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What The WWOOF?

By Julie Miche Leave a Comment

What The WWOOF Did I Get Myself Into?

Last summer, I traveled around Ireland for 5 weeks hopping from one place to the next. I wanted to do things a bit different this time, and was looking for a new kind of adventure.

Beautiful Ireland
Irish Adventure

I’d heard about an organization called WWOOF that connects volunteers with organic farmers and growers. It’s purpose is to promote cultural and educational experiences, while helping to build a sustainable global community.

It’s based on trust…

The WWOOF hosts provide food, accommodation, and the opportunity to learn about organic lifestyles and sustainable living.

In exhange, the volunteers provide help on the farms. Each opportunity is different, but it usually consists of 4-5 hours of work per day, Monday – Friday.

wwoof in ireland
Trust…

It sounded like an interesting way to see rural Ireland, plus I wanted to learn more about sustainable living. Other travel bloggers had done it, and had good experiences. I figured I’d give it a shot.

I joined WWOOF, and went in search of a host. I picked out 5 that sounded interesting, and sent off my letters.

I heard back from one… Positions tend to fill up fast.

I was accepted for 3 weeks by a family just outside of Gort in County Galway. In addition to accepting volunteers through WWOOF, they run several workshops for families coming from Spain.

Some of what they offer the families includes: English language instruction, eco building, organic agriculture, Irish storytelling, and much more.

I was impressed by their website, and what they offered. It also made me feel more comfortable that they ran a tourism business as well. I had made a 3 week agreement with them, so this is where I’d be staying for my last few weeks in Ireland.

The good, the bad, the ugly…

Upon arrival into Gort, I was picked up by one of the owners, and taken to the property. The area was very rural, peaceful, and pretty.

WWOOF in Irelane
So peaceful

I was given a quick tour of the property, and then taken to where I’d be staying. We passed several small cabins, finally reaching a meadow with two large tipis. Imagine my shock when I was told that’s where I’d be sleeping. A tipi in Ireland? You’ve got to be kidding?

Tipi WWOOFing in Ireland
Seriously? In here?

Entering the tipi, I received another surprise. The overwhelming smell of must & mildew, 3 individual tents set up inside, and wet laundry hanging everywhere. I could almost see the mold spores floating in the air.

I was mortified. I had made a 3 week commitment, and all I wanted to do at that moment was flee. I couldn’t imagine living in such squalor for the next 3 weeks. I felt as if I had entered third world living conditions. I seriously wanted to cry at this point.

Tents inside tipi for WWOOF
Am I in a Refugee Camp?

I decided to sleep on it overnight, and try to sort it all out in the morning. My first night I slept fully clothed, raincoat and all, with 7 blankets on top of me… I still froze.

In the morning, I awoke to a very wet top blanket… Things were going from bad to worst quickly.

After breakfast, the other volunteers & I were told to clean the cabins, bathrooms, etc as they were preparing for the next group that would be arriving. This is not what I had signed up for, but at this point I was grateful to be inside.

Entering the cabin, I was once again hit with the musty smell & wondered if mold was lurking in here as well. As I stripped the linens off the beds, and pulled off the duvet covers I discovered mold spots on the duvets. I felt sick inside. I struggled with putting a clean duvet cover over a duvet covered in mold, knowing a family, or child would be snuggling up against it later that night.

Then came the rest of the cleaning… A single sponge was used. The same sponge to clean toilets was also used for the dishes… A clear recipe for E Coli.

I quickly realized I was not going to learn a thing about organic farming, or sustainable living. We were being used as the cleaning crew as well as English tutors… It’s one thing if that’s what you’re expecting, quite another when you’ve discover you’re being used.

After 4 days of this, I was now afraid for my health. I was feeling the effects of mold in my throat & having problems breathing at night. I still was sleeping fully clothed with a hat now, had not showered, and was wet the entire time. I never had the chance to dry out.

I had also pulled a tick from my hair, and discovered we had slugs sleeping with us in the tipi.

A couple other WWOOF volunteers & I finally decided to approach the owners to let them know we had to leave. We could not stay here any longer. We had suffered long enough.

They were not happy, but agreed to give us a ride into town the next day. They told us to not tell their guests why we were leaving. They planned on telling them that we decided to travel & see a bit more of Ireland. We agreed because we wanted out.

Once, back in Galway, we discovered all the clothes in our backpacks were wet & beginning to mildew. I also had a very wet camera, which at the moment appears to working, however my laptop took a major hit.

I’ve suffered from the most painful stomach cramping I’ve ever had, as well as fatigue & vertigo for 12 days, all while recovering at a hostel in Galway.

I imagine, it’s just a matter of time before someone else gets really sick. I wouldn’t wish that kind of suffering upon anyone. It’s been absolutely hellish!

I’m concerned for the health of future volunteers. I’m worried about the Spanish families coming over on holiday, not knowing what lurks under the duvet, or that their dishes get washed with the same sponge as the toilet… It’s disgraceful to say the least.

So, I’ve thought long and hard about what I would have or could have done differently… I consulted with the 2 other WWOOF volunteers that left with me. In the end, we concluded we’d done everything we could have. We did our homework… We researched the host, and were communicating via email with any questions we had… We trusted the information that was given to us.

Unfortunately, we were dealing with people who consciously chose to lie, and exploit the WWOOF volunteers. They chose to put us in an unhealthy environment… They knew exactly what they were doing.

I’ve been asked if I would try WWOOFing again. At this point, I would have to say no. I’m sure there are many fantastic WWOOF hosts out there, and these were just the bad apples of the bunch… But, sometimes one is all it takes for you to you lose your faith, and spoil it for the rest.

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Filed Under: Galway, Gort, Ireland Tagged With: County Galway, Eco Tourism, Gort, Ireland, Julie Miche Travel Blogger & Photographer, Organic Farming, sustainable living, Traveling in Ireland, WWOOF, WWOOFing

Spring Mountain Ranch

By Julie Miche Leave a Comment

Las Vegas – Spring Mountain Ranch State Park

Believe it or not, there is more to do in Las Vegas than what exists on the strip… That is of course, if you look beyond the casinos, and venture to the outskirts of town.

State Park in the desert
Spring Mountain Ranch State Park

Every summer, Spring Mountain Ranch State Park is host to the Super Summer Theatre. Performances are held outside Wednesday through Saturday, with several shows to choose from.

Heading to the meadow
Walking to the meadow

This is such a fun event for adults and children. Everyone brings blankets and chairs to spread out in the meadow. You’re allowed to bring in food and drinks. It’s perfect for an evening picnic as you watch the performance under the stars.

Theatre at Spring Mountain Ranch
Waiting for Beauty and the Beast!

If you get there early enough, you’ll have time to go explore. There are several hiking trails to check out. Spring Mountain Ranch State Park is in the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area. Wild burros are some of the wildlife in the area, so keep your eyes open for them.

wild burros in spring mountain ranch
Wild burros roam the area

The Ranch itself has an interesting history, with a string of famous owners. The original buildings are open for tours… Check for times.

cabin at spring mountain ranch
One of the original cabins

There’s even a small lake at the ranch. Lake Harriet is the home of the endangered Pahrump Poolfish, so there is no fishing, swimming, or boats allowed.

Lake at spring mountain ranch
Lake Harriet
ranch grounds
Up near the main house
desert beauty red rock canyon
The beauty of the desert

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Filed Under: Las Vegas, Nevada Tagged With: Beauty and the Beast in Las Vegas, Julie Miche Travel Blogger & Photographer, Lake Harriet, Las Vegas Outside Theatre, Las Vegas Tourism, Red Rock Canyon Conservation Area, Spring Mountain Ranch State Park, Super Summer Theatre, Things to do near Las Vegas, Wild Burros in Las Vegas

Lake Casitas Recreation Area

By Julie Miche Leave a Comment

Day Trip to Lake Casitas Recreation Area

Travel doesn’t always have to take you far from where you live. Staycations can be a great way to explore the surrounding areas close to where you live.

Adventure might be waiting just around the corner, and perhaps it is possible to get away from it all, if only for the day!

Lake Casitas Recreation Area is great for a day trip, and offers a variety of things to do. You can go boating, fishing, or ride down the lazy river water adventure in an inner tube!

Plan on bringing something to BBQ. Picnic areas with tables and grills are available.

If you want to stay for more than a day, reserve a campsite.

lake casitas recreation center
Drive right up to the lake!

If you don’t own a boat, stop by Casitas Boat Rentals. They have small fishing boats, pontoons, canoes, and kayaks available to rent.

Kayak and boat rentals at lake casitas recreation area
Lake Casitas Boat Rentals
Lake Casitas recreation area kayaking
Kayaking at Lake Casitas
Casitas lake kayaking
Kayaking around the lake!

If boating isn’t you thing, try fishing! Record size bass have been caught out of Lake Casitas. Remember to get a fishing license… The park rangers do check!

lake casitas fishing
Fishing time!
Lake Casitas Recreation Area
So relaxing!

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Filed Under: California, Ventura Tagged With: boating, California Tourism, Fishing, Julie Miche Travel Blogger & Photographer, Kayaking, lake casitas recreation area, staycations in california, Tourism in California, Traveling in California, Ventura, water park

Summer Solstice Celebration

By Julie Miche Leave a Comment

Santa Barbara Summer Solstice Celebration

I try to make sure I’m in Santa Barbara for the Summer Solstice Celebration every year.

It runs for 3 days in Alameda Park, and is one of my favorite festivals. It’s also the largest art event in Santa Barbara County, and pulls in a crowd of over 100,000 people.

The festival includes live music, drum circles, a DJ area for dancing, food booths, craft vendors and a beer garden.

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If you’re lucky, maybe you can even dance with a Unicorn!

On Day 2 of the Summer Solstice Celebration, the Parade is a must see. Every year has a theme… This year it was Legends.

The parade has a lot of fun, whimsical floats and puppets, music, dancing, drumming and fantastic costumes!

Summer Solstice Celebration Parade
Summer Solstice Parade
Summer Solstice Celebration Parade
Posing on a float!
Solstice Parade
All dressed up!

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Filed Under: California, Santa Barbara Tagged With: California Tourism, Julie Miche Travel Blogger & Photographer, Santa Barbara California, Summer Solstice Celebration in Santa Barbara, Summer Solstice Parade, Tourism in California, What to do in Santa Barbara

Paddywagon Day Tour

By Julie Miche Leave a Comment

Kilkenny & Wicklow Paddywagon Day Tour

Since, I haven’t wrapped my head around driving on the left side of the road, my mode of transportation in Ireland has been by bus.

Maybe I’ll give driving a whirl in the summer…..  And, I’ll be sure to give all of Ireland ample warning that I’m on the road!

For now, I am quite okay with someone else doing the driving.

Paddywagon Day Tours Bus

My ride! What’s not to love?

A Paddywagon day tour is a great way to check out some of the more popular attractions in Ireland. They have a nice variety of tours to choose from.

I had been spending a lot of time on the Atlantic Coast of Ireland, and thought it was time to wander to another part of the country. I decided to check out Paddywagon’s Wicklow and Kilkenny Day Tour. The tour leaves out of Dublin, taking you through the Wicklow Mountains, with stops in Glendalough and Kilkenny.

Molly Malone Dublin

Tour picks up at Molly Malone statue in Dublin.

What a gorgeous drive! The countryside is incredibly beautiful.

The first stop is in Glendalough, home to an early Christian monastic settlement.

Gateway of Monastic City Ireland Paddywagon Day Tour

Walk through the Monastic City Gateway

As you walk through the Gateway, it’s like stepping back in time. It is the only surviving medieval gateway into a monastic city in Ireland. Can you feel the history?

Glendalough Gates Monastic City Paddywagon Day Tour

Love all the stonework!

Paddywagon Day Tour, St Kevin's Church Paddywagon Day Tour

St. Kevin’s Church

After exploring the monastic city, head onto the trails to check out the lakes….. There are two.
I spent so much time in the ruins, I only saw the lower one….. Guess that means I’ll have to go back!

Glendalough Pathway to lake Paddywagon Day Tour

Pathway to the lake

You could spend hours there….. So much to see and explore.

Glendalough, Ireland Round Tower

Round Tower in the distance.

Glendalough Ireland Lower Lake

Lower Lake

Time goes by much too quickly here….. It’s easy to get lost in the beauty surrounding you.

After we get back on the bus, we head towards the Wicklow Gap….. It’s pretty much a photo opp stop, and then we are off to Kilkenny.

The Wicklow Gap

Quick stop for photo opp at the Wicklow Gap.

The bus arrives at the doorsteps of Kilkenny Castle….. You have two hours to explore the town or take a tour of the castle.

Killkenny, Ireland Castle

The Castle….. Isn’t it magnificent?

Kilkenny fascinates me. I’m not quite sure why….. Perhaps because it’s a medieval town. I guess I’m amazed that ancient structures still exist….. As an American, it is something you just don’t experience on a daily basis.

Kilkenny Castle on the River Nore

The Kilkenny Castle on the River Nore

Kilkenny, Ireland view

View of Kilkenny, a medieval town.

River Nore, Kilkenny Ireland

The town sits alongside the River Nore.

After checking out the castle, and a walk around the town, I had just enough time to grab an Irish Coffee at a local pub.

Time flies by once again, and leaves me wishing I could stay longer….. But, there was a Paddywagon Bus waiting.

Next stop….. Dublin.

Dublin Bridge, Ireland

Dublin, Ireland

I had such a great day! The tour was such a fantastic way to be introduced to another part of Ireland.

Thank you Paddywagon for sponsoring the trip! The tour was fabulous, and I can’t wait to do another one! Next time I’m bringing friends!

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Filed Under: Glendalough, Ireland, Kilkenny Tagged With: County Wicklow, Dublin, Glendalough, Glendalough Monastic site in Ireland, Julie Miche Travel Blogger & Photographer, Kilkenny, Paddywagon Tours, Tourism In Ireland, Wicklow Mountains

Galway Ireland – A City of Festivals

By Julie Miche Leave a Comment

Galway, Ireland is well known as a City of Festivals. Be sure to check out what’s going on in Galway before you book a trip. There are many fun festivals throughout the year, and you’ll want to catch at least one. I wanted to be there in July to catch the Galway International Arts Festival, Galway Fringe, and Race Week. This is by far one of the most lively times to visit!

The International Arts Festival hosts over 200 shows, over 14 days, in venues all around town. Make sure to grab a festival guide, so you don’t miss anything!

Galway Fringe is a multidisciplinary Arts Festival which encompasses theatre, dance, literature, visual arts, cabaret, and street performances. Galway Fringe also puts out an events guide to keep track of what’s going on. You’ll need it!

There are so many amazing artists and events to see, and two weeks is not enough to do it all. You will have to pick and choose what you can fit in!

Race Week starts just as all the art events are finishing up. The Galway Races runs for 7 days. If you’ve never experienced horse racing, this is a super fun event to check out. There are different themes featured throughout the week. Family Day and Mad Hatters Day is fun for adults & the kids. Enter the competition! The prizes are really good if you win! Ladies Day is another popular time to go. It’s when “The Best Dressed Competition” takes place. If you want to check out some amazing fashion, this is the day to show up!

Even the lads dress up! A City of Festivals
Even the lads dress up!

Here’s a few of my favs from it all!

Patricia Piccinini is an Australian contemporary artist. Combining silicone, fiberglass, and human hair in her sculptures, she creates mutant beings which are incredibly realistic.

A city of festivals, galway art
Patricia Paccinini Art – Galway, Ireland

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I was on my way to a Fringe Event for a painter taking place at the Galway Mechanics Institute. I must have looked at my schedule wrong, because I wandered into a Spoken Word Event. I was invited in by one of the poets. I’m so glad I showed up at the wrong event. I was impressed by the poets, and made a new friend too! Sometimes getting lost is a good thing!

James Delaney, was one of the poets that shared some of his poetry at Galway Fringe Festival. James is part of the Tullamore Rhymers Club.
https://youtu.be/wPzAB2usfB0

One of the the events that I was really excited to see was The Giant Divas & Les Tambours. The Divas are three giant dolls that move through the streets of the Galway while singing opera.

Giant Divas perform at Galway International Arts Festival.
https://youtu.be/bpuJJ34KTwQ

Tin Soldiers’ Band of Drummers perform through the streets with the Divas.
https://youtu.be/-bAu-1hjMrI

And, last but not least, I was able to see Fia Rua perform at De Burgos. He is such an extraordinary artist, combining Irish Traditional & Folk music, and giving it a punk edge.

It was fantastic seeing him in such an intimate club in Galway. I even had the chance to sit and  chat with him after the show! Amazing!

Fia Rua performing at De Burgos for Galway Fringe Festival. Check out the official site of Fia Rua to hear more!

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Filed Under: Galway, Ireland Tagged With: De Burgos for Galway Fringe Festival, Fia Rua performing at De Burgos, Francesco Biondina poetry, Fringe Festival Galway, Galway Ireland a City of Festivals, Giant Divas & Les Tambours, Going to Galway for Race Week, James Delaney Irish Poet, Julie Miche Travel Blogger & Photographer, Patricia Piccinini Australian artist at Galway International Arts Festival, Tullamore Rhymers Club in Ireland

Things To Do In Bundoran, Ireland

By Julie Miche Leave a Comment

I was there to surf, and would be in town for a few days.

I was looking for other things to do in Bundoran, Ireland while I was there. It’s a pretty chill seaside town, and is well known for it’s surfing.

Things to do in Bundoran, Ireland by Julie Miche
Take a walk at Tullan Strand

I surfed at Tullan Strand, but also took a day just to walk the beach and zen out… It’s incredibly gorgeous and peaceful.

Walk the beaches… Experience nature.

Surf, swim, play in the water, Bundoran Ireland by Julie Miche
Surf, swim, play in the water!

Whether you are traveling by yourself or with family and friends, make time to just go play! The beaches are lovely!

Tullan Strand is great for surfing or a stroll on the beach. Things To Do In Bundoran, Ireland by Julie Miche
Take a stroll on the beach.

Go horseback riding. It’s so amazing to see these beautiful creatures galloping along the Atlantic. Check out the local Equestrian Center, and take a ride.

Things to do in Bundoran, Ireland Go horseback riding by Julie Miche
Go horseback riding at Tullan Stand

Check out the coastline along the main part of town. You’ll find lots of families out for a day at the beach. If you’re traveling with kids, it’s a great place to hang out, plus the Bundoran Adventure Park is really close by.

Walk the beach right at the edge of town in Bundoran, Ireland by Julie Miche
Where the ocean meets the town

Be adventurous! Jump off a cliff! I was hanging out, chatting with a family from Northern Ireland. They were in Bundoran for a weekend holiday. A couple of adventure seekers started climbing up onto the cliff near where we were sitting. We all watched and wondered if they would actually jump… They did! I don’t think I could do it, but it was fun to watch!

Cliff jumpers, adventure seekers  Things To Do In Bundoran, Ireland by Julie Miche
Just jump!


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Go fishing! Growing up, I did a lot of fresh water fishing with my family in Wisconsin, so when I came across a couple guys fishing on the shore of the Atlantic I was curious. What were they trying to catch, and what were they using for bait?

Shoreline fishing in Bundoran, Ireland by Julie Miche
Fishing the Bundoran Coastline

The bait looked like an earthworm and a centipede mated! They were using ragworms. I’ve never even heard of them.

Using ragworms to catch fish in Bundoran, Ireland by Julie Miche
Creepy crawler… aka Ragworm

Apparently you can catch quite a variety of fish… Pollock, Cod, Wrasse, Conger, and Fluke can be caught from the shore.

Catching fish in Bundoran, Ireland from the shore by Julie Miche
He caught one!

Check out the pubs… Yes, they exist! It’s not just surfing and nature.

I stopped by Brennan’s Criterion Bar late afternoon for a pint. The pub is run by 2 sisters, Nan & Patricia. They look like they could be my Grandma! The sisters were born above the pub, opened by their grandparents, and are the 3rd generation running Brennan’s. The ladies are there 7 days a week serving up drinks, and taking care of business. There are no tv’s or music in the pub, so you have to talk to each other! Stop by if you are ever in Bundoran. The Brennan Sisters are a hoot!

Brennan's Criterion Bar, Nan & Patricia by Julie Miche
Nan & Patricia Brennan

One of my other favorites in Bundoran was Maddens Bridge Bar. It’s great for checking out Trad Sessions, grabbing some really good food, or a pint.

The Chasing Bull is a good place to check out live music later at night. It’s a bigger pub, and draws a pretty lively crowd.

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Filed Under: Bundoran, Ireland Tagged With: Brennan's Criterion Bar in Bundoran Ireland, Bundoran Adventure Park, Bundoran Ireland, Chasing Bull Pub, Cliff jumping, Fishing in Bundoran Ireland, Horseback riding on the beach in Bundoran Ireland, Ireland, Julie Miche Travel Blogger & Photographer, Maddens Bridge Bar, Surfing in Ireland, Things to do in Bundoran, Tullan Strand, Wild Atlantic Way

Surfing In Bundoran, Ireland

By Julie Miche Leave a Comment

Surfing In Bundoran

More than a few people thought I had lost my mind when I told them I was going surfing in Bundoran, Ireland. Since I live in California, they didn’t understand why I just wouldn’t surf at home… I live in Santa Barbara, and I’m only 10 minutes from Rincon.

Well first off, my attempts at surfing haven’t been too successful… That, however wasn’t the reason. I had better luck at Stand Up Paddling. It was going well, so I focused on that.

Just as I was getting confident, signs about a shark attack started appearing on the local beaches. A sea lion in the marina had become a meal for a shark!

Stay out of water shark attack by Julie Miche
California Beach…. Would you go in?

Uggghhh… That immediately put a halt on all my water activities. All I could think about was sharks! I was more than freaked out.

It’s one thing to be out there paddling among dolphins, quite another to be with something that thinks you are food. Since I had halted SUP, surfing wasn’t really topping my list of things to do in California!

Apparently, sharks like warmer water, and we’ve had a lot of it in California lately.

Ireland’s water is much colder, so when I came across a groupon special offered by Bundoran Surf Co. I jumped on it! This was my chance to surf!

Surfing in Bundoran, Ireland by Julie Miche
Bundoran Surf Company

The Groupon Deal included lodging, breakfast, a surfboard, and a wetsuit. What a deal! I chose to upgrade to a private room for a small additional fee. It was quite large, and well worth it. I could have brought friends!

I arrived early evening in Bundoran. The Éireann Bus had taken the scenic route from Dublin, and I actually crossed into Northern Ireland. For awhile I thought I had taken the wrong bus!

After settling in, I headed to Maddens Bridge Bar for food. The fish and chips were really good, and the chocolate fudge cake is to die for! Get the chocolate cake if you go!

I grabbed a pint, and listened to a Trad Session before heading back to the surf lodge. I decided to call it an early night, so I could actually get up to surf in the morning. The 8 hour time difference was tough, and I had been starting my days in Ireland around 2:00 in the afternoon.

Morning was rough to say the least. I ate breakfast, drank lots of coffee, and then suited up in a damp wetsuit. Are they supposed to start out wet? Brrrrr…. I was cold, tired, and kind of grouchy. I am not a morning person.

After my cranky morning whining, I boarded the The Bundoran Surf Co. van heading to Tullan Strand, and with any luck would soon be surfing the Atlantic.

Getting reading to surf in Bundoran, Ireland by Julie Miche
Heading down to the beach

Once on the beach, we stretched, and learned how to paddle while still on land. I was ready for the water! Next we did some swimming, and were taught how to get out of a riptide… Things you generally don’t think about, but really need to know. Thanks guys!

Time to grab the boards… The waves seemed to be coming from several different directions. It was a little overwhelming at first, but in a good way. It’s that moment when you realize the sheer power of the ocean, and how small you are in it. There is no time for fear, only respect for the environment that you are in.

Tullan Strand surfing by Julie Miche
Tullan Strand

I got on the board, up onto my knees, and promptly fell off. On my way down, I swallowed a mouthful of salt water. Holy good God! I was not expecting that. I regrouped, tried again, and kept my mouth shut. This time when I fell in, the water shot straight through my nose! And, I thought standing would be the hard part.

With the help of a really great instructor, and a lot of determination I stood up! Finally… Success! I don’t even know how it happened, but it was truly exhilarating, and I wanted more!
I managed to stand several more times before we headed back to lodge.

Bundoran, Ireland surfing
Paddling, Standing, My Instructor

Riding back in the van, everyone was sharing stories of their own challenges as well as the excitement of the moment they actually surfed! Once back at the lodge, we were treated to some much needed hot cocoa and cookies.

I’m not sure how much surfing I will do in the future, since it most likely would be in California… That is yet to be determined. I am, however, extremely grateful that I was able to surf in Bundoran, Ireland. It was definitely an experience of a lifetime.

Thank you Bundoran Surf Co. for an amazing experience. You guys are awesome! I just might have to come back!

surfing in Bundoran, Ireland by Julie Miche
Thanks Bundoran Surf Co.!

Check out Things To Do In Bundoran, Ireland

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Filed Under: Bundoran, Ireland Tagged With: Bundoran Surf Co, CA, Donegal, Ireland, Julie Miche Travel Blogger & Photographer, Maddens Bridge Bar, Rincon, Santa Barbara, Surf Lessons, Surf Lodge, Surfer, Surfing, Surfing in Bundoran, Things to do in Bundoran, Tullan Strand, Wanderlust, What to do in Bundoran, Wild Atlantic Way

My First airbnb

By Julie Miche Leave a Comment

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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Filed Under: Galway, Ireland Tagged With: Airbnb, Galway Ireland, Irish Tourism, Julie Miche Travel Blogger & Photographer, My first airbnb, Solo Travel, Travel in Galway Ireland

Ireland… I’m Back!

By Julie Miche Leave a Comment

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.

Filed Under: Dublin, Galway, Ireland Tagged With: Buskers, Dublin, Galway Ireland, Julie Miche Travel Blogger & Photographer, Solo Travel, Street Performers, Traveling in Ireland

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