Since we left Dublin, it's been a much quicker pace. We ferried over to Holyhead, Wales aboard the Ulysses (an enormous floating hotel-like ship, cleverly named for Joyce's famous work) and made our way through Wales. We visited the medieval walled town of Conwy and walked the castle walls for great views and had fish and chips on the quay (fending off the hungry predatory seagulls) before driving through more of the dramatic countryside. We caught some breathtaking glimpses of Snowdonia National Park and the surrounding region, and more sheep than we could ever count! We spent the night in Mold, Wales -- a foreboding name, I know -- and some of us enjoyed the film Waking Ned Divine in the lobby while others organized suitcases to accommodate new purchases and others got some much-needed rest.
The next day we drove a couple hours into the Lake District of England where we visited Grasmere and Dove Cottage, home of William Wordsworth, England's poet laureate of the late 19th century. We sampled some Kendal Mint Cake (some of us too much...) which has been traditionally used as a pick-me-up for hikers in the region. Essentially, it's pure sugar. Imagine the center of a peppermint patty in bar form. There was a burst of energy after that but then there was a group nap on the bus as we drove to Edinburgh. Also on that drive we had an accent competition and a quiz on all of the sights we've seen and things we've learned.
Upon our arrival to Edinburgh we had some great pizza (how very Scottish, right?) and then had a walking ghost tour of the old town that was more a bawdy comedy show than it was a spooky haunted crawl through the dungeons and crypts. The next day Divina, our Edinburgh tour guide showed us around and brought us to the castle. Some fellas spent their afternoons selecting the perfect kilt and as far as I know, no one tried any haggis...perhaps next time.
Now we're in London and we're utterly exhausted. We arrived via the night train from Glasgow (not too far from Edinburgh)just before 7am and have been going ever since. More on that later.
When in Rome...or Paris...or...
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Saturday, July 2, 2011
Dublin
We've now had two full days (with no rain! -- knock on wood) in Dublin. Our hotel is brilliantly located right off of Parnell Square at the top of O'Connell St which is really the main street. The kids have had fun shopping sightseeing and writing journals. We saw the Book of Kells this morning at Trinity College after our local tour guide gave us the history of Dublin and showed us some key locations and taught us a few choice words in Gaelic...don't blame me for that one! A common slogan scrawled on any and every item that can be sold in a trinket shop has now been translated and thus adopted by the group: Pog ma thon! Don't worry though, they also learned how to say "good day": Dia duit. And a few friendly others.
During "free time" a few went to the National Museum and Art Gallery, some to the Viking Museum, Grafton Street for shopping, walking along the Liffey river, and yet others hung around in the lively Temple Bar area known for it's cobble stone streets, cafes, restaurants, and music. Speaking of music, we hit the jackpot of live music last night when we stopped into the Ha'penney Bridge Inn for some traditional Irish music. The trio of gregarious Irish gents entertained us with some old classics that the kids now know and sing along to. There was clapping and foot stomping all around. In short, it was a heap of fun. The bar tender wasn't thrilled that he was only selling Sprite, but he eventually got over himself.
They've learned a thing or two about budgeting their money, I think, as this final day before we switch to pounds tomorrow Euros were in short supply. Luckily there are plenty of things to see and do that cost no money at all. Crisis averted! Tomorrow morning we take a ferry to North Wales and take a little drive past Snowdonia National Park and make a stop in Conwy, an ancient walled city -- but more on that once we see it!
The group is getting along swimmingly, they've made some new friends and for many have experienced some incredible things (like the ocean) for the first time. It's really been lovely.
Signing off for now,
Slainte
During "free time" a few went to the National Museum and Art Gallery, some to the Viking Museum, Grafton Street for shopping, walking along the Liffey river, and yet others hung around in the lively Temple Bar area known for it's cobble stone streets, cafes, restaurants, and music. Speaking of music, we hit the jackpot of live music last night when we stopped into the Ha'penney Bridge Inn for some traditional Irish music. The trio of gregarious Irish gents entertained us with some old classics that the kids now know and sing along to. There was clapping and foot stomping all around. In short, it was a heap of fun. The bar tender wasn't thrilled that he was only selling Sprite, but he eventually got over himself.
They've learned a thing or two about budgeting their money, I think, as this final day before we switch to pounds tomorrow Euros were in short supply. Luckily there are plenty of things to see and do that cost no money at all. Crisis averted! Tomorrow morning we take a ferry to North Wales and take a little drive past Snowdonia National Park and make a stop in Conwy, an ancient walled city -- but more on that once we see it!
The group is getting along swimmingly, they've made some new friends and for many have experienced some incredible things (like the ocean) for the first time. It's really been lovely.
Signing off for now,
Slainte
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Galway
We made it here and we hit the ground running. We arrived a bit early, which was great because we got to see the Cliffs of Moher (outstanding) and even got to take a boat around the base of the cliffs! Not everyone quite had their sea legs as the water was very rough down there, but the view from there was breathtaking! We'll post pictures soon. We got into the hotel early last night to unwind and get a good night's sleep so today we're all re-charged and ready to go. Today we're off to see the city of Galway and the Connemara region.
Slainte!
Slainte!
Friday, June 17, 2011
Who's Excited?
We leave in 10 days! Holy leprechauns, are you ready for the adventure?
What's the one thing you should remember when packing?
(wait for it)
Pack light, friends. Pack light. If you don't expressly need it, don't bring it. If it's a last-minute-just-in-case-I'll-need-it item, it can stay put. If you don't bring something that you need, you can probably find it (that, or you don't really need it). Europeans and Brits are generally civilized people who enjoy the same niceties we do when it comes to hygiene (with certain exceptions, sure). You'll be fine.
Don't forget to exchange some money ahead of time to make your life easier, but ATMs are easy to use a readily available across the pond. Also, you will need to tip our awesome Tour Director, David. They say he's worth $6 a day (translate that to his local currency: pounds and we're looking at 3-4 pounds per day). I know it's an added expense, but he'll be worth it. They work HARD, I tell you.
What's the one thing you should remember when packing?
(wait for it)
Pack light, friends. Pack light. If you don't expressly need it, don't bring it. If it's a last-minute-just-in-case-I'll-need-it item, it can stay put. If you don't bring something that you need, you can probably find it (that, or you don't really need it). Europeans and Brits are generally civilized people who enjoy the same niceties we do when it comes to hygiene (with certain exceptions, sure). You'll be fine.
Don't forget to exchange some money ahead of time to make your life easier, but ATMs are easy to use a readily available across the pond. Also, you will need to tip our awesome Tour Director, David. They say he's worth $6 a day (translate that to his local currency: pounds and we're looking at 3-4 pounds per day). I know it's an added expense, but he'll be worth it. They work HARD, I tell you.
Sunday, May 29, 2011
Good Stuff
Just a few handy items for traveling.
#1 Burt's Bees Res-Q Ointment
This stuff is outstanding. Bug bites? Check. Minor scrapes and burns? Check. Stupid annoying paper cuts? Check. Small enough to fit in your pocket? Check! Granted, the UK isn't known for it's bugs. Let's be honest about this, it isn't warm enough to grow mosquitoes. Still though, this stuff is great for any minor itch, scratch, cut, or burn, for healing cracked heels, knuckles, cuticles -- seriously anything.
#2 Witty Luggage Tags
This one is by TravelPro (google it if you're interested) and while I find them humorous, I still just stick with a basic one. In any case, you must have luggage tags on your stuff and if they're bright and bold, that makes your luggage easier to distinguish from all the other black, brown, gray, and otherwise nondescript bags coming down the conveyor belt.
#3 Kleenex "Splash N' Go" Wipes
It's a shower in a wipe. Feeling grimy after a long plane ride? Bust out one of these babies and wipe, wipe, wipe, your face and neck and anything else within reach that isn't awkward to scrub in public and you'll instantly feel better. Sneak off to the bathroom to freshen up otherwise (do I need to elaborate? I think not). It may also come in handy when there's no TP. Actually, that really what they're for...
#4 Laundry (sink) Supplies
Barbaric, I know, but washing your clothes out in the sink is really not that bad of an idea, and in practice, not so bad either. You need to be able to stop the water and not all hotels have a little stoppy thingy so this cheap little packet gives you one and a bunch of detergent designed for cold water hand washing. Genius. One note though, the detergent is liquid so it either needs to be checked or it becomes part of your 3-1-1 carry-on challenge.
#5 Stretchy Rubbery Clever Clothesline
Well, you need a place to hang your freshly sink-laundered duds, don't you? Draping works but you only have so much room. This little clothesline is pretty great. It can hook onto stuff with the little carabeener clip, the velcro straps, or the suction cups, and there's no need for clothespins because it works a little something like this. Neat-o, right? It's also virtually weightless and takes up almost no space. Could also come in handy ad a bungee cord...
#6 Retractable Razor
How awesome is this! I just discovered it and it might have just changed my life. Perhaps that's a big extreme, but what a good idea. Buy one! Looks like they take any twin blade head...but I don't know.
#7 Dry Shampoo
I was a skeptic at first but now am a card-carrying convert. This. Stuff. Is. Awesome. It is essentially a powdery substance that sops up oil leaving your hair "clean" and style-able when you really haven't washed it in...however many days. Be warned, it takes some getting used to and you really have to rub it in, since it's an enzyme that needs to be activated by the heat of your scalp. Okay so I might have made that part up, but what I said makes sense based on the science that I remember and on the fact that it actually is and enzyme and actually does need to be rubbed in quite a lot. The upside though is that it isn't liquid, goo, or aerosol so it's carry-on friendly. I still need my regular shampoo to feel groomed, but this is perfect for that morning when your alarm and back up alarm and double back up alarm didn't go off and you need to be on the bus in 5 minutes and you meant to get up early to shower...oh, it happens. It also works when you're just too lazy.
#8 Shampoo/Laundry Detergent Sheets
These are cray-zay. You know those little Listerine pocket packs? This is sort of like that but bigger and rather than a mouth-assaulting explosion, you get shampoo or laundry detergent. How well it works remains to be seen but it beats the 3-1-1 carry-on rule so that alone is worth giving it a shot.I bought some at the travel store on 394 over by Ridgedale. Go check it out, they've got some cool gadgets there.
#9 Compression Packs
These are by Lewis N' Clark, but Eagle Creek has some, so does Travelon, you can get them at Target, Wal-Mart and places like that. I'm sure fancy travel stores have them too. They can be quite expensive for-top-of-the-line nearly indestructible ones, but the cheaper versions work just as well -- just beware they can be punctured and ripped. For instance, I compressed one while wearing my wedding ring and sliced the bag right open. Oops. Some clear packing tape fixed it right up, though, and I still use it.
#10 Convertible Bags (Kiva)
I just picked up one of these guys at TJ Maxx for something like 8 dollars. It converts from a sling bag (with a strap pocket for that handy Burt's Bees stuff!) to a big ol' zip-top tote. It also folds into itself so it stores pretty tiny too. Awesome. I like the super light but super durable nylon. I got black because, well, that's what they had, but I also prefer black. It's good to be basic and non-flashy when traveling.
#1 Burt's Bees Res-Q Ointment
This stuff is outstanding. Bug bites? Check. Minor scrapes and burns? Check. Stupid annoying paper cuts? Check. Small enough to fit in your pocket? Check! Granted, the UK isn't known for it's bugs. Let's be honest about this, it isn't warm enough to grow mosquitoes. Still though, this stuff is great for any minor itch, scratch, cut, or burn, for healing cracked heels, knuckles, cuticles -- seriously anything.
This one is by TravelPro (google it if you're interested) and while I find them humorous, I still just stick with a basic one. In any case, you must have luggage tags on your stuff and if they're bright and bold, that makes your luggage easier to distinguish from all the other black, brown, gray, and otherwise nondescript bags coming down the conveyor belt.
It's a shower in a wipe. Feeling grimy after a long plane ride? Bust out one of these babies and wipe, wipe, wipe, your face and neck and anything else within reach that isn't awkward to scrub in public and you'll instantly feel better. Sneak off to the bathroom to freshen up otherwise (do I need to elaborate? I think not). It may also come in handy when there's no TP. Actually, that really what they're for...
Barbaric, I know, but washing your clothes out in the sink is really not that bad of an idea, and in practice, not so bad either. You need to be able to stop the water and not all hotels have a little stoppy thingy so this cheap little packet gives you one and a bunch of detergent designed for cold water hand washing. Genius. One note though, the detergent is liquid so it either needs to be checked or it becomes part of your 3-1-1 carry-on challenge.
Well, you need a place to hang your freshly sink-laundered duds, don't you? Draping works but you only have so much room. This little clothesline is pretty great. It can hook onto stuff with the little carabeener clip, the velcro straps, or the suction cups, and there's no need for clothespins because it works a little something like this. Neat-o, right? It's also virtually weightless and takes up almost no space. Could also come in handy ad a bungee cord...
How awesome is this! I just discovered it and it might have just changed my life. Perhaps that's a big extreme, but what a good idea. Buy one! Looks like they take any twin blade head...but I don't know.
I was a skeptic at first but now am a card-carrying convert. This. Stuff. Is. Awesome. It is essentially a powdery substance that sops up oil leaving your hair "clean" and style-able when you really haven't washed it in...however many days. Be warned, it takes some getting used to and you really have to rub it in, since it's an enzyme that needs to be activated by the heat of your scalp. Okay so I might have made that part up, but what I said makes sense based on the science that I remember and on the fact that it actually is and enzyme and actually does need to be rubbed in quite a lot. The upside though is that it isn't liquid, goo, or aerosol so it's carry-on friendly. I still need my regular shampoo to feel groomed, but this is perfect for that morning when your alarm and back up alarm and double back up alarm didn't go off and you need to be on the bus in 5 minutes and you meant to get up early to shower...oh, it happens. It also works when you're just too lazy.
#8 Shampoo/Laundry Detergent Sheets
These are cray-zay. You know those little Listerine pocket packs? This is sort of like that but bigger and rather than a mouth-assaulting explosion, you get shampoo or laundry detergent. How well it works remains to be seen but it beats the 3-1-1 carry-on rule so that alone is worth giving it a shot.I bought some at the travel store on 394 over by Ridgedale. Go check it out, they've got some cool gadgets there. 
These are by Lewis N' Clark, but Eagle Creek has some, so does Travelon, you can get them at Target, Wal-Mart and places like that. I'm sure fancy travel stores have them too. They can be quite expensive for-top-of-the-line nearly indestructible ones, but the cheaper versions work just as well -- just beware they can be punctured and ripped. For instance, I compressed one while wearing my wedding ring and sliced the bag right open. Oops. Some clear packing tape fixed it right up, though, and I still use it.
I just picked up one of these guys at TJ Maxx for something like 8 dollars. It converts from a sling bag (with a strap pocket for that handy Burt's Bees stuff!) to a big ol' zip-top tote. It also folds into itself so it stores pretty tiny too. Awesome. I like the super light but super durable nylon. I got black because, well, that's what they had, but I also prefer black. It's good to be basic and non-flashy when traveling.
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