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WEIDS@aol.com
Sun Mar 15 02:01:58 1998


Subject: Re: Request To Insert Questionnaire
"THE IRISH GUIDE TO IRELAND"

Hello, my name is Stephen Weidman, world traveler enthusiast and part-time writer. I am interested in creating a guidebook for adventurous travelers who desire to search out the most offbeat and unusual sights to visit, as well as converse with the townspeople. Those travelers who want to stay off-the- beaten-path and explore Ireland's beauty, but are unaware of the many hidden pleasures.

I decided to contact you because of your creative abilities and enthusiasm displayed in your website. I would like to get special insights from the people in your area (as well as yourself) by having this script posted on your on-line bulletin board, or in a newspaper column. Could I have your kind permission to have this posted in its entirety? I would like to get insights on your landscape, the people, and the eclectic things to do in your town, and surrounding region. Would you be willing to help me in this creative project?

I would like to produce a guidebook for the adventurous traveler who wants to have a travel experience that will excite their senses, worthy of recording in their travelogue. A guidebook that offers up an "inside track" to the favorite "hideaway" pubs, restaurants, theatres, day trips, and interesting tours, mostly known by the people who inhabit the town. I would like to give the traveler a chance for lots of human interaction and adventure.

On my last European trip to Salzburg, Austria, I encountered and observed several travelers who were disappointed by the recommendations from their budget guides. They were physically and mentally exhausted by long, time- consuming lines and over-commercialized sights. Most of these guides seem created by freelance traveling writers, or worse yet, unreliable students on holiday! It is time to explore the heart of Ireland and share a potpourri of perspective written with imagination by the town official, the barmaid, the gardener, the tourist official, the hostel /bed & breakfast proprietor, and the local historian. With your help, a guide could be developed with fascinating subjects and places that would create a fabulous collection of stories, traveling tips, places to visit, and tours. This will be a guide for those who want to immerse themselves in culture, have a drink in the town pub, play darts, and experience the local humor and flavor.

For consistency, I have created a series of questions for you to answer. If you are short of time, could you please pass this information on to someone who could help me. I would love the responses to be informative, whimsical, imaginative, and detailed.

My questions:

Unique Tours

1. If I was a traveler looking to experience a tour or two that would excite my senses, worthy of traveling a great distance for and penning in my travelogue, what would you suggest? Why? (Ghost tour, cave tour - please include entire region)

Unique Restaurants

2. If I was a traveler looking to experience the local cuisine of the town what would you suggest? How about good Indian, Italian, Dutch, seafood, etc.? How about places with unusual decor or service? (Please try to avoid the touristy places & include ones frequented by townspeople)

The Local

3. If I was a traveler looking to have a pint at "the local" and mix drink with good talk, what would you suggest? (Please consider good dart competition, and other types of activities - like lawn bowling in back of pub, etc) Why is the pub/tavern so unique?

Social Activities

4. Are there nearby clubs or organizations (Rotary Club, hash harriers, cycling, and hiking clubs) that would welcome an outsider to join in on fun, social activities during a stay? (Something, that would preferably offer up adventure) Can you further describe?

Festivals/Events

5. Are there any festivals or events throughout the year that would attract interest? A good example would be matchmaking festivals, or some town ritual. Why is it so appealing? Any type of event to participate in? How so?

Nightlife

6. What is hugely popular with the local townspeople for entertainment? Is there a disco or karaoke bar close by? What is so humorous or unique about them?

A Day's Itinerary

7. If I was the type who wanted to take a walk, hike up a mountain, or cycle through a picturesque area, what would you suggest for a day trip?

I would love you to include phone numbers, contacts, and especially web sites for the traveler to plan ahead.

Lodging

8. If I were a guest looking for lodging, what sort of bed and breakfast or Inn could you recommend? Why would it be such a unique experience? Is there a ranch or even a hostel you could recommend?

PLEASE CUT AND PASTE ALL RESPONSES. THANK YOU.

You can email your responses to weids@aol.com or send to:

Stephen Weidman 20 Raymond Street
Falmouth, Massachusetts USA 02540

It is important to me that your help has been acknowledged appropriately and accurately. If your material is utilized, acknowledgement will be listed at the end of each section in the book. Please indicate if you would like your website mentioned. Thank you for your time and generosity. I hope I will be able to visit your wonderful town in the near future!

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