During my first few days on the IOM I ran into a real genuine guy from Slovakia, who had lived and worked on the island for the last five years. Juraj, or “George” in english was a real outgoing, upstanding type of guy. He was more than helpful in doing his job helping me set up my phone for local service. He encouraged me to come back and visit as he wanted to hear more about Canada and my adventures. He asked me when my last day on the island was, and since it was a day off for him, offered to take me around the island on yet another cruise. Only this time it was with a local who really knew his way around.
We cruised a few local hotspots and checked out the castle in the town of Peel. Juraj was a very cool guy and I look forward to meeting with him again in the future. Hopefully in either Slovakia, or Canada.
The Powerful Juraj Juracek
Overall for my experience on the IOM I had a blast. There was more than enough time to see it all, and catch a few lazy days in between. For camping it wasn’t too bad. My gear has worked out exactly as I hoped it would. Over 5 nights of good rain and not a drop of water inside. I even had offers from the campers around me to shack up in their extra tent “rooms” if the weather wasn’t working out for me. I always felt welcomed, and felt it secure enough to leave all my gear in my tent, knowing the people around me were looking out for one another. The campsite facilities were much too small for the 1000+ people there must have been there. Always a wait for the shower and toilets etc. Nothing to really complain about considering the price of 9 nights. The power situation and wifi was tragic to say the least, but hey, we’re there for the experience.
The race was incredible to experience. No youtube video could ever due justice to what these guys actually do on the track. When you’re not there you miss the smells, and the thump in your chest when a bike whips past. I was tweeting quite a bit from my different locations and was surprised to get a ton of responses and a few new followers. Even the @iom_tt threw me in the mix. Very exciting to be a part of the race.
Four nights in Dublin was pretty standard for me. The hotels are incredibly expensive there, so a hostel was the goto for my last squatting in the UK. The hostel was busy, and sounded like a nightclub until 4am every morning. A few young school groups from Germany were the life of the party. I have nothing against a solid week of partying, but it wore me down pretty well and i wasn’t even a part of it. I would wander the streets until late anyways as I found it hard to sleep. I’d meet up with groups and individuals here and there and share a few good laughs and be on my way. I guess the island life comes out in me as time goes on. I’d rather enjoy a quiet book and an evening tea instead of the “un-c un-c” of nightlife for weeks at a time.
Belfast self-guided day tour
Now back in South Beach Miami (Sobe) the party is ramping up again. I have a bit more shelter and privacy from my hotel though. The cold water runs nicely, which is nice as the humidity is borderline unbearable compared to where I just came from.
I have to say I can ride for 600 miles in a day, and that isn’t too bad. Flying for me is the worst way to travel. Even sprawled out in first class I don’t think would make it much more enjoyable for me. Looking down at the ocean, or the ground below I wonder what I’m flying over, instead of taking part in. Maybe next time I’ll get myself on a boat. I think I’d enjoy that much more.
48 Express 