takingtheblade

This is someplace I wouldn’t recommend most tourists going because its not a very exciting place…but its great if you spend some time there. I was in Durham for a little over a week at the University and it was a great way to experience the England that exists outside of London. There are plenty of great day trips from here as well to places like Vindolanda, Hadrian’s Wall, Chester’s Fort, Lindisfarne (beautiful!), and York.

I agree with daydreamer that guides really make this place much better than it would be just walking around on your own. I think it would actually be a bit disappointing if I didn’t understand more about the history of the Mayan people and the significance of the ball courts, etc.

I have a friend who lives in Bernardsville and used to go there all the time for fencing lessons. Its creepy how there’s this center of town that has all these shops and everything and then a minute later you’re in these residential areas that are really beautiful.

By the way – one time I went to a church event with my friend from Bernardsville and there were these crazy mansions out in the middle of nowhere. Anybody know where I’m talking about? Is that still in Bernardsville or is technically another location?

I used to go here every summer with my family when I was younger. I recently went again with my friends this past summer and it was still awesome! I’m now attending college in Tennessee and I long for the Jersey shore all the time.

I highly recommend Blarney Castle for both the young and old. The castle itself is a lot of fun to explore. I thought it would be a touristy sight with not much to it besides the legend of the Blarney Stone, but I actually learned a bit of history while there. The grounds are also phenomenal. There’s the wishing steps, the Blarney witch, beautiful trees and other plants, and even caves. I had a great time walking around the forests.

I wouldn’t really recommend King John’s Castle. Maybe its much nicer in better weather, but I was just miserable there. It was rainy and cold and the only part I found mildly interesting was the blacksmith who made me a coin. As castles go, its not particularly exciting and Blarney was much MUCH more fun.

I went to Italy for two weeks last year and one of the best and worst experiences was visiting Capri and seeing the blue grotto. On the ferri ride over everyone got sea sick, including me who’s usually pretty good about such things. It turns out I was just starting to get bronchitus at that time which is probably what did it. Even though I felt awful when we reached Capri, I decided to take the boat ride around the island anyway. The water there is BEAUTIFUL. If you’re from someplace like New Jersey, like myself, the clearness and pure blue color of the water will astound you. We ended up having to turn around due to rough waves, but I got some of my best pictures during that short amount of time. Definitely worth visiting!!!!

I stayed here for about a week with a host family and it was wonderful. The town is big enough to have a great nightlife and shopping. The fountain in the main square in the old part of the city is great for photo ops and hanging out. It has its own brand of chocolate which is amazing and isn’t too far outside of Rome.