Keep your body in the middle

Trip Start May 31, 2005
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Trip End Dec 25, 2005


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Flag of Ireland  ,
Friday, June 3, 2005

Alright, where to begin?! Got into London on Wed and basically walked to Ireland through Heathrow. I'm never again going to complain about long airport walks in the US. Hopped on a plane to Dublin and eventually found my car. Got to the car and the fun began. I knew I would have to drive on the 'other side' but even getting the car started with this credit card device and a push start was new. Pulled out of the parking lot and stayed on the left, compliments of the signs in the car that remind me to stay left. Then 30 seconds later get to a roundabout. Well let me tell you, those things are fun. Luckily I just followed the cars in front of me. I had bought some maps at the airport, but navigating, driving on the left, and facing roundabouts all by yourself - it's a tad challenging let me tell you. Never ever again will a clients question that I don't know the answer to even cause me to bat an eyelash. After a few wrong turns, a couple near misses in some roundabouts, I got to the 'highway'. (Oh and those that told me to pack the extra money and get an automatic - I most likely owe my life to you - there's no way I could have managed a stick right then). I read in some book somewhere that the trick was to keep your body in the middle of the road - and believe me that has worked like a charm. I don't know if I can drive on the 'right' side of the road anymore. I was driving from Dublin across the country not exactly sure where I was going. I really think all of Ireland is under construction, and it took me longer than I had thought. Castle in Galway
Castle in Galway
 I eventually reached Galway and was exhausted. Splurged on a single room since I was still sick from the week before and sleep and sleep. I then spent one more day in Galway sleeping because I know I can't start this trip out tired. Galway is a neat city, and you can even get sweet corn on your pizza. I left Galway today and went to the Cliffs of Moehr. They were absoultly gorgeous and for the 2 hours I was there, the sun was out and no rain. I hiked around on the ciffs, luckily not falling over. The drive to the Cliffs were on windy roads that really are built to fit half a car - it was really fun when the tour buses came at me around hairpin turns. I think they were drinking Guiness when they built these roads because there's HUGE tracts of land on either side of the road, yet for some reason they twist and turn like snakes. I'm in a small town called Ennis now in a hostel but so far there are only two other people in the room. I'm learning to use my cell phone which I think will turn out to really really be useful even though it will probably cost me an arm and a leg to use.

Thanks to everyone that has emailed and sent well wishes - I can't respond to everyone because I will be kicked out of the library soon (one of the first things I remembered from traveling 3 years ago is librarys have free internet!) but I really enjoy reading your emails so keep them coming.
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