Last day of our wonderful trip in Northern Ireland. Today the weather was not that great but one day out of four, we couldn't really complain.
We drove along the Donegal coast. It was like being at the end of the world: the coast, the sea, and the sky. Just great.
The closer we arrived to the cliffs, the more scary it was. The road was quite small and it went up and down, right and left, each time without seeing where it ended up... After all these emotions we discovered the marvellous landscape of Slieve League. They're the highest cliffs in Europe: almost 600m! Quite impressive!
We walked on the One Man's Path (or so we thought) which is a very small path up on the cliffs and enjoyed the view over the Atlantic ocean on one side and over Donegal County on the other.
Then it was already time to go back to Dublin... :(
On our way, we went to Sligo and saw the Benbulbin, a huge mountain that's often compared to a table with "folded" sides. It's 80km long and quite massive in the landscape.
We finally arrived at the airport parking place and had to say goodbye to our great car...
I first want to thank Michi for his company, friendship and kindness during the trip and for having been such a good driver!! I couldn't do best! ;-)
And remember, whenever you want, I'm ready to do this all over again with you! I had a great time!!!!
mardi 31 juillet 2007
lundi 30 juillet 2007
N.I. - Day 3: Emotions and adventure
Third day with my wonderful driver, adventurer and friend. The sun was still shining even though the wind was stronger.
We woke up in front of the magnificent view, had a great breakfast and packed all our stuff in the car. We walked to the cliffs in order to see Giant's Causeway, one of the most wonderful and amazing places. We decided to take the walk up the cliffs first and to come back to Giant's Causeway and the viewpoint afterwards. The walk was really worth it. We saw some other more sheeps, took another fifty pictures...each! and then walked down to see the amazing job Nature did. The columns, made by the sudden cooling of a lava flow sixty millions years ago, were something unbelievable. They were all in the shape of perfects hexagons and the highest of them was 12m high!!! If this would have been only for a couple of rocks, I'd just find it funny but what really made it impressive and unbelievable was that this phenomenon was reproduced to a whole rocky zone! People walked on these rocks using them as stairs as these were so amazingly positioned.
Our guide says this have a legendary explanation: a powerful giant would have built this path to reach his fiancée on an island... Isn't it romantic?
Anyway, after this curiosity of nature, we went back West to Carrikarade rope bridge. This is a regional attraction. A rope bridge is built between the coast and an island closeby. It's about 25m high and really impressive once you're on it. On the island, nothing to see but the sensations you get on the bridge are worth the ride!
Last visit of the day: Dunluce castle. This previous fortress of 1584 had a wonderful location and should have been a great place to leave!
Finally, we left the coast to drive completely East toward Donegal city where Michi and I decided to go to see the highest cliffs of Europe.
...To be continued!
We woke up in front of the magnificent view, had a great breakfast and packed all our stuff in the car. We walked to the cliffs in order to see Giant's Causeway, one of the most wonderful and amazing places. We decided to take the walk up the cliffs first and to come back to Giant's Causeway and the viewpoint afterwards. The walk was really worth it. We saw some other more sheeps, took another fifty pictures...each! and then walked down to see the amazing job Nature did. The columns, made by the sudden cooling of a lava flow sixty millions years ago, were something unbelievable. They were all in the shape of perfects hexagons and the highest of them was 12m high!!! If this would have been only for a couple of rocks, I'd just find it funny but what really made it impressive and unbelievable was that this phenomenon was reproduced to a whole rocky zone! People walked on these rocks using them as stairs as these were so amazingly positioned.
Our guide says this have a legendary explanation: a powerful giant would have built this path to reach his fiancée on an island... Isn't it romantic?
Anyway, after this curiosity of nature, we went back West to Carrikarade rope bridge. This is a regional attraction. A rope bridge is built between the coast and an island closeby. It's about 25m high and really impressive once you're on it. On the island, nothing to see but the sensations you get on the bridge are worth the ride!
Last visit of the day: Dunluce castle. This previous fortress of 1584 had a wonderful location and should have been a great place to leave!
Finally, we left the coast to drive completely East toward Donegal city where Michi and I decided to go to see the highest cliffs of Europe.
...To be continued!
dimanche 29 juillet 2007
N.I. - Day 2: Belfast and the route to beauty
First thing when waking up: watching the sky to see what the weather was like. Once again, we were lucky: sun was shining bright!
We went to the centre of Belfast to visit and we had a big surprise: all the monuments we wanted to see (basically all the famous ones) were under renovation and therefore closed! We decided to walk to the centre and to have a look around. It was quite scary because the city was desert: no soul on the streets, the weather was turning bad and it started to rain... it seems we were in some kind of western movie...
We decided to come back to the city hall to grab a black taxi to do the historical visit and that was a great idea! The driver brought us the see the murals, the wall of peace, the Protestant part and the Christian one... and explained us all the details of the drama. The hardest thing was to understand what he was saying as the Belfast accent is particularly strong! It was really interesting though!
We left Belfast to go more North towards Giant's Causeway. We drove all along the coast, discovering landscapes one more beautiful than the other. We stopped several times to enjoy the view and the weather. Unfortunately, time was running fast and we had to find a B&B before the night so we decided to stop next to Bushmills and to stay in a B&B where a friend of Michi's housemate stayed. The location was simply incredible: on one side we had a view on the hills and the cows and on the other we could see the coast and the cliffs. Like a dream...
We had a salad in a restaurant closeby and enjoyed the sunset at the B&B's terrasse.
That was a quiet and dreamlike day. :)
We went to the centre of Belfast to visit and we had a big surprise: all the monuments we wanted to see (basically all the famous ones) were under renovation and therefore closed! We decided to walk to the centre and to have a look around. It was quite scary because the city was desert: no soul on the streets, the weather was turning bad and it started to rain... it seems we were in some kind of western movie...
We decided to come back to the city hall to grab a black taxi to do the historical visit and that was a great idea! The driver brought us the see the murals, the wall of peace, the Protestant part and the Christian one... and explained us all the details of the drama. The hardest thing was to understand what he was saying as the Belfast accent is particularly strong! It was really interesting though!
We left Belfast to go more North towards Giant's Causeway. We drove all along the coast, discovering landscapes one more beautiful than the other. We stopped several times to enjoy the view and the weather. Unfortunately, time was running fast and we had to find a B&B before the night so we decided to stop next to Bushmills and to stay in a B&B where a friend of Michi's housemate stayed. The location was simply incredible: on one side we had a view on the hills and the cows and on the other we could see the coast and the cliffs. Like a dream...
We had a salad in a restaurant closeby and enjoyed the sunset at the B&B's terrasse.
That was a quiet and dreamlike day. :)
samedi 28 juillet 2007
N.I. - Day 1: Norther Ireland, we're coming!
After having talked about it for quite a while, Michi and I finally decided to go to visit Northern Ireland. Ramona promised us it was the nicest part of Ireland and it was really worth it. She was right. I took 2 days off to accomplish this trip and on Saturday morning, Michi and I went to the airport parking place to take the car we rented: a Ford Fiesta with only 200km on the counter. Direction Belfast!
On the way we visited Newry, a charming little town just after the border. We stopped for a coffee and a walk, then we went along the coastal road and discovered a lot of wonderful viewpoints. The weather was unbelievable. Even though it had rained the past days, on these 4 days trip, the sun was shining and the temperature very high, which allowed us to enjoy every single moment. We were really lucky on that point and we would never had expected such a nice weather!
Anyway, we finally arrived in Belfast and had to find for a guest house to spend the night. First problem: everything was full! All the youth hostel, the guest houses, the hotels... nothing was free for one night.... but we got lucky! On our way to a guest house marked in Michi's guide, we noticed a guest house and decided to try. Luckily, they had one room left and we established there for the night. The room was lovely and after a nice shower, we walked to the city center to have dinner in a restaurant with a funny concept: people, when they come in, are given a bipper. They go to the bar for some drinks while they wait for their table and choose the menu. Once they get one, they're bipped and can order.
Michi and I had a great time and good laughs at that restaurant!
After the restaurant, we went for a drink in a pub and the bad part started when we came back: I've never seen so many people drunk in the streets and so many policemen! We were really scared that something happens to us! After this episode, we really deserved some rest!
On the way we visited Newry, a charming little town just after the border. We stopped for a coffee and a walk, then we went along the coastal road and discovered a lot of wonderful viewpoints. The weather was unbelievable. Even though it had rained the past days, on these 4 days trip, the sun was shining and the temperature very high, which allowed us to enjoy every single moment. We were really lucky on that point and we would never had expected such a nice weather!
Anyway, we finally arrived in Belfast and had to find for a guest house to spend the night. First problem: everything was full! All the youth hostel, the guest houses, the hotels... nothing was free for one night.... but we got lucky! On our way to a guest house marked in Michi's guide, we noticed a guest house and decided to try. Luckily, they had one room left and we established there for the night. The room was lovely and after a nice shower, we walked to the city center to have dinner in a restaurant with a funny concept: people, when they come in, are given a bipper. They go to the bar for some drinks while they wait for their table and choose the menu. Once they get one, they're bipped and can order.
Michi and I had a great time and good laughs at that restaurant!
After the restaurant, we went for a drink in a pub and the bad part started when we came back: I've never seen so many people drunk in the streets and so many policemen! We were really scared that something happens to us! After this episode, we really deserved some rest!
samedi 21 juillet 2007
Will you mary me?
19th July 2007: Back to Paris to celebrate my friend's wedding. I just had time to arrive on that Thursday, I already got to pack to go to Saint Aignan where the wedding was supposed to take place. The next morning, after 2 hours train, I was picked up at th station by the bride, Aurore, and her other 2 bridesmaid, Pascale and Adeline. We spent the whole day decorating the room where we'd celebrate: blowing balloons to hang everywhere, preparing the entertainments, etc...
It was long and tiring and Pascale and I agreed that for our marriage, we'd rather hire a wedding planner!
21st July 2007: Here we go! D-Day for Aurore, Raphaël and all the people who helped to the preparation. Early waking up, making up, getting dressed... it was a real marathon! But it was worth it! First "I do" at the City Hall and then at the church. The wedding was simply great and the party very funny! We first had the cocktail in the "African plane". In effect, the party was taking place in a zoo which was quite original. My first impression when I knew it was "You're getting married in a zoo!!!???". But then, when I saw the place, I knew it would be the best idea ever! The landscape was fantastic! So we had the cocktail over there and enjoyed the late afternoon sun. Then we moved toward the room to have dinner and to celebrate. At that precise moment, it started raining! We were really lucky!
The party started and with it all the games and speeches. Everyone liked mine which, I must say, really comfort me as I was really stressed before doing it!
22nd July 2007: Cleaning the room, saying goodbye to the remaining people and enjoying the last moments with the newly weds.
Aurore is the first friend I marry and it made me quite an impression.
I wish her and Raphaël to be happy ever after.
It was long and tiring and Pascale and I agreed that for our marriage, we'd rather hire a wedding planner!
21st July 2007: Here we go! D-Day for Aurore, Raphaël and all the people who helped to the preparation. Early waking up, making up, getting dressed... it was a real marathon! But it was worth it! First "I do" at the City Hall and then at the church. The wedding was simply great and the party very funny! We first had the cocktail in the "African plane". In effect, the party was taking place in a zoo which was quite original. My first impression when I knew it was "You're getting married in a zoo!!!???". But then, when I saw the place, I knew it would be the best idea ever! The landscape was fantastic! So we had the cocktail over there and enjoyed the late afternoon sun. Then we moved toward the room to have dinner and to celebrate. At that precise moment, it started raining! We were really lucky!
The party started and with it all the games and speeches. Everyone liked mine which, I must say, really comfort me as I was really stressed before doing it!
22nd July 2007: Cleaning the room, saying goodbye to the remaining people and enjoying the last moments with the newly weds.
Aurore is the first friend I marry and it made me quite an impression.
I wish her and Raphaël to be happy ever after.
vendredi 13 juillet 2007
Golf makes life easier
Today wasn't a common Friday. Although I still had to go to work, I went working in a totally different environment. After 2 weeks spent on the organization of that event, I had the opportunity to take part to the Siemens golf outing at Powerscourt.
Ramona, Michi and I took the taxi from the office to the golf court and started to prepare everything: welcome desk, display stand, bags for the golfers...
When everyone arrived, we dispatched them in their team and as soon as they left to play, we were free.
Unfortunately for the golfers, the weather was awful: rain and clouds. But for us, it wasn't that bad since we were supposed to stay inside enjoying our free time. Michi had to take some pictures so, since it was raining, we decided to take a buggy and to drive around the court to take some pics. Michi was the only one supposed to drive as Ramona didn't wanted to and I wasn't feeling confident enough to do it. But then, by joking, I got a buggy as well and I had to drive. I was afraid of doing something foolish and of destroying the car. But after a few seconds getting used to the levers, I was driving perfectly! :) The first time I drive for real after I got my driving license!!! :D
Finally we had to distribute drinks to the golfers so Ramona took her own buggy and we started racing on the court. It was so funny!!! Having fun, taking pictures, golfing (one guy of the company offered Ramona to do her first swing!).
Around 5 pm, we came back to the golf club and prepared the evening: disposition of the tables for dinner, prizes, ... The golfers showered, sat at the tables and the dinner started. It was really good, we had red and white wine and the people at our table were particularly friendly. I exceeded my apprehension and chatted with my neighbor as Ramona wanted me to do. ;-)
Finally, everyone left and we remaied Ramona, Michi, Michael, Sarah and me for a final glass of wine. We were all drunk and Michael took a taxi home... but not us! The taxi brought us to Alex' party and from there we ended at the Howl At The Moon (a bar close to my place and very nice) for a last beer.
The day was really funny and I have great memories! Thanks floks for your company today!
Ramona, Michi and I took the taxi from the office to the golf court and started to prepare everything: welcome desk, display stand, bags for the golfers...
When everyone arrived, we dispatched them in their team and as soon as they left to play, we were free.
Unfortunately for the golfers, the weather was awful: rain and clouds. But for us, it wasn't that bad since we were supposed to stay inside enjoying our free time. Michi had to take some pictures so, since it was raining, we decided to take a buggy and to drive around the court to take some pics. Michi was the only one supposed to drive as Ramona didn't wanted to and I wasn't feeling confident enough to do it. But then, by joking, I got a buggy as well and I had to drive. I was afraid of doing something foolish and of destroying the car. But after a few seconds getting used to the levers, I was driving perfectly! :) The first time I drive for real after I got my driving license!!! :D
Finally we had to distribute drinks to the golfers so Ramona took her own buggy and we started racing on the court. It was so funny!!! Having fun, taking pictures, golfing (one guy of the company offered Ramona to do her first swing!).
Around 5 pm, we came back to the golf club and prepared the evening: disposition of the tables for dinner, prizes, ... The golfers showered, sat at the tables and the dinner started. It was really good, we had red and white wine and the people at our table were particularly friendly. I exceeded my apprehension and chatted with my neighbor as Ramona wanted me to do. ;-)
Finally, everyone left and we remaied Ramona, Michi, Michael, Sarah and me for a final glass of wine. We were all drunk and Michael took a taxi home... but not us! The taxi brought us to Alex' party and from there we ended at the Howl At The Moon (a bar close to my place and very nice) for a last beer.
The day was really funny and I have great memories! Thanks floks for your company today!
lundi 2 juillet 2007
My 22nd birthday
"A bet is a bet!" All the girls from the office were off on that day thanks to Ramona's perfect forecast at the dogs race.
For that occasion, I went to Ranelagh with Marie and we got a coffee in a very cute Italian restaurant. Then we ordered a cake and finaly we didn't resist to the temptation of buying a panino ciabatta which was simply delicious! After that we came home and later in the evening I met Ramona, Alex, Michi, Sheila, Erika and Douggie (Erika's boyfriend) at the Quays pub. When I arrive, a cake was on the table and a beer was waiting for me! They lightened the candles and I blew them before the fire alarm rang! :)
They offered me all my drinks and we spent a really nice evening all together. Then I went home with Michi and we had a great long conversation together. I really felt I had a good friend.
The evening was just great and broadly speaking the whole day was nice! I will remember my 22nd birthday for a long time, as it was exceptional... exactly how I wanted it to be! ;)
For that occasion, I went to Ranelagh with Marie and we got a coffee in a very cute Italian restaurant. Then we ordered a cake and finaly we didn't resist to the temptation of buying a panino ciabatta which was simply delicious! After that we came home and later in the evening I met Ramona, Alex, Michi, Sheila, Erika and Douggie (Erika's boyfriend) at the Quays pub. When I arrive, a cake was on the table and a beer was waiting for me! They lightened the candles and I blew them before the fire alarm rang! :)
They offered me all my drinks and we spent a really nice evening all together. Then I went home with Michi and we had a great long conversation together. I really felt I had a good friend.
The evening was just great and broadly speaking the whole day was nice! I will remember my 22nd birthday for a long time, as it was exceptional... exactly how I wanted it to be! ;)
dimanche 1 juillet 2007
Justin Timberlake's concert
I still can't believe I went there.
Everything started when Michi and Sheila told me they were going to buy tickets for Justin's concert in Dublin on the 1st July. They asked me if I wanted to buy one as well but as I am not a big fan of Justin and I don't really know his songs, I thought it was useless going.
Then I came home and I saw Sheila saying on MSN "Concert of Justin Timberlake the 1st of July". I realized then it was the day before my birthday! The next morning I woke up with the willing to go, thinking this could be a nice present I could do to myself. So just after work I went to buy a ticket.
Michi gave me Justin's last album so that I could familiarize with the songs and the artist and I actually started to really like his music!
The concert was planned to take place in an open space and the whole week before it rained so I was starting to think the guy that organised the concert was 1. not an Irish and 2. very stupid for not thinking it might rain!!!
So on the day we went to the concert's place and discovered. It was a huge field with a stage in the middle and big TV screens on 2 sides to admire Justin face from closer. We were really licky because even though it rained a bit before the concert, during the show the sky was pretty clear and it wasn't cold at all. Justin even thanked the person who prayed for us not to have rain on that day (that means me!!!!).
Anyway, the show was simply GREAT! We got 50 Cent as a first part and then Timbaland came to sing with Justin. Justin was great: a wonderful singer, great dancer and very sexy as well. I wasn't prepared at all to see such a good concert!
Everything started when Michi and Sheila told me they were going to buy tickets for Justin's concert in Dublin on the 1st July. They asked me if I wanted to buy one as well but as I am not a big fan of Justin and I don't really know his songs, I thought it was useless going.
Then I came home and I saw Sheila saying on MSN "Concert of Justin Timberlake the 1st of July". I realized then it was the day before my birthday! The next morning I woke up with the willing to go, thinking this could be a nice present I could do to myself. So just after work I went to buy a ticket.
Michi gave me Justin's last album so that I could familiarize with the songs and the artist and I actually started to really like his music!
The concert was planned to take place in an open space and the whole week before it rained so I was starting to think the guy that organised the concert was 1. not an Irish and 2. very stupid for not thinking it might rain!!!
So on the day we went to the concert's place and discovered. It was a huge field with a stage in the middle and big TV screens on 2 sides to admire Justin face from closer. We were really licky because even though it rained a bit before the concert, during the show the sky was pretty clear and it wasn't cold at all. Justin even thanked the person who prayed for us not to have rain on that day (that means me!!!!).
Anyway, the show was simply GREAT! We got 50 Cent as a first part and then Timbaland came to sing with Justin. Justin was great: a wonderful singer, great dancer and very sexy as well. I wasn't prepared at all to see such a good concert!
Inscription à :
Articles (Atom)
