone is really friendly, finally! We walked by the coast, so amazing, and towards the campsite. We checked in and found a nice corner to set up camp. Then Troy and I both fell asleep. We woke up around four pm and decided to go to the grocery store for dinner. We got a hot roast chicken and some Naan bread with cherries and blueberries for dessert. Then we headed to Tantallon (Tan-Tallon), they were just closing up, but since we didn't have a car, nor did we want to go inside the castle, they let us wander the grounds for free. It was so beautiful. We saw horses grazing on the hill and it began to rain huge drops. We took pictures of the csatle and Bass Rock (an island off the coast). Then we headed back to camp, got some water at the grocery store, showered and relaxed. We're getting ready for bed early so we can catch up on sleep and get into town early to walk around North Berwick before catching the 10:20am train to Edinburgh.
Troy and I got in a big fight last night. I was getting tired and cranky and started getting irritated and he got mad. I left and sat somewhere else for an hour and that made him really mad. Needless to say, having to sleep on a smelly, bumpy bus all night didn't help, plus I got horrible motion sickness when I woke up, but Scotland is so beautiful! It is so green and hilly and there are sheep and cows and horses all over. We got into Edinburgh around 7am and walked around the city. We say so many beautiful buildings and monuments. We walked through the princes gardens below Edinburgh castle and checked out the cemetary and the Runic stone. We headed back to the info center and found out how to get to the campsite. So we caught a train to North Berwick, this absolutely beautiful Sea town. It's been raining all day. We walked through the quaint downtown with all these quaint shops and got directions to our campsite at the info center. Everyone is really friendly, finally! We walked by the coast, so amazing, and towards the campsite. We checked in and found a nice corner to set up camp. Then Troy and I both fell asleep. We woke up around four pm and decided to go to the grocery store for dinner. We got a hot roast chicken and some Naan bread with cherries and blueberries for dessert. Then we headed to Tantallon (Tan-Tallon), they were just closing up, but since we didn't have a car, nor did we want to go inside the castle, they let us wander the grounds for free. It was so beautiful. We saw horses grazing on the hill and it began to rain huge drops. We took pictures of the csatle and Bass Rock (an island off the coast). Then we headed back to camp, got some water at the grocery store, showered and relaxed. We're getting ready for bed early so we can catch up on sleep and get into town early to walk around North Berwick before catching the 10:20am train to Edinburgh.
Day 51
Bus to London 7:22pm 8-10-10
Going back a bit, Rupert, Hannah, Troy and I went to check out the Norwich cathedral. It was so beautiful and peacefull. We wandered around looking at stained glass, mosaics, and interesting but slightly disturbing stonework. We then headed to the Grocery store. Troy and I got travel snacks and Hannah and Rupert got Dinner fixings. We stopped for a drink at the Rumsey Wells and talked some more We headed back to the house and Hannah and Rupert cooked a wonderful curry dinner while Troy made salad from the leftovers. We had the usual group, plus Pete (the drummer for the band Garreth was in) and dinner was delicious. Then JP and a base player showed up and the music started. Most of them are in a band together so it turned into a rehearsal rather than a jam and Troy and Rupert went outside. I joined them and Hannah and Farren and we talked for a while. Things started winding down and Troy and I got to bed before 3am again.
This morning Troy woke up early and kept asking me when I was going to get up. I think he is such a cute monkey. We packed up our stuff as we were planning to leave tonight. We headed over to Rupert and Hannah's and went in through the side gate. People were still sleeping and Holly was out so we sat and waited. Holly came back and we spotted Rupert's violin so we knew he had not gone busking. Troy and I found a bus to Scotland that left at five pm and we all got ready to go eat. Rupert, Hannah, Holly, Garreth, Troy and I went to Jasper's again. Then we walked over to a pub called the Murderers for a pint. I had hot chocolate. We talked a bit and took pictures, then headed to the bus station. Troy and I got our tickets and said goodbye to Garreth. Rupert figured we had time for one more pint so we went to anther pub around the corner for a goodbye drink. We solidified plans to stay with Holly in London and Rupert and Hannah talked about coming to visit London for a night. We walked back to the bus station and said our goodbyes. Troy and I got on the bus, the three of them walked away waving to us for as long as we could see them. Troy and I are headed to London then Scotland.
Going back a bit, Rupert, Hannah, Troy and I went to check out the Norwich cathedral. It was so beautiful and peacefull. We wandered around looking at stained glass, mosaics, and interesting but slightly disturbing stonework. We then headed to the Grocery store. Troy and I got travel snacks and Hannah and Rupert got Dinner fixings. We stopped for a drink at the Rumsey Wells and talked some more We headed back to the house and Hannah and Rupert cooked a wonderful curry dinner while Troy made salad from the leftovers. We had the usual group, plus Pete (the drummer for the band Garreth was in) and dinner was delicious. Then JP and a base player showed up and the music started. Most of them are in a band together so it turned into a rehearsal rather than a jam and Troy and Rupert went outside. I joined them and Hannah and Farren and we talked for a while. Things started winding down and Troy and I got to bed before 3am again.
This morning Troy woke up early and kept asking me when I was going to get up. I think he is such a cute monkey. We packed up our stuff as we were planning to leave tonight. We headed over to Rupert and Hannah's and went in through the side gate. People were still sleeping and Holly was out so we sat and waited. Holly came back and we spotted Rupert's violin so we knew he had not gone busking. Troy and I found a bus to Scotland that left at five pm and we all got ready to go eat. Rupert, Hannah, Holly, Garreth, Troy and I went to Jasper's again. Then we walked over to a pub called the Murderers for a pint. I had hot chocolate. We talked a bit and took pictures, then headed to the bus station. Troy and I got our tickets and said goodbye to Garreth. Rupert figured we had time for one more pint so we went to anther pub around the corner for a goodbye drink. We solidified plans to stay with Holly in London and Rupert and Hannah talked about coming to visit London for a night. We walked back to the bus station and said our goodbyes. Troy and I got on the bus, the three of them walked away waving to us for as long as we could see them. Troy and I are headed to London then Scotland.
Day 50
Colegate House Norwich 4:41pm 8-10-10
Troy and I have met some amazing people! We are staying with Rupert and friends in Norwich and it has been so much fun! Going back a bit. Troy and I finished lunch at the avalanche cafe in Cambrdige and headed to the Library in the Mall to read a bit more. The weather was rainy and we had our packs with us so we stayed inside. Then we walked to see if Rupert was playing in his pot, but he wasn't. We headed towards the grocery store going into all the camping stores along the way. We got water and I looked for some jeans, but didn't find anything. We went to meet Rupert at 5pm, but he didn't show. We waited for 15 minutes. Troy figured he didn't come into Cambridge after last night's drinking. We headed back toward the train station and called Rupert from a payphone. Turns out he went home and drank more! He told us what train to get on and told us he would meet us at the station. We had to rush, but we made the 6:10pm train. We got to Norwich and met Rupert at the station. We walked to the store and got some groceries for dinner. Then to the house on Colegate where we started meeting the gang. Hannah, Holly, John, Farren, Garreth, Simon, Lee, Sam, Mary, Noel, Anna and Sam. I can't remember who exactly we met first or who did what with us, but it has been an amazing weekend of fun. That first night we made pasta with veggies and herb butter bread for dinner, then played music. Troy played guitar and sang. Rupert played violin, John the cello and Garreth the banjo. It was amazing. We hung out and talked and enjoyed meeting everyone that came in and out of the house through the night. Around 4am, things slowed down and Farren took Sam, Mary, Troy and myself to his place a few doors down. Troy and I actually got to sleep on a matress. We slept in until noon and took showers before Rupert came over to get us. We walked back over to their place and gathered up people to go eat lunch. We ate at the Glass House, the food was horrible. Then some of us headed to the Rumsey Wells where Hannah worked. Then we walked around the city a bit. We saw the longest balcony in Europe, the Forum (Library), the castle, then we stopped for another drink at the Playhouse. We picked up some groceries for dinner, Troy and I planned to cook Mexican food for the group. We ate burritos and nachos. Then the instruments came out for another jam session. Farren on the mandolin and simon on the djembe (hand drum) were added to the band tonight. We got to bed a little earlier (3am) and got up a bit before noon. Again we slept at Farren's. We took our pack with us to the other house to do laundry and found that Rupert had not gone busking again today. So he, Hannah, Holly, Troy and I went to Jasper's cafe for a very late breakfast. Then we went back to the house to hang out for a bit.
Troy and I have met some amazing people! We are staying with Rupert and friends in Norwich and it has been so much fun! Going back a bit. Troy and I finished lunch at the avalanche cafe in Cambrdige and headed to the Library in the Mall to read a bit more. The weather was rainy and we had our packs with us so we stayed inside. Then we walked to see if Rupert was playing in his pot, but he wasn't. We headed towards the grocery store going into all the camping stores along the way. We got water and I looked for some jeans, but didn't find anything. We went to meet Rupert at 5pm, but he didn't show. We waited for 15 minutes. Troy figured he didn't come into Cambridge after last night's drinking. We headed back toward the train station and called Rupert from a payphone. Turns out he went home and drank more! He told us what train to get on and told us he would meet us at the station. We had to rush, but we made the 6:10pm train. We got to Norwich and met Rupert at the station. We walked to the store and got some groceries for dinner. Then to the house on Colegate where we started meeting the gang. Hannah, Holly, John, Farren, Garreth, Simon, Lee, Sam, Mary, Noel, Anna and Sam. I can't remember who exactly we met first or who did what with us, but it has been an amazing weekend of fun. That first night we made pasta with veggies and herb butter bread for dinner, then played music. Troy played guitar and sang. Rupert played violin, John the cello and Garreth the banjo. It was amazing. We hung out and talked and enjoyed meeting everyone that came in and out of the house through the night. Around 4am, things slowed down and Farren took Sam, Mary, Troy and myself to his place a few doors down. Troy and I actually got to sleep on a matress. We slept in until noon and took showers before Rupert came over to get us. We walked back over to their place and gathered up people to go eat lunch. We ate at the Glass House, the food was horrible. Then some of us headed to the Rumsey Wells where Hannah worked. Then we walked around the city a bit. We saw the longest balcony in Europe, the Forum (Library), the castle, then we stopped for another drink at the Playhouse. We picked up some groceries for dinner, Troy and I planned to cook Mexican food for the group. We ate burritos and nachos. Then the instruments came out for another jam session. Farren on the mandolin and simon on the djembe (hand drum) were added to the band tonight. We got to bed a little earlier (3am) and got up a bit before noon. Again we slept at Farren's. We took our pack with us to the other house to do laundry and found that Rupert had not gone busking again today. So he, Hannah, Holly, Troy and I went to Jasper's cafe for a very late breakfast. Then we went back to the house to hang out for a bit.
Day 48
Cambridge England 1:50pm 8-7-10
Troy and I are in Cambridge! We've had a fun couple of days. After getting off the underground the other night, we went upstairs at St. Pancras to sleep. We were woken up at 3am and told wee had to go downstairs, so we packed up and found another place to sleep. We found out the train to Cambridge was at 5:45am so we bought our tickets and got on. We got into Cambridge and luckily we had looked up the directions to the campsite before because the info booth at the station was closed. We started walking out of town towards the campsite. We stoppeda t a shop for breakfast and asked how far the campsite was. She gave us good directions and we finally got there. We were able to set up our tent and go back to check in when reception opened. So we found a nice shady corner, even though the sun is not too intense and we set up. I fell asleep right away and Troy checked us in. We rested until noon and then walked back into Cambridge. We looked at downing College and messaged my friend Lindsey to see if we could meet up. Troy and I crossed the streetand had Mexican food for lunch. Then we walked around the city. We were walking through themarket place wghen we ran into my old professor Raymond and his family. We talked for a few minutes and he told us we should come play volleyball in the evening. We agreed to meet back at dDowning later and continued walking looking at the colleges. We wondered around and found a few camping shops. Troy got a new pair of shoes, then we headed over to Downing. They were just finishing up dinner and we were able to go meet Lindsey at her dorm. We met some of her friends and then we all went out and played volleyball for hours and hours. Troy and I finaly had to walk back to our campsite, stopping for chinese food on the way.
The next morning we woke up and got some Laundry done early because we had made plans to meet up with Lindsey at Pizza Hut for lunch. I went to get ready and there were paramedics outside the restroom. A lady had fallen down in the bathroom and they were attending her. I wasn't sure what to do at first but people were walking around going to the bathroom getting ready for their day so I did too, but I felt really bad. Then we tried to dry our clothes in the dryer but it didn't dry them completely so we were putting them on the line that we had attached to our tent and we ripped the tent! After finally sorting everything out we took the bus to Cambridge and got off right next to pizza hut. We met with Lindsey and had a filling buffet lunch and hot cookie dessert, yum! We talked with Lindsey for a while about travels and future plans, then we said out goodbyes. Troy and I walked towards the river to watch punting and to find a spot to relax. We crossed over a bridge and found a bench and a nice park. We read for a bit. I started "Lovely Bones". It started raining so Troy got out the umbrella and we cuddled underneath it for awhile. Finally we got cold so we moved on. We had planned to go to the Fitzwilliam museum and see Henry V at King's College later. So we walked to the museum and we saw a busker. He was a violin player and Troy had to talk to him. Fate had stepped in and several hours later Troy and Rupert were several beers in, we hadn't gone to the museum or Shakespeare and Troy and Rupert had devised a plan for Rupret and his girlfriend to move to California. We ended up having a great night. We talked music, books and writing among other things. Rupert lived in Norwich and told us that we had to come. He planned to come back to Cambridge the next day, Saturday, and he would meet us when he was done busking and take us to Norwich. We agreed.
We all stayed at the Eagle until 10:30 pm and they closed the patio. Rupert had to catch the train back to Norwich at 11pm and we had to get some sleep. We walked toward the main street and said goodbye. Troy and I waited and waited in the rain for our bus to come. It finally did and we got back to camp, our laundry was soaking wet.
We woke up the next day, but later than planned. We had to pack up, camp and get our clothes dry, but we stayed in the tent and read until we absolutely had to get going. Then we packed up and walked back into Cambridge. We found an interent cafe, got caught up on stuff, then we came to the Avalanche Cafe for lunch. Troy had a great veggie burger and I had a cheap cheeseburger and a milkshake. We read, wrote and relaxed in the warm cafe for a bit.
Troy and I are in Cambridge! We've had a fun couple of days. After getting off the underground the other night, we went upstairs at St. Pancras to sleep. We were woken up at 3am and told wee had to go downstairs, so we packed up and found another place to sleep. We found out the train to Cambridge was at 5:45am so we bought our tickets and got on. We got into Cambridge and luckily we had looked up the directions to the campsite before because the info booth at the station was closed. We started walking out of town towards the campsite. We stoppeda t a shop for breakfast and asked how far the campsite was. She gave us good directions and we finally got there. We were able to set up our tent and go back to check in when reception opened. So we found a nice shady corner, even though the sun is not too intense and we set up. I fell asleep right away and Troy checked us in. We rested until noon and then walked back into Cambridge. We looked at downing College and messaged my friend Lindsey to see if we could meet up. Troy and I crossed the streetand had Mexican food for lunch. Then we walked around the city. We were walking through themarket place wghen we ran into my old professor Raymond and his family. We talked for a few minutes and he told us we should come play volleyball in the evening. We agreed to meet back at dDowning later and continued walking looking at the colleges. We wondered around and found a few camping shops. Troy got a new pair of shoes, then we headed over to Downing. They were just finishing up dinner and we were able to go meet Lindsey at her dorm. We met some of her friends and then we all went out and played volleyball for hours and hours. Troy and I finaly had to walk back to our campsite, stopping for chinese food on the way.
The next morning we woke up and got some Laundry done early because we had made plans to meet up with Lindsey at Pizza Hut for lunch. I went to get ready and there were paramedics outside the restroom. A lady had fallen down in the bathroom and they were attending her. I wasn't sure what to do at first but people were walking around going to the bathroom getting ready for their day so I did too, but I felt really bad. Then we tried to dry our clothes in the dryer but it didn't dry them completely so we were putting them on the line that we had attached to our tent and we ripped the tent! After finally sorting everything out we took the bus to Cambridge and got off right next to pizza hut. We met with Lindsey and had a filling buffet lunch and hot cookie dessert, yum! We talked with Lindsey for a while about travels and future plans, then we said out goodbyes. Troy and I walked towards the river to watch punting and to find a spot to relax. We crossed over a bridge and found a bench and a nice park. We read for a bit. I started "Lovely Bones". It started raining so Troy got out the umbrella and we cuddled underneath it for awhile. Finally we got cold so we moved on. We had planned to go to the Fitzwilliam museum and see Henry V at King's College later. So we walked to the museum and we saw a busker. He was a violin player and Troy had to talk to him. Fate had stepped in and several hours later Troy and Rupert were several beers in, we hadn't gone to the museum or Shakespeare and Troy and Rupert had devised a plan for Rupret and his girlfriend to move to California. We ended up having a great night. We talked music, books and writing among other things. Rupert lived in Norwich and told us that we had to come. He planned to come back to Cambridge the next day, Saturday, and he would meet us when he was done busking and take us to Norwich. We agreed.
We all stayed at the Eagle until 10:30 pm and they closed the patio. Rupert had to catch the train back to Norwich at 11pm and we had to get some sleep. We walked toward the main street and said goodbye. Troy and I waited and waited in the rain for our bus to come. It finally did and we got back to camp, our laundry was soaking wet.
We woke up the next day, but later than planned. We had to pack up, camp and get our clothes dry, but we stayed in the tent and read until we absolutely had to get going. Then we packed up and walked back into Cambridge. We found an interent cafe, got caught up on stuff, then we came to the Avalanche Cafe for lunch. Troy had a great veggie burger and I had a cheap cheeseburger and a milkshake. We read, wrote and relaxed in the warm cafe for a bit.
Day 45
London Underground 11:36pm 8-4-10
Troy and are riding a train to St. Pancras station where we are planning on spending the night. This morning we got up and packed up camp. We got on the bus to Cascais. Then the train to Lisbon. We planned to walk around the city before heading to the airport for our 7:55pm flight. We walked back towards the Plaza Comercial an some guy tried to sell Troy some weed. We really wanted to see Castella do sao Jorge. We got as bit lost and realized that we had to go up to get to the castle. It was hot and we had our packs on so we were sweating like crazy. When we got up there we realized that it was only a hundred year old castle. We weren't planning on going in but were hoping we could see it from the outside, but the walls were too high. We headed back down and found some unique souvenirs. We got to the train station to see if there was a bus to the airport and to ask about the Expo, but we were at the wrong station. We asked more people and finally found a bus to the airport. We tried not to be too bummed about not being able to see much of what we wanted in Lisbon, but it turned out that our bus ride to the airport was almost like a tour bus. We saw all kinds of monuments, founatins and cool buildings as we headed into the center of Lisbon to the airport. We got to the airport, got our packs ready and checked in. Then we relaxed, ate some fruit and finished our water before heading through security. I actually got stopped, patted down and swept with a metal detector, Troy got through fine. We walked around the shops and food places, found our gate and ate McDonald's. We sat by our gate ready to board our plane. I read Murder on the Orient Express while Troy played some guitar. They opened our gate and led us down an escalator and to a bus. We took a ten minute bus ride to our plane. We got on and were not happy to be joined by an obnoxious group of Scouts with a loud DB of a scout leader. Troy and I read for most of the flight and were pleasantly surprised with a relatively good in-flight meal. We got off the plane, got our Luggage and now we are headed to St. Pancras.
Troy and are riding a train to St. Pancras station where we are planning on spending the night. This morning we got up and packed up camp. We got on the bus to Cascais. Then the train to Lisbon. We planned to walk around the city before heading to the airport for our 7:55pm flight. We walked back towards the Plaza Comercial an some guy tried to sell Troy some weed. We really wanted to see Castella do sao Jorge. We got as bit lost and realized that we had to go up to get to the castle. It was hot and we had our packs on so we were sweating like crazy. When we got up there we realized that it was only a hundred year old castle. We weren't planning on going in but were hoping we could see it from the outside, but the walls were too high. We headed back down and found some unique souvenirs. We got to the train station to see if there was a bus to the airport and to ask about the Expo, but we were at the wrong station. We asked more people and finally found a bus to the airport. We tried not to be too bummed about not being able to see much of what we wanted in Lisbon, but it turned out that our bus ride to the airport was almost like a tour bus. We saw all kinds of monuments, founatins and cool buildings as we headed into the center of Lisbon to the airport. We got to the airport, got our packs ready and checked in. Then we relaxed, ate some fruit and finished our water before heading through security. I actually got stopped, patted down and swept with a metal detector, Troy got through fine. We walked around the shops and food places, found our gate and ate McDonald's. We sat by our gate ready to board our plane. I read Murder on the Orient Express while Troy played some guitar. They opened our gate and led us down an escalator and to a bus. We took a ten minute bus ride to our plane. We got on and were not happy to be joined by an obnoxious group of Scouts with a loud DB of a scout leader. Troy and I read for most of the flight and were pleasantly surprised with a relatively good in-flight meal. We got off the plane, got our Luggage and now we are headed to St. Pancras.
Day 44
Guincho Campground 9:30pm 8-3-10
Today Troy and I awoke and the wind had died down. We needed to patch up our tent and get all the sand out so we started moving stuff around and a large group of about 20-30 people arrived and started setting up tents. They were squishing in really close and Troy and I decided to move over a bit. Before we had even moved our stuff they had taken our spot. I think they are a group of mentally handicapped French people, but Troy ws still annoyed. Yesterday the woman we met told us to check out Sintra. So we looked at the map and it didn't seem too far. We decided to walk there today. We headed out around eleven am and walked up the road. We walked and walked and walked. After a couple hours uphill we saw a sign that said Sintra 19 km. We had mistaken the mountain in front of us for Sintra, but continued to walk up, hoping the ruins on top were still cool. After lots of uphill trail hiking we got to an abondoned old church and a run down old village. We stopped and ate some apples at Penniha (The name of the village) and some boy scouts told us not to have fire. We headed out for our long walk back and arrived at camp at four pm so tired that we could barely move. We drank water, got our bathing suits and went to the pool. Then we walked to McDonald's. Troy ate 32 chicken McNuggets (So much for being a vegetarian). We both had McFlurry's. We came back to camp, read, used the Internet, showered and gave each other leg massages.
Today Troy and I awoke and the wind had died down. We needed to patch up our tent and get all the sand out so we started moving stuff around and a large group of about 20-30 people arrived and started setting up tents. They were squishing in really close and Troy and I decided to move over a bit. Before we had even moved our stuff they had taken our spot. I think they are a group of mentally handicapped French people, but Troy ws still annoyed. Yesterday the woman we met told us to check out Sintra. So we looked at the map and it didn't seem too far. We decided to walk there today. We headed out around eleven am and walked up the road. We walked and walked and walked. After a couple hours uphill we saw a sign that said Sintra 19 km. We had mistaken the mountain in front of us for Sintra, but continued to walk up, hoping the ruins on top were still cool. After lots of uphill trail hiking we got to an abondoned old church and a run down old village. We stopped and ate some apples at Penniha (The name of the village) and some boy scouts told us not to have fire. We headed out for our long walk back and arrived at camp at four pm so tired that we could barely move. We drank water, got our bathing suits and went to the pool. Then we walked to McDonald's. Troy ate 32 chicken McNuggets (So much for being a vegetarian). We both had McFlurry's. We came back to camp, read, used the Internet, showered and gave each other leg massages.
Day 43
Guincho Campground 9:15 PM 8-2-10
Windy windy days. At least no mosqwuitoes, but we are having trouble keeping sand out of our tent. Yesterday was a lounge around day, we really didn't do too much. We read and slept and ate and then walked to McDonald's for dinner. Today we wanted to go into Cascais so we got up and were ready to catch the bus at 10am. We got there, walked around a bit, and found neat little foot traffic shopping areas. It's a very beach town feel. We had lunch at Pizza Hut, turns out Cheeseham is exactly what it sounds like, but really good pizza. We headed farther towards the beach and found an old fort and some beautiful houses. We walked around a bit more and got some snacks at the grocery store before catching the bus back.
We met a woman from Houston traveling by herself. She gave us some hints about Lisbon and we gave her some about Barcelona. We got back to camp and read, then headed to the cafe and ate. There's not much to do because it's so so windy. We're in the tent now, Troy's playing guitar and I'm trying to finish Jude the Obscure.
Windy windy days. At least no mosqwuitoes, but we are having trouble keeping sand out of our tent. Yesterday was a lounge around day, we really didn't do too much. We read and slept and ate and then walked to McDonald's for dinner. Today we wanted to go into Cascais so we got up and were ready to catch the bus at 10am. We got there, walked around a bit, and found neat little foot traffic shopping areas. It's a very beach town feel. We had lunch at Pizza Hut, turns out Cheeseham is exactly what it sounds like, but really good pizza. We headed farther towards the beach and found an old fort and some beautiful houses. We walked around a bit more and got some snacks at the grocery store before catching the bus back.
We met a woman from Houston traveling by herself. She gave us some hints about Lisbon and we gave her some about Barcelona. We got back to camp and read, then headed to the cafe and ate. There's not much to do because it's so so windy. We're in the tent now, Troy's playing guitar and I'm trying to finish Jude the Obscure.
Monday, August 9, 2010
Still Alive from Norwich England. . .
Hello everyone! Natalie and I are doing really well and staying in Norwich England with some new friends. Long and the short of it, Nat and I met a violin player in Cambridge, went to a pub, got really pissed (That means drunk here) and he invited us to come and stay in Norwich for several days, so we had to take him up on it of course. We have seen Norwich, cathedrals, made wonderful meals and actually washed our clothes in a washing machine! We are updated on our blogs, but we have not had an opportunity to type them all up so I had to let you know. We'll write soon!
-Troy and Natalie
-Troy and Natalie
Monday, August 2, 2010
I'm all thumbs!!!
Natalie and I are sitting outside the cafe here at camp Guincho and I'm updating our applications on our I-pod touch. Coincidently I can access the Internet and update the blog. We went into Cascais today and did a bit of wandering. We met a Netherlander who instantly engaged us in a pro-Obama campaign. We ate lunch at pizza hut and then got more food at the grocery store. I know it all seems very trivial, but for us each task is twice the planning, twice the travel as it would be at home. Just to get groceries we have to plan a half day, figure out bus routes and schedule return trips. Tomorrow we are hoping the wind will die out. It has been blowing steadily for 2 days straight with no break. I hope this message finds you all well:)
cheers from Guincho Portugal
Natalie and Troy
cheers from Guincho Portugal
Natalie and Troy
Day 41
Guincho Campground Guincho, Portugal 8:48pm 7-31-10
Once again Troy and I woke up on a train. Neither of us got a good night sleep, but we did gain an hour. We got to the Lisbon station and got maps and directions at the tourist info office. We were supposed to take a bus to the metro station, then take a train to Cascais and another bus to Guincho but we got out of the station and the weather was foggy and cool, our packs were so light after sending stuff home so we decided to walk to the next train station. We walked along the cost of Lisbon and saw thousands of fish eating bread across rom this big plaza, where they were setting up for a Lauren Hill concert. We got to the station and bought our tickets the wrong way, so we had to buy another one. We finally got on the train to Cascais. Then we could not find the bus station. We asked several different people and ended up walking around for a while. Finally we spotted it under a shopping center! On the bus, we wondered how we would know which stop was ours. As usual I tried to get off too early, but the bus driver and other passengers helped us out. The bus stop is right across from this camping Oasis, and Troy said it must not be the right one because ours was supposed to be really cheap. We went in and it was the right one, very cheap and very cool. The campsite is on these huge tree-coverd sand dunes. We found this spot on the windy side of the hill, set up, did laundry and got some food. A little later we walked down toward the beach, looked at restaraunts, explored the dunes and found a really neat ocean "pool". We watched tons of kite and windsurfers dodge each other. We headed back to camp and got some pizza at the camp restaraunt while a Queen cover band was setting up. We ate our food and listen to the too loud and poorly rendered cover music. Then we showered and got in our tent early. I am bundled up because there is a cold wind and I expect it to be chilly tonight! Finally!
Once again Troy and I woke up on a train. Neither of us got a good night sleep, but we did gain an hour. We got to the Lisbon station and got maps and directions at the tourist info office. We were supposed to take a bus to the metro station, then take a train to Cascais and another bus to Guincho but we got out of the station and the weather was foggy and cool, our packs were so light after sending stuff home so we decided to walk to the next train station. We walked along the cost of Lisbon and saw thousands of fish eating bread across rom this big plaza, where they were setting up for a Lauren Hill concert. We got to the station and bought our tickets the wrong way, so we had to buy another one. We finally got on the train to Cascais. Then we could not find the bus station. We asked several different people and ended up walking around for a while. Finally we spotted it under a shopping center! On the bus, we wondered how we would know which stop was ours. As usual I tried to get off too early, but the bus driver and other passengers helped us out. The bus stop is right across from this camping Oasis, and Troy said it must not be the right one because ours was supposed to be really cheap. We went in and it was the right one, very cheap and very cool. The campsite is on these huge tree-coverd sand dunes. We found this spot on the windy side of the hill, set up, did laundry and got some food. A little later we walked down toward the beach, looked at restaraunts, explored the dunes and found a really neat ocean "pool". We watched tons of kite and windsurfers dodge each other. We headed back to camp and got some pizza at the camp restaraunt while a Queen cover band was setting up. We ate our food and listen to the too loud and poorly rendered cover music. Then we showered and got in our tent early. I am bundled up because there is a cold wind and I expect it to be chilly tonight! Finally!
Day 40
Chamartin Train Station Madrid, Spain 9:46pm 7-30-10
We are waiting for our train to Lisbon. Today we woke up and had some sweet bread for breakfast. We packed up camp and got together some stuff that we no longer need to send home. When we checked out and as we were leaving a woman gave us her Madrid Metro ticket with five trips still on it! We got on the mettro and headed for Puerto Del Sol again. I finshed Dubliners by a fountain so we could send it back also and then took our bag of stuff and went to the post office. It´s going to be well worth it to not have to carry the extra weight. We walked toward the music shop we had gone into yesterday and on the way found a candy shop and got some ice-cream and sweets. The music shop was closed so we found a park to read and sleep at. We had an early dinner at McDonald´s then headed back to the music shop. Troy decided not to get the guitar and we made our way to the train station. We are just waiting to see what platform we are at and then we are off to Portugal!
We are waiting for our train to Lisbon. Today we woke up and had some sweet bread for breakfast. We packed up camp and got together some stuff that we no longer need to send home. When we checked out and as we were leaving a woman gave us her Madrid Metro ticket with five trips still on it! We got on the mettro and headed for Puerto Del Sol again. I finshed Dubliners by a fountain so we could send it back also and then took our bag of stuff and went to the post office. It´s going to be well worth it to not have to carry the extra weight. We walked toward the music shop we had gone into yesterday and on the way found a candy shop and got some ice-cream and sweets. The music shop was closed so we found a park to read and sleep at. We had an early dinner at McDonald´s then headed back to the music shop. Troy decided not to get the guitar and we made our way to the train station. We are just waiting to see what platform we are at and then we are off to Portugal!
Day 39
Osuna Campground Madrid, Spain 10:16pm 7-29-10
Today I woke up feeling sick. Troy and I slept in until almost 10am. We both needed the rest. I had some breakfast and then we walked to the Metro. We got into Madrid, it was already hot! We walkeda round the Puerto Del Sol and went into El Corte Ingles to use the bathroom and found a supermarket on the ground floor so we got some lunch. We sat on a bench in the shdae and ate our bread and cheese. Then we went in search of the Royal Palace and Cathedral. On the way stopped in a music shop and Troy found this guitar that he really wanted to buy. We headed on, Troy was impressed with the palace. We had a snack on the steps of the Cathedral and then we decided to find El Parque Retiro. On the way we got side tracked and ended up buying our tickets to Portugal for tomorrow night. The train station was like a rain forest. It has all these turtles and we got to see them being fed. After the station we headed to the park, it was huge. We wealked through paths and got to a big lake where people could rent row-boats. We thought about renting one, but it was so hot and the late was in the direct sunlight. We headed back to Puerto Del Sol and got some dinner fixings. On the way we stopped into the James Joyce Irish Bar for a drink and Troy talked to the manager about playing a gig there. Troy was super excited.We headed to the metro and back to camp. I stayed there while Troy went to the Internet place. One more day in Madrid, then we head to Portugal.
Today I woke up feeling sick. Troy and I slept in until almost 10am. We both needed the rest. I had some breakfast and then we walked to the Metro. We got into Madrid, it was already hot! We walkeda round the Puerto Del Sol and went into El Corte Ingles to use the bathroom and found a supermarket on the ground floor so we got some lunch. We sat on a bench in the shdae and ate our bread and cheese. Then we went in search of the Royal Palace and Cathedral. On the way stopped in a music shop and Troy found this guitar that he really wanted to buy. We headed on, Troy was impressed with the palace. We had a snack on the steps of the Cathedral and then we decided to find El Parque Retiro. On the way we got side tracked and ended up buying our tickets to Portugal for tomorrow night. The train station was like a rain forest. It has all these turtles and we got to see them being fed. After the station we headed to the park, it was huge. We wealked through paths and got to a big lake where people could rent row-boats. We thought about renting one, but it was so hot and the late was in the direct sunlight. We headed back to Puerto Del Sol and got some dinner fixings. On the way we stopped into the James Joyce Irish Bar for a drink and Troy talked to the manager about playing a gig there. Troy was super excited.We headed to the metro and back to camp. I stayed there while Troy went to the Internet place. One more day in Madrid, then we head to Portugal.
Day 38
Osuna Campground, Madrid Spain 9:55 PM 07-28-10
It is barely getting dark and cooling off here in Madrid. This morning we woke up on the train. Last night´s sleep was not great. It was difficult to get comfy in the train´s seats, Troy is still sick today and we needed some rest. We waited in the train station until the tourist office opened and got directions to our camp site. We finally got on the metro and made it to Osuna. It is a very quite suburb and Troy and I walked and walked looking for the campsite. Finally we asked a man and he gave us directions that actually got us there. We checked in and set up camp and I feel asleep. I got up a couple of hours later and read for a little bit, and Troy was getting hungry so we walked to the little down town area and got some fruit, ate at Burger King and went online. We came back to camp and found some grass at a park across the street and relaxed for a bit. Thenw e got dinner and Troy gave me a shoulder massage. NOw we are going to conk out and finally get a good night´s sleep (fingers crossed). Tomorrow we head into Madrid.
It is barely getting dark and cooling off here in Madrid. This morning we woke up on the train. Last night´s sleep was not great. It was difficult to get comfy in the train´s seats, Troy is still sick today and we needed some rest. We waited in the train station until the tourist office opened and got directions to our camp site. We finally got on the metro and made it to Osuna. It is a very quite suburb and Troy and I walked and walked looking for the campsite. Finally we asked a man and he gave us directions that actually got us there. We checked in and set up camp and I feel asleep. I got up a couple of hours later and read for a little bit, and Troy was getting hungry so we walked to the little down town area and got some fruit, ate at Burger King and went online. We came back to camp and found some grass at a park across the street and relaxed for a bit. Thenw e got dinner and Troy gave me a shoulder massage. NOw we are going to conk out and finally get a good night´s sleep (fingers crossed). Tomorrow we head into Madrid.
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