The Queens Birthday

I must mention the night before Queens Birthday, as it stood out as a very Dutch experience. That night Rick and I cycled to Paul and Lilian's place (Rick's cousins) using our little wheel-generated lights. Unfortunately mine would only flicker, but would work better if I went as fast as possible. So it was a quick journey to get there! Ivo and Annamik (I apologise for the poor spelling of everyone's Dutch names) were also with us (Rick's other cousin). Again we hit the pavement with our bikes in the dark - all zipped up in jackets and scarves on a cold night in Netherlands. Off to the pub, and as we parked our bikes, we were astounded to find so many bikes outside the pub. I knew everyone cycled a lot, but this was hilarious... the next pub again had bikes lining the all street. After a few more our way home was a bit wayward, and at times difficult to keep in a straight line! It was a beautiful experience though, these small little cobblestone villages and whipping through on your bikes, ringing the bell... and for those of you who have seen "Life is beautiful" all I wanted to yell out was "Boun Gourno Princepella!"

We also had a ride on this crazy pendular machine... sort of like the claw for those who know it, but it went right upside down and spun the cages we were in! We are going shopping now for Rick's change of underwear!

The biggest event of the year in Amsterdam is the Queen's Birthday. They still have a Queen here, and everyone goes to Amsterdam where they celebrate with such colour and patriotism. I have never seen so many people pouring through the streets, dressed in bright orange (for the Queen), with Dutch flags and music everywhere. The whole of Amsterdam came to a stand-still and there were hundreds of thousands of people on the streets (estimated 600,000 last year!). Their D-J's are very popular, and the "World's best of 2005" was scratching some tunes that night. In every square or corner they had the D-J's with people dancing, singing and just having a good time (lots of craic!).

Taking us on the tour of the city was Mirjam (Rick's cousin) and her boyfriend Rikwn, and some of their friends Ruut, Duuk, and Bianca. They were great and their English was amazing. At every corner we were stopping to buy beer so the journey took a long time. We wound our way through the streets where there were people selling their second-hand wares, and drumming their rhythmic music. We strolled past the Red-light district which was an eye-opener. At lunch-time there where many women standing in their underwear in the windows and bargaining with pedestrians for prices. When the curtain closes, business is being made! Wow! Apparently they don't like their photo being taken though (whoops).

There were beautiful canals throughout the city, packed with boats and people infected with Orange fever. The "coffee shops" were everywhere and just a normal feature of Amsterdam, people just chilling out in smoke filled rooms, and the smell becoming all-too familiar by the end of the day.

It was a big day, and by the end we were dead on our feet having walked, stood, and danced for many hours. The yearly concert in the Museum Square was huge! Some big name people playing, and a strip-tease on stage (I tell you, only in Amsterdam!) We then ventured to Mirjam and Rikwn's house and then hit the local pub (not too unlike NZ pubs). Many adventures await us in the following few days, but we have been lucky enough to experience the Queen's Birthday. The blooming of the flowers, more cycling, Amsterdam and the beach await!

Continental Europe, We're here!!

The real backpacking experience begins here. We've arrived in Amsterdam, to home cooked meals, a comfy double bed, and central heating.. so perhaps the backpacking hasn't quite happened yet, but the adventures have. But first I must mention our last day in Dublin, ANZAC day.

ANZAC day was pretty special. It was a day a little different to the traditional ANZAC commemorations in New Zealand, but still very memorable. We of course visited another Dublin establishment (a pub), named very aptly, the Wool Shed.

The Wool Shed was a designated Kiwi and Australian zone. It was plastered with signature arts and posters of our 'down under' lands. There's nothing quite like walking into a building and being confronted with a massive wall covered in Taine Randell and the boys doing a heartfelt Haka. Very nice touch. The Wool Shed boasted a range of crappy Australian beers such as Fosters, XXXX, and some more classy brews such as Speights (all at 4.5 Euro, or $9 N.Z a pop though!!!!). Very comforting after the liver testing Irish drinks.

The commemorations consisted of the nations anthems being sung aloud by a packed patriotic audience, two poems, the playing of the Last Post on the trumpet. and a minute silence. It was a short but sharp remembrance, but its impact was massive. The singing of the anthems was of course loud and proud, but the deafening silence of the poems read, and the Last Post sounding was special. The looong, lasting trumpet notes, airily echoing through-out the pub brought tingling feelings to the mind and body and soul. It was very appropriate, and very truthful of the reason we were standing in a Dublin pub very free and very happy, so many years after the great sacrifices of many New Zealand soldiers. Awesome!!!

We then arrived in the Netherlands, Amsterdam. For me, this is a pretty special place. I've been dreaming of visiting for many years and it was magic to see my Auntys and Uncles waiting to give hugs and kisses. We cruised away on a direct bus to Vijfhuizen (OMG the bus had its own road built for it!!!), and then a small walk to Auntie Ineke's, and Uncle Herman house.

Its a crazy experience so far, the Dutch language is challenging, and I'm making many times a fool out of my self. But its fun trying. Martin is also doing well, and puts up well with my Uncle speaking Dutch to him, while also picking up many words very quickly! Although he does seem more interested in trying to figure out how to say "you are a beautiful girl" to passer-byers. I have of course taught him completely wrong =).

The first day has been very traditionally Dutch. We've biked for 25kms on girlie looking olden day bikes. These bikes seem to make it compulsory to look very casual, laid back, and little bit old. It would definitely be absolutely impossible to look menacing or trouble worthy on them. We visited Spaarendam and Harlem, which are both fairly old areas near Amsterdam, and also where my parents, Grandparents, and Great Grandparents all lived. The houses are still standing in perfect quaint order.

Tomorrow we go to Amsterdam for the Queens birthday celebrations. It will be a bit of a festival, with the crazy side of Dutch society out in force. I can't wait to see it, and of course we'll keep you informed with photos and stories.

The Crazy Corkians!

Kia Ora everyone! Cork... well what can I say, the people are great. I don't know the general term for a person from cork but corkian will do. We spent our first night there meeting the locals, talking about rugby (and how the Irish are never going to beat the All Blacks), dancing, and drinking (suprise suprise). We met many a good lad and lass that night, and even a kiwi lady! The funny thing is that they speak in an even stronger accent down there, and say "ye" instead of "you". It's so classic. I had one older gentleman talking to me for about 5 minutes, of which I think in total I could perhaps understand maybe 4 words... I'm serious, no joke!

We spent the next few days around the hostel and resting (it seems as if our wild days had finally caught up with us) and sickness took hold. We are recovering now, but it did kinda spoil our time in the fair port city of Cork. We did however get to go and watch the European Cup game of Rugby (Munster vs. Leinster) both Irish teams, at the local pub. Munster won (a Cork based team), and are playing a French team in the final in May.

Here are some photos: Here are 3 from the University in Cork... as you can see very beautiful and incredibly clean. Trying to figure out what the 2nd sculpture is of, sort of dog-like, but it actually had hoof-kinda things. It reminded me of Otago University a bit, but cleaner no chalk on pavements or flyers everywhere. Here are also some cool Canadians we met, Kate and Annetta - having another beer!

Paddy Wagon Tour

Well, we survived it! There is a lot of beauty in Ireland, the grass is just so incredibly green (no kidding!). Weird thing is they must have been really bored and walled every little paddock with stone walls (for hundreds of km's!). These Irish are crazy, and that won't be the last time I'll say that. 28 of us on the 3-day tour, but only a handful of us who showed the desire and the stamina to test the night-life out to its fullest!

The cliffs of Moher... wow, freaky stuff... makes me wish I could fly. The 800 foot drop didn't leave much to the imagination! A must-see though. Rick kissed the Blarney Stone, He is now blessed with 7 years "gift of the gab"... and I thought he talked enough already! Also here is a castle of Ireland: Cahir Castle - it's situated slap bang in the middle of this small township, surrounded by a river. Just like Ashhurst I thought.

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The cliffs of Moher were certainly a refreshing experience after a night out on the town.. The feeling of impending clumbsy-ness as you crawl closer to the edge, definitely makes you wonder if that last Guinness the night before was a wise idea. I'ld have to say, I don't think the locals would have ever have seen as stupid a footwear as flip flops scuffing there way around the edge of a 800ft drop.

Galway was definitely a highlight. It seemed to combine a quaint small town feel with a really lively young entertaining environment. It ROCKED! Great night out meeting locals, drinking some good and some bad Irish brews, listening to awesome live music, and finally dancing the night away. Perfect.

Killarney followed. This was a bit more a tourist town, very picture perfect. Beautiful small Irish streets with high brick buildings and really colourful frontages. Its a town of only 12000, but it swells to something closer to 40000, in peak season. Marty and I of course went straight for the pubs again. Was a good night of more live music and dancing.

Guns, Planes and Tanks!

Just a typical day in ireland, you know... heavily armed troops, fly-buys by bombers and jets, tanks and armoured personal carriers. Just dandy! No trouble though (who would dare?). Heres two Australians we met at the Hostel (those Aussies are everywhere) on the left is Josie, the right is Mary-Grace - affectionately known as MG. The guiness storehouse also went down a treat, once you got in... we had to wait over an hour in the line! We just had to rush up to the 7th floor and get our "free" Guiness! Cheers.

Day before the march

It is the day before the 90th anniversary of the Easter Uprising. We are staying in Dublin to see it... they think over one hundred thousand people will be there. Reports say that there could be trouble, no doubt if there is - Rick and I will be in the thick of it! Finally able to put some photos on, but sorry about the size of them, I will adjust when able to do so!

The Easter Uprising seems farily significant. It represents the most successful uprising against British rule in the south of Ireland. 1916 became the year the Irish Republic was formed. Signifiacantly, 5 weeks ago, another march occured through the centre of Dublin. This one was a little more troublesum, the orange brigade...Orangemen antagonised a few locals and a bit of rough and tumble occured. "arhhh well, it'l be a funny wee day"

Here is Rick taking his own life into his hands to rescue a little snow goose that has lost a leg and is having difficulty swimming in the chanel. What a good man! I salute you! (Marty in Dublin Castle).

We have arrived!

Well we have arrived in Dublin and have been let loose in the streets. Many odd glances at our bare legs with jandals, and a few looks when people hear our accent. Great to be a bit different I say! Heres some images of our initial days of our journey. The first is one of the streets in Dublin, quite typical of many of the streets in central Dublin. The second is during our flight, they give us a little entertainment screen, and you can monitor the progress of your flight, watch many about 30 different movies, or play little games. The third photo is again typical of dublin, lots of stone and this is my new bank, the AIB. Anyway, being good friday - not too many stores are open, but I think there are thousands of people out and about, and many more seem to be open than expected. Well we are hoping to stay here tonight and tomorrow night, then maybe off somewhere else! Fantastic.