Getting up at 5 wasn't easy and Nick didn't enjoy it either but at least he had a better time of it. We went and checked out and got directions back to Dan Dooley's Rental. I had to call them on the way to make sure I was going the correct way but we got there.
We said goodbye to Eamon and hopped into the van to ride to the airport. Once we got to the airport, that's where things got hairy. I knew that Ryan Air is will nickel and dime you but we had to pay a 150 Euro fee for excess baggage. They said that we could move stuff around between the two bags but it was a good thing I just sucked it up because we wouldn't have made it to the plane on time. *sigh*
I was so upset because of that and then the rental car made it so much worse. I was going to be charged around 250 pounds for the car but it went up to 600 pounds with insurance. Next time, I *KNOW* to get the damned insurance ahead of time. I probably could have covered both cars with one insurance policy instead of using two different ones. I spent around $700 that I didn't plan on on that day and thinking about it still upsets me.
Not much I can do about it now though...live and learn.
So after the debacle with the rental car, we went out to see it. We got to the car and I realized that I had been given a Ford. Now, anyone that knows me well knows I HATE Fords. Two have let me down and I didn't want to ever give another one a try for 3 strikes. However, I was already so upset that I wasn't even in the mood to deal with it. I was frustrated, all out of sorts and in the mood for a good cry. I wanted to go home so badly at that point and had I known before flying to Glasgow about the extra $700, I probably would have tried to switch our tickets right there.
Nick and I went back inside because I needed a break and figured I needed to kill some time before heading to our next B&B. We went to the Starbucks in the airport and I watched people and Nick walked around and checked out the arcade.
Finally, after about 1.5 hours, I was ready to go. We went back to the car and decided to name him Gordon (aka Gordie) because, as Atkins, we're a part of Clan Gordon.
Driving in Scotland is about the same as driving in Ireland. Many of the signs are the same but the difference with the roundabouts is that they're marked on the pavement to let you know which lane to go in to get to which exit. It's still sometimes confusing but I suppose it helps, especially on the large roundabouts or the wonky ones.
Showing posts with label Driving. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Driving. Show all posts
04 October 2009
Day 7 - The Drive Back to Dublin
We woke up at the Ashford Castle and it was still raining and overcast. It took awhile to get up and get ready so we didn't eat breakfast there. We hurried up, packed up our things and went outside to see the grounds. We didn't have much time to look around. I knew that if an Irishman said it would take 3 hours to get back to Dublin, we could count on it taking us at least 5.
The drive back was pretty uneventful except that we had to head back towards the Dublin airport in order to find the Regency hotel again. I decided that we should eat dinner at the hotel again because it was just easier and it was getting late.
At first they put us in a smoking room and I accepted that (because we were tired and I figured we weren't going to be there that long). Then, our neighbors were loud (there wasn't much of a wall between us on that floor...or perhaps it was the connecting door), so I chose to go downstairs and ask for a new room. I think they might have charged us for the room but I have to check my account when I get internet access again.
The night was pretty restless for both of us...we had to get up at 5 in order to get to the airport on time...
The drive back was pretty uneventful except that we had to head back towards the Dublin airport in order to find the Regency hotel again. I decided that we should eat dinner at the hotel again because it was just easier and it was getting late.
At first they put us in a smoking room and I accepted that (because we were tired and I figured we weren't going to be there that long). Then, our neighbors were loud (there wasn't much of a wall between us on that floor...or perhaps it was the connecting door), so I chose to go downstairs and ask for a new room. I think they might have charged us for the room but I have to check my account when I get internet access again.
The night was pretty restless for both of us...we had to get up at 5 in order to get to the airport on time...
07 September 2009
Lessons Learned - Notes on Driving
I might as well mention my thoughts on driving here. When I first arrived, I thought I'd have to go as fast as the speed limit and keep up with the Irish. They tailgate compared to the space that we're supposed to leave between cars in the states. However, I have realized that people go whatever speed limit they feel comfortable with and the others pass them. Passing is VERY common over here and no one gets offended or anything like that. When they get in front of you, it's *like* they're cutting you off but they're not. That's just how they drive like tailgating. If we got that close in the states, it would be because the person that passed you was ticked off at your driving. Here it's totally normal.
I feel comfortable driving now, for the most part and don't have trouble with the roundabouts or most situations. I still hate driving with anything too close on my left side because I'm afraid I'll rip off the sideview mirror but Nick lets me know that I'm doing a good job of maintaining balance.
I also have realized that the few times I've been honked at are when I suddenly put on the brakes (1 time) to stop at a Petrol station...and when I've been too chicken to go through a small space with cars on both sides. I should be more than good for heading into Scotland and England. I've been told that the roads are bigger over there but I don't know if the drivers will be as calm as the Irish.
Even though it's really scary and nervewracking at first, I highly recommend driving in Ireland, even for your first visit here. There's something more about being the driver as opposed to being on a tour bus or even the passenger in a car. You're much more connected to the country because you have to completely involve yourself in it with looking for road signs, watching for clues from other drivers, learning the rules of the road (both written and unwritten). I think I've learned a lot about Ireland this way.
Another Note: We haven't gotten to go to any touristy sites besides Dublin itself but we've seen a lot of the country. It would have been cool to go to Blarney Castle and kiss the Blarney Stone but hanging upside down over the side of a castle isn't really my cup o'tea. I am sad that we didn't get to go to my lighthouse but we've got a castle stay and a lighthouse stay in our future. ;)
I feel comfortable driving now, for the most part and don't have trouble with the roundabouts or most situations. I still hate driving with anything too close on my left side because I'm afraid I'll rip off the sideview mirror but Nick lets me know that I'm doing a good job of maintaining balance.
I also have realized that the few times I've been honked at are when I suddenly put on the brakes (1 time) to stop at a Petrol station...and when I've been too chicken to go through a small space with cars on both sides. I should be more than good for heading into Scotland and England. I've been told that the roads are bigger over there but I don't know if the drivers will be as calm as the Irish.
Even though it's really scary and nervewracking at first, I highly recommend driving in Ireland, even for your first visit here. There's something more about being the driver as opposed to being on a tour bus or even the passenger in a car. You're much more connected to the country because you have to completely involve yourself in it with looking for road signs, watching for clues from other drivers, learning the rules of the road (both written and unwritten). I think I've learned a lot about Ireland this way.
Another Note: We haven't gotten to go to any touristy sites besides Dublin itself but we've seen a lot of the country. It would have been cool to go to Blarney Castle and kiss the Blarney Stone but hanging upside down over the side of a castle isn't really my cup o'tea. I am sad that we didn't get to go to my lighthouse but we've got a castle stay and a lighthouse stay in our future. ;)
Day 5 - Kinsale to Claregalway
As I mentioned in the previous blog, I was told at 10:00 this morning that the owners of the B&B were heading off to church (the check out time was 10:30) and so they wouldn't be able to help us navigate. I had pretty much packed everything and so I got out the B&B book and map and figured out the route for us. I used the cell phone to call another B&B and make arrangements. I'm not sure that I chose the best one as this place technically doesn't offer internet but they said that they could help out. I doubt we'll get it and I probably won't be able to post all these blogs until tomorrow.
I took a page out of the first B&B owners book and wrote down the roads that I needed to take instead of trying turn by turn directions. For anyone who travels to Ireland, I highly recommend this way of directing yourself as opposed to Google Maps or the like. I'm not sure how well the GPS works...I might invest in one of those for Scotland and England.
Leaving the town I got lost again but decided to follow the road I was on. I also had a lot of trouble getting up one hill...it was one of those ones that was almost straight up and I could only take it in 1st gear...if I tried to go into 2nd, things would get all out of sorts.
Nick didn't like my decision to follow the road we were on, he wanted to turn back but I wanted to see where it went. The great thing is that it took us towards Cork (the way we were supposed to be going). After that, getting from Cork to Limerick and Limerick to Galway was a breeze.
One of the things I've noticed about Ireland is that you can't see much in terms of Food/Petrol/Shops from the motorways. They also don't have fast food on every street corner. Even in Sweden we saw a lot more fast food locations from the highways. I wanted to get Nick fed and fed quickly but it wasn't happening. I only saw 1 advertisement for McDonalds and, by then, it was too late to try and figure out which exit they were talking about.
We didn't eat until we made it up to Claregalway where we're staying. I went into a grocery store and asked for directions to a McDonalds or the likes. I know, I know...I'm here to try Irish food and experience Irish things and this was totally against what I'm trying to do here...*BUT*, as a parent, you have to know how to pick your battles. When you have a 9.5 year old that is being REALLY good on all these long car rides and who is hungry and wants what he knows, you can either try and pressure him into trying something new or you can reward his good behaviour and give him what he wants. I opted for the latter.
The drive to Orenmore was pretty uneventful except that I had to drive down the same skinny little road 4x (twice up , twice down) in this quest. We had Supermacs (which is like McDonalds) and chilled out there for a bit. Nick wanted to get back on the road but I knew that we'd have to wait a bit before we'd be able to get into our room.
I've noticed that it seems that on the western side of Ireland, the accents are thicker. I'm not sure if that's true or just my perception but I've had to work harder to understand what they're saying.
We then called the owner of the B&B who said that we could come straight away and she gave us directions that I thought, at the time, were pretty vague (like a lot of Irish directions) but were perfect. Her house was easy to get to and they changed the colour on it...that made it confusing for me but Nick was absolutely positive that it was the house and he was right. I've learned on this trip to trust a lot of what he says (although, sometimes, I go on my instincts too).
I forgot to mention that when we got up this morning it was raining and it's been raining all day. Neither one of us looked forward to a long drive in the rain but it wasn't too difficult and I drove quite a bit of the way at 100 km/h and felt safe doing so. I also managed to get behind some slow going people and that made me feel good because I wasn't the slow person. I could relax behind them and let the faster cars overtake us.
I keep looking out at the rain and it's 8:00 p.m. here (20:00) and we haven't had dinner because lunch was late...there's a pub close by and the owner of this B&B said that the food is good but the prospect of getting soaked doesn't excite me. However...feeding a monkey is more important and we'll probably go soon.
I took a page out of the first B&B owners book and wrote down the roads that I needed to take instead of trying turn by turn directions. For anyone who travels to Ireland, I highly recommend this way of directing yourself as opposed to Google Maps or the like. I'm not sure how well the GPS works...I might invest in one of those for Scotland and England.
Leaving the town I got lost again but decided to follow the road I was on. I also had a lot of trouble getting up one hill...it was one of those ones that was almost straight up and I could only take it in 1st gear...if I tried to go into 2nd, things would get all out of sorts.
Nick didn't like my decision to follow the road we were on, he wanted to turn back but I wanted to see where it went. The great thing is that it took us towards Cork (the way we were supposed to be going). After that, getting from Cork to Limerick and Limerick to Galway was a breeze.
One of the things I've noticed about Ireland is that you can't see much in terms of Food/Petrol/Shops from the motorways. They also don't have fast food on every street corner. Even in Sweden we saw a lot more fast food locations from the highways. I wanted to get Nick fed and fed quickly but it wasn't happening. I only saw 1 advertisement for McDonalds and, by then, it was too late to try and figure out which exit they were talking about.
We didn't eat until we made it up to Claregalway where we're staying. I went into a grocery store and asked for directions to a McDonalds or the likes. I know, I know...I'm here to try Irish food and experience Irish things and this was totally against what I'm trying to do here...*BUT*, as a parent, you have to know how to pick your battles. When you have a 9.5 year old that is being REALLY good on all these long car rides and who is hungry and wants what he knows, you can either try and pressure him into trying something new or you can reward his good behaviour and give him what he wants. I opted for the latter.
The drive to Orenmore was pretty uneventful except that I had to drive down the same skinny little road 4x (twice up , twice down) in this quest. We had Supermacs (which is like McDonalds) and chilled out there for a bit. Nick wanted to get back on the road but I knew that we'd have to wait a bit before we'd be able to get into our room.
I've noticed that it seems that on the western side of Ireland, the accents are thicker. I'm not sure if that's true or just my perception but I've had to work harder to understand what they're saying.
We then called the owner of the B&B who said that we could come straight away and she gave us directions that I thought, at the time, were pretty vague (like a lot of Irish directions) but were perfect. Her house was easy to get to and they changed the colour on it...that made it confusing for me but Nick was absolutely positive that it was the house and he was right. I've learned on this trip to trust a lot of what he says (although, sometimes, I go on my instincts too).
I forgot to mention that when we got up this morning it was raining and it's been raining all day. Neither one of us looked forward to a long drive in the rain but it wasn't too difficult and I drove quite a bit of the way at 100 km/h and felt safe doing so. I also managed to get behind some slow going people and that made me feel good because I wasn't the slow person. I could relax behind them and let the faster cars overtake us.
I keep looking out at the rain and it's 8:00 p.m. here (20:00) and we haven't had dinner because lunch was late...there's a pub close by and the owner of this B&B said that the food is good but the prospect of getting soaked doesn't excite me. However...feeding a monkey is more important and we'll probably go soon.
Day 4 - Kilkenny to Kinsale
Thanks to the owners of The Meadows, we arrived in Kinsale with little trouble. As soon as we got into the outskirts of the city, we called the owners of the next B&B and asked when we would be allowed to get our rooms. At first, the gentleman said to come right up but then he called back a little while later and said that his wife would not be there until 5 and asked us to wait. (I guess with the problems we were having navigating through town, we took too long.) We got the call around 1 so that was a 4 hour wait.
I was totally exhausted and not up for a lovely walk through town so Nick and I parked in a parking lot outside of town and I took a nap in the back seat while he played DS. After Nick woke me up, we decided to walk into town and I'm guessing that it was probably a mile or so in. We tried to find somewhere to eat and that took some doing since he's so picky.
There was a little shop on the main street that sells bagels so I bought Nick one of those and had a Chicken Caesar salad that was incredibly delicious. Then he had two scoops of ice cream and I had apple crisp with cream on top. That "meal" was very expensive as it came to $40.
We walked back to the car which exhausted the poor monkey and drove back into town to try and find their house. I got lost again, had to turn around, navigated through the crazy streets and eventually found their house.
There's not too much to say about that B&B except that they were kind enough to let Nick play in the backyard with their daughter and he had a ball jumping on their trampoline. It was a much needed break for both of us because 24/7 time together can kill anyone. It also was pretty cold in the room that night...Nick complained the next morning about it.
The owners of the B&B were nice but they didn't follow through on their promise to help us navigate the next morning. I had chosen Kinsale as our destination because there is a lighthouse not too far from there that I really wanted to see. However, I wasn't going to try and figure out how to get there and then figure out how to get all the way north.
I'm getting better at driving through crowded cities and Nick is pretty impressed with my driving skills.
Nick says that when he went on the trampoline, he did the splits in the air. He says that the mint ice cream that he ate was the same as the Hagen Daaz ice cream milkshake that he had at Cherry Creek Mall. He also says that the trip is very fascinating.
I was totally exhausted and not up for a lovely walk through town so Nick and I parked in a parking lot outside of town and I took a nap in the back seat while he played DS. After Nick woke me up, we decided to walk into town and I'm guessing that it was probably a mile or so in. We tried to find somewhere to eat and that took some doing since he's so picky.
There was a little shop on the main street that sells bagels so I bought Nick one of those and had a Chicken Caesar salad that was incredibly delicious. Then he had two scoops of ice cream and I had apple crisp with cream on top. That "meal" was very expensive as it came to $40.
We walked back to the car which exhausted the poor monkey and drove back into town to try and find their house. I got lost again, had to turn around, navigated through the crazy streets and eventually found their house.
There's not too much to say about that B&B except that they were kind enough to let Nick play in the backyard with their daughter and he had a ball jumping on their trampoline. It was a much needed break for both of us because 24/7 time together can kill anyone. It also was pretty cold in the room that night...Nick complained the next morning about it.
The owners of the B&B were nice but they didn't follow through on their promise to help us navigate the next morning. I had chosen Kinsale as our destination because there is a lighthouse not too far from there that I really wanted to see. However, I wasn't going to try and figure out how to get there and then figure out how to get all the way north.
I'm getting better at driving through crowded cities and Nick is pretty impressed with my driving skills.
Nick says that when he went on the trampoline, he did the splits in the air. He says that the mint ice cream that he ate was the same as the Hagen Daaz ice cream milkshake that he had at Cherry Creek Mall. He also says that the trip is very fascinating.
Day 3 - Dublin to Kilkenny
I'm quite far behind in my posting due to long driving hours and little sleep (trying to get naps in here and there). On Day 3, we left Dublin to head to Kilkenny. Unfortunately, Google Maps which works so wonderfully in the states failed me here in Ireland. I was trying to follow the directions, missed one of the crucial turns on Church Street and spent 2 hours in Dublin trying to leave.
It was a really frustrating experience and the monkey did pretty well through the whole ordeal. I had to talk to a cab driver who helped me a bit but I think he didn't remember that there's a street in which cabs can go straight but others had to take a detour so we ended up in some weird place. Finally we started making it out of Dublin and when we tried to go to the motorway (highway) N7, we lost it somehow. We were following the signs to N4 through N7 and then, all of a sudden, it was just N4 through N6.
I've figured out that, in the states, we have what I now like to call "Road Signs for Dummies" which I love and appreciate. In Ireland, you often get one chance to see a sign and if you miss that sign, you will miss your turn and keep driving, not realizing that you totally missed it. They also don't show the sign for the road you're on very often.
Fortunately, the Irish are generally very kind and have been very helpful in guiding us to the right path.
We got lost a few more times on this journey and talked to an employee at B&Q (pictures below are of that location).
Another hour or so later, I wasn't sure if I missed the turn or not (still using my Google Maps handwritten directions since I don't have a printer) so I stopped at a Petrol station (gas station for you Americans ;) ) and another lady helped us out.
More on Day 3 in the next installment which, since I'm so far behind, will be coming shortly. =)
It was a really frustrating experience and the monkey did pretty well through the whole ordeal. I had to talk to a cab driver who helped me a bit but I think he didn't remember that there's a street in which cabs can go straight but others had to take a detour so we ended up in some weird place. Finally we started making it out of Dublin and when we tried to go to the motorway (highway) N7, we lost it somehow. We were following the signs to N4 through N7 and then, all of a sudden, it was just N4 through N6.
I've figured out that, in the states, we have what I now like to call "Road Signs for Dummies" which I love and appreciate. In Ireland, you often get one chance to see a sign and if you miss that sign, you will miss your turn and keep driving, not realizing that you totally missed it. They also don't show the sign for the road you're on very often.
Fortunately, the Irish are generally very kind and have been very helpful in guiding us to the right path.
We got lost a few more times on this journey and talked to an employee at B&Q (pictures below are of that location).
Another hour or so later, I wasn't sure if I missed the turn or not (still using my Google Maps handwritten directions since I don't have a printer) so I stopped at a Petrol station (gas station for you Americans ;) ) and another lady helped us out.
More on Day 3 in the next installment which, since I'm so far behind, will be coming shortly. =)
03 September 2009
Day 2 - Arriving in Dublin and Misadventures in Driving
After we landed in Dublin (perfect landing thanks to Aer Lingus...I think I might start plugging them all the time because they were my heroes! :p), Nick and I went through Passport Control (which, of course, takes awhile for non-EU citizens) and then grabbed our luggage and then we didn't have to deal with customs which was surprising.
Then, we went to the rental car agency. I have to admit now that I was totally and completely terrified about driving. Thanks to the worry gene that runs rampant in my family, I worried about every little detail of driving. The fact that I would be driving a stick shift after being out of practice, the fact that I would be sitting on the right side of the car, the fact that I would be driving on the left side of the road, the infamous British Isle roundabouts...Yeah, I was scared.
We did our bit of paperwork and then drove over to the rental car location. We received our car, now dubbed Eamon ("aim + an") and I got in, with much apprehension, and took a turn about the parking lot. The snag came when it was time to reverse. I couldn't get that car into reverse for the life of me so I went back into the agency and confessed my problem. The gentleman showed me that you have to lift up on the ring around the stick to put it into reverse.
After that, I couldn't stall any longer and we headed out to go to our hotel. We drove for about 1/2 a mile and were trying to find a roundabout and I ended up turning left and going towards the airport instead. So we headed back to the rental car agency and passed by it on accident. I had to turn around in a parking lot and I decided to rest a bit before continuing on our way.
Nick was excited beyond belief about the car and driving and the whole adventure. I was still petrified but I knew that if I didn't get my butt in gear, we'd never get there. Back to Dan Dooley's we went and I got the directions again.
This time we got back on the road and found the first roundabout. I gamely drove into it and then realized that we were in the center ring and I would have to get into the left lane to get out of it. There wouldn't be enough time with my novice right side of car-left side of road driving skills (there are stop lights to get on the roundabout and stop lights inside the roundabout) so we went 'round again.
The next roundabout didn't look like a roundabout so we circled that area twice before we tried another direction. Nick was thoroughly enjoying this "adventure". Finally we were headed the way we needed to go. After another couple of turns and one minor mis-(not "step"...would it be "misdrive"?), we arrived at the hotel.
I was SO excited to get there. Unfortunately, I do not have the video that I promised. I was tired, stretched all out of shape, upset, stressed, etc, etc, etc and I forgot to ask the monkey to tape the drive. However, we will document our drive to our next location. We have time tonight to get ourselves organized. =)
Nick's take on the driving: It was scary driving from M-o-m because she got close to the lines on the left side. (It was not...there were no cars when I was more towards the left and monkey praised me for being right in the center of the lane when we were on a highway so HA!)
He's not in the mood to say anymore right now...he's watching some t.v. after the long day. I only drove for that wee bit today (although it took a long time to get there so it wasn't so "wee") and tomorrow should prove to be more challenging but I'm for it. I thought that driving on the left side of the road felt more natural although being on the right side of the car didn't.
If there's anyone reading this and you have comments, questions or just want to make fun of me...post away. ;)
Then, we went to the rental car agency. I have to admit now that I was totally and completely terrified about driving. Thanks to the worry gene that runs rampant in my family, I worried about every little detail of driving. The fact that I would be driving a stick shift after being out of practice, the fact that I would be sitting on the right side of the car, the fact that I would be driving on the left side of the road, the infamous British Isle roundabouts...Yeah, I was scared.
We did our bit of paperwork and then drove over to the rental car location. We received our car, now dubbed Eamon ("aim + an") and I got in, with much apprehension, and took a turn about the parking lot. The snag came when it was time to reverse. I couldn't get that car into reverse for the life of me so I went back into the agency and confessed my problem. The gentleman showed me that you have to lift up on the ring around the stick to put it into reverse.
After that, I couldn't stall any longer and we headed out to go to our hotel. We drove for about 1/2 a mile and were trying to find a roundabout and I ended up turning left and going towards the airport instead. So we headed back to the rental car agency and passed by it on accident. I had to turn around in a parking lot and I decided to rest a bit before continuing on our way.
Nick was excited beyond belief about the car and driving and the whole adventure. I was still petrified but I knew that if I didn't get my butt in gear, we'd never get there. Back to Dan Dooley's we went and I got the directions again.
This time we got back on the road and found the first roundabout. I gamely drove into it and then realized that we were in the center ring and I would have to get into the left lane to get out of it. There wouldn't be enough time with my novice right side of car-left side of road driving skills (there are stop lights to get on the roundabout and stop lights inside the roundabout) so we went 'round again.
The next roundabout didn't look like a roundabout so we circled that area twice before we tried another direction. Nick was thoroughly enjoying this "adventure". Finally we were headed the way we needed to go. After another couple of turns and one minor mis-(not "step"...would it be "misdrive"?), we arrived at the hotel.
I was SO excited to get there. Unfortunately, I do not have the video that I promised. I was tired, stretched all out of shape, upset, stressed, etc, etc, etc and I forgot to ask the monkey to tape the drive. However, we will document our drive to our next location. We have time tonight to get ourselves organized. =)
Nick's take on the driving: It was scary driving from M-o-m because she got close to the lines on the left side. (It was not...there were no cars when I was more towards the left and monkey praised me for being right in the center of the lane when we were on a highway so HA!)
He's not in the mood to say anymore right now...he's watching some t.v. after the long day. I only drove for that wee bit today (although it took a long time to get there so it wasn't so "wee") and tomorrow should prove to be more challenging but I'm for it. I thought that driving on the left side of the road felt more natural although being on the right side of the car didn't.
If there's anyone reading this and you have comments, questions or just want to make fun of me...post away. ;)
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