Manipulated Reality

Travel and Photography

Ireland… I’m Back!

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Back in Ireland… As I step off the plane and into the Dublin Airport, I realize I am grinning like a lunatic that has escaped the asylum. I don’t care what anyone thinks. My soul is happy. I am back in Ireland, and adventure awaits me.

back in Ireland and happy by Julie Miche

So happy to be back in Ireland!

I continue to walk through the airport in search of the bus which will bring me to Galway. I have been on 3 planes, and traveling now for 19 hours. I still have a 2 1/2 hour bus ride to my destination, but I don’t feel tired at all. In fact, I’m invigorated. I wonder when the jet lag will kick in… The thought is fleeting.

I find my bus to Galway, making sure it is the Express Route. I took the 5 1/2 hour scenic route the last time. I don’t want a repeat.

I take my seat, and begin to dream my way through the Irish countryside. The ride flies by… Hmmm, perhaps I dozed.

I arrive in Galway, and make my way through Eyre Square. I’m amazed at how quickly I find my way around. Before I know it, I find myself in the Latin Quarter.

Galway, Ireland Buskers by Julie Miche

Buskers in Galway, Ireland

Everything is so familiar. I feel like I’m finally home.

Ready, Set, Go! Ireland Bound!

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Ireland Bound

Ready, Set, Go…. It should have been that easy right?

I knew I was going to return to Ireland before I had even returned from my last trip there. I was in love with the country, and knew I’d be back for more… Love is like that after all. Who doesn’t want more of a good thing?

It was just a matter of figuring out the details… Where would I stay? How would I finance this adventure? How long would I be able to do this for?

This trip was also somewhat of a test for myself. Could I give up having an actual home, and start my dream of living the gypsy life? I’ve been thinking about it for awhile, and was more than ready to go. I had originally planned on throwing some stuff in storage, selling what I no longer needed, and just using airbnb as living quarters along the way. This, however, freaked out some of my friends and family that weren’t quite as enthusiastic about my plan as I was.

They thought I might regret giving up my apartment in Santa Barbara… It is a pretty sweet place, and in the perfect location! I think their actual motives were that, they would have to find a new place to stay while vacationing in Santa Barbara… Kidding aside, I considered other options.

I decided to sublet my place for the next two months. I thought that was the safer option, just in the event my gypsy life didn’t work out. So, I found a 70 year old man that wanted to test the waters of retiring in Santa Barbara, and sublet it to him. He seemed like a safe bet. I put my personal belongings in storage, and crossed my fingers that all was going to work out.

I secured my first six days lodging in Galway, Ireland through airbnb, and booked a few days at a surf lodge in Bundoran, Ireland. I decided to wing the rest of the trip, seeing where the Universe would take me.

I had worked enough the previous months, and was good to go with the financing… Or so I thought!

My car decided it needed some TLC days before I was ready to leave… My travel budget took a $600 hit. Ouch!

Next, there was the call from my bank. My business checking account had been hit with fraudulent charges. Someone in China had managed to make a physical copy of my credit card, and go on a shopping spree. The first charge was for $800 worth of awnings! Really? Wow! Eight more charges followed… How was this not caught immediately?

It was time to sell something that would save the budget. I had a piece of gold jewelry sitting stored in a closet that would do the job… Trip saved!

I’ve been flying standby for the past year, so I’ve got used to getting bumped to the next flight. I’ve spent more time in some airports than I ever thought I would, which can be mentally challenging after awhile. I’ve never flown standby internationally, and was hoping for the best.

The night before I was ready to leave, I had to scramble to rearrange my flights. My original plan was hopeless. All the flights out of Los Angeles were so oversold that I would never make it onto any of them. My only hope was to fly out of Santa Barbara, which added one more flight into the mix. I had no choice… My sub-letter was moving in the next day, and I would be homeless. What’s one more flight anyway?

Shockingly, I made all three of my standby flights! Put this one down the record books! I took it as a good sign that the rest of the trip would go well!

Flying standby to Dublin, Ireland by Julie Miche

Flying to Ireland!

 

 

 

 

And… Then There Was Galway

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Galway stole my heart… I’m really not quite sure when or how it happened, only that it did. It happened in less than 48 hours.

We got on a bus out of Dublin in the morning, with the expectation of arriving in Galway 2 hours later… Wow, what a surprise when the college girl behind us informed us we were not on the express bus! We had another 3 hours to go! WHAT????

Travel Lesson: Pay attention to the bus schedules and what you are boarding!
The Positive: We traveled at a VERY leisurely pace and saw some of the most incredibly beautiful countryside of Ireland… What’s the hurry anyway right?

Galway City in Ireland by Julie Miche travel blogger
Where’s our hotel?

Once we arrived in Galway, we went in search of The House Hotel in the Latin Quarter. It wasn’t horribly far from the bus stop, and we quickly found our way with the help of some friendly locals.

House Hotel in Galway Ireland by Julie Miche Travel Blogger
The House Hotel, Galway Ireland

You have no idea how happy we were to arrive at The House Hotel! OMG cute appeal! The décor of the lobby and the lounge made me feel as if I had stepped into an Alice In Wonderland fantasy! After our nightmare hotel in Dublin, we felt like our fairy godmother had sprinkled fairy dust upon us and blessed us with The House Hotel! The location was ideal, the service phenomenal, the hotel very eco-friendly… And, the staff absolutely amazing! I’m already planning my return trip!

House Hotel Galway Ireland by Julie Miche Travel Blogger
Cuteness!

Make sure to check out the lounge… They are open late and you’ll be sure to get some good craic with the bartender!

Lounge bar in the House Hotel in Galway Ireland by Julie Miche Travel Blogger
Check out the lounge!


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Once we checked in… Food was the priority! After over five hours on the bus, we were starving! We had been given many recommendations of where to go, but we decided to wander and let fate play it’s hand…

We didn’t have to wander too far. We stumbled upon Cactus Jack’s, which was just across the street. Make sure to go for the Early Bird pricing! Despite the Early Bird Hour name, this is usually dinner time in the USA… Bonus is cheaper prices.

The food was delicious… And, I mean everything! Make sure to get some wine too… Get the bottle, not the glass.  The Early Bird pricing applies to wine too… It’s worth it! We chose a Cabernet Sauvignon from Chile and it was fabulous!

Cactus Jack's Early Bird Special by Julie Miche travel blogger
Early Bird Special

The staff was fantastic… Our waiter was an American guy that fell in love with an Irish girl and stayed…  Ahhh love! It’s a good thing!

They gave us a list of where we should go after dinner to hear some Trad, and then for some late night fun… All I can say is, I can’t thank you enough! Wow! Good times!

So, that being said… No matter where you start, you will most likely end up at The Quays in Galway. They’re open late, they have live music, and well… what can I say… it’s lot’s of fun!

Quays .Pub.. Late night Galway by Julie Miche travel blogger
Quays… Late night Galway
The Quays Pub Galway Ireland by Julie Miche travel blogger
Inside The Quays

I love all the fireplaces in the pubs in Ireland… Cozy!

Galway Ireland Cozy fireplace in The Quays by Julie Miche travel blogger
Cozy fireplace in The Quays

In the morning, and I use the word morning loosely, we found our way down to Griffin’s Bakery for breakfast. Any place that serves crepes, Nutella, maple syrup, and a stack of bacon on a plate… Well, what can I say other than I will return to over and over again! I know… It’s not a traditional Irish breakfast, but good God… It’s oozing with a whole lot of sugar, and of course let’s not forget the bacon! For a picky eater like myself, it was a good thing!

Bakery in Galway Ireland Griffin's by Julie Miche travel blogger
Griffin’s Bakery

February is not the warmest time to visit Ireland, and most wouldn’t choose this time of year to come… I, however, found it refreshing and invigorating to my spirit, and my soul.

Living in California can get somewhat boring in the realm of weather…. I love rain, thunder storms, clouds, mist, dreary weather and all that comes with it… It’s the space where mystics, dreamers, poets, and writers are born and thrive…

This is what I found in Ireland… In a sense my home away from home. I can breathe here and dream… I found peace and a connection that can’t really be explained…  Can I stay please?

So Ireland… I fell hopelessly in love with you… Head over heals, and I will be back… Nothing will keep me away!

Did I dream it or did it dream me? Galway Ireland by Julie Miche travel blogger
Did I dream it or did it dream me?
River Corrib in Galway Ireland by Julie Miche travel blogger
River Corrib, Galway Ireland

Many thanks to the Tourism Board of Ireland for sponsoring our stay at The House Hotel in Galway Ireland. This is one of the top hotels I have stayed in and will do so again, as well as recommend it to others.

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Swept Up In A Dublin Water Protest

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How Did We End Up In A Dublin Water Protest?

It was day two in Dublin, and we were ready to start exploring. We went in search of the Dublin Bus Hop-On Hop-Off Tour. We thought it would be a fun way to get a feel for the city, and grab some photos along the way. Off we went, directions in hand. As we neared the River Liffey, we quickly realized something was up!

Thousands of people carrying signs, and chanting were converging onto O’Connell Street from all points. What was going on? We decided to check it out, and somehow ended up in the middle of a Dublin water protest!

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water protest in Dublin Ireland Julie Miche travel blogger
Maybe I should have had a sign!

So, what exactly were they protesting? We started talking with the people, and they were more than willing to explain the issue.

Unlike the USA, the people of Ireland have never had their water usage metered. Up until now, water services have been paid through taxation.  They consider water a human right and a public good, not a commodity. What a concept! What if we did this worldwide? After all, who really owns water?

Water protest in Dublin Ireland by Julie Miche Travel blogger
Sold out by the government!

I was impressed by the passion of the people, and quite amazed by the amount that came out to protest this issue. It was estimated over 30,000 people participated!

Dublin Ireland water protests by Julie Miche travel blogger
Pure passion!

Where have I see that guy in the mask? He looks familiar…

Protesters in Dublin Ireland by Julie Miche travel blogger
No EU Rule In Ireland!

The water protest continued through the streets of Dublin, ending at Leinster House where the Garda (Irish Police) stood ready and waiting for the protesters.

Garda and dogs waiting for Water Protesters by Julie Miche travel blogger
Garda and dogs ready to pounce!

The entire protest had been peaceful… No violence anywhere, so I wasn’t sure what to expect once we saw the Garda with the dogs. What did they think was going to happen? Did they know something we didn’t? We didn’t have to wait long for action… Flares started going off, and there was a jumper! Over the fence he went, and he was running… But, not for long! Garda took him down!

It was reported that he fell inside while trying to get a photo… Hmmmm, don’t know about that. I think if that was they case, he would have been sprawled out on the ground, and not running! However he ended up on the other side didn’t matter much, he was promptly taken away and arrested.

As I was shooting the video on my iPhone, the Irish Times was capturing everything as it unfolded… Was I ever surprised to see I had made it into the Irish Times! That’s me on the other side of the fence, right before the protester was taken down!

Exciting times in Ireland!

I made the Irish Times! Photo Credit: Eric Luke/Irish Times Julie Miche travel blogger
I made the Irish Times!
Photo Credit: Eric Luke/Irish Times

If you’d like to learn more about water charges and get involved, you can find information through Right2Water.

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Temple Bar and TRADFEST

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Temple Bar Tradfest

Ahhh Temple Bar… So much fun to be had in this area of Dublin! It did not disappoint! To be clear… There is an actual Temple Bar Pub in the Temple Bar neighborhood of Dublin. We were in Temple Bar for Tradfest, however there was much much more to check out than just that.

The actual neighborhood is an eclectic mix of many pubs, restaurants, cafes, hotels, and hostels. We kept hearing that this area is where the tourists go, and I’m sure to an extent it is. We encountered many Europeans on a weekend holiday, and hey… We were there too! You will, however, find plenty of  Irish people also go to Temple Bar! It’s just a fun area to hang out in!

The drinks tend to be pricier in that part of town, however I found it to be comparable to California, New York, Chicago and Las Vegas prices… In other words, I wasn’t shocked by it, and it did not deter me from hanging out there.

Manipulated Reality is supported by readers. Product links on Manipulated Reality are referral links for things I like & believe you will too! Read more here.

Temple Bar Pub in Dublin Ireland by Julie Miche travel blogger
The actual Temple Bar!

It’s most lively from Thursday through Sunday.

The Temple Bar neighborhood also hosts TRADFEST! It’s an annual music festival, now in it’s 10th year,  where many venues play host to Traditional Irish Music Artists. It’s good fun, and not to be missed if you are lucky enough to be in Dublin when it’s happening! We saw many amazingly talented artists, and I am now hooked on Trad!

One of my favs was Mundy at Fitzsimon’s in Temple Bar.


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Ireland… Where Do I Begin?

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All stories have a beginning… There are just so many that occurred in Ireland that I struggle as to where to even begin. I guess I’ll start with signs from the Universe… Yes, I’m a big believer! The day before our flight, we were running around getting all our last minute trip essentials. While we were out, we decided to grab a pint to launch our trip, and headed over to the Press Room in Santa Barbara. It’s a small pub where you can find expats from the UK & Ireland enjoying a pint over a football game. It seemed appropriate.

Press Room Pint in Santa Barbara by Julie Miche travel blogger

Pint to launch the trip!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sitting at the bar, we struck up a conversation with the only other person there besides the bartender… As luck would have it, he was from Galway, Ireland! We were pretty excited since that was the only other city besides Dublin that we had planned to stay in. He gave us a list of his favorite pubs, restaurants, names of people to ask for, and things to do while we were there! And just for good measure, we grabbed a photo of him to show his friends!

Guy from Galway, Ireland by Julie Miche travel blogger

Galway Guy!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Once we got back home, we scheduled our taxi for our 4:00am pickup, finished packing, and attempted to sleep…

Imagine our surprise when this taxi arrived…

Luck of the Irish, Sign from the Universe, Lucky Cab, Ireland trip transportation by Julie Miche travel blogger

It’s a Lucky Cab… Shamrock and all!

This was not who we had scheduled with! We scheduled with Rose Taxi! We giggled and got in! It seemed right! All was good with the Universe!

Fast forward to our Dublin arrival… How many hours had we been traveling? It seemed like forever… We were lucky enough to arrive an hour earlier than expected! Yay tail winds! We found a bus for 6 Euro that dropped us a couple blocks from our hotel. Our hotel’s entry door was sandwiched between a pizza place and another business. We walked by it several times, wondering if we had been duped!

Can't find our hotel, Dublin Ireland by Julie Miche travel blogger

Where’s our hotel???

 

After thumping our luggage up a very steep, narrow staircase we were more than ready for a nap! We were hoping for an early check in, but that was not to be had! Instead we were greeted, and I use that word lightly, by a very unfriendly woman that wouldn’t even make eye contact with us! (SHE WAS NOT IRISH!) She pointed to an area, which was not secure whatsoever, where we could leave our luggage, and told us to come back at 2:00pm. I will elaborate in a later post with a scathing review on this hotel, which I wouldn’t recommend to a cockroach… But, I digress…

We had several hours to kill before we could check in, so we set off to find breakfast. We had our first proper Irish breakfast with tea at the Queen of Tarts. It’s small, quaint, cozy and full of delightful treats! Good luck getting a seat! This place packs!

Queen of Tarts, Dublin Ireland, Tea by Julie Miche travel blogger

1st Tea in Dublin!

After breakfast we wandered around the Temple Bar area in Dublin, which was where we were staying… We still had lot’s of time to kill before check in and seriously needed to sit. We had now been up for 24 hours! We stumbled upon Peadar Kearney’s Pub and had to go in… How could you go wrong when the Chef’s Special was Guinness! Our first pint in Ireland was before noon… But, hey that’s 4:00am according to our time zone…

1st pint in Dublin, Ireland at Peadar Kearney's Pub by Julie Miche travel blogger

1st pint in Dublin!

The people and bartender were extremely friendly here! The pub is just outside of the Temple Bar area, and the prices are easier on the wallet too! They host live music during the week… Check it out!

Coming next… Temple Bar & TRADFEST.

Dublin Bound

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Dublin Bound… Ireland here we come!

Trip to Dublin Ireland, Travel bloggers, Photography of Dublin, Dublin Bound by Julie Miche

Dublin Bound!

Finally, the day has arrived! I have been quite excited about this trip, and very anxious to start it. I am traveling with Jenna Dosch, a fellow photographer from Las Vegas. We begin our trip in Dublin, arriving just in time for TRADFEST.  We have fifteen days to explore the rest of Ireland and plan on squeezing in as much of possible!

We plan on blogging along the way, and also posting on social media, so be sure to check out our adventures!

If you’re a local, and want to join us for a pint, message us on twitter! If you surf, contact us! We are heading west to Galway and possibly up to Sligo! We want to photograph some big waves and are hoping to find the best locations to do that!

Check out our websites/blogs:

Manipulated Reality I will be blogging here as usual!

Jenna Dosch Photography You can find Jenna here!

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Manipulated Reality

Jenna Dosch

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Julie Miche

Jenna Dosch Photo