Yesterday we had a continental breakfast at the hotel with delicious fresh baked rolls and crossants, cereals, ham and cheeses and juice and coffee. Our bus arrived on time and off we went to the Airport at 7:20 AM. The Dublin Airport takes the prize for attentive, smiling service from all with whom we came in contact AND a US Customs pre-clearance section where we were able to check-in, present our customs docs and send our bags straight to Charlotte without encountering either Immigration or Customs officials. The airport is clean, modern and convenient. We were too tired to shop in the variety of shops and duty free area (except for Art who found a great deal on his favorite Gin). We had a longer wait than we expected due to the effectiveness of the personnel. We boarded and left on time and had our assigned seats this time...made for a comfortable and event-free trip with a few short naps thrown in. Lunch was fairly good...chicken, salad, and a quite good pound cake with fruit on top (Aaron says Apple, I say Peach :)). They even did a 2nd sandwich service about 90 minutes before we landed (which the boys didn't like). Since we expected a long time to get through Customs in Philly (based on our experience on our last trip) which we had already accomplished in Dublin, we had a long wait for our flight to Charlotte. So iPods and netbook were charged, Smoothies were consumed and we, again, boarded on time. We were all getting tired (it was now 8:30 PM Dublin time). Landed a little early, baggage arrived quickly and the Fiori Car Service arrived in two cars to accommodate the luggage and people. A real service since they were leaving for the beach the next morning. Everyone slept very well - it's a lot easier to go west than to go east!
Carson is off to the beach. We transported Aaron to his father when we met for lunch in Charlotte (with the added excitement of seeing Eric's middle school, high school and college room-mate buddy, Allan, who was in Charlotte for their reunion). And we made plans to have dinner with Allan when we're in Austin next month for my meeting and conference!
It was a fun-filled, too short week. As always, it was great to be with boys and to share their responses to all that we saw. AND they are already looking forward to Carson's graduation trip in 2014!!
Graduation Rehearsal
Sunday, June 26, 2011
Friday, June 24, 2011
Last Day - Bunratty to Dublin
Welllll. It finally happened - started with a light rain as we were boarding the bus this AM for our final tour day. Continued all day with a cold rain, fog over Galway Bay and rain walking on Shop St in Galway while we walked to lunch at a local Pub and back to the bus. Contined again as we drove towards Dublin with our driver, Martin, saying it was likely to stop by the time we got to our hotel. Rained during a mid-afternoon comfort break, poured when we got off of the bus at our hotel...you get the picture.
We were STRONG and got directions to Pubs with great fish and chips from the Concierge. I actually gave in and wore the ugly 'green' plastic poncho that CIE provided us in our backpacks. It kept me reasonably dry but didn't do anything for the cold that began to permeate all of us. Of course, the boys thought it was funny, Carson's hoodie was soaked, Art didn't wear his hat for the first time this trip and Aaron's windbreaker did little to repel the rain. But....we trudged along to Temple Bar and Gogarty's Pub. What fun! It was warm and damp due to the crowds of wet folks having fun. A good Irish band was playing as we made our way upstairs to the 2nd level where we got a booth, a cute Irish waitress and ordered 3 Guinesses. The response was 'how old is he?" pointing to Aaron. Good grandparents that we are, we said "18". She said that the age in Dublin was 21! But since we were with him, he could have ONE but that's all. So....we had 3 Guinesses and 1 diet Coke! She did ask Carson where he was going when he graduated. We actually had 3 new high school graduates on our tour...all celebrating graduation!
After a fun dinner with a shared Guiness Black Bread Ice Cream dessert, we geared up for the cold, wet walk back to the hotel. We have a very early wake-up call and a 6:45 AM continental breakfast before our shuttle back to the airport and our return trip home.
The Internet connection is cutting on and off at this hotel, so I'll add the rest of the picture and, hopefully, tales of a pleasant, on time trip home when I get there! It's been a wonderful week!
We were STRONG and got directions to Pubs with great fish and chips from the Concierge. I actually gave in and wore the ugly 'green' plastic poncho that CIE provided us in our backpacks. It kept me reasonably dry but didn't do anything for the cold that began to permeate all of us. Of course, the boys thought it was funny, Carson's hoodie was soaked, Art didn't wear his hat for the first time this trip and Aaron's windbreaker did little to repel the rain. But....we trudged along to Temple Bar and Gogarty's Pub. What fun! It was warm and damp due to the crowds of wet folks having fun. A good Irish band was playing as we made our way upstairs to the 2nd level where we got a booth, a cute Irish waitress and ordered 3 Guinesses. The response was 'how old is he?" pointing to Aaron. Good grandparents that we are, we said "18". She said that the age in Dublin was 21! But since we were with him, he could have ONE but that's all. So....we had 3 Guinesses and 1 diet Coke! She did ask Carson where he was going when he graduated. We actually had 3 new high school graduates on our tour...all celebrating graduation!
After a fun dinner with a shared Guiness Black Bread Ice Cream dessert, we geared up for the cold, wet walk back to the hotel. We have a very early wake-up call and a 6:45 AM continental breakfast before our shuttle back to the airport and our return trip home.
The Internet connection is cutting on and off at this hotel, so I'll add the rest of the picture and, hopefully, tales of a pleasant, on time trip home when I get there! It's been a wonderful week!
Thursday, June 23, 2011
From County Kerry to County Clare, Thursday
Awoke to a lovely day in Killarney and sad to have to pack up once again. But on to take a ferry across the River Shannon and on to the Cliffs of Mohr on the Atlantic in western County Clare. On the way, took in scenery once again full of agriculture and lots of clouds. Along the way, we saw wind farms (including a private house with one in the back yard). Ireland has not nuclear power plants, obtains about 6% of its power from burning peat, and also from oil. We took a ferry across the River Shannon and drove along the coastline - at one point seeing surfers in wet suits in the cold Atlantic.
When we arrived at the beautiful Cliffs of Moher it w as raining, windy and cold. We opted to enter the Experience Center to see the exhibits and the virtual film showing birds flying around the cliffs and the sea life below. By the time we had wandered around for 1/2 hour, we left to climb up to the viewing points of the cliffs and to see the tower. It was still windy and cool, but the sun was out and it was quite nice. The views were exquisite and worth the climb up the hill. We knew we were leaving at 2 pm so we grabbed some prepackaged sandwiches and drinks at the coffee shop to eat on the bus. We had time to enjoy the sun and start our lunch and then we boarded for our drive to Bunratty.
Another informative drive: Martin is a wonderful driver and a great storyteller and singer. We arrived in Bunratty at 3:15 and found our keys waiting and our rooms at the Bunratty Castle Hotel ready. A very nice older hotel with comfortable rooms and, as always, friendly and helpful personnel. Our bags arrived quickly and after a short walk to the shopping area, we dressed for the Medieval Banquet at the castle. Aaron thought it might be cheesy....but we all had lots of fun. The entertainment was very good, a harpist, singers and fun stories. The food was very good - a surprise to all of us since we assumed at this type of tourist attraction, it wouldn't be. No silverware (except for a knife). We drank our soup out of the bowls, ate spare ribs with our hands, and then ate chicken and veggies with our fingers (after cutting into pieces with the one knife that we were each given. A short walk back to the hotel and we were ready to relax and think about the fact that tomorrow we head back to Dublin and the end of our tour. The time has sped by....:(
When we arrived at the beautiful Cliffs of Moher it w as raining, windy and cold. We opted to enter the Experience Center to see the exhibits and the virtual film showing birds flying around the cliffs and the sea life below. By the time we had wandered around for 1/2 hour, we left to climb up to the viewing points of the cliffs and to see the tower. It was still windy and cool, but the sun was out and it was quite nice. The views were exquisite and worth the climb up the hill. We knew we were leaving at 2 pm so we grabbed some prepackaged sandwiches and drinks at the coffee shop to eat on the bus. We had time to enjoy the sun and start our lunch and then we boarded for our drive to Bunratty.
Another informative drive: Martin is a wonderful driver and a great storyteller and singer. We arrived in Bunratty at 3:15 and found our keys waiting and our rooms at the Bunratty Castle Hotel ready. A very nice older hotel with comfortable rooms and, as always, friendly and helpful personnel. Our bags arrived quickly and after a short walk to the shopping area, we dressed for the Medieval Banquet at the castle. Aaron thought it might be cheesy....but we all had lots of fun. The entertainment was very good, a harpist, singers and fun stories. The food was very good - a surprise to all of us since we assumed at this type of tourist attraction, it wouldn't be. No silverware (except for a knife). We drank our soup out of the bowls, ate spare ribs with our hands, and then ate chicken and veggies with our fingers (after cutting into pieces with the one knife that we were each given. A short walk back to the hotel and we were ready to relax and think about the fact that tomorrow we head back to Dublin and the end of our tour. The time has sped by....:(
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
The Ring of Kerry
Pictures from the Ring of Kerry
After breakfast, we begin the drive around the Ring of Kerry - one of the most scenic drives in Ireland. It's really hard to put all that we saw into words but I'll give it a try! First we drove through the Killarney Golf Course (where the Irish Open will be held in July). The skies were overcast, but like each day in this lovely country, the weather changes, for better or worse, very few minutes! So, although it was cool and damp when we started out, we had bursts of sunshine and warmer temperatures throughout the day. Of course, by warmer, I mean in the 60s rather than the 50s...but with sun, it felt perfect. We stopped on the golf course to view Lough Leane and have some photo ops....lovely vistas, so much so that I feel like I'm taking a picture around every bend and they begin to all look alike.
We stopped for coffee before heading into the main part of the drive, As the name suggests, it's a circular route along the coast and through the mountains of the National Park that will return us to Killarney late this afternoon. Along the way, our driver, Martin regaled us with historic details and funny or serious stories along the way. Haven't yet figured out how he can drive a large bus filled with 40 guests on winding, sometimes narrow roads though Macgillycuddy's Reeks, keep on a sane schedule, and regale us with history and song along the way. But he does it with good humor and charm. It's a very 'well-behaved' group. We truly haven't heard whining or complaints at all!
Among the highlights of the day was a stop in Kells where farmer Brendan Ferris showed off his border collie sheepdogs as they responded to Brendan's signals to move the sheep wherever he told them to go. It was great fun to watch the demonstrations and find out about how the dogs were trained and how long they work before retirement (8 years). After a bit of shopping and Irish Coffees for Aaron and Art (I fear we have created an alcohol loving almost 18 year old), we headed to Valencia Island over the bridge to visit the Skellig Experience Center. After lunch, we saw a film about the early Christian monks that settled on a small rocky island, 8 miles off the coast of the island, to build a monastery. It is a fascinating story and the artifacts from the island, now a bird sanctuary, were amazing. Took a lot of pictures but the island and its neighboring smaller one, Little Skellig were only faintly visible on the horizon.
We then completed the drive through several small towns to Sneem, a comfort stop, but such a cute town that we wished we could spend more time there. The central town green contained several monuments that were gifts to the town from world leaders...one from Chaim Herzog who vacationed there and gave a silver tree for the green plus a plaque in 3 languages, Irish, Hebrew and English. Very unusual to see. We stopped at Moll's gap - high point in the mountains with more scenic overviews, high winds and cold! We were glad to get back on our warm bus - even though most of us know that we'll be complaining about the heat as soon as we get home. We viewed the 3 lakes of Killarney as we drove through the Killarney National Park where the road was narrow, winding and scary and then headed back to our hotel for a quick rest before dinner. After dinner where we all decided that the food was plentiful, varied and OK but not great, Art and I went for a walk and the boys headed back to their room. They enjoyed the day but electronics were calling :) Packed to leave for Bonratty tomorrow where we will spend the night before heading back to Dublin on Friday.
After breakfast, we begin the drive around the Ring of Kerry - one of the most scenic drives in Ireland. It's really hard to put all that we saw into words but I'll give it a try! First we drove through the Killarney Golf Course (where the Irish Open will be held in July). The skies were overcast, but like each day in this lovely country, the weather changes, for better or worse, very few minutes! So, although it was cool and damp when we started out, we had bursts of sunshine and warmer temperatures throughout the day. Of course, by warmer, I mean in the 60s rather than the 50s...but with sun, it felt perfect. We stopped on the golf course to view Lough Leane and have some photo ops....lovely vistas, so much so that I feel like I'm taking a picture around every bend and they begin to all look alike.
We stopped for coffee before heading into the main part of the drive, As the name suggests, it's a circular route along the coast and through the mountains of the National Park that will return us to Killarney late this afternoon. Along the way, our driver, Martin regaled us with historic details and funny or serious stories along the way. Haven't yet figured out how he can drive a large bus filled with 40 guests on winding, sometimes narrow roads though Macgillycuddy's Reeks, keep on a sane schedule, and regale us with history and song along the way. But he does it with good humor and charm. It's a very 'well-behaved' group. We truly haven't heard whining or complaints at all!
Among the highlights of the day was a stop in Kells where farmer Brendan Ferris showed off his border collie sheepdogs as they responded to Brendan's signals to move the sheep wherever he told them to go. It was great fun to watch the demonstrations and find out about how the dogs were trained and how long they work before retirement (8 years). After a bit of shopping and Irish Coffees for Aaron and Art (I fear we have created an alcohol loving almost 18 year old), we headed to Valencia Island over the bridge to visit the Skellig Experience Center. After lunch, we saw a film about the early Christian monks that settled on a small rocky island, 8 miles off the coast of the island, to build a monastery. It is a fascinating story and the artifacts from the island, now a bird sanctuary, were amazing. Took a lot of pictures but the island and its neighboring smaller one, Little Skellig were only faintly visible on the horizon.
We then completed the drive through several small towns to Sneem, a comfort stop, but such a cute town that we wished we could spend more time there. The central town green contained several monuments that were gifts to the town from world leaders...one from Chaim Herzog who vacationed there and gave a silver tree for the green plus a plaque in 3 languages, Irish, Hebrew and English. Very unusual to see. We stopped at Moll's gap - high point in the mountains with more scenic overviews, high winds and cold! We were glad to get back on our warm bus - even though most of us know that we'll be complaining about the heat as soon as we get home. We viewed the 3 lakes of Killarney as we drove through the Killarney National Park where the road was narrow, winding and scary and then headed back to our hotel for a quick rest before dinner. After dinner where we all decided that the food was plentiful, varied and OK but not great, Art and I went for a walk and the boys headed back to their room. They enjoyed the day but electronics were calling :) Packed to leave for Bonratty tomorrow where we will spend the night before heading back to Dublin on Friday.
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Tuesday, Off from Dublin to Killarney
Pictures Dublin to Killarney
Believe it or not....we all were up, showered, dressed, luggage packed and outside of our rooms and down to breakfast by 7! Thanks to a hearty Irish buffet breakfast (where the guys all tried blood pudding (got a negative from all) lots of coffee and excitement about seeing more of Ireland, we were off! It is nice to only carry what you need and leave the driving and luggage pick up and delivery to others!
We rode through central Ireland, a mostly agricultural area with lots of sheep and several types of cows in pastures between the vegetables and other products grown. We did pass some beautiful bright yellow Rape (Canola) fields among the lush green pastures and heavily wooded areas. We made several 'comfort' stops along the way - as always curious to see Subway, McDonald's, Burger King and other familiar places to grab a quick snack. We did think it funny that Art's Espresso came in a Seattle's Best cup! Our first photo stop was at Cashel Rock (think Cashel Castle), a castle built in the 5th century. We were all amazed that such an elaborate (currently undergoing renovation) structure could be built and still standing with the technology of the times. We then drove through Cork...2nd largest city in Ireland and another with 'a river runs through it' .... and on to visit the Blarney Woolen Mills outlet and the Blarney Castle with a requisite climb up to and kiss of the Blarney Stone of Eloquence - something the boys have in much abundance already. We had lunch in our first Irish pub where we enjoyed a light lunch and Aaron tried to order his first Guinness. He was carded since the legal age is now 18 so, instead, he had some of his Poppa's drink.
It started to rain, again, but we hardy Irish people just plod along. We walked through the lovely grounds about 10 minutes from the entrance up to the castle and then to the 122 steps up to the Stone. I quickly realized that there was no way I could climb the high and winding steps. So...with much sadness (it's the first time I even wimped out of seeing a sight). All of the guys climbed the steps. Aaron and Carson kissed the rock and are now oh, so eloquent. We returned to the bus in more light rain, rode through Macroom and into County Kerry (this trip took us through 8 different counties). The scenery turned mountainous and very beautiful with the sun flirting in and out along the drive to Killarney. On the way, we got our first glimpse of the Macgillycuddy's Reeks - high mountains forming a backdrop for our drive into town. By this time the sun was shining and it was a beautiful afternoon. Check-in was simple, our new rooms are across the hall from each other and luggage arrived almost as soon as we did. Art went out to buy a new converter since I fried the one we bought at the airport with my hairdryer this AM! Aaron decided he wanted to rest, the rest of us went out for a walk around this fun town full of tourists, lots of Pubs and shops. Carson bought a few things to bring his loving family and then we met Aaron and went into the hotel restaurant for dinner. We ate with a couple from Pennsylvania whose 4 adult children had given them the trip as a Xmas present. Aaron drank his first full Guinness and liked it a bit too much ;0.
Early to bed for all...the jet lag is finally wearing off and tomorrow we don't have to pack up since we'll be here for 2 nights! We get to sleep in until 6:30 and then we're off to drive the Ring of Kerry tomorrow at 8:30 AM!
Believe it or not....we all were up, showered, dressed, luggage packed and outside of our rooms and down to breakfast by 7! Thanks to a hearty Irish buffet breakfast (where the guys all tried blood pudding (got a negative from all) lots of coffee and excitement about seeing more of Ireland, we were off! It is nice to only carry what you need and leave the driving and luggage pick up and delivery to others!
We rode through central Ireland, a mostly agricultural area with lots of sheep and several types of cows in pastures between the vegetables and other products grown. We did pass some beautiful bright yellow Rape (Canola) fields among the lush green pastures and heavily wooded areas. We made several 'comfort' stops along the way - as always curious to see Subway, McDonald's, Burger King and other familiar places to grab a quick snack. We did think it funny that Art's Espresso came in a Seattle's Best cup! Our first photo stop was at Cashel Rock (think Cashel Castle), a castle built in the 5th century. We were all amazed that such an elaborate (currently undergoing renovation) structure could be built and still standing with the technology of the times. We then drove through Cork...2nd largest city in Ireland and another with 'a river runs through it' .... and on to visit the Blarney Woolen Mills outlet and the Blarney Castle with a requisite climb up to and kiss of the Blarney Stone of Eloquence - something the boys have in much abundance already. We had lunch in our first Irish pub where we enjoyed a light lunch and Aaron tried to order his first Guinness. He was carded since the legal age is now 18 so, instead, he had some of his Poppa's drink.
It started to rain, again, but we hardy Irish people just plod along. We walked through the lovely grounds about 10 minutes from the entrance up to the castle and then to the 122 steps up to the Stone. I quickly realized that there was no way I could climb the high and winding steps. So...with much sadness (it's the first time I even wimped out of seeing a sight). All of the guys climbed the steps. Aaron and Carson kissed the rock and are now oh, so eloquent. We returned to the bus in more light rain, rode through Macroom and into County Kerry (this trip took us through 8 different counties). The scenery turned mountainous and very beautiful with the sun flirting in and out along the drive to Killarney. On the way, we got our first glimpse of the Macgillycuddy's Reeks - high mountains forming a backdrop for our drive into town. By this time the sun was shining and it was a beautiful afternoon. Check-in was simple, our new rooms are across the hall from each other and luggage arrived almost as soon as we did. Art went out to buy a new converter since I fried the one we bought at the airport with my hairdryer this AM! Aaron decided he wanted to rest, the rest of us went out for a walk around this fun town full of tourists, lots of Pubs and shops. Carson bought a few things to bring his loving family and then we met Aaron and went into the hotel restaurant for dinner. We ate with a couple from Pennsylvania whose 4 adult children had given them the trip as a Xmas present. Aaron drank his first full Guinness and liked it a bit too much ;0.
Early to bed for all...the jet lag is finally wearing off and tomorrow we don't have to pack up since we'll be here for 2 nights! We get to sleep in until 6:30 and then we're off to drive the Ring of Kerry tomorrow at 8:30 AM!
Monday afternoon and evening
We had a very good bus tour of Dublin that began at 2 PM. We were all still dragging and the boys napped on and off during the tour :) Fortunately when we visited the State Rooms at Dublin Castle, we had to walk around (hard to sleep while walking). Our guide for the castle was very knowledgeable and some of the rooms were really amazing. When we left, it had started to rain. Those who told us that Ireland has lots of liquid sunshine were right on target. It was dreary most of the afternoon and rained on and off but not the insistent pouring rain that we're used to. It rains lightly most of the time, stopping and starting over and over. We've enjoyed wearing jackets - the temperatures ranged from the mid-50s to mid-60s all day.
We went into the beautiful chapel near the castle and were amazed to learn that the magnificent Rococco ceiling and wall decorations and the columns were made of wood covered with plaster that dries like porcelein. We all had a try at knocking on a column to be sure it was really wood, not stone. That's where the phrase "Don't be knockin' it" comes from ( so said our guide). Carson thought that "Knock on wood" might be related as well.
Returned to the hotel for another rest before meeting for a welcome drink with others on our tour and got some details about the evening's entertainment and morning schedule tomorrow. The boys joined us for dinner and the entertainment at 6:45 PM. We had a wonderful dinner and enjoyed meeting the others sitting near us - a couple from Western Australia, a couple from Florida and 3 young adult sisters and the husband of the eldest. We've been delighted with how friendly everyone is and how interested they are about talking to the boys. Aaron and Carson have jumped right in and participated in the conversations! They each tasted Art's Guinness - Aaron,thumbs up, Carson, 'it's OK'. After dinner they served Gaelic Cream Coffee ( a version of Irish coffee that Aaron got into in a big way :) Carson doesn't like coffee so didn't much like it
The Irish band, singers and dancers were terrific with a lot of audience participation, hand clapping and fun. We all heard a Bodrhan drum
for the first time by a very talented drummer. We tried to talk Carson into trying it but he's not interested :). The drum is held vertically with one hand on the inside and the other hand holding the pointer, It's fascinating to watch and a great addition to an Irish band. This group was terrific with lots of personality and competitions among the members. Despite the fatigue setting in for most of the audience, we all stayed until the end (around 10 PM) and then fell into bed knowing that 6 AM wake-up calls were coming soon.
We went into the beautiful chapel near the castle and were amazed to learn that the magnificent Rococco ceiling and wall decorations and the columns were made of wood covered with plaster that dries like porcelein. We all had a try at knocking on a column to be sure it was really wood, not stone. That's where the phrase "Don't be knockin' it" comes from ( so said our guide). Carson thought that "Knock on wood" might be related as well.
Returned to the hotel for another rest before meeting for a welcome drink with others on our tour and got some details about the evening's entertainment and morning schedule tomorrow. The boys joined us for dinner and the entertainment at 6:45 PM. We had a wonderful dinner and enjoyed meeting the others sitting near us - a couple from Western Australia, a couple from Florida and 3 young adult sisters and the husband of the eldest. We've been delighted with how friendly everyone is and how interested they are about talking to the boys. Aaron and Carson have jumped right in and participated in the conversations! They each tasted Art's Guinness - Aaron,thumbs up, Carson, 'it's OK'. After dinner they served Gaelic Cream Coffee ( a version of Irish coffee that Aaron got into in a big way :) Carson doesn't like coffee so didn't much like it
The Irish band, singers and dancers were terrific with a lot of audience participation, hand clapping and fun. We all heard a Bodrhan drum
for the first time by a very talented drummer. We tried to talk Carson into trying it but he's not interested :). The drum is held vertically with one hand on the inside and the other hand holding the pointer, It's fascinating to watch and a great addition to an Irish band. This group was terrific with lots of personality and competitions among the members. Despite the fatigue setting in for most of the audience, we all stayed until the end (around 10 PM) and then fell into bed knowing that 6 AM wake-up calls were coming soon.
Monday, June 20, 2011
We're in Dublin!
Wow, a long and arduous trip entailing (among other things) gate changes unannounced, long walk through Philly airport, 2 airport meals, and a change of equipment (smaller plane) meaning we were supposed to be delighted that we HAD seats, unlike some, despite the terrible configuration and that the boys were in Row 29 near the back of the plane and Art and I were in separate rows. Thanks to very cordial fellow travelers, we sat next to each other with no knee room. A truly memorable flight and, despite all the annoyances, we arrived in Dublin ahead of schedule.
We were met by a delightful Irishman who escorted us to a comfortable seating area in a bar/restaurant where we shared an Irish scone and waited for the bus to take us to the hotel. "Harry", our driver, was stuck in traffic but finally arrived about 40 minutes later. He was another charming Irishman - if they are all this way, the little bumps in the road will be OK. Harry took us on a walking tour of the Dublin airport walkways to his immaculate and comfortable bus and off we went to the Burlington Hotel (in Dublin, not NC). Harry gave commentary all the way through the Dublin dock area, regaling us with the horrendous state of the Irish economy along the way. He showed us the beautiful Georgian four story houses with windows on each level a bit smaller than the lower one before is and noted how many were for sale or 'let' due to the economy.
When we arrived at the hotel, we were greeted warmly, our rooms were ready and we were oh so ready for naps and showers. We had been traveling for almost 24 hours if we added in the unplanned waits, delays and irritations along the way. The boys have been troopers...no complaints just a desire for a nap since none of us slept much last night. Now I'm the only one awake and ready to sign off. The alarm is set to wake us up for our tour of Dublin at 2 PM.
All First Day pictures
Sunday, June 19, 2011
And away we go!
Left this house this morning about 11 AM with our trusty chauffeur service and driver - Ellen. We arrived at CLT in 23 minutes - just as she predicted. What service. Beth dropped Aaron off immediately after we arrived and we embarked on our traditional travel schema....waited on line for about 1/2 hour before we found out that the USAirways computer had been down for 3 hours, flights were backed up and/or cancelled and the crowds were reminiscent of Atlanta or NYC airports. Finally a USAirways agent told "all who had flights leaving at 1 PM or later (that would be us!) should walk down to the D terminal check-in. So, off we went, each carrying a backpack and carry-on luggage and rolling our one larger suitcase. Upon arrival, we found several agents behind the desk and one long Disneyesque line! So wait and move a few feet at a time we did. The good news was that the line moved a bit faster and the TSA line was much shorter than the ones at A, B or C. AND our plane was leaving from D anyway. The boys (teens and Poppa) were in good humor and so the line moved along. Until....the screening machine did not like Poppa's electric hair trimmer and we had to wait while the TSA agent went through our carry-on suit and ran Poppa's toiletry case and my make-up through the machine several times then wished us a good trip!
Off to lunch at the restaurant (as Carson remembered) where we ate breakfast before our trip to Mexico - Memories! Then we went to our gate. After a few minutes, it seemed a bit strange that there were no other people at the gate!! Problem? We checked and, sure enough, they hadn't announced a gate change or posted it on the boards near the gate. So off we tramped from D11 back to D2 (near where we had lunch). Were we finished? Oh, No....now there was a boarding delay and the Captain was coming in at D9 but hadn't gotten there yet. Ultimately, we boarded about 40 minutes late and the flight to Phila. was short and uneventful.
When we arrived, we were delighted to find that we arrived in Terminal A and our plane was leaving from A20 - a long walk but much better than walking to another Terminal. When we got to A20 there was no sign that our plane was ac.tually to leave from there .... but we had a long layover and figured it just wasn't posted yet. The strange thing was that Dublin no longer was shown on the boards for any flights. Checked the USAirways Web site and we were still posted at A20. By this time, the boys were....you got it....hungry. So off to the food courst (Carson and I had Chinese and Aaron and Art had Italian). Mike and Ikes and Hot Tamales for dessert and free Internet access made for a happy group despite the little bumps along the way.
Off to lunch at the restaurant (as Carson remembered) where we ate breakfast before our trip to Mexico - Memories! Then we went to our gate. After a few minutes, it seemed a bit strange that there were no other people at the gate!! Problem? We checked and, sure enough, they hadn't announced a gate change or posted it on the boards near the gate. So off we tramped from D11 back to D2 (near where we had lunch). Were we finished? Oh, No....now there was a boarding delay and the Captain was coming in at D9 but hadn't gotten there yet. Ultimately, we boarded about 40 minutes late and the flight to Phila. was short and uneventful.
When we arrived, we were delighted to find that we arrived in Terminal A and our plane was leaving from A20 - a long walk but much better than walking to another Terminal. When we got to A20 there was no sign that our plane was ac.tually to leave from there .... but we had a long layover and figured it just wasn't posted yet. The strange thing was that Dublin no longer was shown on the boards for any flights. Checked the USAirways Web site and we were still posted at A20. By this time, the boys were....you got it....hungry. So off to the food courst (Carson and I had Chinese and Aaron and Art had Italian). Mike and Ikes and Hot Tamales for dessert and free Internet access made for a happy group despite the little bumps along the way.
Monday, June 13, 2011
And final planning for the trip begins!
This time next week, we'll be in Dublin! Aaron graduated from Greenville High last week and has always wanted to see Ireland! So we are taking him (and his cousin, Carson), on his graduation trip to Ireland. We suggested that he might want to ask a friend and he asked Carson!! Made his grandparents very happy!
We leave next Sunday evening and arrive in Dublin bright and early Monday morning. This is the week to pack (light - we hope), finalize all of the paper work, collect all the Passports and make sure that all of the details are in order. One of the nicest things about taking a tour is that they take care of many of the details - like transporting us from the Dublin airport to the hotel and taking us on an orientation tour of Dublin on Monday afternoon.
We are really psyched about this trip - our 2nd international trip with the boys (the first was to Cancun, Mexico a few years ago. They are so much fun to be with and really stimulate great conversations. Since this is the first time in Ireland for all of us, we'll learn as we go!
To really believe that graduation is over and the trip is ready to start, here's a link to Graduation Day pictures.
We leave next Sunday evening and arrive in Dublin bright and early Monday morning. This is the week to pack (light - we hope), finalize all of the paper work, collect all the Passports and make sure that all of the details are in order. One of the nicest things about taking a tour is that they take care of many of the details - like transporting us from the Dublin airport to the hotel and taking us on an orientation tour of Dublin on Monday afternoon.
We are really psyched about this trip - our 2nd international trip with the boys (the first was to Cancun, Mexico a few years ago. They are so much fun to be with and really stimulate great conversations. Since this is the first time in Ireland for all of us, we'll learn as we go!
To really believe that graduation is over and the trip is ready to start, here's a link to Graduation Day pictures.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)