Philadelphia for Christmas

An eventful day of travel, began in 1st class (we're not sure why, but didn't ask any questions) - just glad we both had showers before leaving Antigua! Landing in Philly, the pilot calmly asked us to put our heads between our legs (presumably so as to kiss our asses goodbye) - "oh, false alarm, sorry about that folks".

Len and Eva collected us from the airport, its bleeding baltic here in Philly and the Christmas carols make much more sense than they did in the heat of Belize.

Guate Guate Guate

After 2 weeks away, we're back in Guatemala to take care of some unfinished business. Apparently there are some wrecked buildings worth seeing in the north (Tikal Mayan ruins) and some decent swimming pools somewhere in the middle (Semuc Champey)and some hot stuff running down a mountain near Antigua (Volcan Pacaya). Having been in Guatemala already, it felt quite homely being back, speaking Spanish and haggling over a quetzal here and there.

Meeting Karl and Conor (Irish lads) in Tikal and Aidan and Mimi (Vancouveranians) in Semuc made this part of the trip even better craic, spending a few days with all 4 of them in Antigua rounded off the trip perfectly.

Seeing the Mayan ruins peeping through the jungle treetops made the whole trip to Flores and Tikal worthwhile. We saw Spider Monkeys swinging from their tails and heard the "ghouler monkeys" screeching in the distance. Fiona narrowly avoided receiving some Guatemalan good luck from the monkeys perched above us!

Next stop was Semuc Champey, widely regarded as the most beautiful spot in Guatemala. Seamie had tipped us off about a great hostel/log cabin resort and we had sent Al in as a fluffer. With this information in hand, expectations were high. Semuc didn't disappoint and we spend the day hiking to the Mirador, swimming in the colourful natural pools, having fish nibble at our feet and diving off anything we could find. On the second day, I went back for a cave adventure, which was a 2 hour trip through pitch black water-filled caves with candlelight to lead the way. Abseiling up a waterfall, jumping through narrow crevices and plunging from a cliff into a dark pool were all thoroughly enjoyable, while trying to keep your candle from getting wet!

Last stop Antigua, for some good dinners, Christmas shopping and a trip up Volcan Pacaya. Walking to the lava river was tricky, due to all the new rocks which have been scattered by the constant flow of lava. Apparently the lava is about 2000 degrees and it certainly feels that way when you get close. Unbelievable to see the hot stuff spilling out of a mountain and casually flowing downward.

An action packed week comes to an end and our next stop is Philadelphia for Christmas.

2nd Batch of Guatemala photos start here

"What's the rush? Yer in Belize!"

After a splash and dash in Livingston and some fortuitous boating, we made it to Placencia via Mango Creek, which would surely have been beautiful had we been able to see it. Placencia is a beautiful beach town on the Carribean coast, and the perfect place to become immersed in the laid-back Belizean vibe. English is the spoken language and chilling out on hammocks is the most taxing daily chore.

Unbelievably friendly locals and amusing signs will be my outstanding memory. For the first time, we celebrated Thanksgiving with "Turkey Dinner... All the trimmin's!".

Next stop was Caye Caulker which is an island surrounded by tropical green ocean but with a distinctly more built-up feeling than Placencia. With a busy agenda set for the return to Guatemala, we made our way to Belize City and then through to Flores. To say that Belize is so laid-back it's horizontal is probably an understatement.

For photos from Belize click here

De Boat In Belize!

After an epic journey from El Salvador we arrived in dodgy Rio Dulce to get on the boat, we were followed by a crazy westener with a pistol - ahhhh get us on board!

For the first 2 days the weather was shocking (rainy and very windy) so we were confined in our little 6ft by 3ft coffin/room/bed. The sun came out on day 3 much to our joy. We were on the boat with a lovely bunch of people from Sweden, Germany and Guatemala, they know how to have a good time!

We saw wild dolphins frolicking, a stingray, a barracuda, starfish, pufferfish, boxfish, parrotfish and other unknown beautiful colourful mad fish! This was all in the beautiful surroundings of the islands off the coast of Belize. My favourite stop was 'White Reef Island' which was actually an island of water surrounded by coral reef, it was stunning (and calm!).

For photos click here

3 become 2

Somewhat akin to that iconic Spice Girls song from the late 90's, 3 have become 2. Al has broken up with us after a passionate, and fruitful relationship which lasted over 3 months. Conventional wisdom seems to be correct on this one... after 3 months, its time to cut them loose, before they start wanting a commitment! Enjoy the travels Al Pal. See you in South America somewhere. Stay strong amigo!

Keep track of Al's travels here

El Salvador

After arriving at the border at late o'clock (it was all a bit sketchy) we managed to bribe our way onto a charter bus to San Salvador. Not the most pleasant city in the world, we left straight away the next day!

Continuing on a chicken bus bonanza we arrived in Playa El Tunco, gorgeous beach side village with amazing surf breaks and a great chill-out hostel/hotel/resort. We're doing a great job watching the surfers (despite being excellent surfers the waves are just too big for us!), reading, eating, whooping youngsters at table tennis and sleeping.

Many memories of El Sal are already sticking out for me: hours lounging in hammocks, seeing a chicken on a chicken bus, daily earthquakes! Will be tough to leave this chill-out haven, but I guess a week on a boat off the Belize reef is a decent consolation prize!

Photos of El Salvador, click here

Travelling in Style

Leaving San Pedro was a bit emotional, with 3 generations of our host family waving us off this morning. It's been great to have a home for a few weeks and really see how people live here in Guatemala.

In case you were wondering, the public transport system here is excellent (see photo). These buses are converted American schoolbuses. Apparently when the US school system is done with them, they sell the buses to Mexican companies. When the Mexicans are done with them, they sell them to the Guatemaltecas! They get re-fitted with new diesel engines (and very loud horns) and are truly the King of the Road here. Great way to travel, once you're not fussy about your personal space!

Hablamos Español

San Pedro La Laguna was the location for our much-needed Spanish course. While we could already order "dos cervezas por favor", we felt we needed just a little more. Now we can converse and banter with locals and tell chancers to "go way and rightly shag off" if we know they're ripping us off.

We spent the 10 days with a family (the Gonzalez-Ramirez's, don't y'know... from up the hill in Zone 2). They were unbelievably welcoming and helpful to us in our quest to learn the auld Español. We ended up going to a graduation for Rebecca (1 of 3 sisters), who was graduation from teacher training college.

Between classes and homely meals, we managed to find time to enjoy the beatiful volcanic lake (Lago de Atitlan). This photo of Fi out on a kayak gives just a taste of how stunning it really is.

Having to leave San Pedro was a weird feeling for us. We really have made it home for the past few weeks and had an amazing family taking care of us. Not only was it traumatic to say Adios to our family, but its also hasta luego to Al, who is off to El Salvador and Honduras while we stay here in Guat and Belize. "See ya soon buddy!"

See our Guatemala photos

Barack is my homeboy!

In the small Guatemalan town of San Pedro, we witnessed the election of Señor Obama to the White House. We settled into a bar with a tv, expecting a long night but it was all over so quickly. Pennsylvania is safe, Virginia has fallen, Ohio (always gets it right) has voted for our buachaill. Florida is the icing on the cake (obviously a little peaved about the gerrymandering of the past 2 elections)!

In this bar, we were surrounded by people from different countries and there was a palpable silence and respect for Obama as he delivered his victory speech. I have truly not seen that kind of respectful attitude towards the States in 8 years. Perhaps some international bridges will now be re-built and "America" will no longer be akin to a swear word.

Barack, maith-thú. You're some boyo. Go n-éirí an bóthar leat!

Mexican Mainland Adventures!

Mexico City - What a beautiful city! Our hostel was just beside the Cathedral in the main square with amazing buildings, all on a slights lean from the vatious earthquakes. We wondered around the historic city for the first two days soaking in the history. Next we took a day trip to the hugely impressive Aztec pyramids at Teotihuacan. the next day we relaxed on a gondola ride in Xochimilco and rambled around Frida Kahlo's old haunts in Cayoacan enroute to Ultimate training at UNAM. We trained with the University team 'Phoenix Ultimate'. We blamed our breathlessness on the altitude 'tis a very high city don't you know'. One of the girls and 3 of the guys played on the Mexican team at worlds, nice to see familiar faces. Afterwards we went with the team for flavoured water and then back to one of their houses for a few beers. We had a great time with them and are looking forward to hosting them in Dublin before World Clubs 2010!

Oaxaca - gorgeous town with colonial architecture and relaxed people. Checked out the churches and the local markets, particularly liking the bbq section! The Zapotec ruins at Monte Alban were very impressive. Closely followed by a death trap ride over the Oaxaca state mountains to Puerto Escondido we were ecstatic to arrive intact. The new slogan for the bus company should be - 'We'll get you there quickly or not at all'

Puerto Escondido - Pacific beach town with very laid back traveller (not tinkers) vibe. Days consisted of beach, pina, lunch, swimming, bodyboarding and surfing. Rob and I had our lesson with Godo the surf god who helped us do the standy-upy-thing! We were delighted and rented a board for the rest of our stay, Rob had some joy, I had a wipe-out on a bodyboard and hurt my back so lots my nerve and didn't catch much more. Leaving Al to explore more of southern Mexico Rob and I headed off to Guatemala via LA (long story). See you in Guatemala Al.

Mexico Mainland slideshow

Las Vegas, San Diego and Baja California

Las Vegas - Reunited with Ray and staying in the glitzy Circus Circus things were set for a great few days. Exhausted from the bus we waved goodbye to our news friends and hit the hay. The next day we explored 'The Strip' stopping off at the cheesy hotels and some pretty impressive modern buildings. The slots were a big hit with Al and I whilst Ray and Rob hit the big time at the Roulette tables. The auld free drink whilst you play was the real winner. That night we went to 'Le Reve' and we were all blown away by the water, ballet, acrobatic spectacle!

San Diego - Our next stop took us to Pacific Beach, we had 4 days bodyboarding, organising our next bits of the trip and generally having a good time. Poor Al was finally tamed by the Pacific after much taunting, his poor pretty face!

Baja California, Mexico - Crossing the border into Mexico was a bit of an eye opener, we just walked over a bridge and through a turnstyle??? and we were in. It looked a whole lot different for the larries coming from the other direction. We legged it from Tijuana and were picked up by our hunky host Carlos in Ensenada. Here we wondered around the town and made a day trip out to 'La Bufadora' aka Ray's beloved blowhole; she was a beauty! Unfortunately Ray had to go back to work (fingers crossed he'll be joining us again!)

Next stop, Erendira, a tiny village with a nice hostel. Unfortunately the lads got more than a touch of 'jalapeno belly' and the next few days were sedately filled with table tennis and dvd's close to the bathroom.

A 19 hour bus took us to La Paz next, little did we know that 'Hurricane Norbert' was on his way too. Luckily he transitioned into a tropical storm and we moved to a nice hotel (oh the hardship) to ride it out. The next day was spent in post-storm bliss beside the pool!

Las Vegas & San Diego slideshow
Baja California slideshow

Green Tortoise Bus Tour (Week 2)

Despite having to leave Ray behind in Zion National Park, we started week 2 in optimistic mood, with plenty of good hiking and sights on the agenda. Our new driver was a different prospect altogether to our beloved Lukas, but we ended up with a great group of people and had a great week. A meat dinner (badly needed) and a strong dose of karaoke kicked the week off with aplomb. Not hiking the Grand Canyon on a hangover was a great decision.

At the Grand Canyon, we learned that 98% of the 5 million visitors per year stay on "The Rim" and never descend its depths. As impressive as The Rim is, we were excited by the challenge of being amongst the lucky few who hike into the canyon and see it from below. With 10 miles ahead of us, and well over 100 degrees farenheit promised by midday, we hit the road early. 7 of us tamed the Canyon like its never been tamed before. "Team All The Way" made light work of the descent, and then enjoyed a spot of swimming in the Colarado at the base as a reward. Sleeping under the stars and cooking a hot dinner for 7 people with the trusty matchbox stove only added to the experience.

The following morning, a 4am start was necessary to hike out of the canyon before the sun starts to win the battle. We hiked the 5 miles to halfway in the complete darkness, and had well-deserved hot showers at the top! An amazing hike and memories to last.

As the week progressed we also visited Arches National Park in Utah; the historic Route 66; Monument Valley which is the iconic image from so many western movies; Lake Powell which provided some cleansing after a few days of abstinance and was also the location for more team posing! To round off a great week, we looped back to Vegas where we teamed up with Ray again. A great trip with some great taming!

Green Tortoise Bus Tour (Week 1)

"So...." heading from SanFran at silly o'clock on a Monday morning, we began what was to become a major highlight of our trip thus far. Having met Lukas, our driver, I knew we were in for a good fortnight. The man exuded a knowledgeable confidence, kindness and aura which were immediately appealing. He seemed to know everything about the natural surroundings we found ourselves in, and he had a healthy fondness for overly-revealing male postcards. I'm not sure which of the 3 of us fancied him most!

The bus is something of a fantasy. Its big and green and hauls everything you could need for 2 weeks on the road with 35 people. Communal cooking created meals you couldn't even imagine. You can sleep under the stars, in a tent, on the bunks, or in "the womb" - the 6m x 3m bed at the back of the bus. No vehicle could be better equipped for a road trip.

A couple of slow days brought us through Santa Cruz, Monterey and Los Angeles. Hollywood was distinctly underwhelming and we were glad to be hitting the National Parks the following morning. Joshua Tree was the first stop and what a stunning intro. Surrounded by desert and rocks, we were let loose to climb and explore the area. The rocks had a weird type of grippy texture which allowed you to walk along crazy angles and climb up and down seemingly impossible spaces. "Team Tame" was born. Look around, spot a challenge, tame it! I can't recommend Joshua Tree enough. Great climbing and truly unique surroundings.

From such beautiful natural surroundings, Las Vegas was a contrast to say the least. As the Green Tortoise is a vegetarian bus, we all devoured some steak before revelling in (2) limo tours, some gambling and some good old fashioned sessioning. Vegas was on the itinerary again later in the trip, so we were really only scratching the surface this time. Next stop Zion National Park for more hiking.

Lukas had recommended the Angel's Landing hike for a good workout, with great rewards at the end. He wasn't wrong and after the steep and narrow couple of miles, we were atop a fabulous plateau overlooking the whole valley. The photos really don't even do it justice.

Another camping night, another National Park the next day. Bryce National Park has an informal reputation for being smaller, but more spectacular that the Grand Canyon. After the 8-mile Fairyland hike, I would agree. The crazy vertical stacks and arches create a fabulous canyon full of colour and shape that is difficult to believe. The end of the day here at Bryce marked the end of our first week on the bus. Depsite our best efforts to squeeze our buddy Ray onto the new bus for week 2, we had no joy. We promised to meet up in Vegas in a week and head south to Mexico together. A lot of other goodbye's (Rita, Wifey, Nicole, Dilbert, Phelpsie, Mike, Marc, Claire et al) wrapped up a great week on the Tortoise.

Green Tortoise slideshow

USA Road Trip

Having spent 8 hours trying to do a handful of simple tasks in Bellingham, without a car, and weary after the tournament, we realised it was time to solicit the services of Bruce (our trusty gold Hyundai). What Bruce lacked in personality, he gave in efficiency. What he really needed was a partner in crime... That's where Shiela came in. You see, Bruce is from Mars. Shiela is from Venus. He refuses to ask for directions when lost, so Shiela (our newly acquired SatNav) pre-empted Bruce's every move. To say they never fell out would be a white lie, but on the whole, it was a very effective arrangement. Together Bruce and Shiela brought us to places we could never have found without them. For this, we owe them a debt of gratitude.

So, our 3 week, west coast USA adventure began, in Bellingham, WA, near Seattle. Highway 101 took us down the Washington and Oregon coasts, with the stunning scenery making up for the slow miles. Through Washington and Oregon, we camped almost every night, and hiked almost every day. Al's matchbox camping stove provided breakfasts and dinners fit for kings. Rising with the sun, our body clocks seemed to quickly adjust to using all our energy during the hours of daylight. We seemed to be flat-out by 8 or 9pm every night but still managed some "dance while you think Charades" by the campfire!


Califonia was a welcome change of scene, with much more on the agenda than hikes and camping. We started in Arcata (north Cal), which is known for its weed-growing, liberal, politically-opinionated inhabitants. Arcata didn't disappoint. It has as many crazies as Gastown, Vancouver, but here everyone is loaded from sales of the herb. We ended up playing pool with a couple of the college students and got a great insight into the mind of some of the American voters out there. "Ron Paul, man"; "You guys are controlled by the Queen, man"; "No way man, if I get a passport, then the Feds will know all about me". Solid.

Further south in California, Al detoured via Sandy Aygo, while myself and Fi headed for the hot springs and wine country. We were told that these particular springs were "typical north-California". Little did we know that this meant everyone was going to be in the nip! 2 days of "discovering ourselves, man" and both of us were fairly sure that the commune life wasnt for us. A spectacular place, but too many auld lads sitting cross-legged for my liking!

Sonoma County was a fabulous next stop where we went wine-tasting and toured the Bezinger family estate. Myself and Bruce were operating a strict Designated Dessie policy, so Fiona did the bulk of the vino tasting - "I could get used to this"! Another mere couple of hundred miles and we were crossing the Golden Gate bridge. Fiona's first time, and my first re-visit in 20 years. The next part of the adventure was going to bring us on the 2-week "Green Tortoise" bus, so we were forced to say goodbye to Bruce. 2000 miles on the clock - a faithful servant and friend.

Slideshow of USA Road Trip

Spawnfest

After the intensity of World's it was fun to go and play with a mixed team at our first American tournament. We played with 'The Rainmakers' our friend Kirby's team (based in Tacoma, WA). They welcomed us with open arms and we soon got into our stride. Even though we had only had a few weeks away from training it was difficult to play 4 back to back games, 90mins long! The team were such good craic and so welcoming to us. A dip in the icey river and pitch side beers before we retired to our new home/tent ended the day perfectly.

The next morning we weren't firing on all cyclinders and a tough wind with no warm-up did us no favours. In our next game we narrowly lost to their local rivals in our last game of the tournament. It was a pleasure to pick-up with such a spirited team who included us so much on and off the field - thanks Rainmakers, the offer of a place to stay in Dublin still stands! Please note, the dog in the corner of the photo is wearing a raincoat!

World's - the Adventure Begins!

After training since January and postponing our travels to play needless to say we were very excited heading off! It was very hard to say goodbye to everyone at home.......we were greeted by Len and Eva in the airport with Irish flags flying high! During the first week both teams trained and acclimatised. The week although dissapointing at times gave the women wins over Mexico and France (our old rivals) finishing 13th. The Open Team racked up wins against Holland, South Africa, Mexico and the Dominican Republic, finishing 14th!

Full stories of the week are on our team blog www.wugc2008.blogspot.com
and the official website www.wugc2008.com

After a few dry months we partied hard and enjoyed every minute. A few days after I headed off to Vancouver Island with the girls for, tubing, surfing, parting etc and Rob much the same with the lads. Meeting up for Rob's 25th in the metropolis of Port Alberni!

The next few days we spent with Matt, Becca and Pete in Vancouver, hitting summer league, the beer and the shops!