Lying awake 30 floors up in a building that had swayed 12 feet during an earthquake didn’t really help my mind relax so I could sleep.
I am just back from Japan where I was a guest of Tourism Ireland on a mission to spread the word about the treasure that is Ireland. Here in this land of saints and scholars we all acknowledge the green, cultural, earthly and aquatic riches we share. Because of these testing times it is imperative that we educate the rest of the world and get them over here to check out this magical part of the Universe.

One of the rituals I learned while in Japan, and indeed really enjoyed, was the exchanging of business cards. I stand facing my new contact, each with our cards deftly held by the tips of thumbs and forefingers.
Our eyes hold the stare. We bow as one.
A moment of silence follows, then ‘Hello, I am Jim Kennedy from Atlantic Sea Kayaking in Ireland. Thank you for your time and I apologise for my lack of Japanese.’
My card leaves my grasp and is taken by my bowing partner. They read it, nay, study it, then acknowledge me and politely thank me for my time.
I then take theirs and follow their welcoming and flattering ways. We then sit down across the table knowing a familiarity has been established in those duelling moments.
In Ireland we exchange business cards with a hump of the shoulders and a meaningless ‘Nice to meet you’ while we file it away in a back pocket..
Never again. I am now doing it the Japanese way. So if you meet me and are in a hurry don’t let me see your business card.

Karen Buchannan from the West Cork Hotel and I decided to share this presentation  which made it interesting especially for us, but we also got good feedback such as amusing, confusing, educational, not too long winded ……… (http://www.failteireland.ie/Information-Centre/Press-Releases/2010/Ireland-well-positioned-for-Adventure-and-Activity)

On my early arrival I was assured to see so many organisers scurrying, ant-like, around preparing for the conference.  Failte Ireland, Outside magazine, Inland Fisheries stands all adding to the spectacle.

The hotel itself was the perfect for the event. Spacious good acoustics and visually very accommodating.   The technical side was looked after very well, Microphones all worked when called on, Sound was always excellent no matter how loud or quite the presenter was. The screen for presentations was generous enough to be seen clear from any part of the room.  The Presenters were all well rehearsed and delivered a confident and very informative show while keeping the entire event moving along. At the end of the two days I think there was only about 15 minutes lost .
From an adventure providers point of view I was heartened too hear that.

I concluded that Adventure Tourism is finally being accepted into mainstream tourism and how important it is for vacationers to have a reason to go to a destination. Also the parochial attitude in Ireland is being slowly swept aside by the need to sell Ireland not just a village. I also came away with renewed certainty of the importance of guides and safety standards.

Other interesting ideas arising from the conference were, sell our temperate climate and the fact that we are the edge of Ireland and the Atlantic, the fact that we speak English and are a very welcoming race by nature.

Overall I found the  event to be a success and I am reassured to know that we can put on as good as show in Ireland as any other country.  By the way I must complement Failte Ireland on the food the Saturday night. Superb.

There are also activities and sights that only happen in winter months. We have winter visitors – migrating birds and feeding whales and dolphins, who, like us, enjoy our temperate, clear winter days, and the low gently warming sun. Our night paddles are especially fine in winter time, when darkness comes early, and with it a crystal clear view of the stars and planets.

Things that happen every day on our coastline, the rising moon, the changing tide, can be witnessed and enjoyed at a pace that suits the season. And, because of our equipment, you can be assured of never being cold. We provide all the equipment to keep you warm and comfortable. So keep an eye out for our winter-time diary. If you’ve been with us in the summer, come back and try a different experience in sea kayaking.

Or, why not check out our Mexican winter whale watching kayaking trip. Click here for more details.

The latest one being an interview about Atlantic Sea Kayaking “as Gaeilge” for TG4. Actually, it was kind of enjoyable, and it will be only a few seconds of TV time – so don’t miss it – Thursday 19th August at 8.30pm. The program is called Féilte. Positive feedback only please.

Maria Kennedy (right)

I am now down in Mexico and doing some great kayaking and having many adventures. So far we have come across Blue , Fin , Hump Back and Sperm whales as well of course as many Dolphins and turtles . I will report in again in a few weeks , as today we head down South and will be uncontactable for two weeks. A reminder to you all check out our 09 Calendar for Kayaking and see if there is anything there to suit you .
Until next time
Adios
Jim