I didn't really go into it last week because it wasn't the point of my trip to Belfast. But I got to Belfast by bus, on a bus tour. Now, Mom always takes bus tours. I don't. I hate bus tours. I hate the guide talking the whole time, I hate... being on a bus. I think it brings back memories of riding the Greyhound from Charlottesville to Durham to visit my boyfriend in college who went to Duke.
I better get back to the point before I sidetrack too much...
So, last weekend I booked a Paddywagon Tour. But when the bus came to pick us up, it ended up being overbooked. And because I was traveling by myself, I was the person who had to get kicked off the tour.
Now, I'm living in Dublin for two weeks, working 14 hour days and pretty much running myself into the ground. I want a freaking day of touristing! I almost started to cry. The travel guide tried to find other tours for me, but everything had already left the city. So he let me get on the bus - he was going to drop me off at the Paddywagon office - when I just asked if I could sit on the floor. He was a cool guy, and he let me, but it kind of sucked. Luckily, some nice men from Bass and France (note - not England, as my Irish tour guide pointed out repeatedly) gave up their seat for me, but seriously!
Sorry, Mom, I tried your preferred method of travel and it didn't work for me. I will go back to taking trains, subways, public transportation busses, and my own two feet.
Saturday, I will take a train. Railtours Ireland will carry me to the mid-western coast. "A day trip to Ireland's rugged and unique mid-western coast, through Limerick on the mighty River Shannon and on then to the imposing Bunratty Castle with its lovely folk park. The stunning Cliffs of Moher, the Burren and Galway Bay. A flavour of Galway City concludes the tour before our return to Dublin."
It should be a great day. Lets hope for some sunshine when I'm at the Cliffs!
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Posts
1 comment:
Hi Nic,
I am sorry to hear you had such a bad time in Ireland. It couldn't be further from my experience. I did a tour with Shamrocker which was great. I totally understand what you are saying about being independent but with these guys you can be. It's not all inclusive so you don't pay for what you don't want to but at the same time they organise your accommodation and you get to find out more about he history and culture from the guides who are brill. Next time, book with Shamrocker and don't let Paddywagon put you off tours its a great way to meet people and can often be cheaper!
Post a Comment