24 July 2012

Travel Tuesdays

Ireland
My thinking was that every Tuesday I might feature a picture taken outside of Charleston.  Some days the "Charleston Daily Photo" title feels restrictive. Surely I am allowed to amble off campus now and then.

This picture was taken on a hiking vacation in Ireland some years ago. I had intended to go with a girlfriend who backed out at the last minute. When you are single and planning a vacation that is a big deal. I called the travel agent intending to cancel the trip but was encouraged to go on a trip that was for "solo travelers". Keep in mind that this was "solo", not for "singles". It was designed for independant travelers who happened to be alone, rather than people trying to hook up.

It was one of the best vacations I have ever taken in my life. The group included a Radiologist from Australia, a Psychologist from New Zealand, a Belgian school teacher, a French Pharmacist, a nurse from Cape Code, a gal who worked for NASA, a twenty one year old Canadian girl and a Scottish grandmother among others. At some point we walked along with each person and got to know everyone in the group.

We ate breakfast together at our inn and then set out hiking each day ending up in a pub by late afternoon. The group suited every interest. If someone wanted to hang out and watch TV in the evening there was someone to do that with. If you wanted to go to the pub in the village there was someone who wanted to join that party. I hit the jackpot in travel companions. By the end of the week we all exchanged emails and kept in touch for some time.

Irish Graffiti

12 comments:

Kate said...

I have never felt restricted by my St. Paul blog title and often wander around; guess I just like to break rules. You are clever to formalize it and I'll look forward to your Tuesday travels. You started with a terrific post on Ireland.

Rick said...

Looks like that was a terrific trip. A good post. A good change of pace. Thanks.

Anonymous said...

Oh gosh Joan, these pictures are so evocative. I've not yet been to Ireland (my paternal ancestry is Irish) but have always had such a melancholy feel about the place.

Loved hearing about your travel group. What a way to go. Brilliant.

I, too, look forward to your Tuesday travels. You've had some great ones!

brattcat said...

what a wonderful post. thanks.

Unknown said...

what a wonderful post,these pictures are so evocative...Hey We offers Best luxury tours of India by Luxury India Holidays. Superlative customized services offered to travel agencies & travel bureaus for enhanced client satisfaction.

Charlestonjoan said...

I try not to stray too much unless I am on vacation. This will help.

Charlestonjoan said...

I've been places, I've done things. :)

Charlestonjoan said...

Ireland was so beautiful. Every scene could have been a postcard. I would like to go back sometime. This was purely a hiking trip and I didn't see any towns.

Charlestonjoan said...

Thanks brattcat!

Pixel Peeper said...

I love pictures you posted, especially the colorful umbrellas in the rainy landscape. One of my co-worker keeps threating to win the lottery, quit on me, and then go hiking across Ireland. This must be a popular wish.

Charlestonjoan said...

It was a great place for it. They have walking paths everywhere and everything is lush and green. I'd go back!

Rick said...

Ooh, I'd like to hear more.