Day 8, Scotland: A full day of touring (and tasting!) the island where the best whisky in the world is made. Up around 6:15, we got ready and rushed out, pre-made hotel breakfast in-hand. We bid farewell to Tarbert and sped to catch our ferry to the island, Islay. Was the ferry named the Titanic? … Continue reading I’ve Died and Gone to Whisky Heaven – Islay, Scotland
Day 7, Scotland: A morning of speed tourism in Glasgow followed by a beautiful drive to Islay Up early around 9 am, I had quite a morning planned for us. We had half a day to check out the major sites of Glasgow, the largest Scottish city and third largest UK city. We checked out … Continue reading A Morning in Glasgow and a Drive to Islay
Day 6, Northern Ireland: Day of sightseeing in Derry featuring the Peace Bridge, Guildhall, Tower Museum, St. Columb’s Cathedral, Apprentice Boys Memorial Hall, Free Derry Corner, and the Bogside. Then a flight to Glasgow. Nathalie left in the wee hours of the morning for a meeting in Dublin, so I slept in for a bit … Continue reading Legen-wait for it-DERRY!
Northern Ireland Day 5: Day of sightseeing in Belfast featuring the City Hall, Crown Liquor Saloon, Europa Hotel, Grand Opera House, Waterfront, Albert Clock Tower, St. Anne’s Cathedral, Shankill Road, Queen’s Quarter, and Titanic Belfast. Then a drive to Derry, stopping at Carrickfergus Castle, Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge and Giant’s Causeway. Up and ready a bit … Continue reading Bomb Scare in Belfast!
Ireland Day 4: Touring Dunguaire Castle, Poulnabrone Dolmen, Leamanagh Castle, Cliffs of Moher, Black Head, and a drive to Belfast. We got up at 9:30 am and were quite rested. After our simple breakfast at the village, we headed out on our driving tour towards the Cliffs of Moher. We planned quite a few stops … Continue reading A Misstep is Death on the Cliffs of Moher
Ireland Day 3: Visiting Galway’s City Center, Eyre square, Market Street, St. Nicholas’ Collegiate Church, Galway City Museum, the Spanish Arches, National University of Ireland NUI, Galway Cathedral, and Salthill Promenade. I woke around 5:30 thanks to my jetlag. I was surprised to receive a text from my sister Nathalie who had arrived this morning. … Continue reading A Day in Busy Busker Galway
July 19, 2012 Day 2: Sightseeing in Dublin at Dublin Castle, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, National Archaeology and History Museum, Guinness Storehouse. After a restful sleep and great breakfast courtesy of Patrick, Tammy and I were off for further exploring. We took a double-decker bus into town and walked to Dublin Castle. Dublin Castle For one … Continue reading Guinness is Good for you!
Ireland: Dublin July 18, 2012 Day 1: A full day of Dublin sightseeing at Trinity College, National Gallery, Random Socialist Protest, National Wax Museum, and Temple Bar. From the window if the 737, I could already see the deep vivid green of Ireland. I was in for a treat of clean and fresh Irish air! … Continue reading Dublin Main Sights in a Day
A UK Olympic Summer Month: Planning A month of Olympics, Guinness, Scotch, and Swedish Meatballs! This summer I’m off to my annual family vacation in Italy, but adventure is near! As the Olympics are in London this year, I will use London as my base city and take the chance to explore Ireland, Northern Ireland, … Continue reading A UK Olympic Summer Month
A Different Slant on China: Day 3 Danshui (Tamsui), Fisherman’s Wharf, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall, and Nightlife at Woobar. Danshui (Tamsui 淡水) Old Street Since I was living right in Danshui it was only natural that I wanted to visit the popular weekend town. My friend joined to show me around. Starting at the Metro … Continue reading A Romantic Stroll in Danshui (Tamsui) Taipei