Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Day 6 - Travel Back to America
Wow. Today (1.27.09) we had an EARLY start. We woke at 5:30 am to get ready, and say our goodbyes in enough time to catch our cab by 6:30 to the bus station. It was particularly hard for Marla and Cathy of course, but only being there for five full days still made it hard on me. Mike called us a cab and we were off, in the darkness, to the train/bus station. It was about a two hour trip to the Shannon Airport, with multiple stops. We both dozed on and off the whole way there, especially since there was nothing to look at through the darkness! The last half hour of the trip, the sun was starting to reveal the landscape and I found Ennis to be absolutely beautiful. We arrived at the airport and after checking in, did some final shopping and ate breakfast. We boarded the plane to Dublin on time and arrived 20 minutes early. All passengers had to exit the plane after arriving in Dublin, in order to go through customs. Essentially, they just checked our passports and then let us get back on the plane. Again, like my flight to Ireland, it was a very empty flight which enabled everyone to have full reign of the plane for the eight hour duration. I had two seats to myself, as did Marla. Something about flying with someone, instead of alone, made it all go very quickly. I also read for most of the flight, which I'm sure helped as well. Once we arrived in Chicago, my parents had arranged for a car service to pick us up. There was zero traffic compared to my traffic standards and we made it home without a hitch. Eighteen hours of travel later, and we were happily hugging our parents - ready to eat a square meal.
I forced myself to stay awake, even though it was 1am in Ireland by the time I was exhausted. I stayed up until it was 4am there to knock myself back into this time zone - I think it worked. :)
It was an amazing journey, although quick, to Ireland. I'm glad that I was finally able to make it to Europe. I have been out of the country before, but to Canada and tropical places like Cayman and Curacao (not Mexico surprisingly enough). I'm sad it has taken me so long to get there, but very grateful all the cards fell into place for me to finally take the leap. Thanks again, to my awesome sister. If she hadn't been pushing me to go for SO long, and didn't generously foot the bill for the ticket - I never would have gone. I feel as though it has opened the door for me to go again, and not be so scared to travel for 18 hours to get to a destination. :) It wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. It's actually quite amazing that in our lifetime we can simply hop onto a couple planes and be 3,000 miles around the globe in less than a day (and only with minimal motion sickness :).
I hope that some people have followed this blog and I hope it was somewhat enjoyable to read. I enjoyed tracking my experience this way, much better and faster than keeping a journal like I've done in the past!
Now, for the next five days I will be in 12 degree, snowy, windy Chicago - but it will be awesome.
I forced myself to stay awake, even though it was 1am in Ireland by the time I was exhausted. I stayed up until it was 4am there to knock myself back into this time zone - I think it worked. :)
It was an amazing journey, although quick, to Ireland. I'm glad that I was finally able to make it to Europe. I have been out of the country before, but to Canada and tropical places like Cayman and Curacao (not Mexico surprisingly enough). I'm sad it has taken me so long to get there, but very grateful all the cards fell into place for me to finally take the leap. Thanks again, to my awesome sister. If she hadn't been pushing me to go for SO long, and didn't generously foot the bill for the ticket - I never would have gone. I feel as though it has opened the door for me to go again, and not be so scared to travel for 18 hours to get to a destination. :) It wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. It's actually quite amazing that in our lifetime we can simply hop onto a couple planes and be 3,000 miles around the globe in less than a day (and only with minimal motion sickness :).
I hope that some people have followed this blog and I hope it was somewhat enjoyable to read. I enjoyed tracking my experience this way, much better and faster than keeping a journal like I've done in the past!
Now, for the next five days I will be in 12 degree, snowy, windy Chicago - but it will be awesome.
Monday, January 26, 2009
Day 5 - Galway; Castle and Shopping!
Today we decided to get an early start on the day to make up for yesterday. We also had to put shopping and castle viewing into one day, since we are leaving bright and early tomorrow morning. Mike and Cathy graciously allowed us to borrow their car, while they both went to work. After we dropped Cathy off at the university, we headed straight for Aughnanure Castle just outside of Oughterard. We knew there was a good chance it was closed - but we still had to find out for ourselves. And, come on, it's a castle - I'm sure we can still see SOME stuff - right? Well, of course we arrived and it was in fact closed - bummer. However, we were still able to snap some great photos of what was open to the public - see link to the right for photos.
Aughnanure Castle is a well-preserved early sixteenth-century tower house which rises to six stories, and still retains its outer defensive walls. The strongest tower of the O'Flahertys, who were masters of Connemara from the thirteenth to the sixteenth centry, Aughnanure has an eerie array of defensive features, including arrow slits aimed at the main staircase, secret prison chamber and a trap door in the hall above a subterranean river, through which were thrown guests who had outstayed their welcome. (Of course I read about these features from the Ireland guidebook that Cathy and Mike let us borrow.) It was a very strange feeling walking up to something with such a long history. It was silent, except for the sounds of numerous species of birds calling off in the distance - and it was very cold despite the sun being out and despite a lack of wind.
After the castle, we drove through and out past Oughterard. We snapped some last photos, before both of our camera batteries died! It was beautiful countryside and I was able to capture some of it on my camera phone. Unfortunatley, I can't load those to the photo gallery until I'm back in the states and actually back at work where the cord attachment is to retreive them off my phone.
On the drive back into Galway, I fell asleep in the car! But no time to sleep, when there is shopping and eating to be done! We found a cute little restaurant (I didn't catch the name) and ate brunch. Afterwards we shopped for jewelry mostly and both found items for ourselves and picked up some things for others. We were getting tired and needed to head back to pick up Cathy from work. Now, we are getting ready to eat out with Cathy, Mike and possibly another couple they all know from AIMS in Australia (Australia Institute of Marine Science - where Marla worked in 2005). Till later...
Aughnanure Castle is a well-preserved early sixteenth-century tower house which rises to six stories, and still retains its outer defensive walls. The strongest tower of the O'Flahertys, who were masters of Connemara from the thirteenth to the sixteenth centry, Aughnanure has an eerie array of defensive features, including arrow slits aimed at the main staircase, secret prison chamber and a trap door in the hall above a subterranean river, through which were thrown guests who had outstayed their welcome. (Of course I read about these features from the Ireland guidebook that Cathy and Mike let us borrow.) It was a very strange feeling walking up to something with such a long history. It was silent, except for the sounds of numerous species of birds calling off in the distance - and it was very cold despite the sun being out and despite a lack of wind.
After the castle, we drove through and out past Oughterard. We snapped some last photos, before both of our camera batteries died! It was beautiful countryside and I was able to capture some of it on my camera phone. Unfortunatley, I can't load those to the photo gallery until I'm back in the states and actually back at work where the cord attachment is to retreive them off my phone.
On the drive back into Galway, I fell asleep in the car! But no time to sleep, when there is shopping and eating to be done! We found a cute little restaurant (I didn't catch the name) and ate brunch. Afterwards we shopped for jewelry mostly and both found items for ourselves and picked up some things for others. We were getting tired and needed to head back to pick up Cathy from work. Now, we are getting ready to eat out with Cathy, Mike and possibly another couple they all know from AIMS in Australia (Australia Institute of Marine Science - where Marla worked in 2005). Till later...
Day 4 - Galway
Today was an unfortunate day for Marla, as she woke up with a migrane. That put a damper on today's plans, which was actually ok with me - we sat around and talked for a couple hours in the dimly lit room until her migrane subsided.
By late afternoon, she felt well enough to venture out to grab a bite to eat. We walked down the street to Lohan's Restaurant. The food was excellent - just like everything I've had so far in Ireland. I got a vegetarian lasagna with a side salad, while Marla enjoyed vegetable soup with a fish plate (not sure what kind, but I know shrimp were involved). After dinner we walked to the chemist (drug store) and the corner store to grab some items we needed. We headed back to the apartment and decided to watch a movie - The Talented Mr. Ripley. Cathy had made soup and the whole apartment smelled so good - I'm excited to try her secret ingredient in some soup I will make at home. haha
We called it a night since it was 11:30pm at that point.
By late afternoon, she felt well enough to venture out to grab a bite to eat. We walked down the street to Lohan's Restaurant. The food was excellent - just like everything I've had so far in Ireland. I got a vegetarian lasagna with a side salad, while Marla enjoyed vegetable soup with a fish plate (not sure what kind, but I know shrimp were involved). After dinner we walked to the chemist (drug store) and the corner store to grab some items we needed. We headed back to the apartment and decided to watch a movie - The Talented Mr. Ripley. Cathy had made soup and the whole apartment smelled so good - I'm excited to try her secret ingredient in some soup I will make at home. haha
We called it a night since it was 11:30pm at that point.
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Day 3 - Galway and Train Ride
Today we headed towards Galway via train. I was looking forward to seeing the Irish countryside - until we got on the train and it made me a little motion sick. :( After about 30 minutes I adjusted however - and I will post pictures soon. It is about a two and a half hour ride from Dublin to Galway. Once we arrived, we took a long, cold walk to the cab depot and caught a cab to Cathy and Mike's apartment right off the ocean. It is much colder and less sun is shining here. We almost immediately left their place to view the new home they are going to be renting starting Wednesday. It is absolutely beautiful, and brand new to boot. They have gorgeous views of the countryside and other lovely homes. I found it interesting (and so did they), that the houses do not have numbers, but instead names. (Think to the movie Under the Tuscan Sun with Diane Lane when she travels to Italy - her house is called, Bramisole I believe.) So, the owner still needs to come up with a name for their home.
We then came home and ate a homemade dinner of veggie burgers and fries (or chips if you are from England, like Cathy and Mike) - three vegetarians and one carnivore - poor Mike. ;) We were all pretty beat so while they watched a movie I updated my blog and photos. Tomorrow will be more exciting - weather permitting of course! All for today...
We then came home and ate a homemade dinner of veggie burgers and fries (or chips if you are from England, like Cathy and Mike) - three vegetarians and one carnivore - poor Mike. ;) We were all pretty beat so while they watched a movie I updated my blog and photos. Tomorrow will be more exciting - weather permitting of course! All for today...
Day 2 – Dublin
Today we spent most of the day touring Dublin. We started by riding almost the full route of the Hop On - Hop Off bus tour. It was nice to sit and hear about the history of Dublin, and decide where we would like to get off later on our second round. Once we made it ¾ of the way through, we got off and ate brunch at a small cafe. We all enjoyed wonderful coffee with our meals - but of course, decaf for me. After brunch we walked a few city blocks towards Trinity College which among other things houses the Book of Kells – our key interest. (Trinity College was the first college in Ireland and dates back to 1592 there are roughly 13,000 students attending today.) Back to the Book of Kells – it is a handmade book created by four artists, three scribes and two craftsmen in the 9th Century. It contains lavishly decorated copy, in Latin, of the four gospels. Historians believe the book was created mostly as a decoration and not intended for actual use, since it contained many errors. The intricate details on the illustrative pages were extraordinary and made us all wonder how they created such detail with only candlelight and the naked eye. The colors used in the book were derived from mineral rocks, and were limited to red, blue, yellow, black and green. If you look at the photos found by copying and pasting the link to the right into your web browser, you will see some examples of letters used in the Book of Kells.
Part of the admission also included a tour of The Long Room – literally a long room - measuring 65 meters in length, which is home to around 200,000 of the Library's oldest books. Most appeared to be produced by hand from cover to binding to handwriting. It was truly amazing. The ceiling was approximately three stories high, forming a high arch at the top. It was very cold in The Long Room, in order to help preserve the books. There was also no photography allowed, so I was unable to snap any photos to share. I doubt a picture would have done it justice anyway. It also contained an exhibit called “The Body in the Library” which highlighted the history of The Great Detectives from 1841-1941, including Sherlock Holmes of course. There were some original books housed under glass which also were temperature controlled and had thermostats to help monitor the climate.
After visiting Trinity College and it's cobblestone walks, we headed to the bus stop to continue our second round of the Hop On – Hop Off bus tour. Our next destination was the Guinness Storehouse (est. in 1759). We lucked out because this bus driver was giving the commentary and adding humor to the tour. (The first was all pre-recorded.) In addition, we sat on the top level of the double-decker bus – much better for picture taking! We passed St. Patrick’s Cathedral (1192) and St. Stephens Green (1663) along the way, as well as Parliament House (1779) and Christ Church Cathedral (1030). (Unfortunately, the Museum of Modern Art was closed until Feb. 4th, so we were unable to “Hop Off” there.)
On the first tour, we also were able to drive through Phoenix Park (1661 - covering 1,760 acres; largest city park in Europe) – which housed the Dublin Zoo (1831) and Aras an Uachtarain (1751), the house of the Irish President. (see photos)
Now, back to Guinness: one key fact that I found amazing, was that Arthur Guinness, the founder of Guinness porter, signed a 9,000 year lease for the land that is still currently the Guinness brewery. If you look at the photos, it will speak for the tour and the building itself. The end of the tour was at the top of the “pint glass”, seven stories up, with views of Dublin all around – of course, a “free” Guinness for all who completed the tour.
We then walked all the way back to the Temple Bar area near our hotel – roughly two miles I would guess – which thrives with cafes, restaurants, pubs and shops. We found a great Italian restaurant called Milano and indulged ourselves on pizza and manicotti – plus dessert and decaf coffee. The coffee is excellent here. We slowly walked back to our hotel and felt very satisfied with our accomplishments for the day. Tomorrow we will head to Galway via train, where Cathy lives. All for now…
Part of the admission also included a tour of The Long Room – literally a long room - measuring 65 meters in length, which is home to around 200,000 of the Library's oldest books. Most appeared to be produced by hand from cover to binding to handwriting. It was truly amazing. The ceiling was approximately three stories high, forming a high arch at the top. It was very cold in The Long Room, in order to help preserve the books. There was also no photography allowed, so I was unable to snap any photos to share. I doubt a picture would have done it justice anyway. It also contained an exhibit called “The Body in the Library” which highlighted the history of The Great Detectives from 1841-1941, including Sherlock Holmes of course. There were some original books housed under glass which also were temperature controlled and had thermostats to help monitor the climate.
After visiting Trinity College and it's cobblestone walks, we headed to the bus stop to continue our second round of the Hop On – Hop Off bus tour. Our next destination was the Guinness Storehouse (est. in 1759). We lucked out because this bus driver was giving the commentary and adding humor to the tour. (The first was all pre-recorded.) In addition, we sat on the top level of the double-decker bus – much better for picture taking! We passed St. Patrick’s Cathedral (1192) and St. Stephens Green (1663) along the way, as well as Parliament House (1779) and Christ Church Cathedral (1030). (Unfortunately, the Museum of Modern Art was closed until Feb. 4th, so we were unable to “Hop Off” there.)
On the first tour, we also were able to drive through Phoenix Park (1661 - covering 1,760 acres; largest city park in Europe) – which housed the Dublin Zoo (1831) and Aras an Uachtarain (1751), the house of the Irish President. (see photos)
Now, back to Guinness: one key fact that I found amazing, was that Arthur Guinness, the founder of Guinness porter, signed a 9,000 year lease for the land that is still currently the Guinness brewery. If you look at the photos, it will speak for the tour and the building itself. The end of the tour was at the top of the “pint glass”, seven stories up, with views of Dublin all around – of course, a “free” Guinness for all who completed the tour.
We then walked all the way back to the Temple Bar area near our hotel – roughly two miles I would guess – which thrives with cafes, restaurants, pubs and shops. We found a great Italian restaurant called Milano and indulged ourselves on pizza and manicotti – plus dessert and decaf coffee. The coffee is excellent here. We slowly walked back to our hotel and felt very satisfied with our accomplishments for the day. Tomorrow we will head to Galway via train, where Cathy lives. All for now…
Thursday, January 22, 2009
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