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