Euro

I'm off to Ireland in about 5 weeks. Ireland is part of the EU and uses the Euro as it's currency. Before the Euro they used the Irish Pound, or the Punt.

Last year, I visited a variety of European countries and I still have some Euros left. I have some small bills and quite a few coins. They will come in handy, especially early on for small purchases.

In 1998 I went on a tour of 7 countries and I needed 7 different currencies. It was interesting to see the different bank notes and coins, but much inconvenient. Last yeart I went to 6 countries and needed 3 currencies. Switzerland and England, which do not use the Euro, readilly accepted them. It made the trip much simpler.

On another note, I have lost my travel alarm clock. I have had too many missed hotel wake up calls to travel without my own alarm clock. The one I lost was perfect and I can't seem to find the same one or one close enough. I will buy a new one, but I hate to spend the money.

Ireland

My next trip is to Ireland. I am leaving November 12th and returning November 22nd. It is the first "off season" time. By traveling off season, I save quite a lot of money. I have been lucky over the years, the weather has usually been pretty good. Ireland should be cool, around 10 degrees and a little rainy. I have some good Eddie Bauer and Tilley travel clothes, so I willl survive nicely.

My tour starts on the 15th. I am going a little early to spend a few extra days in Dublin and go on a one day trip to Belfast. I have an hotel booked and I got a good deal from the tour company. I was checking on the internet last night and I was surprised at how expensive Dublin can be. When you travel, sometimes you just have to pay the price and not think about how much things cost.

I met a couple two years ago on a tour of eastern Europe. They live in Ohio and we had a really good time togeather. Last year we booked the same trip and traveled western Europe togeather. This year we are also meeting in Ireland. They are also coming early and we will all meet at the Dublin airport. It is easy to meet people on these tours, but it is nice to have friends already on the trip. They are really nice people and pleasant to travel with.

I will post more later about my trip. I know it is two months away, but I am starting to get excited as I plan for my days before the officila tour starts.

Introduction

My name is Michael Colman. I am 46 and I live in Toronto. I love to travel and I have been to many places:

England
Belgium
The Netherlands
Germany
Austria
Italy
Switzerland
France
Finland
Russia
Spain
Portugal
Morrocco
Gibraltar
Greece
Egypt
Hungary
Czech Republic
Slovak Republic

In November I am going to Ireland.

I will use this blog to share stories and pictures of my travels.