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