Thirty hours is a long time to be awake. Had a couple few 10-15 minutes naps in there but not a good long stretch of sleep. Bus transport in Ireland is very laid back. No one is in a hurry. Not a bad thing but one that has me grinding gears in an attempt to slow down.
Once I got to Donegal I had about a 2 hours wait for the next bus, so I took a stroll around (after having a bite at "Freda's famous homemade craft bakes')
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Found this place when I stepped off the bus in Donegal |
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Had a cup of tea and a scone. |
Times for busses are approximations apparently, and I found several different times listed depending where you looked. I had a ball park figure. I once again found myself in a conversation with others about the busses as I waited. Meet two lovely sisters on their way to Letterkenny (what is with this place!) I need to find out what the draw is.... They were both from Ireland and Ann, was telling me about their travels and her knee replacement, her sister Blanche lives in Germany and was visiting.
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In the center of Donegal Town |
The Irish as a whole thus far have been very friendly and open. They heard my plans and were both encouraging and motherly in their concern for my safety going it alone. As I waved goodbye when their bus pulled away I had to smile. This is already so much more than I anticipated and I've just started. It's amazing what can happen and the experiences you can have when you have an open heart and open mind.
Once my bus arrived for Adara, which I still am not 100% sure how to pronounce as I've had at least four different ways given, I got on and there were about half dozen older (60+) gentleman that got on, as well as other tourists. I could tell these men were locals and were speaking in Irish. From what I have gathered there is a larger percentage of Irish speaking areas or Gaeltact on the west coast especially in the area I am now, County Donegal. It was interesting listening to them as they spoke and mixed English and Irish. They got door to door drop off from the driver and I had to put the breaks on my crankiness after we passed the sign for Adara and traveled further west then backtracked. I kept dozing but did not to miss my stop. When we stopped in front of the
Nesbitt Arms I was never so happy to see a place! I got checked in, although I don't remember doing it, went upstairs to my room and took a 2 hour nap.
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Very happy to have arrived |
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My lodging for a bit |
Once awake-ish, I went down to the pub in the Hotel and had some dinner (and a Guinness!)
Took a walk about town and then crashed for much needed solid 8.
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Ahhhhh |
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Soup and salad never tasted so good! |
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Walk around town |
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The Irish take their music very seriously |
Fun! Traveling on your own allows you to really take in your surroundings and people. Soak it in siesta. And, yes, apparently the Universe wants you to go to Letterkenny-is there any way you can work that one in?
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