Longer Vacations

A collection of thoughts, photos and whatever else comes to mind. No real set plan... a full on blog just felt too formal, this seems to make more sense, for now. So come follow along.

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I had a conversation with my uncle while I was home recently.. Seemed like a simple enough question.

How many countries are there in the world? Turns out the answer is not so simple Ian!

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u·to·pi·a n. An ideally perfect place, especially in its social, political, and moral aspects. (at Tynan's Bridge House Bar)

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Perfect day! #mysticalireland (at Kylemore Abbey)

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at Trinity College Front Gates

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Bathroom Philosophy.. (at Muddy Waters)

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Now and Then

A simple picture can tell a great story, for me, these two pictures tell such a personal story and leave me wondering where the time goes. In one picture, I have just left Ireland to pursue a life abroad for the first time. In the second, I am returning with a little more gray hair, having had a thirteen year gap in between. This is neither the time, nor the platform for the full story, but the journey has been a good one. It’s nice to put these side by side and take that little journey again..

To quote an 80’s classic “Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it”. While I have been fortunate enough to witness this breathtaking vista twice, it ended up being a humbling moment for many reasons.

Travel can bring a lot of clarity, we don’t often take time to separate the wheat from the chaff and digest the big picture or those in between stages.

It’s not the how far, or how long, thats important when planning a vacation. But I think its about breaking a routine, pushing that comfort zone and taking it a little bit further.

Where is your “dream” destination?

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I must admit that after my first Bungy in Australia, a number of years ago (which I didn't care for), it took a little while for me to be convinced that this would be worth it, and by a while, I mean lots of beer the night before, and that morning!..

This is the only place in Queenstown that you can do a tandem Bungy, which in my opinion is a great way to go. Staff were top notch also!

Ironically, this was our final act of the trip, after this we we were on our way to the airport :(

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Anticipation..

I'm 11 hours into a long over night flight,and I couldn't be happier ( that upgrade into premium may have helped..) but as I make these journeys, more often than not, I have very little idea of what to expect.. This is different, this time I know the sights that are going to greet me. And I couldn't be more excited. You see, not only is Sydney one of my favorite cities, it marks some key chapters in my story. I left Ireland with a group of friends to live in Australia for a year, the year was 1999. And little did I know the journey that lay ahead. I have returned a few times since then and each time the kinship seems to grow with this country. I recall the tough realities that one experiences when you move to the other side of the world, home sick, lacking confidence, and wondering why the hell you're here... You see it wasn't as glamorous as I had anticipated. But the city lent itself to me, and it thought me a few valuable lessons. I've had some of the best times here, I've laughed and I've loved. But I also remember the tougher times when life can take an odd turn, and leave you feeling like you just got chewed up and spat out. In a few hours from now, I will be back under one of the most recognized skylines in the world. The Opera House, in the shadow of the Harbor bridge, or is it the other way around.. Either way, as I walk those familiar streets, and take in the vibrancy of this city, I will be doing it with a great big smile on my face. As I stroll around watching the Aboriginal folk performing around Circular Key and take a cruise around Sydney harbor in all it's glory. I'm sure I will take a quick trip down memory lane. Am I exhausted..? Yes. But today is gonna be a good day

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at @38,000ft

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Our visit to Cathedral Metropolitana yesterday.

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Moments like these...

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Arriving at the Pyramids of Giza

From there, it was onto Giza, after exploring the city and driving along side the River Nile, we spent a short while learning about the fine craft of producing papyrus parchment before heading to the Pyramids.

It’s tough to describe what happened next. The sheer magnitude of what stood before me left nothing but jaw dropping awe and amazement. To finally see this ancient wonder, and be able to reach out and touch it, was probably the most humbling act I’ve every completed. As we were within the first 150 people to enter today, we would be able to ascend the interior of the pyramid, all the way up to the Khufu’s Tomb (around half way up, in the heart the pyramid). A climb that has to be made hunched over up a very steep incline. Definitely not for everyone!

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Gone but not forgotten

Shortly after, I was walking through the belongings of the boy King Tutankhamen. All the belongings that he had through out his life, were now laid out, after they were discovered in his tomb in the Valley of the Kings in 1922 after laying rest for 3000 years. The items on display included: a solid gold death mask, his throne, beds, furniture, and chariots…and even his underwear! The museum is located in Tarhir square, the site of the recent revolution. The museum itself suffered some damage and even some looting around this time, but fortunately the pieces have been recovered and restored.

You could spend days walking around examining these ancient artifacts. We spent 3 hours here and left so much unexplored. No cameras are permitted so not much to add here.

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Because getting there is half the fun..

Often considered one of the worlds most elite airlines, Emirates Airlines was an experience to remember, this 13+ hour flight was a joy from beginning to end. The inflight entertainment took almost the first hour just to explore, after that the young vibrant (and rather attractive crew) after to your every need. The steady flow of the cabernet was also appreciated, although I would regret this later…..

A visit to the cockpit was a nice little treat indeed, all the knobs and dials have become iPad like screens.

First class spa and shower.. yes, because every flight needs a shower. #mindblowingluxury!

After some 38+ hours of traveling, we finally set foot on African soil. Another continent struck off my list. However, bed was really the only attraction I was interested in seeing.

After an amazing nights sleep, Today I have awoken my 6 year old self. The excitement and anticipation I am experiencing on this day that I get to experience one of the worlds greatest wonders has me giddy with excitement.

More to follow…

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Mexico City