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| 12th August 2008 Aussie_Emma | re: "be a little more sympathetic" - From: Giant's Causeway and A Not-So-Scary Rope Bridge Dear Elaine, Thank you for your response. In an aside, it really is quite lovely to see how many proud Irish people commented angrily in response to my unflattering blog. In retrospect, of course it was small-minded and unfair, and I am ashamed of much of what I wrote/how I initially viewed my travels. In my defence, I was young, at the beginning of my travels when in Ireland, homesick, and still thrown by every little travelling set-back that inevitably befalls the traveller. So I wrote with an irritated and ignorant hand and am sorry. Over the subsequent two years of travel (for which I was too busy actually travelling and have not - will never, at this point - written about), I do not believe I made the same mistake, and in fact would recommend every country and every experience - even the scary ones! (Experiences, not countries, lol). I fondly remember many beautiiful scenes in Ireland and very much look forward to returning one day with an open mind and heart... and a more thorough research attempt ; ) |
| 12th August 2008 Aussie_Emma | re: comment from "I'm from Glasgow" - From: Underground Ghost Tour and a Bus Trip You are entirely correct regarding my dismissal of Glasgow without proper evidence; I was very young at the time, and at the beginning of my travels. I apologise for the sheer ignorance of the slur against your city. I can only defend myself with the fact that I was homesick and that I did, over the subsequent two years of travel (which I still haven't had time to write of - and now no doubt never will), learn to appreciate each new location with an open heart and mind. I can honestly say that I do not think of any part of my travels with prejudice against the city or country itself, and would wholeheartedly recommend every country and experience - even the scary ones (experiences, not countries, lol). But, the ignorance of earlier blogs being part of my personal evolution, I will not delete them and can only apologise to any whom I offend, with the assumption that very few will ever stumble upon my humble scribblings. |
| 3rd August 2008 I'm from Glasgow | Glasgow - From: Underground Ghost Tour and a Bus Trip I wonder which part of Glasgow you visited? Your comments such as "Glasgow is fairly depressing.. no parks .. “ and “Almost no greenery”. (it's an industrial city, so not much in the way of pretty photo opportunities or lovely green parks)" show that you didn't take any time to explore it... you were simply killing time, waiting for a bus to London. Glasgow has more parks (over 70) than any city in Europe for heaven sake!! Glasgow's oldest park - Glasgow Green is 136 acres in the city centre! - a 10-15 min walk from the bus station. Once there, you’ll also find the resplendent Templetons Carpet Factory - yes factory! overlooking the Green. Modelled on the Doge's Palace in Venice it is as fine an example of "industrial architecture" as you’re ever likely to find. But you prattle on...... “Almost no old buildings, and those that are here go unnoticed” -- Just how old are you looking for?... FYI - Glasgow has many old buildings, e.g. Provand's Lordship dates from 1471, the Cathedral was consecrated in 1197. Is that old enough for you? Glasgow's much-admired leafy (that means green!) West End is chock-full of Victorian and Edwardian terraces. There are many old fine buildings too - such as those designed by Glasgow architect & designer Charles Rennie Mackintosh - Glasgow School of Art; Cranston Tea Rooms, Daily Record Building, Queens Cross Church, to name a few. CRM was the main exponent of Art Nouveau in the UK. I suspect from your ill-informed comments that you didn't venture far from the bus station... what a pity..... because Glasgow is a city meant for walking (admittedly, that means further than is required in the compact centre of Edinburgh, where, judging by your blog, you clearly spent a lot more time. In Edinburgh, most of the "attractions" are in easy walking distance of the rail/bus stations...how convenient and thoughtful ! ... and it sure makes it easy to "do it" in a short time. You have to take a bit more time (and effort) to explore Glasgow, as it is considerably larger than Edinburgh. To find the best (and the oldest!) requires much more than an afternoon visit, but you will be richly rewarded. Free entry to museums means that the culture is easy to find too. Glasgow is an hospitable city, and it's citizens are friendly and rightly proud of her industrial heritage. Like any city with an industrial past, she bears many of the scars of that heritage, but that is only part of her story. Dig deeper to find the gems. Don’t dismiss an entire city on the view from the bus station. |
| 14th July 2007 elaine | be a little sympathetic - From: Giant's Causeway and A Not-So-Scary Rope Bridge It seem to me that you are missing the point of why people come to ireland, as you have written but did not seem too grateful for is the kindness of the people here. You have to remember that belfast in particular is only building its self up after a years, i guess you are not easily excited or are one of those people who's glass is half empty!! |
| 23rd October 2006 Dee | Chill - From: Underground Ghost Tour and a Bus Trip Hi, You write extremely well! I am sitting in my cozy, well lit living room with my kids right behind me watching "Power Rangers" and yet as I read your blog I had the unnerving urge to look over my shoulder! I'm going to let my mom know about your site. She is intriqued with hauntings. Going to stay the night on the Queen Mary Ship! Dee |
| 13th October 2006 Aussie_Emma | re. carnivaleut or carnevale.... - From: Carnivale di Venezia!!! Dear Carlo, Whoops! Thanks for the correction. I do not think I have time to go through whole blog correcting, but I will publish your comment\correction with it instead so people see the correct spelling. |
| 6th October 2006 carlo | Carnevale - From: Carnivale di Venezia!!! Ciao,sono Carlo, di Roma. Solo una cosa: la parola è carnevale non carnivale. Bel blog, scusa per la correzione. L'Italiano non è la tua lingua, comunque è tanto per avere un'accuratezza perfino maggiore carlo Hi, I'm Carlo, from Rome. Just one thing: the word is Carnevale, not Carnivale. Nice blog, sorry for the correction. Italian is not supposed to be your language, but is just to be even more exact carlo |
| 19th August 2005 Barb | it was almost a whisper - From: From Training House to Manor House Hi Emm you are a gifted writer...when I read your travelblog its almost at times like your voice is changing in my head....very enjoyable take real good care |
| 30th July 2005 Sean | cheers! - From: Jobs Offers and an Aussie Celebration Well, i was looking for pictures on the london eye on google and decided to use yours [showing a friend on MSN what i went on today]..hope you dont mind! Anyway, to get the pictre i had to go into your blog, and i'm afraid i found myself reading about london, coldness and godalming! [sorry - seems a bit voyeuristic but there's a fascination with the perspective of 'the Other' on our little island!] Right - long story short - thanks! Interesting reading. A bit like Michael Palin ;-) Good luck with the rest of your travels ...and the care work! Sean gillensean@hotmail.com |
| 16th July 2005 Catherine | GEEEEEEE - From: Almost Squashed by Idiot Driver OMG Emma, I sure am glad you are alive! God that is horrendous that idiot driver! Obviously you have travels mercies with you! I am so glad you are alright. Catherine |
| 28th June 2005 fireguy | Yay! - From: Beltane Fire Festival I'd love to check out beltane in Edinburgh some time. I'm an enthusiast when it comes to these kinds of things for sure. cheers, [url=http://www.luxotica.com]fireguy[/url] |
| 28th March 2005 anonymous | Wow - From: Sunshine on a Rainy Day Wow Emma, it sounds like your having a great time in Thailand! :-) I hope you stay safe during your trip and I look forward to reading more of your updates! Zach - Zach |