I've always really like Irish traditional music. It's something that tells a story most of the time. Talks about life in Ireland. Shows off who the people in Ireland are. I follow a few Irish musicians and really enjoy what they have to offer musically.
But my inspiration always comes from the strangest places. I write poetry, and share that poetry as a story about what inspires me. So along the way I have been very impressed with a group called Celtic Thunder. Their music is such an eclectic mix of Irish trad, contemporary, classical, and original music written by one of my favorite Irish musicians, Phil Coulter.
I'm still not sure how all this happened. I was inspired and I started writing poetry about the Celtic Thunder group, and the individual singers last year. It ended up that I published a small poetry book called Celtic Thunder Inspired Poetry. I set up the pages so that there is a signing page for each of the guys in the group.
So I had this idea. What if I could do something really worthwhile with this little book of poetry. With the approval of Sharon Browne, I am offering the book for sale and all the proceeds from the sale of the book are donated to the Celtic Thunder supported Charity, the African Orphans school supported by the Rotary Club of Good Hope. It makes a great souvenir to have signed at a Meet and Greet, but also just to have as a souvenir if you like poetry.
I know that the shows will be starting soon and it takes about 10 days to receive a book from the online publisher that I use. If you are interested, it would be great to have you order one and while you are enjoying your poetry book, you are also support the African's Children's charity.
You can order through Amazon, or directly from the publisher I use. Amazon goes through them anyway. The cost is the same. It's $8.95 plus shipping and handling. Here are the web addresses:
Amazon Celtic Thunder Inspired Poetry http://www.amazon.com/Celtic-Thunder-Inspired-Poetry/dp/B002AD34QC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1254196673&sr=1-1
Lulu.com http://www.lulu.com/content/paperback-book/celtic-thunder-inspired-poetry/4816803
Monday, September 28, 2009
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Just a little fun
So while I was in Ireland we drove through the Mountains of Mourne. Many people have heard of them through the song of the same name sung by Keith Harkin of Celtic Thunder. So I had a little bit of fun with a couple of the pictures I took there. If you are a CT fan, I'm sure you will understand the reference and they will bring a little chuckle.
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Favorites and Must Sees
Interesting that when you think you are finished with something how you suddenly remember things you wanted to mention. So this is what this post is for. For anyone who is considering going to Ireland or Northern Ireland, here's my 2 cents on some of the better things you should not miss - rain or shine! And plan on rain for sure.
I'm going to do this by area rather than just a haphazard list. So let's start at the beginning which is flying into Dublin.
In Dublin - Do find the Tourist Office and sign up for the Hop-on-Hop-Off day tour. The tickets are about 15 euro and last for 24 hours. Most of the well known sites are on this tour. You can choose from the green bus or the red bus. Doesn't matter which they both go the same places. Do start early in the morning to have the most time to see all the sites. You may not want to visit the Guinness Brewery too early unless you like to drink then. The self guided tour comes with a pint of the yummy black stuff in the gravity bar on the 7th floor. Very nice view of Dublin. Caution for travelers. A few of the museums are closed on Mondays. Be aware of that. Unless you really want to spend the time standing in line and pay the fee to see one page of the Book of Kells, just visit Trinity College and the gift shop for souvenirs.
All the other sites on the tour are good, but you may have to decide which to visit and which to skip. Definitely go to St. Patrick's and Christ Church (the catacombs in the basement are amazing)
You can also take one of several day tours out of Dublin. If you want to go to Knowth or New Grange this would be the way to do it. Leaves early in the morning and also includes a visit to Monastiere Boice. Great scenery too and you don't have to drive.
Outside of Dublin:
Powerscourt Gardens - beautiful
Glendalough Monastery and ruins
Kildare Stud Farm
Kilkenny area - the ancient capital of Ireland - wonderful castle tour and artists enclave across from the castle. In the same area Jerpoint Abbey and glass factory (you really have to search to find this, but the work is beautiful. Outside of Kilkenney in Bennetsbridge is Nicholas Moss Pottery factory. You can find his stuff all over, but this is where it's made and you can watch.
Hook Head Lighthouse - south of Wexford. If you have the time to drive here. Otherwise skip it. The site is beautiful on a sunny day, and you can spend lots of time looking out over the ocean, but it takes time. If you have it, all the better.
Charles Fort in Kinsale just south of Cork
Ring of Kerry - this is a standard thing for tourists. You should do it once. But if you take the bridge across from Cahersiveen you can find Ballycarberry castle ruins and also an amazing ring fort.
Dingle to me is just as good, if not better than the Ring of Kerry. Less bus traffic and lots more to see. Ancient remains and incredible views. Dingle town is full of life day and night.
Adare - the prettiest little town with the thatched roof houses. The town is mostly one main street with about 6 thatched roof houses. Make sure to check out the church and tour the castle if you have time.
Cliffs of Moher and The Burren. Both geological phenomenons. Hope for a clear day for the Cliffs. Lots of ancient stuff around here too, like the Pulnabrone dolmen (ancient table top tomb).
In 3 trips I've never really spent much time in Galway city. Unless you have the extra time, go on to the Connemara Coast and enjoy the rough and rocky scenery. If you go all the way to Clifden you can try to drive out the Sky Road at sunset. Again hoping for a relatively clear day. There is a drive called the Connemara Loop. Nice thing to do if you have the time.
Cong - I really love the abbey ruins there and Cong Wood. Nice little town.
Westport - nice port town if you have time. The Helms restaurant and bar are supposed to be really good.
Sligo - Yeats burial place in Drumcliffe, under Ben Bulben. Great scenic drive to be had here also.
Belleek pottery factory is not as busy as it once was, but the stuff is amazing once you see how it's made.
Omagh, fun town to base yourself if you spend a few days in NI. Most of the other towns are very small and working towns. So once the day is over the towns are dead. Music at some on Thursday and Sunday. More in Omagh.
Derry - do the bus tour here. Sit on the upper deck to get the best pictures and see the murals. Lively on the weekends. But also a working town. Walk the walls if you have the time. It's a little over a mile around.
Bushmills and the Causeway - definitely worth the visit. If you are driving and can take the Antrim coast road, all the better.
Belfast - Again here take the bus tour. More informative and helps you get around. Lots of places to find music around Queen's University.
The Boyne Valley with Knowth and New Grange megalithic tombs, Monastiereboice with the High Crosses and Mellifont Abbey.
That about covers the best for me. There are other places from previous trips, but I'd never finish if I wrote about all of them. For me Ireland has a lot of the best to see and short times are so rushed. Stop and savor the moments. If you spend a month you'll be able to see most everything, but not be able to savor the best coastlines, music and people.
I do have to say that I've used Rick Steve's Ireland book now for 2 trips and been very happy. I wouldn't leave home without it.
As you may have noticed I have hyperlinked a few of the initial sites. After doing so, I realized that there were way too many to link. Searches are easy, so you can handle the rest on your own. ;)
I've traveled to Ireland 3 times and 3 different ways, organized tour, self-catering cottages (a week at at time in each), and B&Bs. Each has it's advantages, but I prefer the B&Bs, especially ones located in town, or very near town. Next time, I'm going to park myself out by the west coast, or on the coast by Donegal, and just be part of the country.
I'm going to do this by area rather than just a haphazard list. So let's start at the beginning which is flying into Dublin.
In Dublin - Do find the Tourist Office and sign up for the Hop-on-Hop-Off day tour. The tickets are about 15 euro and last for 24 hours. Most of the well known sites are on this tour. You can choose from the green bus or the red bus. Doesn't matter which they both go the same places. Do start early in the morning to have the most time to see all the sites. You may not want to visit the Guinness Brewery too early unless you like to drink then. The self guided tour comes with a pint of the yummy black stuff in the gravity bar on the 7th floor. Very nice view of Dublin. Caution for travelers. A few of the museums are closed on Mondays. Be aware of that. Unless you really want to spend the time standing in line and pay the fee to see one page of the Book of Kells, just visit Trinity College and the gift shop for souvenirs.
All the other sites on the tour are good, but you may have to decide which to visit and which to skip. Definitely go to St. Patrick's and Christ Church (the catacombs in the basement are amazing)
You can also take one of several day tours out of Dublin. If you want to go to Knowth or New Grange this would be the way to do it. Leaves early in the morning and also includes a visit to Monastiere Boice. Great scenery too and you don't have to drive.
Outside of Dublin:
Powerscourt Gardens - beautiful
Glendalough Monastery and ruins
Kildare Stud Farm
Kilkenny area - the ancient capital of Ireland - wonderful castle tour and artists enclave across from the castle. In the same area Jerpoint Abbey and glass factory (you really have to search to find this, but the work is beautiful. Outside of Kilkenney in Bennetsbridge is Nicholas Moss Pottery factory. You can find his stuff all over, but this is where it's made and you can watch.
Hook Head Lighthouse - south of Wexford. If you have the time to drive here. Otherwise skip it. The site is beautiful on a sunny day, and you can spend lots of time looking out over the ocean, but it takes time. If you have it, all the better.
Charles Fort in Kinsale just south of Cork
Ring of Kerry - this is a standard thing for tourists. You should do it once. But if you take the bridge across from Cahersiveen you can find Ballycarberry castle ruins and also an amazing ring fort.
Dingle to me is just as good, if not better than the Ring of Kerry. Less bus traffic and lots more to see. Ancient remains and incredible views. Dingle town is full of life day and night.
Adare - the prettiest little town with the thatched roof houses. The town is mostly one main street with about 6 thatched roof houses. Make sure to check out the church and tour the castle if you have time.
Cliffs of Moher and The Burren. Both geological phenomenons. Hope for a clear day for the Cliffs. Lots of ancient stuff around here too, like the Pulnabrone dolmen (ancient table top tomb).
In 3 trips I've never really spent much time in Galway city. Unless you have the extra time, go on to the Connemara Coast and enjoy the rough and rocky scenery. If you go all the way to Clifden you can try to drive out the Sky Road at sunset. Again hoping for a relatively clear day. There is a drive called the Connemara Loop. Nice thing to do if you have the time.
Cong - I really love the abbey ruins there and Cong Wood. Nice little town.
Westport - nice port town if you have time. The Helms restaurant and bar are supposed to be really good.
Sligo - Yeats burial place in Drumcliffe, under Ben Bulben. Great scenic drive to be had here also.
Belleek pottery factory is not as busy as it once was, but the stuff is amazing once you see how it's made.
Omagh, fun town to base yourself if you spend a few days in NI. Most of the other towns are very small and working towns. So once the day is over the towns are dead. Music at some on Thursday and Sunday. More in Omagh.
Derry - do the bus tour here. Sit on the upper deck to get the best pictures and see the murals. Lively on the weekends. But also a working town. Walk the walls if you have the time. It's a little over a mile around.
Bushmills and the Causeway - definitely worth the visit. If you are driving and can take the Antrim coast road, all the better.
Belfast - Again here take the bus tour. More informative and helps you get around. Lots of places to find music around Queen's University.
The Boyne Valley with Knowth and New Grange megalithic tombs, Monastiereboice with the High Crosses and Mellifont Abbey.
That about covers the best for me. There are other places from previous trips, but I'd never finish if I wrote about all of them. For me Ireland has a lot of the best to see and short times are so rushed. Stop and savor the moments. If you spend a month you'll be able to see most everything, but not be able to savor the best coastlines, music and people.
I do have to say that I've used Rick Steve's Ireland book now for 2 trips and been very happy. I wouldn't leave home without it.
As you may have noticed I have hyperlinked a few of the initial sites. After doing so, I realized that there were way too many to link. Searches are easy, so you can handle the rest on your own. ;)
I've traveled to Ireland 3 times and 3 different ways, organized tour, self-catering cottages (a week at at time in each), and B&Bs. Each has it's advantages, but I prefer the B&Bs, especially ones located in town, or very near town. Next time, I'm going to park myself out by the west coast, or on the coast by Donegal, and just be part of the country.
More Thoughts
July 21st
So here it is the 3rd week in July and I'm finally returning home for the remainder of the summer. I just realized that I've been gone from home for 5 weeks now. I think that's the longest I've ever been gone.
While it's great to travel as I did, it's always great to get back home. I know I'll have plenty of house cleaning and catching up to take care of, but I also want to spend time with my dog, Mickey, and get all my pictures sorted out.
I've been told my vacuum bit the dust while I've been gone, so finding out if I need to purchase a new one will probably take precedence over everything else. A cheap price to pay for being gone so long.
As for observations about the trip... I've been thinking about that lately. In fact, the last few nights my brain has been interrupting my sleep by rerunning events during the trip. While I haven't slept the best, I've had some very nice memories to recall. Even when there were some problems, as there always are when you travel with new friends, those are put to the back part of memories and the fun adventures win out. Would I do things differently next time? Maybe a few things, but not most. And yes, there will definitely be a next time. I think I'm finished with the tourist part of my Ireland travels, and will now have a different focus. Four thousand miles on a rental car in 2 weeks is more than anyone would want. I really didn't mind the driving and for the most part if was great craic as we periodically found ourselves totally lost and laughing about it.
We did get to experience some great music, but I'd like more. I was a little disappointed that a few of my favorite musicians did not have gigs scheduled at times we were in the area. Or they were out of the area.
I discovered new favorite places and some special new friends and acquaintances. It's those kind of connections that make the trip very worthwhile. Not to mention that the scenery can't be beat. ( I do have to give my son credit on his trip. His pics of the Swiss alps and countryside are pretty impressive too.) But my heart lies with Ireland.
For now we'll see what the future brings in terms of travel. I've always thought of Ireland as an every other year, but now, I'm not sure if I can wait that long. And I still have not figured how to explain to people why. For those of you who know me well enough to understand, I don't have to explain. For the rest of you, I guess you'll just have to trust me.
So ends my journey for this year.
So here it is the 3rd week in July and I'm finally returning home for the remainder of the summer. I just realized that I've been gone from home for 5 weeks now. I think that's the longest I've ever been gone.
While it's great to travel as I did, it's always great to get back home. I know I'll have plenty of house cleaning and catching up to take care of, but I also want to spend time with my dog, Mickey, and get all my pictures sorted out.
I've been told my vacuum bit the dust while I've been gone, so finding out if I need to purchase a new one will probably take precedence over everything else. A cheap price to pay for being gone so long.
As for observations about the trip... I've been thinking about that lately. In fact, the last few nights my brain has been interrupting my sleep by rerunning events during the trip. While I haven't slept the best, I've had some very nice memories to recall. Even when there were some problems, as there always are when you travel with new friends, those are put to the back part of memories and the fun adventures win out. Would I do things differently next time? Maybe a few things, but not most. And yes, there will definitely be a next time. I think I'm finished with the tourist part of my Ireland travels, and will now have a different focus. Four thousand miles on a rental car in 2 weeks is more than anyone would want. I really didn't mind the driving and for the most part if was great craic as we periodically found ourselves totally lost and laughing about it.
We did get to experience some great music, but I'd like more. I was a little disappointed that a few of my favorite musicians did not have gigs scheduled at times we were in the area. Or they were out of the area.
I discovered new favorite places and some special new friends and acquaintances. It's those kind of connections that make the trip very worthwhile. Not to mention that the scenery can't be beat. ( I do have to give my son credit on his trip. His pics of the Swiss alps and countryside are pretty impressive too.) But my heart lies with Ireland.
For now we'll see what the future brings in terms of travel. I've always thought of Ireland as an every other year, but now, I'm not sure if I can wait that long. And I still have not figured how to explain to people why. For those of you who know me well enough to understand, I don't have to explain. For the rest of you, I guess you'll just have to trust me.
So ends my journey for this year.
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Things to mention
There are so many topics I haven't touched on during each of the daily blogs, so I thought I might cover a few of them here. These are observations form a variety of things we saw and experienced.
First let me start with the “hen parties”. Everywhere we went we saw groups of girls and ladies as part of the hen party. This is pretty much a bachelorette party. Girls and their bridal parties and friends go from Dublin to Glasgow,or vice versa, or from outside of Dublin to the city for a weekend. At the airport when we left for Galsgow there were groups arriving and groups departing. They all had t-shirts on like – Karen's Herns, or Susie's Hen Trip 2009. Even on our Hop-on-Hop-off trip in Galsgow there were a group of hens who boarded to ride around the city.
Not so different from the groups I see going to Las Vegas for a weekend, except for the fact that these girls/women can be adorned with ribbons, or rabbit ears an the bride weaaring a decorative short veil. They definietly want it to be known they are all together. If they don't leave town they may be in a limo or celebrating in a local pub one evening.
Great craic for everyone.
The next thing I want to mention are the showers in Ireland. Or maybe I should say shower stalls. As far as getting enough hot water there is no problem. The Triton, heat as you need it power showers are great. Most of the shower stalls are very small. If you don't stand diagonal when you reach up to wash your hair, you will probably be bumping your elbows agains the walls. That should give you a good idea of the size. The hotels usually have bath tubs, so that works better, but B&Bs are the ones with the tiny showers. If I remember correctly, some of the self-catering cottages from my last trip had the same if the bathrooms were ensuite. And I do have so say I have seem some of the smallest bathrooms – sink and toilet- as can every be created. In some of the restaurants they had the Dyson hand dryer that I've seen advertised on TV. Very cool.
On to the wonderful sunny weather we had while traveling. The day we arrived in Dublin it was raining, but soon stopped. We had one very rainy day in Glasgow and a few sprinkles other days along the way. But for the most part the weather was sunny and beautiful. The reason Ibring this up is I wanted to mention about how many people we saw at the beachs around Ireland. And no wetsuits in the very cold water. Now when I say it was warm, I'm talking about 75-80 degrees, and 80 is really pushing it. So here were all these people at the beach on a sunny 75 degree day in the water. Mostly just up to their knees, but still in the water.
The one thing that really made me smile was when we checked into our B&B in Sligo. On the side of the house was a stone rock driveway that lead to an area to park and a place for the family to BBQ. No patio just all a loose rock area. When we arrived about 5PM there was the owner's daughter, home from college in her bikini on a lounge chair working on her tan! Just something I found quite unique for the weather and location.
I could definitey understand this by the beach, but here in the back driveway/bbq area just looked so out of place. Made me smile as Ireland has always surprised me in many ways.
So on to my last subject for a while. In Irland there is a known precidence when you are at a pub. If you sit at a table, or in a snug (both) you are not bothered. It's an unwritten understanding that you don't want to be disturbed. But the story is totally different if you take a stool at the bar. So one night Sarah and I ventured down to the pub that was attached to our Inn. (I should mention that while most stays were B&Bs, some were guest houses or inns to accommodate our room needs).
We took a couple of stools at the bar and after a few minutes we were engaged in conversation first with the barman, and then with a few gentlemen sitting a ways down from us. Before we knew it as we were getting ready to purchase a second round, one of the gentlemen bought us a round. Now the rule of courtesy here, is that you reciprocate with a round. But we hardly had a chance when the second gentleman bought a round. So by now I've had 3 glasses (not pints) of Guinness, and Sarah was on her 3rd whiskey. Sarah is a whiskey drinker and I love my Guinness.
We had not even had dinner yet and were due to leave. When we asked for suggestions ffor a place to go to dinner one of the gentlemen suggested we go to his place. By then Sarah and I were full of giggles, made our excuses and left to go eat. We tol the gentlemen that we “may” be back later that night, but would probably see them the next night. From what we heard, I guess they thought we'd be back for sure that evening and they went home and got all spiffed up and returned. We were tired after a long day and after dinner went to our room not realizing what had happened.
The next night, as we had planned, we stopped by the pub again to basically an empty bar. Our two new Irish friend, Paul and John were no where in site, so we “chatted it up”, as they say with Eugene the barman until closing.
We diid leave some money with Eugene to buy the 2 guys a reciprocating drink, which Eugene promised he would do. Not quite sure what would have happened had we returned that first night! LOL
First let me start with the “hen parties”. Everywhere we went we saw groups of girls and ladies as part of the hen party. This is pretty much a bachelorette party. Girls and their bridal parties and friends go from Dublin to Glasgow,or vice versa, or from outside of Dublin to the city for a weekend. At the airport when we left for Galsgow there were groups arriving and groups departing. They all had t-shirts on like – Karen's Herns, or Susie's Hen Trip 2009. Even on our Hop-on-Hop-off trip in Galsgow there were a group of hens who boarded to ride around the city.
Not so different from the groups I see going to Las Vegas for a weekend, except for the fact that these girls/women can be adorned with ribbons, or rabbit ears an the bride weaaring a decorative short veil. They definietly want it to be known they are all together. If they don't leave town they may be in a limo or celebrating in a local pub one evening.
Great craic for everyone.
The next thing I want to mention are the showers in Ireland. Or maybe I should say shower stalls. As far as getting enough hot water there is no problem. The Triton, heat as you need it power showers are great. Most of the shower stalls are very small. If you don't stand diagonal when you reach up to wash your hair, you will probably be bumping your elbows agains the walls. That should give you a good idea of the size. The hotels usually have bath tubs, so that works better, but B&Bs are the ones with the tiny showers. If I remember correctly, some of the self-catering cottages from my last trip had the same if the bathrooms were ensuite. And I do have so say I have seem some of the smallest bathrooms – sink and toilet- as can every be created. In some of the restaurants they had the Dyson hand dryer that I've seen advertised on TV. Very cool.
On to the wonderful sunny weather we had while traveling. The day we arrived in Dublin it was raining, but soon stopped. We had one very rainy day in Glasgow and a few sprinkles other days along the way. But for the most part the weather was sunny and beautiful. The reason Ibring this up is I wanted to mention about how many people we saw at the beachs around Ireland. And no wetsuits in the very cold water. Now when I say it was warm, I'm talking about 75-80 degrees, and 80 is really pushing it. So here were all these people at the beach on a sunny 75 degree day in the water. Mostly just up to their knees, but still in the water.
The one thing that really made me smile was when we checked into our B&B in Sligo. On the side of the house was a stone rock driveway that lead to an area to park and a place for the family to BBQ. No patio just all a loose rock area. When we arrived about 5PM there was the owner's daughter, home from college in her bikini on a lounge chair working on her tan! Just something I found quite unique for the weather and location.
I could definitey understand this by the beach, but here in the back driveway/bbq area just looked so out of place. Made me smile as Ireland has always surprised me in many ways.
So on to my last subject for a while. In Irland there is a known precidence when you are at a pub. If you sit at a table, or in a snug (both) you are not bothered. It's an unwritten understanding that you don't want to be disturbed. But the story is totally different if you take a stool at the bar. So one night Sarah and I ventured down to the pub that was attached to our Inn. (I should mention that while most stays were B&Bs, some were guest houses or inns to accommodate our room needs).
We took a couple of stools at the bar and after a few minutes we were engaged in conversation first with the barman, and then with a few gentlemen sitting a ways down from us. Before we knew it as we were getting ready to purchase a second round, one of the gentlemen bought us a round. Now the rule of courtesy here, is that you reciprocate with a round. But we hardly had a chance when the second gentleman bought a round. So by now I've had 3 glasses (not pints) of Guinness, and Sarah was on her 3rd whiskey. Sarah is a whiskey drinker and I love my Guinness.
We had not even had dinner yet and were due to leave. When we asked for suggestions ffor a place to go to dinner one of the gentlemen suggested we go to his place. By then Sarah and I were full of giggles, made our excuses and left to go eat. We tol the gentlemen that we “may” be back later that night, but would probably see them the next night. From what we heard, I guess they thought we'd be back for sure that evening and they went home and got all spiffed up and returned. We were tired after a long day and after dinner went to our room not realizing what had happened.
The next night, as we had planned, we stopped by the pub again to basically an empty bar. Our two new Irish friend, Paul and John were no where in site, so we “chatted it up”, as they say with Eugene the barman until closing.
We diid leave some money with Eugene to buy the 2 guys a reciprocating drink, which Eugene promised he would do. Not quite sure what would have happened had we returned that first night! LOL
Home again
July 8th
We just left Glitter City, at least thats what I call it. Funny how Las Vegas looks so different during the day time. Just a bunch of tall buildings in the middle of middle America rows and blocks of track homes. I'm sure there are some fancy places mixed in there, but from the air during the day it's just a cacaphony of little boxes spread over the desert floor up to the edge of the mountiains.
I've been on planes for way too many hours since yesterday morning and still don't know what time zone my body is using. I was wide awake at 2am (which would have been 8am for me) and now I'm working my way west to another 2 hours earlier. This will take a few days to readjust.
Hopefully by the time I head out for Sacramento on Friday morning I'll be in better shape. If not, scrapbooking is going to be a very long night.
Fist things first. I need to get out of my jeans and into some fresh, clean clothes. Not sure where I'll be doing laundry, but I do nee to visit the menace and see that she is okay. Possibly missing me. It would be a better thought if I was talking about a man, but Micky, my dog is my best friend, and I do miss her.
Eight hours yesterday, 3 ½ so far today ad now another hour and a quarter. It would be nice to get my feet on the ground for a while.
We just left Glitter City, at least thats what I call it. Funny how Las Vegas looks so different during the day time. Just a bunch of tall buildings in the middle of middle America rows and blocks of track homes. I'm sure there are some fancy places mixed in there, but from the air during the day it's just a cacaphony of little boxes spread over the desert floor up to the edge of the mountiains.
I've been on planes for way too many hours since yesterday morning and still don't know what time zone my body is using. I was wide awake at 2am (which would have been 8am for me) and now I'm working my way west to another 2 hours earlier. This will take a few days to readjust.
Hopefully by the time I head out for Sacramento on Friday morning I'll be in better shape. If not, scrapbooking is going to be a very long night.
Fist things first. I need to get out of my jeans and into some fresh, clean clothes. Not sure where I'll be doing laundry, but I do nee to visit the menace and see that she is okay. Possibly missing me. It would be a better thought if I was talking about a man, but Micky, my dog is my best friend, and I do miss her.
Eight hours yesterday, 3 ½ so far today ad now another hour and a quarter. It would be nice to get my feet on the ground for a while.
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
On the way home
This is Hamish the Highlands Cow, friendly, but a bit hairy I'd say. LOL
7 July
So here I am on my Aer Lingus flight back to Chicago. Tomorrow I'll be on a Southwest plane back home. I'm always a little melancholly at this point. Lots of time to think and reflect on about the last 3 weeks. It's doesn't really seem like it was that long. I really coul have found tons to do over another week or two or three.
I briefly touched on our last day with the flight delay from Glasgow and then a relaxing day for me in Dublin topped off with going to Riverdance at the Gaiety Theater. The theater was a restored older theater and just magnificient. It was small, no more than about 800 people, but it was packed this Monday. We had seats just off center in the second row. Perfect from my perspective. Seeing the show live was definitely an experience. A great end to a vacation that was way too short.
I keep thinking about next year and wondering if I can swing another trip then. I've tried every other year, but keeping find more reasons to return sooner. The B&B experience is the way to go. Small towns and small pubs. Sitting at the bar and talking to the regulars. And giving all the towns their own chance to show off their own craic.
Once I get home and life starts to run away with me again, all this will be a very special memory. I'm hoping to scap most of it, like I have my other two trips. I'm thinking this will have a little different slant. I will be putting up a selection of pictures as soon as I can sort through the 700 or so that I've taken. I may actualy have to do more than one slide show. No decisions there yet.
We arrive in Chicago in about 2 hours now. I've spent the first part of the flight catching up on some much needed sleep. I think I run on adreniline while traveling and now I'm all out of it. Sarah and I are hoping to meet up with Becky and her mom tonight or late this afternoon for a little while. We'll both be heading to the Midway Airport around 5am on Wednesday.
Three weeks, where did it go?
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