Get away, run away

Do you have a runaway place? A specific location you have bookmarked in your mind that in a time of crisis you can call upon. Somewhere to get away from it all, a site where you will find inspiration, serenity and hope?

This may seem like a strange idea, most people probably don't forecast a crisis in their life, they don't prepare for a doomsday, a catastrophe, a life changing event, or even a slight break down.

I have.

St John's Lake, Co Leitrim
(c) fifiheavey

I know there will come a point in my life when I will need to escape, maybe for a few hours, a day, weekend, a week or even in the extreme six months. I know this because the universe is guaranteed to throw some rotten eggs along life's journey. And when something happens, something that unhinges my normal daily rhythm I will need to stop, think and re-organise. In order to this I will need to runaway, to my chosen place and ponder.

Tasmania
(c) fifiheavey

Hence, my runaway place. But I can't just have one place, depending on the problem, the time, my budget, life circumstances, I need to have a few options:

A few hours - this place needs to be close by, easily assessed and cheap. For me it is on top of a no longer used reservoir tank beside my homeplace. I have used this place quite often to ponder things over, from it I see into at least four different Irish counties, I see towns, mountains, roads, houses and cars. The air is clear and fresh and with almost no disturbance. All I need to get there is a pair of wellies!

A day – a whole day to discuss the pros and cons, to debate with myself. A place of beauty and serenity is needed here and most importantly silence. In Ireland the best place for all three is Glendalough, Co Wicklow. The valley of the two lakes has a monastic site and round tower and is perfect place to listen to your inner self while taking in the rugged landscape.

A weekend- a few days to really indulge in deep thought. With this amount of time I need to really evaluate life. Here I have a choice of two destinations: Athens and Rome. Both places hark back to the beginning of civilisation. Ancient ruins, deep excavations, narrow streets and excellent food. Perfect places to seek inspiration and yet also realise how small me and my problems are in the scheme of things.

Trevi Fountain, Rome
(c) fifiheavey

A week- a mini break down, a need for escape and a quest to find answers. To re-discover what is important, to re-organise priorities. Israel is a must. It amazed me in a few days, imagine a whole week? If I went looking for answers, I believe I could find them here, here in the Holy Land, where the majority of world religions converge and intersect. The country, although controversial is special.

Dome of the Rock and Wailling Wall, Jerusalem

Six months- this must be serious! Things must have really went belly up and I can only imagine that my mind is in a jumble, that there are plenty of voices shouting to heard, but no one is listening. This sort of situation demands only one location: India. I have not been there, I know very little about it but have heard and read about people who have had some amazing experiences there. Thousands of people seek spirituality here, submerge themselves in prayer, meditation and thought and re-emerge the better from it.

So if you see me packing my bags for India – stay clear and wish me well!

Do you have a runaway place?

Readers of the world

Something came to my attention over the last few weeks which I find intriguing and that is my growing audience in India and Pakistan.

The blogger statistics show how many read my posts each week and what country they are logging on from. Each week I am surprised by the large worldwide audience who tune into to read my installments from beautiful exotic locations.

Here are my top ten followers:

1. USA

My largest audience comes from America, which is understandable, I have a lot of friends and family over there and I interact with a lot of people from the USA on a frequent basis. The land of the brave and the free gave me so many memories during my road trip a few years ago and I have ear marked to return there very soon.

2. Ireland

My own Irish come in close second, being my home place and the location I most write about, this comes as no surprise. I love Ireland, despite our desperate economic situation, and our wet composition it is still the most beautiful country in the world when the sun shines.

3. United Kingdom

The UK get the bronze medal, born in London I have strong affiliation with England, love to visit and write about it and have a lot of connections over the sea.

4. Canada

The Canadians seem to “get me” and come in fourth on my highest ratings. The Canadians are so much fun and are great travel companions. They always seem to have an open mind.

5. India

India in fifth place of my audience ratings – this one interests me. I know very little about India, I have yet to visit the country, but would love to do so. I would love to know what my Indian audience think of my blog – so any fans please do let me know. 

6. Germany

My European friends the Germans are high on the list, I know the Germans love to travel and you can always to be sure to hit on a few of them abroad, so it is great to see them here. They also love to party!

7. Australia

I spent nearly a year in Australia, I loved my time there and the people are among the best on the planet. Melbourne will stay with me forever and my adventures in a camper van all over the great continent makes me smile and feels warm (thinking of the sunshine helps!).

8. France

By now you all know I have a huge respect for the French, my favourite city in the world is Paris. I am humbled by their support. Viva La France!

9. Pakistan

Again I have never been to Pakistan, I do not have any close friends who live there, so this large following delights me. I hope they enjoy my blog and I invite them to participate with me by way of comment or discussion.

10. The Netherlands

Coming in number ten on my top blog readers are the lovely people of Holland/ The Netherlands. It is a country which does not get the credit it deserves internationally, interesting places full of fun and exciting people.

Thanks for the support guys, it is great having you all aboard!

Eleven locations

Where are "you had to be there" locations for 2011?
You cannot go wrong with showing your face in these trendy eleven locations over the next 365 days:




1. Tallinn, Estonia

This beautiful old town has been named European Cultural Capital 2011.
Freedom Square, Kadriorg Palace, St Catherine's Passage and unbeatable charm makes this city the best place to escape to this year. Oh just one more thing Estonia joins the Eurozone this year ... sorted!





2. India/ Pakistan/ Bangladesh


I know this is cheating but all three of these countries are hosting the Cricket World Cup this year, and though you and I may not be fans of cucumber sandwiches, it is a superb chance to visit these countries when they are scrubbed clean for a worldwide audience.

3. Berkshire, England


Right so the wedding of the year will be happening, whether you like or despise the Royal Family this is a biggie - but with accommodation prices in London only just friggin crazy, be a lord and lady and head to the home of the future Queen Catherine: Berkshire. Windsor Castle, the Royal Ascot and other la dee da charms await!

4. Wellington, New Zealand


Rugger up - the Rugby World Cup will be held in New Zealand this year and if you love a good knees up with some chunky men then you should make your way to NZ's capital cool Wellington the Bohemian adventure center.



5. The Amazon Rainforest



Why not just do it - it's not that crazy get your activity adventure loving ass over to the Amazon and celebrate the UN's International Year of Forests in style! Float your way through the world's largest rain forest and you could experience Brazil, Peru, Columbia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Bolivia, Guyana, Suriname and French Guiana and some amazing wildlife.


6. Valencia, Spain


What is so special about Spain in 2011? Aside from cheap beer and sun this city is Europe's Capital of Sport 2011. This city is really up and coming and is almost pushing over Barcelona with beautiful architecture, great shopping and oh the beach!

7. Argentina

Voted top ethical destination two years in a row and with gorgeous landscapes, cosmopolitan cities and a buzzing culture, Argentina is a travellers paradise. Affordable and unforgettable.


8. Machu Picchu


Yes this sacred mountain appears on most people's wish list but this year is it's 100th anniversary since it was discovered by a foreigner. The Inca trail is mysterious and ancient and making this journey could be the best of your life let alone just 2011.




9. Chernobyl, Ukraine


The well known Chernobyl disaster which occurred in 1986 is considered the worst nuclear power plan accident in history. This year a  number of companies will begin tours to the infamous power plant site you will get to see the 'dead town' of Pipyay, as well as the 'red forest.' It is great to see this place turning it self around and I really hope it does well.

10. Washington DC


This place seems extraordinary
and is on my list this year, because I have not been and everyone is raving about it! If you love museums this seems to be Disneyland and I hear it is cheap too - history my love here I come!





11. Irish Year of the Craft

We have some very talented people in this country and this year we will celebrate their unique talents with the Year of the Craft. Craft fairs will pop up all over the country this Summer so you can buy pretty things for me and you but to see some items during creation get yourself to Co Kilkenny or to Carrick-on-Shannon in Leitrim for some meet the maker fun.