June 29

Journal June 29

It's so difficult to think that it's now 10:45pm and time to sleep and yet it's still not really dark outside. The problem with that is that morning wil arrived soon and the sunrise will be waking us up about 6am.

Today was also a long drive day and I've actually taken a nap after we got back to the B&B. Once we organized our washed clothes, we headed out of Derry, the “maiden city”. Named that for all the “maids” who worked in the linen industry at one time. The Gaelic translation came from a translation of place of the oaks because of all the oaks in the city. The walled portraits from the resolution of Bloody Sunday are amazing. And the ancient walls surrounding the city are a site to behold. We did actually walk from one gate to another.

Just for clarification, the town council has removed the “London” part of Londonderry, but signs and people still refer to the town by that name. It's doesn't matter if you are inside or outside the walls, it's officially called Derry. The city as a whole is 75% Catholic, 25% Protestant, with the Bogside 100% Catholic, and one area of Waterside 100% Protestant. There is another part of Waterside that is 50-50. The town is going through a huge regeneration and growth. New hotels, business and shopping centers are going up all over.

We did find Sandinos, but passed on it for lunch. I hate to say this but is looked like a trashy biker dive and didn't seem to serve food. Also very tiny inside. Instead we ended up at Beckett's down the street. Very traditional and great food.

We did a bus drive around the city and got some great pictures. The tour guide was full of historical information and we hit most of the sites. After a little walking on the city wall, we headed for Lough Swilly for a quick stop, and they on the road back to our B&B (a good 90 minute drive)

Another great dinner and some rest for the intrepid driver. Tomorrow is a light day with sightseeing around Dungannon. The Waterford crystal factory and showroom has closed down and we found that Tyrone Crystal factory is actually older than Waterford. We're going to see that and a few other sights tomorrow along with hopes of finding some internet to check emails and for me to post my blogs.

Was going to post a pic or two but can't do this from the library, so it will have to wait until next time.

Time to hit the hay. Laters.....

P.S. I'm posting this while sitting at the Dungannon Library on a rented computer. Was even having trouble getting my saved posts from a flash drive to their computer. The computer just notified me that I only have 10 minutes left, so I had better get finished with emails.

June 28

Northern Ireland Journal June 28, 2009

Here I sit tonight thinking about the sites of the past 2 days. I was too tired to write last night and tonight I don't have any internet access, so I'm not sure when this will get posted. I'm hoping we'll get some access tomorrow so I can check emails and post.

This is no reflection on Northern Ireland, but I find that most of the cities, towns and villages here are not tourist oriented at all. Most are business oriented where the town center pretty much closes down at 5:30 when the workers go home and the few pubs are the only thing left open. There are times we have really tried to search for a place for dinner around 7pm. The exceptions here, of course, are cities like Derry, Omagh, and Belfast which have a great tourist base. And finding a “cafe” type of place for lunch while out on the road has even been difficult. Part of this is not knowning where to find the places, and part is because we are traveling some of the back roads for the scenery. It is definitely a difference from the Republic.

Of course, the people here are the nicest. The B&B owners from the last couple of nights walked us out as we left and waved good-bye as if we were family. Ann and Henry were the nicest couple and we shared plenty of laughs with them. When Ann realized she served me fried potato bread this morning with my breakfast unstead of fried sourdough bread, she reached her hand on my plate and grabbed the potato bread away before I could tell her it wasn't important and replaced it. Sarah, Georgann and I each shared a glance and a chuckle over that.

Ann loves music and told us how her experience of seeing Garth Brooks was the ultimate concert for her and how disappointed she is that Tom Jones is skipping Northern Ireland this tour! LOL

Yesterday we toured around Lough Neagh and stopped in Antrim. Being Sunday it was pretty quiet and we'll probably go back again this week. It seems that Finn McCool was angry at a Scottish giant and grabbed up a clod of dirt from Ireland and threw it at the other giant. The dirt missed the Scottish giant, and ended up in the ocean between Scotland and Ireland making it the Isle of Man. The hole that was left filled with water and became Lough Neagh. That story really sounds better than the lough being formed by some volcanic activity. Needless to say the lough was huge. It's about 9 miles wide. I was touched by the Ardboe High Cross and church ruins right on a small hill at the edge of the lough. And later at one of the scenic lookouts and how different the lough looked.

It was a long day and a long drive. We did find a nice restaurant and filled up with another great dinner. Before I forget I want to mention about dinners we have had. I can't tell you how surprised we have all been that the food arrives at the table hot. I don't mean warm, but so hot that we have to wait to eat it. Restaurants in the US could certainly take a lesson here. And we really have not had a bad meal anywhere we have eaten. Yes, we've had our fill of potatoes, but that comes with the territory. And we've all sampled both full Irish breakfasts and Ulster fries. I'm hoping my cholesterol medication keep my alive and makes sure my arteries don't clog up in the next week!

Going to split this post into two, so I'll close now.

OMG- The HIgh Kings!

Martin Furry, Brian, me, Darrin, and Finbar Clancy
Martin's and Finbar's fathers were with the Furries and the Clancy Brothers.

So I'll get through the day quickly to address the title of this post. We drove around the Sperrins for over two hours this morning getting lost about 4 times and then headed to Enniskillen to see Castle Cool. I have to say that the scenic drive around the Sperrins had nothing close to what we had seen in Sligo and Galway and the getting lost didn't help. The side roads here are very poorly marked and one wrong turn and your lost.

Castle Cool was as large Neo-Classical mansion belonging to the Belmont family. It's still a very large mansion with incredible craftsman work inside. So of like going to Hearst Castle in California. We headed back to the B&B to freshen up for dinner and a High Kings concert at a small cultural center in Omagh. I had gone back and forth in several emails with a guy named Brendan about holding tickets for us as they are not ticketmaster type ticket sales. He was very accommodating and the door was opened for us to enter the verra, verra handsome young (maybe 30's) man was there to welcome us. I told him I was looking for Brendan and he said back with that great Irish wit, "And that depends on who is looking for him." He obviously recognized my accent and replied, "You then, must be Arlene". Right then I knew something was definitely up for the night. It was still early as we arrived at about 7:20 when the doors opened and we were shown into the pub part of the center. As we waited more people started arriving.

We were sitting just at the opening of the pub and a short while later 4 good looking men came by dressed casually - one in camo shorts - and stood right in front of us asking, "And so who is Arlene?" I almost died as I suddenly realized I was shaking hands hello with the High Kings, Darin, Finbar, Brian (in the shorts), and Martin. And they came to find us! We had a little chat (my new Irish wordage) and I just couldn't help but ask if they would mind a picture, to which they agreed. Charming and just the most amazing musicians is all I can say. The night was incredible with all the audience singing along. the picture above was just after they arrived and before they changed clothes for the show. Martin said we did better than a M&G would be in the US! He also give very nice impromptu hugs.

Driving back to the B&B in the dark with no street lights along the way (it was about a 40 minute drive) was full of concentration, but we were still high on the show. Oh, yes, I needed to tell you all my "new" friend Brendan gave us first row seats! To the side, but first row. I just love these Irish men. ;)

On to a tour of Lough Neagh and some more trad music tomorrow.

June 26th

Ben Bulben

I had great hopes for arriving in Northern Ireland and catching some great music tonight, but I guess it was not to be. It seems that the little head cold that has been chasing me all week has caught Sarah and Georgann. Both are feeling under the weather but forging ahead.

We left Sligo yesterday morning and did the loop around Ben Bulben. The mountainous formations are breathtaking to say the least. After that it was the drive to Belleek and a tour of the factory with a few purchases. It's really unfortunate to see how few workers are present in the factory compared to 5 years ago when I had visited the first time. I should mention here that the only indication to the fact that we were in Northern Ireland was a sign saying welcome to County Fermagh. We were not on a main road, but it just goes to show how seamlessly the two countries fit together.

After Belleek it was the drive to Omagh. The countryside was very pretty and mostly farming areas. It must have been because it was Friday and around 3:30PM as traffic was not too different than in the US. I think I circled the town a couple of times just trying to find a bank and a parking space so we could exchange our money to British Sterling for the next 5 days.

We're staying in Cookstown as it is centrally located for our touring for the next few days. Most tourist sites are not more than an hour and a half drive from here. We did notice one thing about the town. It's definitely a commercial town and not a tourist town. When the work day is over the shops on the main street and feeder street close up and everyone goes home. After we got settled in our B&B we decided to go to dinner at 7PM. Low and behold there was nothing opened - except for Subway. We found out that most restaurants in and around town close at 5:30. And there are not many pubs in town. After driving around for a while, we found a place that was either "take away" or eat in - a modified fast food place - and ate there. We'll be in Omagh tomorrow evening so we shouldn't have any problems there.

So much for today's journey. I've got this driving thing pretty well down, but every once in a while I drive over a curb in a parking lot. Just have a little trouble with the perspective of not knowing exactly where I am on the left side of the car, since I'm steering from the right side.

Journal 6

Note the name of the B&B

Journal

This morning we left Maura and Phillip, our hosts in Spiddle, and headed around the Connemara Loop enjoying the views of Galway Bay until we headed inland to see Kylemore Abbey. The Abbey had been converted to a private school for the very wealthy, but has now closed down and is only a tourist site. It's beautiful set as this Neo-Gothic style set up against a huge mountain at the edge of a lough.

We ventured to Westport, a little out of our way, to eat a late lunch and found the restaurant recommended was not open until 6PM, much later than we wanted as it was now 4 and we were a little behind. So we forged on to Cong, our destination for the day, had dinner in another pub (pub grub is pretty good here) and then walked around Cong Abbey ruins and wandered through Cong Wood. Both breathtaking in their own right. I have always believed that in the dark, dampness of the moss filled woods is where you will find the faeires and leprechauns of Ireland hiding. These woods could have been any dark forest in a Disney movie.

Our B&B for the night was Ryan's Riverlodge. For some strange reason around town a lot of things are named Ryan's. ;) Ryan's Hotel, Ryan's Pub, and our place. It might come from the fact that the Quiet Man film was made here and John Wayne might have played a character named Ryan. Not sure we'll visit the exhibit for that this morning before we head out.

Today we will backtrack a little to the Connemara Marble factory for a look at the marble and maybe a little jewelry. Then on to Sligo and Yeats country. More later.

As I post this tonight, it's 9pm here and the sky is still bright blue with a few scattered gray clouds. Tom, my taxi driver firiend called just as we arrived here checking in to see if we were okay. He's such a charmer and said he missed me! We're thinking about arranging to have drinks with him the night before we leave. Guess I'll be reporting on that too.

We leave Sligo in the morning and head into Northern Ireland for a few days.
Too be continued...

Journal 5

My new Irish Friend, Tom!

Journal 5 Dingle to Spiddle, Connemara

It was a long day today. Not so much in hours but lots of driving and lots of mileage covered. We headed out of Dingle about 9am for the Conner Pass, a beautiful drive over the Sleive Mish mountians with wonderful views Then on to Adare the “prettiest little town” in Ireland known for it's thatched roof houses.

After Adare it was on the road to the Cliffs of Moher. We had an incredibly sunny and warm day and the Cliffs were clear and impressive as they should be. There was no lack of climbing up steps and paths to get the best view. Exhausting, but well worth it.

On to the Burren with a quick stop at a round fort and the Polnabrone Dolmen. How did the ancients get those stones propped up in such a manner that they have staayed there for thousands of years?

Finally a drive through the center of the Burren where giant slabs of limestone rock make up the majority of the ground cover with flowers and grasses surviving in the harshest of situations. This contrast of harshness and beauty has always amazed me. It takes my breath away.

Our last leg of the trip for today was to get to Galway and to our B&B in Spiddle on the Connemara Coast. This area of Galway Bay has always been very special to me for many reasons. I could sit out on the rocky coast of Galway Bay here and just get lost in the sound of the waves rolling over the rocky coastline. Th e B&B where we are staying was recommended by a friend and Maura and Phillip are wonderful hosts. Mauar and I just finished chatting for a bit as to where we have been and what we are planning and sharing places they have visied in the US at my friends.

So I'm off to “blanket time” as Phillip called it, and will write more as we move on.

Dingle Journal

Slea Head, Dingle Peninsula

Usually I write my posts in a word doc and then transfer, but since I won't have internet for a few days and I have some time tonight - it's 10:30 and we're back from the pub and concert- I thought I'd get some notes down at now.

Today we toured the Dingle Peninsula, another of my favorite places. Not only is the landscape beautiful, but there are tons of ancient sites to see. I never tire of this. Dingle is another place I'd love to take more time to explore, but then I'd need at least a couple of months to visit all the places I'd like to see.

The Fahan Beehive huts that date to about 2000 years ago are a marvel of stone construction without mortar. The incredible white sand beaches are a treat along with the very rocky coast. And then the Gallarus Oratory and Kilmakadeer church ruins were what I've known they were. I'm hoping that Sarah and Georgann enjoy these unique sites as much as I do.

Back in Dingle we had lunch, walked around town, relaxed for a few, then picked up our laundry. It's always nice to have clean clothes. This evening the church 2 doors down had a trad music concert ( how lucky were we to be so close and not even know about it). and after a quick stop in the Dingle Pub to listen to more music. It's been a full day.

Tomorrow we head north and end just outside of Galway in Spiddle, my definite favorite area of Ireland, the Connemara Coast. I can hardly wait.

journal #4

Landing in Ireland

Journal 4

We started our day with a modified Irish breakfast in Kenmare, as too many of the full Irish breakfasts can really fill you up more than you want for traveling. We stayed at a place called Rockcrest House and it was wonderful. It had a great view of the mountains and was a short walk to town, downhill going to town and quite and uphill returning. For dinner the night before we went to Foley's and I think I've mentioned that information before.

By 9:15am on Sunday we were on the road to Killarney with a trip over Moll's Gap and into Killarney Park. I've done the entire Ring of Kerry before and it would have been great, but we didn't have an extra day for that, so we just did the downhill run from Kenmare into Killarney through Moll's Gap, and Ladies View. Still wonderful scenery.

The sun was wandering in and out as we traveled, but the day was quite comfortable. Our first stop was Muckross House and gardens. While Georgann toured the house (I had done this previously), Sarah and I walked around the gardens and found incredible plants, trees and an amazing rock garden. We decided to take a jaunting car (horse and cart) ride through the demense and were treated to the amazing Torc Waterfall. What a beautiful site. Riding through the forest with the cool air and mossy trees, just made me so happy. Pictures of that to follow. I can tell you that our horse's name was Molly and our driver was a ManU fan. Otherwise he was one of the more quiet drivers, but helpful and informative.

We opted to hold off lunch until we got into Killarney proper, and pushed on to Castle Ross. One of my favorite sites in Ireland, Castle Ross holds some special memories from my first trip. While it was threatening to rain ( more like light sprinkles) I sat and enjoyed the view while Sarah and Goergann explored, content to just soak it all in.

Then it was off to Killarney. When we arrived we discovered that some sort of music festival was happening on the main street, with musicians playing and tons of people dancing. It was great craic to watch. Killarney is a very commercial/tourist town, so other than a delicious lunch, and some window shopping, we were done and headed for Dingle, our final destination for day. I do have to mention that if you stay in Killarney overnight, the pub life is lively and on some of the side streets you can find a gem of a pub and great pub grub.

On the way we stopped at Inch Beach, for some fresh air and a look at one of Ireland's great blue flag beaches and a quick stop for a beautiful view of the coastline. We could see all the way across to the Ring of Kerry peninsula.

So tonight and tomorrow night we are in An Daingean, the Gaelic for Dingle. Dinner and pub time tonight, and a trad concert at the local church tomorrow night.

On The Raod

I've misplaced a journal from yesterday, so I'll have to catch it up as soon as I have internet again. Lots of stuff to pass on. Irish men, you just have to love them. My new friend Tom called me yesterday in the middle of the day just to make sure I hadn't crashed the rental car. (yes he has my cell number!)

More on that later.

We arrived late to Kenmare today (Saturday) and just found this internet place open, so I wanted to jot a few things. There is not enough time in the day to see all that we want. We passed up some things to see others, and that worked out just fine. Hoping to get back to a pub tonight for some music and a Guinness. And need to check my email.
More as we get to Dingle and I have more time to write. BTW, the weather -- as beautiful as Ireland is itself.

Laters,
A

Journal 3.1

Dunbrody Abbey

Journal 3a

On Friday morning we packed up, had our Irish breakfast and headed back to the airport to pick up our rental car, courtesy of our friendly Irish taxi driver, Tom.

We figured that Americans had previously rented this car as the passenger side was already all scraped up! It was my assignment to do all the driving on this trip, so off we took on our way south headed to Powerscourt Gardens where Zara filmed her calendar. We arrived with nary a scratch, parked and spent a couple of hours walking there beautiful gardens. I feel like I could spend hours just writing about this beautiful place, but it just wouldn't do it justice. You could spend a whole day here, but we had more to see this day and continued south to Glendalough monastery. This is the ruins of St. Kevin's monastery and cemetery. And the views here are also incredible. With no idea as to how long it would take we then headed off to Wexford and our first B&B. I have been to both these places before, but each visit brings new discoveries and the appreciation of how this country honors the beauty of both old and ancient.

Gotta love how some of these towns are set up. No street signs and lots of narrow one way streets. After a couple of trips around a few blocks we finally located our place, dragged our bags upstairs and headed out. I was pretty surprised with some of the towns we stayed in and Wexford was no different. Some of the towns are very geared to tourism, and some are mostly working towns where after 5PM everyone goes home and it's pretty quiet. We were just getting our feet wet with understanding all this, and still a little hesitant to go wandering too much, so we found a pretty nice restaurant, The Yard, had a wonderful dinner, and walked down to the quay(key), to soak up the beautiful area. Wexford is one of the ports where ferries travel back and forth to Great Britain. And while this was a Friday night, it was pretty quiet. And later I realized that since it stays light for so long in the summer, most activity doesn't happen until around 9:00. With dinner at 8:00.

The next morning we headed out of town continuing south to Hook Head Lighthouse. We would have stopped at Kilkenney, or Waterford, but opted for this great peninsula drive on this incredible day. Waterford showroom is closed down for now, so no visits there. Kilkenney and it's surrounding area, like Bennet's Bridge, or Jerpoint Abbey, could have taken another couple of days, but I'd already been there. Hook Head Lighthouse is the oldest continually operating lighthouse in the world. Be aware though, this is quite a drive and will take almost half a day.

Leaving Hook Head and on our way heading to Kinsale, we happened along the Dunbrody Abbey (pictured above). Amazing place still being restored, but you can walk around it. Stopped for some lunch and pictures and headed on. While plans to get places are all good and fine. You will find that it always takes longer than you planned.

I had wanted to get to Charles Fort for 3 trips now and we were running late. So we scrapped the visit to Middleton Distillery (save that for next trip) and went straight to this unusual star fort built by the English to protect the harbour at Kinsale. Wished we could have also spent time in the town of Kinsale (again, next trip) but forged ahead to Kenmare on the edge of the Ring of Kerry.

So now it is Saturday night and since this is another small town there is little going on this evening. Or, once again, it might have been too early. The one pub that seemed to be busy was full of very young people with rock music, not the trad music we were hoping for. I knew we will find it when we arrive in Dingle tomorrow.

journal 3

Journal 3

The adventures begin. When we arrived at the Dublin airport and were processed through immigration, we queued up for a taxi. We were directed to the taxi in the front of the line. With no expectations other than a taxi ride to town, we were more than pleasantly surprised, maybe more like astonished!

Let's start with the driver's name. It was Tom Ryan. Something about that name just tells me I had better be on my guard. He was full of life, had tons of jokes, and a huge flirt. He was tall and probably in his early to mid 60's (just my age)and not bad looking. I was sitting in the seat behind him, and whenever there was an opportunity for some double entendre, Tom grabbed the moment and reached back and grabbed my leg. Which only made us all laugh even more. I don't even remember what was said to make him do that, but it was hilarious, and we laughed all the way to the hotel.

He did give us his number, but for ride reasons, as far as I was concerned. So today when Georgann and I returned to the hotel (Sarah forged on for some additional sightseeing), there was a note under our door. I should mention that Tom did not know our names or our room number, but this being Dublin, anything is possible.

So this note was from our friendly taxi driver, Tom. Supposedly, he was checking in with us on the possibility of taking us back to the airport on Friday to pick up our rental car (we had discussed this previously). So I did call him back and told him 9am.

I should talk a little about the day today. We started out with an Irish breakfast as part of our hotel arrangements. Eggs, Irish bacon, black and white pudding (sausage to us) and brown bread. Of course, Irish breakfast tea, and juice. This was to become the staple breakfast for most of our trip. Slight changes in the north and Glasgow, but mostly the same.

Up the block from us was Dublin Castle, now political offices. We started there on the hop-on-hop-off and then caught the bus to the rest of the locations for the day. Christ Church Cathedral with incredible crypts and the tomb of Strongbow, St. Patrick's Cathedral and park, St. James Gate Guinness brewery, Kilmainham Goal, the Writers Museum, Jameson Whiskey, and too many more to talk about. It was a full day.

Hold the phone!!!!!!!! Mr. Ryan just called back and said he was nearby today and thought he could meet us and “chat us up” and maybe have some coffee! OMG..This is too funny. He did confirm that he will be picking us up at 9 tomorrow and we'll see what happens then.

Going out tonight to an Irish House Party. Who knows what will happen then!

Journal 2a Just in between

Just thought I'd make a quick post from here in Dublin tonight before we head off for some well deserved sleep. We arrived safely and immigration actually let us in the country! It was raining as we arrived but quickly stopped and made us very happy.

We met a very chatty taxi driver who had us all in stitches on the ride into Dublin. He's going to pick us up on Friday and take us to the car rental place. I guess I should mention, he's not bad looking either. ;) Oh, those Irish men!

Got settled in our hotel and walked around today. They were no ready for us to check in, so we dropped out luggage and wandered off to Temple Bar for lunch.

Checked out Trinity College and the River Liffey with the Ha' Penny Bridge. Walked over to Temple Bar and made reservations at Gallagher's Boxty House for dinner. Getting the feel of the city. Also stopped by the tourist office, in an old converted church, and bought our tickets for the Hop-on-Hop-off tour tomorrow. Perused a few souvenirs, picked up a couple of postcards and enjoyed the beautiful weather. Been taking lots of pictures. Will probably not post for a couple of days as our touring will take up most of the time along with busy evenings.

I can't tell you how happy I was to find a Net Cafe close to the hotel.

Back in a few days...

Journal 2

Journal Day 2

So today is our big day. We all actually slept in a little and took our time getting ready. We were off to breakfast – delish – and for a little pampering. Georgann had made reservations for the 3 of us to have our makeup done at Merle Norman. I know, old school. It was a great treat to have someone else doing my makeup for me. Did find a great tool to use under eye shadow to keep it lasting forever.

By the time we were done at Merle Norman it was about lunch time. I had been hearing about Portillos from a friend (thank you Fred) and really felt that my Chicago experience wouldn't be complete without a visit there. Off to Portillos we went for the signature hot dog with everything, and, of course, their cheese fries. Now the problem is that I really want to return and try something else. The menu is full of tasty treats. And the milkshake was great too!

We headed back to Georgann's to make sure our suitcases were ready for pickup, and relaxed for a few. At 4PM the limo came to take us to the airport. It had really started to rain, but that didn't dampen our spirits. Oh, and by the way, we're talking a stretch limo here. Georgann's preference for travel.

I've tried to make sure to chronicle this in pictures and will upload a few as I can.

The arrival at the airport and check-in went smoothly. The last time I did this it was in LA, and it was a zoo. We almost lost one of our party then. She eventually found us. O'Hare was great and we breezed through security and on to the gate to await boarding. It wasn't too long and we were on board awaiting take off. From the push off from the gate until actual take off it was at least 45 minutes. The weather had backed up air traffic. Soon we were in the air and I began this journal entry.

I'll transfer it to the blog this evening (It's currently 7:15am Ireland time) when I have internet access at the hotel. I did get a little sleep in – about 3 hours off and on- so I'm feeling pretty good atm. We've got about an hour and a half more before landing and from up here the sky is a beautiful blue. Lots of clouds below so we'll see what it is when we land.

Guess I should end this “To be continued.....”.

Journal 1

Journal Day 1 - Chicago

The day started very early at 5am for a shuttle ride to the airport in Burbank. After a layover in Phoenix, I arrived in Chicago's Midway airport about 30 minutes early. Sarah was flying in from South Dakota and her plane, which was to arrive before mine was delayed. I picked up my luggage and waited for Sarah to arrive. Believe it or not, it was our first time meeting face to face. Yet I knew who Sarah was as she came down the stairs to the luggage pick up.

We called Georgann, and after she picked us up we headed to Giordano's to meet Becky and her mom, Diane, for dinner. We had a great time chatting and getting to know each other. Although Becky and I had met at the December Celtic Thunder show, and Gerogann and Sarah had met at the Des Moines show. The deep dish pizza was to die for and only second to the chatter and craic at the table.

After dinner and some parting hugs, we headed back to Georgann's to chat some more and watch the Celtic Thunder Take Me Home show that Georgann had taped for me. Made for a perfect end to the evening.

And so ended my first day on my way to Ireland.

Final Travel Countdown

So this time tomorrow I will have landed in Chicago on the first leg of my trip. In Chicago I'll be meeting up with my other travel companions, Sarah and Georgann. We'll also be meeting with another friend, Becky, for a little bon voyage dinner at an Italian restaurant, and then heading off to Georgann's to settle in for the night and watch the Celtic Thunder Take Me Home show. They still haven't played it in my viewing area, so I'm looking forward to seeing the spring show.

Tuesday will be a day for us all to get acquainted and talk about the trip itinerary and maybe even a little pampering, until it's time to head for the airport around 3PM for the 7Pm flight to Dublin.
We're planning on going to a Chicago landmark eatery, Portillos, for lunch. From what I hear it's great food but a little on the "heart attack on a plate" type menu. One time can't kill me, will it? LOL (I'll let you know know about their cheese fries in a later blog)

After tons of packing and unpacking I have finally conquered the suitcase, and it closes just fine without being expanded. I'm hoping that I will not miss the items I am leaving behind, but have opted for a few that are not as bulky in the suitcase. This changing weather has left me to rethink my travel clothes for tomorrow at least 3 times. Funny thing is that I'm actually back to my original choice.

My check off list is down to about 3-4 items, so I'm happy not to be rushing around at the last minute. Which is really amazing for me. So I'm off to finish those last items and get some dinner.
Chicago, here I come!

The Celtic Thunder Phenomenon

Morning wakenings have been way too early the last few days. With multiple things going on, my mind keeps wandering to the situation of attempting to snatch a couple of tickets and Meet and Greets for the fall Celtic Thunder show in Los Angeles. I've never had a Meet and Greet, and possibly under normal circumstances I'd just be happy with great tickets, but I have this little project I have created and would very much like to have signed by all the CT group.

I've always read poetry, taught poetry, and about 5 years ago after a very special trip to Ireland, my poetry muse suddenly was awakened inside of me and I started writing. When I first became involved with the Celtic Thunder fan group and forum site, I began writing a few pieces of poetry just for fun and entertainment of those other fans who found enjoyment reading the poems. Suddenly I was writing more and more about each of the performers, the creatives, and CT in general.

I'm not sure how it all happened, but I had this idea of doing something more with the poetry, so I put it all together in a little book (Celtic Thunder Inspired Poetry) and published it through my favorite online publisher, lulu.com. I was not interested in earning any profits with this book, but making it available to fans who liked the poetry and would like a different type of souvenir to have signed when meeting the guys. All the profits from the book go to the Celtic Thunder sponsored charity in Africa through the Rotary Club. I made sure to clear this with Sharon Browne, the producer before announcing it in December, 2008.

Sales are okay, but like I said, I'm not in it to make any money for myself. The other day I received a huge surprise. Based on the sales on lulu.com and reviews for the book, it is now listed in the Amazon Marketplace.

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_gw?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=Celtic+thunder+Inspired+Poetry&x=8&y=18

To actually preview some of the poetry you need to search lulu.com. I'm a little proprietary about putting the whole book on Amazon where it can be copied. That was not the point of it at all.

I was really shocked to say the least. If you search for Celtic Thunder on Amazon, it's comes up on about page 3 or 4 mixed in with the DVDs and CDs. My biggest hope is that this drives more sales, and makes more money for the charity. My little contribution in this big world. I'd like to think that I've made some worthwhile contribution in my lifetime.

So I'm still hoping to get my own copy of the poetry book signed by each of the guys, Sharon, Zara, and Phil. It might take a while, but I'm hopeful. And I'm hopeful for M&Gs this fall.

Hope being the operative word here. It keeps us focusing on the future.
And while I think of it, please feel free to comment here, on this or any other of my posts! Thanks

A Little Ireland Poetry

A View from Adare Castle

So I was cleaning off my desk today to prepare for the end of the school year and ran across this poem I have previously written. I keep it handy as a memory to how much being in Ireland means to me. So here it is.

Come With Me

Come with me to Ireland and sit by the sea
We will talk of times past and how is used to be.
In the quiet of the evening watching waves rush in
Thoughts of people we have known and places we have been.
Come and sit with me a while and talk of loves lost past
The summer winds will whisk away those feelings will not last.
The harshness of the landscape gives rest to saddened hearts
The rhythm at its shore brings warmth and a fresh new start
Here at the calming water's edge we wrap ourselves in dreams
Nothing can touch us now, at least that's the way it seems.
For here you see that all is right and possibilities abound
Come with me to the Irish Sea, a new life you will have found.

Arlene