OMG..I do believe she's trying to kill me! We must have hiked 7 miles --all uphill...today. We finally had to take a horse ride back. So the thought of sleeping in didn't work...would have missed breakfast and that doesn't work well for me. We did the Ring of Kerry. We kind of changed it up a bit and now it's known here as the Triangle of Kerry. Rain, rain and more rain...and that didn't help my driving ability at all. I believe I heard a gasp from Lorraine as we passed a bus with another coming in the opposite direction on a road that was possibly 3 feet narrower than the three vehicles. Nice folks those people were...
We stopped a couple of times-some would think to get a bite to eat, but really just to get out and kiss the ground again. In actual fact I believe my driving has been superb as we've made it back every time we've gone out.
Tried to get out to take a picture with a couple of sheep. I believe Lorraine's comment was, now there's a fact for you...'.I believe they recognize a wolf in sheeps clothing...' In fact the sheep loved me!
Came up to the final swing on this loop around the countryside to Killarney National Park and did we ever need the walk....the ride had been enough, but this walk did us in. Beautiful park and we didn't get in any trouble. Well, we're off tomorrow to someplace but dang I can't remember where. Oh no worry, Lorraine will tell me...that's what 40 years gets you...
Kids, have fun in Colorado.
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Monday, July 5, 2010
Kiss your own Blarney!
Well, today was the day that most people come to Ireland for -to complete and capture that trait of eloquence-the gift of gab, but I'll get to that later. The day started early--for some reason couldn't sleep. After meeting our lovely hosts we were off to see the University College Cork...a beautiful campus at the foot of the road where the Hayfield Manor sits. A campus of only 12000 lucky students. Not that the subjects are easy but rather their campus is just magnificent with the trees, flora and fauna. Twelve thousand students-Lord I could probably have talked to all of them if I just had two more days there. Actually we ran short of time in Cork as Lorraine had a huge list she wanted to do but due to time constraints she was not as happy a camper as she could have been. We left Cork to see the Cork Gaol (Jail)--the one from the1800's...closed in 1923 but was not as interesting as it was pumped up to be. Actually they should have been arrested for imposing as a sight to see...We got lost driving there; had to wait an hour to listen to this presentation and then continued getting lost on the way out. Besides that I turned the wrong way on some of the one way streets a couple of times; actually a bit exciting but not all my fault. Some of those streets used to be two way and the signs were still up showing to go the direction I was heading...the other issue was the Leprechauns here must have stolen all the street signs because THERE ARE NONE and the final problem was, those people that were facing me were really irritiated for lack of another good word....
We backtracked to Blarney to see the castle and to kiss the stone...We must have stayed there for about four hours. I didn't know that dang stone was at the top of the castle; nor did I know I'd have to lay on my back and lean over backwards to kiss the stone. There is a guy up there holding you but he seems to handle the women a little differently than the men. I believe he should have paid Lorraine for the holding he was doing....no more said. We kissed the damn stone and now we have the gift of the gab....Imagine that! The wishing steps were a bit farther down in the Rock Close and we enjoyed climbing through the rocks and taking pictures. An interesting thing at the wishing steps: if you go down with your eyes closed and then backwards back up with your eyes closed thinking of only your wish the entire time...your wish will be fulfilled within the year...no one wished harder than me---except for maybe Lorraine...
We then busted our ____(made every effort) to get to a place called Cobh (pronounced Cove) where the Lusitania was sunk and the Titantic made it's last port of call and the convict ships left there for Australia and the coffin ships took the first emigrants to Ellis Island....didn't want to go there cause they didn't have such a good record to start with. We do finally get there and the place is closed. And this was no ez drive, let me tell you. Roads wide enough only for a wisp and a prayer--dang near knocked the outdoor mirrors off the car and Lorraine was now wishing for something to keep her alive. From there we started our journey to Killarney for two nights. The hotel is the Aghaodoe Heights. Very contemporary inside and their spa is their focal point. The view of the lake and hills is beautiful and breathtaking. I've just seen the penthouse and it's worth the stay for sure. All automatic window shades turns the living room into a theater media room. Music is fantastic in every room and the outside patio and view is fantastic. I'm sure we have some folks we could put in here. Wonderful...just wonderful. We're really beat at the end of this day so we'll be heading to rest as this hotel is quite a ways out from the city. Tomorrow will be a bit more leisurly and hopefully we'll sleep in...at least I hope so, but then breakfast is by 10 and I'm pretty darn narky if I miss that meal, so I guess we'll be up and at em a lot earlier than I expect. By the way, Benjamin would have loved the castle and the Blarney stone....Missing all and Ryan and Jenn and Ben have a great trip to Colorado.
We backtracked to Blarney to see the castle and to kiss the stone...We must have stayed there for about four hours. I didn't know that dang stone was at the top of the castle; nor did I know I'd have to lay on my back and lean over backwards to kiss the stone. There is a guy up there holding you but he seems to handle the women a little differently than the men. I believe he should have paid Lorraine for the holding he was doing....no more said. We kissed the damn stone and now we have the gift of the gab....Imagine that! The wishing steps were a bit farther down in the Rock Close and we enjoyed climbing through the rocks and taking pictures. An interesting thing at the wishing steps: if you go down with your eyes closed and then backwards back up with your eyes closed thinking of only your wish the entire time...your wish will be fulfilled within the year...no one wished harder than me---except for maybe Lorraine...
We then busted our ____(made every effort) to get to a place called Cobh (pronounced Cove) where the Lusitania was sunk and the Titantic made it's last port of call and the convict ships left there for Australia and the coffin ships took the first emigrants to Ellis Island....didn't want to go there cause they didn't have such a good record to start with. We do finally get there and the place is closed. And this was no ez drive, let me tell you. Roads wide enough only for a wisp and a prayer--dang near knocked the outdoor mirrors off the car and Lorraine was now wishing for something to keep her alive. From there we started our journey to Killarney for two nights. The hotel is the Aghaodoe Heights. Very contemporary inside and their spa is their focal point. The view of the lake and hills is beautiful and breathtaking. I've just seen the penthouse and it's worth the stay for sure. All automatic window shades turns the living room into a theater media room. Music is fantastic in every room and the outside patio and view is fantastic. I'm sure we have some folks we could put in here. Wonderful...just wonderful. We're really beat at the end of this day so we'll be heading to rest as this hotel is quite a ways out from the city. Tomorrow will be a bit more leisurly and hopefully we'll sleep in...at least I hope so, but then breakfast is by 10 and I'm pretty darn narky if I miss that meal, so I guess we'll be up and at em a lot earlier than I expect. By the way, Benjamin would have loved the castle and the Blarney stone....Missing all and Ryan and Jenn and Ben have a great trip to Colorado.
Sunday, July 4, 2010
Waterford and Cork--An offroad experience!
The morning started in the mist of the Irish landscape with the weeping willows and orchids, geraniums and lovely hydrangeas...makes you think it's the beginning of a Harlequin Romance series...WRONg...it's me and the Me-Maw (thanks to Benjamin)
What a day. We got the car. You're too close to the wall; you're to close to the center line; you ride, I'll drive; watch out; move over! Cured that, rest of the ride was the trunk! Virtural reality of course. We made it to Waterford and wouldn't you know it, a parade....Me, I thought it was for July 4th, but then I thought Southern Ireland loved the Brits too! The parade was great. We happened to be in the Waterford shop looking for disposable plasticware but to our avail a parade outside beckoned us. The kids would have loved it. They evidently only do it once a year and the theme was 'Flights of Fancy'...and the best thing...not too long either in duration or marching but the floats were unbelieveable. If I only knew how to post the pictures I would. You'll have to wait until we get home.
From Waterford we went to Cork. A seemingly easy jaunt, wrong again. The hotel is the Hayfield Manor. What a palaver to get here! (don't grade here on spelling please)
We spent an hour trying to find it but my gosh, what a find. Somehow it is only a 10 minute walk to town but since we've yet to try it, we'll just have to wait for that to be actually confirmed. That walk is more like 25 minutes. Ez walk but the cab ride back was much easier. The bistro at the hotel was both casual and excellent.
The Hotel sits on 2 acres of mature gardens. Already I can tell we're going to have a problem.
All room (88) are unique to one another and ours is gorgeous. Someone really has us confused with someone else. They have 9 treatment rooms. How sad when I found it was a Beautique. I really thought I'd found a place that could finally help me! Has a beautiful indoor pool, an outdoor jacuzzi, steam room and fully equipped gymnasium. A bistro and a formal dining room and a grand entrance stairwell in the lobby that is just gosh dang gorgeous...As Lorraine said, a bit of heaven. As the manager said, a great hidden secret. The hotel was actually demolished and rebuilt and moved.
An extremely romantic setting and no kids...Wine on entry into the room along with truffles and fruit. Oops, I hear Guinevere calling....oh, never mind, I'm mistaken, it is Lorraine...my Guinevere....Cheeio!
What a day. We got the car. You're too close to the wall; you're to close to the center line; you ride, I'll drive; watch out; move over! Cured that, rest of the ride was the trunk! Virtural reality of course. We made it to Waterford and wouldn't you know it, a parade....Me, I thought it was for July 4th, but then I thought Southern Ireland loved the Brits too! The parade was great. We happened to be in the Waterford shop looking for disposable plasticware but to our avail a parade outside beckoned us. The kids would have loved it. They evidently only do it once a year and the theme was 'Flights of Fancy'...and the best thing...not too long either in duration or marching but the floats were unbelieveable. If I only knew how to post the pictures I would. You'll have to wait until we get home.
From Waterford we went to Cork. A seemingly easy jaunt, wrong again. The hotel is the Hayfield Manor. What a palaver to get here! (don't grade here on spelling please)
We spent an hour trying to find it but my gosh, what a find. Somehow it is only a 10 minute walk to town but since we've yet to try it, we'll just have to wait for that to be actually confirmed. That walk is more like 25 minutes. Ez walk but the cab ride back was much easier. The bistro at the hotel was both casual and excellent.
The Hotel sits on 2 acres of mature gardens. Already I can tell we're going to have a problem.
All room (88) are unique to one another and ours is gorgeous. Someone really has us confused with someone else. They have 9 treatment rooms. How sad when I found it was a Beautique. I really thought I'd found a place that could finally help me! Has a beautiful indoor pool, an outdoor jacuzzi, steam room and fully equipped gymnasium. A bistro and a formal dining room and a grand entrance stairwell in the lobby that is just gosh dang gorgeous...As Lorraine said, a bit of heaven. As the manager said, a great hidden secret. The hotel was actually demolished and rebuilt and moved.
An extremely romantic setting and no kids...Wine on entry into the room along with truffles and fruit. Oops, I hear Guinevere calling....oh, never mind, I'm mistaken, it is Lorraine...my Guinevere....Cheeio!
Saturday, July 3, 2010
Day that makes you proud that you're IRISH!
Great day for the second week we've been here..oops, only second day! Went to all the important places today....Guiness, Guiness, and Guiness---we also made St Patricks Cathedral...for those that don't know, he's responsible for bringing Christianity to Ireland way back when sometime...so what does that leave us to be responsible for? Scary thought eh? Well, you've done the Riverwalk; probably did some River Rafting but tonight we went to see Riverdance...the cloggers and the thumpers and the clappity clap of the feet....if you've not seen it, you probably wouldn't want to go with us...got right in the rhythm immediately....but when they call your name from the loudspeaker and ask the Irishman in the back on the second deck to quit clapping and dancing....well, you don't want it to be you (of course it wasn't me...I believe it was Lorraine!) ....Fantastic, simply the best show we've ever danced through! The most interesting part came when Lorraine and I got back to the room and there she was...dancin' her way into my heart....until she realized the ladies in the show are just a bit younger than we are. If you ever get a chance to see the show, do so! It's fun, energetic, and the choreography is fantastic along with the music. The two hour performance seems like 10 minutes and you're in it all the way. If you really want to enjoy it, perhaps you shouldn't invite Lorraine and I....Off to somewhere tomorrow...but will let you know if I can get back into this site: It was a day to make you proud that you're an Irishman! It's true...we head up two tribes, the Levites and the O'Levy's....the first and the last tribes....look it up...really, it's true...
Friday, July 2, 2010
The Westbury-Dublin Ireland
I'm actually pretty easy to please. LaQuinta to me fits most of my needs so when I'm exposed to a 5 star hotel, it really makes me wonder...wth? Gorgeous and sitting right in the middle of Dublin. Got the fancy doorman with the hat, the concierge and all the finery that you would expect in a 5 star location. TheWilde is the restaurant and although quite pricey (entres at about 40 euro) the ambiance is wonderful. Did we eat there? You figure it out...
There is a coffee/bar that stays busy all day and the fitness room looks great for all those interested in busting their butts so early in the morning. The bed is fantastic and as comfortable as any that we've ever slept in. And you have to love the duvets--- The hotel is located in a great location and only minutes from all the shopping and restaurants that seem to have the action. Pubs are literally 10 steps outside the main doors and the frivolity seems to go on for hours. St Patricks Cathedral and Christ Church are a bit away but we walked it and enjoyed the day. Stephens Green and Trinity University are also quite close. The only thing I have trouble with in these out of US boundaries is the dang showers. Plumbing here must cost thousands with all the amenities and fixtures they install. The one thing I always forget about is that darned towel warmer. I must get one when I get back. They are the best invention ever. So if you ever get a chance to come to Ireland (still no sighting of Leprechauns) the Westbury would be a top spot to stay. If you had any complaints, I'd have to tell you to stay at a LaQuinta and quit being such a complainer...Staff was fantastic....Loved the hotel! Just loved it.
There is a coffee/bar that stays busy all day and the fitness room looks great for all those interested in busting their butts so early in the morning. The bed is fantastic and as comfortable as any that we've ever slept in. And you have to love the duvets--- The hotel is located in a great location and only minutes from all the shopping and restaurants that seem to have the action. Pubs are literally 10 steps outside the main doors and the frivolity seems to go on for hours. St Patricks Cathedral and Christ Church are a bit away but we walked it and enjoyed the day. Stephens Green and Trinity University are also quite close. The only thing I have trouble with in these out of US boundaries is the dang showers. Plumbing here must cost thousands with all the amenities and fixtures they install. The one thing I always forget about is that darned towel warmer. I must get one when I get back. They are the best invention ever. So if you ever get a chance to come to Ireland (still no sighting of Leprechauns) the Westbury would be a top spot to stay. If you had any complaints, I'd have to tell you to stay at a LaQuinta and quit being such a complainer...Staff was fantastic....Loved the hotel! Just loved it.
We're Here and no Leprechauns!
Well, we made it and after a little computer trouble (of which I fixed somehow) we're in business.
Flight was good but as usual too long. After a two hour nap upon arrival we went out to conquer the city. For a city with 12.5% unemployment, they seem to be very busy in the city center. We went to see the Castle of Dublin and the Christ Church, but that's it for me for guided tours. I'll try and be patient but you know, it's really nothing that I haven
t seen somewhere and old is just that, old....oh sure, there's a lot of history of this lordship and that viceroy, but unless you're living in 1500 's do you really care? We'll head out for an early dinner and then a few pints and then to sleep! Tomorrow will be another exploration day and we'll be looking forward to it. Weather is great and although we got caught in a quick downpour that just seemed to come from nowhere, we are dry and thankful to be here...actually thankful to be anywhere! Take care and will try and continue to fill you in. Love to the kids---and of course, Benjamin! Sean--Ireland looks like the place to start your travels. Lots of youth!
Bet after the pints, we'll see those leprechauns and four leaf clovers....
Flight was good but as usual too long. After a two hour nap upon arrival we went out to conquer the city. For a city with 12.5% unemployment, they seem to be very busy in the city center. We went to see the Castle of Dublin and the Christ Church, but that's it for me for guided tours. I'll try and be patient but you know, it's really nothing that I haven
t seen somewhere and old is just that, old....oh sure, there's a lot of history of this lordship and that viceroy, but unless you're living in 1500 's do you really care? We'll head out for an early dinner and then a few pints and then to sleep! Tomorrow will be another exploration day and we'll be looking forward to it. Weather is great and although we got caught in a quick downpour that just seemed to come from nowhere, we are dry and thankful to be here...actually thankful to be anywhere! Take care and will try and continue to fill you in. Love to the kids---and of course, Benjamin! Sean--Ireland looks like the place to start your travels. Lots of youth!
Bet after the pints, we'll see those leprechauns and four leaf clovers....
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
You've never vacationed like this---unless you've vacationed with us!
So this is it folks. Looks as if we're made it to cyberspace and tomorrow Lorraine and I will head out on vacation and celebrate our 40th year of blissful marriage. Actually not until Oct 15...but we're working folk, so we have to go when we can. How did we elect to spend it? Thirty days together; 24/7; what else can I say...if we make it through we'll probably make it easily to 50 years...if not, we'll probably not make it back!It would probably be more correct to say, " I won't probably make it back", but I'll be positive at the start and hope for the best. We may post here daily or maybe once every few days, but feel free to check on us. If I learn to post pictures I will, but if not, no big deal. I really don't add anything to the frame. Please keep us informed of Benjamin and the rest of you guys. You know we'll be wondering while wandering. We'll let you know where we are, when we find out ourselves----take care. Your parents are on the loose! Pretty darn scary, eh?
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