Those Lazy-Hazy-Crazy Days of Summer

Spoiler alert: The weather in the UK this time of year is cold, windy, rainy, snowy, and occasionally sunny. Who'da thunk, right? In spite of knowing the weather fate we were going to be encountering on this leg of our journey, it was one of the legs I had been anxiously anticipating all year. I was finally going to see my family. Not the family who I hadn't seen in 5 months, but the family I haven't seen in over 2 years. My travel family.
The best part about traveling is the people you meet and the resulting lifelong relationships. No question about it. The bond you form with people when you're both in foreign lands, thousands of miles away from home, is forever. Facebook is a good way to keep in touch with those people, but getting the chance to spend meaningful time with them in person, is priceless. Especially when that time spent happens during the holiday season of the first Christmas I've ever spent away from home. Getting to reconnect with Beth, Ben, Lauren, and Lucy, with whom I spent 4 months traveling through Africa, was everything I imagined. Sara and I were warmly welcomed into all of their homes. They were so generous with their time and money. We can only hope to be able to return the favor some day.

In spite of this being the first Christmas I didn't spend at home in Maryland, I was looking forward to experiencing the holiday traditions of a different country. Since we landed in Ireland on November 21, we've been making it a point to visit as many Christmas markets as possible. As is tradition throughout much of Europe, for about 1 month during the Christmas season, big cities and small towns alike, set up temporary villages filled with vendors selling everything imaginable. Every market has its mulled wine, local, traditional, and exotic foods, as well as gifts for purchase. There are thousands of Christmas lights and dozens of rides. Some markets are obviously more of destination sightseeing than others, but it was nice to witness that Christmas spirit in so many different cities throughout Ireland and the UK.

Not surprisingly, Christmas wasn't all that different to how my family celebrates at home. Mince pies, trifle, Christmas cracker toys, and a trip to the local pub were some of the differences. However, the overall experience of opening presents with family, sharing laughs, eating way too much food, and playing board games, was quite similar. Come New Year's, it was a bit strange not sitting in the comfort of a home watching Dick Clark's Rockin' New Year's Eve, and instead watching a hootenanny featuring stars of the 60's-present, but the fireworks display in London was far more spectacular than anything New York has ever done, given the skyline where the display took place. Aside from my annual year-end illness, it was a great way to ring in the New Year.

We only have 3 days left in the UK before summer arrives, or more accurately, we arrive to summer. Enough of this winter weather. Time to sweat uncontrollably in Australia. As will be the case for the remainder of our travels, our time in Australia will be spent with more travel family. We made the impromptu decision to head to Australia so that we could visit friends made during my first solo travel in 2007 as well as friends made earlier this year. We've grown tired of traveling on our own, so the thought of spending the remainder of our travels with people whom we're already comfortable is exactly what we need at this point in our journey. Solidifying and reaffirming lasting friendships will be a great way to spend 2015 leading to our return home in March. Hope everyone had a wonderful holiday season and a great start to the New Year. Here are some images from Scotland, Ireland, and Northern Ireland. Enjoy.

Hiking in the Scottish Highlands, near Inverness, was a treat. It was a hassle driving to the highlands, as snow had closed the main road of travel, but it wasn't anything around which we couldn't navigate with our handy dandy paper map. Our hike into Plodda Falls was one of the most enjoyable photographic experiences I've ever had. The virgin snow which covered the Douglas Fir trees was idyllic. Here are more pictures from that hike.

Plodda Falls

Loch Lomond

Glenfinnin Viaduct, made famous by Harry Potter.

Christmas market in Edinburgh. By far, the best we visited.

We visited the Camera Obscura museum while in Edinburgh. One of the most enjoyable museum experiences I've ever had. Filled with loads of magical optical illusions, a mirror maze, infinity lights seen here, the vortex tunnel pictured below, and an actual camera obscura which allowed you to view real-time Edinburgh on a large white disk in a dark room, it was a great way to spend a few hours.

The previous picture was taken while moving my camera during a delayed exposure. This picture is of the vortex tunnel as the camera is held still while the lights around the bridge circle above.

Edinburgh Castle

Looking down into the courtyard from our cozy Edinburgh apartment during one of the many snow showers we encountered while in Edinburgh.

Christmas market by day.

The Swilcan Bridge at most famous golf course in the world, St. Andrews. All of the greats in the game have stood atop this bridge on the walk up to the 18th green to receive the Claret Jug. I too stood atop this bridge but with far less fanfare than that which the golfing greats experience.

Urquhart Castle on Loch Ness. Unfortunately, no Nessie sighting.

Glenfinnin Viaduct again.

Ballycotton cliff walk in County Cork, Ireland.

Loved the variety of these Guinness billboards.

Kinsale

Torc Waterfall in Killarney National Park. A very photogenic waterfall.

Gap of Dunloe

Sheep enjoying the view along with me.

Inch Beach on the drive around the Dingle Peninsula.

I'd like to say that I set up a tripod, put my camera on timer, and then went and did an amazing handstand. So I will, even though it's not the truth.

One of the many stunning views during a drive on the Dingle Peninsula.

Typical cemetery

Loop Head Peninsula is an area on the west coast of Ireland between Killarney and Galway. It has stunning views and you can hike along the cliff's edge for quite a distance. A suitable alternative to the Cliffs of Moher, but could also be a lengthy day trip from either Killarney or Galway, if you only want 1 home base during a trip to Ireland.

Loop Head Lighthouse

Views of the coast on the Loop Head peninsula, 4 miles west of the town of Kilbaha.

O'Brien's Tower at The Cliffs of Moher

Cliffs of Moher sunset

Typical church. Roof most likely was made from wood or thatch and was easily destroyed by the elements/fire.

The island of Inishmor, one of the Aran Islands off the coast of Galway, Ireland.

Murals, such as this, are scattered throughout the city of Derry, Northern Ireland and demonstrate images which reflect the city's long history of political turmoil.

The old city wall in Derry has an extensive collection of cannons which were used to defend those walls many centuries ago.

The sights in Ireland and the UK really did allow us to have our heads in the clouds.

Giant's Causeway. These columns of basalt were a blast to explore. The sea was angry that day and the crashing waves on the rock formations were spectacular.

One thing to be said for traveling through Ireland and Northern Ireland in the fall/winter is that when the sun did manage to peek through the clouds, it would create amazing shadows, color, and cloud shape.

A representative shot demonstrating the solitude which exists in living on the coast of Northern Ireland.

Dunluce Castle. Lots of Ireland and Northern Ireland had these imposing castles sitting on cliffs with commanding views of the ocean and those looking to invade.

Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge. A magnificent walk along the ridge terminated with a walk across this bridge and the jagged rocks below.

The Dark Hedges is a beautiful road lined with beech trees which were planted in the 18th century. It's a road made famous on the series: Game of Thrones. Much of Northern Ireland has been used as filming destinations for the series.

Royal Portrush Golf Club. British Open Championships have been held at this course as well.

River Bush in the town of Bushmills. We did whiskey tastings at Bushmills and Jameson's. I've never been much for whiskey, but these experiences were well worth the money. For my money, Bushmills was a bit tastier. And if you ever find yourself in Dublin, The Guinness Brewery experience is hands down the best brewery tour I've ever done.

There is tons to see and do in Ireland and the UK. Driving on the left side of the road isn't all that difficult, though navigating narrow village roads can be tricky. All in all though, if you're looking for a different family vacation this year, staying in bed and breakfasts and exploring the beautiful countryside in these countries could be the perfect getaway. Cheers.