Fat Belly Traveler

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Outdoor Wonders. Indoor Warmth.

Ireland is the third largest island in Europe. It lies to the northwest of Continental Europe with the island of Britain lying to the east. Politically it is divided into the Republic of Ireland, a sovereign state occupying five-sixths of the island, and Northern Ireland, a part of the United Kingdom, occupying the northeastern sixth of the island. The population of the island is slightly under six million people.


Due to Irelands mild year-round climate and diverse landscape, Ireland offers many choices for outdoor adventure. From fishing in the grand rivers of Shannon and Erne, to surfing and water sports in Cork and Kerry, to sea kayaking, canoeing, walking, hiking, rock climbing, and horse back riding, Ireland is a paradise to the outdoor enthusiast.

And after a day in the Great outdoors, what could be more satisfying than a warm cozy pub or restaurant. The Irish have a very special way of welcoming guests as if they were family and making you feel right at home.

Some other less strenuous activities to consider when traveling to Ireland might be a walking tour, a gardening tour, a culinary tour and of course a pub tour.

From the oceans and mountains, to rivers and lakes, Ireland offers a breathtaking view from just about anywhere. And just around the corner from "anywhere" is a "pint" with your name on it.

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The dance of the monks.
In the valley to the west of the drainage of Mt. Everest sits the Chiwong Monastery. This is the site of the annual Mani Rimdu Festival. The Buddhist monks dress in costumes and dance ritual dances invoking Guru Rimpoche and the times he brought the teaching of Buddha to Tibet in the 7th century. Guru Rimpoche goes by a number of name, Padmasanbaba, Dorje Trollo and others.
Shot on location in the Solu Khumbu District of Nepal, the annual "long life" festival takes three days to complete. The festival atmosphere adds to the dances, the blessings culminating in the final fire purification built over a sand mandala.

The Sherpas in the area take a break from farming and see something akin to a "passion play" from Europe. The dances convey concepts without writing for much of the population cannot read. Not to mention the fact that their is little entertainment high in the Himalaya.

Special thanks to the Venerable Tushlig Rimpoche and the monks and nuns of both Chiwong and Tupten Choling Gompas.

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Ireland. It's so much more than Pubs and Leprechauns. On the run-up to St. Patrick's day in March, we are featuring a series of four segments on Ireland.

When I think of Ireland I think of Guinness, of warm cozy pubs with cheery faced patrons singing heartfelt robust songs. I think of people laughing, hugging, swaying and telling stories.

I think of little Leprechauns too and the magic that they bring. I wonder how many Guinness one has to drink before a leprechaun can be seen? I think of all the 4 leaf clovers that are hidden in the grass. I think of the hours I've spend searching in hopes of being a lucky lass.

But Ireland is so much more than this as this video clearly tells, from Castles to Golf links to first class cuisine, this is a place to be. The coastal views are breathtaking while the sports and music are sure to please. Ireland is an adventure in the making that you will never forget.

Whether it's city or country that you are seeking, Ireland has got it all.

Pam

Special thanks to discoverireland.com for the great footage and music.

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It was historic to say the least to see the Queen Mary 2 pass under the Golden Gate Bridge. One mammoth invention of the Industrial era commingling with another. I couldn't help but wonder if the soul in each even marveled at each other.

The Queen Mary 2 is known as the grandest, most magnificent ocean liner ever built. She is in all her Glory: 1132' long and 113' longer than the original Queen Mary; 147' longer than the Eiffel Tower is tall; equals the length of 41 double decker london buses end to end; her Whistle can be heard for up to ten miles; she carries a guest capacity of 3056 passengers with a crew of 1253; and she cost a whopping $800 million to build.

The Queen Mary 2 was visiting the Golden Gate as part of her Maiden World Cruise which set sail from Fort Lauderdale. The 81 day cruise stops at the worlds most dazzling destinations including Paris, Hong Kong, Sydney, Cairo and San Francisco, and storied lands like the South Pacific, Cape Horn, Southeast Asia and India.

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Hanoi is alive and well.

Ride with us through the streets of Hanoi on a pedicab and get a taste of the sights and sounds that make this such a charming city. From the bustle of crowded streets, shop keepers peddling their wares, traditional Vietnamese music, and even a water puppet show, you will get a feel of the deep tradition and light-heartedness that makes this culture tick.

Hanoi is the capital of Vietnam and is located on the right bank of the Red River. The word "Ha" means river, and the word "Noi" means within, hence Hanoi actually means "river within" the city.

Modern day Hanoi has belonged to many countries and has fought long and hard for their independence. Hanoi was occupied by France in 1873 and in 1887 it became the Capital of French Indochina. Hanoi was occupied by Japan in WWII between 1940-1945. Between 1946 & 1947 the Vietnamese fought for their independence from France and managed to claim North Vietnam (Hanoi) but Saigon remained French Territory. The Vietnam War and United States involvement in it, began questionably somewhere between 1954 & 1959 and lasted until the troops withdrew in 1972. The Vietnam war was officially over on April 30th 1975 and finally, on July 2nd, 1976 both North and South Vietnam were reunited and Hanoi became the capital of all of Vietnam.

There are still many reminders and remains of this war torn region but, the spirit of the people are welcoming, jovial and gracious.

Labels: Hanoi, travel, Viet Nam, Vietnam