The summer 2000 I spend my vacation in Ireland, I went there on my VFR. First I crossed the Northsea from Oostende to Dover. It wasn't my first time in England but it was my first time to drive through England myself and that was a whole new experience for me, since they drive at the left side of the road and we on the right side. Everybody warned me for the round abouts but that whas one of the plusses of Dover, it's very busy over there, lots of traffic, the only thing you have to do is follow the cars and trucks and everything went by it self, not a problem. But of course I had chosen a route through the countryside and not over the highways. Well at that moment it became more difficult for me, but I almost learned it the hardway that the english drive at the left side, I almost drove into a car taking a crossing, after swallowing a few time's to get my heart back in place from my throat everything was fine again, but it was a close call. The next few crossings I said loudly to my self: "Left, Left, Left". After a few crossings a really got used to it and I hadn't a problem since.
Talking about driving at the left of the road, our headlights are different then the english one's, and since we don't want to blind the upcoming traffic we have to place a sticker on the headlights, you can buy this sticker at the boot put I brought some McGiver tape with me an it worked just as fine, and a lot cheaper (Yes I'm dutch :-) ).
Since I didn't want to much luggage I left the tent at home at took bed and
breakfast, it can be expensive but you'll get something for it in return, I've only
met nice people and the breakfast was always good and full filling. I can
advise it to everybody. This was my first place to stay for the night, in
England near Winchester.
O yes, I allmost forgot, the problems is,
oops, I mean it CAN be a problem. A motorcycle has 2 wheels instead of 4 like a
car. Wow, you didn't know that hmm ;-). Anyway, when traveling by boot
the motorcycle has to be strapped to the deck. Evrytime that happened I stayed to watch and to
check everything. I also made pictures of it in case of.... (for insurance).
But nothing happened :-) (pfew)
|
|
|
|
You probably know what everybody tell's you about Ireland and the scenery, it's beautifull and mystical and that kinda stuff. Well let me tell you, it's TRUE. See for yourself.
|
|
|
|
The Irish people one of the nicest and open people I ever have met. Two examples:
1. I kinda lost my way, so I took a wrong crossing somewhere so I turned around
and
stopped behind a car to wait to take the good turn at the crossing. Instead that
the car went on driving. The driver, an old man, opened his window and yelled at me:
"He lad, did you get lost?" Well I explained to him that I did, but I knew the way
back. But thanx anyway. In the Netherlands an old man whould probably think more then
twice if he starts a conversation with a guy on a motorcycle with his helmet on and with
sunglasses on. That's one of the things I really admire the Irish for.
2.
Since one of my hobby's is collecting beer glasses I went to a few pub's and asked
for beer glasses, and two of those I like to mention here. One time a lady was behind
the bar when I popped the question and
explained that I was from the Netherlands and
that
I collect beer glasses. Well she said that she thought she didn't had any to giva away
but she'll take a look. She came back with 3 glasses, she went back again to get a few
newspapers
to put them in. So I said I was very happy with them and asked how much they
costed.
She said that they were for free, I just should light a candle for her once.
(I'm sorry that I still haven't done that but I'll do it)
One other time I was in a pub where they had some glasses which I would like to add
to my collection, so I asked, but she said that I had to ask the land lord but he wasn't
there and that
I should return later. So I did. I explained it all to the land lord, he went to the
back and came back with a box. I opened it and looked in it, it was a very beautifull
pint glass of Caffery's Irish Ale. It
was an engraved glass, a real collecters item :-). I
think I said something like: "Wow". And again I didn't had to pay.
Men, I think I was just as happy as a
child with his new toy :-).
|
Murphy's Law.
Anything that can go wrong, will go wrong.
Celibacy is not hereditory.
Beauty is only skindeep, ugly goes to the bone.
Never argue with a fool, people might not know the difference.
Friends come and go, but enemies accumulate.
The other queue always moves faster.
Anything you try to fix will take longer and cost more than you thought.
The chance of a slice of bread falling butter side down is directly proportional to the cost of carpet.
Never sleep with anyone crazier than yourself.
The repairman will never have seen a model quite like yours before.
A short cut is the longest distance between two points.
Anything in good in life is either illegal, immoral or fattening.
The light at the end of the tunnel is the headlamp of the oncoming train.
Murphy's golden rule: whoever has the gold makes the rules.
In order to get a loan, you must first prove you don't need it.
Murphy was an optimist.
Things a man hardly does
1. Puff up the cushions
2. Clean hair from the plug hole
3. Cook without making a great performance out of it
4. Remember an anniversary without a single hint
5. Admit that the damp spot on his trousers is not water
6. Wait for a woman outside a shop without looking martyred
7. Put on a coat when it's cold
8. Finish what he's started
9. Say to a woman 'Go ahead: your story is more interesting'
Things a woman hardly ever says to a man
1. I think you're a wonderful driver
2. Have a night out with your mates - you deserve it
3. She has such a wonderful body - just like Pamela Anderson
4. I never expected you to remember, I know how busy you are
5. You go ahead and enjoy yourself; I always prefer staying sober at parties
6. Does my bum look to small in this?
7. No, let me - It's my round
8. I adore hearing you snore
9. You're right
Beer.
Sorry, no beer yet.
