Here are the links to all the pictures (except for my favourites which I haven't yet sorted out).
Part 1: http://picasaweb.google.com/rabbitseuropeanadventure/RabbitSEuropeanAdventurePart1?authkey=Gv1sRgCOLqst-2u6TnFQ#
Part 2: http://picasaweb.google.com/rabbitseuropeanadventure/RabbitSEuropeanAdventurePart2?authkey=Gv1sRgCJvurdDP55-tqwE#
Part 3: http://picasaweb.google.com/rabbitseuropeanadventure/RabbitSEuropeanAdventurePart3?authkey=Gv1sRgCPPFha-i3t_6Mw#
Part 4: http://picasaweb.google.com/rabbitseuropeanadventure/RabbitSEuropeanAdventurePart4?authkey=Gv1sRgCP2oz6e9hvK8cg#
Part 5: http://picasaweb.google.com/rabbitseuropeanadventure/RabbitSEuropeanAdventurePart5?authkey=Gv1sRgCNKI8MmPp_yxmAE#
The pictures that I sorted for Nick's school: http://picasaweb.google.com/rabbitseuropeanadventure/RabbitSEuropeanAdventurePhotosForNickSClass?authkey=Gv1sRgCOH5kPH7mPHCMA#
As to the inevitable questions about adding captions, I will eventually get to that but, as you can see, I've got over 1800 pictures/videos to add captions for and that's not including the ones for Nick's class.
If you have questions about any of the pictures, let me know and I'd be happy to tell you where they're from! =)
07 October 2009
04 October 2009
Day 9 - Driving to Edinburgh
It was nice to wake up in Cumbernauld Village. The town is quaint and restful. The night we spent there helped me to be in a better mood. I could look out the window and watch the locals gather outside a bar. We were on Main Street which was very small but not the smallest road I've driven on.
When we went down to breakfast, we were the first down there. Nick and I got breakfast and then the other two couples joined us. Nick decided to go back upstairs and hang out while I stayed downstairs and chatted with the adults. One couple was Scottish, living in Australia and the other was also Scottish but living in England. We had a lot of laughs and the Scottish gentleman who lives in Australia gave me some of his Black Pudding. I said that I would try that and Haggis when I came over so 1 down and 1 to go. It wasn't bad, it wasn't awesome either (and it definitely didn't compare to the Bread Pudding) but it was edible. =)
After breakfast I went back upstairs and packed. Nick and I dragged all the stuff to the car (we had to go up/down two steep sets of stairs to get to our room) and then I went back to pay. Annette and I talked for awhile and then the monkey and I headed for Edinburgh.
I must confess that on the way I picked up McDonalds for him. He had been really good the day before (again) and so I had told him that he deserved some McDonalds. The interesting thing about the McDonalds that we went to was that the music is much louder than at our McDonalds in the States. A strange thing (at least by American culture) happened...one lady who was sitting next to us asked me to keep an eye on her kids while she went to the restroom. She had a baby and another kid who looked about 4 or 5 years old. The older kid was in the baby's face so I was trying to get Nick to entertain the kid while I watched the baby. We were able to distract the older kid and after a few minutes the mother came back.
From the McDonalds we could see ASDA which is like a King Soopers with a bit more. It's not quite like Target or anything but they do have clothes, some electronics, toys, etc. The shop itself was quiet large but mostly food...so I guess like the opposite of a Super Target...where Target has mostly clothes and other things and then some food, ASDA has mostly food and then some of the other things.
We enjoyed walking around ASDA...they have an escalator that's just like one of those moving walkways that are in the airport. It didn't have any steps on it, just a slanted upwards moving walkway. Very cool. =)
When we went down to breakfast, we were the first down there. Nick and I got breakfast and then the other two couples joined us. Nick decided to go back upstairs and hang out while I stayed downstairs and chatted with the adults. One couple was Scottish, living in Australia and the other was also Scottish but living in England. We had a lot of laughs and the Scottish gentleman who lives in Australia gave me some of his Black Pudding. I said that I would try that and Haggis when I came over so 1 down and 1 to go. It wasn't bad, it wasn't awesome either (and it definitely didn't compare to the Bread Pudding) but it was edible. =)
After breakfast I went back upstairs and packed. Nick and I dragged all the stuff to the car (we had to go up/down two steep sets of stairs to get to our room) and then I went back to pay. Annette and I talked for awhile and then the monkey and I headed for Edinburgh.
I must confess that on the way I picked up McDonalds for him. He had been really good the day before (again) and so I had told him that he deserved some McDonalds. The interesting thing about the McDonalds that we went to was that the music is much louder than at our McDonalds in the States. A strange thing (at least by American culture) happened...one lady who was sitting next to us asked me to keep an eye on her kids while she went to the restroom. She had a baby and another kid who looked about 4 or 5 years old. The older kid was in the baby's face so I was trying to get Nick to entertain the kid while I watched the baby. We were able to distract the older kid and after a few minutes the mother came back.
From the McDonalds we could see ASDA which is like a King Soopers with a bit more. It's not quite like Target or anything but they do have clothes, some electronics, toys, etc. The shop itself was quiet large but mostly food...so I guess like the opposite of a Super Target...where Target has mostly clothes and other things and then some food, ASDA has mostly food and then some of the other things.
We enjoyed walking around ASDA...they have an escalator that's just like one of those moving walkways that are in the airport. It didn't have any steps on it, just a slanted upwards moving walkway. Very cool. =)
Day 8 - Cumbernauld Village
That night we stayed in Cumbernauld Village which is north of Glasgow. The Old Mill B&B is highly rated and for good reason. Annette is a dear and she welcomed us.
But...before that...I must write about the drive. We were doing really well following the road signs to Cumbernauld but then, all of a sudden, the signs for Cumbernauld disappeared and we were a little lost again. Thanks to a nice gentleman outside of the Petrol Station we were on our way again. We found out that there is Cumbernauld and then there is Cumbernauld Village. It took us a few more tries to get to the B&B but we spoke with Annette again and she helped guide us. That cell phone has been a total lifesaver and well worth whatever I'm going to have to pay my mom.
Nick let me take a little nap when we arrived because I was so worn out from stress and frustration. After my nap, we went to Puccinis for dinner. It's another Italian restaurant (believe me, I was getting Italianed out by then) and Nick was really grumpy due to being hungry. I've found out that I must feed him constantly on this trip, otherwise he gets really moody but, once fed, he's all sunshine again.
Back to the Old Mill B&B for some relaxation...
But...before that...I must write about the drive. We were doing really well following the road signs to Cumbernauld but then, all of a sudden, the signs for Cumbernauld disappeared and we were a little lost again. Thanks to a nice gentleman outside of the Petrol Station we were on our way again. We found out that there is Cumbernauld and then there is Cumbernauld Village. It took us a few more tries to get to the B&B but we spoke with Annette again and she helped guide us. That cell phone has been a total lifesaver and well worth whatever I'm going to have to pay my mom.
Nick let me take a little nap when we arrived because I was so worn out from stress and frustration. After my nap, we went to Puccinis for dinner. It's another Italian restaurant (believe me, I was getting Italianed out by then) and Nick was really grumpy due to being hungry. I've found out that I must feed him constantly on this trip, otherwise he gets really moody but, once fed, he's all sunshine again.
Back to the Old Mill B&B for some relaxation...
Day 7 / 8 - Saying Goodbye to Eamon and Saying Hello to Glasgow and Gordie
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.
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.
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...
Day 6 - Ashford Castle
Again I'm pretty far behind. Part of that was due to actually getting out and exploring Edinburgh and part of that has been due to the lack of internet at a couple places.
I'll try and catch up so I don't have to worry when we get to London which isn't too far away.
The drive to Ashford was very easy compared to the previous day's drive but the Irish have a far different idea of what's "small" and what's "not busy" compared to (at the very least) me. Nick and I stopped at the Petrol Station before heading to Ashford and the guy there was very helpful but when he gave us directions.
I was really excited about going to the castle and wondering if Nick would think it was cool. It was crazy actually driving to a castle to stay the night. Rather surreal, really. =)
We were able to check in immediately, which was nice, and we went up to our room after a brief tour. The lad that checked us in and gave us the tour was named Ethan. If you've ever seen the movie _Love Actually_, he completely reminded me of Rowan Atkinson's character in the jewelry shopping scene. It was hilarious because Ethan kept saying "Lovely" after almost everything and, every time, I was reminded of the movie. If you haven't seen it, be sure to check it out.
Once we were in the room, Nick wanted to watch tv while I took a nap but the tv didn't work at first so we called the front desk. They sent someone right up and I chatted with him for awhile. He was a very nice guy and we discussed politics and things before he left.
Then I wanted to take a nap so that we could explore later but it started raining and the exploration was put to the side. I did get the nap, however.
After the nap, Nick and I got dressed up and headed to Cullens Cottage. Feeding Nick can be quite an issue because he's so picky but we managed to find something (fortunately they have a children's menu). I had a delicious chicken dinner and topped it off with the most divine bread pudding. That bread pudding is now up on the top of my favourite desserts list and I'm going on a mission to find a recipe...
The bed was comfortable and luxurious as was the bathroom...we even had a heated towel rack which pleased me to no end.
When we went to bed that night, the back side of the castle is incredibly dark. We couldn't see hardly at all and there was a wonderful storm raging. I slept like a baby and didn't want to leave.
I was really lucky because I had left my credit card at the restaurant (they didn't give it back, obviously) but Ethan had it for me the next day. It would have been a really bad thing to leave it on the other side of the country, especially when we were leaving the next day for Scotland.
I definitely recommend going to the castle and staying the night. So many famous people have stayed there and Pierce Brosnan was even married there. If you go on the tour with Sceptre Tours, it's well worth it. (I should have used them for the Scotland part of my trip...)
I'll try and catch up so I don't have to worry when we get to London which isn't too far away.
The drive to Ashford was very easy compared to the previous day's drive but the Irish have a far different idea of what's "small" and what's "not busy" compared to (at the very least) me. Nick and I stopped at the Petrol Station before heading to Ashford and the guy there was very helpful but when he gave us directions.
I was really excited about going to the castle and wondering if Nick would think it was cool. It was crazy actually driving to a castle to stay the night. Rather surreal, really. =)
We were able to check in immediately, which was nice, and we went up to our room after a brief tour. The lad that checked us in and gave us the tour was named Ethan. If you've ever seen the movie _Love Actually_, he completely reminded me of Rowan Atkinson's character in the jewelry shopping scene. It was hilarious because Ethan kept saying "Lovely" after almost everything and, every time, I was reminded of the movie. If you haven't seen it, be sure to check it out.
Once we were in the room, Nick wanted to watch tv while I took a nap but the tv didn't work at first so we called the front desk. They sent someone right up and I chatted with him for awhile. He was a very nice guy and we discussed politics and things before he left.
Then I wanted to take a nap so that we could explore later but it started raining and the exploration was put to the side. I did get the nap, however.
After the nap, Nick and I got dressed up and headed to Cullens Cottage. Feeding Nick can be quite an issue because he's so picky but we managed to find something (fortunately they have a children's menu). I had a delicious chicken dinner and topped it off with the most divine bread pudding. That bread pudding is now up on the top of my favourite desserts list and I'm going on a mission to find a recipe...
The bed was comfortable and luxurious as was the bathroom...we even had a heated towel rack which pleased me to no end.
When we went to bed that night, the back side of the castle is incredibly dark. We couldn't see hardly at all and there was a wonderful storm raging. I slept like a baby and didn't want to leave.
I was really lucky because I had left my credit card at the restaurant (they didn't give it back, obviously) but Ethan had it for me the next day. It would have been a really bad thing to leave it on the other side of the country, especially when we were leaving the next day for Scotland.
I definitely recommend going to the castle and staying the night. So many famous people have stayed there and Pierce Brosnan was even married there. If you go on the tour with Sceptre Tours, it's well worth it. (I should have used them for the Scotland part of my trip...)
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