Poodler78

Wish I Had My Clipboard & Whistle The timetable had been issued and early morning breakfast was first on the agenda. The Other Place was the rendevous point on a sunny morning and didn't disappoint. Of course some were late to show... After breakfast, Bartlett led off the convoy with the mini struggling to get off it's rear axle with all the red meat in the boot for the bbq. Our first destination was Londonderry, meeting in the Foyleside Centre - a place filled with the living dead. Well, Derry pale faced, ill looking folk at least. It makes Connswater seem a thriving hub of healthy joy. This was a handy point to get up onto the Walls at Artillery Street with everyone getting their first glimpse of the restored cannon. Sadly the Walls no longer ... read more

No Surrender! The cry that signalled the start of the resistance in Derry in 1688 has a blunt but brave force that much of the modern day misappropriated braggadocio belittles. When the young apprentice boys slammed the gates shut as the city fathers dithered, they changed history not only here but more probably throughout the UK and possibly Europe. Their tale is long forgotten outside NI and poorly known even here. Although facing down a handpicked army in Antrim's Redshanks, they showed remarkable character when faced with the charge of "Surrender or Die" - the indecisive deliberating amongst the protestant leaders of Ulster has remained to this day though. The Seige was the third Londonderry survived and took the lives of a third of the inhabitants within the Walls. In December 1688 when the gates were ... read more

Defying Medb Waking early the plan had been to hit the jacuzzi again but rumbling tums meant the first port of call was the breakfast buffet. Top quality black pudding was enough to please me, yes I'm easy that way. Today was warm but overcast (thankfully) which was perfect for our intended climb up Knocknarea. Armed with water and a few Mars Bars we drove up to the base (well prob about half way up) and set off up the mountain (more of a hill at 330m/1000ft). It was a nice leisurely walk for the first few hundred metres but once off the gravelled path the climb got steeper although still nothing too arduous. Once we got to the top the views were truly spectacular. Gazing south towards Galway or North towards Ben Bulben offered great ... read more

Day Twenty-Eight - DONE 18,500 miles and 6 countries later, our winter wanderings have come to an end. It was always going to be a unique trip and a lot more hectic than the usual break. It was flashpacking and it was hardly off the beaten track but hopefully it'll inspire the girls to explore further afield in future. Angela is already planning more trips and at our rate it'll be 2053 before we get them all done. Waking at around 3am on BA032 from Hong Kong, the obviously dreadful 'english breakfast' tasted mighty fine. The coffee was a needed kick as we all really just wanted to get home. Thankfully, our bodies were still on HK time and able to endure the last leg of our travels. Landing slightly ahead of schedule, immigration was dealt ... read more

Day Twenty-Six - Speechless Giggling Gurls When the alarm went off at 3.15am it wasn’t welcomed in any way. We got up, woke the girls and checked out. A short walk over the Terminal and a straightforward check in was followed by some more ATM hoopla. Once sorted we got some much needed juice. Immigration was cleared quickly and after an hour in the departure lounge, we were brought forward to board. We walked out onto the apron where about six flights were boarding at once. People were confused despite being told which stand to board at and went in all directions. It was getting normal by now. Onboard they didn’t have our meal sorted, which was a bit annoying, but I don’t think we missed out on much. Once we landed and got through, we ... read more