Experiencing Irland and Scotland: Day 4 - There is always time for a Guinness

Day 4 - Friday 7. October

Today is the day I am leaving Tramore. I don't want to leave, but I have a schedule to follow. Today is the day for Kilkenny. My original plan was to leave Tramore at 09.00, but that idea got thrown out of the window. I HAD to say goodbye to the Scottish barkeeper.
But back to the start of this day, I woke up at 07.00, with a nose as clogged/closed as the Panama canal during heavy rain. I sat and looked out the window, and went back to sleep. Woke up again at 08.00, trying to find a position that made it easier to breath. I got up at 09.30, because of my alarm.
Went out to the kitchen and sat and talked with Patti and Nayuta. We talked about sushi and Japanese signs. Then I made sveler, and served them with browncheese. *Yummy*
And then the time for "Getting-to-the-pub" got closer, and the search for the key started. I looked EVERYWHERE, and when I gave up looking I found it. Typical! I had an appointment with the Italian guy that Karen hosted.
And then after a lot of hugs, I got driven up to O'Neill's by Mark, and I dragged the suitcase into the pub. That must have been a strange sight. There were only 2 people there, plus the barkeeper. I ended up talking a bit to him, and got a Guinness. I sat down and waited, and took photos.

Then Federigo (the Italian guy) came, and we ended up talking about all and everything. Then Marc (the French guy that was staying with Karen) came. And I kept on looking at the time, because I had like 5-6 minutes until I had to be at the bus-stop. I had already finished my Guinness, and I wanted more. I knew that there were no time to get another Guinness, so I ordered a cider, and I finished it in under 4 minutes. I am awesome! And I really need to pee...
I hope there is a toilet in Waterford.


I said goodbye to Federigo and Marc, and the bartender, and struggled my way up to the bus-stop. There I stood for quite a while, and then the bus came. And on the bus-stop after "mine", there were this little family, with a cute girl, a boy and the mother. Incredibly sweet!  And when we drove by the church the little boy exclaimes "I can see God's house" and pointed at the church. And when the bus turned, the kids went "Wiiiii". So cute!

(Right now, I am at the bus to Waterford, and I feel that it might not have been the best idea to drink the cider in less than 4 min. Please let there be a toilet in Waterford!)

YES!, there were a toilet in Waterford! Its not fun dragging a 15 kg suitcase. I had to drag this with me everywhere. I am happy this suitcase ain't going to Scotland with me. Then I figured out that I should buy the ticket, and the ticket-machine ate my money. Then I bought lunch and I found the bus



The bus came, and I realized I had not been lucky with the bus driver. He was an arse! I am sick, and I cant do anything about my nose or coughing, but the bus driver said that he did not allow me to make that noise, so I sat there, close to dying. And then he started to complain about my music. But I had to have the volume high, so that I could drown out the tomfoolery and nagging the to girls next to me made. 

After a long bus drive, I was finally in Kilkenny, and I ended up getting lost. I am just like men, I don't like asking for direction. So I ended up fiddling about in Kilkenny for about 20 or 30 minutes. Then I found my phone, and tried to figure out where Parliament Street were. After a lot of walking, I found the hostel. I rang the doorbell, and said "Hi". Realized then that they did not take Visa, so I had to go out, and up to the cash-point. Then I went back, and I got the key, and the door code, and I met some handsome young men. And here its like you have to show that you actually are staying here, so they managed to say "Do you want to see my stuff?", which can be interpreted in different ways. Walked up with the suitcase, and went out on an exploration, and guess where I ended up. Yep, the pub. And I had a Guinness. Then I walked back over the street and in the hostel. 

I checked facebook and twitter, and then it was time for some trad-session, so I went over to another pub (Bollards Bar & Bistro), I sat down and had a pint of Guinness, and the time flew. Then I had a Kilkenny, and the music started, and we had a blast. I ended up talking to the fiddler, and the "band" consisted of 2 banjos, 2 fiddles, 1 flute, 1 accordion and one harmonica. And since Ireland was playing against Andorra, we sang the national anthem. Later we sang more Irish, and my throat got worse and worse. And then it was time for yet another Guinness. 

We werent finish until 23.50, and I think Ireland beat Andorra 2-0. Went home, and charged my phone. 

And now I go to charge as well, for tomorrow I'm going to Clonmel

Experiencing Irland and Scotland: Day 3 - Getting caught by the tide

Day 3 - Thursday 6. October

Today I woke up around 09.30, with a super-clogged nose, so I ended up look at the sun to get my mind on other things. It was actually sunny today. And rainy, and windy. Everything at once. I open the window to confirm my suspicion. Lovely! Walked into the living room, and there were Patti and a (couch)surfer from Japan. We sat and talked, and I made breakfast. Steak and kidney pie *yummy* and a cup of ginger and lemon tea.

Then I found the guidebook, to look where different locations were located in Ireland. I then figured out that Dungarvan was not only one place, but two. One of them were located south-west of Waterford, and one north-east for Waterford.

I have also decided that I want to know what the vehicle registration codes in Ireland are:
Like D for Dublin. (Lets see if we can find a list)
C is for Cork (Corcaigh)
CE is for Clare (An Clár)
CN is for Cavan (An Cabhán)
CW is for Carlow (Ceatharlach)
D is for Dublin (Baile Átha Cliath)
DL is for Donegal (Dún na nGall)
G is for Galway (Gaillimh)
KE is for Kildare (Cill Dara)
KK is for Kilkenny (Cill Chainnigh)
KY is for Kerry (Ciarraí)
L is for Limerick City (Cathair Luimnigh)
LD is for Longford (An Longfort)
LH is for Louth (An Lú)
LK is for County Limerick (Luimneach)
LM is for Leitrim (Liatroim)
LS is for Laois (Laois)
MH is for Meath (An Mhí)
MN is for Monaghan (Muineachán)
MO is for Mayo (Maigh Eo)
OY is for Offaly (Uíbh Fhailí)
RN is for Roscommon (Ros Comáin)
SO is for Sligo (Sligeach)
TN is for Tipperary North (Tiobraid Árann Thuaidh)
TS is for Tipperary South (Tiobraid Árann Theas)
W is for Waterford City (Cathair Phort Láirge)
WD is for County Waterford (Phort Láirge)
WH is for Westmeath (An Iarmhí)
WX is for Wexford (Loch Garman)

WW is for Wicklow (Cill Mhantáin) 

Now you know that!

The fog has begun to form, so I guess its time to get out and take some pictures before the fog gets here. 

 I went down to the beach, and there came Nayuta (the Japanese couch-surfer), and we went for a long stroll on the beach. And it was blowing like hell! And we had to take off our shoes, and walk in the freezing cold water, because the tide caught us. 

So we walked barefooted for quite a while (this has to help for my dry feet). I found a nice stone, and Mr. Browncheese was my photo-model. We went back, and we looked at the surfers, and I thought of Keith Harkin.

We went back to the house, and I ate some cheese cake. We sat and talked for ages, and had lunch. 

I think I will take a trip to O'Neill's, for a mid-day-pint. I am going on a trad-session today. Don't know what I am getting myself in to. I want some fish and chips, so I guess I'll be going down to the beach again. I have seen so many fish and chips shops, so one of em got to have proper fish and chips. I have used the whole day taking photos, while I ought to have read for the exam. Whoopsy daisy!

I have also been trying to figure out the bus-tables to Kilkenny. Easier said than done. I think I'll take the bus in the morning. 

First I went to the shop, and then I ended up at the pub, again, and found out that the barkeeper was from Scotland, more precisely Aberdeen. Awesome!  And I sat there trying to figure out why they think horses are so interesting. I had a Guinness and a Bulmers, while I tried to figure it out. I did not figure it out! So I ended up talking to the barkeeper instead. He has a really nice accent. Swayed my way home, and ate a panini with mozzarella and pesto. So good! I think I'll take the walk up to the cliffs soon. 
I walked around, singing Irish songs to myself. 

I figured out that I did not want to go on a trad-session. 


I went up the cliffs, and got some really nice photos. Its so lovely there. 

And the weather has stayed nice all day. Unbelievable! Tramore is one of the places I like visiting and getting lost in. And I think I am always welcome here. After the walk I ended up in the pub (again), had a few Guinness and figured out that I would postpone my departure from Tramore, so that I would have the time to have a "goodbye-Guinness", and say goodbye to the cool barkeeper, I think his name is Johnny. Then I started to think "Why do I always leave a place when I have gotten to know the place, it's people and the streets?".

After drinking, I went home, and it was time for dinner.What a delightful dinner! I really must say! All credit to Mark! It was turpnip, sweedes and cabbage (correct me if I'm wrong) and boiled bellypork. YUMMY! Was so tender and the meat nearly melted in my mouth! 
After dinner it was time for tea and apple tart with cream. And we sat and talked and talked, and learned about Japanese traditions and got some clearing up around St. Lucia and lights in the hair. Fascinating! I tried to find the bus-tables and Sunday routes. I think I am ready for tomorrow. 


After a while Nayuta went to bed, and I sat and talked with Patti and Mark for hours. I'm gonna miss em! Then I went to bed, for tomorrow I'm going to the pub, again. Good night!

No matter how little time you have, there is always time for a Guinness!

Experiencing Irland and Scotland: Day 2 - Experiencing Tramore

Day 2 - Wednesday 5. October


Today I woke up about 08.30, and I did not want to get up. So I ended up sleeping til the time was nearly 12.30. So delightful to be able to sleep in. Went into the living room where Mark and Patti were standing and talking. So I joined in the conversation, and tried to explain the situation yesterday. We tried to send texts to each other, I got the texts from them, but they did not get the texts from me. Weird!

I checked then facebook, twitter and couch-surfing, and found out that I don't have a couch in Edinburgh. So I have to write a couch-request sometime today. After that it was time for breakfast/lunch, and I got a casserole-with-sossages.
Not bad!

Then after lunch I figured out that I should go on a excursion in Tramore, and ended up down by the ocean. And I stayed there for quite a while, even though it was a terribly wind. So I relaxed there and took a few photos of the ocean covered in fog and a light drizzle of rain. Delightful!

Then I walked along the road, to see where I would end, and figured out that it was not the right way, so I turned and walked the other way, and went up a different lane. There I found the cash-point and a "Everything possible" shop, were I bought postcards. Went out again, and found Supersaver, so I went in, and came out on the backside. Went then up to the church, and all the way over to Tesco (I simply love Tesco). So after my wee visit to Tesco, then I headed back to O´Neill´s. My local pub! I love to be there, even though last time I was there, it ended up getting an offer from a 60 year old man, to marry him, and I would then be his 5th wife or something.
He wasnt there today.

I sat there and watch horse racing, not the most exciting sport in the world, but I liked the horses name, it was "Dirty Bertie". Was hysterical every time they mentioned this horse. I actually think it won. I drank 2 units of alcohol (1 Guinness and 1 Beamish) on a nearly empty stomach (Yes I know Sue, its not good for me). Then I walked (in a very straight line after drinking 2 units in less then 30 min) back home. And I was feeling a bit dizzy, and figured out that it was time for some food. So I heated up the mashed-potatoes with cheddar for dinner/lunch, since the time was 17.45.



I am now terribly dizzy, but that wont stop me from participating on the trad-session on "St. Ledger" tonight. *Hurrah*, and tomorrow its trad-session on "O´Neill´s". Busy week you might say. I am hoping for a relaxed evening in Kilkenny, but I have my doubts.

I am now (18.30) sitting here with mashed potatoes, Pepsi and the sound of the ocean. Life ain't THAT bad.

And then all of a sudden my foot started hurting. Probably a strained muscle. Au au, and a lot of mashed potatoes aboard. And David Cameron on TV, I have no idea what he is talking about, since its not subtitled (logical that one), or any sound.

Mark was convinced I got lost on the beach, which I did not! I did NOT get lost on the beach, I walked in the wrong direction that all, and it wasn't even ON the beach. It was down BY the beach.  Later in the evening I found out that I will take the trad-session tomorrow. So we ended up sitting and talking, and my head is aching to bad, but that did not stop me from drinking 2 beers more, and then some water. This was the sort of beer I usually don't drink. The water smells like chlorine, and tastes like chlorine, but I dont care. Hehe

Then it was time for Top-Gear, and I manage to make a little tweet. Mr Browncheese, is doing quite good. He has been sleeping most of the day under a duvet, and he got a biscuit for dinner. He has also posed beside a postcard

For you unconsecrated people, this is Mr. Browncheese.

 Sat and talked even more, about music and what color "charcoal" was. Then we talked about more personal things, and Mark said something wise. "Its not the end of the world" and "It would have been worse". 

 Mark is a smart guy! 

Went to bed around 00.30 

Experiencing Irland and Scotland: Day 1 - Coming to Ireland and Tramore

Day 1 - Tuesday 4. October


Today is the day, that I am leaving for Ireland. I got up up about 05.30, to make sure that everything was packed and so that I had time to find what I had forgot to pack. Everything was where it was suppose to be, and the long journey towards school started. With a suitcase weighing approximately 13 kg, and a shoulder bag full of camera equipment and stuff. 
Got the bus at 06.30, and of course, it was late, so was the next bus, and the bus after that. But after a lot of toil and snare, I was at the school, and I struggled to get up all the stairs to get to the 3rd floor. Then time to focus on school for 3 hours. That was 3 long hours, and I nearly fell asleep a couple of times. Then I realized that I had forgot my wonderful Starbucks Ice coffee in the refrigerator at home.

After school it was time to get down all the stairs agian, and then out. And of course; it was raining. A lot! So the otherwise so delightful stroll from Kalfarlien (my school) to Bystasjonen (the bus-station) turned into a wet and clammy affair. Then I ended up loosing the airport-bus, so I had nothing else to do than sit outside and freeze.

15 min later I was on the bus (the bus costed 95 Kr (12.30 €, 10.60 £, 17.20 CAD) and I realized that I was the only one with a suitcase, because the other ones were employees, cabin-crew and bus drivers.
Got inside the airport and printet out the baggage-tag, and gave the woman at the drop-off the suitcase and went upstairs for the security check. And everything went swell. I did not beep. *yey*

Then I found myself a nice table, and connected the laptop to the wifi, and I talked a bit to Hope, and then checked everything I needed to check. Then it was time for boarding, and that went well too. And realized then that my seat-choice was not so good. I had chose the 27A, which is right behind the wing. It was okey, I had no one in front of me, and a lady behind me, and no one beside me. I don't think I have ever seen such an empty airplane before. Arrived at Copenhagen Airport, and found my gate. I bought a salad and Faxe Kondi (the fizzy drink that taste like dish-washing soap). I ate it, and talked Danish.

Then it was boarding time. And again I found my seat 27A, and after a while a guy sat next to me. And we sat there, and the plain did not go anywhere, because there were some defects, so the plane got delayed, which was not so good, since I had a bus to catch in Dublin.

And then finally we got up in the air and down agian, in Dublin. Way to late, so suddenly I had only 10 minutes to get some money and find the bus, and all this with a huge suitcase trailing behind me.

Well, I found the bus, and sat down in the front. And as we were driving it hit me was the lights along the road, or the lack of lights along the road, because it was dark, really dark. And this was like the N7 and M9 motorway. I it got me thinking "This year its the south-going roads that gets the light, and next year its the north-going"

After miles and miles of dark roads we were in Waterford, and the time was now 22.35, and the bus to Tramore did not leave until 23.05 and it was a long time to wait for someone that had not been eating since 15.30. I was sitting there freezing, and sitting in Waterford in the middle of the night and freezing ain´t nice. After a while the bus got there and then it hit me; its dark in Ireland. There are no road-lights here, so there is no chance of recognizing a bush or a road, cause you cant see a darn shit.

I think if I was living here, I wouldn't drive anywhere without having a companion in the car with me, just for safety. After a long journey in the darkness, I was arriving in Tramore, and trying to orientate in Tramore in the darkness, halfway asleep is not that easy, but I found the house, and I sent another text, and waited. I ended up calling em, and waking em up, sorry about that.

I was then given a room and I fell asleep almost immediately.

Good night

Falls Road and Shankhill Road = Good or bad?

(Sunday 03.07)

Today I woke up horribly early. This was the day for exploration. And the day I got a text from Michael, that really saved the day. *Hurrah for that*
We looked at the bus-tables, and realized that there were NO buses what so ever, so Synneve decided to walk to town, and while the camera battery was charging, I tried to figure out the bus-table After I while I gave up, and started walking, then I got a text from Synneve, telling me to go to "the place I cant remember the name on". So I started by walking in the wrong direction, typically like me.

After about an hour of walking I found the god-damn bus-stop, and after a while the bus got there. And I got off by the City Hall. Then I got some breakfast and sat outside City Hall, while listening to "Sunday, Bloody Sunday", "The IRA will set them free" and "A nation once again". Special!

Then I met Synneve, and we walked together to the tourist info, and got them to order a "black cab" for us, and I had to find the taxi-stop..
And we ended up finding the taxi, and then we went on a "excursion" through Belfast.
That was actually quite interesting, even though Synneve knew more than the taxi driver. And when we were in Falls Road, or in the area, I got ice cream thrown after me, I guess they thought we were Catholics. Well well, we drove around in Belfast and looked at a lot.

Afterwards we wobbled about, and then went home to pack.

We ate dinner and talked a bit with Ursula, our host. Then we went to bed.

And the next day we got up at terribly early, and found the taxi, that drove us to the bus-station. Were we found the bus to Dublin. This was VERY early.

Eventually we got to the airport and checked in, and then we waited. And after a lot of waiting, flying, sitting and stuff, we were in Oslo, and we had not so much time to get from A to B, and fix the luggage as well. And then to our great surprise, our luggage was now being classified as "special luggage".

Eventually we got home, and I was sad, cause I did not want to be home, and all the way home from the airport I wanted my dad to drive on the left side and not on the right side.

(photos will come)