If you've stumbled upon this page the website link is a little outdated. I have already returned from my Ireland/England travels and am currently in the USA. I am going to be riding my bicycle across the state of Iowa in an annual ride known as the RAGBRAI. I am visiting my cousins and grandma in Minnesota waiting for our bikes to arrive and tomorrow I will be heading into Iowa to start the ride on Sunday. It is the longest running organized bike ride in the U.S. and I'm really looking forward to a week on the bike and camping out in the farmland of America. Hopefully we'll see some fireflies! Anyways sorry this is so short but I will try to keep you updated about the ride if at all possible. See you all soon!
Friday, July 18, 2008
Monday, July 14, 2008
Antrim, Derry, and Dublin...For the Last Time
Hey all-
I'm happy to say that today is my last official day of travel abroad. Tomorrow I will be up early catching my bus into Dublin Int'l and coming home to the States! I have had such a blast out here and I have so many stories to tell all of you. Today I took a tour up to Northern Ireland and saw the Giant's Causeway, which was breathtaking. The whole coast line has a panoramic nature to it and the basalt formations are so big you can climb on them! I went on to Derry which is the only walled city that has not had the walls destroyed ever. Some places were 32ft thick. This is also where the tragedy of Bloody Sunday took place and I got such a sense of struggle and battle here. The whole city's vibe is interesting, full of conflict and strife. They have political murals all around and I learned that many compare the streets of Derry to Ancient Native American Burial grounds because so many people have died here. It was a moving experience for me. I am thankful that I didn't grow up with violence and death all around me as most of these people did. Tomorrow I fly home and end my 4 week trip, but on the 17th I head to Iowa with my dad to ride the RAGBRAI. My dad and I are looking forward to a week ride across Iowa from the Missouri to the Mississippi River. I hope my legs are fit!! I am glad to be coming home and will be in a house near you so let's have some tea and chat about life and great adventures.
Cheers!
-Ben
I'm happy to say that today is my last official day of travel abroad. Tomorrow I will be up early catching my bus into Dublin Int'l and coming home to the States! I have had such a blast out here and I have so many stories to tell all of you. Today I took a tour up to Northern Ireland and saw the Giant's Causeway, which was breathtaking. The whole coast line has a panoramic nature to it and the basalt formations are so big you can climb on them! I went on to Derry which is the only walled city that has not had the walls destroyed ever. Some places were 32ft thick. This is also where the tragedy of Bloody Sunday took place and I got such a sense of struggle and battle here. The whole city's vibe is interesting, full of conflict and strife. They have political murals all around and I learned that many compare the streets of Derry to Ancient Native American Burial grounds because so many people have died here. It was a moving experience for me. I am thankful that I didn't grow up with violence and death all around me as most of these people did. Tomorrow I fly home and end my 4 week trip, but on the 17th I head to Iowa with my dad to ride the RAGBRAI. My dad and I are looking forward to a week ride across Iowa from the Missouri to the Mississippi River. I hope my legs are fit!! I am glad to be coming home and will be in a house near you so let's have some tea and chat about life and great adventures.
Cheers!
-Ben
Saturday, July 12, 2008
An Oige
Don't mind the title. I really don't have any idea what it means, it was just part of my hostels title in Dublin and it sounded really Irish so I labeled it that. Today I am in Dublin and guess what...it's raining! What's new though, I suppose Ireland never has nice weather but that is why it's so green. I will be here for a total of 3 nights and leaving early on Tuesday to come home. I am definitely going to the Giant's Causeway and Derry on Monday so that will be exciting. I like Dublin alot because since I've been here so much it's really easy for me to get around. I never get disoriented and I always feel comfortable. I'm bummed my trip is nearly over but on the whole it has been so fun. I met family for the first time in England and really connected with them. I met some great lads in Bournemouth. I played lots of soccer. And finally I talked took the coolest Irish guy today! haha. Anyways this may well be my last entry so to all of you back home. I will see you soon and to all you I have met and left on my travels, journey well and cheers!
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
Stonehenge
hey guys-
wow i checked out the calendar and i only have seven days left in my trip! i can't believe how fast it went. just the other day i was in ireland getting off the bus trying desperately to find my hostel in a place so far away from home. i have successfully been in bournemouth for two days now hanging out with my friends i met in dublin. i need to apologize because in a previous blog i said i met 5 english mates that were cool, but i really ment that i met 4 english guys and 1 scottish guy. (sorry matt). i went to stonehenge today, i love the mystical nature and ancient feel of that place. so interesting. let's see unfortuneately i have to get a move on the road and leave my mates here in bournemouth because my trip is coming to a close very quickly. tomorrow i plan on taking a train out to liverpool to go see where stevie g. plays. and then shortly after that it's off to london where i stay for the evening and then back to dublin (not for the last time) and LAX soon after. we will all have to get together soon and have some tea or coffee and chat about travelling an swap stories. see you soon!
talk soon,
ben
wow i checked out the calendar and i only have seven days left in my trip! i can't believe how fast it went. just the other day i was in ireland getting off the bus trying desperately to find my hostel in a place so far away from home. i have successfully been in bournemouth for two days now hanging out with my friends i met in dublin. i need to apologize because in a previous blog i said i met 5 english mates that were cool, but i really ment that i met 4 english guys and 1 scottish guy. (sorry matt). i went to stonehenge today, i love the mystical nature and ancient feel of that place. so interesting. let's see unfortuneately i have to get a move on the road and leave my mates here in bournemouth because my trip is coming to a close very quickly. tomorrow i plan on taking a train out to liverpool to go see where stevie g. plays. and then shortly after that it's off to london where i stay for the evening and then back to dublin (not for the last time) and LAX soon after. we will all have to get together soon and have some tea or coffee and chat about travelling an swap stories. see you soon!
talk soon,
ben
Saturday, July 5, 2008
Ada 31
So yesterday in our 5 v. 5 football match, chris and i were having a great time. towards the very end the teams call out a next goal wins. just so you know we are playing indoors and there are some really good footballers out there some of which are in training and literally getting ready for their seasons. at the beginning of the match the opposite team us, had decided to play nothing above the head rule. but what's football with out headers? anyhow they call next goal wins and sure enough we have a 50-50 spill out just behind midcourtside (because it's not an actual field) and as the two players meet the ball bounces upwards just barely at head level. i step right in as they try to call penalty kick, take the ball off my chest to my right foot and send my cousin chris down court. the defender is breathing down chris' neck so he continues the play with a one-two touch down field and smashes it (right foot) into the upper left hand corner. the other team was on their heels trying to appeal for penalty but it was too late the ball was in the net and we were the winners. what a great way to end the game. (all of that above the head stuff was such rubbish anyways, if you asked me or any of the other guys on my team, the chest trap down to quick through pass was just bloody good football!) The best part of the story was that chris and i just relished in that goal all night telling the story over and over and over. He said to me later that evening when going through family tree stuff. "Blood is thicker than water Ben, and that pass was thicker than blood."
Here's one for family!
-Ben
Here's one for family!
-Ben
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Rules for London
Hi guys:
Ireland is now behind me and today I started my sightseeing. I've already visited Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, and the Eye of London. In a bit I'm off to Trafalgar Square and the Tower of London, what beautiful sights! Tomorrow I'm off to meet the cousins and I'm very excited since they were so close to Aunt Dulcie and my Nana.
Yesterday I arrived in London safely on my flight. Although it took me almost 3 hours to find my hostel. Not to mention I was in jeans and a jacket (prepared for Irish weather) when it was about 80 degrees outside. After walking way out of the way to find a tourist center I then took a bus ride for 2 pounds back to where I started. When I thought I had passed it because I was tired and exhausted from my day of travel, I left the safety of the bus only to find I still had to walk what seemed like miles to my hostel. So because of this experience for any of you who plan to come to London, take my advice and follow these rules and you will avoid the troubles I had.
Rule 1: Read your city map carefully, slowly, and calmly. Hyde Park is MASSIVE and the Kensington Gardens are a part of this park.
Rule 2: Do NOT (under any circumstances!) attempt to walk Hyde Park to find your hostel.
Rule 3: If you must go to tourist office for help, and they suggest taking the bus, stay ON bus for as long as possible. Do NOT get off just because you think you've ridden a long time. Rule 4: Do NOT attempt to walk Hyde Park!!!
Ben
Ireland is now behind me and today I started my sightseeing. I've already visited Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, and the Eye of London. In a bit I'm off to Trafalgar Square and the Tower of London, what beautiful sights! Tomorrow I'm off to meet the cousins and I'm very excited since they were so close to Aunt Dulcie and my Nana.
Yesterday I arrived in London safely on my flight. Although it took me almost 3 hours to find my hostel. Not to mention I was in jeans and a jacket (prepared for Irish weather) when it was about 80 degrees outside. After walking way out of the way to find a tourist center I then took a bus ride for 2 pounds back to where I started. When I thought I had passed it because I was tired and exhausted from my day of travel, I left the safety of the bus only to find I still had to walk what seemed like miles to my hostel. So because of this experience for any of you who plan to come to London, take my advice and follow these rules and you will avoid the troubles I had.
Rule 1: Read your city map carefully, slowly, and calmly. Hyde Park is MASSIVE and the Kensington Gardens are a part of this park.
Rule 2: Do NOT (under any circumstances!) attempt to walk Hyde Park to find your hostel.
Rule 3: If you must go to tourist office for help, and they suggest taking the bus, stay ON bus for as long as possible. Do NOT get off just because you think you've ridden a long time. Rule 4: Do NOT attempt to walk Hyde Park!!!
Ben
Monday, June 30, 2008
Dublin, Sweet Dublin
Hello everyone!
I arrived in Dublin for the second time (and not the last). After riding bikes all day yesterday across the Aran Island of Inishmore, I am very exhasted and ready for a quick rest today. (google pics of Inishmore, gorgeous. it's also an island where the citizens speak irish first and english second) Although many people dislike Dublin, I find it very efficient because it's so tourist friendly. Like I am able to get cash, use a phone (for very cheap), and log online to keep you all updated. Another reason I like it here is that the weather is much more similar to California, sunshine and very little rain!
I am just about finished with my Ireland tour and I must say despite the rain I have thoroughly enjoyed myself. The Irish are so hospitable and extremely welcoming. Just about any person will sit down and talk to you in a Pub, they are so interested in your story because they are storytellers by nature. (This place really feels like it's a part of me) There is also such rich history here and I love learning about the various struggles and battles these hardy people have endured. They don't associate the Irish as fighters for nothing. Definitely the next time I post I will be in England so I will be parting with the Land of Erin and seeking new adventures in England.
Cheers to a wonderful place!
I arrived in Dublin for the second time (and not the last). After riding bikes all day yesterday across the Aran Island of Inishmore, I am very exhasted and ready for a quick rest today. (google pics of Inishmore, gorgeous. it's also an island where the citizens speak irish first and english second) Although many people dislike Dublin, I find it very efficient because it's so tourist friendly. Like I am able to get cash, use a phone (for very cheap), and log online to keep you all updated. Another reason I like it here is that the weather is much more similar to California, sunshine and very little rain!
I am just about finished with my Ireland tour and I must say despite the rain I have thoroughly enjoyed myself. The Irish are so hospitable and extremely welcoming. Just about any person will sit down and talk to you in a Pub, they are so interested in your story because they are storytellers by nature. (This place really feels like it's a part of me) There is also such rich history here and I love learning about the various struggles and battles these hardy people have endured. They don't associate the Irish as fighters for nothing. Definitely the next time I post I will be in England so I will be parting with the Land of Erin and seeking new adventures in England.
Cheers to a wonderful place!
Sunday, June 29, 2008
Plan B: Straight to Galway and The Aran Islands!!!
Hello All-
I left Cork behind just as planned. But sadly I missed a transfer bus because of these darn Irish Public Transportation (Bus Eiranne, curse you!! haha) I took a straight shot up to Galway and went to this amazing pub called The Crane Bar. In Galway there's this main tourist street called Quay Street (pronounced "key") and I went passed this across this bridge to another part of town where all the locals were and I listened to some of the most amazing traditional irish music for like 2 hours. I'm going there in a little bit again!!! Tomorrow I catch a bus to Dublin and then it's off to England!! I plan to come back to Northern Ireland at the end of my trip. Thanks for checking this page and thinking about me. I miss you all and hopefully we can talk soon!!
Hugs and love,
Ben
I left Cork behind just as planned. But sadly I missed a transfer bus because of these darn Irish Public Transportation (Bus Eiranne, curse you!! haha) I took a straight shot up to Galway and went to this amazing pub called The Crane Bar. In Galway there's this main tourist street called Quay Street (pronounced "key") and I went passed this across this bridge to another part of town where all the locals were and I listened to some of the most amazing traditional irish music for like 2 hours. I'm going there in a little bit again!!! Tomorrow I catch a bus to Dublin and then it's off to England!! I plan to come back to Northern Ireland at the end of my trip. Thanks for checking this page and thinking about me. I miss you all and hopefully we can talk soon!!
Hugs and love,
Ben
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Rain rain go away
Hey Gang-
I am almost done with my trip in cork. Yesterday I went to Blarney Castle and kissed the famous stone and took a tour around cork city. lucky the rain stayed away for a little while. Today I rode on a bus west and saw alot of Irish country. Although it was pouring rain and extremely windy, there were some stunning views. In some ways I feel this place is where I belong. I had someone tell me that until I spoke I looked like I was Irish. I have a very busy couple of days a head of me so I probably won't be near a computer or phone, so here's my planned itinerary: I leave 7:25am tomorrow for Doolin (Cliffs of Moher). From there I head north to Galway on the 28th. and Then I plan to journey into Northern Ireland staying in Derry and seeing The Giant's Causeway. It's so cool to be on my own going wherever I please and having adventure after adventure! Hopefully I can get in touch with you all once more when I get into Dublin just before I go to England.
Sincerely,
Ben
I am almost done with my trip in cork. Yesterday I went to Blarney Castle and kissed the famous stone and took a tour around cork city. lucky the rain stayed away for a little while. Today I rode on a bus west and saw alot of Irish country. Although it was pouring rain and extremely windy, there were some stunning views. In some ways I feel this place is where I belong. I had someone tell me that until I spoke I looked like I was Irish. I have a very busy couple of days a head of me so I probably won't be near a computer or phone, so here's my planned itinerary: I leave 7:25am tomorrow for Doolin (Cliffs of Moher). From there I head north to Galway on the 28th. and Then I plan to journey into Northern Ireland staying in Derry and seeing The Giant's Causeway. It's so cool to be on my own going wherever I please and having adventure after adventure! Hopefully I can get in touch with you all once more when I get into Dublin just before I go to England.
Sincerely,
Ben
Monday, June 23, 2008
On to Cork!
Hey all. i'm still alive and safe. thanks for your prayers. i've been in Dublin for a total of 4 days now. After settling in i've really begun to love this place. I went to an Irish Premier League Football (soccer) match. Which was alot of fun. I must say the fans here are insane!! I went to Trinity College and played football with my 5 new English roomates who are a blast. I've known them for a total of 36hrs and I'm probably going to stay with them when I get to England. I did a history tour of medieval Dublin and learned alot about Ireland and the conflict between Ireland and England which was awesome. I'm writing alot of this down in my journal so I can give details later. But tomorrow I will be taking a bus to Cork which is in the Southwest region of Ireland some would say this is the direction you have to go to get to the REAL Ireland because there is a more Gaelic Presence and less tourists as well (also that you have a harder time understanding their accents). I'm very excited and can't wait to see you all soon.
Love, Hugs, & Cheers!
p.s. will post pics when possible!!
Love, Hugs, & Cheers!
p.s. will post pics when possible!!
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Day 1: Dublin
Well I arrived in Dublin today at like 8:45am all is safe and sound. I'm so tired but I'm forcing myself to stay up at least until after the Germany vs. Portugal Quarterfinal game so that I can catch up with the time change and hopefully skip as much jet lag as possible. Dublin is sweet. I can't believe I'm doing this whole trip with only one backpack. Tomorrow I plan to visit some of the medieval side of Dublin and see St. Patrick's Cathedral. This is still like a dream to me. I can't believe I'm in Ireland! Until next time,
Ben
p.s. will try to take pictures soon.
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Ireland or Bust!!
I just emailed a few of you guys last night to give you a brief run down for my trip coming this next week. About five minutes ago I decided I would make a blog. It seems to be the best way to keep in touch with everyone. It's extremely accessible, I will update it daily (hopefully), and you guys can comment me back or check out the pictures I post. Will post more as soon as possible. Have a great weekend!!!
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