Adam's Peak, Sri Lanka

Despite my smile, the decent was no easier!!

Every so often you do something on your travels  that makes you wonder, ''how is this a holiday?" You are sweaty. You are tired. You are out of breath. Old women are laughing at how unfit you are as they run down the side of the mountain in their bare feet. I wish that was a joke! Definitely not my finest hour! Days, months, even years later, as you sit on a sofa with a cup of tea and reminisce with your friends, you all agree that you are really glad you did it and it was definitely worth it.  For me, it was Adam's Peak.



The gate to the trek
 at 2.30am.

At 2am one cold April morning in Sri Lanka in 2012, I climbed out of bed groggy and immediately resentful of whoever's idea this was. Six of us met at the door of our small apartment-- Nyssa, Ciara, Karen, Michelle, Emma and I. Dervla had said the night before she would 'wait and see in the morning' and decided to opt out. It was not long into the (over) 5000 step incline before I wished I had had the same sense!

One of the (many) stops for tea!

There are a number of trails you can follow up the mountain and it is important to take note of your trail if you want to return back down the mountain the same way. At various points along the trek, we stopped for bananas, biscuits, ginger tea and water in the small make shift stalls that littered the ascent. Ginger tea helps with altitude sickness too. While the snacks were welcomed, it was these small breaks to catch our breath that really aided me. To be honest though, if it had not been for the encouragement of the girls, I definitely would not have gone to the top! We soon found out that the secret to completing the hike was to pacing yourself. Some of us took one step at a time, while others preferred to take the steps faster and then rest. It was exhausting! It is all fine until you see tiny, old, wizened women almost flying down the mountain laughing at you! Did I mention that there are over 5000 steps to the top? Calling them 'steps' is a little misleading. Yes, there are steps... in places. And the steps are over varying widths, depths and heights! And then there are some places where steps once were but have clearly been eroded away by all the pilgrims. But the point I am trying to make is that there are over 5000 steps of varying sizes and descriptions! You have been warned!  

Karen, Michelle, Ciara, me Nyssa and Emma at sunrise.

Adam's Peak is an important place of pilgrimage for Muslims, Hindus, Christians and Buddhists. Christians believe that this was the first place Adam's foot touched when he came to earth. At the summit, there is the concrete imprint of a foot. Many people que to walk around the shrine in their bare feet. The much revered shrine is decorated with multi-coloured bunting. (It was later described to Dervla as a 'Buddhist Knock'. )

Buddhist Pilgrims

The atmosphere at the peak is tranquil and harmonious. It is not often that a place can unite so many people of different faiths and beliefs. A more cynical observer would argue that the sense of serenity could quite possibly be down to the state of absolute exhaustion one feels at the pinnacle! Arriving just after 5.30 am, we were in a great position to watch the sun slowly creep shyly into the sky. The assembled crowd from very different backgrounds stood silently in awe. The sun painted the horizon with shades of rust and burnt orange as if it was growing in confidence with every head that turned to gaze at it's canvas until it finally splashed bold reds and oranges across the morning sky. It really was beautiful.

This picture belies how steep it was!

The descent was no easier but we could take it slower. By about 9.30 am we reached the village at the foot of the mountain. I have never felt so deserving of a sleep or a shower after an activity in my life.Every part of my body was aching, calling out for the soothing effects of some Tiger Balm and a bottle of beer! But there was no time for that. We were destined to spend the next week walking around like old women! We loaded up our bus for the next stop on our Sri Lankan tour, Kandy! 

I was really exotic with my
ginger hair and white skin!

You will need:

A light jumper (It is pretty cold when you get up at 2 am!);

Good walking/hiking shoes;

A camera;

Some small change for snacks;

Water;

Some good buddies to keep you motivated!

Travel Essential... Tiger Balm

People have often commented that when I go on holiday, I'm like a travelling pharmacy. There's nothing as bad feeling unwell and not having the right medication when you're travelling.

One item that I really can not live without with when I travel is my little pot of Tiger Balm. I discovered it when I lived in Bahrain and I can not remember what life was like before it.

I won't lie to you, it smells like jelly cola bottles and it will make your eyes water but you have no idea how many times this tiny jar of orange balm has come to my rescue. And it can be purchased very cheaply!

Tiger Balm can give relief from those pesky itchy mosquito bites. While it doesn't repel the insects, it does help sooth your incessant need to scratch! I also use Tiger Balm to get rid of spots. I put it on my temples, if for head ache relief and on my nose if it is blocked. You can even put it on your stomach if it is painful and cramping. Surely, that cuts down on some of the remedies you need to squeeze into your back pack?

A word of caution, however! Keep it well away from raw/ broken skin as, believe me, this is excruciating!

#travelblogger #travelessential #tigerbalm #itchy #mosquitoes

Picturesque Petra Part 2

Treasury by day.

After a wonderful sleep in the Petra Moon Hotel, I indulged in the sumptuous buffet down in the hotel's restaurant. After what I had experienced the night before in Petra, it felt like no trouble to be up before 8 am. I made the short journey by foot to the Petra Welcome Centre where I purchased my ticket. Tickets cost 50 Jordanian Dinar for the UNESCO World Heritage site. It is important to note that they only accept cash but an ATM is available across the road in the Movenpick Hotel.

While it was November when I visited Petra, it was still quiet hot in the early morning. It is best to go early before the tour buses come and before the temperature gets too high to make walking around bearable.

Horses scare me!

I was delighted that I had completed the night tour first, as when I began the trek the next morning, it felt like a completely different experience. I could now see the rose pink rock formation that Petra is famous for.

The first forty minutes of the journey is over gravel and concrete so as far as the Treasury is quite accessible for people using wheelchairs or children in buggies. You can also get a horse ride or carriage ride into the ancient city. Apparently, this is included in your ticket but the guides still expect a tip of a euro or two.

Initial glimpse of the Treasury.



The picture on the left was taken just as I was about to get my first experience of the rose rocked city in the daylight. It captures the sense of excitement and anticipation I felt as I walked down the ravine towards the city. Carved into the rocks of the ravine are ancient aqua conduits. In ancient times they were the life line of the city and it is amazing to see that they are still in perfect condition.

At the end of this series of aqua conduits, you are confronted with the breathtaking Treasury. The building is an incredible feat to ancient masonry, with each pillar and door frame skillfully cut from the rock. It really is beautiful. You are not allowed into the building but you are allowed to take pictures. Bedouins (nomadic people from the area) will offer you camel and horse rides (of course, at a good tourist's fee) from here to the Monastery .

Tea break with some Bedouin girls
 and two American guys I met. 

The morning was so beautiful that I decided  to take the longer path to the Monastery via the High Place of Sacrifice. Be warned, however, that the incline is very steep. I wouldn't advise it to anyone who is nervous of heights. Along the way up, Bedouin woman have set up there stalls, selling hand made jewellery. At one point, three girls asked me to their stall to have tea and sheisha with them. This was just one example of the hospitality and genuine friendliness I encountered as a solo traveller. One of the American guys I met, Jake, completed the rest of the trek with me.

The climb up to the High Place of Sacrifice.

The view from the High Place of Sacrifice was beautiful. You can see the ancient city for miles in every direction. It is very peaceful up there too. Not many tourists go up there as people are mostly concerned with getting to the Monastery. It adds a few hours to the hike but is definitely worth it. The trail continues back down the mountain and you can stop on the way to explore the many rooms and buildings etched into the mountain side. I do not think the guide books or reviews has prepared me for the sheer scale of the city. Once back on the main track to the Monastery, you have a welcome break to the slopes. Enjoy it because once you start the hike to the Monastery the climb is relentless. Just before you start the climb, there are toilets, places to eat and drink as well as the option of taking donkey up the mountain. For me, the idea of a donkey on these narrow, steep paths was terrifying so I decided to walk. If if had not been for my American buddy I had met earlier in the day, I definitely would have given up! You do need a certain level of fitness as the steps are steep and by the time you get this far, the day has heated up.

A resting camel with the immense
ancient city in the background.

Sweat, steps and goats!

Unfortunately, I was more concerned with not collapsing of exhaustion than taking photos so I do not have many pictures of the way up. To be honest though, sometimes pictures do not suffice in capturing an experience. It was so beautiful! Finally, after an hour of hiking, we reached the Monastery. It amazes me still how such a building was constructed in such a remote area up a mountain. As a reward for myself (and a thank you to Jake for listening to me moan the whole way up) I bought us two bottles of Bavaria. Tourist trap (or local opportunism at it's best), the two bottles cost the equivalent of 12 euro. After remarking that it was definitely the best beer we had both ever tasted we realised that it was, in fact, non alcoholic! Unsurprisingly, the trek back down the mountain took less time than the way up. I was back at my hotel by 1.30 pm in plenty of time to get the 3pm Jett bus back to Amman for my next Jordanian adventure. Petra had been an unforgettable experience.

At the Monastery!

You will need:
A light weight bag pack;
Good walking shoes/hiking boots;
A camera;
Sun glasses and hat;
Water (drinks are available inside but are very expensive);
Sun cream.

Travel Essential... Sun Cream!

How many times have you regretted not applying sun screen? How many times have you just put on sun screen, only to wash it all off five minutes later in the pool? How many times have you said "O I'll only be out in it for five minutes," and then proceed to get burnt to a crisp?

Guilty, guilty, guilty!! I'll be honest, I have not always been the kindest to my skin in the sun. (There was even a horrendous experiment with my friend's tanning oil that resulted in me spending a few days with a bucket of ice on  my legs!!!) However, at some point in the last few years, I realised that I was never meant to be a bronzed goddess. A sallow skinned ginge?! Even if that was to be the case, it still does not mean that my skin does not need protection from the sun.

For a few years now, I have used the same brand of sun cream by Piz Buin. I love it because it is not greasy and it is very easy to apply. You can purchase it as both a spray and a cream. As long as I apply it, I never get burnt. Even out here, in the heat of Oman, one application is perfect for an afternoon on the beach. Piz Buin also comes in a number of factors and contains UV protection. The thing that I love the most about it, is it's smell! It just smells like holidays and happiness!

So if you are a (wannabe) bronzed goddess or just out for a walk in the sunshine, remember that taking a few minutes to put on your Piz Buin is a much better option than looking like a lobster and feeling like your skin is on fire. And that is the best case scenario!

#pizbuin #travelessential #skincare #sunprotection

New Beginnings at the River

On my last full day in Jordan, I left Amman and headed south of the city to visit the River Jordan. The area surrounding the River Jordan is an area that has long intrigued me. The river acts as a territorial boundary between Jordan on the east and Israel on the west bank. In the Middle East, Israel is staunchly referred to as the Occupied Territories of Palestine. For Christians the world over, the River Jordan has vital religious significance. The Bible records that Jesus Christ was baptised in the waters of the River Jordan by his cousin, John the Baptist. This moment at the River Jordan was a new departure in Christianity.

 Baptism of Jesus Christ

At the baptism site's welcome centre, I paid a fee of 12 Jordanian Dinar (approx. 12 euro) and got a small mini bus with some other tourists.  We first passed a beautiful Roman Catholic Church that was built on the banks of the River Jordan. From here, we walked to the baptism site. The area itself is peaceful and serene with just the gentle sway of the rushes in the breeze. The baptism site is fashioned similar to a boat slip way but in the shape of a cross, the symbol of Christianity. The area was dug out like this after the baptism of Jesus. In the time of John the Baptist, this area of was filled with water.  A procession took place down the steps (see picture on left) and to the water of the River Jordan. There are the ruins of two churches on the site which were also built after the time of Jesus.  What does survive, however, are a number of beautiful mosaics showing the story of the baptism of Jesus.

This cross-shaped area used to be filled with water. This is where the baptisms
were performed.

Israeli flag flying across the river.

 On our way down to the River Jordan, our guide told us that under no circumstances were we to interact with the soldiers of 'Occupied Palestine' across the river.  I really do not know what I was expecting but in a small clearing in the rushes there were decking and and some steps down into the river where an elderly lady was bathing. Apparently, it is not uncommon for devout Christians to bathe in the sacred river in order to treat various ailments. The area where the woman was bathing was shallow in depth but interestingly boxed off by some wooden beams. As I allowed my gaze to travel around the area, I noticed that there were red and yellow striped poles in the middle of the river. The tour guide informed us that that was the line of demarcation between Jordan and 'Occupied Palestine'.  Beyond this imaginary boundary was Israel. I stood there in awe for a few moments incredulous that I was this close to such a controversial and turbulent area of the world. I was less than thirty metres away. As the guides told us, two soldiers yielding rifles stood on the steps on the Israeli side of the river. Despite this, I never felt threatened or nervous. The Israeli side of the river had stone steps and from it's flag poll, the famous blue and white of the Star of David flag.

Picture taken by the Iraqi brothers
 at the River Jordan. You can make out the
Israeli flag in the background.

Just then two men in their thirties approached me and asked would I like a picture standing in front of the River Jordan. I thanked them and they took the picture. On the way back to the bus, I chatted to the two of them. The younger one with the American accent exuded confidence and was very talkative while the older one seemed like a more reserved character with a broken English accent. When I asked where they were from, the younger one told me that he lived in the United States and had done for the last ten years. At this point, the older one spoke up and told me that they were brothers. In 2003, they both had been forced to flee their home country of Iraq because of the war that was ravaging the country. The younger brother fled to the United States while the older brother fled to the United Kingdom. Ten years later they were finally reunited in Jordan. Neither of them had set foot in Iraq since the day the fled. I can not convey in words how much their story touched me. When I asked them how it felt to meet up after so the younger one, who clearly had assimilated into American culture seamlessly, laughed and said it felt 'awesome'. The quieter brother just shook his head and said it was like a new beginning.

The Biblical Baptism Site

 For me, the River Jordan and the baptism site was an amazing experience and I think if you travel to Jordan, whether you are religious or not, it is definitely worth a visit. It is an area of land that is steeped in history, biblical and political. An intense sense of  spirituality and serenity permeates even the most sceptical mind at the River Jordan. Ironically or maybe typically, at the epicentre of one of the world's most tumultuous regions.  

Picturesque Petra* Part 1

I always said that if there was one place I really wanted to visit while I was in the Middle East it was Petra in Jordan. I travelled down to Petra (possibly the most expensive way) with a private driver. It cost about 60 euro for the privilege of my own driver and the car was very comfortable for the two hour journey. I only had four days to see everything I wanted to see in Jordan so this was the most efficient way to get down to the ancient city. Cut from rose coloured rocks, the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Petra is famous for both its archaeological and historical importance and I was about to appreciate what all the fuss was about!

The small village at the gates of Petra.

I checked into the gorgeous Petra Moon Hotel in the small town of Petra. The hotel's friendly staff made me feel very welcome. The room itself was tastefully decorated and it really surpassed my expectations. 

My room had a queen sized bed with a lovely clean en suite. There was a mini bar, stacked with free soft drinks and water and a bowl of fruit on the table. Before I went to bed, a man came around with bars of chocolate for me! The total price for two nights at the hotel was 60 euro. This included a sumptuous buffet breakfast both mornings! The proximity to the gates of Petra and the Jett bus station only added to my satisfaction with the hotel.  

Thousands of these illuminated the way.

 ''The Petra by Night Experience'' cost 12 euro (available from the hotel's reception) and met at the Petra Welcome Centre at 7pm. This is conveniently located a five minute walk from the Petra Moon Hotel. You walk with a group of around one hundred people, led by the Bedouin people who run the tour. Strategically placed night lights illuminated the otherwise dark pathway. The small tea lights were placed inside brown paper bags that had sand in the bottom. These had a doubly haunting and dream like effect on everyone as the anticipation of the arrival at the iconic Treasury building grew. The walk took about forty minutes, at times on a gravely path and other times on a cement walkway. In the darkness, I could just about make out the craggy rock faces of the canyon. As one girl I walked with said to me on the way down, ''Who knew you could get this excited about rock formation?" But is was very true. 

On arrival at the Treasury, we were asked to sit down on mats and listen to the enchanting  music of the Bedouin people on their traditional instruments. Arabic coffee (of course!) was given to everyone as we sat, rapt by the music. Thousands of of small night lights danced rhythmically to the song of the instruments, casting shadows on the Treasury.

The Treasury.
Such a haunting image.

At one point, as we sat there, the Bedouin leader invited the assembled group of tourists to put their flashes on their cameras, point their cameras in the direction of the Treasury, count to three and take a picture.The picture on the left is the result. As beautiful as it is, it still fails to capture the sense of peace one feels in the haunting presence of this ancient building. 

Without doubt the "Petra by Night Experience" was my favourite part of my trip to Jordan. I was not expecting it and if anything it whetted my appetite to see the rest of Petra the next day. 

*I'm an English teacher so I'm allowed some alliteration... Even if it does make you cringe!

Much Appreciated!

Last July, my grandparents and I booked flights with Ryanair to go visit family in England. Granny and Granddad had flown to London Gatwick a number of times via Cork so were apprehensive when I told them that for this trip we would be flying from Dublin.
Terminal 1 in Dublin Airport can be a challenging experience for your average traveller but for individuals with reduced mobility the task of navigating through the terminal can be a stressful and daunting task. (Granddad will tell you himself, "I was born in nineteen turty wan and I'm [insert colourful language here]".)
 This trip through the airport was going to be a nightmare, right?

Wrong!


That was before I heard of OCS. OCS are a dedicated and experienced team working at Dublin, Cork and Shannon airport providing a wonderful support for passengers with reduced mobility. All personnel have been Garda vetted and checked by the Department of Transport to ensure that each passenger is treated with utmost care and dignity while they travel. OCS have points at various locations around Dublin Airport where passengers may avail of wheelchairs, buggies or ambi-lifts. This service is completely free of charge!

Granny and Granddad on the buggy to the gate. Thanks @OCSIRELAND

I rang OCS the day before we flew to inform them that my grandparents would need assistance the following day. At the entrance door to the airport, we easily found the OCS point to the left of the door. There, the friendly and efficient staff took my grandparents flight details and located a wheel chair for Granddad. I wheeled Granddad to the gate- the OCS staff were more than willing to do so if necessary- and on the other side of the security check, my grandparents were able to jump on the waiting buggy to take them to the boarding gate.
The entire journey alleviated a lot of stress and anxiety that my grandparents were feeling about the trip and this is down to the professionalism and care taken by OCS's staff. Thank you @Ocsireland

Call OCS on +353 1 8145906 

Wadi Shab

Wadi Shab is one of my favourite places in Oman. Wadi Shab was the location for the 2012 @Red Bull Cliff Diving. Wadi is the Arabic word for valley. Wadis are plentiful in Oman but this one in particular is infamous for its beauty and the hidden gem at the end of the 50-60 minute hike over boulders and through streams. Wadi Shab is a tough hike but definitely well worth it. 

Your adventure begins with a short motor boat journey across the mouth of the river.  It costs 400 baiza (about 80cent) for the brief ride. The beautiful pathway is enveloped by a high canyon. The rock changes colour depending on what time of day it is. The elegant palm trees offer little shade so be sure to bring sun screen and a hat. Good walking shoes are essential also as it is quite a walk!
 

Walking through the Wadi
 

Towards the end of the hike, you come to an area where you must swim through in order to get to the other side. From here, only capable swimmers should proceed as the water in this part of the wadi is very deep.  It is very safe to leave your things by a rock (Just remember where!) while you go swim.

The crisp, clear waters are great to cool down in!

 

Once you have gone through two pools you could to the best part of the walk which is definitely a case of the best til last! Again, it is vital at this point that you are a confident swimmer as the the pool is very deep and you have to be able to swim under water for a few seconds. Once you swim under the rock (Unless your small head will allow you to squeeze through a gap!), you will be able to enjoy the breathtaking beauty of cave's interior. The crystal clear water and flowing waterfall combine to make the trek more than worthwhile.

 

Remember to bring:

Lots of water

Good walking shoes (that you don't mind getting wet!)

A towel

Swim wear

Sun cream

Hat and sun glasses

A camera (waterproof if possible)

 

Yes Sir, Yes Sir! Two Bags Full!!

Old nursery it may be but we do have to wonder is the maverick O'Leary the Ba Ba Blacksheep of the business world?

So it has been announced that @ryanair have decided to permit two cabin bags per passenger! How many times have we tried to stuff that bottle of Jameson into our carry on or attempted futilely to cram our handbags into a side pocket?!

Well not any more!

Thank you Mister O'Leary!
#ryanair
#happytraveller


Check out the new guide lines on the link below!
New cabin baggage allowance!

Fasten Your Seat Belts Please...

How many times have you sat on a plane and listened to the air hostess say this in her non regional accent? You take in a deep breath of pressurised cabin air as you place the metal buckle into the holder. Your hands are trembling slightly with trepidation and excitement of the imminent journey (but if we're honest there's a little bit of fear that the buckle won't click into place after that hurried bacon sandwich in the departure lounge). 

It is this feeling that has inspired me to write this blog... Apologies if you think this is going to be a blog detailing a painstakingly planned out and rigorously adhered to dieting schedule. No, this page hopes to discuss some of the places I've experienced, offer advice if I can and laugh at the ridiculous things that can happen when you travel. Most importantly I hope that this blog inspires people with the same passion that told this little girl that when she grew up she would see they world. 

Off to London with my old travel buddy May May!