Posted by davidjbutler.info on January 19, 2009 under General | 
And now, for a change, 275 words about me.
I thought after all of you have been reading my opinions for the last week or so you you might like a more formal introduction. As you know my name’s David Butler, obviously. I’m a recent graduate of the University of New Brunswick in the disciplines of Philosophy and Sociology.
Currently I am living, and hopefully soon working, abroad in Ireland. While it’s easy to get over here, it’s slightly more difficult to obtain employment. I have though adapted, developing this website, and enjoying the scenery in Galway (my current home-base). These two activities are keeping me busy, but ideally formal work would be a bit more…lucrative.
I chose Galway, and Ireland, because I am interested in it’s culture, and was drawn towards it’s scenery. As you can see from my photos I’m thoroughly enjoying everything around here.
My current hobbies include proof-reading resumes, and assisting my new friends in the hostel optimize their communications with potential employers. Along with this I’m actively enjoying the nightlife, and attempting to give objective advice to travelers who also decide to visit Galway, Ireland, and any of the destinations I’m lucky enough to visit during my time in Europe.
Before arriving in Ireland, I was employed at Bananas Beach Club in Wasaga Beach. This allowed both soaking up of Northern Ontario’s sun rays, and the excitement of working at a Top Tourist Beach Bar/Nightclub. I spent my summer playing softball with a team made up primarily of friends from high school – Woburn CI, in Scarborough, Ontario.
Anyone interested in a more complete biographic picture can reference my resume, or more ideally, make contact through my e-mail at inquiries@davidjbutler.info
Posted by davidjbutler.info on January 24, 2009 under Galway |
To celebrate Autralia Day, we went out to the Skeffington Arms Bar/Hotel. They had a live dj, and affordable drinks for the night (€3 Fosters) among others. With a mixed-age crowd that was distinctly Non-Studenty, and as such a change from some of the other bars around Galway. Currently the hotspot in Galway is the Roisin Dubh, where we headed around 12 for a change and to get our groove on.
The distinct feature of the Skef is it’s wood-panelling, giving it a spacious classic look.
Located just off Eyre Square, this is a great place to start off your night, before heading to one of the busy nightclubs or late bars. Or, a great place for a more casual evening with a live dj, and top 40 style music.
Posted by davidjbutler.info on January 23, 2009 under Galway |
This American indie rock band consisting of Six musicians, and Fourteen instruments, dazzled us as the opening act for Max Tundra – a “one-man” clown act, featuring synthetic piano, supplemented with epileptic dance moves which was 60% of his entertainment value. Their ability to interchange between all instruments was both positive and negative. It showed each had the ability to play a full range of instruments – from French horn, violin, keyboard, (what looked like) electric harp, guitar, bass, xylophone, drums, and many more – but resulted in lag-time between songs. Their witty banter made up for this delay, giving it rarely seen character with the melodic symphony well worth the wait.
Posted by davidjbutler.info on January 21, 2009 under Galway |
While visiting Galway’s City Centre area, and the various pubs/cafes/clubs, are a great time. No tourist’s visit is complete without a visit to the incredible countryside. The two main attractions from Galway are “The Cliffs of Moher” to the south, and “Connemara” to the north. Each of these feature incredible sights (and sites) with numerous photo opportunities, and one of my highest awe factors.
Overviewing the Atlantic Ocean, with a 200m (700ft) drop, the Cliffs offer a view of the Aran Islands one will not soon forget. Along your tour you will likely also encounter “Poulnabrone Dolmen” (Portal Tomb). This is though to be the way to an ancient burial tomb, and the center of many ceremonies. Your trip will also likely take you to the “Caves”, a highly over-rated underground area which features waterfalls. While an underground waterfall sounds pretty spectacular, water only actually falls when it has rained within the last day. I would recommend avoiding the excess cost of the Caves, and to just take photos from the edge of the mountain.
A trip to Connemara will take you up into Galway’s northern area and features rolling mountain ranges, and an experience you will not soon forget. I took this trip with the Galway Tour Company, and believe it is exceptional (both the company and the tour). The landscape isn’t done justice by my basic camera.
Each tourist has the option to tour by themselves, getting lots of exercise and really experiencing the height and slope of the mountains and area. For most of us though, I think a Tour Company is an excellent choice which provides both the physical tour, and often historical information and entertaining stories throughout the day.
Tour company’s in urban centers are a dime-a-dozen with Galway being no exception. Picking the right one is a make or break decision that will determine whether you have the best outing possible. When I visited the Cliffs, I used the Lally Tour company, and felt that it lacked the character of another option, the Galway Tour Company. As I mentioned previously, they take you to the Caves which I believe are overpriced at €8 (when on the tour), and overrated. My trip to Connemara was with the Galway Tour Company and was much more enjoyable. Before picking a company, I would recommend checking the differences in prices, and getting firsthand, unbiased, reviews from people in your hostel or area informing you whether your prospective company is worthwhile, and whether they have any recommendations for you.
Tags: Burren, Cliffs, Company, Cong, Connemara, Day, Galway, Ireland, Lally, Moher, Tour, Tours
Posted by davidjbutler.info on January 20, 2009 under Hostel Life |
Anyone planning on traveling and visiting a hostel should make reference to Hostelworld
I have found that they have helpful reviews, and that you can obtain excellent rates. It is not enough though to just check the % rating though as the comment review is, in my opinion, more important. A user may rate a hostel very low but do so with relation to a stated policy. It is important to determine the context of a positive or negative review. Some people may vote it positively because it was a great party atmosphere, while another will find that a negative attribute.
Other hostel sites include
HostelBookers
Hostelz
It is worth checking all these sites, as they may have hostels in areas less publicized such as Leeds
Posted by davidjbutler.info on under General |
I was pleasantly surprised to find out this morning that my blog and website has been indexed by google. This is excellent, as it shows that my efforts have paid off. Using techniques from Blog SEO Tactics I have finally managed to get indexed. Considering this is a goal that many aspiring websites have difficulty completing, I’m quite proud of myself. While it’s only 4 of my pages, it’s a start.
UPDATE – January 22nd 2009 – A current Google search with “site:davidjbutler.info” results in 12 pages listed.
Posted by davidjbutler.info on January 17, 2009 under Galway |
I visited this bar Friday January 16th. It was a luxurious old-school, and when I say old school I’m talking Motown Classics, Aretha Franklin, and the Twist being the favoured dance move. ”I’m so glad we made it.” If bumping, grinding, bipping, bopping, hipping, and hopping are your idea of a good time, this is the place for you. Even if you just fancy listening to some classics, and having a drink, you’ll be treated to leather couches. There are enough tables and even after 12 there are one or two to be had.
The scene was all ages, with students, and all demographics being represented…even up to a spirited Gran-Daddio showing off the moves from his generation. And, let’s not forget the “Rollingstone”-esque lips in the men’s urinal. All-in-all, this was an excellent location that I will definitely be returning to.
Beers averaged higher than some of the other pubs, and you’re looking at €4.80-5/pint.
Posted by davidjbutler.info on January 16, 2009 under Hostel Life |
The first question you ask when you decide whether to stay in a hostel is “should I pick the 4-bed, 6-bed, 8-bed, large-dorm, etc…”
While it is sometimes easy to decide between “male, female, and mixed” – obviously mixed because then you might meet the girl of your dreams sleeping just above you. That’s almost in your bed right?
The size of your room is the factor which determines the price per night of the bed. If you are with 3 of your friends, I think a 4-bed is justified, otherwise you may as well sleep in the large dorm. Regardless of room-size, you can still end up sleeping in a room with a chronic snorer, someone who’s sick, or any other undesirable person.
While a bigger room will result in a statistically higher percentage of this happening on average, one will have the same effect. Staying in a larger room though will allow you greater relative distance to this person. You also have more room to spread out during off-peak seasons.
A smaller room can provide you with greater privacy though. This is a more intimate setting, and only a couple people will see you in your “unmentionables”. These smaller rooms also may not have en-suite bathrooms, which depending on your perspective will be a negative attribute – but that’s a question for another article.
Posted by davidjbutler.info on under Galway |
Upon entering this down-beat pub you’ll instantly notice the difference from Galway’s more “mainstream” locations. Featuring an array of soul, ska, funk, and other variations of similar “cool” sounding music, you won’t help but be at least slightly relaxed into a wavy trance. On either side of the fireplace two, what I assume to be African, tribal masks hang. These stone carvings are just one crucial element which sets the scene, and takes you down to funky town.
We were treated to a live dj, and affordable drinks, €4/pint (Guiness).
For the smokers, and those who prefer a breeze, there is an enclosed patio giving all the benefits of being inside (aside from the heat) with a bit of fresh air – so long as you’re a table or two away from smokers.
This is a more traditional bar, and closes at 12pm. However, there are loads of alternative options for the after non-”late bar”, such as Roisin Dubh just down the street.
Posted by davidjbutler.info on January 15, 2009 under Dublin |
Boasting multiple floors, multiple djs, multiple bars, this over-advertised, over-talked bar/nightclub is not as nice as it’s fancy advertising might have you believe. It gets overcrowded – and not in an “everyone’s here to party” positive way. While it IS everything it has made itself out, I think it would do better to cater well to one group, rather than over-hype the ability to experience everything All-in-One.
I would advise getting here earlier, and enjoying the “pub” portion on the lower level as that is the nicest of the entire venue. If you are looking for a night-club, then attending “just” a nightclub is a better option. Although, Dublin’s selection of lively pubs within Temple Bar will easily provide you with Free (no cover) entertainment.
