Somewhere on the way from Dublin to Donegal We opted to travel by bus and train through Ireland (and later, Scotland) rather than hire a car. Like much of life, there are pros and cons to both choices. Travelling independently by car has the advantage of stopping off the main roads and railway lines to visit tourist spots, or quaint corners that spike your interest. And one of the advantages of travelling by public transport is that it brings you into contact with interesting locals. It also means that everyone can take in the passing scenery and sights normally afforded to just the passenger(s). We did get our fair share of interesting locals in both Ireland and Scotland, for which I am grateful. Nothing adds more colour to a trip than interacting, or simply observing, people who live in the place you are visiting. Whether it is better by bus or by train varies. Train was more streamlined and faster, but also boring as far as passengers go. The trains also, of course,...
Southern rata, Andersons Bay inlet I thought this southern rata about to pop would be a good first image (taken just yesterday on my first walk after arriving back home) to start this run of accounts about our nine weeks travelling overseas. S outhern rata flowers in bud We exchanged seasons - from autumn colours and mild sunshine in Europe and Canada, to (a more bitter, it has to be said) spring in New Zealand. ~*~ Martin Luther's shoe, Mitte district, near the iconic Marienkirche, Berlin A lot of shoe leather was used up in our wanders through a select few places in Europe, Ireland, Scotland and finally in the three cities of Rome, Italy, Thessaloniki, Greece and Vancouver, Canada. Outside a hotel in Amsterdam, waiting for a shuttle to the railway station There was a lot of this, too. Waiting for buses and trains and for departure times. A lot of lugging suitcases along cobbled streets not conducive to suitcase wheels. A lot of looking at the ...