by David McGuffin | Jul 19, 2009 | Uncategorized
Last night I went in search of some real Irish Traditional music in Dublin. I am staying in the trendy Temple Bar area of Dublin. Located in the heart of all the nightlife, I thought it might be easy to find some “trad” music. Temple Bar’s main drag, Fleet Street, is lined with plenty of “tourist” pubs, clubs, and eateries. But, at 10:00 p.m., not a single “trad session” could be found. There was plenty of music… country, folk, rock and even techno, but no trad.
By 11:00 p.m. I gave up and left the Temple Bar area. I headed up river about ten minutes to an old Irish place known to be the oldest pub in Dublin. The Brazen Head is always a good choice for a pint and trad. When I arrived, the band was on break. I asked the door bouncer if there “was music on.” He said, “there was, but it was not trad, more of a country-rock band, it is. If you’re lookin’ for trad, go in O’Shea’s there across the street, walk through the empty restaurant and go into the back room.” So, off I went.
When I walked in the place was dead silent, not a soul around save for the bartender and bouncer.Having got a head’s up from the guy across the street, I asked the bartender “is there music on.”He said, “yeah there’s a band coming in at half-twelve (12:30 a.m.)”I told him I was looking for the trad session and he said, “oh, then go through that door back there to the bar.”
The place was packed with an all-Irish crowd and the two guys playing in the back were croonin’ on the tune “Dirty Old Town.”I’d found my trad session!No place to sit, but as I stood there in that pub, listening to the music and watching the crowd I was touched.On one particular song, a ballad about a guy reminiscing about being in love at the age of sixteen, I noticed many men and women alike mouthing the words with tears rolling down their cheeks.Finally, I’d found the essence of the Irish.Everybody with a pint in their hand, a song in their heart and the words on their lips.
by David McGuffin | Jun 24, 2009 | Thirsty Traveler
I’ve spent today in the Cinque Terre, one of the destinations on my 2010 Thirsty Traveler’s Tour.Instead of basking in the sun and swimming in the Med, I’ve decided to refine my tour-pricing offer and make an unheard-of and unbeatable deal.I’ll stand by this special deal for a few weeks.
I am advertising the “Thirsty Traveler’s Tour” at $2749. This price is good until August 30. After that, the price increases to $2849. The price includes all advertised land and air services in Europe. It does not include your cost of flying to and from Ireland at the beginning and end of the tour.
Planning a tour to Europe is always a gamble because of the fluctuating Euro to Dollar exchange rate.I have to plan my tours at least a year in advance and consequentially, must project (or guess) what the exchange rate will be at the given tour time.
Sign up for my “Thirsty Traveler’s Tour” between now and July 15, 2009 and receive a possible reduced price based on the Euro to Dollar exchange rate on March 1, 2010. Today (June 24, 2010), the current rate is about $1.40 USD = 1 Euro. Should the exchange rate be less than that on March 1, 2010, I will reduce the cost of your tour accordingly. If the exchange rate is higher than 1.40 USD=1 Euro on March 1, 2010 your tour price will not increase, it will remain at $2749 per person.
In order to qualify for the extra-special offer, you must download an application, fill it out, and return it with a $150 per person tour deposit. All applications must be receive by mail or fax on or before July 15, 2009.
Full details about the tour can be found at the blog site (search on “Thirsty”) or at http:/tours.davidmcguffin.com
The tour application is available right now at: http://tours.davidmcguffin.com/EETours/2010/Thirsty2010/EE%20Tour%20Application%202010%20EETHIRSTY.pdf
Please write “EURO=USD MATCH” at the top of your application.
Ciao from Riomaggiore!
-David
by David McGuffin | Jun 8, 2009 | Destinations, Experiencing Europe
I think I’ve posted about this subject before, but it bears repeating. Every time I arrive in Venice I can’t help but look at the crowds of tourists and feel a bit sorry for them. Most people float into Venice for a day or two, visit San Marco, the Doges Palace, the Rialto and shop along the streets that connect the major sights. This is compulsory for the first-time visitor and should not be missed. But, if you’ve got two or more days in Venice I recommend getting off the tourist path and taking a look at the local side of Venice.
Three islands in the Venice lagoon are a delightful retreat from the hustle and bustle of Venice. Murano, famous for glass, Burano, famous for lace, and the Venice Lido, famous for its beach are worth a little time. In the past I’ve preached “staying in Venice near San Marco” to get the ultimate experience of the town. but in recent years I’ve changed my mind. Those I travel with and I have come to enjoy the “retreat” that the Lido offers… small neighborhoods, families with kids, comfy little hotels and a hometown feel. Yes, there are tourist here on the Lido, but most are here for the beach and confine their activities to fun in the sun.
We are due to visit Burano and Murano tomorrow. I’ll give an update on those activities later. Right now I’ve got to eat breakfast and head over to Piazza San Marco. It’s just 10 minutes away by vaporetto, but seem like another world compared to the peace and quiet of my “home away from home” B&B on the Lido.
by David McGuffin | Jun 5, 2009 | Essential Travel Resources
When flying I carry-on my bags so they will be with me always and won’t get lost. Today, I was foiled!
When fly on a small regional jet you can carry-on your bags… at least as far as the tarmack. then (with Delta) you get a plane-side check luggage tag attached to your luggage. the crew stows the bags in the cargo bay, and at your destination, you clain your bags on the tarmack.
Today my pink tarmack claim tag disappeared between Jacksonville and Cincinatti. On the tarmack a Delta baggage boss informed me that since the claim slip was missing from my bag (even though I had MY portion of the claim ticket) that I would have to exit security, claim my bag on the carousel and re-enter security. That’s about an hour of my time!
No choice! Even though my bag was sitting five feet away, I had to go through the proceedure. there was one bright spot. The baggage boss personally carried my bag to baggage claim in the terminal and met me. Yeah Delta…sort of.
-David
by David McGuffin | Jun 5, 2009 | Destinations, Thirsty Traveler
I’ve put the final itinerary together for my “Thirsty Traveler’s Tour” and am quite excited about the final outcome. In fact, I’m ready go right now!
June 16: Prague — Enjoy a guided walking tour of Prague’s city center and castle complex. Your guide will be a young, professional who lived through the Soviet days. You will hear first-hand accounts of life in Prague under Soviet rule, the former Czechoslovakia, and the struggles of making a living in a new democratic state. After lunch, enjoy a free afternoon to exploring more on your own.
June 17: Prague — The Czech Republic joined the European Union only as recently as 2007, although it has been free from the grasps of communism since 1989. This is as close as you’ll get now-a-days to experiencing socialism and the somber lifestyle of the former Soviet Union. Today is devoted to experiencing Prague, home of filling food and the world’s best pilsners. Later, hop on a flight to Pisa, Italy.
June 18: Volterra and San Gimignano — Join local resident Annie Adare who will take you on an informative walking tour of Volterra’s historic town center. The remainder of the morning is event-free. Following lunch, and maybe a siesta, we will travel a short distance to San Gimignano, a Tuscany hilltown noted for tourism, its many medieval towers, fine food and great wine. Later, we will return to Volterra and enjoy an Italian dinner at my favorite pizzaria.
After dinner, enjoy strolling the main streets with the locals on their daily passeggiata, considered a time to get out in the cool of the evening, get some exercise, and catch up on the local news.
You could go to bed, but why? Tonight we’ll enjoy an evening at my favorite wine bar, La Vena di Vino (the vein of wine). Join my friends Bruno and Lucio for a great night of fun interaction with the local crowd!
June 19: Florence –– Today is devoted entirely to Florence, the most famous Renaissance city in Europe. We will begin by traveling, by bus, to Florence (about 1.5 hours). Upon arrive in the city center, we will jump right in and visit the most famous site.
Today’s highlights include a visit to the Galleria Accademia, home of Michelangelo’s David. Additionally, you will visit the Duomo (famous for Brunelleschi’s dome) and experience a walking tour of the historic city center. There will be plenty of opportunities to get out on your own for shopping, another museum, or simply to relax. Later, return to Volterra for the evening.
June 20: Volterra — Enjoy a relaxing day in Volterra. We have no specific plans for today. Enjoy sleeping in, visiting a museum, getting in some shopping and actually enjoy the ambiance of the town.
Later we’ll gather at my favorite restaurant in all of Italy, Ristorante Del Duca. Here, husband and wife chefs, Genuino and Ivana, serve up the best food in Italy. You will enjoy fine “Tuscan-style” food and wine served in a unpretentious, yet formal setting. There is no better dining experience in Italy…period!
June 21: The Cinque Terre — The rugged coastline of Liguria is loaded with small fishing villages, terraced vineyards, olive groves, and breath-taking vistas. Although the area has become quite a tourist destination in recent years you’ll find the local folks still attached to their age-old customs and traditions.
Today, we are throwing our sightseeing itinerary to the wind, kicking back our heels, and enjoying our vacation in Italy’s Cinque Terre region. After an orientation, you will have the remainder of the day and evening to relax and enjoy our home village of Riomaggiore.
The Cinque Terre is well known for its fresh and crisp white wine. Even if you normally do not like wine, try it here. Equally as famous are the two “dessert” drinks. Lemoncello, a syrupy and tangy digestivo, an d Sciacchetrà, a sweet desert wine made from dried grapes.
June 22: The Cinque Terre — Traveling to and from the “five villages” in the region is easy by train, or boat, or trail. The National Park is full of scenic trails, which provide endless opportunities to get out and explore the outdoors. Others may wish to stake their claim on one of the many beaches a catch some sun. Each village has its own character, decor, and ambiance as well as plenty of shopping and dining options. After a full day of independent activities, we will meet in the town of Vernazza. Here, enjoy experience dinner at my favorite restaurant in the region, Il Castillo, which affords amazing vistas of the surrounding mountains, the sea, and the sunset. Enjoy a freshly prepared dinner of local seafood and pasta accompanied by the local Cinque Terre vino.
June 23: Fly to Dublin — We will leave Italy today and fly back to Ireland. Tonight you will have an opportunity to reflect and celebrate the Thirsty Traveler’s tour experience. Enjoy one last pint!
June 24: Your tour ends today. Fly out of Dublin to your hometown in the USA.
