I caught the train to Warsaw this morning after saying goodbye to Servas host family. They carried on to church, and I with assistance from their capable daughter got on the train. I had no idea where I was going to stay tonight, but I figured the 6 hour journey (longer on Sundays) would give me time to read about hostels. When I arrived in Warsaw, I hit that wall travelers sometimes get. Blame it on this chest cold that I thought was a little bit of asthma acting up with the stress of travel, or blame it on 'Sunday' when [View Full Entry]

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Who knew that Poland is world class in windsurfing? I spent the afternoon in the sun. I was suppose to bicycle to Hel (google 'Hel, Poland") and I tried for awhile. But it was more enjoyable sitting in the sun watching the surfers go by. [View Full Entry]

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I am staying with Servas friends, Ewa and Bogumil, in Gdynia. This morning Bogumil dropped Ewa and I off at Sepot, a Victorian beach town, so that we could walk along the beach back to Gdynia. I think we walked over 10 kms along the Baltic Sea. It is really warm here, plus sixteen in the afternoons. The beaches were relatively empty. Sepot reminded me of Brighton, but much more toned down. The pier was empty and calm, though Ewa told me that it has games and rides during the summer holidays. The best thing about Ewa and Boumil's house is [View Full Entry]

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Tah Dah! One taxi, plane, taxi, bus, bus, and I'm here in Gdansk; registered in hostel and spent afternoon 'downtown'. Great weather so far! Getting use to the silence of one who does not speak the language. Enough people in service sector speak English to point me in general direction. It was a good trip despite the early morning, 4:15 a.m. to get flight. Can't complain as the ticket was ten dollars Canadian, no taxes, but with the extras for luggage it was fifty dollars total. If anyone follows my tracks, I recommend the Lucky Hostel in Gdansk. They will pick [View Full Entry]

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Time in Scotland was too short. I have to get sorted for Poland as my flight is 6:10 a.m. Wednesday morning. Here are photos from the train leaving Scotland. [View Full Entry]

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Each time I create a blog entry I intend to write a long essay about my travels. It never gets written because it takes time to upload photos and make comments. This will be another blog with tons of pictures; I think they are the best part of the blog. When I am in Poland, I might not have access to computers to upload photos, so I might get to write those long, reflective essays. I do think alot when on trains and buses, and I compose some marvelous text in my head. The only insight that I'd like to share [View Full Entry]

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The train ride to Scotland was relaxed. The sun was shining for most of the journey and I took lots of photos. There were times when it felt like the train ride in Harry Potter movies. You know the feeling Harry has when he heads for the Scottish school? The scenery seems to improve the further north you go; the colours get bolder, greens seem greener, blue sky bounces off wider rivers that rush, busy roads give way to empty rolling hills. Fields with vegetables fade out and pasture land with cattle and sheep fit in between farmland with baled hay. [View Full Entry]

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I have spent relaxing days at Ray's house. My cousin and brother must share similar DNA, the dry humour and slow-to-comprehend-my words kind of DNA. Luckily for Ray, I've lots of practise explaining things to Jason. Give me a few more days and Ray will have that dry, witty resignation that Jason has when I explain things. When I'm not nagging Ray, we catch up with life. He has had a colourful career traveling all over the world. Now he enjoys the finer things of country living. I borrow Katie and Bella and take them for walks along the countryside. Today [View Full Entry]

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Missing this place already. I wonder which was better, exploring Ireland or laughing with best friend? Somehow both meshed into a wonderful journey as we explored Ireland. Today is the equinox and it is a fitting time to come full circle. We had supper at the Thai restaurant that we tried to find on the first day that we arrived. We were early and got a table, but within half an hour the place was filled. The city is overflowing with dismal Kerry fans. As per our habit, we ended up in the atrium, happy for the peace and comfort. Now [View Full Entry]

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Today is Match day, the Irish football final between Kerry and Tyrone counties. It is also International Peace day; and the last day of our holiday in Ireland. We spent the weekend catching up with touristy things and our quest to see the culture of Ireland. The photos are a summary of what we have found. [View Full Entry]

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