pure1942's VirtualTourist Home Page
| Page Views: 2,362 | Me and My Travels by pure1942 - last update: Nov 8, 2009  |
| Tobago - T&T (August 2008) |
Hi everyone,
Just a brief overview of me and my travels so far.I am a primary school teacher by profession but I am currently on a year's break from work during which I am traveling through Asia, Oceania and South America. In Ireland I now live in Dungarvan, Co. Waterford in the Rep. of Ireland although I am originally from Cashel, Co. Tipperary.
I am lucky to have inherited a severe travel bug from my parents and was always encouraged and given the opportunity to travel from a young age. As a child I visited numerous European countries such as France (which I have returned to many times), Germany, Luxembourg and all across the UK.
As I grew older I started travelling with friends as well as family. My first trip outside my family group was a school exchange to Belgium in 2000 from which my own desire to travel quickly grew.
Since then I have lived in Scotland (and returned 4 times) for a few months and have visited England (5 times), Wales, France (7 times), Germany (3 times), Netherlands, Spain (twice), Portugal, Norway, Austria (twice), Czech Republic, Italy, USA, Tunisia, Turkey, Bulgaria, Slovakia, Hungary, Sweden (twice), Brazil (3 times), Slovenia, Croatia (twice), Serbia, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Estonia, Finland, Trinidad & Tobago, Lithuania, Iceland, Monaco, Denmark, Latvia, Poland, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Montenegro, Albania, Malta, Hong Kong, Macau, China, Vietnam & Cambodia. |
| Kotor Fjord - Montenegro (April 2009) |
|  | Travels 2009 January 2009 - Denmark - Copenhagen
January 2009 - Sweden - Malmo
February 2009 - Latvia - Riga
March 2009 - Poland - Krakow and Auschwitz
April 2009 - Croatia - Dubrovnik
April 2009 - Bosnia & Herzegovina - Mostar & Sarajevo
April 2009 - Montenegro - Kotor, Ulcinj, Stari Bar, Budva, Cetinje & Herceg Novi
April 2009 - Albania - Shkoder
May 2009 - Malta - Valletta, Malta, Gozo & Comino
May 2009 - Ireland - Belfast, Derry, Armagh & Antrim Coast
May 2009 - Ireland - The Aran Islands (Inis Óirr - Inisheer & Inis Mór - Inishmore) and The Cliffs of Moher.
June 2009 - Ireland - Glendalough
July/August 2009 - Brazil (Piaui & Ceara)
August 2009 - Hong Kong
September 2009 - Macau
September 2009 - China - Guilin, Yanshuo, Xingping, Kunming, Dali, Lijiang and Tiger Leaping Gorge.
September/October 2009 - Vietnam - Sapa, Bac Ha, Hanoi, Halong Bay, Hue, Hoi An, Mui Ne, Saigon (HCMC) and the Mekong Delta.
October/November 2009 - Cambodia - Phnom Penh, Sihanoukville, Koh Russei (Bamboo Island), Kampot, Kep, Koh Tonsay (Rabbit Island), Siem Reap & The Angkor Temples.
August 2009 - August 2010 - THE BIG ONE Finally taking the plunge and five year's of dreaming is finally a reality. Starting in August I'm taking a year out from work to travel. From August this year I'll be starting out in Hong Kong and on to Macau, China, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, Burma (Myanmar), Laos, Malaysia and Singapore. Carrying on into 2010 I'll be going on to Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Cook Islands, Easter Island, Chile, Peru, Bolivia, Argentina, Uruguay and finishing in Brazil. Packed agenda but we'll make it work!!!
Travels 2008
January 2008 - Sweden - Stockholm
February 2008 - Spain - Barcelona, Girona and Montserrat
March 2008 - Slovenia - Ljubljana, Bled, Piran & Maribor
March 2008 - Croatia - Zagreb
March 2008 - Serbia - Belgrade
March 2008 - Austria - Vienna & Graz
April 2008 - Ireland - Belfast & North Antrim Coast
May 2008 - Switzerland - Basel, Stans, Lucerne, Zurich & Schaffhausen
May 2008- Liechtenstein - Vaduz |
| Gulfoss - Iceland (November 2008) |
| | |
| Belgrade, Serbia (March 2008) |
| | Travels 2004/2003/2002/2001/2000 Travels 2005
January 2005 - Czech Republic - Prague
February 2005 - Scotland - Edinburgh
June 2005 - Scotland - Edinburgh
July/August 2005 - Ireland - Cork
October 2005 - The Netherlands - Amsterdam
June to September 2004 - Scotland - Edinburgh
April 2002 - France - Brittany
April 2001 - France - Loire Valley & Paris
April 2000 - France - Normandy
August 2000 - Tunisia - Tunis & Hammamet
February 2000 - Belgium & France - Brussels, Liege, Paris & Florennes
My Latest Trips
Brazil
During the months of July and August I returned for the 3rd time to the state of Piaui and more specifically the city of Parnaiba, where I was again involved in the SERVE Brazil house building project. Spent 6 enjoyable weeks working woth the amazing communities in and around the city of Parnaiba in building 25 family homes for impoverished families in the area. Once again had an amazing experience made all the more special by the reaquaintance between myself and the many friends I have made there over the past 3 years.
Malta
In May I spent an enjoyable long weekend in Malta. Malta gets mixed reviews from travellers, some who love it, others who didn't warm to the islands at all. I had a great stay in Malta but unlike most of my travels to date, I don't have the same underlying desire to return anytime soon. It's not that there wasn't much to see, do or experience, it's just that much of what the island's have to offer can be seen in a relatively short period of time. The island of Gozo is maybe the exception to this, in that having only spent one day here, I felt that there was more to see and do on this, more relaxed, scenic and peaceful part of the Maltese archipelago. We based ourselves in Valletta and although very quiet at night, feel that we chose wisely in that a lot of visitors to Malta stay in the resorts around St. Julian's, Bugibba or Mellieha which after seeing, didn't appeal to us at all. If you want a beach holiday, this resorts are better options, but if you want to explore the islands history and landscape, then Valletta is probably your best bet as it has the best transport connections. Either that or stay on Gozo where the lifestyle is much more laid back but still offers great landscape, coastal scenery, food, history and beaches. |
| Pocitelj - Bosnia & Herzegovina (April 2009) |
| | Croatia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Montenegro & Albania
Just back from my second trip to the Balkan region. This year I headed down the western side of the peninsula starting from Dubrovnik and heading up to Bosnia & Herzegovina before heading back down towards Montenegro and on into Albania. Another memorable trip which has given me a greater unstanding of the regions complex history as well as showing me more of the outstanding but vastly contrasting beauty of these countries. Highlights were Mostar, Sarajevo, Kravice and Pocitelj in Bosnia & Herzegovina, Dubrovnik Old Town in Croatia, Kotor Fjord in Montenegro and Rozafa Fortress and Shkoder in Albania. Trip was enhanced even further by the many wonderful people we met along the way.
Poland
The city of Krakow has long been on my hitlist and the city itself didn't dissapoint with its huge and beautiful Market Square, mighty Wawel Castle and interesting Kazimierz Jewish District as well as the nearby UNESCO site of Wieliczka Salt Mine. However, an even longer wish of mine was to one day visit Oswiecim & Brzezinka, more commonly and infamously known as Auschwitz and Birkenau. I have always had an interest in WWII and specifically the holocaust and had quite a bit of knowledge on the subject before ever visiting, but nothing could prepare me for the shock and emotion I felt when actually walking through the Auschwitz and Birkenau labour camps. I have never experienced such a range of emotions in a single day, sadness, fear, anger, guilt, sorrow, sickness, shock, horror, remorse, leading to an eventual hope and determination that such a thing should never be allowed happen again and then the depressing realisation that it still is. Everyone should make a visit here a mandatory trip in one's lifetime.
Latvia
Just back from a four day trip over to Latvia. Had an enjoyable four days in the capital Riga. Much more hectic than the last of my Baltic visits to Vilnius, which is much more relaxed than Riga. Beautiful Old Town with a bit more of a classical twist than the Baroque architecture of Vilnius and medieval atmosphere of Tallinn. Actually the one thing I've really learned from my three 'Baltic' visits is that the three countries really are nothing alike. In fact I'm going to stop referring to the three as 'Baltic' and will now only refer to them as Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia as they really are so individual in culture, architecture, language and music that to lump them together leads to presumptions of what to expect from each!!!
Denmark & Sweden
In January I spent a long weekend in Copenhagen, coupled with the enevitable trip across the Oresund to Malmo in Sweden. Despite the cold weather, I had a great trip to the Danish capital, which was just winding down from the holiday season. Took in most of the capitals highlights including the Amalienborg Palace complex, Rosenborg Castle, Kastelle Fortress, Christianborg complex and Slotsholmen island, The Little Mermaid, Tivoli and the Medieval quarter around Stroget and Radhusplads.
France, Monaco and the French Riviera
In December I took a short trip over to Nice and the Cote d'Azur to explore a little of what the French Riviera has to offer. It was my first trip to the south of France and my first visit to France in 7 years and it was nice to reaquaint myself with the country in which I spent many of my childhood summers.
While I was only there for three days I managed to see quite a bit including Nice, with it's beautiful Old Town, spectacular promenade, Chateau Hill and the Port area. Also made the short trips to the seaside town of Antibes and the medieval village of Eze as well a visit to the world's second smallest country, Monaco, in all it's wealthy splendour.
It was hard to believe that it was the middle of December, with warm clear weather which made the trip even better. Strage to walk through winter Christmas markets in Nice and Monaco with the sun shining down on top of you!!! |
| Tallinn - Estonia (June 2008) |
| | Iceland
Iceland is a truely amazing and unique country. Its geography, history, culture and scenery makes it one of the most impressive countries I have visited. From the interesting capital Reykjavik, to the milky blue mineral enriched waters of the blue lagoon and on towards the world famous Golden Circle route, which takes in Geysir, Ţingvellir National Park and Gullfoss, Iceland is beautifully rugged and wild. Its volcanic nature and location between the two continental plates of North America and Eurasia give the country a landscape and geography unlike any other in the world and this it what makes the country refreshingly different and inticing. Loved every minute of my short trip to Iceland and come away with the determoination to return to further explore the many more interestings sights and areas of this special place. Rarely have a felt such a feeling that I have seen so much but missed out on so much more. I could have stayed a year and not seen it all!!!
Lithuania
In october I headed over to vist my second of the Baltic countries, Lithuania. Based myself in Vilnius for four nights and explored the wonderfully elaoarte Old Town which is the largest in Europe. Plenty to see and do here especially if your a fan of Baroque architecture.
Lithuania has a rich and varied history and its unique culture and powerful past is one of the most interesting of all European countries.
Also took a daytrip to Lithuania's second city Kaunas and the impressive Trakai National Park with its famous red island castle. Kaunas has an interesting Old Town but does not really compare to Vilnius in size or quality but was still an enjoyable day trip (despite the awful weather!!!)
Tobago
After the tough but enjoyable six weeks in Brazil on the building project I returned to Ireland in mid August only to catch another flight the next day to Tobago for a holiday with my girlfriend who unfortunately couldn't come to Brazil again this year due to work commitments. Had 12 glorious days in Tobago to catch up on the summers events.
Tobago is such a strange and unique island. One minute you could be in the South American Rainforests and the next your balmed out on the most pristine Caribbean beaches you could ever imagine. An unforgettable 12 days exploring the beaches, waterfalls, rainforests and vibrant culture on the Caribbean island of Tobago. So much to do and see all packed into such a small island...amazing.
Brazil
Returned this summer to the north-east of Brazil where I spent 2 months in 2007 on a community house building project. Returned to the same village this year with a new group of volunteers to assist the local community in building another 30 houses for impoverished people in the area. Another memorable 6 weeks interacting and working with the amazing people near Parnaiba in the state of Piaui. Great to meet up with the great friends I made in the small village of Morros last year and to see the progress that is being made in this poor but vibrant community. |
| Copenhagen - Denmark (January 2009) |
| | Estonia and Finland
Just back from a long weekend in Estonia and Finland. Stayed three nights in the interesting medieval city of Tallinn and took the ferry across to Helsinki for one night. The Old Town of Tallinn is a real gem which has only recently been discovered as a great visitor hotspot. Unfortunatley it has also been discovered as a favourite destination for stag and hen parties but this should not deter people from visiting. The city has plenty to see and do and I found it quite dificult to see all I wanted to see in the four days. Helsinki was worth the short ferry ride across the gulf but wouldn't rate as highly as Tallinn for me. THe Finnish capital does have plenty to see and do with the Suomenlinna Fortress my big highlight as well as the beautiful Seurasaari Park. Great trip, enhanced even further by the great summer weather we enjoyed during our visit.
Switzerland and Liechtenstein
Took a trip to Switzerland in May. Switzerland is as stunningly beautiful as I expected and I really enjoyed my short but busy trip. I flew into Basel but headed straight for the beautiful town of Lucerne, leaving Basel for the last day. Lucerne is such a unique and interesting place. Wth its' medieval Old Town, tranquil lake and breathtaking Alpine Mountain backdrop it is understandably one of the country's top destinations. Stans and the journey up the Stanserhorn Mountain is nearby and was a great daytrip.
Headed east to Liechtenstein and its' interesting but quiet capital of Vaduz. There is plenty to keep any visitor happy for one night but I had seen all there was to see in my short stay in the country including Vaduz Castle, Vaduz Cathedral and the Red House. Interesting little country and glad I went although won't be returning any time soon!
Had a quick look aroundZurich for a few hours on my way to Shaffhausen. Not the highlight of Switzerland for me but has got some sights well worth checking out. Moved on to Schaffhausen in the afternoon in what turned out to be one of the highlights of the whole trip. The nearby Rhine Falls in Neuhausen and the town of Shaffhausen are great places to visit. The town itself has a very Germainc feel and has escaped the swarms of tourists invading the more well known Swiss towns and cities. The Old Town is extensive with impressive medieval architecture and castle. The town is also famous for its' elaborate oriel windows. Moved on to Basel in the evening and had just enough time to have a quick look around the city whose highlights include its' wonderful old town, Munster Cathedral and Tinguelly fountain. Had an enjoyable trip to this beautiful country.
Slovenia/Croatia/Serbia/Austria
In March I went on a short backbacking trip around Slovenia, Croatia, Serbia and Austria. This was one of my most memeorable trips to date. Had stays in Ljubljana, Piran, Bled, Maribor, Zagreb, Belgrade, Graz and Vienna.
The most memorable highlights for me were Belgrade, Bled and Ljubljana. Had originally cancelled my plans to go to Belgrade but changed my mind again and so glad I did. One of the best cities I have ever visited. |
| Bled, Slovenia (March 2008) |
| | My Top 5s Top 5 Countries:
1) Brazil
2) Iceland
3) Slovenia
4) Bosnia & Herzegovina
5) Switzerland
Top 5 Cities
1) Belgrade (Serbia)
2) Mostar (Bosnia & Herzegovina)
3) Tallinn (Estonia)
4) Edinburgh (Scotland)
5) Hong Kong
Top 5 Beaches
1) Jericoacoara (Brazil)
2) Pirate's Bay (Tobago)
3) Omaha (France)
4) Castaway Island (Vietnam)
5) Beal Ban (Ireland)
Top 5 Memorable Sights
1) Sunset in Jericoacoara, Brazil
2) Tiger Leaping Gorge, China
3) Auschwitz and Birkenau Concentration Camp, Poland
4) Geysers erupting in Iceland
5) Halong Bay, Vietnam
Top 5 Trips
1) July & August 2007, 2008 and 2009 - Brazil - House Building Project in Parnaiba, Piaui, North-East Brazil
2) March 2008 - Balkans Backpack #1 - Ljubljana (Slovenia) - Zagreb (Croatia) - Belgrade (Serbia) - Bled (Slovenia) - Piran (Slovenia) - Maribor (Slovenia) - Graz (Austria) - Vienna (Austria)
3) April 2009 - Balkans Backpack #2 - Mostar (Bosnia&Herzegovina) - Sarajevo (Bosnia & Hezegovina) - Dubrovnik (Croatia) - Kotor (Montenegro) - Ulcinj (Montenegro) - Shkoder (Albania) - Budva (Montenegro) - Herceg Novi (Montenegro)
4) November 2008 - Iceland - Winter trip to see the geysers, and other magnificent delights of Iceland.
5) June 2008 - Estonia & Finland - Tallinn's Medieval Charm and Helsinki's maritime fortress
Top 5 'Want to Go There Countries'
1) New Zealand
2) Mozambique
3) Japan
4) Russia
5) Honduras
Top 5 'Want to Go There Cities'
1) Kyoto - Japan
2) Rio de Janeiro - Brazil
3) St. Petersburg - Russia
4) Cape Town - South Africa
5) Vancouver - Canada
Top 5 'Want to See Sights'
1) Tierra del Fuego - Chile/Argentina
2) Angkor Wat - Cambodia
3) Iguacu Falls - Brazil
4) Machu Picchu - Peru
5) Maoi Statues - Easter Island |
 Comments for pure1942 | | | | |
mircaskirca Sat Sep 12, 2009 20:47 UTC
Olá Brian! You must be back from Brazil now. Did you manage to get to Săo Luis then? I'm so curious to hear about your trip :) Oh, how much I miss this country!! | hopang Sat Sep 5, 2009 16:47 UTC
Hi Brian, We are glad that you have added us to your friends list. Have a nice day! ~ho & pang | Nicckie Wed Aug 19, 2009 17:32 UTC
Enjoy the year (off work) to travel!! If you make it to LA by any chance, let me know! | toddecus Wed Aug 19, 2009 17:30 UTC
Love your profile picture. Thanks for sharing. BTW HIGHLY recommend New Zealand. -T |
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