We hiked from 1245 to 845 today and each one of us are way too tired to write and describe todays experiences. Exauhstion and soarness has taken on a whole new meaning. Well blog from the busride tomorow and fill u in.
Gnite!
Dee
Sunday, June 27, 2010
wev arrived
Bus to Dingle is well appreciated after backpacking through Killarney with our back breaking bags. As I look to my left there is the gorgeous coast and to my right there are farmlands with a variety of green plush mountains set as the back drop ... I love Hashem! The scenery is breathtaking as well as the the red and blue tie-dyed sheep. Hey who knew Irish sheep were hippies? Peace out! RoCKo
Saturday, June 26, 2010
The Shabbos Marathon
Hey followers! (Who suddenly decided to stop commenting which is much unappreciated, so feel free to comment! As much as u wanna hear from us, we wanna hear from u!)
We left off as we were getting ready for shabbos. The preperations came down to the wire as the oven was tiny and everything had to be double wrapped but we pulled it off! I peeled raw sweet potatoes, and mashed frozen vegetables all with plastic utensils, which is nott an easy feat. Highlights was when my plastic fork chopper broke in the cauliflower mix and kinda camolfouged in so it was impossible to find, but bh rocko found it in her kugel today before it made it into her mouth! Anyways everything was ready and our friday nite meal was very nice. I'd say we were pretty exhaustesd so after diNner and a few tabloids later we were off to bed.
Now for today- after a much needed late wake up we davened, prepared lunch, and let the fun day begin. Now u may ask, wat did this fun day entail? Well ill tell u- some good food, some chatting, and a lott of kent, president, and yaniv games! (Elissa schertz- I started a new book and I'm already on page 24 so I hope to be done by pesach 2011!) We witnessed a huge rainstorm from our room which I kinda hoped wud be tmrw so I can use my new raincoat, but it was ok because a beauitfullll rainbow emerged...it was crazy we saw the full arch (sorry I'm not being as detailed as my nature freak travel buddies wud like but all I can say was that it was beautiful, wudda liked for the chanbon to give me a heter to use my camera, but ok). I don't think wev ever been more excited to eat chicken in our entire lives. Props to mimi and sahar for pulling off great recipes w limited resources. Also thanks mom for ur awesome makeshift kugel recipe...it was such an awesome added bonus, even with plastic in it!)
So after 4 girls being couped up in a room for over 24 hours its pretty impressive that we all survived and still like eachother. (Questionable at points). We are going to get ready for this hike now. Tomorow is 21 kilometers, 7 hours, and 300 meters ascent, and according to my bberry measurement converter 21km is 13 miles....which I've done before in 3 hours!!!!! So it shudnt be too bad! Anyways well keep u posted, shavua tov! Gut vuch! (8 more days till eretz yisroel!)
-"cheers"
Dee
We left off as we were getting ready for shabbos. The preperations came down to the wire as the oven was tiny and everything had to be double wrapped but we pulled it off! I peeled raw sweet potatoes, and mashed frozen vegetables all with plastic utensils, which is nott an easy feat. Highlights was when my plastic fork chopper broke in the cauliflower mix and kinda camolfouged in so it was impossible to find, but bh rocko found it in her kugel today before it made it into her mouth! Anyways everything was ready and our friday nite meal was very nice. I'd say we were pretty exhaustesd so after diNner and a few tabloids later we were off to bed.
Now for today- after a much needed late wake up we davened, prepared lunch, and let the fun day begin. Now u may ask, wat did this fun day entail? Well ill tell u- some good food, some chatting, and a lott of kent, president, and yaniv games! (Elissa schertz- I started a new book and I'm already on page 24 so I hope to be done by pesach 2011!) We witnessed a huge rainstorm from our room which I kinda hoped wud be tmrw so I can use my new raincoat, but it was ok because a beauitfullll rainbow emerged...it was crazy we saw the full arch (sorry I'm not being as detailed as my nature freak travel buddies wud like but all I can say was that it was beautiful, wudda liked for the chanbon to give me a heter to use my camera, but ok). I don't think wev ever been more excited to eat chicken in our entire lives. Props to mimi and sahar for pulling off great recipes w limited resources. Also thanks mom for ur awesome makeshift kugel recipe...it was such an awesome added bonus, even with plastic in it!)
So after 4 girls being couped up in a room for over 24 hours its pretty impressive that we all survived and still like eachother. (Questionable at points). We are going to get ready for this hike now. Tomorow is 21 kilometers, 7 hours, and 300 meters ascent, and according to my bberry measurement converter 21km is 13 miles....which I've done before in 3 hours!!!!! So it shudnt be too bad! Anyways well keep u posted, shavua tov! Gut vuch! (8 more days till eretz yisroel!)
-"cheers"
Dee
Friday, June 25, 2010
Dunloe Adventures
Today was an unbelievable day filled with ample laughs, tears, and lies. We signed up for the ultimate tour of Dunloe today. It began this morning with a fantastic boat ride. We rode our bikes to the pier by Ross Castle--an exquisite castle built in the 15th century. There, we boarded a motor boat and took a majestically scenic boat ride led by our everso professional Captain Rob. Our bikes were put on board with us so that we could bike the 13 mile path back into Killarney. The 3 lakes that we traveled across are enveloped by breathtaking mountains and fields. It was a bit chilly on the water but the experience was truly amazing- we were completely surrounded by such spectacular views.
When we docked at the Dunloe mountains we stopped at a picnic area for a delicious lunch of cheese sandwiches that were almost as appealing as the juicy burgers that everyone else was eating. Our table right next to the grill was probably not the best seating selection. Be that as it may, we emerged from lunch feeling satiated and excited to start our bike ride back to town.
This activity taught us a great deal: We've learned that either the people of Ireland have no concept of distance or the entire country has it out for us- and have all joined a national pact to cunningly ruin our lives. We were told before and during our lovely bike trail by numerous Irish individuals that we had just 2 miles (or maybe even kilometers) of a manageable uphill course until we'd hit our smooth ride downhill. The lady who rented our bikes to us told us that the uphill part wasn't too bad and assured us that her own granny managed it and that we'd have no problem. The total ride was about 20 km or 13 miles- and Captain Rob told us that it would take us roughly an hour and a half. Piece of cake. We (everyone but Deena) were almost upset that it may not have been rigorous enough.
Well, an hour and a half, one busted lung, and a few shed tears later we found ourselves still crawling up the alleged 2 mile/km incline wondering what on earth it was that we did to the Irish people that brought them to mercilessly mislead us so. According to our dictated course- we were supposed to be home by 230 or 3 at the latest. Sahar is an avid spinner, Dee runs marathons, Rocko's a runner, and I'm...well...me, so we were even anticipating an early arrival. The reality of the situation, however, was that at 3 in the afternoon we found ourselves sitting on the "granny" slope doubting whether or not we'd make it home alive- getting home before shabbos or even that day was just a bonus.
The concern was that we were still surviving the "2 mile" uphill path with another 12+ miles to go. At first, I attempted to appease Deena by telling her that there was just 3/4 of a mile left. It worked in the beginning but a few 3/4 of a mile's later Deena caught on that I had no idea how long the 90 degree incline would last for and we all became restless. We flagged down every car and biker we encountered to ask how much longer and were lied to each time that we were approaching a downhill course very very soon. Either Irish people are all liars or 'very very soon' means something very different here.
Finally, by the grace of God, we approached the downhill! It happened to have been the most beautiful scenery I may have ever witnessed that made the deathly bike ride worth every tear (debatable according to Deena).
Don't worry though- there's more. With only 2 km (really 2 km- not to be confused with the 2 km incline) left before finally reaching town, we reached a fork in the road. Our choices were 1. The "Holy Well" 2. The "Circular path". The lady from the bike store specifically instructed us not to take the circular path. And just to confirm, we asked a woman passing by where to go and she instructed us to follow the coast which was in the direction of the Holy Well course.
We hesitanty made our way down the rocky path that was in no way suited for a bike ride only to approach a locked gate surrounded by an electric fence. Seriously???? Sahar was the only one who healthily managed to laugh at the situation at the moment. Meanwhile Rocko began her effort to climb under the gate and sneak her way through the electric fence. She even threw rocks at the fence to test it out- it's unclear what that experiment really proved but It didn't matter. We were exhausted, annoyed with our misleading guidance, and itching to get back to the apartment. I admired Rocko's dedication to getting home. Was it normal? No. But definitely bold and courageous- which are definitely valued qualities.
We finally decided that the plan to jump the electric fence was most likely not the right course so we headed to the circular path and finally returned home a few minutes later. I held myself bak from knocking out the bike lady tho but I let her know I was very upset with her through my "you know what you did" face. Its serious stuff.
We're now in the apt- sore and exhausted- but we have much cooking and preparing to do before shabbos. And we have all of shabbos to enjoy the comfort of our apartment. Literally. We're on house arrest for all of shabbos because we conveniently chose the super nifty apartment complex where all the lights and doors operate through sensors. So we're stuck in cheirum from about 10 o'clock tonite till 11pm tomorrow night. Deenas thrilled, and Sahar's having heart palpatations.
It's hilarious because Deena has been suffering with anxiety the past few days over the approaching 3 day hike that Sahar planned and has been anticipating with more excitement than is perhaps normal. Meanwhile, Deena couldn't be looking more forward to 24 hours of confinement and vegetation, while Sahar is breaking out in hives from anxiety over the same condition. I respect that these two have managed to find themselves on the same trip. It's a trip of true sacrifice where everyones concerns and interests are considered. That's the second lesson of the day: compromise and sacrifice. Such an educational vacation.
That's all for today tho. Have a great shabbos everyone.
Cheers,
Mimi
When we docked at the Dunloe mountains we stopped at a picnic area for a delicious lunch of cheese sandwiches that were almost as appealing as the juicy burgers that everyone else was eating. Our table right next to the grill was probably not the best seating selection. Be that as it may, we emerged from lunch feeling satiated and excited to start our bike ride back to town.
This activity taught us a great deal: We've learned that either the people of Ireland have no concept of distance or the entire country has it out for us- and have all joined a national pact to cunningly ruin our lives. We were told before and during our lovely bike trail by numerous Irish individuals that we had just 2 miles (or maybe even kilometers) of a manageable uphill course until we'd hit our smooth ride downhill. The lady who rented our bikes to us told us that the uphill part wasn't too bad and assured us that her own granny managed it and that we'd have no problem. The total ride was about 20 km or 13 miles- and Captain Rob told us that it would take us roughly an hour and a half. Piece of cake. We (everyone but Deena) were almost upset that it may not have been rigorous enough.
Well, an hour and a half, one busted lung, and a few shed tears later we found ourselves still crawling up the alleged 2 mile/km incline wondering what on earth it was that we did to the Irish people that brought them to mercilessly mislead us so. According to our dictated course- we were supposed to be home by 230 or 3 at the latest. Sahar is an avid spinner, Dee runs marathons, Rocko's a runner, and I'm...well...me, so we were even anticipating an early arrival. The reality of the situation, however, was that at 3 in the afternoon we found ourselves sitting on the "granny" slope doubting whether or not we'd make it home alive- getting home before shabbos or even that day was just a bonus.
The concern was that we were still surviving the "2 mile" uphill path with another 12+ miles to go. At first, I attempted to appease Deena by telling her that there was just 3/4 of a mile left. It worked in the beginning but a few 3/4 of a mile's later Deena caught on that I had no idea how long the 90 degree incline would last for and we all became restless. We flagged down every car and biker we encountered to ask how much longer and were lied to each time that we were approaching a downhill course very very soon. Either Irish people are all liars or 'very very soon' means something very different here.
Finally, by the grace of God, we approached the downhill! It happened to have been the most beautiful scenery I may have ever witnessed that made the deathly bike ride worth every tear (debatable according to Deena).
Don't worry though- there's more. With only 2 km (really 2 km- not to be confused with the 2 km incline) left before finally reaching town, we reached a fork in the road. Our choices were 1. The "Holy Well" 2. The "Circular path". The lady from the bike store specifically instructed us not to take the circular path. And just to confirm, we asked a woman passing by where to go and she instructed us to follow the coast which was in the direction of the Holy Well course.
We hesitanty made our way down the rocky path that was in no way suited for a bike ride only to approach a locked gate surrounded by an electric fence. Seriously???? Sahar was the only one who healthily managed to laugh at the situation at the moment. Meanwhile Rocko began her effort to climb under the gate and sneak her way through the electric fence. She even threw rocks at the fence to test it out- it's unclear what that experiment really proved but It didn't matter. We were exhausted, annoyed with our misleading guidance, and itching to get back to the apartment. I admired Rocko's dedication to getting home. Was it normal? No. But definitely bold and courageous- which are definitely valued qualities.
We finally decided that the plan to jump the electric fence was most likely not the right course so we headed to the circular path and finally returned home a few minutes later. I held myself bak from knocking out the bike lady tho but I let her know I was very upset with her through my "you know what you did" face. Its serious stuff.
We're now in the apt- sore and exhausted- but we have much cooking and preparing to do before shabbos. And we have all of shabbos to enjoy the comfort of our apartment. Literally. We're on house arrest for all of shabbos because we conveniently chose the super nifty apartment complex where all the lights and doors operate through sensors. So we're stuck in cheirum from about 10 o'clock tonite till 11pm tomorrow night. Deenas thrilled, and Sahar's having heart palpatations.
It's hilarious because Deena has been suffering with anxiety the past few days over the approaching 3 day hike that Sahar planned and has been anticipating with more excitement than is perhaps normal. Meanwhile, Deena couldn't be looking more forward to 24 hours of confinement and vegetation, while Sahar is breaking out in hives from anxiety over the same condition. I respect that these two have managed to find themselves on the same trip. It's a trip of true sacrifice where everyones concerns and interests are considered. That's the second lesson of the day: compromise and sacrifice. Such an educational vacation.
That's all for today tho. Have a great shabbos everyone.
Cheers,
Mimi
Thursday, June 24, 2010
DK's Addendum to Sahar
Hey all,
So I thought I had a lot to clarify from sahar's most recent post and I am now going to take that opportunity. Before anyone calls me out for taking the extra 2 hours to sleep (and watch tennis for all of ten minutes) let me explain to u last nites circumstances. Yestersday manu, the owner of the jewish shak/hostel gave me the biggest room bc he said I smiled at him the most, thann mimi was afraid of her room (rightfully so) so I did the right thing and let her join me. Our mattress was flat, slanted, filthy, and on the floor and yet somehow mimi managed to fall asleep, I on the other hand was not able to until 330am...and we woke up at 530...andd before this eurotrip started I had Judah Schert (my almost nephew) bris so that was another rlearlyy morning. So yes, today I diddd need the extra 2 hours of sleep. Now that I cleared that one up, this movie was notttt my idea, am I dissapointed? No, but did I chose it? No to that too. We passed a theatre and my fellow movie buddy sahar suggested it. So we are going to see the killers (which I already saw), I suggested letters to juliet which shockingly I didn't make it to during its run in the usa, and I thought itd be especially appropriate with the whole euro trip theme, but newsflash everyone apparently mimi begas does not see chick flicks! I took my first irish shower which felt amazing! And now if only I found a way to get the horse odor off my clothing...I'm taking suggestions! U know how sensitive I am to smell and I was planning on using this skirt many atimes over the next 6 days. Oh ps mimi had 3 beers last nite! Everything is great, we're having an awesome time, and I cannot waittt to be fleishichs tomorow nite!! Regards to everyone
DK
So I thought I had a lot to clarify from sahar's most recent post and I am now going to take that opportunity. Before anyone calls me out for taking the extra 2 hours to sleep (and watch tennis for all of ten minutes) let me explain to u last nites circumstances. Yestersday manu, the owner of the jewish shak/hostel gave me the biggest room bc he said I smiled at him the most, thann mimi was afraid of her room (rightfully so) so I did the right thing and let her join me. Our mattress was flat, slanted, filthy, and on the floor and yet somehow mimi managed to fall asleep, I on the other hand was not able to until 330am...and we woke up at 530...andd before this eurotrip started I had Judah Schert (my almost nephew) bris so that was another rlearlyy morning. So yes, today I diddd need the extra 2 hours of sleep. Now that I cleared that one up, this movie was notttt my idea, am I dissapointed? No, but did I chose it? No to that too. We passed a theatre and my fellow movie buddy sahar suggested it. So we are going to see the killers (which I already saw), I suggested letters to juliet which shockingly I didn't make it to during its run in the usa, and I thought itd be especially appropriate with the whole euro trip theme, but newsflash everyone apparently mimi begas does not see chick flicks! I took my first irish shower which felt amazing! And now if only I found a way to get the horse odor off my clothing...I'm taking suggestions! U know how sensitive I am to smell and I was planning on using this skirt many atimes over the next 6 days. Oh ps mimi had 3 beers last nite! Everything is great, we're having an awesome time, and I cannot waittt to be fleishichs tomorow nite!! Regards to everyone
DK
we reek like today's activities
Another good day so far! We came from the beautiful train to a beautiful apartment. And for all those who have been thus far led to think I'm a nazi trip planner, I would just like to say- I booked this beautiful place. I know the art of compromise (and how important it is to the dynamics of this trip to keep team hotel happy). The apartment has marble floors, a beautiful clean kitchen, a flat screen, and greeaat water pressure! After a refreshing 2 hr nap, in the first actual beds since NY, we were ready to head out. And by we, I mean mimi, rocko and sahar. Deena had to stay behind because she needed a little more sleep and we NEEDED minute by minute updates on the tennis match. So the 3 of us set out, got a nice cup of coffee and headed to Killarney National Park. The weather turned beautiful, sunny and breezy and we chilled for a bit by a creek. This is what life was meant to be like. Next up was our horseback riding experience at Muckross lodge. Once again deena had to sacrifice and let someone lead her since she had to take pictures. She then proceeded to joke around and discuss heated politics with her guide since she felt bad for the attitude she gave him out of fear when she first got on the horse. But in all fairness, it wasn't necessary to get leather burns while learning how to use the reigns. All of a sudden we hear: JACKO JaCKO!!! (Verrry angry SS voice) Deena, now reaaaaly scared: omg! What did I do?! Rocko: yemach shemo! Also, a few freakishly prophetic things went on at that stable: a) the stable boy handed us perfectly fitted boots without asking our sizes and b) the horses had our twin personalities: sparky had ibs, davie loved taken breaks, marcy was a mad chiller, and pattie was the headstrong bossy one, pushing marcys butt forward with his head. can u guess who were their riders?
So now the plan is to get rid of this horse smell, go see the sights and get to know the local cinema. (Again, important to make team hotel feel at home).
Until next time, sahar.
So now the plan is to get rid of this horse smell, go see the sights and get to know the local cinema. (Again, important to make team hotel feel at home).
Until next time, sahar.
Rocko's in the house! (her first post)
Popped tylenol about a half hour ago to cure the headache one gets when waking before light breaks. As I sit on this train trying to take in the beauty of irelands countryside I've noticed that irish cows prefer not walking on fours but rather like to play dead... Omg a cow just waved to me! Mommy are you sure you gave me tylenol? Or did you give me those "happy" pills? RoCKo
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