dotinthesky: (Default)
Dot in the Sky ([personal profile] dotinthesky) wrote2004-12-16 11:37 am
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Prelude to the Barn Adventure

I'm catching a flight on Saturday morning, 6 A.M., for Belfast, Northern Ireland. Kevin, The Sissys and I will be staying in Ballyeamon's Camping Barn, near Cushendall (a small coastal town outside Belfast.)

You can watch a little video about the camping barn, which includes footage of Gruffy the Goat, Nancy the Dog and Liz the Storyteller (the owner of the place.)

In April of 2003, my boyfriend spent a month at the barn, taking care of it while Liz travelled to a storytelling conference in America. He came back with stories about his walks with Nancy through the nearby fields, the friendliness of Cushendall's people and the peacefulness of the sea.

I'm looking forward to getting out of London and breathing some fresh air. It's been months since I've taken a deep breath of clean air. This morning, I discovered a new route to my bus stop - a path through Paddington Green. It's a strange park with old tombs and a few bare trees. I thought I might get something clean out of it. Nearby, though, I could still see the highway and the fumes hanging over the cars. Even when I go swimming, the lingering smell over the water is of shampoo scents drifting out of the shower rooms. But I haven't swum in weeks... it's too dark in the mornings, and the afternoons are too cold.

Saturday at the airport: purchase of paperbacks, some magazines. Five days in Northern Ireland: many walks, many postcards scribbled by the deserted pier, many wishes for the holidays to stretch on and on forever. Or for the good weather to return as soon as possible.

[identity profile] ephemeritis.livejournal.com 2004-12-16 11:39 am (UTC)(link)
Oh, how I wish I could go there and meet you!

[identity profile] commonpeople.livejournal.com 2004-12-16 11:55 am (UTC)(link)
It's about 4 hours car drive from you, isn't it? Such a shame about the distance...

[identity profile] ephemeritis.livejournal.com 2004-12-16 02:54 pm (UTC)(link)
If only I had a car... graaahh!

[identity profile] commonpeople.livejournal.com 2004-12-16 03:53 pm (UTC)(link)
Oh well... I'm sure I'll be in Dublin soon. It's a place I'd like to visit.

[identity profile] adrasteah.livejournal.com 2004-12-16 12:22 pm (UTC)(link)
Sounds wonderful. I hope you have a lovely time :-)

[identity profile] commonpeople.livejournal.com 2004-12-16 12:32 pm (UTC)(link)
Thank you... and you too. ;)

[identity profile] roguejournal.livejournal.com 2004-12-16 02:59 pm (UTC)(link)
have a great time, ollie!!!

[identity profile] commonpeople.livejournal.com 2004-12-16 03:53 pm (UTC)(link)
Obrigado Meire.

best wishes

[identity profile] myendeavorca.livejournal.com 2004-12-16 04:06 pm (UTC)(link)
You deserve a vacation!

PS have you been to Harrod's this season?

Re: best wishes

[identity profile] commonpeople.livejournal.com 2004-12-16 04:11 pm (UTC)(link)
I've never been to Harrods! It's just in one of those parts of town that I never go to.... Should I go there?

Re: best wishes

[identity profile] myendeavorca.livejournal.com 2004-12-16 07:16 pm (UTC)(link)
I heard it was one of the best parts about Christmas in London...I would totally go! Do you like to shop?

Re: best wishes

[identity profile] commonpeople.livejournal.com 2004-12-17 01:50 pm (UTC)(link)
I don't like shopping much... I get bored quickly. Maybe I'll check it out if I have some time.

[identity profile] 4q.livejournal.com 2004-12-16 04:19 pm (UTC)(link)
I wish I was catching an early morning flight to, well anywhere really

[identity profile] commonpeople.livejournal.com 2004-12-16 04:26 pm (UTC)(link)
Do you like waking up at 3 in the morning to go catch a flight?

[identity profile] 4q.livejournal.com 2004-12-16 04:34 pm (UTC)(link)
YES! to go somewhere wonderful!

[identity profile] commonpeople.livejournal.com 2004-12-16 04:56 pm (UTC)(link)
Didn't you guys take car trips by starting out before sunrise?

[identity profile] meemeedarling.livejournal.com 2004-12-16 05:45 pm (UTC)(link)
That sounds like a lovely time. What fun you will have. Make sure to take lots of pictures.
I have never been to Ireland, but I hear its breathtaking.

[identity profile] commonpeople.livejournal.com 2004-12-17 01:48 pm (UTC)(link)
My camera is already set aside for the trip. ;)

[identity profile] meemeedarling.livejournal.com 2004-12-17 06:05 pm (UTC)(link)
I am glad you are prepared. :-)

[identity profile] crushedoutgirl.livejournal.com 2004-12-16 06:40 pm (UTC)(link)
have a great time! :) one of life's finest pleasures is taking a nice trip.

[identity profile] commonpeople.livejournal.com 2004-12-17 01:49 pm (UTC)(link)
Thank you.

[identity profile] dawnkitten.livejournal.com 2004-12-16 07:01 pm (UTC)(link)
I always think there's something a little wrong in that I've been to various far off foreign places - but never made it to Ireland - yet.
Looks like a lovely place - hope you have a relaxing time enjoying the fresh air :)

[identity profile] commonpeople.livejournal.com 2004-12-17 01:49 pm (UTC)(link)
Cheers babe!

[identity profile] tonight-we-fly.livejournal.com 2004-12-17 12:05 am (UTC)(link)
Walks are good. Have a fantastic time! I'm looking forward to hearing about it when you get back...

[identity profile] commonpeople.livejournal.com 2004-12-17 01:50 pm (UTC)(link)
Thanks!