Manipulated Reality

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Archives for August 2015

My First airbnb

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In search of my first airbnb… Several friends have used airbnb, and recommended trying it as I traveled around Ireland. Since I would be traveling solo, it also seemed like a great way to get to know some local people.

I began searching for my first airbnb a few weeks prior to my trip. I was able to save places I liked on a wish list, so I could sort through and compare my options. I read through reviews written by previous guests, and tried to narrow it down.

As I was about to make my decision, a new property popped up. It was in the perfect location in the Latin Quarter of Galway, and right where I wanted to be. The only problem was that the host was brand new to airbnb, which meant there weren’t any reviews. I went back and forth trying to decide if I should take a risk.

I finally decided to take a leap of faith. I booked six days, and hoped he wasn’t a serial killer. I kept telling myself that things like that only happen in the movies…

I was so excited when I arrived at my first airbnb. The location was absolutely perfect, and my host was waiting outside to meet me. My first impression was that he apperared normal, and that put me at ease.

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my Galway, Ireland airbnb by Julie Miche
My first airbnb in Galway, Ireland

He gave me the tour of his very lovely two story apartment, showed me my room, and then we chatted. We had a good laugh as we discussed our nervousness. This was, after all, the first airbnb experience for both of us. I was his first guest, and I hadn’t even considered he might be a bit worried as to who was going to show up at his door.

I think we both were relieved!

charming airbnb by Julie Miche
This place oozes charm!

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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!