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I love Easter. This year, we're going out to eat (praise the Lord). That translates into: my feet don't have to be sore due to standing over a stove for hours. Instead, we'll be enjoying the goodness that is M&S. But, I am making the dessert. It's a toss up between these two, both from Martha.
I love M&S so. Why? Well Boo Boo and Jackie work there. Also, when I was in HS they were so accommodating for the gigantic prom group (nice). The food's amazing, too.
So, I took 775 photos in Ireland. And you know what? I could of taken 775 more. Half the time I was there I had minor anxiety over if I was capturing enough. Told you I was crazy.
Regardless, I need to have a plan, because 775 photos sitting in a file on my desktop is about the same as 0 photos taken.
My plans are as follows:
Design a beautiful blurb book
Create a small paper mini book with just my favorite images from the trip
Create a mini ring book, like this, for all the paraphernalia
Create a slide show complete with videos taken (for my mother)
What I have done so far:
Gone through and edited all photos (no conversions to b&w yet)
Uploaded to flickr
Uploaded to facebook
Created a separate file from iphoto
Designed two mosaics from favorite images
Updated my 365 photos album here
My philosophy on this: at the end of the day life goes on, and you forget the details. Taking care of things as quickly as you can will keep you from collecting boxes of photos. I know for me that if I wait longer than a few weeks it won't happen. I don't want to forget this amazing trip, and I want to show people the fun of it all- via blurb books, facebook, flickr, and a slide show. This is how I'm going to make it happen.
Happy weekend. I'm off to Cafe Latte to celebrate Becky's birthday. See you Monday.
Did you know that I love green glass? When mom and I were in Ireland we stopped at this fun antique shop with the most hilarious owner. And I have been to my fair share of antique stores, so I would know ordinary from different.
Anyway, besides the funniest comments, and general outrageousness on the part of the owner, I picked up the most beautiful treasure.
What I love about this: the "Ire" on the side, the stopper, and the gorgeous green-blue color. Just wait until I find the perfect place for it.
Saturday
Our last day on the North coast, we (Karen, mom, and I) ventured on the most frightening ferry ride (it was not a passenger boat, and the waves- very strong) to Rathlin Island in Antrim County. Despite the near seasickness we made it to the picturesque Rathlin.
Saying good-bye to Karen was pretty hard, but rest assured I cannot wait to see her come May. I miss that lady already, and we had such a fantastic time. The rest of the afternoon, mom and I spent driving the scenic route along the north eastern coast in our BMW, obviously life is so hard. We managed to pull ourselves together (just kidding) to have high tea at a (wait for it) castle.
As we got closer to the city, I started to feel a bit uneasy. The north is still a very alive place full of the passion, and often violence that are the troubles. Protestant towns/areas are denoted by red, white, and blue (British flag colors) painted along the curbs or bottoms of street light poles, as are green, white, orange for the Catholic areas. There are "integrated" schools, but Karen told me that often brick walls are placed down the playgrounds because the kids will just end up fighting. Keep in mind the Catholic schools are free to attend in the North so Catholic kids tend to go to there for their education. And honestly, I can't blame them.
We drove into Belfast, and spent some time in the city. I don't really have the words to describe that place, and I found the energy to be very heavy and sad: the high wire fences, brick walls, and murals. Clearly the sense of oppression and violence still hangs in the air. Recently, there has been an increase in violence in the North, and we actually had to take a bus over the boarder to the Republic of Ireland because of a bomb threat on our Dublin bound train. Here is a mural from the Catholic side of Belfast.
Sunday
Mom and I woke up in our hotel in Dublin early on Sunday morning. We got the airport only to find that our flight to Chicago was severely delayed and all the passengers needed to be re-routed. After a half hour long phone conversation with a flight agent we learned that the soonest we could get to MN would be Monday at 5pm, and we'd have to spend the day/night in Chicago. So mom and I made an executive decision: to stay one more day in Ireland, and explore Dublin a bit more. We could hardly complain, and the airline put us up in a very nice hotel. Good and good. Sometimes, when you travel, you've just got to go with it-
We spent the day enjoying a hop on hop off tour of downtown Dublin, delicious lunch, amazing shopping at Avoca and River Island (thanks for the suggestion Karen), and a bit more fun at a local pub.
Mom and I have already vowed to come back, we had the time of our lives. I cannot recommend traveling to Ireland enough- go if you have the chance! The people, the scenery, the cuisine, and the music will all charm you. I have to admit, I feel quite lucky.
Friday
We started the day exploring all the natural beauty that the north coast has to offer. Karen guided us around Giant's Causeway and the frightening (not really) rope bridge.
We're the best of friends, and look at how cute we are? I love that mom captured this shot. Man I love that Karen- "baw" as we say to each other, haha (major inside joke regarding a certain website, don't ask)
I was amazed at Giant's Causeway, and I wish I could explain to you how those rocks came about, but I was too busy taking it all in to listen to the tour guide (besides his thick accent) on the little travel bus. Here's what amazed me: the large school groups of little kids (like kindergarten age). Here they are, walking all over these steep rocks, and could easily be swept out to sea- but they all listened to their teachers, walked quite a way, and posed nicely for a photograph. Very sweet, and amazing to see such well behaved little ones.
Here is a little video I took while standing up on one of the highest cliffs at Giant's Causeway. Notice the gorgeous Karen:
Karen then showed us around the very English-like town of Choleraine for shopping, and the amazing grocery experience that was Marks and Spencer. We also had a delicious lunch, and managed to eat giant desserts.
The highlight of the day: good "craic" (that's Irish for fun) was at the bar with Karen and our friends Kevin and Aoiden (like Aiden). What I absolutely adore about the pubs here are the fact that live music is played, and it's usually by an older group of men. Very, very sweet.
Thursday we headed up to the North, or Northern Ireland as some call it. I'm not going to get into all the politics, but let's just say- I have a lot of reading to do, and I'm hoping to start with Making Sense of the Troubles as soon as I finish Something Borrowed (gotta switch up your reading between something serious and something silly!) We took the train right from Dublin to Belfast, and picked up our car at the Belfast airport. We were on vacation after all, so of course we rented:
It took us a few hours to get to Ballycastle, and then a nice boy Sean from the local gas station led us up to Corrymeela where Karen was. In slow motion we pulled up, and I noticed Karen running towards me from the main building. I was thrilled, she was thrilled, and I smiled for the rest of the day. First off, to a haunted friary, of course. The lighting was divine.
After that, Karen's sister Kristen who was also visiting, and her boyfriend Drew, drove all of us up to the mountains for more photo opportunities. It cracked me up when we all jumped out of the car holding our DSLRs like precious babies that they are- great minds think alike! One thing I absolutely loved about this scenery were the tiny tufts of grass that puffed out of the ground like ponytails.
Later that evening we head to O'Connors for dinner and drinks. It was exactly what you'd imagine out of a movie: live music and good drinks. I was sure to wear my pretty new dress from the Cobh Heritage Museum, I love it. Another perfect day on vacation.
We started the day out right with a delicious Irish breakfast at the most charming B&B in SaltHill near Galway. I was so impressed with the absolutely fantastic hospitality by our hosts Joan and Pader (the Irish form of Peter). I would love to stay there again- they had all I needed: warm bed, nice towels, plug adapter, and free wifi. If you're ever there- stay at the Sunrise Lodge, it's right across from the water.
From there mom and I drove directly to Ros a'Mhil where you park for the ferry to the Aran Islands. A little background: When I was in high school I opened up my J.Crew catalogue to find the most darling white sweaters that were inspired by the Aran Islands, I vowed I would go there someday. Mom had been looking to pick out a beautiful sweater there ever since she had been given one years, and years ago by a friend. Needless to say, it was a place in Ireland we were greatly looking forward to.
A smooth and effortless ferry ride there, we docked at Inis Mor, the largest- main island. I don't think words can really describe how wonderful and perfect our experience was there. We arrived around 10:30am and spent the first part of our visit taking a full tour carriage ride (complete with wool blankets for our laps). That was fantastic. Here's mom with the horse that carted us around.
Something special: This is the second to last thatched roof cottage left on Inis Mor, since most of them have been replaced with newer homes. However, the locals have started what I think is a fantastic tradition: when they build a new home, they also make a minature version of what used to stand there. Here I am standing by one house to show scale. Isn't that sort of magical ? (my inner child who loved dollhouses was thrilled)
Of course we had to go shopping, and the small area of shops before the ancient fort was where mom found a few gifts, and I a hat. Would you know that I also met a woman who reminded me exactly of Karen's mom? Turns out Karen's mother's side is from Galway/Cliffs of Mohr, so go figure. This lovely lady, Sarah, was an absolute trip and spent our time shopping telling me about how her daughter moved to Boston, got pregnant, and came home with a baby named "Tyler." Loved it!
Afterward, we headed up to the top of the island to an ancient Celtic fort- the scenery was unforgettable, and the drop from up there, scarier than looking down from a skyscraper back home. That water was the prettiest color, though.
And yes, we did find our sweaters, and also a "gorgeous" meal as they say here in Ireland. I started to explain to the host we really don't use that adjective to describe food, but instead very beautiful people, and he said to me, "so, for example you'd be gorgeous." Yes, I want to go back, haha!
I will ever forget our day on the Aran Islands. If you ever have the chance to go to Ireland, don't miss it, and it's an easier place to get to during the summer (you can fly or take boats from other docks besides where we did). It was truly magical.
Tuesday
Mom and I started out our morning at Ballyseede Castle with breakfast in the most beautiful room. I had the eggs benedict, naturally. I think it would be amazing to have dinner club right here- just fabulous.
From there we headed right out, and towards the Dingle Peninsula. Driving around that place- it was full of breathtaking views, many of the mountains and the sea sharply below us. We drove down a steep cliff to find ourselves on the most beautiful sandy beach. Certainly good for capturing some photos. These little sheep were gathered everywhere and marked with what I think is spray paint (usually in blue and/or pink)
Then mom and I drove on towards Limerick (birthplace of Frank McCourt, author of Angela's Ashes), but avoided the city centre (downtown), and instead drove to Bunratty. They have an excellent medieval castle there that has been completely restored, including the entire grounds (think of a medieval manor and its surrounding area)- so a gigantic, beautiful park full of houses, a castle, and people in costume.
Besides the main stone castle, my favorite building was this pink colored, thatched roof house of what would of been a well-to-do farmer. I now want a pink house.
Isn't it delightful? From Bunratty we headed towards the Cliffs of Mohr, and let me tell you, it was windy, but worth every climb and crazy hair flip-
Tonight we've settled in the most charming b&b outside of Galway so we can be ready to catch our ferry to the Aran Islands tomorrow at 10:30am. I cannot wait, this is the island where all the beautiful knitted Irish sweaters come from, and I believe I'll be coming home with one. Happy day, I love vacation.
More updates to come, and thank you for all the fun comments. Life is strange without an iphone to have 24/7 access to e-mail, and I kind of am liking it-
Saturday
We arrived at the Dublin airport around 11am, and went directly through customs. The officer asked me if I was going to march in the St. Patrick's Day Parade (not to my knowledge). Now, would you believe it if I told you that we flew all the way to Ireland to drive around in a (wait for it) SUV? I find that extremely hilarious, but not as much as going around to the passenger door, opening it up, to- surprise find a steering wheel.
The best part was navigating a "round about" (rotary) clockwise, instead of counter-clockwise. Love it! But then we finally found our hotel near Trinity College, and of course I immediately fell in love with Dublin.
We headed out to a late lunch at the highly recommended Gallagher's Boxty House. Mom and I ordered the boxty sampler platter and the boxty dumplings in a mushroom sauce. Absolutely delicious, and a perfectly Irish place for lunch.
The rest of the evening we walked around Grafton Street and Temple Bar area. I was shocked to see so many people, I think in my mind I didn't imagine Dublin to be crowded, and bustling. I was so wrong, it reminded me a lot of Boston and New York. Also, the kids here have dark hair. Yes, I know, but all the white kids in MN are blond, so to see fair complected dark haired children is different for me. I must say, that is the best coloring combination out there. Good job Ireland.
Before going to bed we had to pop in at the Hairy Lemon bar, where we met the nicest men who proceeded to buy me a gigantic glass of wine. We also had the most outrageous ice cream filled crepe topped with strawberries and chocolate. Who ever started that horrible rumor that Irish food is bad needs to quit. I am doing just fine, and probably will come home five pounds heavier.
Sunday
I hope some Irish people are going to read this at some point, because I know you'll find this hilarious: Mom and I hoped to attend mass, and looked up St. Patrick's Church (mom did that part, I'm not blaming!) We got into the larger cathedral to find no kneelers, but little cushions, and no hymnal but The Book of Common Prayer. Whoops, we ended up in an Anglican Church, it was a short service, but next time I'm in Dublin I'd love to attend church at Christ's Church. All Church's back home called "St. Patrick's" are usually Catholic.
We did a little bit of shopping, and then headed right into Trinity College to see the Book of Kells. A bit anti-climatic, but the library? Breathtaking, and of course, no photography allowed. However, it was an gorgeous sunny day, so I was able to get some good shots of the campus.
My favorite part of Sunday? Taking the DART to Howth for an Irish farmer's market- Howth is the most delectable seaside town, and the market? Perfection. I purchased Irish cheese, and nearly died from the goodness that is Irish Soda Bread.
Monday
We woke up Monday morning and headed straight out to Cobh Island (aka Cork and Queenstown). Keep in mind I cannot understand half the words people say, and all town names are printed in both Irish and English. But, I'm less confused today than I was Sunday. First on the agenda: the Cobh Heritage Museum, a tribute to the Irish Potato Famine.
The museum was heart wrenching, and saddening. I cannot imagine starving to near death and then getting on a shoddy boat to America, only to be greeted by gangs, tenement housing, and anti-Irish sentiment when you got there.
On a lighter note... we stopped in the charming town of Kinsale for the best lunch I've ever eaten in my entire life. I also saw a little caravan (a la Madeline and the Gypsies) and when I asked to take a picture of it, the man said, "marry me and you can have half." Then I ran away. Below could be my future home:
For the evening we decided to really struggle, and settle in at awful accommodation. Not. We are staying at Ballyseede Castle, and I am probably never coming back to Minnesota. It's the most beautiful, breathtaking place.
That is all for now, and who knows when I'll have good, reliable wi-fi again!
